WO2010075563A1

WO2010075563A1 - Portable fuel dispensing container with vapor recovery feature, and small vehicle refueling station using a plurality of portable fuel dispensing containers

Info

Publication number: WO2010075563A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/069486
Authority: WO
Inventors: John E. Ingold; Jonathan E. Deline
Original assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
Priority date: 2008-12-24
Filing date: 2009-12-23
Publication date: 2010-07-01
Also published as: CN102333721A

Abstract

A refueling station including an aboveground fuel storage tank configured to dispense fuel by gravity rather than electricity. The storage tank may comprise multiple compartments to store different types of fuel. The storage tank is configured to receive vapor recovery displaced by the dispensed fuel. The storage tank may be stackable and may be transported to a remote facility to process the recovered vapor.

Description

TITLE

PORTABLE FUEL DISPENSING CONTAINER WITH VAPOR RECOVERY FEATURE,

AND SMALL VEHICLE REFUELING STATION USING A PLURALITY OF PORTABLE FUEL DISPENSING CONTAINERS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a portable fuel dispensing container that may be used in refueling a small vehicle, such as a motorcycle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In mature markets, fuel is typically dispensed into a vehicle using one of a plurality of fuel dispensers located in the forecourt region of a fuel dispensing environment. The fuel itself is located in underground storage tanks (USTs) from which it is pumped to the dispensers through fixed piping. Typically, respective USTs may be provided for different grades of fuel such as regular octane and high octane. The dispenser is adapted to dispense the particular grade of fuel selected by the customer. Mid-grade fuel may be produced at the dispenser itself by mixing lower and higher grades.

[0003] It is also known to equip fixed fuel dispensers with vapor recovery capability. As vapor in the vehicle's fuel tank is displaced by the incoming fuel, it is drawn in at the dispenser nozzle and returned to the UST.

[0004] Emerging markets have contrasting fuel experiences and needs in comparison with mature markets. In many cases, motorcycles and other types of smaller vehicles may be more common than automobiles. A fuel dispensing environment using USTs and fixed fuel dispensers as described above may not be appropriate. In addition to the cost of installation, conventional mature market installations may not satisfy local needs such as the need for small fills. In addition, some emerging markets may not require vapor recovery now but might be expected to impose such a requirement in the future.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention recognizes and addresses the foregoing considerations of prior art constructions and methods.

[0006] In accordance with one aspect, the present invention provides a portable fuel dispensing container used to dispense a quantity of fuel to a small vehicle. The container comprises a container portion adapted to contain the quantity of fuel. A spout connectable to an inlet port of a fuel tank on the small vehicle provides a vapor tight connection. The container is adapted to recover and contain fuel vapor displaced from the fuel tank as the quantity of fuel is dispensed thereto.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention provides a small vehicle refueling station comprising an above-ground refueling tank which feeds fuel to a filling nozzle such as via gravity. The station further comprises a plurality of vapor recovery containers fillable at the filling nozzle. Each of the vapor recovery containers has a connection spout adapted for vapor tight connection with the inlet port of a fuel tank. [0008] Other objects, features and aspects of the present invention are provided by various combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed elements, as well as methods of utilizing same, which are discussed in greater detail below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof to one skilled in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures, in which: [0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a small vehicle refueling station constructed in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; [0011] Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation showing a portable fuel dispensing container in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; [0012] Figure 3 is an elevational view of the portable fuel dispensing container of Figure 2;

[0013] Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views of vehicle refueling stations in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention; and [0014] Figures 6, 7, and 8 are perspective views of fuel storage tanks in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. [0017] Figure 1 illustrates a small vehicle refueling station 10 in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. As can be seen, station 10 includes a structure 12 having a service counter 13 behind which an attendant 14 works. Customers approach station 10 on their small vehicles and park in a designated parking area adjacent to structure 12. In this case, for example, a customer 16 on a motorcycle 18 approaches station 10.

