Patent Description:
It is known to provide apparatus for delivering fuel to a storage tank. For example, fuel delivery vehicles (known as fuel tankers) having fuel storage tanks may be used to deliver fuel from refineries to refuelling stations for sale to consumers.

Currently there are two primary fuel types used to power vehicles on public roads. They are petroleum spirits (commonly referred to as 'petrol' or 'gasoline') and diesel oil ('diesel'). Vehicles configured to operate using one fuel can experience damage if supplied with the other fuel. Thus it is important to avoid contaminating a petrol storage tank and related equipment with diesel or a diesel storage tank and related equipment with petrol.

It is not uncommon for a driver of a fuel tanker inadvertently to load the wrong type of fuel into a filling station fuel storage tank, for example diesel oil into a tank containing petrol, thereby contaminating the tank. This may be referred to in the industry as a 'misfuelling event', a 'misfuel' or 'cross-contamination'. Cross-contamination can be costly in terms of time and money to rectify due to wastage of fuel and cleaning of the contaminated tank. Furthermore, as noted above, damage can occur to vehicles and equipment contaminated with the wrong fuel type.

<CIT> describes a liquid dispenser with a first detector in a top surface of a tank containing liquid hydrocarbon and a second detector on the outside surface of a fuel dispenser nozzle.

<CIT> describes a fuel discrimination apparatus comprising fluid inspection means.

<CIT> describes an incorrect fuel filling prevention device.

<CIT> describes a fuel pump nozzle having a nozzle-mounted transceiver and a fuel flow driven transceiver power generator.

<CIT> describes a fuel filler gun with an advertisement display screen and an integrated generator for generating electric energy.

<CIT> describes a fluid dispenser with a MEMS sensor for sensing a movement of the fluid dispenser and a micro generator.

<CIT> uses a portable filling elbow having a sensor containing mechanical resonators.

It is an aim of embodiments of the present invention to at least partially mitigate the disadvantages of known refuelling apparatus.

Embodiments of the invention may be understood by reference to the appended claims.

There is provided an apparatus according to claim <NUM> and a method according to claim <NUM>.

The permitted fluid information may be information substantially permanently stored in the apparatus. Alternatively, the permitted fluid information may be information received by the apparatus via input means such as by means of one or more switches on the apparatus, via a radio receiver, bar code reader or any other suitable input means.

In addition the generating means may comprise means for generating electricity from sunlight, such as a solar panel, optionally a photovoltaic solar panel.

In some embodiments the apparatus may be referred to as a fluid delivery apparatus. In some embodiments the apparatus may be referred to as fluid filling apparatus. In some embodiments the apparatus may be referred to as fuel delivery or fuel filling apparatus. In some embodiments the apparatus may be used for delivering fluid such as fuel to a fluid storage tank.

The feature that the apparatus is capable of generating electrical power when it is used has the advantage that the apparatus need not be charged by an external power source between uses, or have the charge storage device replaced as often as might otherwise be required. It is to be understood that some valve means such as electrically actuated valve means may draw relatively large currents in order to effect opening closing of the valve means. A charge storage device such as a battery or battery pack may therefore be drained relatively quickly when the apparatus is used.

The ability of the apparatus to generate charge for storage in the charge storage device is advantageous because, in some embodiments, a smaller and lighter charge storage device may be employed, since the charge storage device does not have to be capable of opening and closing the valve means a relatively large number of times before it is recharged or replaced.

Furthermore, in some embodiments the apparatus may be employed in a hazardous environment in which replacement of a charge storage device is difficult or prohibited. Accordingly, in some applications, it may be necessary to return the apparatus to a service facility for replacement of the charge storage device. By providing integral recharging functionality by means of the electrical generator with a turbine, the service interval may be extended substantially.

Optionally, the fluid outlet is suitable for coupling to the fluid receiving inlet of a fluid storage tank.

The apparatus is portable, the apparatus being configured to be removably attachable to a fluid storage tank inlet.

It is to be understood that at least one of the fluid inspection means, valve means, input means and control means is electrically powered. In some embodiments, each of the fluid inspection means, valve means, input means and control means are electrically powered.

Optionally, the electrical generator comprises a turbine element arranged to be driven by a flow of fluid through the apparatus, in use, thereby to cause the generator to generate electrical power.

The electrical generator may, in some embodiments, generate around 100mA of current as fluid flows through the apparatus. In the case of use of apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention as fuel filling or fuel delivery apparatus, in some example scenarios a fuel filling operation may take around <NUM>-<NUM> minutes with a flow rate of around <NUM> litres per minute of liquid through the fuel filling apparatus. In some embodiments, this may enable sufficient electrical power to be generated to power the apparatus for substantially an entire cycle of the delivery of fuel to a fuel storage tank, from initial connection and switching on of the apparatus to switching off once delivery is complete, with substantially no net drop in the level of charge in a battery power source comprised by the apparatus in some embodiments, and recharged by the generator.

It is to be understood that the electrical generator may comprise an electric machine having a drive shaft, the electric machine being configured to generate electrical power when the drive shaft is caused to rotate.

Optionally, an axis of rotation of the turbine element is substantially parallel to a direction of flow of fluid through the conduit of the apparatus.

Optionally, a diameter of the turbine element is substantially equal to a diameter of the conduit.

Optionally, the turbine element is provided substantially within the conduit.

Optionally, substantially all fluid flowing through the conduit impinges on the turbine element thereby to promote rotation of the turbine element.

Optionally, at least a portion of the conduit substantially immediately downstream of the turbine element, with respect to a direction of flow of fluid through the apparatus from the inlet to the outlet, is of substantially the same diameter as the turbine element or of a smaller diameter than the turbine element.

This feature has the advantage that substantially all fluid flowing through the conduit impinges on the turbine element thereby to promote rotation of the turbine element.

The apparatus comprises input means for receiving the permitted fluid information.

The input means comprises a radio frequency signal (radio) receiver.

The input means comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader, the tag reader comprising the radio receiver.

The input means is configured to receive the fluid information. Optionally, in addition, the input means is configured to receive information indicative of the identity of a storage tank to which the apparatus is coupled, the apparatus being configured to store the information indicative of tank identity and the permitted fluid information for that tank. The apparatus is configured to be releasably coupled to a fluid storage tank, for example by means of a quick release mechanism, for example by means of a lever mechanism, clasp or clamp mechanism or any other suitable mechanism.

In some embodiments the input means may comprise switch means such as one or more switches that enable the fluid type to be set, the apparatus being arranged to determine the permitted fluid information based on the state of a switch or by determining which one or a plurality of input buttons has been pressed. Optionally, the switch means may be inaccessible to an operator. The switch means may be provided behind a panel, optionally a tamper evident panel or a panel requiring a key or specialist tool to access. Optionally, the control means is further configured to communicate with a fluid level monitoring system and receive fill level information indicative of a level of fluid in a fluid storage tank.

Optionally, the control means is configured to communicate with the fluid level monitoring system and receive fill level information indicative of the level of fluid in the fluid storage tank to which the apparatus is connected based on the information indicative of the identity of the storage tank to which the apparatus is coupled.

Optionally, the control means is configured to automatically cause the valve means to prevent flow of fluid through the conduit if the fill level information indicates the fill level is at least at a predetermined shut-off level.

Optionally, the control means is configured automatically to provide an alert to an operator if the fill level information indicates the fill level is at least at a predetermined alert level.

Optionally, the predetermined alert level is less than the predetermined shut-off level.

Optionally, the apparatus is configured to communicate with the fluid level monitoring system by means of a wireless link. The fluid level monitoring system may be provided by an automatic tank gauging (ATG) system, for example located at a fuel filling station where the apparatus may be being employed for fuel tank filling.

Optionally, the valve means comprises an electrically actuated valve.

The apparatus may have a display panel, optionally a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel. The panel may be backlit. The panel may provide instructions to an operator of the apparatus. The panel may display status information regarding the apparatus, such as a state (open or closed) of the valve means.

Some embodiments have the advantage that the apparatus may be self-powering in the system, which may enable it to be located in a hazardous environment or an environment in which a source of power is unavailable either permanently or periodically, for example due to planned or unplanned power outages. Optionally, some embodiments of the apparatus may be described as a fuel filling elbow apparatus.

The method according to the invention comprises receiving the permitted fluid information by means of an input means comprised by the apparatus.

