WO2005021419A1 - Vehicle misfuelling alert apparatus - Google Patents

Vehicle misfuelling alert apparatus Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2005021419A1
WO2005021419A1 PCT/GB2004/001555 GB2004001555W WO2005021419A1 WO 2005021419 A1 WO2005021419 A1 WO 2005021419A1 GB 2004001555 W GB2004001555 W GB 2004001555W WO 2005021419 A1 WO2005021419 A1 WO 2005021419A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fuel
transmitter
receiver
vehicle
data signal
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2004/001555
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Manjit C. N. G. Singh
Original Assignee
Singh Manjit C N G
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Singh Manjit C N G filed Critical Singh Manjit C N G
Publication of WO2005021419A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005021419A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
    • B67D7/32—Arrangements of safety or warning devices; Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid
    • B67D7/34—Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid
    • B67D7/344—Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid by checking a correct coupling or coded information
    • B67D7/348—Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid by checking a correct coupling or coded information by interrogating an information transmitter, e.g. a transponder
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K15/04—Tank inlets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
    • B67D7/42—Filling nozzles
    • B67D7/425—Filling nozzles including components powered by electricity or light

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus designed to prevent a motorist from filling his or her vehicle with the wrong type of fuel.
  • EP 1199208 (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG), for example, discloses a fuel tank inlet (or fuel nozzle entry point) with a tubular slide which has the same diameter as a diesel fuel nozzle.
  • the slide is biased towards the top of the fuel tank inlet so that it closes off an air outlet, but is pushed down to open the air outlet when a diesel fuel nozzle is inserted. If a petrol fuel nozzle is inserted, it is too narrow to move the slide and it is impossible to fill the fuel tank.
  • the purpose of the present invention is to provide an alternative solution that can be applied to a wide range of vehicles and fuel pumps, without needing substantial redesign of either the fuel nozzle entry point or the fuel nozzle itself.
  • the present invention provides a vehicle misfuelling alert apparatus for use with a fuel pump having at least one fuel nozzle, the apparatus comprising: a transmitter for transmitting a data signal, and a receiver for receiving the data signal, wherein one of the transmitter and the receiver is positioned on the bodywork of a vehicle adjacent the fuel nozzle entry point of the vehicle, and the other one of the transmitter and the receiver is positioned on the fuel nozzle, such that when a motorist presents the fuel nozzle to the fuel nozzle entry point of the vehicle, the receiver will receive the data signal transmitted by the transmitter and alert the motorist by means of an indicator, and/or prevent the fuel from being dispensed by the fuel pump, if the data signal does not match a predetermined set of stored data.
  • the one of the transmitter and the receiver that is positioned on the bodywork of the vehicle can be powered by the vehicle's electrical supply. Power can also be provided by a battery such as a lithium cell or similar. In this case, the one of the transmitter and the receiver that is positioned on the bodywork of the vehicle may include an indicator for alerting the motorist when the battery power is low. One or both of the transmitter and the receiver can also be powered by a solar panel or any other suitable energy source.
  • the one of the transmitter and the receiver that is positioned on the fuel nozzle can be powered by the fuel pump's electrical supply. It will be readily apparent that the electrical supply must be connected to the transmitter in such a way that there is no risk of an electrical spark igniting the fuel vapours.
  • the one of the transmitter and the receiver that is positioned on the fuel nozzle can also be powered by a battery such as a lithium cell or similar.
  • the indicator for alerting the motorist can be a light or a sounder.
  • the transmitter and receiver preferably transmit and receive an infrared optical data signal.
  • other frequency data signals can be used depending on the circumstances. Rigorous safety testing may be required for certain data signals because of the risk of stray electromagnetic fields igniting fuel vapours.
  • the data signal preferably contains a synchronising code and a unique fuel code.
  • the receiver may also alert the motorist by means of a second indicator if the data signal does match the predetermined set of stored data.
  • the second indicator can be a light or a sounder.
  • the receiver can light a green light emitting diode (LED) if the data signal matches the predetermined set of stored data (i.e. indicating that the fuel nozzle will dispense the correct fuel for the vehicle) and a red LED if the data signal does not match the predetermined set of stored data (i.e. indicating that the fuel nozzle will dispense the wrong fuel for the vehicle).
  • the first and second indicators can be provided on the transmitter but this would require some sort of signal to be sent from the receiver to the transmitter once the data signal has been compared against the stored data.
  • the one of the transmitter and receiver that is positioned on the fuel nozzle is preferably attached to the fuel nozzle adjacent the handle portion.
  • the transmission range of the transmitter should be such that the receiver can receive the data signal before the fuel nozzle is inserted into the fuel nozzle entry point.
  • the data signal (and in particular, the unique fuel code) represents the type of fuel used by the vehicle. For example, if the vehicle has a diesel engine then the data signal transmitted by the transmitter will include the unique fuel code for diesel. Alternatively, if the vehicle has an engine which uses unleaded petrol then the data signal transmitted by the transmitter will include the unique fuel code for unleaded petrol.
  • the stored data represents the type of fuel dispensed by the fuel nozzle. For example, if the fuel nozzle dispenses diesel then the stored data will include the unique fuel code for diesel. Alternatively, if the fuel nozzle dispenses unleaded petrol then the stored data will include the unique fuel code for unleaded petrol. It will be readily appreciated that a single fuel pump may have more than one nozzle dispensing the same or different fuels. For example, a fuel pump may have a first fuel nozzle for dispensing diesel fuel, a second fuel nozzle for dispensing unleaded petrol, and a third fuel nozzle for dispensing leaded petrol. In this case, each fuel nozzle will have a separate receiver.
  • Each receiver will have stored data including the unique fuel code for the particular type of fuel dispensed by its associated fuel nozzle. Accordingly, the receiver positioned on the fuel nozzle dispensing diesel will have stored data including the unique fuel code for diesel, the receiver positioned on the fuel nozzle dispensing unleaded petrol will have stored data including the unique fuel code for unleaded petrol, and the receiver positioned on the fuel nozzle dispensing leaded petrol will have stored data including the unique fuel code for leaded petrol.
  • the transmitter can be positioned behind a flap covering the fuel nozzle entry point and preferably starts to transmit the data signal when the flap is opened.
  • the transmitter can also be made to stop transmitting the data signal after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, or when the flap is closed.
  • a mechanical or electronic means can be provided to control the on/off operation of the transmitter.
  • the control means can be a switch that is triggered by the physical action of opening and/or closing the flap.
  • a light sensor can also be provided behind the flap so that the transmitter is operated to start transmitting the data signal when the flap is opened and the light sensor is exposed to ambient light.
  • the receiver can also be positioned behind the flap and controlled in a similar way so that it starts to receive the data signal from the transmitter positioned on the fuel nozzle when the flap is opened.
  • the stored data represents the type of fuel used by the vehicle. For example, if the vehicle has a diesel engine then the stored data will include the unique fuel code for diesel. Alternatively, if the vehicle has an engine which uses unleaded petrol then the stored data will include the unique fuel code for unleaded petrol.
