GB2451872A

GB2451872A - Device to prevent incorrect fuelling

Info

Publication number: GB2451872A
Application number: GB0715914A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Joy
Original assignee: DIESEL DO NICELY Ltd
Current assignee: DIESEL DO NICELY Ltd
Priority date: 2007-08-15
Filing date: 2007-08-15
Publication date: 2009-02-18
Also published as: WO2009022141A3; GB0715914D0; WO2009022141A2

Abstract

A device 30 for connection to an inlet of a fuel tank, the device comprising a body 32 including an opening to receive a fuel dispenser nozzle, a blocking member 34 which is moveably connected to the body, at least a portion of the blocking member being positioned in the opening of the body, wherein the blocking member is moveable relative to the body between a first position in which a part of the blocking member substantially blocks an entrance to the opening of the body so that an incompatible fuel dispenser nozzle is inhibited from being inserted into the opening of the body, and a second position in which a compatible fuel dispenser nozzle can be inserted into the opening of the body, holding means (fig 2B, 34b) for holding the blocking member in the first position, wherein when the blocking member is engaged by a delivery end of a compatible fuel dispenser nozzle, the holding means is deactivated, thus permitting the blocking member to be moved, by the delivery end of the compatible fuel dispenser nozzle, from the first position to the second position. A support member (fig 2A, 36) is connectible to the inlet and a release mechanism may be connected to the blocking member.

Description

Title: A Device for Connection to an Inlet of a Fuel Tank Descrirtion of Invention This invention relates to a device for connection to an inlet of a fuel tank.

It has been appreciated for some time that the advent of domestic vehicles which run on diesel fuel has resulted in diesel fuel being wrongly selected at the pump and used to fill a vehicle which runs on petrol. Such incorrect filling can result in the car being disabled until the carburettor or petrol injectors can be cleaned and the system flushed.

To address this problem, the filler neck, i.e. the part of the vehicle into which a fuel dispenser nozzle is inserted, of a petrol vehicle has been reduced in diameter relative to the filler neck of a diesel-driven vehicle. The fuel dispenser nozzles at service stations have been altered accordingly, so that the external diameter of a diesel dispenser nozzle is larger than that of a petrol dispenser nozzle. A diesel dispenser nozzle will therefore not fit into the filler neck of a petrol fuel tank, which prevents a user filling a petrol-driven vehicle with diesel. * S. * S S

:.:: However, it is still possible to fill the fuel tank of a diesel vehicle with petrol since a petrol dispenser nozzle can be inserted into the larger filler neck of a diesel tank (as discussed above). Early diesel engines were tolerant of burning a small percentage of other fuels, and thus addressing this problem was overlooked. However, it is no longer the case that diesel engines are tolerant in this way and filling a diesel-driven vehicle with petrol-based fuel can **S...

* 30 now be costly to rectify, particularly if the engine is started. It is very common for users to misfuel their vehicle in this way; it is estimated that around 120,000 instances of delivering petrol to a diesel fuel tank occur each year.

There have been several attempts to address this issue, including audible warning systems, such as the Diesel GuardTM system. The Diesel GuardlM system provides an external audible bleep and warning message reminding a driver to fill his car with the correct fuel. A disadvantage of such a system is that it relies on the user listening to the message and responding to it before the user fills the tank.

Another proposed solution to the problem is the "Diesel Director" filling nozzle, which has an oval cross-section. Standard diesel dispenser nozzles at the forecourt are replaced by "Diesel Director" nozzles and are used with an oval filler neck on the vehicle. A problem with this system is that take up by the petrol companies is required. Infrastructural investment is required both by garage forecourts, to install new fuel dispenser nozzles, and motor manufacturers, to install a modified filler neck.