The method may comprise generating electrical power by causing a turbine element comprised by the apparatus to be driven by a flow of fluid through the apparatus.

The apparatus is a portable fluid filling apparatus, the method comprising coupling a fluid outlet of the fluid filling apparatus to the fluid storage tank inlet. Optionally, the apparatus is a portable fuel filling apparatus, the method comprising coupling a fluid outlet of the fuel filling apparatus to a fuel storage tank inlet.

The method may comprise causing a flow of fuel through the apparatus to the fuel storage tank inlet.

Thus, it is to be understood that a method according to some embodiments comprises generating electrical power by causing a turbine element comprised by the apparatus to be driven by a flow of fuel through the apparatus during a fuel filling operation in which fuel passes through the apparatus, optionally to a fuel storage tank, optionally an underground fuel storage tank.

In other embodiments of the invention there is contemplated a method of preventing misfuelling by means of fuel filling apparatus, the method comprising:.

The method may comprise generating electrical power by causing a turbine element comprised by the apparatus to be driven by a flow of fluid through the apparatus during a fuel filling operation in which fuel passes through the apparatus.

Optionally, the apparatus is a portable fuel filling apparatus, the method comprising coupling a fluid outlet of the fuel filling apparatus to the fluid storage tank inlet.

The apparatus may comprise liquid presence determining means for determining whether liquid is present in the conduit of the apparatus.

It is to be understood that the liquid presence determining means may comprise a separate liquid presence sensor. Alternatively, the fluid inspection means may be configured to determine whether liquid is present in the conduit, providing the liquid presence determining means.

Optionally, the apparatus is configured to receive fresh permitted fluid information via the input means once it is has been determined that liquid is present in the conduit by means of the liquid presence determining means.

Optionally, the apparatus is configured to receive fresh permitted fluid information via the input means once it is has been determined that fluid in the conduit corresponds to the permitted fluid information previously received, the control means being configured automatically to cause the valve means to prevent or allow flow of fluid through the conduit in dependence on the output of the fluid inspection means and the freshly received permitted fluid information received by the input means.

Thus, in the event that the fresh permitted fluid information corresponds to the output of the fluid inspection means, the control means causes the valve means to allow fluid flow therethrough.

Some embodiments of the present invention have the advantage that an accidental or intentional misfuelling event due to movement of the apparatus from the inlet of a first fluid storage tank to that of a second may be prevented. This is because, before causing the valve means to allow fluid flow therethrough, the apparatus receives fresh permitted fluid information and ensures that the output of the fluid inspection means matches the fresh permitted fluid information associated with the inlet of the fluid storage tank to which the apparatus is coupled. Thus, if after being coupled to a first fluid storage tank inlet the apparatus is subsequently moved to the inlet of a second fluid storage tank, the apparatus confirms that the output of the fluid inspection means matches the permitted fluid information associated with the second fluid storage tank before allowing the valve means to permit fluid flow therethrough, preventing a mis-delivery event in the event of a mismatch between fluid in the conduit of the apparatus and the permitted fluid information. The mis-delivery event may be a misfuelling event in the case of use of the apparatus to delivery fuel.

In some embodiments the apparatus is configured to receive, in advance of use, information indicative of the identity of one or more tanks or inlets and the type(s) of fluid that is (are) permitted to be dispensed into each of the one or more tanks or inlets. The apparatus may be configured to receive information indicative of the identity of a tank or inlet to which the apparatus is connected and determine, from information stored by the apparatus, the identity of the fluid, such as a fuel, that it is permitted to deliver. In some embodiments the apparatus may be configured to access a remote data storage device such as a server, and obtain information in respect of the liquid that it is permitted to deliver to that inlet or tank.

Optionally the apparatus may be configured repeatedly to receive permitted fluid information via the input means when switched on.

The apparatus may be configured to repeatedly receive permitted fluid information and to compare the output of the fluid inspection means indicative of a type of fluid in the conduit with the permitted fluid information and to cause the valve means to prevent or allow flow of fluid through the conduit in dependence on the output of the fluid inspection means and the received permitted fluid information, optionally the most recently received permitted fluid information.

The apparatus may be configured to provide an output to an operator indicative of an identify of the permitted fluid corresponding to the permitted fluid information received.

In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured repeatedly to receive permitted fluid information for a predetermined time period following powering up of the apparatus. In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured repeatedly to receive permitted fluid information when switched on until the control means determines that the valve means may be opened.

The apparatus may be configured such that, when initially connected to a fluid tank inlet, or initially switched on, the apparatus receives permitted fluid information via the input means. The apparatus may provide an output corresponding to the permitted fluid information, for example by means of a visual output such as by illuminating a lamp corresponding to the permitted fluid or via a display such as a digital display, optionally a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel. This feature has the advantage that an operator can confirm that the fluid the apparatus is expecting corresponds to the fluid the operator intends to deliver. The apparatus may be configured to receive fresh permitted fluid information via the input means once it is has been determined (by reference to the fluid inspection means) that fluid in the conduit corresponds to the permitted fluid information initially received, the control means being configured automatically to cause the valve means to prevent or allow flow of fluid through the conduit in dependence on the output of the fluid inspection means and the freshly received permitted fluid information received by the input means.

In some embodiments the apparatus may continue to monitor the permitted fluid information via the input means whilst the valve means is permitting fluid flow therethrough, the apparatus being configured to cause the valve means to prevent fluid flow therethrough in the event that the input means indicates that the permitted fluid information has changed.

The apparatus comprises an electrical generator configured to generate electrical power to charge a charge storage device, the charge storage device being arranged to provide a supply of electrical power for the apparatus. The electrical generator generates charge in response to flow of fluid through the apparatus during a fuel filling operation in which fluid flows from the fluid source to the fluid storage tank via the conduit. The electrical generator may be provided in the form of an electric machine such as a dynamo or other generator, configured to generate electrical power in response to turning of a turbine or impeller driven by flow of fluid through the apparatus.

In further methods, contemplated by the invention, of preventing misfuelling by means of portable fuel filling apparatus, the method may comprise:.

The permitted fluid information may be stored in a memory of the apparatus such as a memory of the control means.

It is to be understood that the permitted fluid information may be substantially permanently stored by the apparatus, the apparatus being configured to only permit a certain type of fluid to flow therethrough. For example, the apparatus may permit only a predetermined diesel fuel to pass therethrough, or only a predetermined unleaded petrol fuel to pass therethrough.

The apparatus comprises input means for receiving the permitted fluid information. The input comprises a radio receiver, namely an RFID receiver arranged to read an RFID tag carrying the permitted fuel information. The apparatus may require the input means to receive permitted fluid information each time the apparatus is employed in a fuel filling operation, for example each time the apparatus is connected by an operator to a fuel inlet in order to enable a fuel filling operation.

In some embodiments the apparatus may have a switch that allows an operator to select the type of fuel that the apparatus is to allow to pass therethrough, such as 'petrol' or 'diesel'. The switch may permit a particular grade of a diesel or petrol fuel to be selected, for example according to the fuel's octane rating.

In a still further versions of the methods of preventing misfuelling by means of portable fuel filling apparatus, the method may comprise:.

The method comprises receiving the permitted fluid information by means of input means of the apparatus.

The input means comprises a radio receiver, namely an RFID receiver arranged to read an RFID tag carrying the permitted fuel information.

The tag reader may be arranged to read active and/or passive RFID tags.

The input means is configured to receive the fluid information and, optionally, in addition information indicative of the identity of a storage tank to which the apparatus is coupled, the apparatus being configured to store the information indicative of tank identity and the permitted fluid information for that tank.

Optionally, the control means is further configured to communicate with a fluid level monitoring system and receive fill level information indicative of a level of fluid in a fluid storage tank.

Optionally, the apparatus is configured to communicate with the fluid level monitoring system by means of a wireless link.

The wireless link may be a wireless radio link. Other wireless links may be useful in some embodiments.

Optionally, the apparatus may comprise an electrical generator configured to generate electrical power to charge a charge storage device in response to flow of fluid through the apparatus.

Optionally, the electrical generator comprises a turbine element arranged to be exposed to flow of fluid through the apparatus in use.

In a further variant of the method, there is provided a method of preventing misfuelling by means of portable fuel filling elbow apparatus, the method comprising:.

There may be provided a portable fuel filling elbow apparatus comprising:.