  • the data signal (and in particular, the unique fuel code) represents the type of fuel dispensed by the fuel nozzle. For example, if the fuel nozzle dispenses diesel then the data signal will include the unique fuel code for diesel. Alternatively, if the fuel nozzle dispenses unleaded petrol then the data signal will include the unique fuel code for unleaded petrol.
  • the transmitter can be made to start transmitting the data signal when the fuel nozzle is withdrawn from its cradle on the fuel pump.
  • the transmitter can also be made to stop transmitting the data signal after a predetermined amount of time, or when the fuel nozzle is returned to its cradle.
  • An important aspect of the present invention is the ability to prevent the fuel from being dispensed if the data signal does not match the predetermined set of stored data.
  • the one of the transmitter and receiver that is positioned on the fuel nozzle can be connected to the pump apparatus of the fuel pump so that it can shut down or control the operation of the pump apparatus in the event of a potential misfuel.
  • the transmitter or receiver can be connected to the fuel pump's electronic control system.
  • the transmitter is positioned on the bodywork of the vehicle adjacent the fuel nozzle entry point and the receiver is positioned on the fuel nozzle. However, if the positions of the transmitter and receiver are reversed then the receiver may transmit a signal to the transmitter if the data signal does not match the predetermined set of stored data so that the transmitter can control the operation of the fuel pump.
  • the present invention also provides a method of preventing the misfuelling of a vehicle comprising the following steps: providing one of a transmitter and a receiver on the bodywork of a vehicle adjacent the fuel entry point of the vehicle; providing the other one of the transmitter and the receiver on the fuel nozzle of a fuel pump; transmitting a data signal from the transmitter to the receiver; and alerting the motorist by means of an indicator, and/or preventing the fuel from being dispensed by the fuel pump, if the data signal received by the receiver does not match a predetermined set of stored data.
  • Drawing Figure 1 shows a vehicle alert misfueling apparatus according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows the fuel nozzle 1 of a fuel pump and the fuel tank inlet 2 (or nozzle entry point) of a vehicle.
  • the fuel nozzle 1 has a handle portion 3 and a nozzle portion 4.
  • An infrared optical receiver 5 is secured to the nozzle portion 4 by means of a cylindrical collar 6.
  • the receiver 5 is connected to the fuel pump's power supply.
  • An infrared optical transmitter 7 is positioned on the inside of a flap 8 covering the fuel tank inlet 2.
  • the transmitter 7 is connected to the vehicles power supply.
  • a light sensor (not shown) triggers the transmitter 7 to start transmitting an infra-red data signal.
  • the data signal is a repeating bit stream containing a synchronising code and a unique fuel code.
  • the receiver 5 uses the synchronising code to calculate the timing of the signal pulses and to synchronise the start of the bit stream.
  • the unique fuel code is a five bit code and represents the type of fuel used by the vehicle. For example, the unique fuel code for diesel is 11011 and the unique fuel code for unleaded petrol is 10011.
  • a predetermined set of data is stored in the receiver 5.
  • This data is a five bit code and represents the type of fuel dispensed by the fuel nozzle.
  • the stored data for any given type of fuel must correspond to the unique fuel code for that fuel type. For example, if the fuel nozzle dispenses diesel then the stored data is 11011 and if the fuel nozzle dispenses unleaded petrol then the stored data is 10011.
  • the receiver 5 will receive the data signal and will compare the unique fuel code against the stored data. If the unique fuel code matches the stored data then the type of fuel dispensed by the fuel nozzle is the same as the type of fuel used by the vehicle. The receiver 5 will then light a green light emitting diode (LED) (not shown) to show the motorist that the fuel type dispensed by the fuel nozzle is correct. If the unique fuel code does not match the stored data then the type of fuel dispensed by the fuel nozzle is not the same as the type of fuel used by the vehicle. A misfuel is therefore about to occur and the receiver 5 will light a red LED (not shown) and cause a sounder (not shown) to give out an audible alarm to the motorist. The receiver 5 can also control the fuel pump not to dispense the incorrect fuel.
  • LED green light emitting diode

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle misfuelling alert apparatus for use with a fuel pump having at least one fuel nozzle (1). The apparatus includes a transmitter (7) for transmitting a data signal and positioned on the bodywork of a vehicle adjacent the fuel tank inlet (2) of the vehicle. A receiver (5) is positioned on the fuel nozzle (1) adjacent the handle portion (3). The data signal contains a unique fuel code which represents the type of fuel required by the vehicle. The receiver (5) has a predetermined set of stored data that represents the type of fuel dispensed by the fuel nozzle (1). When a motorist presents the fuel nozzle (1) to the fuel tank inlet (2), the receiver (5) will receive the data signal transmitted by the transmitter (7) and alerts the motorist by means of an indicator if the data signal does not match the stored data (i.e. if the fuel dispensed by the fuel nozzle is not the type of fuel required by the vehicle). The receiver (5) can also be connected to the fuel pump so that it can prevent the wrong type of fuel from being dispensed by the fuel pump.

Description

Vehicle misfuelling alert apparatus
DESCRIPTION Technical Field
The present invention relates to an apparatus designed to prevent a motorist from filling his or her vehicle with the wrong type of fuel.
Background Art The accidental misfueling of vehicles (i.e. filing a vehicle with the wrong type of fuel) is a major concern for motorists because it can cause serious damage to the vehicle's engine. The Automobile Association reports that it was called out to 37,000 misfuels in 2001 alone ("The AA Magazine", Spring 2002, page 10). The only solution is to completely empty the fuel tank and the discarded fuel alone costs motorists around £ 18 million a year.
Some mechanical solutions to this problem are known. EP 1199208 (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG), for example, discloses a fuel tank inlet (or fuel nozzle entry point) with a tubular slide which has the same diameter as a diesel fuel nozzle. The slide is biased towards the top of the fuel tank inlet so that it closes off an air outlet, but is pushed down to open the air outlet when a diesel fuel nozzle is inserted. If a petrol fuel nozzle is inserted, it is too narrow to move the slide and it is impossible to fill the fuel tank.
The purpose of the present invention is to provide an alternative solution that can be applied to a wide range of vehicles and fuel pumps, without needing substantial redesign of either the fuel nozzle entry point or the fuel nozzle itself.
Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a vehicle misfuelling alert apparatus for use with a fuel pump having at least one fuel nozzle, the apparatus comprising: a transmitter for transmitting a data signal, and a receiver for receiving the data signal, wherein one of the transmitter and the receiver is positioned on the bodywork of a vehicle adjacent the fuel nozzle entry point of the vehicle, and the other one of the transmitter and the receiver is positioned on the fuel nozzle, such that when a motorist presents the fuel nozzle to the fuel nozzle entry point of the vehicle, the receiver will receive the data signal transmitted by the transmitter and alert the motorist by means of an indicator, and/or prevent the fuel from being dispensed by the fuel pump, if the data signal does not match a predetermined set of stored data.
The one of the transmitter and the receiver that is positioned on the bodywork of the vehicle can be powered by the vehicle's electrical supply. Power can also be provided by a battery such as a lithium cell or similar. In this case, the one of the transmitter and the receiver that is positioned on the bodywork of the vehicle may include an indicator for alerting the motorist when the battery power is low. One or both of the transmitter and the receiver can also be powered by a solar panel or any other suitable energy source.
The one of the transmitter and the receiver that is positioned on the fuel nozzle can be powered by the fuel pump's electrical supply. It will be readily apparent that the electrical supply must be connected to the transmitter in such a way that there is no risk of an electrical spark igniting the fuel vapours. The one of the transmitter and the receiver that is positioned on the fuel nozzle can also be powered by a battery such as a lithium cell or similar.
The indicator for alerting the motorist can be a light or a sounder.
The transmitter and receiver preferably transmit and receive an infrared optical data signal. However, other frequency data signals can be used depending on the circumstances. Rigorous safety testing may be required for certain data signals because of the risk of stray electromagnetic fields igniting fuel vapours. The data signal preferably contains a synchronising code and a unique fuel code.
The receiver may also alert the motorist by means of a second indicator if the data signal does match the predetermined set of stored data. The second indicator can be a light or a sounder. For example, the receiver can light a green light emitting diode (LED) if the data signal matches the predetermined set of stored data (i.e. indicating that the fuel nozzle will dispense the correct fuel for the vehicle) and a red LED if the data signal does not match the predetermined set of stored data (i.e. indicating that the fuel nozzle will dispense the wrong fuel for the vehicle). The first and second indicators can be provided on the transmitter but this would require some sort of signal to be sent from the receiver to the transmitter once the data signal has been compared against the stored data.
The one of the transmitter and receiver that is positioned on the fuel nozzle is preferably attached to the fuel nozzle adjacent the handle portion. The transmission range of the transmitter should be such that the receiver can receive the data signal before the fuel nozzle is inserted into the fuel nozzle entry point.
If the transmitter is positioned on the bodywork of the vehicle then the data signal (and in particular, the unique fuel code) represents the type of fuel used by the vehicle. For example, if the vehicle has a diesel engine then the data signal transmitted by the transmitter will include the unique fuel code for diesel. Alternatively, if the vehicle has an engine which uses unleaded petrol then the data signal transmitted by the transmitter will include the unique fuel code for unleaded petrol.
If the receiver is positioned on the fuel nozzle then the stored data represents the type of fuel dispensed by the fuel nozzle. For example, if the fuel nozzle dispenses diesel then the stored data will include the unique fuel code for diesel. Alternatively, if the fuel nozzle dispenses unleaded petrol then the stored data will include the unique fuel code for unleaded petrol. It will be readily appreciated that a single fuel pump may have more than one nozzle dispensing the same or different fuels. For example, a fuel pump may have a first fuel nozzle for dispensing diesel fuel, a second fuel nozzle for dispensing unleaded petrol, and a third fuel nozzle for dispensing leaded petrol. In this case, each fuel nozzle will have a separate receiver. Each receiver will have stored data including the unique fuel code for the particular type of fuel dispensed by its associated fuel nozzle. Accordingly, the receiver positioned on the fuel nozzle dispensing diesel will have stored data including the unique fuel code for diesel, the receiver positioned on the fuel nozzle dispensing unleaded petrol will have stored data including the unique fuel code for unleaded petrol, and the receiver positioned on the fuel nozzle dispensing leaded petrol will have stored data including the unique fuel code for leaded petrol.
The transmitter can be positioned behind a flap covering the fuel nozzle entry point and preferably starts to transmit the data signal when the flap is opened. The transmitter can also be made to stop transmitting the data signal after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, or when the flap is closed. A mechanical or electronic means can be provided to control the on/off operation of the transmitter. For example, the control means can be a switch that is triggered by the physical action of opening and/or closing the flap. A light sensor can also be provided behind the flap so that the transmitter is operated to start transmitting the data signal when the flap is opened and the light sensor is exposed to ambient light. The receiver can also be positioned behind the flap and controlled in a similar way so that it starts to receive the data signal from the transmitter positioned on the fuel nozzle when the flap is opened.
If the receiver is positioned on the bodywork of the vehicle then the stored data represents the type of fuel used by the vehicle. For example, if the vehicle has a diesel engine then the stored data will include the unique fuel code for diesel. Alternatively, if the vehicle has an engine which uses unleaded petrol then the stored data will include the unique fuel code for unleaded petrol. If the transmitter is positioned on the fuel nozzle then the data signal (and in particular, the unique fuel code) represents the type of fuel dispensed by the fuel nozzle. For example, if the fuel nozzle dispenses diesel then the data signal will include the unique fuel code for diesel. Alternatively, if the fuel nozzle dispenses unleaded petrol then the data signal will include the unique fuel code for unleaded petrol.
The transmitter can be made to start transmitting the data signal when the fuel nozzle is withdrawn from its cradle on the fuel pump. The transmitter can also be made to stop transmitting the data signal after a predetermined amount of time, or when the fuel nozzle is returned to its cradle.
An important aspect of the present invention is the ability to prevent the fuel from being dispensed if the data signal does not match the predetermined set of stored data. To achieve this, the one of the transmitter and receiver that is positioned on the fuel nozzle can be connected to the pump apparatus of the fuel pump so that it can shut down or control the operation of the pump apparatus in the event of a potential misfuel. Alternatively, the transmitter or receiver can be connected to the fuel pump's electronic control system.
It is generally preferred that the transmitter is positioned on the bodywork of the vehicle adjacent the fuel nozzle entry point and the receiver is positioned on the fuel nozzle. However, if the positions of the transmitter and receiver are reversed then the receiver may transmit a signal to the transmitter if the data signal does not match the predetermined set of stored data so that the transmitter can control the operation of the fuel pump.
The present invention also provides a method of preventing the misfuelling of a vehicle comprising the following steps: providing one of a transmitter and a receiver on the bodywork of a vehicle adjacent the fuel entry point of the vehicle; providing the other one of the transmitter and the receiver on the fuel nozzle of a fuel pump; transmitting a data signal from the transmitter to the receiver; and alerting the motorist by means of an indicator, and/or preventing the fuel from being dispensed by the fuel pump, if the data signal received by the receiver does not match a predetermined set of stored data.
Drawing Figure 1 shows a vehicle alert misfueling apparatus according to the present invention.
The operation of the present invention will now be explained with reference to Figure 1 which shows the fuel nozzle 1 of a fuel pump and the fuel tank inlet 2 (or nozzle entry point) of a vehicle. The fuel nozzle 1 has a handle portion 3 and a nozzle portion 4. An infrared optical receiver 5 is secured to the nozzle portion 4 by means of a cylindrical collar 6. The receiver 5 is connected to the fuel pump's power supply.
An infrared optical transmitter 7 is positioned on the inside of a flap 8 covering the fuel tank inlet 2. The transmitter 7 is connected to the vehicles power supply.
When the motorist opens the flap 8 to expose the fuel tank inlet 2, a light sensor (not shown) triggers the transmitter 7 to start transmitting an infra-red data signal. The data signal is a repeating bit stream containing a synchronising code and a unique fuel code. The receiver 5 uses the synchronising code to calculate the timing of the signal pulses and to synchronise the start of the bit stream. The unique fuel code is a five bit code and represents the type of fuel used by the vehicle. For example, the unique fuel code for diesel is 11011 and the unique fuel code for unleaded petrol is 10011.
