WO2020021423A1 - A method and apparatus for regulating fractional dispensing of gas b65d, g05d, a47j - Google Patents

A method and apparatus for regulating fractional dispensing of gas b65d, g05d, a47j Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020021423A1
WO2020021423A1 PCT/IB2019/056226 IB2019056226W WO2020021423A1 WO 2020021423 A1 WO2020021423 A1 WO 2020021423A1 IB 2019056226 W IB2019056226 W IB 2019056226W WO 2020021423 A1 WO2020021423 A1 WO 2020021423A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fuel
container
refilling
user
refills
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2019/056226
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Philippe HOEBLICH
Original Assignee
Paygas S.A.R.L.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Paygas S.A.R.L. filed Critical Paygas S.A.R.L.
Publication of WO2020021423A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020021423A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/02—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by keys or other credit registering devices
    • G07F7/025—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by keys or other credit registering devices by means, e.g. cards, providing billing information at the time of purchase, e.g. identification of seller or purchaser, quantity of goods delivered or to be delivered
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C5/00—Methods or apparatus for filling containers with liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases under pressures
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/22—Payment schemes or models
    • G06Q20/28—Pre-payment schemes, e.g. "pay before"
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F13/00—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs
    • G07F13/02—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs by volume
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/06—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles
    • G07F7/0609—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles by fluid containers, e.g. bottles, cups, gas containers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/056—Small (<1 m3)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/058—Size portable (<30 l)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/05—Vessel or content identifications, e.g. labels
    • F17C2205/058—Vessel or content identifications, e.g. labels by Radio Frequency Identification
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2225/01—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2225/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2225/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2225/01—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2225/0146—Two-phase
    • F17C2225/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/03—Control means
    • F17C2250/034—Control means using wireless transmissions

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for regulating the purchase and dispensing of fuel including liquid and gaseous state fuels.
  • the prior art relevant to the invention provides for refilling of gas containers whose refill quantity is determined and fixed by the supplier, and all gas containers to be filled are accordingly refilled with a predetermined gas quantity.
  • gas quantity is typically determined by a pressure sensor, which reflects the internal pressure of the container. This enables an operator or apparatus to stop filling the container once a desired pressure level and corresponding quantity is achieved.
  • a 9kg capacity container will be filled until a pressure corresponding to 9kg of gas is achieved.
  • the 9kg of gas will provide a different pressure reading in an 18kg gas container. Accordingly, such prior art is unable to accurately accommodate the refilling of varying container sizes under varying temperatures in the absence of careful calibration of filling apparatus.
  • the prior art is particularly unsuitable for accurately filling gas containers to individual end-user determined volumes.
  • the predetermined gas refill quantity may be adjusted, the quantity is not regulated on an individual refill basis, nor is non-standard refill quantities determined by the individual end-user. Additionally, the prior art only enables the gas refilling apparatus operator to select the quantity of gas to be refilled but not the value of the gas to be refilled. Other prior art allows for liquid refilling based on liquid value, however the recipient of the liquid is unknown to the refilling apparatus and refilling may occur into an unauthorised container resulting payment of, and illegal refilling of a container. Known prior art does not enable the end-user container to accurately control quantity of liquid being refilled and independently regulate the refilling of the container.
  • the prior art is unable to accommodate the user selecting the quantity or value of gas to be refilled through a software application, which gas payment and regulation of container refilling is regulated by a container refill apparatus secured to a container.
  • the inability of the user to purchase fractional amounts of gas is particularly problematic in low-income households, who may not have adequate funds to purchase standard full gas container refills. They may however have a lesser amount of money available to purchase a fractional amount of gas. In such instances, these low-income households are left without the ability to cook with gas until they obtain adequate funds to purchase a full gas container refill.
  • the invention is aimed at alleviating the plight of such low-income households who are only able to purchase fractional amounts of gas.
  • the invention pertains to the use of RFID or wifi sensor identification data associated with RFID or wifi communication devices as a unique device identification means.
  • the term fuel may apply to any one of a gas or liquid-state fuel.
