GB2174363A - Fluid dispensing apparatus with monitor on hose - Google Patents

Abstract

Fluid, e.g. petrol dispensing apparatus comprising a control system adapted to measure and control the dispensing of fluid, a hose 2 extending from the control system and a nozzle 1 including a valve attached by a connection to an outlet of the hose, a monitor 7 adapted to generate signals to cause actuation of the control system and to provide a display indicative of the function of the control system, an interface adapted to pass said signals to the control system and transmission means 9 adapted to transmit signals between the monitor and the interface, the monitor being attached to the hose adjacent the connections. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Fluid dispensing apparatus This invention relates to apparatus for dispensing fluids, particularly but not exclusively for dispensing liquids. The invention finds particular application in relation to commercial petrol dispensing apparatus.

Conventional petrol dispensing apparatus comprises a control unit, a hose and a valve located at the outlet of the hose. Monitoring of the volume and value of petrol dispensed can only be made by reference to the control unit. This has been found to be difficult for disabled or short sighted users and is often inconvenient for others.

According to the present invention there is provided fluid dispensing apparatus comprising a control system adapted to measure and control the dispensing of fluid, a hose extending from the control system and a nozzle including a valve attached by a connection to an outlet of the hose, a monitor adapted to generate signals to cause actuation of the control system and to provide a display indicative of the function of the control system, an interface adapted to pass said signals to the control system and transmission means adapted to transmit signals between the monitor and the interface, the monitor being attached to the hose adjacent the connections.

The term "hose" used herein is intended to encompass arrangements including one, two or more hoses used in conjunction for conduction of fluid. Petrol dispensing apparatus frequently comprises two such hoses.

The connection may comprise a swivel connection.

Attachment of the monitor to the hose affords the advantage that the display may not be obscured by the nozzle in use of the apparatus, for example if the nozzle is inverted to reach the filler point of a vehicle. Furthermore, the monitor is less likely to be damaged if the nozzle, which is usually a heavy metal construction, is accidentally dropped during use.

One or more displays may be provided.

Two displays may be arranged on opposite sides of the hose. Alternatively a single display may be self-righting so as to be visible on whichever side of the hose is uppermost.

Alternatively a single display may extend around the circumference of the hose, in the form of a continuous band of characters, the displayed information appearing to move along the band around the hose.

Alternatively or in addition the monitor may be arranged to slide along the length of the hose.

The display may be provided with an integral source of illumination. Alternatively a light source within the control system may transmit light to the display by means of optic fibres within or along-side the hose.

The monitor may conveniently incorporate a hand grip to avoid any need for a user to grasp the hose.

The apparatus may take the form of a modification to an existing control system and dispenser. For example a conventional petrol dispensing apparatus incorporating an immobile control system and a dispensing hose may be modified by provision of a monitor upon the hose at or adjacent the point of attachment of the nozzle, the interface being attached to the control system. Replacement of the nozzle is avoided. Alternatively, the apparatus in accordance with the invention may be provided as original equipment.

Any convenient means adapted to transmit signals between the monitor and the interface may be employed.

Apparatus for dispensing inflammable fluids including liquids such as petrol diesel fuel, oil or liquified hydrocarbon gases or gases such as natural gas preferably incorporates nonelectrical transmission means to minimise the fire risk.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention an optic fibre may connect the monitor to the interface. The fibre may be located within a fluid delivery hose if convenient to protect the fibre from damage. Alternative optical systems may be employed.

Accoustic transmitting and receiving apparatus may be employed, for example ultrasonic apparatus. Accoustic signals may be transmitted along a pipe or wave guide disposed adjacent to a fluid delivery hose. Alternatively, the accoustic signals may be transmitted through the fluid delivery hose.

Radar apparatus or other electromagnetic apparatus may be employed.

The interface to the control mechanism preferably serves to convert the measurement signals of the control mechanism to signals suitable for transmission to the monitor. Thus the interface may convert electrical signals from the control mechanism to optical signals suitable for transmission by an optic fibre.

Similarly command signals received from the monitor are converted into electrical signals to actuate the control mechanism. The interface may also incorporate a memory and a functional capability to perform certain control functions in addition to those provided by the control mechanism.

The monitor is preferably driven by an independent power source which allows the monitor to be electrically isolated.

A photoelectric power supply may be provided integral with the monitor. Alternatively the pressure of fluid during delivery may be used to drive a turbogenerator. A rechargable battery may also be provided.

The display provided by the monitor may comprise a plurality of light emitting diodes, a liquid crystal display or other illuminated display. The display preferably provides three se parate displays.

An initial display prior to delivery of fluid, may show the fluid type, the unit price and a quantity which may be delivered automatically.

An operational display during delivery of the fluid may provide confirmation of the volume value and type of liquid delivered. Other parameters such as the pressure or rate of delivery, useful in the case of a fire hose for example, may also be displayed.

A final display may indicate the total volume, value, pressure or other parameters.

The monitor preferably comprises one or more actuators such as pressure or capacitance sensitive switches. The actuators preferably incorporate no moving parts to preclude occlusion by dirt or fluid.

A user may regulate the function of delivery apparatus by actuation of appropriate controls.

The invention is further described by means of example and not in any limitative sense, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 illustrates the nozzle and monitor of a first preferred embodiment of the invention; and Figure 2 illustrates the nozzle and monitor of a second preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1 shows a conventional nozzle 1 including a valve of petrol dispensing apparatus connected to a twin hose 2 via a swivel connection 3. A monitor 4 connected between the swivel 3 and hose 2 incorporates displays 5, 6 arranged to display the value and volume of petrol dispensed. Additional displays (not shown) may be located on the rear face 7 of the monitor. Control buttons 10 control the delivery of fluid and the information displayed.

A hand grip 8 surrounds the hose 2 adjacent the monitor.

Transmission means 9 serves to transmit signals between the monitor 4 and an interface (not shown) connected to the control apparatus (not shown). The transmission means may comprise an optic fibre or electrical conductor. Use of optic fibre is preferred to avoid any possibility of a fire hazard due to sparks.

Light for illumination of the display 5 may be conducted to the monitor through a fibre 9. Alternative embodiments of the invention may have the transmission means disposed within the hose 2 or within an outer casing of the hose.

The display 5 may include LED, LCD or other suitable indicators.

The monitor is preferably a sealed unit within which the components are sealed in a shock-proofing cushioning material. A flow meter driven by movement of fluid dispensed may be provided within the monitor.

A power supply may be provided within the monitor. Batteries may be sealed within the monitor. The monitor may incorporate photoelectric cells. As a further alternative power may be delivered from the control apparatus via the transmission means.

Figure 2 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the monitor and display 21 are integral with a hand grip 22 arranged to slide along the length of the hose 23. The nozzle and valve unit 25 is connected to the hose by means of a swivel connector 24. The transmission means 26 is embedded within the outer covering of the hose 23. In an alternative arrangement the display may extend entirely around the hand grip 22, providing a continuously travelling display of information.

Three types of display may be given by the monitor. An initial display, prior to delivery of petrol, indicates the unit price, for example the cost per litre, the type of fluid to be dispensed, for example the star rating of the petrol; and the quantity required by the user.

The unit price is displayed on a first array of L.E.D., units while the volume and type may be displayed on a second array of L.E.D. units. The touch sensitive controls 10 may be used to select a particular grade of petrol and to program delivery of a predetermined quantity (expressed either in terms of cash value or volume).

In alternative embodiments of the invention the controls 10 may be used to regulate the rate of pressure of delivery of fluid, such as water or CO2 for firefighting purposes.

An operational display is given during delivery of petrol. This display provides confirmation of the parameters selected by the user, for example of the volume, value of pressure.

The controls may be actuated to terminate delivery of petrol. Alternatively delivery may terminate after delivery of a predetermined quantity of petrol. A terminal display after the delivery displays details of the final volume, value or pressure of delivery. Alternative parameters may be displayed or controlled by a monitor constructed in accordance with this invention.

Monitors in accordance with this invention may be simply attached to conventional fluid dispensing apparatus without need for replacement of the nozzles thereof.

Claims (8)

1. Fluid dispensing apparatus comprising a control system adapted to measure and control the dispensing of fluid, a hose extending from the control system and a nozzle including a valve attached by a connection to an outlet of the hose, a monitor adapted to generate signals to cause actuation of the control system and to provide a display indicative of the function of the control system, an interface adapted to pass said signals to the control system and transmission means adapted to transmit signals between the monitor and the interface, the monitor being attached to the hose adjacent the connections.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein two displays are arranged on opposite sides of the hose.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display is self righting so as to be visible on whichever side of the hose is uppermost.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display extends around the circumference of the hose.

5. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the display is arranged to slide along the length of the hose.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the means to transmit signals comprises an optic fibre located within the hose.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the monitor incorporates an independent power source.

8. Fluid dispensing apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.