A predetermined set of data is stored in the receiver 5. This data is a five bit code and represents the type of fuel dispensed by the fuel nozzle. The stored data for any given type of fuel must correspond to the unique fuel code for that fuel type. For example, if the fuel nozzle dispenses diesel then the stored data is 11011 and if the fuel nozzle dispenses unleaded petrol then the stored data is 10011.
As the motorist presents the fuel nozzle 1 to the fuel tank inlet 2, the receiver 5 will receive the data signal and will compare the unique fuel code against the stored data. If the unique fuel code matches the stored data then the type of fuel dispensed by the fuel nozzle is the same as the type of fuel used by the vehicle. The receiver 5 will then light a green light emitting diode (LED) (not shown) to show the motorist that the fuel type dispensed by the fuel nozzle is correct. If the unique fuel code does not match the stored data then the type of fuel dispensed by the fuel nozzle is not the same as the type of fuel used by the vehicle. A misfuel is therefore about to occur and the receiver 5 will light a red LED (not shown) and cause a sounder (not shown) to give out an audible alarm to the motorist. The receiver 5 can also control the fuel pump not to dispense the incorrect fuel.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A vehicle misfuelling alert apparatus for use with a fuel pump having at least one fuel nozzle, the apparatus comprising: a transmitter for transmitting a data signal, and a receiver for receiving the data signal, wherein one of the transmitter and the receiver is positioned on the bodywork of a vehicle adjacent the fuel nozzle entry point of the vehicle, and the other one of the transmitter and the receiver is positioned on the fuel nozzle, such that when a motorist presents the fuel nozzle to the fuel nozzle entry point of the vehicle, the receiver will receive the data signal transmitted by the transmitter and alert the motorist by means of an indicator, and/or prevent the fuel from being dispensed by the fuel pump, if the data signal does not match a predeteπnined set of stored data.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the one of the transmitter and the receiver that is positioned on the bodywork of the vehicle is powered by the vehicle's electrical supply.
3 An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the one of the transmitter and the receiver that is positioned on the bodywork of the vehicle is powered by a battery.
4 An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the one of the transmitter and the receiver that is positioned on the bodywork of the vehicle further includes an indicator for alerting the motorist when the battery power is low.
5 An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the one of the transmitter and the receiver that is positioned on the fuel nozzle is powered by the fuel pump's electrical supply.
6 An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the one of the transmitter and the receiver that is positioned on the fuel nozzle is powered by a battery.
7 An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the indicator is a light.
8 An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 6 wherein the indicator is a sounder.
9 An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the transmitter is an optical transmitter and the receiver is an optical receiver.
10. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the data signal contains a synchronising code and a unique fuel code.
11. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the receiver will alert the motorist by means of a second indicator if the data signal does match the predetermined set of stored data.
12. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the second indicator is a light.
13. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the second indicator is a sounder.
14. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the transmitter is positioned on the bodywork of the vehicle and the data signal represents the type of fuel used by the vehicle.
15. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the receiver is positioned on the fuel nozzle and the stored data represents the type of fuel dispensed by the fuel nozzle.
16. An apparatus according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the transmitter is positioned behind a flap covering the fuel nozzle entry point and the transmitter starts transmitting the data signal when the flap is opened.
17. An apparatus according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the transmitter further includes a light sensor and the transmitter starts transmitting the data signal when the fuel nozzle entry point is exposed to ambient light.
18. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the receiver is positioned on the bodywork of the vehicle and the stored data represents the type of fuel used by the vehicle.
19. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 13 or claim 18, wherein the transmitter is positioned on the fuel nozzle and the data signal represents the type of fuel dispensed by the fuel nozzle.
20. A vehicle misfueling alert apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings.
21. A method of preventing the misfuelling of a vehicle comprising the following steps: providing one of a transmitter and a receiver on the bodywork of a vehicle adjacent the fuel entry point of the vehicle; providing the other one of the transmitter and the receiver on the fuel nozzle of a fuel pump; transmitting a data signal from the transmitter to the receiver; and alerting the motorist by means of an indicator, and/or preventing the fuel from being dispensed by the fuel pump, if the data signal received by the receiver does not match a predetermined set of stored data.
PCT/GB2004/001555 2003-04-12 2004-04-13 Vehicle misfuelling alert apparatus WO2005021419A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0308477A GB2400364A (en) 2003-04-12 2003-04-12 Means for preventing a motorist filling a vehicle with the wrong type of fuel
GB0308477.9 2003-04-12

