WO2005053986A1

WO2005053986A1 - Audible warning device

Info

Publication number: WO2005053986A1
Application number: PCT/GB2004/004999
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kirk Eden; Christopher Bibby; Geoffrey S. Stern
Original assignee: Kirk Eden; Christopher Bibby; Stern Geoffrey S
Priority date: 2003-11-27
Filing date: 2004-11-26
Publication date: 2005-06-16
Also published as: GB0612697D0

Abstract

An audible warning device for a fuel tank having an inlet and a fuel inlet flap which is moveable between an open and closed configuration such that the inlet can be selectively uncovered or covered, the device comprising a control unit having means for storing and playing an audible message, the audible message comprising an indication of fuel type, and a switch operatively coupled to the control unit and cooperating with the flap such that when the fuel inlet flap is in its open configuration the switch is capable of activating the control unit to play the audible message.

Description

DESCRIPTION AUDIBLE WARNING DEVICE The present invention relates to an audible warning device for a fuel tank. In particular the present invention concerns an audible warning device for a fuel tank of a motor vehicle. The UK's Automobile Association Motoring Trust estimates that each year somewhere in the region of 300,000 motorists refuel their vehicle with the incorrect fuel type. The motor industry has recently reported that the actual figure is set to rise even further, as more and more motorists are choosing to run diesel engine vehicles as opposed to petrol. The most common cause of motor vehicle breakdowns in the UK can be attributed to refueling such vehicles with the incorrect fuel type, be it diesel fuel in a petrol engine or vice versa The resulting damage to the engine system can be severe. The cost associated with repairing the damage can be significant and is estimated in the UK to be £80,000,000 per annum . It is particularly costly to repair a diesel engine which has been mis-fuelled with unleaded petrol. A report published by the Canadian Environmental department suggests that the mis-fuelling of a diesel engined vehicle with petrol has the potential to damage the vehicle's catalytic converter. The damage caused will reduce the effectiveness of that vehicle's exhaust and emission system, resulting in an increase of pollutant emission levels for that vehicle. Whilst the resulting damage is unlikely to effect a vehicle's performance, it is unlikely that such an expensive component would be replaced since the raised pollutant emissions may still remain within transport agency guidelines. In the UK, where mis-fuelling has occurred on a new vehicle, the exhaust system may go unchecked for up to a period of 3 years. Additionally, damage to an older vehicle's exhaust system may only be slight. However, raised emissions measured against the life cycle of a vehicle suffering from a damaged catalytic converter would be far greater than those of a vehicle with a perfectly fimctioning emission control system. A further environmental issue associated with mis-fuelling a vehicle with the incorrect fuel type results in wasted fuel due to cross-contamination. Since oil and petrol are finite natural resources, wastage due to cross-contamination should be minimized. Vehicle mis-fuelling also presents hazards associated with road safety. There exists the potential for a serious accident to occur on a busy motorway or highway due to a sudden loss of power generated from a vehicle's engine if the vehicle has been mis-fuelled and then driven without a driver realizing their mistake. Furtliemiore, breakdowns due to mis-fuelling can place individuals in a vulnerable position. Mis-fuelling incidents causes industry as a whole to suffer from a loss of man- hours, and the expense connected therewith. It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome or alleviate one or more of the problems associated with the prior art. In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an audible warning device for a fuel tank having an inlet and a fuel inlet flap which is moveable between an open and closed configuration such that the inlet can be selectively uncovered or covered, the device comprising a control unit having means for storing and playing an audible message, the audible message comprising an indication of fuel type, and a switch operatively coupled to the control unit and cooperating with the flap such that when the fuel inlet flap is in its open configuration the switch is capable of activating the control unit to play the audible message. Thus, the device can provide a reminder to motorists to use the correct fuel type when refueling. A motorist is therefore less likely to refuel his or her vehicle with the incorrect fuel. Furthermore, the present invention enables the widespread distribution of an affordable mis-fuelling prevention system, thus providing a solution that will reduce the frequency of mis-fuelling incidents significantly, minimizing the potential hazards and risks associated with the occurrence of mis-fuelling. Preferably, when the flap is in its closed configuration the switch deactivates the control unit. The control unit may comprise a central processing unit (CPU). The means for storing an audible warning preferably comprises a memory module capable of storing digital messages. The means for storing an audible message may comprise any suitable means, such as for example a microchip. Preferably, the microchip is a mask ROM. The means for playing an audible warning preferably comprises a speaker. The audible message may be played once alerting a user to the fuel type to be used or alternatively, may be a looped message, repeated until the control unit is deactivated. A stop button may be provided to enable a user to acknowledge the warning message and deactivate the device. The audible message preferably identifies the correct fuel for a particular engine of a vehicle. More preferably the audible message identifies diesel fuel, unleaded petrol fuel, 4 star/lead replacement or LPG. Even more preferably still, the audible message consists of a combined audible tone and voice message. A switch may be provided for selecting the fuel type identified by the audible warning. The audible message may be in any suitable language, such as, for example, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Portuguese, Mandarin, Cantonese etc or a combination thereof. Preferably, a switch will be provided to allow one or more languages to be selected. In one embodiment, the switch is a pressure sensitive switch. Preferably, the pressure sensitive switch comprises a release trigger. Movement of the fuel inlet flap from its closed to open configuration may release the trigger activating the control unit. The switch may be a pressure release sensitive switch. Alternatively, the switch may be operatively coupled to a mechanism that releases the fuel inlet flap from its closed configuration. Many modern cars have actuating means such as a lever, that operates a fuel inlet flap release mechanism. The actuating means, which controls tire mechanism being located next to or in front of a driver's seat. The device may comprise a housing for the control unit. The housing may be manufactured from any suitable material, such as plastics. The housing is preferably a plastics case. More preferably still all of the elements of the device are contained within the housing. Even more preferably, the housing is hermetically sealed to prevent, for example, water or fuel from corroding the elements of the device and to ensure that the elements of the device are isolated from the petrochemical environment. The device may be hermetically sealed by way of ultrasound in the manufacturing process. In another embodiment, the switch comprises a photosensitive element. The housing may therefore have a lens or window to allow light access to the photo sensitive element. Movement of the fuel inlet flap from its closed to open configuration may expose the photosensitive element to light, activating the control unit. Preferably, the switch has a hood which prevents the switch from being activated whilst the fuel inlet flap is in its closed position. More preferably, the switch comprises a CDS (Cadmium Sulphide) photocell. The hood may be manufactures from foam or other flexible material. The lens or window may be made from an acrylic material. The lens or window is preferably substantially transparent and/or tinted such that light can be detected by the photosensitive element. The lens or window may be found in the hood. The device may comprise means for mounting the device on a vehicle. The means may comprise an adhesive. In one embodiment, the means comprises an adhesive pad one side of which is fixed to the housing of the device and the other side having a removable backing sheet disposed thereon. To mount the device on a vehicle, the backing sheet is removed from the adhesive pad and the device, adhesive side down, is pressed firmly against a surface of the vehicle, for example the inner face of a fuel inlet flap, adjacent to the fuel inlet or operatively coupled to the lever that controls the fuel inlet flap release mechanism or the mechanism itself. Thus the device can be retrofitted to a vehicle by the vehicle's owner without the need to employ an automobile electrician or return the vehicle to the manufacturer to do the same and thereby avoid the significant cost associated therewith. The device may comprise a dedicated power source i.e. a power source isolated and separate from the vehicle's own power source. The power source may be an integrally formed component of the device or may be replaceable component. The power source may comprise at least one battery, preferably a dry cell battery. A battery of the coin cell type is further preferred. In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an audible alarm and voice message device comprising a printed circuit board, a microchip mask ROM, a speaker and dry-cell batteries contained and housed within a plastic case, wherein the device is triggered by a pressure release switch. The batteries are preferably, dry-cell button batteries. Preferably, the device is triggered when the fuel filler cap is opened. The