[0018] The fuel to be purchased is provided in individual containers that are prefilled with a selected quantity of fuel. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, a plurality of such containers may be located in respective bins labeled 1-5. As the bottom container is removed from the bin, the remaining containers in the same bin increment so that a new container is in the bottom position. Typically, the containers will be used to refuel the small vehicle on-site or, if taken off-site, may be exchanged for an empty container or a cash deposit.

[0019] Empty containers may be refilled at station 10 by attendant 14 during periods when customer traffic is slow. In this regard, station 10 may typically include some type of vessel in which the bulk fuel is stored. For example, the fuel may be stored in a UST but this would require energy to pump the fuel to above ground level. Therefore, the illustrated embodiment utilizes a storage tank 20 located on the roof of structure 12. Tank 20 is in fluid communication with a container fill nozzle via a hose 22. The location of tank 20 utilizes gravity to feed the fuel to the fill nozzle without the need for electricity.

[0020] In Figure 2, user 16 is shown filling the fuel tank 24 of motorcycle 18 from a container 26 acquired at station 10. Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, container 26 may preferably be transparent (or may alternatively have a sight glass) so that the customer can visually confirm the quantity and quality of the fuel. In this regard, container 26 may be formed of an appropriate shatterproof plastic although embodiments made from glass are contemplated. Generally, container 26 may have an ergonomic configuration and be adapted to contain 1-3 liters of gasoline or other fuel. One advantage of bottle fueling is that it allows quick adoption of alternative fuels as they increase in prominence.

[0021] In order to prevent displaced vapor in fuel tank 24 from being released to the atmosphere, container 26 is preferably configured to form a vapor tight connection with the inlet port of fuel tank 24. As the fuel from container 26 is transferred to fuel tank 24, the displaced vapor flows into container 26. In this regard, container 26 includes the appropriate connection spout 28 to form the vapor tight connection. [0022] For example, spout 28 may be configured to provide a quick disconnection which mates with a corresponding connector on the vehicle and provides a quick connection and disconnection in addition to a vapor tight seal. Alternatively, spout 28 may be configured as a pressure connection which mates to an existing connection on the fuel tank. As the user compresses the connection on the bottle against the fuel tank, it compresses a valve and allows the fuel to transfer. The pressure also provides a seal for recovering the fuel vapor. [0023] Container 26 may include an integrated pump (e.g., manually operated by crank handle 30) to increase the rate of fuel delivery and vapor recovery. In addition, spout 28 will often be configured with an alternate flow path for the recovered vapor to facilitate fuel dispensing and vapor recovery. Embodiments are contemplated in which container 26 may be divided into separate fuel and vapor chambers. [0024] Container 26 may be equipped with a vapor recovery monitor to signal that vapor has been recovered and to indicate the amount recovered. Preferably, the recovered vapor is transferred into tank 20 when container 26 is refilled. Eventually, the vapor may be trucked back to the fuel distribution center.

[0025] In another embodiment, the storage tank containing fuel comprises at least two compartments in order to store various types of fuel. For instance, Figure 4 illustrates a vehicle refueling station 40 comprising a fuel storage tank 20. In this embodiment, tank 20 is segmented into at least two compartments 42 and 44. Compartment 42 is in fluid communication with a first container fill nozzle via a hose 22, while compartment 44 is in fluid communication with a second container fill nozzle via hose 46. While fuel storage tank 20 is illustrated as having two compartments in Figure 4, it should be understood that the tank may comprise additional compartments as desired, each of which is in fluid communication with a respective hose and fill nozzle. Accordingly, fuel storage tank 20 may contain additional types of fuel. [0026] Compartments 42 and 44 may be filled with different grades of fuel or with different types of fuel. For instance, compartment 42 may be filled with low octane gasoline, while compartment 44 may be filled with high octane gasoline. Alternatively, compartment 42 may be filled with gasoline, while compartment 44 may be filled with ethanol fuel. Otherwise, vehicle refueling station 40 operates in a manner similar to that described above with respect to station 10 of Figure 1. That is, containers configured to provide an airtight connection to a vehicle are prefilled with fuel. A user connects the container to a vehicle's fuel tank in order to dispense fuel to the vehicle. As gravity causes the fuel to be delivered from the container to the vehicle, fuel vapor is displaced from the vehicle's fuel tank and enters the storage container. Once the fuel has been dispensed to the vehicle, the container is sealed in order to contain the fuel vapor. [0027] Another airtight connection is made between the container and the fill nozzle of hose 22 or 46 in order to refill the container with fuel. For example, if the container originally contained the same type of fuel stored in compartment 42, the container is connected to the fill nozzle of hose 22. Otherwise, if the container originally contained the same type of fuel stored in compartment 44, the container is connected to the fill nozzle of hose 46. As gravity causes the fuel to be delivered from fuel storage tank 20 to the container via the hose, the fuel vapor enclosed within the container is moved up the hose and stored within the fuel storage tank. The location of tank 20 utilizes gravity to feed the fuel to the fill nozzle without the need for electricity. [0028] In another embodiment, the refueling station is configured to dispense fuel directly to a vehicle and accept payment for the dispensed fuel. For example, Figure 5 illustrates a vehicle refueling station 50 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Vehicle refueling station 50 comprises a structure 12 having a service counter 13 behind which an attendant 14 works. Station 50 further comprises a fuel storage tank 20 located on the roof of structure 12. Tank 20 is in fluid communication with a container fill nozzle via a hose 22. [0029] In this embodiment, hose 22 is also in fluid communication with a second hose 52 via a piping network 54 that includes a meter 56. The meter is configured to measure the volume of fuel passing through the piping network. Meter 56 is operatively connected to a processing device 58 which may be accomplished via a pulser as should be understood in the art. Hose 52 is in fluid communication with a nozzle 70 configured to create an airtight connection with the fuel tank of a vehicle 60, such as a car as illustrated in Figure 5. Hoses 22 and 52, piping network 54, meter 56, and fill nozzle 70 are considered a fuel flow path. As should be understood in the art, one or more valves are located within the fuel flow path in order to control the flow of fuel to vehicle 60. Processing device 58 and fill nozzle 70 may each be operatively connected to at least one valve in order to control the relevant valve's operation. For instance, processing device 58 is configured to authorize a valve to open, while fill nozzle 70 is configured to physically open a valve when the user depresses the nozzle's handle. [0030] Structure 12 may also include a user interface 62 comprising a display 64, a keypad 66, and a card reader 68. The components of user interface 62 are operatively connected to processing device 58 and configured to accept payment for the fuel dispensed via hose 52. It should be understood that user interface 62 may comprise additional components to facilitate acceptance of payment for the dispensed fuel, such as a smart card reader or cash acceptor. Vehicle refueling station 50 is otherwise similar in construction to refueling station 10 described above with respect to Figure 1. [0031] In operation, a user positions vehicle 60 adjacent to the side of structure 12 comprising hose 52 and user interface 62 as shown. As should be understood in the art, the customer may utilize user interface 62 in order to prepay for the fuel to be dispensed to vehicle 60. The user connects fill nozzle 70 of hose 52 to an opening of the fuel tank of vehicle 60. Preferably, the connection between fill nozzle 70 and the opening of vehicle 60's fuel tank may be airtight, but other embodiments where the connection is not airtight are contemplated. If the prepayment is accepted, processing device 58 authorizes the valve in the fuel flow path to open. The user depresses the nozzle's handle in order to initiate the flow of fuel to the vehicle's fuel tank. [0032] The location of fuel storage tank 20 utilizes gravity to feed the fuel to hose 22 without the need for pumping by electricity. The fuel continues to flow through piping network 54, meter 56, hose 52, and fill nozzle 70 into the fuel tank of vehicle 60. As fuel enters the fuel tank, fuel vapor is moved into hose 52 via fill nozzle 70 and continues through piping network 54 and hose 22 into fuel storage tank 20. In this manner, the fuel vapor is recovered and stored within tank 20. Upon completion of the fueling process, processing device 58 finalizes the transaction for the dispensed fuel based on information received from meter 56 via the pulser, as should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Any electricity necessary for operation of relatively low powered components, such as user interface 62, can be accomplished by solar power or battery power.

[0033] In another embodiment, the fuel storage tank is designed to be moveable from atop the fueling station. For example, Figure 6 illustrates a fuel storage tank 72 exhibiting a uniform cuboidal shape. The shape of storage tank 72 allows it to be placed in a truck bed, on a flat bed, or inside a semi-trailer. Additionally, the tank's shape allows similar storage tanks to be placed adjacent and on top of tank 72 in order to transport the tanks. [0034] In operation, when most or all of the fuel stored within fuel storage tank 72 has been displaced with fuel vapor as described above, the tank is removed from above the vehicle fueling station. Fuel storage tank 72 is then transported to a facility in order to process the fuel vapor contained therein. Another fuel storage tank, similar in construction and operation to tank 72, is placed above the vehicle fueling station and utilized in the manner described above.

[0035] In another embodiment, the fuel storage tanks are designed so that they are stackable in order to facilitate transportation. Referring to Figure 6, for example, a fuel storage tank 74 exhibits the shape of an elongated, three-dimensional, isosceles trapezoid, as illustrated. The top surface of storage tank 74 defines a recess 76 corresponding in size and shape to the bottom surface of the tank. The shape of fuel storage tank 74 and indentation 76 allow multiple, similar storage tanks to be stacked on top of one another. As a result, multiple fuel storage tanks may be transported together.

[0036] In another embodiment, fuel storage tank 74 is configured so that multiple tanks similar to tank 74 may be stacked on top of one another above vehicle fueling station 10 (Figure 1). When all or most of the fuel in one storage tank 74 has been replaced with fuel vapor, the connection between hose 22 (Figure 1) and the tank is sealed. The hose is then connected to the next available fuel storage tank. As the fuel is depleted from a fuel storage tank, it may be replaced with another tank. Alternatively, once all the fuel storage tanks have been depleted, they are replaced by another set of fuel storage tanks. The fuel storage tanks containing fuel vapor may then be transported to a facility to process the fuel vapor in a manner that should be understood in the art. [0037] Figure 8 illustrates a fuel storage tank 80 comprising a trailer hitch 82 and a plurality of wheels 84. Trailer hitch 82 and wheels 84 allow tank 80 to be connected to the back of a vehicle, such as a truck or tractor. Fuel storage tank 80 may then be transported to, and placed above, vehicle refueling station 10 (Figure 1). When the fuel located in tank 80 has been replaced with fuel vapor in the manner described above, the tank is sealed, removed from the station, reconnected to the vehicle, and transported to a facility in order to process the vapor.

[0038] It should be understood that a vehicle may be adapted with a system that places and retrieves the fuel storage tanks from the top surface of the refueling stations described above. For instance, a truck or a tractor-trailer may be equipped with a hydraulic lift system enabling the vehicle to transport prefilled fuel storage tanks to the station and then to lift the storage tanks onto the station's top surface. Once the fuel in the storage tanks has been replaced with recovered fuel vapor, the hydraulic lift system may be utilized to remove the storage tank from the station's top surface in order to transport the tanks to a facility to process the vapor.

[0039] In another embodiment, the fuel storage tank may be configured as the fueling station, as well as the fuel tank. That is, the tank may include both the ability to dispense fuel and to accept payment for the dispensed fuel. Referring to Figure 9, for example, a fueling system 90 comprises a fuel storage tank 92 configured to contain a volume of fuel. System 90 further comprises a hitch 82 and a plurality of wheels 84 similar in construction and function to those described above with respect to Figure 8. A hose 22 is in fluid connection with tank 92 via a meter 86. A nozzle 70 configured to dispense fuel to a vehicle 60, such as a car, is in fluid communication with the other end of hose 22.

