US Patent 7227283 Engine control apparatus

The engine control apparatus includes: the stop switch body 6; the stop switch knob 3; the lock plate 5 insertable to the stop switch knob 3; the transponder 9 that is provided at the lock plate 5 side and that can transmit an ID code; and the control section 11 for receiving the ID code transmitted from the transponder 9 to control the engine operation. The engine control apparatus includes such that, when the lock plate 5 is disengaged from the stop switch knob 3, the stop switch body 6 is activated to cause the engine to stop or to be in an idling state. In the engine control apparatus, the control section 11 changes the engine performance based on the ID code from the transponder 9.