Optionally, the input means is configured to receive the information indicative of the level of fuel in the storage tank from tank gauging apparatus, optionally automatic tank gauging (ATG) apparatus. The input means may receive the information indicative of the level of fuel in the storage tank by means of a wireless communications link, optionally a wireless radio communications link.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures in which:.

<FIG> shows a portable fuel filling apparatus <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention for use when transferring fuel from a fuel tanker vehicle <NUM> to an underground fuel storage tank <NUM> of a filling station <NUM> as illustrated schematically in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows the apparatus <NUM> coupling a hose <NUM> connecting a fuel reservoir of a fuel tanker vehicle <NUM> to the inlet 30IN of an underground storage tank <NUM>. Also shown in <FIG> is a vehicle <NUM> receiving fuel from a fuel pump <NUM> configured to draw fuel from the underground storage tank via a supply pipe <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the apparatus <NUM> has a fluid inlet 105IN, a fluid outlet 105OUT and a fluid conduit <NUM> disposed therebetween, providing a flowpath for fluid from the inlet 105IN to the outlet 105OUT. The outlet 105OUT is arranged to be coupled to an inlet 30IN of the underground fuel storage tank <NUM> (<FIG>). The apparatus <NUM> is attached to the inlet 30IN by means of a known clamp arrangement <NUM> employed in known fuel filling apparatus and which is operated by means of a handle <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The handle <NUM> is movable upwards and downwards with respect to the normal upright orientation of <FIG> in order to clamp the apparatus <NUM> to the inlet 30IN (by moving the handle <NUM> downwards) or release the apparatus from the inlet 30IN (by moving the handle <NUM> upwards).

With respect to the normal in-use orientation illustrated in <FIG> and the side view of <FIG>, the apparatus <NUM> has an upper inlet portion <NUM> in which the conduit <NUM> bends through an angle of substantially <NUM> degrees in the embodiment shown, although other angles such as <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees or any other suitable angle may be useful in some embodiments. The apparatus <NUM> also has an upright portion <NUM> below the inlet portion <NUM> in which the conduit <NUM> is substantially straight. In some embodiments, the upper portion <NUM> is also substantially straight, i.e. the bend angle is substantially zero. The inlet portion <NUM> of the embodiment of <FIG> may also be referred to as an 'elbow' portion.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a first (upper) portion 108A of the upright portion <NUM> includes valve means in the form of a valve device <NUM>, a housing <NUM> of control means in the form of a control portion <NUM> (<FIG>) and a housing <NUM> of a charging module <NUM>. The control portion <NUM> is electrically activated ("switched on") when the handle <NUM> is translated to the "locked" position, in which the apparatus <NUM> becomes clamped to the inlet 30IN of the storage tank inlet in the conventional manner. <FIG> and <FIG> show the apparatus <NUM> with the handle <NUM> in the locked position, which corresponds to the fully 'down' position.

The handle <NUM> is coupled to a rod or shaft 177R of circular section that connects the handle <NUM> to the known clamp arrangement <NUM>. A magnet <NUM> is coupled to the shaft 177R at a position of the shaft 177R facing the upper portion 108A of the apparatus <NUM>. The magnet is shown at <NUM> in <FIG>, however it is to be understood that in the present embodiment the magnet <NUM> would not be visible from the viewpoint of <FIG> since it is located on an opposite (rear) side of the shaft 177R with respect to the viewpoint of <FIG>. The position of the magnet <NUM> when the handle is in the unlocked (raised) position is shown at <NUM>' in <FIG> (again, the magnet <NUM> being not visible in the view shown in <FIG>).

The upper portion 108A of the apparatus <NUM> is provided with a magnetic switch <NUM> (<FIG>) at a location of the shaft 177R such that the switch <NUM> is directly opposite the position of the magnet <NUM> when the handle <NUM> is in the locked position. The switch <NUM> is coupled to the control portion <NUM> and causes the control portion <NUM> to be powered (or 'powered up') when the handle <NUM> is moved from the raised to the lowered (unlocked to the locked) position and the magnet <NUM> is moved from the position shown at <NUM>' to the position shown at <NUM>. In the present embodiment the magnetic switch <NUM> is a 'reed'-type switch although other types of magnetic switch may be useful. It is to be understood that moving the handle <NUM> back to the unlocked position causes power supply to the control portion <NUM> to be terminated, i.e. the control portion <NUM> is 'powered down'.

When the control portion <NUM> initially receives power (is 'powered up') the control portion assumes a low power "sleep" mode, pending full activation as described further below.

The control portion <NUM> is illustrated in more detail in <FIG>. The control portion <NUM> is provided within a housing <NUM> and includes a controller <NUM> and a fluid inspection sensor <NUM> providing fluid inspection means. The fluid inspection sensor <NUM> is configured to generate an output that is dependent on the type of fluid present in the region of the conduit <NUM> above the valve device <NUM> based on a refractive index of the fluid. The controller <NUM> is configured to determine, based on the output from the fluid sensor <NUM>, whether any liquid in contact with the sensor <NUM> corresponds to the fuel within the fuel storage tank to which the fuel filling apparatus <NUM> is coupled. Further details of suitable sensor arrangements may be found in published patent application <CIT>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the fluid sensor <NUM> has a prism portion 152P having an exposure surface 152PS that covers an aperture 110A in the fluid conduit <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM> above the valve device <NUM>. The exposure surface 152PS is thus exposed to any fluid present in the conduit <NUM> in the region above the valve device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the sensor <NUM> also has a light source <NUM> arranged to direct a beam of light through an entrance surface 152A of the prism portion 152P in a direction substantially normal to the entrance surface 152A, towards the exposure surface 152PS. An active light detector or sensor 152D is arranged to detect light from the source <NUM> that is reflected from the exposure surface 152PS and which passes through exit surface 152B. It is to be understood that the entrance and exit surfaces 152A, 152B are each inclined at an angle of substantially <NUM> degrees with respect to the exposure surface 152PS, in opposite directions, such that at least some light from the light source scattered by the exposure surface 152PS passes through the exit surface 152B. Other angles may be useful in some embodiments. The path of a beam of light through the prism portion 152P from the entrance surface 152A to the exposure surface 152PS is shown at NA, whilst the path of the ray following reflection at the exposure surface 152PS through an angle wherein the angle of incidence, θIN, equals the angle of reflection, θREFL, is shown at NB.

In the embodiment shown, the active detector 152D is a position sensitive detector in the form of a linear detector, providing an output indicative of the intensity of light falling on the detector 152D as a function of position along an active length L of the detector 152D. Detectors other than linear detectors may be useful in some embodiments.

As can be seen from <FIG>, the longitudinal axis of the detector 152D (parallel to length L shown in <FIG>) is oriented such that the detector 152D is able to detect an intensity of light falling on the detector 152D as a function of an angle through which the light has been scattered at the exposure surface 152PS. It is to be understood that, in the embodiment shown, the light source <NUM> may be arranged to direct light to be incident on the exposure surface 152PS over a non-zero range of angles such that light is scattered at the surface 152PS through a corresponding range of angles.

It is to be understood that the distribution of light intensity over the surface of the detector 152D is sensitive (responsive) to the type of fluid in contact with the exposure surface 152PS of the sensor <NUM>, and in particular the refractive index of the fluid. A different distribution of light intensity is observed as a function of distance along the length of the detector 152D in dependence on whether the fluid is air, petrol or diesel, enabling the controller <NUM> to determine reliably whether or not a liquid is present in the fuel filling apparatus <NUM> above the valve <NUM>, and whether any such liquid is petrol or diesel. It is to be understood that other types of sensor may be useful in some embodiments, including sensors responsive to a physical property other than refractive index such as ultrasonic sensors or any other suitable type of sensor. In some embodiments, liquid presence determining means in the form of a liquid presence sensor such as a capacitive liquid presence sensor, conductivity liquid presence sensor or any other suitable liquid presence sensor may be provided in addition. The controller <NUM> may employ the liquid presence sensor to confirm that liquid is present in the apparatus <NUM> above the valve <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments the controller <NUM> may verify that liquid is present in the apparatus <NUM> above the valve <NUM>, by reference to an output of the liquid presence sensor, before determining that a misfuel event has occurred if the controller <NUM> has determined, by reference to fluid sensor <NUM>, that the fluid in contact with the sensor <NUM> is not a liquid corresponding to the liquid that is permitted to be delivered to the fuel storage tank <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> includes a computing device arranged to compare data in respect of the intensity of light detected by the detector 152D with reference data stored in a memory of the controller <NUM> to determine whether the data corresponds to stored reference data in respect of air, petrol or diesel in order to determine the type of fluid in the conduit <NUM> (i.e. air, petrol or diesel). In some embodiments the controller <NUM> is arranged to determine the angle at which a peak in the intensity of scattered light is observed, or an angle that is offset from the angle of peak intensity by a prescribed amount, in order to determine whether the fluid is air, petrol or diesel.

