Patent ID: 7227283

Claim:
An engine control apparatus comprising: a stop switch body for allowing an engine to stop or to be in an idling state; a stop switch knob that abuts with the stop switch body to activate the stop switch body to allow the engine to stop or to be in an idling state; a lock plate including an attachment member for attaching the lock plate to an operator, wherein the lock plate is detachably engaged with the stop switch knob so that, when the operator pulls the lock plate via the attachment member, the lock plate disengages from the stop switch knob; a transponder that transmits a predetermined ID code and is detachably attached to the lock plate or other structures on the engine control apparatus; and a control section that receives the ID code transmitted from the transponder and that controls the engine operation based on the ID code, wherein when the lock plate is disengaged from the stop switch knob, the stop switch body is activated to stop the engine or put the engine in an idling state.