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:
Feb. 28, 2006
Filed:
Sep. 16, 2003
Chad W. Lehner, Howell, MI (US);
Chad W. Lehner, Howell, MI (US);
General Motors Corporation, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
A method for detecting a missing or improperly installed fuel cap on a vehicle includes a first leak test that detects a leak in an evaporative emissions system of a vehicle. A refueling test detects a refueling of the vehicle when the first leak test detects the leak. A fuel cap indicator in the vehicle is activated when the first leak test detects the leak and the refueling test detects the refueling. The fuel cap indicator is deactivated after a predetermined time period. The fuel cap indicator remains deactivated when a predetermined number of leak tests consecutively detect the leak. The fuel cap indicator is deactivated when an occupant of the vehicle indicates that a fuel cap of the vehicle is properly installed. The occupant activates an actuator on an instrument panel of the vehicle to indicate the fuel cap is properly installed.