It is to be understood that the sensor output is highly responsive to the fluid type, enabling reproducible and reliable determination of the type of fluid present in the conduit <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> also receives an input from input means in the form of a communications module <NUM> that includes a radio frequency identification device (RFID) reader module 157A and a radio communications module 157B for communicating with an automatic tank gauging (ATG) control module <NUM> remote from the elbow apparatus <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and described in further detail below.

The RFID reader module 157A is configured to read an RFID tag <NUM> that is tethered to the inlet 30IN of the underground fuel storage tank <NUM> (as illustrated schematically in <FIG>) in order to determine the type of fuel (petrol or diesel) that is stored in the storage tank <NUM>.

As noted above, when the apparatus <NUM> is initially clamped to the tank inlet 30IN by actuation of handle <NUM> the control portion <NUM> is activated, i.e. switched 'on' or 'powered up'. The reader module 157A transmits a low power RF signal to excite a suitable passive RFID tag <NUM> and detect an RF signal transmitted by the tag <NUM> in response to excitation. When the RFID tag <NUM> is presented to the reader module 157A, the reader module 157A is able to read data stored by the tag <NUM> including data indicative of the identity of the tank (in the present embodiment a code indicative of the location of the tank at the filling station, such as a tank number) and the type of fuel stored in the tank <NUM>. The reader module 157A outputs the information received from the tag <NUM> to the controller <NUM> which in turn stores this data in the memory of the controller <NUM>.

In use, when the apparatus <NUM> has been initially clamped to the inlet 30IN of the storage tank <NUM> and switched from the 'off' condition to the 'on' condition or mode, the controller <NUM> provides an indication to an operator via a liquid crystal display (LCD) display device <NUM> (<FIG>) that the RFID tag <NUM> associated with the storage tank should be presented to the apparatus <NUM> in order to enable the apparatus <NUM> to determine the type of fuel in the storage tank <NUM>. The reader module 157A reads data stored in the RFID tag <NUM> as noted above and passes the information to the controller <NUM> which stores the type of fuel indicated on the tag <NUM>, together with tank identity, in the memory of the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> maintains valve device <NUM> in the closed condition until the controller <NUM> has read the tag <NUM>. It is to be understood that the reader module 157A may read additional information from the tag <NUM> in some embodiments, such as data indicative of the location of the fuel filling station itself.

Once the tag has been read by the reader module 157A, the operator may then commence delivery of fuel from the tanker <NUM> (<FIG>) via a delivery hose <NUM> to the fuel filling apparatus <NUM>.

Once the controller <NUM> has read and stored fluid type data contained (i.e. stored) by the RFID tag <NUM>, as described above, the controller <NUM> monitors the output of the fluid sensor <NUM> and compares the type of fluid detected by the sensor <NUM> with the fluid type read from the RFID tag <NUM>. If the fluid types match, the controller <NUM> causes the valve device <NUM> to open, allowing fluid to flow past the valve device <NUM> to the fluid outlet 105OUT.

As shown in <FIG>, the valve device <NUM> has a valve plate <NUM> that is arranged to block flow of liquid through the apparatus <NUM> when the valve is closed. The valve plate <NUM> is coupled to a drive shaft <NUM> that is rotatable by an electric motor <NUM>. When it is required to open or close the valve, the motor <NUM> causes the drive shaft to rotate, causing the valve plate <NUM> in turn to rotate and open or close a flow path for fuel from the inlet 105IN to the outlet 105OUT of the apparatus <NUM>.

If the fluid types do not match, the controller <NUM> causes the valve device <NUM> to remain in the closed position. It is to be understood that the apparatus <NUM> is configured to maintain the valve device <NUM> in the closed position unless a determination is made that the type of fluid in the conduit <NUM> matches that indicated on the RFID tag <NUM>. In the present embodiment, if the controller <NUM> determines that a liquid is present that does not correspond to the fuel associated with the RFID tag <NUM>, the controller <NUM> causes an audible and visual alert to be generated to inform the operator of the problem. The visual alert is in the form of an alert provided on the LCD display device <NUM>. In some embodiments, in addition or instead a lamp such as a light emitting diode (LED) device may be illuminated, optionally in a pulsed (flashing) manner, to provide the visual alert.

In the case that the fuel detected by the sensor <NUM> matches that corresponding to the tag <NUM>, the controller <NUM> causes the valve device <NUM> to open. When the operator has finished loading fuel into the storage tank <NUM>, the operator disconnects the hose <NUM> and unclamps the elbow apparatus <NUM> from the fluid inlet 30IN. Unclamping of the elbow apparatus <NUM> causes the controller <NUM> to close the valve device <NUM> and power down ("switch off") in order to conserve battery power. Upon subsequent connection to a fuel tank inlet 30IN by clamping the apparatus <NUM> to the inlet 30IN by means of the handle <NUM>, the control portion <NUM> is again switched 'on' and controller <NUM> is configured to require reading of an RFID tag <NUM> before it can commence sensing of fluid in the conduit <NUM> and possible re-opening of the valve device <NUM>. This is in order to ensure that an operator informs the fuel filling apparatus <NUM> of the type of fuel that is permitted to be unloaded into the storage tank <NUM> to which the apparatus <NUM> has now been connected, before any delivery takes place.

It is to be understood that in the present embodiment the controller <NUM> is also configured to communicate with the ATG control module <NUM>, typically located in a sales kiosk <NUM> associated with the filling station <NUM>. The controller <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM> communicates with the ATG control module <NUM> via the radio communications module 157B, informing the ATG control module <NUM> of the identity of the tank <NUM> to which the apparatus <NUM> is attached.

It is to be understood that the ATG control module <NUM> is configured to receive a signal from a fill level sensor <NUM> (<FIG>) indicative of the level of liquid in each storage tank <NUM> of the filling station <NUM>. When contacted by the controller <NUM> of the fuel filling apparatus <NUM>, the ATG control module <NUM> responds by transmitting a signal indicative of the instantaneous fill level of the tank <NUM> to which the apparatus <NUM> is connected. The elbow apparatus <NUM> is configured to repeatedly interrogate the ATG module <NUM> to determine the fill level in the tank <NUM>. In the present embodiment the apparatus <NUM> interrogates the ATG module <NUM> at intervals of around <NUM> although other values may be useful in some embodiments.

The controller <NUM> is configured to provide an audible and visual alert to the operator in the event that the fill level of the tank to which it is connected exceeds a predetermined alert level value, in the present embodiment a fill level of <NUM> percent although other values may be useful. In the event that the fill level subsequently reaches a predetermined shut-off level, in the present embodiment a fill level of <NUM> percent (other values may be useful in some embodiments), the controller <NUM> is configured automatically to cause the valve device <NUM> to close. Thus, it is to be understood that this embodiment of the apparatus <NUM> provides portable electronic overfill prevention functionality as well as misfuel prevention functionality. The apparatus <NUM> may thus be referred to as overfill prevention apparatus or misfuel prevention apparatus. It is to be understood that some embodiments do not have functionality for communicating with an ATG module and an operator may determine the current tank fill level by other means.

It is to be understood that the ATG control module <NUM> may provide an indication that the tank is at a fill level of <NUM> percent, where such a fill level corresponds to a value a predetermined amount below a maximum permissible fill level for that tank, for example of value of around <NUM> percent of the maximum allowable fill level in order to allow for thermal expansion of liquid stored in the tank and provide a safe margin permitting draining of fuel trapped within the fuel hose <NUM> into the tank <NUM> in the event the valve device <NUM> is closed automatically by the controller <NUM>. It is to be understood that, in such a situation, an operator of the tanker <NUM> would close a valve allowing fuel to flow through the hose <NUM>. The valve device <NUM> can then be opened as described below to allow fuel trapped within the hose <NUM> to drain into the tank <NUM> before the hose <NUM> is disconnected from the apparatus <NUM> and the apparatus <NUM> disconnected from the inlet 30IN of the tank <NUM>.

In the present embodiment the apparatus <NUM> is configured to enable the operator to manually override the controller <NUM> when the valve device <NUM> is in the closed condition, forcing the valve device <NUM> to open, by means of an override RFID tag <NUM> which can be read by the reader module 157A. Upon detection of the presence of the override RFID tag <NUM> the controller <NUM> forces the valve device <NUM> to assume the open condition until the apparatus is subsequently disconnected from the tank inlet 30IN, at which time the controller <NUM> automatically causes the valve device <NUM> to close. As described above, this permits an operator to drain fuel remaining in the hose <NUM> and apparatus <NUM>, following automatic closure of the valve device <NUM> by the controller <NUM>.

In some alternative versions, not specifically claimed, instead of being overridden by an RFID tag <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may be forced to close or open the valve device <NUM> by means of a radio frequency (RF) remote control device <NUM> that communicates with the controller <NUM> via the radio communications module 157B or a separate, dedicated radio communications module. Other means for overriding the valve device <NUM> may be provided in some embodiments such as a control switch configured to cause the controller <NUM> to open the valve device <NUM> or a manual lever configured to physically close the valve device <NUM>.

It is to be understood that in the event of a manual override of the valve device <NUM>, whether by means of an override RFID tag <NUM> or remote control device <NUM>, or other suitable means, the controller <NUM> logs in the memory of the controller <NUM> the fact that an override took place, and the time of the override, for later retrieval, for example in the event that a misfuel event takes place and the cause of the misfuel event requires investigation.

As noted above, in the present embodiment the apparatus also has a charging module <NUM> having an electrical generator that includes an electrical machine <NUM> configured to generate electrical power for recharging a battery <NUM> that powers the apparatus <NUM>. The electric machine <NUM> may for example be a dynamo or any other suitable generator of electricity. The charging module <NUM> includes an "impeller" or "turbine" element <NUM> arranged to drive the electric machine <NUM>. The turbine element <NUM> is arranged to be disposed, in use, in a flow stream of liquid through the conduit <NUM> such that flow of liquid through the conduit <NUM> causes turning of the turbine element <NUM>. In the embodiment shown the turbine element <NUM> is arranged such that its axis of rotation is substantially normal to the flow stream. In the embodiment shown the turbine element <NUM> is arranged such that flow of liquid occurs over substantially the whole of an exposed face of the element <NUM>, the blades of the element being angled such that, in use, liquid flowing over the half of the face of the element <NUM> that is moving in an (upward) direction against the flow of liquid subjects the blades to a lower rotational force than the blades moving in a (downward) direction with the flow of liquid. In the present embodiment the turbine element <NUM> is arranged to rotate in a clockwise direction in a flowstream of liquid downwardly, as viewed from within the conduit <NUM>, i.e. from the viewpoint of <FIG>. Other designs for turbine element <NUM> may be useful in some embodiments.

It is to be understood that the charging module <NUM> may generate sufficient power to maintain the battery <NUM> with sufficient charge to permit operation of the controller <NUM> and actuation of the valve device <NUM> as required, in a given tank filling operation.

In some embodiments, at least half of the turbine element <NUM> may be shielded from liquid flow by means of a cover or cowl so as to reduce torque on the element <NUM> opposite the direction of intended rotation.

In some embodiments the turbine element may be arranged with its axis of rotation substantially parallel to or near parallel to the direction of flow of liquid through the conduit <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a fuel filling apparatus <NUM> according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Like features of the apparatus <NUM> of the embodiment of <FIG> to those of the apparatus <NUM> of the embodiment of FIG. 's <NUM> to <NUM> are shown with like reference numerals incremented by <NUM>. The apparatus <NUM> has a similar fluid inspection sensor <NUM> (<FIG>) to the fluid inspection sensor <NUM> of the embodiment of <FIG> and a similar control portion <NUM> to the control portion <NUM> of the embodiment of <FIG>.

The apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> has a substantially straight inlet portion <NUM>, above the first portion 208A of the upright portion <NUM> instead of the angled inlet portion <NUM> of the embodiment of FIG. 's <NUM> to <NUM>.

As in the embodiment of FIG. 's <NUM> to <NUM>, the first portion 208A includes the charging module <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view from above of the first portion 208A of the apparatus <NUM> separately from the remainder of the apparatus <NUM>. <FIG> is a plan view of the first portion 208A. <FIG> shows a portion of the first portion 208A with the portion to the left of line BB of <FIG> removed, and as viewed generally in the direction of arrow A of <FIG> from below.

As may be seen from FIG. 's <NUM> to <NUM>, the charging module <NUM> of the embodiment of <FIG> differs from that of the embodiment of FIG. 's <NUM> to <NUM> in that the impeller <NUM> is arranged with its axis of rotation substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the conduit <NUM> rather than substantially normal to it. The charging module <NUM> has an impeller <NUM> comprising six blades 242B spanning a gap between a central hub <NUM> of the impeller <NUM> (<FIG>) and a radially outer circumferential ring element 242R of the impeller <NUM>. The hub <NUM> and ring element 242R provide mechanical support for the blades 242B. It is to be understood that forces on the blades 242B can be relatively high during filling operations due to the flow rate of fuel from a tanker <NUM> and the additional support provided by the ring element 242R enhances the mechanical strength of the impeller <NUM>.

The impeller <NUM> is itself supported from above by a support plate 240P that is rigidly attached to a body 208AB of the first portion 208A of the apparatus <NUM>. The support plate 240P carries a bearing 240PB to which the hub <NUM> of the impeller <NUM> is attached, the bearing 240PB allowing free rotation of the impeller <NUM> with respect to the support plate 240P. The hub <NUM> is provided substantially coaxial of the conduit <NUM>, which is of substantially circular cross-section. The ring element 242R of the impeller <NUM> is of a diameter slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the conduit <NUM> so as to allow free rotation without contact between the impeller <NUM> and conduit <NUM>, whilst also permitting only a relatively small amount of liquid passing through the conduit <NUM> to pass around the outside of the impeller <NUM> without passing through the impeller <NUM>. Thus, substantially all of the liquid flowing through the conduit <NUM> passes through the impeller <NUM>, driving rotation of the impeller <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the internal diameter of the conduit <NUM> is in the range from <NUM> to <NUM>, the impeller having an outer diameter approximately <NUM>-<NUM> smaller than the internal diameter of the conduit <NUM> such that a gap is present between the impeller and inner wall of the conduit <NUM> in the range from <NUM>-<NUM>. Other diameters of conduit <NUM> and impeller <NUM> may be useful in some embodiments. Other sizes of gap between impeller <NUM> and conduit <NUM> may also be useful. In some alternative embodiments, the impeller <NUM> may have a larger diameter than the conduit <NUM> and be placed above or project into a recessed portion of the conduit <NUM>.

The impeller <NUM> is arranged to drive a drive shaft <NUM> (<FIG>) of an electric machine <NUM> arranged to generate electrical power in response to rotation of the impeller <NUM>. The electrical power charges a battery <NUM>. The battery <NUM> provides power to drive the control portion <NUM> provided within housing <NUM>, including opening and closing the valve device <NUM> in a similar manner to the embodiment of <FIG>.

Also visible in <FIG> is the fluid inspection sensor <NUM> and a liquid presence sensor <NUM> in the form of a capacitive sensor <NUM>. The liquid presence sensor <NUM> has an electrode 258E that is provided in a recess formed in an inner wall of the conduit <NUM> of the upper portion 208A, the electrode 258E being insulated from the wall of the conduit <NUM>. The electrode protrudes radially inwardly from within the wall of the conduit <NUM> into the recessed area in the inner wall of the conduit <NUM> as shown in <FIG> such that when the conduit <NUM> is filled with liquid, the liquid fills a space between the electrode 258E and the portion of the inner wall <NUM> defining the recess. The presence of liquid in the conduit <NUM> is determined by monitoring the capacitance of the electrode 258E, since a change in capacitance occurs in the presence of a liquid such as diesel oil or petrol compared with air or water vapour, in the gap between the electrode 258E and inner wall of the conduit <NUM>. The control portion <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM> controls the liquid presence sensor <NUM>. In some embodiments, the liquid presence sensor <NUM> is operated as a conductivity sensor, in which current flow between the electrode 258E and earth (via conduit <NUM>) is measured, the current flow for a given electrical potential applied to the electrode 258E being dependent on conductivity of the medium. It is to be understood that, based on measurements of conductivity, the control portion <NUM> is able to determine whether there is no liquid present in the conduit <NUM> (substantially no current flow between the electrode 258E and the body of the conduit <NUM>), or whether the conduit is filled with water, or fuel, water typically having a higher conductivity that petrol or diesel fuels. Thus the control means <NUM> can distinguish between water and fuel by means of conductivity measurements.

<FIG> is an exploded view of a portion of the upper portion 208A of the apparatus <NUM> in (a) perspective and (b) side views. <FIG> shows support plate 240P, impeller <NUM> and its threaded axle <NUM>, bearing 240PB, washer 242W and securing nut 242A. Teeth 242RT formed in the lower edge of the rim 242R of the impeller <NUM> can be seen. The teeth 242RT are arranged to engage a gear or drive wheel 242DW (<FIG>) that drives electric machine <NUM> as described in further detail below.

<FIG> is an assembled view of the impeller in (a) perspective and (b) side views, corresponding to the views of <FIG>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the upper portion 208A of the apparatus <NUM> from above with a portion of a side of the upper portion 208A removed to show internal details including the valve device <NUM>. <FIG> is a side view corresponding to the view of <FIG>. As may be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the teeth 242RT formed in the lower edge of the rim 242R engage a gear wheel that will be referred to as a drive wheel 242DW. The drive wheel 242DW drives a drive shaft <NUM> (<FIG>) that drives electric machine <NUM> of the charging module <NUM> provided within housing <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view corresponding to that of <FIG> as viewed parallel to a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft <NUM>.

It is to be understood that, in some arrangements, the inlet 30IN to an underground fuel storage tank <NUM> may be located below ground level. Such an arrangement reduces the amount of forecourt real estate that is otherwise unavailable for vehicle movement, as well as reducing the risk of damage to the inlet 30IN due to vehicle movement, for example when a vehicle is reversing. <FIG> is a perspective view of a spill bucket <NUM>' that may be installed at locations having a fuel inlet 30IN' below ground level. The spill bucket <NUM>' is arranged to be placed in a hole formed in ground at the location of the inlet 30IN and has an upper rim 35R' that is arranged to be provided substantially at ground level, for example supported by ground defining an edge of the hole into which the spill bucket <NUM>' is inserted. An upper surface of the rim 35R' has raised protrusions 35P' around the rim 35R' that constrain lateral displacement of a substantially flat, circular cover (not shown) that may be placed on the rim concentric of the protrusions 35P' to permit vehicle or personnel movement over the bucket <NUM>'.

A bracket <NUM>' is provided for mounting to the inlet 30IN', the bracket <NUM>' having an aperture therein through which a tether <NUM>' in the form of a flexible cord in the embodiment shown is threaded, the tether <NUM>' being attached to RFID tag <NUM>' at one end. The aperture for the tether <NUM>' is obscured in <FIG> by the RFID tag <NUM>'. The tether <NUM>' is attached, at an opposite end thereof, to the bracket <NUM>' to prevent removal therefrom. In some embodiments the tether <NUM>' may have a stop at or near the end opposite the end to which the RFID tag <NUM>' is attached, in the form of a knotted portion or an object of sufficient size to prevent detachment of the tether <NUM>' from the bracket <NUM>'. The tether <NUM>' is arranged to allow the tag <NUM>' to be lifted a sufficient distance above the bracket <NUM>' to permit the tag <NUM>' to be presented to the reader module 157A of the apparatus <NUM> (or reader module 257A of the apparatus <NUM> of the embodiment of <FIG>) coupled to that inlet 30IN' and to allow the reader module 157A to read the tag <NUM>'. However, the tether <NUM>' is also arranged not to permit the tag <NUM>' to be moved a sufficiently large distance to allow the tag <NUM>' to be presented to the reader module 157A of apparatus <NUM> that may be coupled to the inlet <NUM>' of another liquid storage tank <NUM> that may be present nearby. It is to be understood that the other liquid storage tank <NUM> may contain fuel of a different type to that of the tank <NUM> with which the RFID tag <NUM>' is associated, and presentation of that tag <NUM>' to apparatus <NUM> attached to the other tank <NUM> may result in a misfuelling event taking place.

<FIG> shows apparatus <NUM> according to a further embodiment of the present invention attached to a fuel tank inlet 330IN. <FIG> shows a right hand side of the apparatus <NUM> as viewed from a front of the apparatus <NUM> whilst <FIG> shows a left hand side. Like features of the embodiment of <FIG> to those of the embodiment of FIG. 's <NUM> to <NUM> are shown with like reference signs incremented by <NUM>. It is to be understood that the portion 308A of the apparatus <NUM> between the angle inlet portion <NUM> and clamping elements <NUM> is similar to the first portion 208A of the embodiment of <FIG>, the apparatus having a similar liquid detector <NUM>, liquid presence sensor <NUM> and valve device <NUM> to the embodiment of <FIG>. It is to be understood that the liquid detector <NUM>, liquid presence sensor <NUM> and valve device <NUM> are hidden from view in the drawings shown, but their locations within the apparatus <NUM> are indicated generally in <FIG> for clarity.

It is to be understood that the embodiment of <FIG> is of reduced length compared with that of the embodiments of FIG. 's <NUM> to <NUM> and is particularly suited for coupling to a tank inlet 330IN that is located above ground, where the inlet 330IN is readily accessible to the hand for attachment of the apparatus <NUM> to the inlet 330IN, rather than one that is located below ground such as that shown in <FIG>.

The embodiment of <FIG> is provided with a similar charging module <NUM> and control portion <NUM> to the embodiment of FIG. 's <NUM> to <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the apparatus <NUM> (a) before it is offered to the inlet 330IN, (b) after the apparatus <NUM> has been placed on the inlet 330IN but before it has been secured thereto, and (c) after the apparatus <NUM> has been secured to the inlet 330IN.

In contrast to the embodiment of <FIG>, the embodiment of <FIG> is arranged to be attached to a fuel inlet 330IN by separate actuation, by means of the hand(s) of an operator directly, of each of a pair of clamp elements <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM> in a known manner. The clamp elements <NUM> are arranged to be swung from the radially outward orientation of <FIG> to the radially inner, clamped, orientation of <FIG> in order to secure the apparatus <NUM> to the inlet 330IN.

The apparatus <NUM> has an RFID reader module 357A located external to the control portion <NUM> but in electrical communication therewith by means of a wired connection. The RFID reader module 357A is positioned at a lower edge of the apparatus <NUM> such that, when the apparatus <NUM> is coupled to a tank inlet 330IN, it is directly adjacent the fluid tank inlet 330IN to which the apparatus <NUM> is coupled. The tank inlet 330IN has a bracket or collar <NUM> coupled thereto. The collar <NUM> has an RFID tag <NUM> attached thereto. The collar is positioned such that when the apparatus <NUM> is coupled to the inlet 330IN, the RFID tag <NUM> is in sufficient proximity to the apparatus <NUM> that, if the apparatus <NUM> is coupled to the inlet 330IN with the reader module 357A substantially directly facing the RFID tag <NUM>, the reader module 357A is able to read the tag <NUM>. It is to be understood that in some embodiments the reader module 357A may be configured to read a tag <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM> at substantially any rotational position, or within a relatively broad range of rotational positions. In some embodiments, the tank inlet 330IN and apparatus <NUM> may have complementary formations provided therein or thereon such that the apparatus <NUM> may only be attached to the inlet 330IN at a particular rotational orientation. The collar <NUM> can therefore be positioned on the inlet 330IN at a rotational position corresponding to alignment of the RFID tag <NUM> with the reader module 357A when the apparatus <NUM> is attached to the inlet 330IN. <FIG> is a plan view of the bracket <NUM> shown in <FIG> whilst <FIG> shows the bracket <NUM> (a) prior to attachment to the inlet 330IN and (b) following attachment to the inlet 330IN.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, the apparatus <NUM> is activated by means of a button switch <NUM> having a button that an operator may press in order to actuate the switch <NUM>. When the button switch <NUM> is pressed, the apparatus <NUM> assumes an "on" condition in which the control portion <NUM> receives electrical power, i.e. is 'powered up'. The control portion <NUM> causes the reader module 357A to read data stored in the RFID tag <NUM> (as described above with respect to the embodiments of FIG. 's <NUM> to <NUM>). Information in respect of the type of fuel indicated on the tag <NUM> is stored in memory of the control portion <NUM>. It is to be understood that in the present embodiment the control portion <NUM> also stores information in respect of the identity of the tank <NUM> to which the apparatus <NUM> is connected (such as tank number at the location), and a code indicative of the location of the filling station (such as a filling station number or geographical location), obtained from the tag <NUM> by the reader module 357A. The apparatus <NUM> may now be considered to be 'latched' electronically, via the reader module 357A and tag <NUM>, to the tank inlet 339IN.