Other proposed solutions include magnetic filler caps which stick only to a fuel pump which dispenses fuel of the type compatible with the vehicle's engine, and inserts which are positioned in the filler neck of a diesel vehicle and include a blocking member which inhibits the insertion of an incompatible fuel dispenser nozzle. * **

Whilst existing systems that incorporate a blocking member may be simple, the known systems suffer from several drawbacks. A blocking member would need to be positioned well into the fuel filler neck to enable a fuel cap to be correctly connected to close off the filler neck. Such a blocking member is unable to act as a visible reminder to the user, it makes it difficult for the user to align the nozzle in the filler neck, and it is easier for an incompatible dispenser nozzle to bypass the blocking member. Known blocking members also cause turbulence in the fuel, resulting in increased back pressure and reduced or even reversed fuel flow. This, in turn, can cause a sensor in the fuel nozzle, which is positioned so as to detect when the fuel tank is full, to be

-

activated, thereby stopping fuel flow. Therefore, such systems do not work well in practice.

Mechanisms for fixing a blocking member in position relative to a fuel tank neck may rely on the geometry of the fuel filler neck, which may vary between vehicles. Some blocking members may require a straight fuel filler neck.

Another disadvantage is that it may not be possible to install retrospectively the blocking member to a vehicle's filler neck, and the methods of fixing may be elaborate, i.e. expensive and/or time consuming and potentially dangerous.

Some fuel dispenser nozzles are provided with a non-drip' valve which is positioned in the fuel dispenser nozzle, near its delivery end. A disadvantage of known blocking members is that they may impinge on the non-drip valve and inhibit the delivery of fuel, and may damage the nozzle and/or the blocking member during use.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for connection to an inlet of a fuel tank, the device comprising a body including an opening to receive a fuel dispenser nozzle, a blocking member which is moveably connected to the body, at least a *:*:* portion of the blocking member being positioned in the opening of the body, S...

wherein the blocking member is moveable relative to the body between a first position, in which a part of the blocking member substantially blocks an * S....

* 25 entrance to the opening of the body so that an incompatible fuel dispenser *.

* nozzle is inhibited from being inserted into the opening of the body, and a second position in which a compatible fuel dispenser nozzle can be inserted into the opening of the body, holding means for holding the blocking member in the first position, wherein when the blocking member is engaged by a delivery end of a compatible fuel dispenser nozzle, the holding means is deactivated, thus permitting the blocking member to be moved, by the delivery end of the compatible fuel dispenser nozzle, from the first position to the second position.

Further features of the first aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 2 and 4 to 20 appended hereto.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for connection to an inlet of a fuel tank, the device comprising a support member which is connectable to the inlet, a blocking member which is moveably connected to the support member, at least a portion of the blocking member being positioned in the inlet, wherein the blocking member is moveable relative to the support member between a first position, in which a part of the blocking member substantially blocks an entrance to the inlet so that an incompatible fuel dispenser nozzle is inhibited from being inserted into the inlet, and a second position in which a compatible fuel dispenser nozzle can be inserted into the inlet, holding means for holding the blocking member in the first position, wherein when the blocking member is engaged by a delivery end of a compatible fuel dispenser nozzle, the holding means is deactivated, thus permitting the blocking member to be moved, by the delivery end of the compatible fuel dispenser nozzle, from the first position to the second position.

Further features of the second aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 4 to 20 appended hereto. * 25

S.....

* According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a fuel tank comprising a device in accordance with the first or second aspect of the invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a fuel tank in accordance with the third aspect of the invention.

Non-limiting embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: FIGURE IA is a perspective view of a fuel dispenser nozzle, FIGURE 1 B is a plan view of a non-drip fuel dispenser nozzle, FIGURE 1C shows a longitudinal cross-section of a non-drip fuel dispenser nozzle, FIGURE 2A is a side view of a device according to the present invention showing a body of the device, FIGURE 2B is a perspective view of the device of figure 2A, not showing the body of the device, FIGURES 2C is a side cross-sectional view of the device in a first position, showing the body of the device, FIGURE 20 is a plan view, respectively, of the device shown in FIGURE 2A, FUGURE 2E is a side cross-sectional view of the device of figure 2A in a second position, not showing the body of the device, FIGURES 3A and 3B are a side cross-sectional view and a plan view respectively, of a first fuel dispenser nozzle in engagement with part of the device, FIGURES 4A and 4B are a side cross-sectional view and a plan view, respectively, of a second fuel dispenser nozzle in engagement with part of the device, and * S. FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view of a second fuel dispenser nozzle, S...

comprising a non-drip valve arrangement, in engagement with the device. * .

Referring firstly to figure 1A, there is shown a fuel dispenser nozzle 10. The nozzle 10 comprises a substantially circular tube having a first end IO and a second end lOb. The first end lOa is, in use, introduced into a filler neck of a fuel tank (not shown) so that fuel can be delivered to the fuel tank of a vehicle.

The first end 1 Oa will hereinafter be referred to as the delivery end of the fuel dispenser nozzle 10. The nozzle 10 includes a sensor tube 12 which extends longitudinally of the nozzle 10, along an internal surface thereof, and which enables fuel delivery to be suspended if and when the nozzle 10 detects that the tank has been filled. In the present case, the first fuel dispenser nozzle 10 is a nozzle which dispenses fuel other than diesel (for example unleaded petrol). The first fuel dispenser nozzle 10 is therefore an incompatible fuel dispenser nozzle because it is not meant to be used in the filler neck of a diesel fuel tank.

A second dispenser nozzle 20 is shown in figures lB and IC. The second dispenser nozzle 20 is a diesel dispenser nozzle, and is therefore a compatible fuel dispenser nozzle, as it is meant to be used in the filler neck of a diesel fuel tank. The compatible fuel dispenser nozzle 20 comprises a delivery end 20 and a sensor tube 12.

The first and second nozzles 10, 20 have different cross-sectional diameters.

As previously discussed, the second, compatible nozzle 20 has a larger cross-sectional diameter than the first, incompatible nozzle 10. A standard unleaded petrol dispenser nozzle 10 has a substantially circular cross-section, having a nominal internal diameter of between 15.3mm and 17.3mm (not including the diameter of the internal sensor tube 12) and an external diameter of 21.3mm.

A standard diesel dispenser nozzle 20 has a substantially circular cross- * section having a nominal internal diameter of between 19mm and 19.4mm (not including the diameter of the internal sensor tube 12) and an external diameter S...

of 25.4mm.

S

**.*.. * S

The compatible fuel dispenser nozzle 20 comprises a non-drip valve arrangement 14 as shown in figure 1C. The non-drip valve arrangement 14 comprises a plug 16 which has a maximum diameter which is smaller than an internal diameter of the nozzle 20. When the fuel dispenser is not in use, the plug 16 is seated against a valve seat 18 which extends radially inwardly from an internal surface of the nozzle 20. When the plug 16 is seated against the valve seat 18, the nozzle 20 is sealed, preventing fuel from passing therethrough. The plug 16 may be held in its sealed position against the seat 18 magnetically. When fuel is to be dispensed through the nozzle 20 the force of the moving fuel is able to overcome the seal between the plug 16 and the seat 18, and the plug 16 moves towards the delivery end 20 of the nozzle 20.

Owing to the diameter of the plug 16 being smaller than the diameter of the nozzle 20, fuel is able to flow through the nozzle 20, around the plug 16.

When the dispensing of fuel is discontinued, the plug 16 is drawn back along the nozzle 20 by a spring or similar biasing means 17 such that it reseals against the seat 18, thus reducing the likelihood of fuel dripping from the nozzle 20 once filling has stopped.

The nozzle 20 comprises a barrier 19 which extends, approximately diametrically, across the nozzle 20, near its delivery end 20a, to prevent the plug 16 from being forced out of the delivery end 20a when fuel is dispensed.

Referring now to Figures 2A and 2B, there is shown a device 30 for connection to an inlet of a fuel tank. More particularly, the device 30 is intended to be connected to the inlet of a diesel fuel tank in order to inhibit the full insertion of an incompatible, for example an unleaded fuel, dispenser nozzle 10 into the inlet, whilst permitting the full insertion of a compatible, i.e. diesel, dispenser * nozzle 20, and hence reducing the likelihood of delivering incompatible fuel to the dieseltank. When the device 30 is connected to the inlet of the fuel tank, a **** part of the device 30 may extend into the inlet.

S

* 25 The device 30 includes a body 32, which comprises a cylindrical tube having a first end 32a and a second end 32k. The first end 32 is larger than the second end 32k; the tube is therefore tapered from the first end 32 to the second end 32b. This assists in the insertion of the body into the inlet of the fuel tank. The first end 32 comprises an entrance to an opening which extends through the body 32. A fuel dispenser nozzle 10, 20 can be introduced into the opening via the entrance in the first end 32a. The device also includes a blocking member 34 and a support member 36, both of which extend through the opening of the body 32.

The blocking member 34 is elongate and has a first end 34 and a second end 34b. The first end 34a of the blocking member 34 is substantially C-shaped in plan view, and the second end 34b comprises a substantially circular ring 37.

The first end 34a and the second end 34b are connected by three rods 34ç which are spaced from each other at about 1200 about a longitudinal axis of the blocking member 34. The rods 34c extend away from each other as they extend between the ring 37 and the first end 34, such that the blocking member 34 tapers between its first end 32a and its second end 32k. An outer profile of the blocking member 34 is therefore substantially frusto-conical.

The blocking member 34 comprises an engagement formation which in the present example is provided by a substantially arcuate upstanding wall which is connected to and extends away from the C-shaped end 34a of the blocking member. The arcuate wall 52 is only a few millimetres in height, preferably between 5mm and 10mm. Although in the present example the engagement formation comprises only one arcuate wall, it must be appreciated that two or more arcuate walls could be provided, e.g. two substantially arcuate walls *:::* positioned opposite each other.

The wall 52 comprises a lowermost part 52 of the wall 52 which is smaller in diameter than an upper part 52b of the wall 52. The nominal diameter of the upper part 52a of the wall 52 is such that it is substantially equal to the cross-sectional diameter of the incompatible fuel dispenser nozzle 10, but is smaller than the internal diameter of the compatible fuel dispenser nozzle 20.

Therefore the minimum external diameter of the upper part 52 would preferably be between 15.3mm and 17.3mm and the maximum external diameter of the upper part 52 should be approximately 19mm.

The support member 36 is elongate and comprises a substantially cylindrical stem 40 having a first end 40 and a second end 40b. The blocking member 34 is moveably connected to the support member 36 by the stem 40 passing through the ring 37 at the second end 34k of the blocking member 34. A stop element 42 is provided at the first end 40a of the stem 40. The stop element 42 has a substantially circular cross-section which is larger in diameter than the internal diameter of the ring 37, such that the stop element 42 is not able to pass through the ring 37. The second end 40b of the stem 40 is connected to the second end 32k of the body 32.

When the blocking member 34 is in a first position relative to the support member 36 and the body 32, the second end 34b of the blocking member 34 is engaged with the first end 40a of the stem 40 and is seated against the stop element 42 of the support member 36. In the first position the first end 34k of the blocking member 34 is positioned near the first end 32 of the body 32 such that the end 34 of the blocking member 34 substantially blocks an entrance to the opening of the body 32 so that an incompatible fuel dispenser nozzle 10 is inhibited from being inserted into the opening of the body 32.

The blocking member 34 is able to move, against the action of a spring 44, * from its first position, along the support member 36, by the ring 37 sliding along the stem 40, to a second position. When the blocking member 34 is in its second position, the second end 34b of the blocking member 34 is positioned closer to the second end 40k of the stem 40, and the second end 34b of the blocking member 34 is closer to the second end 32 of the body 32.

Thus, in the second position the blocking member 34 is positioned so that it does not block an entrance to the opening of the body 32. S.... S *

The device 30 also comprises a holding means, in this example carried by the end 34k of blocking member 34, which holds the blocking member 34 in its first position relative to the body 32. The holding means comprises a holding member 46 which extends radially inwardly through an aperture in the ring 37, and is engageable with a recess in the part 40a in the stem 40, to hold or lock the ring 37 relative to the stem 40. An outer end of the holding member 46 comprises a cam portion 47 which is engageable by a part of a release mechanism, for deactivating the holding means. The holding member 46 is biased inwardly towards an axis of the blocking member 34 by a spring (not shown).

The release mechanism is carried by the blocking member 34, and is operable to move the holding member 46 radially outwardly against the action of the spring. The release mechanism includes a rod 48, which extends from the cam portion 47 along a side of the blocking member 34, towards the end 34a of the blocking member 34. The rod 48 has a first end 48 which is connected to a plate 50 which is a part of the release mechanism and a second end 48b which engages the cam member 47. The rod 48 extends through a bore 49 in the end 34 of the blocking member 34.

The plate 50 is substantially C-shaped and lies substantially parallel to the first part 34g. An internal diameter of the plate 50 corresponds to the external diameter of the part 52a of the wall 52. The plate 50 is moveable longitudinally * relative to the blocking member 34, along the part 52a of the wall 52, between the first end 34a of the blocking member 34 and an underside of the part 52 **** of the wall 52. The plate 50 is biased to engage the underside of the part 52 by a spring or other biasing means (not shown). * 25

* When the release mechanism is in a first position, which corresponds to the first position of the blocking member 34 relative to the body 32, the plate 50 is engaged with the underside of the shoulder 52b of the waIl 52, and is thus spaced from the first part 34 of the blocking member 34. The rod 48, being connected to the plate 50 is also in a first position such that its second end 48b either does not engage the cam member 47, or engages the cam member 47 only slightly, so as not to cause it to be moved. When the release mechanism is in its first position, the holding member 46 is in a radially inward position relative to the support member 36, such that it is engaged with the stem 40 of the support member 36 and inhibits relative movement between the blocking member 34 and the support member 36.

In a second position of the release mechanism, the plate 50 engages the first part 34a of the blocking member 34, and is spaced from the underside of the part 52b of the wall 52. The second end 48b of the rod 48 engages a part of the cam 47 of the holding member 46 which causes the holding member 46 to move radially outwardly, which disengages the member 46 from the recess in the stem 40. Thus, relative movement between the blocking member 34 and the support member 36 is no longer inhibited.

The device 30 can be connected to an inlet of a fuel tank, upon manufacture of a vehicle, or can be retrofitted to the neck of the inlet, in a similar manner to replacing the vehicle's filler cap. The device 30 preferably includes a part 60 which is connectable to a fuel cap receiving part of a fuel tank inlet. The part may provide a push or snap fit with the neck of the inset, or may be connected by some other means. For example the part 60 may be threaded * so as to engage a compatible thread on the fuel cap receiving part of a fuel tank inlet. S... * S 555.

In use, the body 32 is connected to an upper part of a neck of an inlet of a fuel tank such that the first end 32a is positioned near to or flush with an entrance of the inlet into which a fuel dispenser nozzle 10, 20 can be introduced, whilst the second end 32b of the body 32 is positioned inside the inlet. Since the blocking member 34 is biased towards its first position by the spring 44, at least a part of the device 30, i.e. an uppermost part of the blocking member 34, provides a visible warning that diesel fuel should be used, when the fuel filler cap (not shown) is removed from the first end of the body 32.

If the incompatible fuel dispenser nozzle 10 is introduced to the opening of the inlet, a portion of the delivery end lOa of the incompatible nozzle 10 engages the part 52a of the wall 52 (as shown in figures 3A and 3B). Since the nominal diameter of the part 52 of the wall 52 is substantially equal to the diameter of the incompatible fuel dispenser nozzle 10, the nozzle 10 is unable to move longitudinally relative to the blocking member 34, beyond the position of the part 52b. Therefore the incompatible nozzle 10 is prevented from engaging the plate 50, because the wall 52 cannot be received in the end of the nozzle 10, and hence is unable to release the holding member 46 from engagement with the recess in the stem 40. The blocking member 34 is therefore not free to move relative to the support member 36, or the body 32, when the blocking member 34 is engaged by the incompatible nozzle 10, and insertion of the incompatible fuel dispenser nozzle 10 into the opening of the body 32 is inhibited.

It is desirable for the minimum insertion of a fuel nozzle into the body 32 to be between 40mm and 100mm before dispensing fuel; if the depth of insertion is below 40mm, then the user is alerted that inadequate insertion has been achieved and is discouraged from operating the incompatible nozzle 10 to * dispense fuel. By inhibiting the insertion of the incompatible nozzle 10, adequate insertion is not possible, therefore the user of the nozzle is alerted to **** the fact that an incompatible nozzle has been selected and is encouraged to select an alternative nozzle. * 25

****** * Referring to figures 4A and 4B, if a compatible fuel dispenser nozzle 20 is inserted into the entrance opening of the body 32, the delivery end of the nozzle 20 engages the blocking member 34. Since the external diameter of the part 52b of the wall 52 is smaller than the internal diameter of the compatible fuel dispenser nozzle 20, the wall 52 is received in the delivery end of the second fuel dispenser nozzle 20. Since the wall 52 is only a few millimetres in height, the wall 52 does not impinge on the non-drip valve arrangement 14 or the barrier 19 of the nozzle 20 when it is received in the delivery end 20a of the compatible nozzle 20.

When the wall 52 is received in the delivery end 20a of the compatible nozzle 20, the delivery end 20 engages the plate 50. As the user pushes the nozzle 20, the force applied by the user moves the plate 50 from its first position, towards the first end 34a of the blocking member 34, to its second position, such that the plate 50 contacts the first part 34a of the blocking member 34.

Longitudinal movement of the plate 50 relative to the blocking member 34 in this way causes corresponding longitudinal movement of the rod 48, through the bore 49 so that the second end 48b of the rod 48 engages the cam portion 47 of the holding member 46. The cam member 47 thus move the holding member 46 radially outwardly relative to the blocking member 34. The holding member 46 moves away from the support member 36 and disengages from the recess in the stem 40. The holding means is thus deactivated and the blocking member 34 is free to move relative to the support member 36, and the body 32.

When the holding member 46 has been released by the compatible nozzle 20, continued force of the insertion of the compatible nozzle 20 by the user causes * *1 the blocking member 34 to move relative to its second position. In this position the compatible nozzle 20 is fully received in the device 30. The lengths of the blocking member 34 and the support member 36 are such that when the compatible nozzle 20 has released the holding means, adequate insertion of between 40mm and 100mm into the body 32 is possible. The user is thus content that a compatible nozzle has been selected, and fuel can be dispensed. Fuel is able to pass along the nozzle 20, past the non-drip valve arrangement 14, and through the device 30 to enter the fuel tank.

The fact that the first part 34a of the blocking member 34, the plate 50 and the wall 52 are arcuate or substantially C-shaped, means that the sensor tube 12 of the nozzle 20 should not impinge on the device 30. If the sensor tube 12 does impinge on the device 30, the user can rotate the compatible nozzle 20 slightly, until the sensor tube no longer impinges on the device 30. The movement of the blocking member 34 into the body 32, in the direction of insertion of the compatible nozzle 20, and, as shown in figure 5, the small height of the engagement formation 52, enable the compatible nozzle 20 to be inserted fully into body 32 without the non-drip valve arrangement 14 impinging on the device 30.

When the user has dispensed the required amount of fuel, the compatible nozzle 20 is withdrawn from the device 30, and the biasing means 44 returns the blocking member 34 to its first position where it is correctly positioned at the entrance of the opening of the body, blocking that opening, so that it is ready to engage a fuel nozzle 10, 20 the next time the vehicle is refuelled.

The holding means and release mechanism are also returned to their first positions, so that the blocking member 34 is held in its first position relative to the support member 36, until released by a compatible nozzle 20.

* It will be appreciated that the device 30 is able to receive both standard and non-drip fuel dispenser nozzles, and require no modifications to service station equipment.

*....: 25 Although the embodiment discussed above and shown in the figures includes a body 32 to support the blocking member 34, via the support member 36, it should be appreciated that, in some circumstances the body 32 will not be necessary. For example, the support member 36 could be connected directly to the inlet to the fuel tank, so that the blocking member 34, in its first position substantially blocks an entrance to the inlet so that the incompatible fuel dispenser nozzle 10 is inhibited from being inserted into the inlet, but is moveable to its second position so as to permit the compatible fuel dispenser nozzle 20 to be inserted into the inlet. Such an embodiment of the invention is particularly suited to being installed in the inlet upon manufacture of a vehicle.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereo f mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof. * .s *. * * .1 SW�* * * *d.S

I

*... S. * I

I

S....' * S I. * -) *4

I

IS.,', * I

Claims

1. A device for connection to an inlet of a fuel tank, the device comprising a body including an opening to receive a fuel dispenser nozzle, a blocking member which is moveably connected to the body, at least a portion of the blocking member being positioned in the opening of the body, wherein the blocking member is moveable relative to the body between a first position, in which a part of the blocking member substantially blocks an entrance to the opening of the body so that an incompatible fuel dispenser nozzle is inhibited from being inserted into the opening of the body, and a second position in which a compatible fuel dispenser nozzle can be inserted into the opening of the body, holding means for holding the blocking member in the first position, wherein when the blocking member is engaged by a delivery end of a compatible fuel dispenser nozzle, the holding means is deactivated, thus permitting the blocking member to be moved, by the delivery end of the compatible fuel dispenser nozzle, from the first position to the second position.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the blocking member is moveably connected to the body by a support member. * **

3. A device for connection to an inlet of a fuel tank, the device comprising: **** *"-a support member which is connectable to the inlet, a blocking member which is moveably connected to the support member, at least a portion of the blocking member being positioned in the inlet, wherein the blocking member is moveable relative to the support member between a first position, in which a part of the blocking member substantially blocks an entrance to the inlet so that an incompatible fuel dispenser nozzle is inhibited from being inserted into the inlet, and a second position in which a compatible fuel dispenser nozzle can be inserted into the inlet, holding means for holding the blocking member in the first position, wherein when the blocking member is engaged by a delivery end of a compatible fuel dispenser nozzle, the holding means is deactivated, thus permitting the blocking member to be moved, by the delivery end of the compatible fuel dispenser nozzle, from the first position to the second position.

4. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the support member is elongate.

5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blocking member is elongate.

6. A device according to any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the blocking member is slidably moveable relative to the support member.

7. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein an end of the blocking member which is positioned closest to the entrance to the opening of the body / entrance to the inlet comprises an engagement formation which is shaped so as to cooperate only with a delivery end of a compatible fuel dispenser nozzle.

8. A device according to claim 7 wherein the engagement formation is *.. a receivable in a delivery end of a compatible fuel dispenser nozzle.

a.....

*

9. A device according to claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the engagement **,.a.

* 25 formation is not receivable in a delivery end of an incompatible fuel dispenser :. nozzle. * S..

S

*555*5

S S

10. A device according to any one of claims 6 or claim 9 wherein the delivery end of the compatible fuel dispenser nozzle is substantially circular in cross-section and the engagement formation is smaller than a nominal internal diameter of the compatible fuel dispenser nozzle.

11. A device according to any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the delivery end of an incompatible fuel dispenser nozzle is substantially circular in cross-section and the engagement formation is larger than a nominal internal diameter of the incompatible fuel dispenser nozzle.

12. A device according to any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the engagement formation comprises an upstanding wall which extends away from that end of the blocking member.

13. A device according to claim 12 wherein the upstanding wall is substantially arcuate.

14. A device according to claim 13 including two substantially arcuate upstanding walls positioned opposite each other.

15. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the holding means is deactivated by a release mechanism which is carried by the blocking member.

*...

16. A device according to claim 15 wherein the release mechanism is operable only by a delivery end of a compatible fuel dispenser nozzle.

S.....

* *

17. A device according to claim 15 or claim 16, where dependent on any S.....

one of claims 6 to 14, wherein the engagement formation prevents an incompatible fuel dispenser nozzle from operating the release mechanism.

S

S.....

18. A device according to claim 15, 16 or 17 wherein the release mechanism comprises a member which is engageable with a delivery end of a compatible fuel dispenser nozzle, the member being moveable relative to the blocking member so as to deactivate the holding means.

19. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the holding means is carried by the blocking member.

20. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the holding means is spaced from the end of the blocking member which positioned closest to the entrance to the opening of the body / entrance to the inlet.

21. A device substantially as described herein and/or with reference to the accompanying drawings.

22. A fuel tank comprising a device according to any one of claims I to 21.

23. A vehicle comprising a fuel tank according to claim 22.

24. Any novel feature or combination of features substantially as described herein and/or with reference to the accompanying drawings. * .* * * . * ** * * * S..

* ***.. * S

S

S..... * . *5 * S * ..*

*..S.S S *