GB2577277A

GB2577277A - An engine shutdown system

Info

Publication number: GB2577277A
Application number: GB1815264.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Overton Paul
Original assignee: Chinara Resources Ltd
Current assignee: Chinara Resources Ltd
Priority date: 2018-09-19
Filing date: 2018-09-19
Publication date: 2020-03-25
Also published as: GB201902861D0; GB201815264D0

Abstract

Disclosed is a system for shutting down an internal combustion engine. The system comprises a valve, air choker 200, for fitting to an air intake 60 of the internal combustion engine 70. The system further comprises a portable device which is manually operable to transmit a wireless shutdown signal in response to which the valve is actuated to partially or entirely block the air intake to which it is fitted. The system can therefore be used to remotely shut down an engine by cutting off the supply of air to the engine. The wireless signal may be a radio frequency signal.

Description

An Engine Shutdown System

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a system for shutting down an internal combustion engine, more specifically the invention relates to a system for remotely shutting down an internal combustion engine by blocking its air intake.

The primary field of use for the invention is the remote shutdown of vehicles and machines used in the transport, agricultural, mining, rail, industrial and construction fields.

Background to the Invention

Internal combustion engines are widely used to power vehicles such as cars, motorcycles and ships as well as machinery such as excavators, generators, lawnmowers and chainsaws. These vehicles and machines are typically operated by a user who is typically able to stop the engine by ceasing the provision of fuel to the engine and/or deactivating the ignition used by the engine.

However sometimes it may not be possible for a user to stop the engine they are using in this manner, for example when the user becomes incapacitated or in the case of a malfunction to the engine or control systems (such as diesel engine runaway); or a user may not be aware that they need to stop the engine that they are using, for example, where a person is likely to be injured or an object damaged by the engine somewhere outside the user's line of sight.

In these situations, it will often be advantageous for another person remote from the vehicle or machine which comprises an engine to be able to shut that engine down rapidly and/or without having to approach the vehicle or machine. The present invention aims to provide a system to enable such a person to remotely shut down an internal combustion engine being used with the system.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for shutting down an internal combustion engine, the system comprising: a signal actuated valve for fitting to an air intake of the engine, a portable device manually operable to wirelessly transmit a shutdown signal in response to which the valve is actuated to partially or entirely block the air intake.

In use, the valve may be fitted to the air intake of an internal combustion engine and the portable device may be carried by a user allowing them to cause the air intake of the engine to be partially or entirely closed from a distance, thereby shutting down the 35 engine.

The system may advantageously allow the engine's operator or some other person such as a supervisor to choke or shut down the engine remotely. For example, the system may be used with the engine of an excavator or other industrial equipment and a supervisor may carry the portable device so as to be able to shutdown the engine remotely in an emergency, when safety concerns arise, or when unwanted operation of the equipment occurs.

The system may be for shutting down (and the valve may be for fitting to the air intake of) a petrol or gasoline powered internal combustion engine, a diesel powered internal combustion engine, and/or any other suitable internal combustion engine (such as a biofuel or hydrogen powered internal combustion engine).

The portable device preferably comprises one or more transmitters or transceivers, at least one of which is for transmitting the shutdown signal. In some embodiments, the so portable device may be or may comprise a first transceiver.

In preferred embodiments, the system comprises a valve actuating receiver for receiving the wirelessly transmitted shutdown signal and for actuating and/or at least partially closing the valve in response to the shutdown signal so as to at least partially block the air intake to which the valve is fitted. The valve actuating receiver may be is comprised by the valve and/or may be connected to the valve by an electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and/or mechanical connection via which it may actuate the valve. In some embodiments the valve actuating receiver may be or may comprise a transceiver, which may be a second transceiver (the first transceiver being, or being comprised by, the portable device as described above).

The portable device may be a key fob, hand held remote control or some other small, hand held, and/or individually carriable device. In some embodiments, the portable device may be a dedicated device for communicating with the valve and/or the valve actuating receiver. Alternatively, the portable device may a portable multi-purpose control panel or may be smartphone, tablet or portable computer operating specific software allowing communication with the valve and/or the valve actuating receiver.

In some embodiments, the valve actuating receiver may be or may comprise a transceiver, which may be second transceiver. The portable device and the receiver may both be and/or comprise transceivers, this may allow them to transmit and receive challenge and confirmation signals to and from each other. In such embodiments, upon receipt of the wireless shutdown signal by the valve actuating receiver, the second transceiver may be arranged to transmit a challenge signal to the portable device.