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2005021419A1 true WO2005021419A1 (en) 2005-03-10

Family

ID=9956673

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2004/001555 WO2005021419A1 (en) 2003-04-12 2004-04-13 Vehicle misfuelling alert apparatus

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2400364A (en)
WO (1) WO2005021419A1 (en)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005087529A1 (en) * 2004-03-12 2005-09-22 Ok Fuel Ltd. A misfuelling protection system for a vehicle
DE202006013601U1 (en) * 2006-09-05 2008-01-24 Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Coburg Tank closure device and refueling system
DE102006044780A1 (en) * 2006-09-22 2008-04-03 Siemens Ag Monitoring device for e.g. gas, of airplane, has detection unit for reading identification unit, which identifies desired fluid, and processing unit for comparing fluid, which is fillable through tap or filling unit, with desired fluid
DE102008055484A1 (en) * 2008-12-05 2010-06-10 Robben & Wientjes Ohg Tank protection and counterfeit refueling of a motor vehicle
US7907058B2 (en) 2005-10-24 2011-03-15 Petratec International Ltd. Devices and methods useful for authorizing purchases associated with a vehicle
US7983851B2 (en) 2005-10-13 2011-07-19 Nanonord A/S Measuring device and method for determination of at least one chemical property in an oil and a data storing device obtainable by said method
US8292168B2 (en) 2005-10-24 2012-10-23 Petratec International Ltd. System and method for authorizing purchases associated with a vehicle
US8364094B2 (en) 2007-03-13 2013-01-29 Petratec International Ltd. Antenna assembly for service station
US8665069B2 (en) 2007-10-19 2014-03-04 Petratec International Ltd. RFID tag especially for use near conductive objects

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060091201A1 (en) * 2004-11-03 2006-05-04 Simonson Peter M Fueling system
GB2421499A (en) * 2004-12-21 2006-06-28 Nathan Phillips A refuelling aid to prevent improper fuel being used
DE102005023656A1 (en) * 2005-05-23 2006-12-07 Fafnir Gmbh Method for detecting the fuel type of motor vehicles at a gas station
SI22088A (en) * 2005-07-27 2007-02-28 Janez Alic Protective intake attachment of diesel fuel vessel
GB2435036A (en) * 2006-02-13 2007-08-15 James Keyser Incorrect fuel warning system
GB2437276A (en) * 2006-04-21 2007-10-24 Venn West Ltd Preventing dispense of the wrong type of fuel.
GB0621515D0 (en) * 2006-10-28 2006-12-06 Fuel Safe Uk Ltd Fuel safety system
GB0701359D0 (en) * 2007-01-24 2007-03-07 Church John D Fuel checker/indicator
WO2008156371A1 (en) * 2007-06-21 2008-12-24 Stillasgruppen As A control device for a pump station as well as a method of using same
WO2019106405A1 (en) * 2017-11-28 2019-06-06 Assa Abloy Ab Rotational housing for an rfid tag on a fuel nozzle

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4263945A (en) * 1979-06-20 1981-04-28 Ness Bradford O Van Automatic fuel dispensing control system
US5383500A (en) * 1992-03-19 1995-01-24 Shell Oil Company Automatic refuelling system
DE4443298A1 (en) * 1994-12-06 1996-06-20 Telefunken Microelectron Localising and identifying vehicles, e.g. stolen cars
US5956259A (en) * 1995-12-08 1999-09-21 Gilbarco Inc. Intelligent fueling
US6032703A (en) * 1998-09-08 2000-03-07 Ford Global Technologies, Inc. Automotive vehicle fueling system
US6085805A (en) * 1998-06-25 2000-07-11 Micron Technology, Inc. Communications system and method, fleet management system and method, and method of impeding theft of fuel
WO2001003983A1 (en) * 1999-07-08 2001-01-18 Idmicro, Inc. Wireless vehicle fuel station vehicle fuel identifier and controller
US20020000258A1 (en) * 1998-03-12 2002-01-03 Dresser, Inc. Dispenser with radio frequency on-board vapor recovery identification

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5605182A (en) * 1995-04-20 1997-02-25 Dover Corporation Vehicle identification system for a fuel dispenser
JPH11208792A (en) * 1998-01-26 1999-08-03 Hochiki Corp Vehicle fuel supply system

