Device and method for filling pressurized gas tanks, particularly vehicle pressurized hydrogen tanks, the device comprising a liquefied gas source, a transfer circuit comprising two parallel transfer lines each having an upstream end linked to the liquefied gas source, at least two separate downstream ends intended to be each removably connected to a tank to be filled, each of the two transfer lines comprising: a pump, a vaporizer for evaporating the pumped fluid, a branch for bypassing the vaporizer and a distribution valve(s) set configured to control the flow of fluid pumped and distributed between the vaporizer and the branch line, the device further comprising a storage buffer(s), which storage buffer(s) is(are) connected in parallel to each of the two transfer lines via a set of valves.

An autonomous fueling system to dispense fuel to a vehicle. The system may include a fuel dispenser configured to autonomously deliver fuel to a vehicle. A server may monitor the fueling event. The system may also include a user device configured to communicate with the fuel dispenser and/or the server to order the fuel. The dispenser may be configured to autonomously insert a nozzle into the fuel system of the vehicle and deliver the fuel.

A fluid nozzle includes a housing, a poppet configured to move within the housing, and a contact sensor disposed in the housing and configured to sense a position of the poppet. A contact sensor may include an actuation rod configured to move in response to contact with the poppet, an actuation rod spring configured to apply a biasing force to the actuation rod, a push rod, a rolling member disposed between the actuation rod and the push rod, and a switch actuated via movement of the push rod. In a connected position of the poppet, the actuation rod may push the rolling member, the rolling member may push the push rod, and the push rod may activate the switch to indicate a connection.

A fuel delivery system automatically selects one out of several available fuels for a vehicle having a specialized fuel filler neck. A dispenser pump assembly includes a pump base, a hose assembly and a nozzle assembly which includes a nozzle spout and a cylindrical collar member slidably mounted on the nozzle spout. A sensor on the nozzle assembly generates a signal, based on a position of the collar when the spout is fully inserted into a fuel filler neck of the vehicle. The signal is transmitted via wires, wireless signal, fiber-optic cables or other medium. An electronic controller in the pump base selects an appropriate fuel, based on the signal received from the sensor. If the available fuels include percentages of ethanol or other additives, a precision blending system ensures that the correct amount of additive is provided. Methods of selecting a fuel using the system hereof are also disclosed.

A robotic servicing system. The robotic servicing system includes an evacuation system, a refill system and a robotic assembly. The evacuation system includes a first quick connect fitting configured to mate with a quick connect valve of a vehicle. The refill system includes a second quick connect fitting configure to mate with the quick connect valve of the vehicle. The robotic assembly is couplable to the evacuation system and the refill system, and is configured to autonomously connect the first and second quick connection fittings to the quick connect valve of the vehicle.

A device for automatic refueling of a vehicle. The device includes a nozzle including a connecting means and a flexible filler pipe with an open end. The filler pipe is configured to be inserted via an axial pressure applied to the filler pipe at a location spaced from the open end, with the open end first, into the tank pipe to deliver fuel through the open end into the tank pipe. The filler pipe includes an inner fuel pipe of flexible hard plastic material, and an outer metal coil or a series of metal rings. The metal coil or metal rings are arranged to run in parallel to and outside of the inner fuel pipe, and the metal coil or metal rings are arranged to run in and along a recess in the surface of the inner fuel pipe.

A gas filling apparatus having a filling nozzle with high operability. A gas filling apparatus 1, comprising; a filling mechanism for transporting a gas from a gas supply source via a gas transporting pipe while measuring flow rate of the gas; a filling hose 3 connected to the gas transporting pipe, the filling hose having a filling nozzle 4 at an end; a nozzle hook 5 on which the filling nozzle is hung; and a guide mechanism 7 for guiding the filling nozzle from the nozzle hook to a predetermined position when the filling nozzle is detached from the nozzle hook. The guide mechanism can guide the filling nozzle to a filling port of a fuel tank mounted on a vehicle, which allows the filling nozzle to move to the filling port of the fuel tank with ease even though the filling nozzle is heavy or a high pressure gas such as hydrogen gas is handled. The nozzle hook can include an injection port 5d for injecting a dry gas to the filling nozzle hung on the nozzle hook.

A gas filling apparatus having a filling nozzle with high operability. A gas filling apparatus 1, comprising; a filling mechanism for transporting a gas from a gas supply source via a gas transporting pipe while measuring flow rate of the gas; a filling hose 3 connected to the gas transporting pipe, the filling hose having a filling nozzle 4 at an end; a nozzle hook 5 on which the filling nozzle is hung; and a guide mechanism 7 for guiding the filling nozzle from the nozzle hook to a predetermined position when the filling nozzle is detached from the nozzle hook. The guide mechanism can guide the filling nozzle to a filling port of a fuel tank mounted on a vehicle, which allows the filling nozzle to move to the filling port of the fuel tank with ease even though the filling nozzle is heavy or a high pressure gas such as hydrogen gas is handled. The nozzle hook can include an injection port 5d for injecting a dry gas to the filling nozzle hung on the nozzle hook.

Methods and systems are provided for improving customer satisfaction during a vehicle fuel tank refueling event. A customer refilling fuel in a fuel tank is provided a real-time update regarding the status of a fuel system, including a time remaining until the fuel tank is depressurized and ready to receive fuel. The update is provided visually by projecting the countdown on a ground surface via a puddle light, and acoustically via an external microphone or speaker of the vehicle.

Methods and systems are provided for improving customer satisfaction during a vehicle fuel tank refueling event. A customer refilling fuel in a fuel tank is provided a real-time update regarding the status of a fuel system, including a time remaining until the fuel tank is depressurized and ready to receive fuel. The update is provided visually by projecting the countdown on a ground surface via a puddle light, and acoustically via an external microphone or speaker of the vehicle.