FORM-2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
A MOBILE LPG DISPENSING SYSTEM AND A METHOD THEREOF
VANAZ ENGINEERS LTD.,
An Indian Company of
85/1, Paud Road, Pune - 400 038, Maharashtra, India.
The following specification describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure generally relates to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the field of mobile Auto LPG dispensing systems for automobiles.
BACKGROUND
Typically Auto LPG dispensing systems for automobiles/automotive applications require underground storage tanks for storage of LPG. Road tanker carrying LPG from a terminal to a dispensing station and an Auto LPG dispensing unit require safety equipment as a mandate, Further, installation of conventional LPG dispensing systems requires land having area about 10000 - 15000 sq. ft. varying from rural location to urban location.
At least two electrical pumps are required for the conventional Auto LPG dispensing systems, a first pump for unloading LPG from the Road Tanker to the underground tank and a second pump for dispensing of the Auto LPG from the dispenser to the vehicle. The total electrical power input required to operate such dispensing units is about 15 kW. Further, as there are distinct systems for unloading of LPG tank and for dispensing LPG to the vehicle, significant instrumentation is required to control unloading and dispensing of the LGP container.
Still further, the underground storage tank for Auto LPG is required to be built according to rules for Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels (SMPV) that is a non-fire type vessel adding to cost of the system. Another disadvantage of conventional LPG dispensing system for automobiles is that installation and commissioning time for conventional dispenser systems is about 3 1/2-4 months as heavy civil structure is involved,
Thus, a need is felt for making the Auto LPG dispensing system cost effective, simple in construction and configuration while promoting pollution free environment.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to configure an Auto LPG dispensing system for automobiles/automotive applications that does not need an underground storage tank.
Another object of the present invention is to configure an Auto LPG dispensing system for automobiles/automotive applications that is safe to install and operate.
Yet another object of the present invention is to configure an Auto LPG dispensing system for automobiles/automotive applications that is compact
Still another object of the present invention is to configure an Auto LPG dispensing system for automobiles/automotive applications that is cost effective.
One more object of the present invention is to configure an Auto LPG dispensing system for automobiles/automotive applications that requires less electric power for its operation.
Still one more object of the present invention is to configure an Auto LPG dispensing system for automobiles/automotive applications that requires minimal instrumentation.
Another object of the present invention is to configure an Auto LPG dispensing system for automobiles/automotive applications that requires less installation and commissioning time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a system for dispensing LPG to an automobile including a vehicle having a platform; means to securely mount an Auto LPG storage tank on said platform; means to safely fill LPG into said tank; means to hold said vehicle in a locked stationary configuration; means to dispense LPG from said tank to an automobile; means to control vapor built-up inside said LPG tank; and pneumatic control means to control operations of said dispensing means.
Typically, said LPG storage tank comprises a float co-operating with said pneumatic control means adapted to control 85% volumetric level requirement of LPG in said tank while filling.

Typically, said pneumatic control means operates on magnetic principles,
Typically, said means to safely fill comprises a liquid-in connection and a liquid-out connection.
Typically, said pneumatic control means is adapted to operate as a pneumatic on-off level switch.
Typically, said means to hold said vehicle comprises at least one wheel choke disposed behind wheels of said vehicle.
Typically, said means to control vapor built-up comprises a vapor connection.
The present invention further provides a method for dispensing an Auto LPG unit is disclosed that includes steps of transporting a mobile LPG tank via a gas transportation vehicle; moving said vehicle up to a pre-determined gas filling station; filling LPG into a transportation tank; moving said vehicle with LPG storage tank to a dispensing station; dispensing LPG from said tank to an automobile; and maneuvering unloading said LPG from said tank and loading LPG to said automobile via at least one pneumatically operated on-off switch.
Typically, during said step of filling LPG into said transportation tank, a float of said mobile LPG tank is adapted to co-operate with said pneumatic on-off level switch to control 85% volumetric level requirement on LPG by controlling pressure in line of remote operated valves (ROVs).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying figures, in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which:
FIGURE 1 illustrates a schematic connection diagram of a mobile LPG Dispensing system (MLDS) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 illustrates a schematic arrangement of an Auto LPG tank mounted on a vehicle and its side view in accordance with the embodiment of FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 3 illustrates a schematic arrangement of an Auto LPG tank in accordance with the embodiment of FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 4 illustrates a side view of the 'liquid in connection' of the LPG tank of FIGURE 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 5 illustrates a side view of the 'liquid out connection' of the LPG tank of FIGURE 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention:
FIGURE 6 illustrates a side view of the vapor connection of the LPG tank of FIGURE 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 7 illustrates a schematic layout of a mobile LPG Dispensing System (MLDS) in accordance with the embodiment of FIGURE 1; and
FIGURE 8 illustrates flow chart depicting a method of dispensing Auto LPG in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described with reference to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings. The embodiment does not limit the scope and ambit of the invention. The description relates purely to the exemplary preferred embodiment of the invention and its suggested applications. Further, the figures and the description hereto are merely illustrative and only exemplify the system and method and in no way limit the scope thereof. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented

where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of description therein.
LPG as a fuel is pollution free and environment friendly. However, LPG is not easily available everywhere that discourages people from buying vehicle equipped with LPG conversion kits. Again, as per present gas dispensing statutory requirements, LPG tank size is a deciding parameter for safety distances and the plot size of fuel dispensing stations. Secondly, the safety distances requirements are complex and different for under ground and above ground LPG tanks. Even for an option of deploying under ground LPG tanks, land cost required in suburban areas is comparatively huge besides cost of plant and machinery (tank size and other necessary equipment). Thus, if the cost of land and cost of plant and machinery can be reduced, then it is possible to increase the number of gas fueling stations installed. Thus, conventional LPG dispensing systems for automobiles/automotives necessarily require an underground storage tank that is difficult and time consuming to install, needs a bigger space for installation, is expensive, and requires at least two pumps for its operation, thus adding to the instrumentation and electrical power requirement of the system.
To overcome the drawbacks of prior art, a first aspect of the present invention discloses a system for dispensing LPG to an automobile including a vehicle having a platform; means to securely mount an Auto LPG storage tank on said platform; means to safely fill LPG into said tank; means to hold said vehicle in a locked stationary configuration; means to dispense LPG from said tank to an automobile; means to control vapor built-up inside said LPG tank; and pneumatic control means to control operations of said dispensing means.
Again according to the first aspect, said LPG storage tank comprises a float co-operating with said pneumatic control means adapted to control 85% volumetric level requirement of LPG in said tank while filling. The pneumatic control means operates on magnetic principles. Further, the means to safely fill comprises a liquid-in connection and a liquid-out connection.

Again, according to the first aspect, the pneumatic control means is adapted to operate as a pneumatic on-off level switch, wherein, the means to hold said vehicle comprises at least one wheel choke disposed behind wheels of said vehicle. Further, the means to control vapor built-up comprises a vapor connection.
According to a second aspect, the present invention discloses a method for dispensing an Auto LPG unit is disclosed that includes steps of transporting a mobile LPG tank via a gas transportation vehicle; moving said vehicle up to a pre-determined gas filling station; filling LPG into a transportation tank; moving said vehicle with LPG storage tank to a dispensing station; dispensing LPG from said tank to an automobile; and maneuvering unloading said LPG from said tank and loading LPG to said automobile via at least one pneumatically operated on-off switch.
Still, according to the second aspect, during said step of filling LPG into said transportation tank, a float of said mobile LPG tank is adapted to co-operate with said pneumatic on-off level switch to control 85% volumetric level requirement on LPG by controlling pressure in line of remote operated valves (ROVs).
Aspects of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, whereby, the figures and the description hereto are merely illustrative and only exemplify the system and method and in no way limit the scope thereof. The main components of the MLDS and their functioning according to the present invention as illustrated in FIGURES 1 - 8 are referenced generally as given below: a vehicle 110 adapted to carry and transport an Auto LPG; an Auto LPG storage tank 112 adapted to store LPG under pressure; a dispenser 114 configured as a gauge to track loading of LPG in an automobile; an array of wheel chokes 116 adapted as wedges placed behind said vehicle's 110 wheels for preventing accidental movement of said vehicle 110; a compressed air inlet 118 adapted to fill said storage tank 112 with LPG; a filler cap connection for LPG inlet 120, wherein the filler cap is adapted fro closing filler port of an automobile; a pneumatic on-off level switch 122 adapted to control LPG movement to and from said tank 112; an array of remote operated valves (ROVs) 124 configured as on-off valves adapted to pneumatically maneuver said dispensing system for loading LPG into an automobile; an array of smart hoses 126 adaptable as air cleansing units for said LPG storage tank 112; a dispensing pump 128 adapted to unload said LPG from said vehicle 110 and load said LPG in an

automobile; a safety relief valve 130 adapted to secure the LPG storage tank 112 against reverse LPG pressure; a pressure gauge 132 adapted to measure and control the pressure inside the LPG tank 112; an array of temperature sensitive relief valves 134 to protect the LPG dispensing system against temperature surges; an array of ball valves 136 adapted to provide sealing to said LPG storage tank 112; a liquid in connection 210 adapted to fill said LPG tank 112 with LPG; a liquid out connection 212 adapted to release said LPG out of said tank 112; and a vapor connection 214 adapted to control vapor built-up inside said tank 112.
FIGURE 1 illustrates a schematic connection diagram of an Auto LPG Dispensing system (ALDS) for loading LPG in automobiles/automotives in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention and the schematic diagram is generally indicated by the numeral 100. FIGURE 7 illustrates a schematic layout of an Auto LPG Dispensing system (ALDS) in accordance with the embodiment of FIGURE 1 and is generally indicated by the numeral 300. FIGURE 1 and FIGURE 7 can be explained in conjunction for explaining the operation of the invention of loading LPG into automobiles/ automotives. A customized road that forms part of the schematic layout for the mobile LPG dispensing system in accordance with the present invention is indicated generally by the numeral 310 and the reference numeral 320 indicates a designated area for vehicle with LPG tank. Further, the dashed line in the FIGURE 7 indicates the plot boundary and the curved arrows into and out of the plot boundary indicate vehicle in and vehicle out directions respectively.
The LPG storage tank 112 mounted on the vehicle 110 is provided with necessary safety features and gets filled with LPG at the designated area for vehicle 320 that remains parked in the designated area 320. Further, the unloading electrical pump mounted on vehicle is also used as a dispensing pump 128, whereby, as the LPG storage tank 112 mounted on vehicle 110 is also used as a tank for the dispensing unit, there is no need for an underground storage tank. Accordingly, the land area required for installing and operating an Auto LPG dispensing system reduces from the traditionally required 10000 - 15000 sq. ft. to approximately 4000 sq. ft. that makes the whole system compact. Further, the time required to install the mobile LPG dispensing system in accordance with the present invention is only about 10% of the time required for the conventional systems. Further, only one pump, namely the dispensing pump 128, is required to operate the mobile LPG dispensing system in

accordance with the present invention, thus the two pumps required in the conventional systems is replaced by just one pump, thereby reducing the electrical power required for operating the system. Accordingly, less instrumentation is also involved in the system envisaged by the present invention. Considering the features explained herein above, the overall initial and operating cost of the mobile LPG dispensing unit is reduced considerably.
The system in accordance with the present invention is further explained through FIGURES 2 through 6, wherein FIGURE 2 illustrates a schematic arrangement of an Auto LPG tank mounted on a vehicle and its side view in accordance with the embodiment of FIGURE 1 that is generally indicated by the numeral 200. Further, FIGURE 3 illustrates a schematic arrangement of an Auto LPG tank in accordance with the embodiment of FIGURE 1 and FIGURE 4 illustrates a side view of the 'liquid in connection' of the LPG tank of FIGURE 3. Still further, FIGURE 5 illustrates a side view of the 'liquid out connection' of the LPG tank of FIGURE 3 and FIGURE 6 illustrates a side view of the vapor connection of the LPG tank of FIGURE 3.
Further, for safe operation of the mobile LPG dispensing system, the LPG tank should not be filled beyond 85% of its capacity. Again referring to FIGURE 1, the pneumatic on-off level switch 122 and the remote operated valves (ROVs) 124 used in the system are unique features of the mobile LPG dispensing system in accordance with the present invention that satisfy the statutory requirements of the system. Further, the pneumatic on-off level switch 122 operates on magnetic principles and controls the 85% volumetric level requirement of Mobile LPG in the tank while filling, by controlling the pressure in the line of remote operated valves (ROVs) 124.
Referring now to FIGURE 8, a flow chart 800 depicts a method of mobile dispensing of an Auto LPG unit. A first step 802 includes transporting a mobile LPG tank via a gas transportation vehicle. A second step 804 includes moving said vehicle up to a pre¬determined gas filling station. A third step 806 includes filling LPG into a transportation tank. A fourth step 808 includes moving said vehicle with LPG storage tank to a dispensing station. A fifth step 810 includes dispensing LPG from said tank to an automobile and a sixth

step 812 includes maneuvering unloading said LPG from said tank and loading LPG to said automobile via at least one pneumatically operated on-off switch.
Therefore, the mobile LPG dispensing system as envisaged in accordance with the present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art by achieving following design features:
1. Above ground LPG tank having less volume (Maximum 2000 L), reduces requirement of land/plot size of the station. The reduction is more than 50%, without violating statutory requirements of the safety distances.
2. The cost of required civil construction is nominal in comparison with conventional design of LPG Dispensing Systems.
3. The LPG tanker arrangement is not required to fill LPG in the tank in accordance with the present invention. This reduces the requirement of unloading pump and drive motor for the same which further reduces cost of infrastructure and recurring electrical power consumption expenses of the system.
4. The requirement of safety equipment depends on the size of LPG tank and piping. In the system in accordance with the present invention, the tank volume and length of pipe line is quite less. As such, the required quantity of safety equipment reduces, effectively reducing the cost of the entire system.
5. The erection and commissioning activity for the system in accordance with the present invention requires less than 10% time in comparison with conventional systems.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE
The technical advancements offered by the present invention, which add to the economic significance of the invention, include the following. A mobile LPG dispensing system is disclosed that does not need an underground storage tank. A mobile LPG dispensing system is disclosed that is safe to install and operate. A mobile LPG dispensing system is disclosed that is compact. A mobile LPG dispensing system is disclosed that is cost effective. A mobile LPG dispensing system is disclosed that requires less electric power for its operation. A mobile LPG dispensing system is disclosed that requires minimal instrumentation. A Mobile LPG dispensing system is disclosed that requires less installation and commissioning time. A

mobile LPG system is disclosed that serves as an alternative fuel for automobiles promoting an environment friendly fuel system.
The numerical values given of various physical parameters, dimensions and quantities are only approximate values and it is envisaged that the values higher or lower than the numerical value assigned to the physical parameters, dimensions and quantities fall within the scope of the invention unless there is a statement in the specification to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the specific features of the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated that many additional features can be added and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiment without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

Claims:
1. A system for dispensing LPG to an automobile, said system comprising:
a vehicle having a platform;
means to securely mount an Auto LPG storage tank on said platform;
means to safely fill LPG into said tank;
means to hold said vehicle in a locked stationary configuration;
means to dispense LPG from said tank to an automobile;
means to control vapor built-up inside said LPG tank; and
pneumatic control means to control operations of said dispensing means.
2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said LPG storage tank comprises a float co-operating with said pneumatic control means adapted to control 85% volumetric level requirement of LPG in said tank while filling.
3. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pneumatic control means operates on magnetic principles.
4. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means to safely fill comprises a liquid-in connection and a liquid-out connection.
5. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pneumatic control means is adapted to operate as a pneumatic on-off level switch.
6. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means to hold said vehicle comprises at least one wheel choke disposed behind wheels of said vehicle.
7. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means to control vapor built-up comprises a vapor connection.
8. A method for dispensing an Auto LPG unit, the method comprising:
transporting a mobile LPG tank via a gas transportation vehicle; moving said vehicle up to a pre-determined gas filling station; filling LPG into a transportation tank;

- moving said vehicle with LPG storage tank to a dispensing station;
- dispensing LPG from said tank to an automobile; and
maneuvering unloading said LPG from said tank and loading LPG to said automobile via at least one pneumatically operated on-off switch.
9. A method as claimed in claim 8, wherein during said step of filling LPG into said transportation tank, a float of said mobile LPG tank is adapted to co-operate with said pneumatic on-off level switch to control 85% volumetric level requirement on LPG by controlling pressure in line of remote operated valves (ROVs).