The control portion <NUM> is configured to maintain the valve device <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM> in the closed condition until the reader module 357A has read the tag <NUM>. It is to be understood that the reader module 357A may read additional information from the tag <NUM> in some embodiments.

Once the apparatus <NUM> has read the RFID tag <NUM>, the control portion <NUM> provides an indication to an operator via liquid crystal display (LCD) display device <NUM> of the type of liquid (in the present embodiment, petrol (and optionally octane rating - such as indication that 'regular' or 'super' petrol is to be delivered), or diesel) that is permitted to be delivered to the tank <NUM>. The operator may then commence delivery of fuel from the tanker <NUM> (<FIG>) via a delivery hose <NUM> to the fuel filling apparatus <NUM>.

Once the control portion <NUM> has read and stored fluid type data carried by the RFID tag <NUM>, as described above, the control portion <NUM> monitors the output of fluid inspection sensor <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM>, being substantially identical to the fluid inspection sensor <NUM> of the embodiment of <FIG>. Once liquid is detected in the conduit <NUM>, by means of liquid presence sensor <NUM>, the control portion <NUM> again causes the reader module 357A to read data stored in the RFID tag <NUM> in respect of the type of fuel indicated on the tag <NUM>. The control portion <NUM> also determines the liquid type in the conduit <NUM> (petrol or diesel) by reference to the fluid sensor <NUM>. The control portion <NUM> checks whether the fresh information in respect of fuel type received from the reader module 357A corresponds to the type of fuel identified by the fluid inspection sensor <NUM>. If the data read from the tag <NUM> in respect of the type of fuel stored in the storage tank <NUM> does correspond to the fuel identified by the fuel sensor <NUM>, then the control portion <NUM> opens the valve <NUM> and fuel is permitted to be delivered to the tank inlet 330IN. Thus, the apparatus <NUM> ensures that it is still electronically latched to the same tank inlet 330IN as when the apparatus <NUM> was first switched on via switch <NUM>.

In some embodiments, once liquid is detected in the conduit <NUM>, by means of liquid presence sensor <NUM>, and the control portion <NUM> again causes the reader module 357A to read data stored in the RFID tag <NUM>, the control portion <NUM> causes the reader module to read data stored in the tag <NUM> in respect of the type of fuel indicated on the tag <NUM>, the identity of the tank <NUM> to which the apparatus <NUM> is connected, and a code indicative of the location of the filling station. The control portion <NUM> receives this data and compares the data read from the tag <NUM> in respect of the type of fuel stored in the storage tank <NUM> with the fuel identified by the fuel sensor <NUM>. The control portion <NUM> also compares information in respect of the identity of the tank <NUM> to which the apparatus <NUM> is connected, and optionally the code indicative of the location of the filling station, with the data stored when the apparatus <NUM> was first switched on and the RFID tag <NUM> first read. The control portion <NUM> checks that the information freshly received corresponds to that already stored in memory of the control portion <NUM>. If the information has changed, the control portion stores the new information in addition to the previously stored information, such that it is apparent to a person reading the data stored in the memory that the information changed prior to delivery of fuel to the fuel inlet 330IN. If the control portion <NUM> determines that the output of the fluid sensor <NUM> corresponds to the data freshly received in respect of fuel type stored by the RFID tag <NUM>, the control portion <NUM> permits the valve device <NUM> to open, even though the data in respect of the tank to which the apparatus <NUM> is connected has changed, indicating that the apparatus <NUM> has been moved to a different tank. If the control portion <NUM> determines that the output of the fluid sensor <NUM> does not correspond to the data in respect of fuel type stored by the tag <NUM>, the control portion <NUM> does not permit the valve device <NUM> to open and the apparatus <NUM> provides an audible and visual alert to a user, the visual alert being provided via LCD display <NUM>. The control portion <NUM> also stores in memory a record of the fact that a mismatch was detected. Thus, in some embodiments, if the apparatus <NUM> determines that the apparatus has been moved by detecting that the data read from the tag has changed, it accepts the change in data and electronically latches to the new tag. In some embodiments it will then permit the valve device <NUM> if correspondence is found between the fuel identified by the fluid inspection sensor <NUM> and the new permitted fuel information received from the new tag <NUM>.

An operator may override the control portion <NUM> and force the control portion <NUM> to cause the valve device <NUM> to open by means of a portable radio frequency (RF) remote control device <NUM> similar to that described above in respect of the embodiment of <FIG>. In some embodiments, in response to an override signal, the control portion <NUM> opens the control valve <NUM> for a predetermined time period such as <NUM>, <NUM> or other suitable time period, for example a time period sufficient to permit draining of fuel in the hose <NUM> connected to the apparatus <NUM>. The device <NUM> communicates with the control portion <NUM> via a radio communications module (similar to the module 157B described in respect of <FIG>). In some embodiments the device <NUM> communicates with the control portion <NUM> via the reader module 357A. In the present embodiment the control portion <NUM> stores in a memory thereof, for later retrieval, information indicative of the fact that a manual override took place. The control portion <NUM> may also store information indicative for the period of time for which the manual override took place, i.e. the period of time for which the valve device <NUM> was open.

In some embodiments, in addition to or instead of an RFID tag <NUM> attached to the tank inlet 330IN, magnetic identifier elements may be co-located with the fluid storage tank inlet 330IN to which the apparatus is coupled. The magnetic identifier elements may encode information in respect of the type of fluid permitted to be stored in the tank <NUM> to which the apparatus <NUM> is connected and may be read by a magnetic detector comprised by the apparatus <NUM>. The magnetic identifier elements may encode information by virtue of their polar orientation with respect to one another and/or a reference orientation. In some alternative embodiments a panel bearing a bar code may be provided at the inlet 300IN arranged to be read by a barcode reader forming part of the apparatus <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the apparatus <NUM> may receive or be pre-programmed with information indicative of the identity of a fluid storage tank <NUM> into which fluid of a given type is to be dispensed. The control portion <NUM> may be configured to determine the type of fuel permitted to be delivered to the storage tank <NUM> to which the apparatus <NUM> is connected, based on information received from the reader module 357A in respect of the identity of the tank <NUM> to which the apparatus is connected rather than information in respect of permitted fuel.

In some embodiments, the apparatus <NUM> is arranged such that the reader module 357A repeatedly reads the RFID tag <NUM> associated with the tank inlet 330IN to which the apparatus <NUM> is connected and provides the information to the control portion <NUM>, which stores the information in memory. As in the case of other embodiments described herein, the data is stored together with the current date and time, or information indicative thereof. The control portion <NUM> monitors the information received from the reader module 357A and once liquid is detected in the apparatus <NUM> by means of the liquid presence sensor <NUM>, the control portion <NUM> determines the liquid type by means of fluid inspection sensor <NUM> and compares the liquid type with the most recently received permitted fluid information from the reader module 357A. If the liquid type determined by the fluid inspection sensor <NUM> corresponds to the most recently received permitted fluid information from the reader module 357A, the control portion <NUM> causes the valve device <NUM> to open, and liquid to be supplied to the fuel tank inlet 330IN.

It is to be understood that the feature that the apparatus <NUM> re-checks the type of liquid corresponding to the information stored by the RFID tag <NUM> has the advantage that the problem of misfuel events can be further reduced. This is because if an operator connects the apparatus <NUM> to a first fluid tank inlet 330IN, causing the control portion <NUM> to read the associated RFID tag <NUM> and store it in memory, and subsequently disconnects the apparatus and connects it to a second fluid tank inlet 330IN with an associated RFID tag <NUM> corresponding to a different fluid type, the system will read the RFID tag <NUM> corresponding to the second fluid tank and compare the fluid type associated with that RFID tag <NUM> with the output of the fluid sensor <NUM> before permitting the valve <NUM> to open.

It is to be understood that, following switching on of the apparatus <NUM>, once the control portion <NUM> has started receiving tag information from the reader module 357A, the control portion <NUM> may store freshly received tag information and overwrite the tag information most recently stored since the apparatus <NUM> was switched on until liquid has been detected in the apparatus <NUM> by the liquid presence sensor <NUM> and its identity determined by the fluid inspection sensor <NUM>. The apparatus <NUM> may retain the most recently received tag information when the identity of the liquid has been determined by the fluid inspection sensor <NUM>, and store, with that information, information indicative of the identity of the liquid determined by the fluid inspection sensor <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the control portion <NUM> may continue to receive information indicative of tag identity from the reader module 357A for a predetermined period such as <NUM>, <NUM> or any other period, following opening of the valve device <NUM>. Thus, the control portion <NUM> continues to electronically latch the apparatus to the tag <NUM> of the inlet 330IN following opening of the valve device <NUM>.

In some embodiments the control portion <NUM> may continue receiving tag identity information throughout the period for which the control valve <NUM> is open, maintaining the electronic latching throughout this period. In the event that a change in the information occurs whilst the valve <NUM> is open the control portion <NUM> may be configured to close the valve <NUM> and log in memory thereof the fact that a change occurred.

It is to be understood that, one the liquid presence sensor <NUM> determines that liquid is no longer present in the conduit <NUM>, the apparatus <NUM> may determine that the delivery is complete. It is to be understood that an output of the fluid inspection sensor <NUM> may in addition provide an indication that the fluid in contact with the sensor <NUM> no longer corresponds to the permitted fluid information.

Once the control portion <NUM> determines, by reference to the liquid presence sensor <NUM> (or fluid inspection sensor <NUM> in the absence of a liquid presence sensor <NUM>) that the liquid is no longer present in the conduit <NUM>, the control portion <NUM> closes the valve <NUM> and switches itself off. In some embodiments, the control portion <NUM> may close the valve <NUM> a predetermined time period after the liquid presence sensor <NUM> and/or the fluid inspection sensor <NUM> detect that liquid is no longer present, to allow an operator time to drain any fluid trapped in the delivery hose <NUM> between the tanker <NUM> and the apparatus <NUM>. Alternatively, the apparatus <NUM> may require the operator to override the control portion <NUM>, forcing it to open the valve device <NUM>, by actuation of the portable RF remote control device <NUM>. In some embodiments, if the predetermined time period for which the apparatus <NUM> retains the control valve <NUM> in the open condition following completion of a delivery is insufficient to allow draining of liquid in the hose <NUM>, the operator may nevertheless override the control portion <NUM> by means of RF remote control device <NUM>.

It is to be understood that, in some embodiments not employing a liquid presence sensor, the control portion <NUM> may confirm that an output of the fluid inspection sensor <NUM> corresponds to air when the apparatus <NUM> is first switched on. The control portion <NUM> may then monitor the output of the fluid inspection sensor <NUM> and when the output changes from air, determine whether the output corresponds to permitted fluid information.

In such embodiments, the presence of water vapour or dirt such as sludge on the exposure surface 152PS of the sensor <NUM> either when the apparatus <NUM> is first switched on, or prior to liquid fuel filling the conduit <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM>, may result in the control portion <NUM> determining that a misfuel event has occurred because the output of the fluid inspection sensor <NUM> may not correspond to air or a permitted fuel. Accordingly, it is to be understood that an advantage of the use of a liquid presence sensor or detector <NUM> is that the control portion <NUM> may confirm that liquid is present in the conduit <NUM> before checking whether fluid in contact with the exposure surface 152PS of the fluid inspection sensor <NUM> is permitted liquid, reducing the risk that the apparatus <NUM> falsely determines that a misfuel event is occurring during liquid fuel filling operations.

Further embodiments of the present invention may be understood by reference to the following statements:
The apparatus may further comprise liquid presence determining means for determining whether liquid is present in the conduit of the apparatus. this liquid presence determining means may comprise a separate liquid presence sensor. Alternatively, the fluid inspection means may be configured to determine whether liquid is present in the conduit, providing the liquid presence determining means.

The apparatus may be configured to receive fresh permitted fluid information via the input means once it is has been determined that liquid is present in the conduit by means of the liquid presence determining means.

The apparatus may further be configured to receive fresh permitted fluid information via the input means once it is has been determined that fluid in the conduit corresponds to the permitted fluid information previously received, the control means being configured automatically to cause the valve means to prevent or allow flow of fluid through the conduit in dependence on the output of the fluid inspection means and the freshly received permitted fluid information received by the input means.

Some embodiments of the present invention have the advantage that an accidental or intentional misfuelling event due to movement of the apparatus from the inlet of a first fluid storage tank to that of a second may be prevented. This is because, before causing the valve means to allow fluid flow therethrough, the apparatus receives fresh permitted fluid information and ensures that the output of the fluid inspection means matches the fresh permitted fluid information associated with the inlet of the fluid storage tank to which the apparatus is coupled. Thus, if after being coupled to a first fluid storage tank inlet the apparatus is subsequently moved to the inlet of a second fluid storage tank, the apparatus confirms that the output of the fluid inspection means matches the permitted fluid information associated with the second fluid storage tank before allowing the valve means to permit fluid flow therethrough, preventing a misfuel event in the event of a mismatch between fluid in the conduit of the apparatus and the permitted fluid information.

In some embodiments the apparatus is configured to receive, in advance of use, information indicative of the identity of one or more tanks or inlets and the type(s) of fluid that is(are) permitted to be dispensed into each of the one or more tanks or inlets. The apparatus may be configured to receive information indicative of the identity of a tank or inlet to which the apparatus is connected and determine, from information stored by the apparatus, the identity of the fuel that it is permitted to deliver. In some embodiments the apparatus may be configured to access a remote data storage device such as a server, and obtain information in respect of the liquid that it is permitted to deliver to that inlet or tank.

It is to be understood that, in some embodiments, the apparatus is configured repeatedly to receive permitted fluid information repeatedly when switched on. In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured repeatedly to receive permitted fluid information repeatedly for a predetermined time period following powering up of the apparatus. In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured repeatedly to receive permitted fluid information when switched on until the control means determines that the valve means may be opened.

The apparatus may be configured such that, when initially connected to a fluid tank inlet, or initially switched on, the apparatus receives permitted fluid information via the input means. The apparatus may provide an output corresponding to the permitted fluid information, for example by means of a visual output such as by illuminating a lamp corresponding to the permitted fluid or via a display such as a digital display, optionally a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel. This feature has the advantage that an operator can confirm that the fluid the apparatus is expecting corresponds to the fluid the operator intends to deliver. The apparatus may then be configured to receive fresh permitted fluid information via the input means once it is has been determined that fluid in the conduit corresponds to the permitted fluid information initially received, the control means being configured automatically to cause the valve means to prevent or allow flow of fluid through the conduit in dependence on the output of the fluid inspection means and the freshly received permitted fluid information received by the input means.

Claim 1:
Apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a fluid inlet (105IN) for receiving fluid, in particular fuel, from a fluid source, a fluid outlet (105OUT) and a conduit (<NUM>) disposed therebetween;
fluid inspection means (<NUM>) for inspecting a fluid within the conduit (<NUM>), the inspection means (<NUM>) being configured to provide an output indicative of a type of fluid in the conduit (<NUM>);
valve means (<NUM>) operable selectively to prevent or allow flow of fluid through the conduit (<NUM>) from the fluid inlet (105IN) to the fluid outlet (105OUT); and
control means (<NUM>) configured automatically to cause the valve means (<NUM>) to prevent or allow flow of fluid through the conduit (<NUM>) in dependence on the output of the fluid inspection means (<NUM>) and permitted fluid information, the permitted fluid information being information indicative of a type of fluid that is to be permitted to flow through the conduit (<NUM>),
wherein the apparatus is portable, the apparatus being configured to be removably attachable to a fluid storage tank inlet;
characterised in that the apparatus (<NUM>) comprises an electrical generator (<NUM>) configured to generate electrical power to charge a charge storage device in response to flow of fluid through the apparatus (<NUM>) during an operation in which fluid flows from the fluid inlet (105IN) to the fluid outlet (105OUT) via the conduit (<NUM>), the charge storage device being arranged to provide a supply of electrical power for the apparatus,
and the apparatus (<NUM>) further comprises input means for receiving the permitted fluid information, wherein the input means comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader (157A).