In some embodiments, the portable device may be or may comprise a transceiver (which may be the first transceiver as described above). Therefore, the portable device may be suitable for receiving wireless signals from the valve actuating receiver (and/or from a transceiver thereof, which may be the second transceiver as described above), in addition to transmitting signals to the valve actuating receiver. For example, the portable device may receive a challenge signal from the valve-actuating receiver (and/or the second transceiver thereof) in response to the wireless shutdown signal.

The portable device may be manually operable to transmit other signals in addition to the wireless shutdown signal, and/or may be operable to transmit a plurality of different wireless shutdown signals. These signals may also be transmitted to the valve actuating receiver.

For example, in some embodiments the portable device may be operable to transmit a warning signal to the valve actuating receiver, upon receipt of which the valve actuating receiver or some other component of the system connected to or in communication with the valve actuating receiver, may emit an audible, visible, or audio/visual warning signal (for example to the operator of a machine comprising the internal combustion engine).

Alternatively, or additionally, the portable device may be operable to transmit at least two different wireless shutdown signals, one of which being for the valve to partially block the air intake to which it is fitted, the other being for the valve to entirely block the air intake to which it is fitted.

is Alternatively, or additionally the portable device may be operable to transmit a connectivity testing wireless signal, upon receipt of which the valve or valve actuating receiver may acknowledge the receipt by emitting an audible or visual signal (such as confirmatory beep or flashing light) and/or may transmit an acknowledging response to the portable device upon receipt of which the portable device may emit an audible or visual signal (such as a beep or flashing light). This may allow a user to test when the portable device is able to send signals to the valve or valve actuating receiver without issuing any commands. In alternative embodiments, the portable device may continually transmit connectivity testing wireless signals and the valve or valve actuating receiver may issue an audible or visual alert signal when it does not receive a connectivity testing wireless signal for a given period of time or the portable device may issue an audible or visual alert signal when it does not receive an acknowledging response from the valve or valve actuating receiver for a given period of time.

In preferred embodiments the portable device comprises a button for transmitting the wireless shutdown signal. The portable device may transmit the shutdown signal when the button is pressed, or when the button has been held for predetermined length of time (such as 2.5 seconds). Alternatively, the portable device may comprise any other suitable control means for causing the shutoff signal to be transmitted, such as a switch, capacitive touch sensor, touch screen etc. The portable device may comprise additional buttons or other control means for other functions such as transmitting other wireless signals and/or different wireless shutdown signals. For example, the portable device may comprise a button or other control means operable to cause the portable device to transmit a warning signal as described above; and/or may comprise a plurality of buttons or other control means operable to cause the portable device to transmit different shutdown signals.

In some embodiments the portable device may comprise means alerting a user to its status, such as one or more lights (such as LEDs), buzzers, and/or speakers. For example, the portable device may comprise one or more light and/or sound emitting means which activate when a or the shutdown signal (and/or any other signal) is transmitted.

The portable device may comprise or receive a battery for powering electrical components thereof. The portable device may comprise a clip, aperture, keyring or other means for attaching to or for being carried by a user. In some embodiments, the portable device may be wearable; for example, the portable device may comprise a wrist strap, or may be integrated with an item of clothing such as a watch, vest or helmet.

In some embodiments, the portable device may emit a predetermined number or repetitions of the wireless shutdown signal when manually actuated by the user or may transmit the wireless shutdown signal for a predetermined period of time.

In some embodiments, the portable device may comprise a timer for recording when the wireless shutoff signal has been transmitted.

In some embodiments the wireless shutdown signal (and/or any other signals from the portable device to the receiver) may be challenged by the valve or the valve actuating receiver or transceiver. Upon receipt of a wireless signal (such as the shutdown signal) the valve or valve actuating receiver or transceiver may transmit a challenge signal to the portable device, upon receipt of the challenge signal the portable device may transmit a reply signal derived from the challenge signal to the valve or valve actuating transceiver, and upon receipt of the reply signal the valve or valve actuating receiver may carry out the instruction of or associated with the original signal (such as closing the valve).

The challenge signal is preferably at least partially randomly generated. The initial signal (such as the shutdown signal), the challenge signal and/or the reply signal are preferably encrypted. For example, the portable device may have an associated private encryption key with which its transmissions to the valve or valve actuating transceiver are encrypted and an associated public encryption key with which the valve or valve actuating receiver's challenge signal is encrypted.

