US5635770A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fueling system starter interrupt for an alternate fuel vehicle
Assignee: VERITEK NGV Inc
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Filing: 1995-06-30
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Granted: 1997-06-03
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Expires: 2015-06-30
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus is disclosed for interrupting operation of a starter of an alternatively-fueled motor vehicle. The apparatus comprises a fuel receptacle, a cover and a switch. The fuel receptacle has an electrically conductive, grounded fill opening. The cover mates with the fill opening of the fuel receptacle, and has a contact sensor which generates a ground signal indicative of contact between the cover and the fill opening. The switch communicates with the contact sensor and with the starter, and interrupts operation of the starter when no signal indicative of contact is received from the contact sensor.
Inventors
- 👤 Alan F. Evans, Jr.
- 👤 Garth J. Schultz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 18:33
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60K; B60K28/00; B60K28/10; B60K15/00; B60K15/03; B60K15/04; B60K15/05; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S220/00; Y10S220/33
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
65 words
Apparatus for controlling start up of a motor vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a fuel receptacle having an opening; a cover having a contact sensor in selective contact with the opening, the contact sensor generating a ground signal indicative of such contact; and a switch in communication with the contact sensor, the switch inhibiting start up of the motor vehicle when the signal is not received.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
65 words
Apparatus for controlling start up of a motor vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a fuel receptacle having an opening; a cover having a contact sensor in selective contact with the opening, the contact sensor generating a ground signal indicative of such contact; and a switch in communication with the contact sensor, the switch inhibiting start up of the motor vehicle when the signal is not received.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the switch is disposed in an electrical circuit including a starter for the motor vehicle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the signal is transmitted by a wire extending between the cover and the switch.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the opening of the fuel receptacle is grounded.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the opening of the fuel receptacle comprises an electrically conductive material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the opening of the fuel receptacle comprises metal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the contact sensor comprises a coil spring.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
74 words
Apparatus for interrupting operation of a starter of an alternatively-fueled motor vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a fuel receptacle having a fill opening; a cover having a contact sensor which generates a signal indicative of contact between the cover and the fill opening; and a switch in communication with the contact sensor and with the starter, the switch interrupting operation of the starter when no signal indicative of contact is received from the contact sensor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
74 words
Apparatus for interrupting operation of a starter of an alternatively-fueled motor vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a fuel receptacle having a fill opening; a cover having a contact sensor which generates a signal indicative of contact between the cover and the fill opening; and a switch in communication with the contact sensor and with the starter, the switch interrupting operation of the starter when no signal indicative of contact is received from the contact sensor.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the signal is transmitted by a wire extending between the contact sensor and the switch.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the signal is a ground signal.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the fill opening of the fuel receptacle is grounded.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the fill opening of the fuel receptacle comprises an electrically conductive material.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the fill opening of the fuel receptacle comprises metal.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the contact sensor comprises a coil spring.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
92 words
Apparatus for interrupting operation of a starter of an alternatively-fueled motor vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a fuel receptacle having an electrically conductive, grounded fill opening; a cover adapted to mate with the fill opening of the fuel receptacle, the cover having a contact sensor which generates a ground signal indicative of contact between the cover and the fill opening; and a switch in electrical communication with the contact sensor and with the starter, the switch interrupting operation of the starter when no signal indicative of contact is received from the contact sensor.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
92 words
Apparatus for interrupting operation of a starter of an alternatively-fueled motor vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a fuel receptacle having an electrically conductive, grounded fill opening; a cover adapted to mate with the fill opening of the fuel receptacle, the cover having a contact sensor which generates a ground signal indicative of contact between the cover and the fill opening; and a switch in electrical communication with the contact sensor and with the starter, the switch interrupting operation of the starter when no signal indicative of contact is received from the contact sensor.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-06-02 | 2000-12-02 | 2001-06-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-06-02 | 2004-12-02 | 2005-06-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-06-02 | 2008-12-02 | 2009-06-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |