Service Station Patents Part 1

Wolf H. Koch, Ph.D. evaluates and lists the 1996 patents for retail service stations, including a vapor recovery system with a filter that separates hydrocarbon/air mixtures, a new robotic fueling system and a “convertible nozzle.”

Developments in equipment continue at a rapid pace. Patents reflect future products that may well become industry standards. In 1996, a trend continued toward product improvements in vapor recovery, nozzles and dispensers. In addition, emerging technologies in customer identification and robotic fueling have the potential of making the vehicle fueling experience more convenient, cleaner and safer.

This article has brief descriptions of 1996 patents for retail service stations in six categories:

(1) vapor recovery;
(2) robotic fueling;
(3) nozzles;
(4) dispensers;
(5) point of sales systems (POS); and
(6) customer focus.

Vapor Recovery
In this category, the emphasis is on refinements of existing technology. Gilbarco, Hasstech and Wayne-Dresser all received patents on modifications to their existing systems, while Blackmer (Dover) protected a smaller version of the vapor pump used in the Amoco system. Unassigned patents include the technology described below.

Vapor Recovery

Patent Michael C. Webb, et.al; United States (US) 5,494,409; and World (WO) 95 09 982; unassigned.

Summary
This is a vapor recovery system featuring a filter that separates hydrocarbon/air mixtures. Hydrocarbons in the vapors that have been returned from the vehicle tank are separated from the air, which is then vented; and the captured liquid hydrocarbons are returned to the underground storage tank. Figure 1 shows the general layout of a typical vapor recovery system. Figure 2 shows the Michael C. Webb invention.

Background
Current vacuum assisted vapor recovery systems achieve their effectiveness in one of two ways:
(1) The system returns the same volume of vapor to the underground as the liquid pumped. At times, depending on atmospheric conditions, the vapor volume may shrink or grow. If it grows, the excess may be released as fugitive emissions and affect overall system efficiency.
(2) The system draws excess vapors (air) and uses vent processors, such as flares or burners, which treat the “excess air.”

Evaluation
While the concept of isolating the underground tank from the vapor recovery system is noteworthy, there is insufficient information to transform the invention into practice. For example, air/vapor mixtures are drawn first through a filter, then through an air purifier. Both the filter and the air purifier are installed as removable cartridges in a basket. Unfortunately, the inventors have not specified either the filter or the purifier. Based on the amount of vacuum specified, the “filter” is not likely to be a membrane. An absorbent, on the other hand, would not generate a liquid hydrocarbon stream that could be returned to the tank.

Robotic Fueling
Robotic fueling dates back more than 30 years with the development of automated fueling by companies like Amoco. However, it is the marriage of modern sensor and computer technologies with old-fashioned hydraulics that may make robotic fueling an economic reality. (I will be writing an article on robotics for a future issue of PE&T.)

Robotic Fueling

Patents  William Ramsey, et.al.; WO 96 39 351, WO 96 39 352 and WO 96 39 353, assigned to Shell Oil Company.

Summary
This robotic fueling system relies on a series of sensors and expert vision. See Figure 3 for overall robot, and Figure 4, which illustrates actual filling device. A radio frequency transponder¹ in the vehicle signals the vehicle’s presence, fuel type, and the fill pipe location. After the transaction is authorized by way of the customer terminal, the fueling arm moves, via an overhead gantry system and telescoping elements, into close proximity of the fill pipe.² The fueling arm opens the fuel door, removes the cap, dispenses fuel, replaces the cap, closes the door and retracts.

Background
Previous robotic fueling systems suffered from two major shortcomings: they required extensive vehicle modifications, or were capable of fueling only select vehicles.

Evaluation
The present inventions represent a significant improvement over older technologies. However, to become commercial, these systems will require extensive testing and must pass a number of regulatory hurdles. Robots can handle fuels that might be too hazardous for the public to handle.

Footnotes
¹ This is a transceiver activated for transmission by reception of a predetermined signal.
² A gantry system has a large bridge-like frame designed to move along a set of tracks.

Nozzles
Nozzles represent the largest group of patents for this article. (Some of the patents listed in the Patent Table are 1996 World patents that correspond to U.S. patents described in the March/April 1996 issue of PE&T.)

Particularly noteworthy is a recent Emco Wheaton patent (US 5,549,132) describing a “convertible nozzle.” The patent illustrations are unsuitable for reproduction, or I would have featured the nozzle as one of the highlights in 1996 technology. The nozzle includes a convertible main valve section that allows it to be configured for the U.S. or the European markets.

Domestic nozzles operate with the main fuel valve opening upstream of—and closing with—the fuel flow. European regulatory agencies require that the valve move toward the nozzle outlet to open and close against it, to avoid damage from repeated “water hammer.”

The new nozzle includes provisions for reversing the main valve members so the valve seat can face in either direction. Thus, the same nozzle may be marketed worldwide, changing only the assembly procedure.

Also worth mentioning is Husky’s new vapor recovery nozzle without a dual coaxial spout (US 5,522,440). The nozzle design emulates a balance nozzle approach, with a small non-sealing boot for use with assisted vapor recovery systems. It has a large diameter spout that will lower the pressure drop across the nozzle and increase the flow rate of gasoline.

Dispensers
As shown in the 1996 Patent Overview Table, Gilbarco obtained three patents on various aspects of audio/video control integration. The company also protected the concept of using a single product meter in a multi-product dispenser. (Note: Vapor recovery technology has been separated from the other dispenser patents in the table.)

Point of Sales Systems
This year’s crop of POS patents includes a number of inventions not developed specifically for retail service stations, such as remote banking and vending operations. However, it is important to know about emerging trends that may affect transaction systems in the future, such as the integration of ATMs with station electronics and automated use of vending machines. Coca Cola obtained a patent (WO 96 06 415) on integrating a dispenser with a POS system and a vending machine. One patent (US 5,576,526) covers prepaid vending, while the rest protect various aspects of electronic sales processing.

Customer Focus
This category is a catchall for inventions that are difficult to categorize, but improve the fueling experience. Included here are such ideas as a windshield squeegee with an advertising message (US 5,487,203) and a vehicle identification and diagnostic system by Exxon (US 5,577,268). The Exxon system includes a radio frequency transponder connected to the vehicle computer and a variety of onboard sensors. The vehicle is recognized as it enters the station or service area. The customer receives immediate authorization and a personal greeting along with diagnostic and promotional information.

1996 Patent Overview Table
Gilbarco deserves accolades for employing the most prolific inventors: the company achieved 11 patents in this listing and 18 during the last two years. Husky was in second place with eight patents, and Shell in third place with seven. The Table lists all 1996 and the leftover 1995 patents by category. Where identical patents were issued as U.S., European and/or World patents, the U.S. patent is shown first.

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