[0040] In this embodiment, fuel storage tank 92 includes a user interface 62 comprising a display 64, a keypad 66, and a card reader 68. A processing device 58 is operatively connected to each of the components of user interface 62 and to meter 56. Fuel storage tank 92 is configured to be elevated in comparison to vehicle 60 so that the tank may dispense fuel to the vehicle via hose 22 and nozzle 70 without the need for pumping by electricity. Any electricity necessary for operation of relatively low powered components may be accomplished by solar power or battery power. For instance, an optional pair 94 of solar panels is located on the top surface of fuel storage tank 92 and connected to user interface 62 and processing device 58. Solar panels 94 provide an amount of power to the user interface and processing device sufficient to operate the components. It should be understood that additional solar panels or other power supplies may be included in fuel storage tank 92.

[0041] System 90 functions in a manner similar to that described above with respect to fueling station 50 of Figure 5. That is, hose 22 and nozzle 70 are used to dispense fuel to vehicle 60, while user interface 62 is utilized to facilitate payment for the dispensed fuel. Tank 92 is configured to store the fuel vapor displaced by the fuel as it is dispensed into the fuel tank of vehicle 60. In this embodiment, however, system 90 may be delivered to various locations, such as parking lots or garages, in comparison to sites specifically configured as fueling stations. Fuel may be dispensed to vehicles using system 90, which is also configured to accept payment for the dispensed fuel. When the fuel contained in tank 92 has been dispensed and replaced with fuel vapor, the tank is attached to a truck or trailer and transported to a facility to process the vapor. It should be understood that the same truck or trailer may deliver a second tank 92 as the same time it removes the first tank 92. While the preferred embodiments have been described above including a vapor recovery feature, it should be understood that other embodiments that do not include the recovery feature are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.

[0042] It can be seen that the present invention provides a novel portable fuel dispensing container having a vapor recovery feature as well as a small vehicle refueling station utilizing same. One aspect of the present invention provides a portable fuel dispensing container used to dispense a quantity of fuel to a small vehicle. The container comprises a container portion adapted to contain the quantity of fuel, a spout connectable to an inlet port of a fuel tank on the small vehicle, where the spout provides a vapor tight connection, and the container is adapted to recover and contain fuel vapor displaced from the fuel tank as the quantity of fuel is dispensed thereto. Another aspect provides the portable fuel dispensing container where the spout is a quick disconnection spout. Another aspect provides the portable fuel dispensing container where the spout is a pressure connection spout. Another aspect provides the portable fuel dispensing container where the spout provides alternate flow paths for the fuel and the vapor. Another aspect provides the portable fuel dispensing container where the container portion is sized to contain approximately 1-3 liters of fuel.

[0043] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, modifications and variations may be made thereto by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, it is contemplated that any and all such modifications are included in the present invention as may fall within the literal and equivalent scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A station to dispense fuel comprising a structure; and a tank located above the structure and adapted to dispense fuel by gravity.

2. The station of claim 1 wherein the structure is a refueling station comprising a service counter.

3. The station of claim 1 wherein the tank is adapted to collect fuel vapor.

4. The station of claim 3 wherein the fuel vapor is collected by the tank when the fuel is dispensed from the tank.

5. The station of 1 further comprising a user interface configured to accept payment for the dispensed fuel.

6. The station of 1 wherein the tank is stackable.

7. The station of 1 wherein the tank is transportable.

8. The station of 7 wherein the tank comprises a plurality of wheels.

9. The station of 8 wherein the tank comprises a hitch.

10. The station of 1 wherein the tank comprises a plurality of compartments, each configured to contain a type of fuel.

11. The station of claim 1 wherein the structure is integrally connected to the tank as one unit.

12. The station of claim 11 wherein the one unit is moveable.

13. A small vehicle refueling station comprising an above-ground refueling tank which feeds fuel to a filling nozzle; and a plurality of vapor recovery containers fillable at said filling nozzle, each of said vapor recovery containers having a connection spout adapted for vapor tight connection with the inlet port of a fuel tank.