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:
Jan. 31, 2006
Filed:
Jul. 14, 2004
Michael A. Kropinski, Troy, MI (US);
Thomas E. Bolander, Flint, MI (US);
Alexander N. Makris, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Paul A. Bauerle, Fenton, MI (US);
Michael A. Kropinski, Troy, MI (US);
Thomas E. Bolander, Flint, MI (US);
Alexander N. Makris, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Paul A. Bauerle, Fenton, MI (US);
General Motors Corporation, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided for limiting engine operation during fueling. The apparatus comprises, an engine control for enabling or disabling operation of the engine, one or more sensors for detecting whether (i) a cap is on the vehicle fuel fill-pipe, and (ii) a fueling nozzle is in the fuel fill-pipe, a processor coupled to the engine control and the one or more sensors receiving information therefrom and directing the engine control to enable or disable the vehicle engine depending upon the sensor outputs, thereby, disabling the engine when the cap is not on the fill-pipe and/or a fueling nozzle is in the fill-pipe, and enabling the engine when not true. In a further embodiment, a fuel level sensor coupled to the processor is used to detect whether a fuel level change rate R(t)≧Rc where Rc is a predetermined value, and if so, disabling the engine.