The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 03, 1997
Filed:
Jun. 30, 1995
Applicant:
Inventors:
Alan F Evans, Jr, Rochester Hills, MI (US);
Garth J Schultz, Troy, MI (US);
Assignee:
Beacon Power Systems, Inc., Troy, MI (US);
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
B60K / ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
307 106 ; 1231793 ; 180286 ; 220 862 ; 220D / ;
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.