The wireless shutdown signal (and any other signals from the portable device to the receiver) may comprise an identification code which may identify the portable device.

The wireless signal may be a radio frequency signal. In some embodiments (for example wherein the portable device is a smartphone, tablet, or computing device) may be ultra-high frequency radio waves (such as radio waves according to the Bluetooth (RTM) wireless technology standard).

In some embodiments the portable device may be key fob comprising or formed integrally with a key. The key is preferably not for starting an engine for use with the system and/or to which the system is fitted. In some embodiments the key may be for resetting and/or opening the valve.

The system preferably comprises a valve actuating receiver or transceiver for receiving the wireless shutdown signal transmitted by the portable transmission means and for at least partially closing the valve in response to the shutdown signal so as to at least partially block the air intake to which the valve is fitted.

In some embodiments, the valve actuating receiver or transceiver may be comprised by and/or formed integrally with the valve. The combined valve and receiver preferably being arranged to close in response to receipt of the shutdown signal.

In other embodiments the valve actuating receiver or transceiver may be connected to and control the valve via one or more wired electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic and/or so mechanical connections. In such embodiments, the valve actuating receiver may in use be mounted or located within the engine to whose air intake the valve is fitted, on the exterior of said engine, and/or on the exterior of the vehicle or machine comprising the engine. This may increase the reliability of wireless transmissions from the wireless device to the valve actuating receiver.

is In some embodiments, the valve actuating receiver or transceiver may be operable to close the valve directly and/or immediately in response to receiving the shutoff signal. In other embodiments the receipt of the shutoff signal may initiate a process for closing the valve and/or may be one of a plurality of factors determining whether the valve is closed. For example, receipt of the shutoff signal may cause the valve actuating receiver or transceiver to emit a challenge signal and the receiver or transceiver may then only close the valve in response to an answering reply signal derived from the challenge signal.

In some embodiments the valve actuating receiver or transceiver may be for receiving other signals in addition to the shutoff signal. For example, the valve actuating receiver or transceiver may be configured to receive a warning signal upon receipt of which it plays, or causes the playing of, an audible and/or visual warning signal (such as a signal comprising a siren, a spoken warning, and/or flashing lights).

In some embodiments, the valve actuating receiver or transceiver may be a control box or unit comprising means for receiving the shutoff (and optionally additional) signals and means for actuating the valve. In some embodiments the valve actuating receiver or transceiver may comprise a casing, a battery, a power input (e.g. from an engine with which it is being use), manual controls, a transceiver, one or more relay switches, a printed circuit board, and/or one or more alert means (such as light or sound emitters).

In some embodiments the valve actuating receiver or transceiver may be configured to receive the wireless shutdown signal from other sources in addition to the portable device, for example from a central control location or from transmitters located within the cab of a vehicle or machine with whose engine the system is being used.

The system comprises a valve for fitting to the air intake of an internal combustion engine which is closable in use by the valve actuating receiver or transceiver in response to the receipt of the wireless engine shutoff signal.

The valve is preferably removably fit-able to engine air intakes, such that the system may be interchangeable used with a plurality of different internal combustion engines.

The valve may be for fitting to an opening of an engine's air intake (for example an air inlet of an engine) and/or may for fitting part way along the length of a conduit comprised by an air intake (for example intermediate two lengths of pipe comprised by an engine's air intake).

so In preferred embodiments, the valve is for fitting to an engine's air intake proximate to opening of the air intake into the combustion chamber. This may advantageously reduce the risk of there being any leaks intermediate the at least partially closed portion of the air intake and the combustion chamber and may also reduce the volume of air left to be combusted before the engine is starved of air.

is The valve may be fitted before or after a supercharger, turbocharger and/or intercooler of the air intake to which it is fitted. In preferred embodiments the valve is intermediate such components and the combustion chamber.

In preferred embodiments the valve is a butterfly valve (which advantageously may be fitted compactly part of the way along a conduit). In other embodiments the valve may be a gate valve, ball valve, globe valve or any other type of valve.

In some embodiments, the valve may comprise or be formed integrally with the receiver or transceiver which is configured to shut the valve in response to receipt of the wireless shutoff signal. In other embodiments, the valve may be connected to and controlled by the valve actuating receiver or transceiver via an electrical connection (such as one or more electrical wires or cables), a pneumatic connection (such as a pneumatic hose or pipe), a hydraulic connection, or a mechanical connection (such as a pull cord, Bowden cable, or gear train). In such embodiments the valve actuating receiver or transceiver is preferably able to actuate and close the valve via the connection.

