Fuel tank fill cap with ignition disconnect

摘要

The invention provides devices, systems and methods for filling, capping and electronically monitoring the closure of a fuel tank. In some embodiments, the invention provides devices, systems and methods for filling, capping and providing an ignition disconnect mechanism upon uncapping of a natural gas fuel tank.

主权项

1. A vehicle fuel tank fill cap comprising:
an electrical contact provided on the fill cap; and a mating feature on the fill cap, wherein the mating feature on the fill cap is configured to be connected and separated in a controlled manner, by a vehicle operator, with a complementary mating feature on a fill cap receiving region which includes a fill neck of a fill receptacle at a vehicle; and an inner cap configured to receive or fit snugly onto an inner receptacle when the fill cap is connected with the fill neck of the fill receptacle, wherein the inner receptacle is configured for handling pressurized gaseous fuel, wherein the electrical contact provided on the fill cap completes, when the fill cap is connected with the fill neck of the fill receptacle, a control circuit by coming into contact with another electrical contact embedded in the fill cap receiving region, and wherein the control circuit is capable of disconnecting a vehicle engine ignition system when an open circuit condition exists at the control circuit.