  • the invention seeks to provide a suitable fuel regulation device and method of use that at least partially ameliorates the abovementioned disadvantages associated with the prior art.
  • the software application facilitating the electronic communication device communicating with a fuel refilling apparatus to authorise at least one of: the fuel supplying apparatus to dispense a fuel quantity corresponding with the fuel quantity inputted; or a fuel regulation apparatus secured to a fuel receiving container to allow the refilling into the receiving container of a fuel quantity corresponding with the fuel quantity inputted;
  • the software application enables the inputting of a unique identification associated with at least one of a user, a fuel container, or a fuel inflow regulation apparatus, which unique identification is required to refill a container.
  • the refilling apparatus permits the fuel refilling of the fuel container only where the container is affiliated with the unique identification.
  • the unique identification is associated with a fuel inflow regulation apparatus secured onto the fuel container, wherein the regulation apparatus comprises a wireless data broadcasting apparatus which broadcasts the unique identification, wherein the refilling apparatus comprises enabling hardware and software to identify the unique identification broadcast and refill the fuel container of a fuel quantity corresponding to the fuel quantity inputted; alternately, the fuel inflow regulation apparatus allows the refilling of fuel from the refilling apparatus which refill quantity corresponds to the fuel quantity inputted into the electronic communication device.
  • the fuel inflow regulation apparatus broadcasts the unique identification data by RFID or wifi.
  • pre-payment of fuel quantity to be refilled is required prior to a refill authorisation being generated, wherein payment is recorded and processed by at least one of a payment confirmation code being received and automatically processed by the software application; or payment confirmation being inputted manually by an authorised user, who in use, operates the refilling apparatus.
  • the payment confirmation code may be generated through a remote payment porthole, which transmits an authorisation code to a server associated with the software application, thereafter the software application facilitates the processing of a payment confirmation and generating a specific fuel refilling quantity authorisation in accordance with the payment made, in use.
  • the software application enables a user to at least perform one ordering the collection of the fuel container to be refilled from a user designated location, or ordering the refilling of the fuel container at a user designated location; or detecting the number of fuel containers requiring refilling in a geographic area, wherein at least one of the fuel container or the fuel inflow regulation apparatus comprise a gps location apparatus for determining the location of the fuel container to be refilled.
  • the quantity of fuel to be refilled corresponds with the pre-paid quantity of fuel purchased thereby enabling rapid refilling of containers due to the refilling apparatus or fuel inflow regulator automatically determining refill quantities.
  • the unique identification and gps coordinates of the container collection point enables the return delivery of the container with the required refill quantity. As will be appreciated, this enables a plurality of containers which have different quantities of fuel to be delivered to their intended destination.
  • the fuel inflow regulator comprises a lighting apparatus which lights up upon the container being proximal to the delivery gps coordinates. In doing so, the delivery person is able to easily and swiftly identify the appropriate container for delivery when reaching the delivery gps coordinates.
  • the invention provides a method of scheduling the refilling of the containers, wherein the user inputs the time when collection, alternately refilling of the container needs to take place and at a predetermined geographical location.
  • the fuel refilling service provider will be able to more accurately arrange logistics associated with fuel refilling.
  • the software application enables the tracking of at least one of the fuel container collected, alternately the location of the fuel container refill service provider upon the ordering of a fuel refill.
  • the software application enables at least one of monitoring the quantity of gas used, or the level of remaining gas, wherein notifications are transmitted to the user upon predetermined refill fuel container quantities being reached.
  • the refill criteria may be based on fuel remaining in the container or historical fuel usage by the user. Accordingly the refill notification criteria are customisable and assist the user in better planning the refill of their fuel containers.
  • the refill notification results in a prompt being generated on the user's electronic communication device to purchase a fuel refill. The user is thereafter prompted to select the amount or quantity of fuel to be refilled, whereafter payment is facilitated in accordance with the invention.
  • the user may also have the option of ordering a fuel container refill collection in accordance with the invention.
  • the software application enables users to pay for a plurality of fuel container refills.
  • the software application enables users to communicate with one another and transmit a request for fuel prompt, wherein the paying user may accept, decline or modify the payment amount to be donated to the requesting user.
  • the requesting user Upon paying for the donated fuel value, the requesting user is credited with a corresponding pre-paid fuel value.
  • a user may solicit the assistance of a plurality of users to cumulatively purchase a desired amount of gas. As such, even a small payment donated can be beneficial.
  • the invention provides a method and apparatus for purchasing fractional quantity fuel refills of containers and refilling of fuel containers comprising the steps of
  • the software application facilitating the electronic communication device communicating with a fuel refilling apparatus to authorise at least one of: the fuel supplying apparatus to dispense a fuel quantity corresponding with the fuel quantity inputted; or a fuel regulation apparatus secured to a fuel receiving container to allow the refilling into the receiving container of a fuel quantity corresponding with the fuel quantity inputted;
  • a fuel inflow regulation apparatus which is attached to a fuel container, comprises a unique RFID identification.
  • the RFID identification is broadcast and used to uniquely identify a specific fuel container.
  • a fuel inflow valve is integrated with the unique RFID identification. In the event that the fuel inflow regulation apparatus is tampered with - the valve shuts and the container is no longer refillable. Removing of the fuel inflow regulation apparatus would similarly make the container defunct and unusable.
  • the fuel refilling apparatus comprises enabling hardware and software to identify the unique identification broadcast by the container's fuel inflow regulation apparatus and refill the fuel container of a fuel quantity corresponding to the fuel quantity paid for by the user.
  • Pre-payment of fuel quantity to be refilled is required prior to a refill authorisation being generated by the software application.
  • Payment for the fuel is recorded and processed by at least one of a payment confirmation code being received and automatically processed by the software application; or payment confirmation being inputted manually by an authorised user, who in use, operates the refilling apparatus.
  • the payment confirmation code is generated through a remote payment porthole, which transmits an authorisation code to a server associated with the software application, thereafter the software application facilitates the processing of a payment confirmation and generates a fuel refilling quantity authorisation in accordance with the payment made, in use.
  • the authorisation is associated with a specific fuel container.
  • the software application enables a user to order the collection and refilling of their fuel container from a user designated location.
  • refilling may be performed remotely or onsite. Where refilling is performed remotely - the refilled container is returned to the collection location.
  • the fuel inflow regulation apparatus comprises a gps location apparatus for determining the location of the fuel container to be refilled.
  • the quantity of fuel to be purchased is pre-paid. This enables rapid refilling of containers due to the refilling apparatus or fuel inflow regulator automatically determining refill quantities.
  • the unique identifier and gps coordinates of the container collection point enables the return delivery of the container with the required refill quantity.
  • the fuel inflow regulator comprises a lighting apparatus which lights up upon the container being proximal to the delivery gps coordinates. In doing so, the delivery person is able to easily and swiftly identify the appropriate container for delivery when reaching the delivery gps coordinates.
  • the invention further provides a method of scheduling the refilling of the containers, wherein the user inputs the time when collection, alternately refilling of the container needs to take place and at a predetermined geographical location.
  • the fuel refilling service provider will be able to more accurately arrange logistics associated with fuel refilling.
  • the software application enables the tracking of at least one of the fuel container collected, alternately the location of the fuel container refill service provider upon the ordering of a fuel refill.
  • the software application enables the monitoring of the quantity of gas used, and the level of remaining gas. Notifications are transmitted to the user upon predetermined refill fuel container quantities being reached.
  • the refill criteria may be based on fuel remaining in the container or historical fuel usage by the user. Accordingly the refill notification criteria are customisable and assist the user in better planning the refill of their fuel containers.
  • the refill notification results in a prompt being generated on the user's electronic communication device to purchase a fuel refill. The user is thereafter prompted to select the amount or quantity of fuel to be refilled, whereafter payment is facilitated in accordance with the invention.
  • the fuel inflow regulator apparatus valve is open or shut by an authentication notification being sent to the apparatus.
  • the notification may be in the form of a PIN inputted into the software application user interface or proximity to an authenticating device such as a RFID tag which is used to authenticate the user and enable use of the fuel container.
  • an authenticating device such as a RFID tag which is used to authenticate the user and enable use of the fuel container.
  • this feature serves as a safety feature to prevent unsupervised children using the container's fuel.
  • a user is enabled to use a self- service fuel refilling apparatus.
  • the user simply attaches their container to the refilling apparatus connector. Thereafter, the refilling apparatus refills the user's fuel container in accordance with the pre-paid fuel quantity selected by the user.
  • This embodiment thus enables unmanned remote refilling stations to be erected and fuel refilling available to users throughout the day or night.
  • the invention also reduces the risk of vandalism and fuel theft as the refilling apparatus only dispenses fuel upon confirming the proximity and attachment of a uniquely identified fuel container.
  • the software application may enable users to communicate with one another and transmit a request for fuel prompt, wherein the paying user may accept, decline or modify the payment amount to be donated to the requesting user. Upon paying for the donated fuel value, the requesting user is credited with a corresponding pre-paid fuel value.

Abstract

A method and apparatus for purchasing fractional quantity fuel refills for containers and refilling said fuel containers comprising the steps of inputting a quantity of fuel to be filled into an electronic communication device using suitably enabled hardware and software application, the software application enabling the selection of fuel quantity to be refilled; after inputting the fuel quantity to be refilled - the software application facilitating the electronic communication device communicating with a fuel refilling apparatus to authorise at least one of: the fuel supplying apparatus to dispense a fuel quantity corresponding with the fuel quantity inputted; or a fuel regulation apparatus secured to a fuel receiving container to allow the refilling into the receiving container of a fuel quantity corresponding with the fuel quantity inputted; filling the fuel container with the fuel quantity inputted.

Description

A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REGULATING FRACTIONAL DISPENSING OF GAS
B65D, G05D, A47J
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for regulating the purchase and dispensing of fuel including liquid and gaseous state fuels.
BACKGOUND
The prior art relevant to the invention provides for refilling of gas containers whose refill quantity is determined and fixed by the supplier, and all gas containers to be filled are accordingly refilled with a predetermined gas quantity. Alternately gas quantity is typically determined by a pressure sensor, which reflects the internal pressure of the container. This enables an operator or apparatus to stop filling the container once a desired pressure level and corresponding quantity is achieved. By example, a 9kg capacity container will be filled until a pressure corresponding to 9kg of gas is achieved. As will be appreciated, the 9kg of gas will provide a different pressure reading in an 18kg gas container. Accordingly, such prior art is unable to accurately accommodate the refilling of varying container sizes under varying temperatures in the absence of careful calibration of filling apparatus. The prior art is particularly unsuitable for accurately filling gas containers to individual end-user determined volumes.
In accordance with the aforementioned prior art - while the predetermined gas refill quantity may be adjusted, the quantity is not regulated on an individual refill basis, nor is non-standard refill quantities determined by the individual end-user. Additionally, the prior art only enables the gas refilling apparatus operator to select the quantity of gas to be refilled but not the value of the gas to be refilled. Other prior art allows for liquid refilling based on liquid value, however the recipient of the liquid is unknown to the refilling apparatus and refilling may occur into an unauthorised container resulting payment of, and illegal refilling of a container. Known prior art does not enable the end-user container to accurately control quantity of liquid being refilled and independently regulate the refilling of the container.
The prior art is unable to accommodate the user selecting the quantity or value of gas to be refilled through a software application, which gas payment and regulation of container refilling is regulated by a container refill apparatus secured to a container.
The inability of the user to purchase fractional amounts of gas is particularly problematic in low-income households, who may not have adequate funds to purchase standard full gas container refills. They may however have a lesser amount of money available to purchase a fractional amount of gas. In such instances, these low-income households are left without the ability to cook with gas until they obtain adequate funds to purchase a full gas container refill. The invention is aimed at alleviating the plight of such low-income households who are only able to purchase fractional amounts of gas.
Of particular relevance to the invention is the refilling of containers due to the ability of the refilling apparatus to detect the unique identity of a wireless communication gas regulation device by other wireless communication devices.
Of particular relevance to the invention is the ability to detect the unique identity of a wireless communication device by other wireless communication devices where the devices are known or affiliated with one another. In this regard, the invention pertains to the use of RFID or wifi sensor identification data associated with RFID or wifi communication devices as a unique device identification means.
In the invention the term fuel may apply to any one of a gas or liquid-state fuel. The invention seeks to provide a suitable fuel regulation device and method of use that at least partially ameliorates the abovementioned disadvantages associated with the prior art.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
According to the invention there is provided a method and apparatus for purchasing fractional quantity fuel refills of containers and refilling of fuel containers comprising the steps of
- inputting the quantity of fuel to be filled into an electronic communication device using suitably enabled hardware and a software application, the software application enabling the selection of fuel quantity to be filled;
- after inputting the fuel quantity to be filled - the software application facilitating the electronic communication device communicating with a fuel refilling apparatus to authorise at least one of: the fuel supplying apparatus to dispense a fuel quantity corresponding with the fuel quantity inputted; or a fuel regulation apparatus secured to a fuel receiving container to allow the refilling into the receiving container of a fuel quantity corresponding with the fuel quantity inputted;
- filling the fuel container with the fuel quantity inputted.
Conveniently the software application enables the inputting of a unique identification associated with at least one of a user, a fuel container, or a fuel inflow regulation apparatus, which unique identification is required to refill a container.
Conveniently the refilling apparatus permits the fuel refilling of the fuel container only where the container is affiliated with the unique identification.
Conveniently the unique identification is associated with a fuel inflow regulation apparatus secured onto the fuel container, wherein the regulation apparatus comprises a wireless data broadcasting apparatus which broadcasts the unique identification, wherein the refilling apparatus comprises enabling hardware and software to identify the unique identification broadcast and refill the fuel container of a fuel quantity corresponding to the fuel quantity inputted; alternately, the fuel inflow regulation apparatus allows the refilling of fuel from the refilling apparatus which refill quantity corresponds to the fuel quantity inputted into the electronic communication device. By example, the fuel inflow regulation apparatus broadcasts the unique identification data by RFID or wifi.
Conveniently pre-payment of fuel quantity to be refilled is required prior to a refill authorisation being generated, wherein payment is recorded and processed by at least one of a payment confirmation code being received and automatically processed by the software application; or payment confirmation being inputted manually by an authorised user, who in use, operates the refilling apparatus.
Conveniently the payment confirmation code may be generated through a remote payment porthole, which transmits an authorisation code to a server associated with the software application, thereafter the software application facilitates the processing of a payment confirmation and generating a specific fuel refilling quantity authorisation in accordance with the payment made, in use.
Conveniently the software application enables a user to at least perform one ordering the collection of the fuel container to be refilled from a user designated location, or ordering the refilling of the fuel container at a user designated location; or detecting the number of fuel containers requiring refilling in a geographic area, wherein at least one of the fuel container or the fuel inflow regulation apparatus comprise a gps location apparatus for determining the location of the fuel container to be refilled. In such embodiments, the quantity of fuel to be refilled corresponds with the pre-paid quantity of fuel purchased thereby enabling rapid refilling of containers due to the refilling apparatus or fuel inflow regulator automatically determining refill quantities. In the case of container collections, the unique identification and gps coordinates of the container collection point enables the return delivery of the container with the required refill quantity. As will be appreciated, this enables a plurality of containers which have different quantities of fuel to be delivered to their intended destination.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the fuel inflow regulator comprises a lighting apparatus which lights up upon the container being proximal to the delivery gps coordinates. In doing so, the delivery person is able to easily and swiftly identify the appropriate container for delivery when reaching the delivery gps coordinates.
Conveniently the invention provides a method of scheduling the refilling of the containers, wherein the user inputs the time when collection, alternately refilling of the container needs to take place and at a predetermined geographical location. As will be appreciated, the fuel refilling service provider will be able to more accurately arrange logistics associated with fuel refilling.
Conveniently the software application enables the tracking of at least one of the fuel container collected, alternately the location of the fuel container refill service provider upon the ordering of a fuel refill.
Conveniently the software application enables at least one of monitoring the quantity of gas used, or the level of remaining gas, wherein notifications are transmitted to the user upon predetermined refill fuel container quantities being reached. The refill criteria may be based on fuel remaining in the container or historical fuel usage by the user. Accordingly the refill notification criteria are customisable and assist the user in better planning the refill of their fuel containers. In one embodiment of the invention the refill notification results in a prompt being generated on the user's electronic communication device to purchase a fuel refill. The user is thereafter prompted to select the amount or quantity of fuel to be refilled, whereafter payment is facilitated in accordance with the invention. The user may also have the option of ordering a fuel container refill collection in accordance with the invention. Conveniently the software application enables users to pay for a plurality of fuel container refills. The software application enables users to communicate with one another and transmit a request for fuel prompt, wherein the paying user may accept, decline or modify the payment amount to be donated to the requesting user. Upon paying for the donated fuel value, the requesting user is credited with a corresponding pre-paid fuel value. Accordingly, a user may solicit the assistance of a plurality of users to cumulatively purchase a desired amount of gas. As such, even a small payment donated can be beneficial.
Further features, variants and/or advantages of the invention will emerge from the following non-limiting description of an example of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a method and apparatus for purchasing fractional quantity fuel refills of containers and refilling of fuel containers comprising the steps of
- inputting the quantity of fuel to be filled into an electronic communication device using suitably enabled hardware and a software application, the software application enabling the selection of fuel quantity to be filled;
- after inputting the fuel quantity to be filled - the software application facilitating the electronic communication device communicating with a fuel refilling apparatus to authorise at least one of: the fuel supplying apparatus to dispense a fuel quantity corresponding with the fuel quantity inputted; or a fuel regulation apparatus secured to a fuel receiving container to allow the refilling into the receiving container of a fuel quantity corresponding with the fuel quantity inputted;
- filling the fuel container with the fuel quantity inputted.
In one embodiment of the invention, a fuel inflow regulation apparatus, which is attached to a fuel container, comprises a unique RFID identification. The RFID identification is broadcast and used to uniquely identify a specific fuel container. A fuel inflow valve is integrated with the unique RFID identification. In the event that the fuel inflow regulation apparatus is tampered with - the valve shuts and the container is no longer refillable. Removing of the fuel inflow regulation apparatus would similarly make the container defunct and unusable.
In use, the fuel refilling apparatus comprises enabling hardware and software to identify the unique identification broadcast by the container's fuel inflow regulation apparatus and refill the fuel container of a fuel quantity corresponding to the fuel quantity paid for by the user.
Pre-payment of fuel quantity to be refilled is required prior to a refill authorisation being generated by the software application. Payment for the fuel is recorded and processed by at least one of a payment confirmation code being received and automatically processed by the software application; or payment confirmation being inputted manually by an authorised user, who in use, operates the refilling apparatus. The payment confirmation code is generated through a remote payment porthole, which transmits an authorisation code to a server associated with the software application, thereafter the software application facilitates the processing of a payment confirmation and generates a fuel refilling quantity authorisation in accordance with the payment made, in use. The authorisation is associated with a specific fuel container.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the software application enables a user to order the collection and refilling of their fuel container from a user designated location. In such case refilling may be performed remotely or onsite. Where refilling is performed remotely - the refilled container is returned to the collection location. The fuel inflow regulation apparatus comprises a gps location apparatus for determining the location of the fuel container to be refilled. In accordance with the invention, the quantity of fuel to be purchased is pre-paid. This enables rapid refilling of containers due to the refilling apparatus or fuel inflow regulator automatically determining refill quantities. In the case of container collections, the unique identifier and gps coordinates of the container collection point enables the return delivery of the container with the required refill quantity. As will be appreciated, this enables a plurality of containers which have different quantities of fuel to be delivered to their intended destination. In a further aspect of the invention, the fuel inflow regulator comprises a lighting apparatus which lights up upon the container being proximal to the delivery gps coordinates. In doing so, the delivery person is able to easily and swiftly identify the appropriate container for delivery when reaching the delivery gps coordinates.
The invention further provides a method of scheduling the refilling of the containers, wherein the user inputs the time when collection, alternately refilling of the container needs to take place and at a predetermined geographical location. As will be appreciated, the fuel refilling service provider will be able to more accurately arrange logistics associated with fuel refilling. The software application enables the tracking of at least one of the fuel container collected, alternately the location of the fuel container refill service provider upon the ordering of a fuel refill.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the software application enables the monitoring of the quantity of gas used, and the level of remaining gas. Notifications are transmitted to the user upon predetermined refill fuel container quantities being reached. The refill criteria may be based on fuel remaining in the container or historical fuel usage by the user. Accordingly the refill notification criteria are customisable and assist the user in better planning the refill of their fuel containers. In one embodiment of the invention the refill notification results in a prompt being generated on the user's electronic communication device to purchase a fuel refill. The user is thereafter prompted to select the amount or quantity of fuel to be refilled, whereafter payment is facilitated in accordance with the invention.
To reduce the risk of container theft, the fuel inflow regulator apparatus valve is open or shut by an authentication notification being sent to the apparatus. The notification may be in the form of a PIN inputted into the software application user interface or proximity to an authenticating device such as a RFID tag which is used to authenticate the user and enable use of the fuel container. By example, where a thief steals the container - the container would be inoperable due to the thief not knowing the authentication PIN to unlock the container. As will be appreciated, this feature serves as a safety feature to prevent unsupervised children using the container's fuel.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a user is enabled to use a self- service fuel refilling apparatus. In such embodiment, the user simply attaches their container to the refilling apparatus connector. Thereafter, the refilling apparatus refills the user's fuel container in accordance with the pre-paid fuel quantity selected by the user. This embodiment thus enables unmanned remote refilling stations to be erected and fuel refilling available to users throughout the day or night. The invention also reduces the risk of vandalism and fuel theft as the refilling apparatus only dispenses fuel upon confirming the proximity and attachment of a uniquely identified fuel container.
The invention is not limited to the precise details described above. Modifications may be made and other embodiments developed without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the software application may enable users to communicate with one another and transmit a request for fuel prompt, wherein the paying user may accept, decline or modify the payment amount to be donated to the requesting user. Upon paying for the donated fuel value, the requesting user is credited with a corresponding pre-paid fuel value.
The Summary of Invention and Claims forms an integral aspect of the description of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. A method for purchasing fractional quantity fuel refills for containers and refilling said fuel containers comprising the steps of:
- inputting a quantity of fuel to be filled into an electronic communication device using suitably enabled hardware and software, the software comprising a software application user interface for enabling the selection of fuel quantity to be refilled;
- after inputting the fuel quantity to be refilled - the software application facilitating the electronic communication device communicating with a fuel refilling apparatus to authorise at least one of: the fuel supplying apparatus to dispense a fuel quantity corresponding with the fuel quantity inputted; or a fuel regulation apparatus secured to a fuel receiving container to allow the refilling into the receiving container of a fuel quantity corresponding with the fuel quantity inputted;
- filling the fuel container with the fuel quantity inputted.
2. The method for purchasing fractional quantity fuel refills as claimed in claim
1, wherein the software application enables the inputting of a unique identification which is associated with at least one of: a user, a fuel container, or a fuel inflow regulation apparatus, which unique identification is required to refill the container.
3. The method for purchasing fractional quantity fuel refills as claimed in claim
2, wherein the refilling apparatus permits the fuel refilling of the fuel container only where the container is affiliated with the unique identification.
4. The method for purchasing fractional quantity fuel refills as claimed in claim 2 or 3, comprising the steps of:
- associating the unique identification with a fuel inflow regulation apparatus secured onto the fuel container, wherein the regulation apparatus comprises a wireless data broadcasting apparatus which broadcasts the unique identification; - the refilling apparatus comprising enabling hardware and software to identify the unique identification broadcast identifying said unique identification broadcast;
- refilling the fuel container with a fuel quantity corresponding to the fuel quantity inputted; alternately, the fuel inflow regulation apparatus allows the refilling of fuel from the refilling apparatus which refill quantity corresponds to the fuel quantity inputted into the electronic communication device.
5. The method for purchasing fractional quantity fuel refills as claimed in claim 2 to 4, requiring pre-payment of fuel quantity to be refilled, prior to a refill authorisation being generated, wherein payment is recorded and processed by at least one of a payment confirmation code being inputted into the software application user interface; or payment confirmation being inputted manually into a refilling apparatus user interface by an authorised user, in use.
6. The method for purchasing fractional quantity fuel refills as claimed in claim 5, wherein the payment confirmation code may be generated through a remote payment porthole, which transmits an authorisation code to a server associated with the software application, thereafter the software application facilitates the processing of a payment confirmation and generating a specific fuel refilling quantity authorisation in accordance with the payment made, in use.
7. The method for purchasing fractional quantity fuel refills as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the software application enables a user to at least perform one of ordering the collection of the fuel container to be refilled from a user designated location, or ordering the refilling of the fuel container at a user designated location; or detecting the number of fuel containers requiring refilling in a geographic area, wherein at least one of the fuel container or the fuel inflow regulation apparatus comprise a gps apparatus for determining the location of the fuel container to be refilled.
8. The method for purchasing fractional quantity fuel refills as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a functionality to schedule the refilling of the containers, wherein the user inputs the time when collection, alternately the geographical location of the container to be refilled and the time of such refilling.
9. The method for purchasing fractional quantity fuel refills as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the software application enables at least one of monitoring the quantity of gas used, or the level of remaining gas, which results in notifications being transmitted to the user upon predetermined refill fuel container quantities being reached.
10. The method for purchasing fractional quantity fuel refills as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the software application enables users to pay for other user fuel container refills, comprising the steps of:
- users communicating with one another by transmitting a request for fuel prompt from a requesting fuel user to a donating fuel user;
- the donating user receiving a prompt on their electronic communication device to accept, decline or modify the payment amount to be donated to the requesting user;
- the requesting user being credited with the value of pre-paid fuel donated by the donating user upon the donating user completing the payment transaction.
11. The method for purchasing fractional quantity fuel refills as claimed in claims 7 or 8, wherein the fuel inflow regulator comprises a lighting apparatus which lights up upon the container being proximal to the delivery gps coordinates.
12. The method for purchasing fractional quantity fuel refills as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the fuel inflow regulator apparatus is opened or shut by an authentication notification being sent to the apparatus.
PCT/IB2019/056226 2018-07-24 2019-07-21 A method and apparatus for regulating fractional dispensing of gas b65d, g05d, a47j WO2020021423A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA2018/04962 2018-07-24
ZA2018/04962A ZA201804962B (en) 2018-07-24 2018-07-24 A method and apparatus for regulating fractional dispensing of gas

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2609618A (en) * 2021-08-04 2023-02-15 Sensify Uk Ltd Gas cylinder refilling system, gas cylinder, filling station, and gas cylinder refilling method

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WO2015089096A1 (en) * 2013-12-09 2015-06-18 Ferrellgas, L.P. Method and apparatus for filling a fuel tank
CN207394345U (en) * 2017-06-01 2018-05-22 深圳天蚁新能源科技有限公司 It is a kind of without pressure gas tank

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015089096A1 (en) * 2013-12-09 2015-06-18 Ferrellgas, L.P. Method and apparatus for filling a fuel tank
CN207394345U (en) * 2017-06-01 2018-05-22 深圳天蚁新能源科技有限公司 It is a kind of without pressure gas tank

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2609618A (en) * 2021-08-04 2023-02-15 Sensify Uk Ltd Gas cylinder refilling system, gas cylinder, filling station, and gas cylinder refilling method

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