In some embodiments the valve is electronically actuated. In such embodiments the valve preferably closes in response to a change in an electrical current from the valve actuating receiver or transceiver. Preferably such a valve is arranged to close upon a reduction and/or a stop in current from the valve actuating receiver or transceiver such that in the event of damage to, removal of, or a malfunction of the valve actuating receiver or transceiver the valve will close, thereby blocking the air intake and stopping the engine.

In some embodiments, the valve is pneumatically actuated. In such embodiments the valve may close in response to a change in pressure, to the absence or application of air (or some other fluid) pressure above some threshold value. In some such 40 embodiments the pressure of air or some other fluid delivered to the valve may be regulated by some other valve (such as a pilot valve) which itself may be actuated and/or controlled by the valve actuating receiver or transceiver.

In preferred embodiments the valve is a piloted valve, and the valve or system comprises a pilot regulator or pilot valve which may be a solenoid valve. The pilot regulator or pilot valve may be arranged to control the passage of air or some other fluid received by a pneumatically actuated valve for fitting to the air intake.

For example, in some embodiments, the valve for fitting to the air intake may be pneumatically actuated and the system may comprise a solenoid pilot regulator valve for regulating the flow of air (or some other fluid) form a pressurised source to the pneumatically actuated valve for fitting to the air intake. The solenoid pilot regulator is preferably electronically actuated by a change in electrical current from the valve actuating receiver or transceiver. Such embodiments are preferably arranged such that a stop in the current from the receiver causes the valve for fitting to the air intake to close. For example, a stop in the electrical current from the valve actuating receiver or transceiver may cause the solenoid regulator to open, allowing pressurised air (or some other pressurised fluid) to pass from a source the pneumatically actuated valve for fitting to the air intake and this actuates and closes the pneumatically actuated valve, thereby blocking any air take to which it is fitted.

A pilot regulator may be mounted on, comprised by and/or formed integrally with the valve for fitting to the air intake. Alternatively, the pilot valve may be comprised by, mounted on or contained within, the valve actuating receiver or transceiver or a casing thereof.

In other embodiments, the valve for fitting to the air intake may be mechanically actuated, for example by a pull cable, Bowden cable, or gear train.

In some embodiments the valve actuating receiver or transceiver is not for, configured to, and/or able to open the valve to unblock the air intake after it is closed to block the air intake in response to a wireless signal. In some such embodiments the valve actuating receiver or transceiver is not for, configured to, and/or able to open the valve when it is closed at all.

Preferably the valve may be manually opened to unblock intake. In some embodiments, the valve must be manually opened by a user to reset it. For example, the valve may comprise a reset control such as a lever must be actuated by a user to open the valve and unblock any air intake to which it fitted (in some circumstances this may necessitate opening an engine compartment). This may advantageously ensure that an engine which has been stopped for safety reasons is only restarted when a user has made a conscious decision to do so, for example when all safety risks have ceased.

In other embodiments a reset control (such as a reset lever) may be provided on the valve actuating receiver or transceiver, or as a separate unit which may be in wired or 40 wireless communication with the valve and/or the valve actuating receiver or transceiver (such a unit may be mounted on the exterior of a vehicle or machine comprising the engine, within the cab of such a vehicle or machine, or remotely therefrom). In some embodiments the valve actuating receiver or transceiver may be configured to open the valve in response to a valve-opening wireless signal (which in some such embodiments may be transmittable by the portable device). In other embodiments the valve may be configured to auto reset in response to the engine stopping or other circumstances detected by sensors comprised by the valve or by the valve actuating receiver or transceiver.

In some embodiments the valve comprises a locking means for automatically locking the valve in closed arrangement after it closes. The locking means may be or may comprise a latch and/or may only be unlockable with an unlocking means (such as a physical key or an unlock code).

In some embodiments opening the valve may require a key. The valve may be locked in a closed arrangement after being closed and may require a key or other unlocking means (for example, a code entered on a keypad comprised by the valve or the receiver) to be opened. Preferably the key required is a key on the portable device which may be in the form of a key fob.

In some embodiments the valve may be formed integrally with other features which are for fitting to an air intake, such as an air filter or cleaner.

In preferred embodiments the valve is biased from an open arrangement to a closed arrangement. This may ensure that in the absence of any control signal from the receiver the valve closes, thereby obstructing the air intake of the engine to which it is fitted. The valve may comprise a weight, resiliently deformable means, spring or other means for biasing the valve.

The valve may comprise a retaining means for retaining the valve in an open arrangement. The retaining means may be a latch. The retaining means may be released in response the shutdown signal being received by the valve actuating receiver or transceiver, this preferably causes the valve to close. In some embodiments the valve may comprise a circuit for releasing the retaining means in response to the shutdown signal.

In some embodiments, the valve may comprise one or more connectors for connecting it to the air intake of an engine, or elements thereof. For example, the valve may comprise a pair of connectors for connecting to pipes or conduits of the air intake on either side of the valve. The valve preferably comprises a passage for air to pass through.

The valve and/or the valve actuating receiver or transceiver may each comprise one or more electrical connectors for connecting to an electrical power supply comprised by or provided by an engine to whose air intake the valve is fitted.

The shutdown signal transmitted wirelessly by the portable device is for the valve to at least partially block an air intake to which it is fitted. In preferred embodiments, the signal is for the valve to entirely block the air intake to which it is fitted. The valve may partially block the air intake by partially closing the valve or by fully closing the valve wherein the fully closed valve still allows some air to pass (for example wherein the valve is a butterfly valve with one or more apertures through its disk). Partially blocking the air intake of an internal combustion engine may cause the machine or vehicle powered by such an engine to enter a 'limp' mode without fully shutting down.

In some embodiments the system may comprise a plurality of portable devices.

In some embodiments the system comprises a plurality of valves for fitting to one or more air intakes of an engine, the valve actuating receiver or transceiver being for so closing all the valves in response to receiving the wireless shutdown signal.

In further embodiments the system may comprise a plurality of valve actuating receivers and a plurality of valves each associated with one of the plurality of valve actuating receivers or transceivers, each of the valve actuating receivers or transceivers being for closing the valves associated with it in response to receiving the is wireless shutdown signal. In such embodiments the valves associated with each different valve actuating receiver may be fitted to air intakes of different internal combustion engines in use. Thereby allowing the system to be used to shut down multiple different engines. In such embodiments the portable device may be manually operable to transmit a plurality of different wireless shutdown signals, each shutdown signal being associated with one of, a subset of, or all of the valve actuating receivers and wherein the valve actuating receivers are each for closing the valves associated with them in response to a wireless shutdown signal associated with them.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an internal combustion engine comprising a system as described above with its valve fitted to an air intake of the engine.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle or machine comprising an internal combustion engine according to the second aspect of the invention.

The system, engine and vehicle or machine are further disclosed by the accompanying claims.

The invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the figures.

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows partially cut away view of a bulldozer with a system according to the present invention for shutting down its internal combustion engine fitted thereto; Figure 2 shows a cross sectional view of an internal combustion engine with system according to the present invention for shutting down the engine fitted thereto, the system comprising a valve fitted to and arranged to block the air intake of the engine; a portable remote fob for transmitting a shutdown signal; and a receiver for closing the valve upon receipt of the signal; Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the valve and receiver of a system according to the present invention fitted to an engine air intake as well as a view of the portable fob for transmitting a shutdown signal to the receiver; Figure 4 shows an overall view of a portable fob transmitter for wirelessly transmitting a shutdown command signal to a receiver of a system according to the present invention; and Figures 5A and 5B show overall views of a valve comprised by a system according to the present invention in open and closed configurations respectively.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Referring to the Figures generally, there are shown systems for shutting down internal combustion engines according to the first aspect of the present invention and components thereof. The systems each comprise a signal actuated valve 200, 300 for fitting to an air intake 60, 70 of an engine 40 and a portable device 100 manually operable to transmit a shutdown signal in response to which the valve 200, 300 is actuated to at least partially close the air intake 60, 70 to which it is fitted.

Figure 1 is an overview of a system for stopping a vehicle or machine powered by an internal combustion engine which is fitted to the engine of a bulldozer 20. A driver 10 drives the machine 20 which is a bulldozer. A second person 30 at a distance from the machine 20 holds a fob 100 which acts as a portable device for transmitting a wireless shutdown signal.

The bulldozer is powered by an internal combustion engine 40. On the top of the engine cowl is a cover 50 for an air intake 60, 70 of the engine 40. A butterfly valve acting as an air choker 200 is placed in the between the upstream portion 60 of the air intake and the downstream portion 70 of the air intake. The butterfly valve 200 is arranged to block the air intake 60, 70 of the engine 40 in response to the wireless shutdown signal transmitted by the portable fob 100.

In normal operation of the bulldozer 20 the air choker 200 is in an open unchoking configuration. Air drawn into the upstream portion 60 of the air intake passes freely through the unchoked air choker 200 and then through the downstream portion of the air intake into the internal combustion engine 40.

The fob 100 comprises a button 80 which the second person 30 may push to send a signal to a signal processor 160 connected to the air choker 200. When the signal processor 160 detects the signal, the air choker 200 is actuated to close and choke the passage between the upstream portion 60 and downstream portion 70 of the air intake. With the air intake choked, the internal combustion engine shuts down.

The fob 100 is portable hand-held device which the second person 30 carries remotely from the bulldozer 20. So, if the driver 10 becomes incapacitated or is unaware of reason the bulldozer must be stopped, the second person can shut down the engine 40 in the bulldozer and so stop the bulldozer.

Figure 2 shows more details of the arrangement of the choker 200 in place in the air intake 60, 70 the internal combustion engine.

An electric generator 90 is attached to the engine 40. The engine 40 drives the generator 90 via gears 92, 94. An electric cable 110 from the generator 90 is plugged into an electrical socket 120 in a case 130 of the air choker 200. In this way electricity is provided to operate the air choker 200.

The air choker 200 has a first antenna 140 for transmitting and receiving signals. The first antenna 140 is on an external fixture 162 of the case 132 The portable hand-held fob 100 has a second antenna 150 for transmitting and receiving signals. When the button 80 on the handle-held fob 100 is pushed, a signal is sent from the fob 100 which is received by the air choker 200.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the air choker 200 comprises a signal processor 160.

The signal processor is powered by electricity supplied though the socket 120.

The signal processor 160 is arranged to process signals from the fob 100 received via the first antenna 140. The processor is arranged to read an identification code in the signal from the fob 100 and thereby determine signal from the fob 100 is an authentic signal for choking the air intake and stopping the engine 40.

Figure 3 shows a cut-away view of the air choker 200. A portion of the case130 is cut-away to show inner workings of the air choker 200.

As shown in Figure 3, the air choker 200 comprises a flap 170 in a passageway 132 in the case 130. When the air choker 200 is in a choked configuration shown in Figure 3, the flap 170 is perpendicular to the passageway 132. The flap 170 chokes the 25 passageway 132 through the case 130.

The flap 170 is connected to a rod 172 through the diameter of the flap 170. The ends of the rod 172 are supported in holes in diametrically opposite portions of the case 130. The rod 172 may be turned in the supporting holes. The flap 170 connected to the rod 172 may be turned in the passageway. As shown in Figure 3, the flap 170 is turned to be perpendicular to the passageway 132.

The flap 170 may also be turned to be parallel to the passageway 132. The air choker 200 is thereby converted into an unchoked configuration. The flap parallel to the passageway is in a position which allows air to flow freely from the upstream portion 60 of the air intake to the downstream portion 70 of the air intake.

There is an actuator 180 within a cover 164 on the case 130 of the air choker 200.

The actuator is engaged with a portion of an end the rod 172. The actuator 180 is powered by electricity supplied through the socket 120. The actuator 180 responds to commands from the signal processor 160.

When commanded by the signal processor 160, the actuator 180 turns the rod 172 and so also the flap 170.

Upon receiving a first command to convert the air choker 200 into the choked configuration, the actuator 180 turns the flap 170 to be perpendicular to the 5 passageway 132 and thereby prevent air flow from the upstream portion 60 of the air intake to the downstream portion 70 of the air intake.

Upon receiving a second command to convert the air choker into the unchoked configuration, the actuator 180 turns the flap 170 to be parallel to the passageway and thereby allow air to flow freely from the upstream portion 60 to the downstream portion 70 of the air intake.

It is also possible to turn the flap 170 manually. The air choker 200 can thereby be converted manually to the choked configuration and to the unchoked configuration.

The extremity of an end of the rod 172 extends through the cover 164 and is exterior to the cover 164. A knob is fixed to the extremity of the end. A person may turn the knob manually to turn the rod 172. Since the flap 170 is fixed to the rod 172, the person may manually turn the flap. In this manner, the person may manually convert the air choker 200 to the choked configuration and to the unchoked configuration.

A spring 192 is placed around the end of rod 172 and braced against the knob 190 and the case 164. The spring 192 urges the rod 172 to turn the flap 170 to the unchoked configuration. Thus, the unchoked configuration is the default configuration of the air choker 200. The air choker 200 may be converted to the choked configuration either by the first command to the actuator 180 or by manually turning the knob 190.

Figure 4 shows a detailed view of the fob 100 for sending command signals to the air choker 200. The fob 100 is portable and sized be held in the palm of the hand. The fob has a compartment for a battery to supply electricity to send the command signals through the antenna 150.

There is a first button 80 on the fob 100 which when pressed sends a command signal to choke the air intake 60, 70. The air intake 60, 70 is choked by converting air choker 30 200 to the choked configuration as described above.

There is a second button 210 on the fob 100 shown in Figure 4 to send a second signal to alert the driver 10 shown in Figure 1 on the machine 20. The alert is provided by an alerting device 230 in a line of sight of the driver 10 and within hearing distance of the driver. The alerting device 230 includes a receiver to receive the second signal and a light and/or a audible alarm.

The alerting device 230 is also configured to illuminate the light and/or sound the alarm when it receives the command signal to choke the air intake. This driver is thereby alerted to the cause of sudden stoppage of the internal combustion engine 40 due to choking the air intake 60, 70.

The alerting device 230 is also in a position on the machine visible and audible by the second person 30 and other people remote from the machine. So, they are also alerted to the reason for the sudden stoppage of the engine and machine.

The fob 100 also comprises a physical key 220. The physical key 220 is configured to be rejected by any key socket 240 which the driver 10 may use to turn the internal combustion engine on or off conventionally with a conventional ignition key. This way driver 10 will not mistake the fob 100 for the conventional ignition key.

So, as described above a system is devised by which a second person 30 stops a machine 20 by stopping the engine, even if the driver 10 is unable or unwilling to stop the machine.

Figures 5A and 5B show overall views of a butterfly valve 300 for use as the valve of a system according to the present invention. The butterfly valve 300 is a solenoid valve which is actuated by an electrical signal from a valve actuating receiver or transceiver delivered by a cable 360. The butterfly valve 300 is shown in an open configuration in Figure 5A and in a closed arrangement in Figure 5B.

The valve 300 comprises a valve body 310 with a cylindrical aperture 315 extending therethrough. The openings of the aperture 315 having cylindrical rims 318 for hoses to be fitted and clamped onto so as to fit the valve 300 into the air intake of an internal combustion engine in use.

The valve 300 comprises a circular disk 320 with a central axle 320 extending thereacross. The disk 320 is located within the aperture 315 and is arranged to pivot between an open configuration wherein disk 320 extends parallel to the pathway through the aperture (shown in Figure 5A) and a closed configuration wherein the disk is perpendicular to the pathway such that it fills and completely blocks the aperture (shown in Figure 5B).

The disk 320 is biased from the open configuration to the closed configuration by a coil spring 330. A control plate 340 is mounted on the end of the axle 325 on the side of and exterior to the valve body 310. The control plate 340 comprises a handle 342 for a user to manually rotate the disk 320 from its closed configuration to its open configuration, and a notch 344 for receiving a latch 354 so as to lock the disk in its open configuration and prevent it being rotated by the biasing spring 330.

Figure 5A shows the latch 354 received by the notch 344 such that it prevents the control plate 340 (and by extension the axle 325 and the disk 320) from being rotated by the spring 330. Figure 5B shows the valve after the latch 354 has been displaced out of the notch 344 such that the control plate 340 (and by extension the axle 325 and the disk 320) have been rotated by the spring 330.

The latch 354 is mounted on an axle 356 which is supported on the valve body 310 and which extends through the latch intermediate its first and second ends. The first end of the latch 354 is displaced into and out of the notch 344 of the control plate 340 in use. The distal second end of the latch is connected to and is displaced by a solenoid arm 352 which is controlled and displaced by a solenoid 350 mounted on the exterior of the valve body 310.