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4263945A (en) * 1979-06-20 1981-04-28 Ness Bradford O Van Automatic fuel dispensing control system
US5383500A (en) * 1992-03-19 1995-01-24 Shell Oil Company Automatic refuelling system
DE4443298A1 (en) * 1994-12-06 1996-06-20 Telefunken Microelectron Localising and identifying vehicles, e.g. stolen cars
US5956259A (en) * 1995-12-08 1999-09-21 Gilbarco Inc. Intelligent fueling
US20020000258A1 (en) * 1998-03-12 2002-01-03 Dresser, Inc. Dispenser with radio frequency on-board vapor recovery identification
US6085805A (en) * 1998-06-25 2000-07-11 Micron Technology, Inc. Communications system and method, fleet management system and method, and method of impeding theft of fuel
US6032703A (en) * 1998-09-08 2000-03-07 Ford Global Technologies, Inc. Automotive vehicle fueling system
WO2001003983A1 (en) * 1999-07-08 2001-01-18 Idmicro, Inc. Wireless vehicle fuel station vehicle fuel identifier and controller

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005087529A1 (en) * 2004-03-12 2005-09-22 Ok Fuel Ltd. A misfuelling protection system for a vehicle
GB2439158A (en) * 2004-03-12 2007-12-19 Ok Fuel Ltd A misfuelling protection system for a vehicle
US7983851B2 (en) 2005-10-13 2011-07-19 Nanonord A/S Measuring device and method for determination of at least one chemical property in an oil and a data storing device obtainable by said method
US7907058B2 (en) 2005-10-24 2011-03-15 Petratec International Ltd. Devices and methods useful for authorizing purchases associated with a vehicle
US8292168B2 (en) 2005-10-24 2012-10-23 Petratec International Ltd. System and method for authorizing purchases associated with a vehicle
DE202006013601U1 (en) * 2006-09-05 2008-01-24 Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Coburg Tank closure device and refueling system
DE102006044780A1 (en) * 2006-09-22 2008-04-03 Siemens Ag Monitoring device for e.g. gas, of airplane, has detection unit for reading identification unit, which identifies desired fluid, and processing unit for comparing fluid, which is fillable through tap or filling unit, with desired fluid
US8364094B2 (en) 2007-03-13 2013-01-29 Petratec International Ltd. Antenna assembly for service station
US8665069B2 (en) 2007-10-19 2014-03-04 Petratec International Ltd. RFID tag especially for use near conductive objects
DE102008055484A1 (en) * 2008-12-05 2010-06-10 Robben & Wientjes Ohg Tank protection and counterfeit refueling of a motor vehicle
DE102008055484B4 (en) * 2008-12-05 2013-12-12 Robben & Wientjes Ohg Tank protection and counterfeit refueling of a motor vehicle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0308477D0 (en) 2003-05-21
GB2400364A (en) 2004-10-13

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
WO2005021419A1 (en) Vehicle misfuelling alert apparatus
US8186394B2 (en) Device for avoiding errors in delivering fluid to a container
US6899151B1 (en) Lighted supervisory system for a fuel dispensing nozzle
US8031048B2 (en) Vehicle antitheft system and vehicle antitheft method
EP2287458A2 (en) Method of detecting at least one malfunctioning high-pressure gas tank
US6712102B2 (en) Method and system for preventing vehicle misfuelling
EP2778116B1 (en) Apparatus and method for transferring data between a fuel providing means and a vehicle for the prevention of misfuelling
EP1785389A1 (en) Vehicle with transmitter and fuel supply system with receiver
US20160089976A1 (en) Motion sensitive interlock
EP1735173B1 (en) A misfuelling protection system for a vehicle
US6864806B2 (en) Display apparatus for transportation means
FR2914293A1 (en) DEVICE FOR PREVENTING FLUID SUPPLY ERRORS FROM A RESERVE
GB2437276A (en) Preventing dispense of the wrong type of fuel.
GB2424401A (en) Fuel type reminder arrangement
EP2949620B1 (en) Method and system for detecting misfuelling of a vehicle
GB2379642A (en) Vehicle fuel type reminder device
US2984106A (en) Fuel supply apparatus
EP0244931A2 (en) Disabling system for a vehicle ignition circuit
CN2088498U (en) Remote automatic speed limitator for automobile
KR200397671Y1 (en) Mixed oil preventing apparatus for automobile
CN108791189B (en) Automobile anti-theft, anti-robbery and anti-drunk driving control system
JPH05162795A (en) Oil feeder
WO2005080115A1 (en) Fuel-type indicator
GB2068896A (en) Security device for fuel delivery meter
CN114671390A (en) Automatic recognition control system for preventing wrong oil addition of vehicle

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BW BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE EG ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NA NI NO NZ OM PG PH PL PT RO RU SC SD SE SG SK SL SY TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VC VN YU ZA ZM ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): BW GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase