Fuel level monitoring and engine control device

Claim 1

A fuel level monitoring and engine control device for use with an engine having an electrical ignition system including an electrical ignition switch and power source, a starter system, a fuel supply tank and an electrically operated fuel gauge system, including a fuel sending unit and a fuel gauge interconnected electrically and to the power source, whereby a first signal voltage is generated to indicate the quantity of fuel in said fuel tank, said device serving to shut down the engine when the fuel supply in said tank reaches a predetermined low level but before said fuel supply is exhausted, said device comprising: first circuit means including voltage sensing means connected to the junction of the fuel sending unit and the fuel gauge of said electrically operated fuel gauge system, whereby said voltage sensing means changes state when the first signal voltage reaches a predetermined value indicating the predetermined low level of fuel in said supply tank; timing means electrically connected to the output of said voltage sensing means, for timing the elapsed period from when said voltage sensing means changes state at said predetermined low level of fuel until a predetermined elapsed time has expired; means electrically interconnected between said timing means and said electrical ignition and or said starter system, whereby said electrical ignition and or said starter system is rendered inoperative at the end of said predetermined elapsed time; and lockout circuit means electrically connected to said timing means such that for a fuel condition below said predetermined low level existing while said engine is shut down, when said electrical ignition switch is closed, said timing means responds electrically such that said electrical ignition and or starter is rendered inoperative.