The solenoid 350 is connected to a valve actuating receiver of the system according to the present invention by an electrical cable 360. The electrical cable 360 is connected to the solenoid 350 at its first end and has a plug 365 for connecting to the valve actuating receiver or transceiver at the second end of the cable. The cable 360 is shown coiled next to the valve 300 in Figures 5A and 5B but in use would extend from the valve 300 where it is fitted to an engine air intake to the valve actuating receiver which would typically be mounted on the exterior of the engine or compartment thereof.

Upon receipt of an electrical signal (such as a drop or stop in current) via the electrical cabled 360. The solenoid 350 pulls the solenoid arm 352 inwards, thereby displacing the second end of the latch 354 towards the solenoid 350 and the first end of the latch away from the solenoid 350, away from the valve body 310 and out of the notch 344 in the control plate 340. Thereby allowing the disk 320 to be rotated by the biasing spring 330, blocking the aperture 315 and any engine air intake to which it is fitted.

The solenoid arm 352 is biased away from solenoid 350 by a spring or other means, such that after solenoid has pulled it in it will push away from the solenoid but will be blocked by the latch 354 which is unable to return to its initial position by the rotated control plate 340 (As shown in Figure 5B). In order to reset the valve 300, a user may rotate the control plate 340 using the handle 342 such that the notch aligns with the latch 354, allowing the latch 354 to re-enter the notch and to retain the control plate 340 (and by extension the axle 325 and the disk 320) in its open configuration, thereby allowing the solenoid arm 350 to be displaced away from the solenoid 350.

As such after the valve actuating receiver receives a wireless shutdown signal and actuates the valve 300 via the cable 360 to close the air intake of the engine to which the valve 300 is fitted, in order to reopen the air intake the valve must be manually reopened by a user turning the control plate 340.

The invention has been described by way of examples only. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A system for shutting down an internal combustion engine, the system comprising: a signal actuated valve for fitting to an air intake of the engine; and s a portable transmitter manually operable to wirelessly transmit a shutdown signal in response to which the valve is actuated to partially or entirely block the air intake.
2. A system according to claim 1 wherein the portable transmitter is a form of a key fob.
3. A system according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the portable transmitter comprises a button for transmitting the wireless shutdown signal.
4. A system according to any preceding claim comprising a valve actuating receiver for receiving the shutdown signal and for actuating the valve in response to the signal.
5. A system according to claim 4 wherein the valve is connected to and actuated by the receiver via an electrical connection.
6. A system according to claim 4 wherein the valve is connected to and actuated by the valve actuating receiver via a mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic means.
7. A system according to claim 4 wherein the valve actuating receiver is comprised by the valve.
8. A system according to any of claims 4 to 7 wherein the portable device is or comprises a first transceiver and the valve actuating receiver is or comprises a second transceiver.
9. A system according to any preceding claim comprising a pilot regulator to regulate a pressurised flow to actuate the valve.
10. A system according to claim 9 when dependent on any of claims 4 to 8 wherein the pilot regulator comprises a solenoid electronically actuated by an electrical current from the receiver.
11. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the valve is biased from an unblocking arrangement towards a blocking arrangement that partially or entirely blocks the air intake.
12. A system according to any preceding claim wherein upon receipt of the wireless shutdown signal, the valve or valve actuating receiver is arranged to transmit a challenge signal to the portable device.
13.A system according to claim 12 wherein upon receipt of the challenge signal by the portable device it transmits a second shutdown signal derived from the challenge signal to the valve or valve actuating receiver for the valve to block the air intake.
14.A system according to claim 13 wherein the challenge signal and the second shutdown signal are encrypted.
15.A system according to any preceding claim wherein the shutdown signal is a radio frequency signal.
16.A system according to any preceding claim wherein the valve is a butterfly valve.
17.A system according to any of claims 1 to 15 wherein the valve is a swing gate valve.
18. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the valve is for fitting to an opening of the air intake.
19.A system according to any preceding claim wherein the valve is for fitting part way along the length of a conduit comprised by the air intake.
20.A system according to any preceding claim wherein the valve comprises a retaining means for holding the valve out of a blocking arrangement that partially or entirely blocks the air intake.
21.A system according to any preceding claim comprising a locking means for automatically locking the valve in a blocking arrangement after the valve is actuated to partially or entirely block the air intake.
22.A system according to any preceding claim wherein the valve is actuated to entirely block the air intake in response to the shutdown signal.
23. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the valve is manually open-able to unblock intake.
24. An internal combustion engine comprising a system according to any of claims 1 to 23 with its valve fitted to an air intake of the engine.
25.A machine or a vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine according to claim 24.