fuel cap is usually opened prior to fueling. It is envisaged that the audible warning may be in the form of a celebrity voice. Furthermore, the device may have an indication on the exterior of the device who the celebrity is, such as a transfer or photograph. In an alternative embodiment the device is mounted in the interior of a vehicle on the floor next to the vehicle's flxel filler flap pull release mechanism, which opens the fuel filler flap. In this embodiment, the switch is preferably operatively coupled to the fuel inlet flap via the fuel filler flap release mechanism located in the interior of the vehicle. When the fuel flap release mechanism is operated to open the fuel filler flap, the switch activates the control unit to play the audible warning. The release mechanism may comprise a lever. The switch may be located above or beneath the release lever. Preferably, the switch is a trigger release switch. The device may be secured in place by Velcro (RTM) to, for example, the car floor covering, such as, for example, a carpet. The device may be activated by manually opening the fuel filler flap and/or cap by hand or by actuating the fuel filler flap release mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the device may further comprise a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder. The RFID transponder may comprise an adhesive sticker for mounting the transponder, and an antenna for co-operation with a RFID interrorgator. The RFID interrorgator may be mounted on a fuel pump, fuel pump handle or garage forecourt and co-operable with an audible warning system. The audible warning system may be, for example, mounted on a vehicle as described hereinabove or on the actual fuel pump. In a firrther aspect of the present invention, there is provided an audible warning system comprising signal transmitting means being mountable on a vehicle and signal receiving means comprising a control unit having means for storing and playing an audible message, the audible message comprising an indication of fuel type, wherein on detection of a signal from said signal transmitting means, said signal receiving means is capable of activating the control unit to play the audible warning. Preferably, the signal receiving means is mountable on a fuel pump and/or a garage forecourt. In one embodiment, the signal receiving means further comprises a visual warning. Preferably the signal receiving means comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED). In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an audible warning system comprising fuel type identification means mountable on a vehicle fuel filler flap and means of detecting the identification means mountable on a fuel pump. Preferably, the fuel type indication means comprises an RFID transponder. The RFID transponder preferably indicates the correct fuel type for a vehicle's engine. The RFID transponder may comprise an adhesive pad for mounting the transponder on a vehicle. The means for detecting the identification means preferably comprises a RFID interrogator for detecting an RFID transponder mounted on a vehicle. The identification means is preferably co-operable with an audible message system comprising a control unit having means for storing and playing an audible message, the audible message comprising an indication of fuel type, operatively coupled to the control unit and co-operating with the identification means such that when the identification means is detected, the audible message system is capable of activating the control unit to play the audible message. In a preferred embodiment, the audible message system is only activated when the incorrect fuel pump nozzle for a particular fuel type indication means is lifted from its cradle disposed on the fuel pump. In an alternative embodiment, the means for detecting the identification means is a RFID interrogator which is mounted on a fuel pump nozzle, and if brought into close proximity to the RFID transponder mounted on a vehicle, the audible message system is activated, indicating the correct fuel type for that particular vehicle. In another embodiment, the audible message system may only be capable of being activated when a fuel pump nozzle has been lifted from its cradle. Otherwise, the audible message system cannot be activated. The interrogator may ftxrther comprise means for adjusting the RFID frequency so as to adjust the effective range of the interrogator relative to the RFID transponder. The means may comprise a potentiometer . In one embodiment, the signal transmitting means comprises an LED. More preferably, the LED is capable of emitting radio waves. Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures, in which: Fig. 1 shows a device in accordance with the present invention located and affixed to a fuel filler flap in its closed configuration; Fig. 2 shows the device of Fig. 1 wherein the fuel filler flap is in its open configuration. Fig. 3 is a partial by exploded schematic showing the arrangement of the components of a device in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 4 shows a device in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 5 shows a plan cut away view of a device in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 6 shows a side elevation of the device of Fig. 5 ; Fig. 7 shows a plan view of a device in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 8 shows a side elevation of the device shown in Fig. 7; Fig. 9 shows a system in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 10 shows a system in accordance with the present invention; and Fig. 11 shows a circuit diagram of an alternative embodiment. Referring to Fig.1, an audible warning device 10 is located and affixed to a veliicle body 12. The vehicle has a fuel inlet 14 and a fuel inlet flap 16 mounted to the vehicle body 12 by a hinge (not shown) . The fuel inlet flap 16 is moveable between a closed and open configuration, and has an inner face 18, which is adjacent to the fuel inlet 14 in the closed configuration, and an outer face 20. Fig. 1 shows the fuel inlet flap 16 in its closed configuration, covering the fuel inlet 14. Device 10 is mounted on the inner face 18 of the fuel inlet flap 16. A pressure sensitive switch 22 having a trigger mechanism 24 is mounted on the vehicle body 12 adjacent to and in contact with the inner face 18 of the fuel inlet flap 16. The trigger mechanism 24 is shown in its standby position whereby it contacts the inner face 18 of the fuel inlet flap 16. The trigger mechanism 24 is mounted and located on the vehicle body 12 by means of an adhesive pad (not shown), one side of which is affixed to the trigger mechanism 24 and the other having a removable backing strip. To mount the trigger mechanism 24, the backing strip is removed and the trigger mechanism firmly pressed, adhesive pad side down, against the vehicle body 12. The position of the trigger mechanism 24 will vary depending upon the vehicle to which it is fitted. The device 10 is hermetically sealed by way of ultrasound; thereby the device is sealed for use in a petro-chemical environment. Fig. 2 shows the device wherein the fuel inlet flap 16 is in its open configuration and the fuel inlet 14 is uncovered. The hinge 26 mounting fuel inlet flap 16 to the vehicle body 12 is clearly shown. When the fuel inlet flap 16 is in its open configuration, the trigger mechanism 24 of switch 22 is no longer in contact with the inner face 18 of the fuel inlet flap 16. Consequently, the switch activates the control unit playing the audible warning, a combined tone alarm and voice message indicating the correct fuel type. When the fuel inlet flap 16 is closed, the trigger mechanism 24 is displace by the fuel inlet flap 16 into its standby position ready for the next time the fuel filler flap 16 is opened. In this embodiment, the fuel inlet flap 16 has a lock having a latch 28 which engages a retaining member (not shown) on the vehicle body 12 to selectively lock the fuel inlet flap 16 in its closed configuration. Fig. 3 shows a control unit 30 having a central processing unit (CPU) 32, mask ROM chip, electrically connected to a switch and printed circuit board 22, having a memory module for storing an audible message and a playback module, a speaker 34, and a battery 36. The central processing unit consists of a mask ROM microchip. When switch 22 is released from its standby position, the playback module is caused to play the audible warning via speaker 34. The audible warning for a vehicle having a petrol engine is: "[Tone alarm] "This vehicle runs on petrol fuel. Insert petrol fuel only". [Tone alarm] x 3 "Commence filling, petrol fuel only" The audible warning for a vehicle having a diesel engine is: "[Tone alarm] "This vehicle runs on diesel fuel. Insert diesel fuel only". [Tone alarm] x 3 "Commence filling, diesel fuel only". Fig. 4 shows device 10 having a plastics housing 40 connected to switch 22 via cable 42. In an alternative embodiment (as shown in Figs. 5 and 6), the pressure sensitive trigger mechanism is replaced with a photo sensitive switch, comprising a CDS sensor 42. Housing 40 consists of two panels, a front panel 44 and a rear panel 46. Fig. 5 shows the device with the front panel 44 removed. When front and rear panels 44, 46 are connected to one another, a cavity 48 is formed therebetween. Disposed in cavity 48 is the control unit 50 having a central processing unit (CPU), mask ROM chip, electrically connected to a sensor 42 and printed circuit board 52, having a memory module for storing an audible message and a playback module, a speaker 54, and three batteries 56. Front panel 44 has an aperture 58 formed therein in which a window 60 is received. The window is transparent to allow the CDS sensor 42 to detect light when exposed thereto. In one embodiment, a cylindrical hood (not illustrated) is mounted on the front panel 44 overlying aperture 58 , which is compressible in an axial direction. The hood projects peφendicularly, with respect to the plane of the longitudinal axis of the front panel 44, from the front panel 44 forming a window at the distal end from the aperture 58. The hood prevents light from substantially radial directions from falling on the CDS sensor 42, while allowing light from substantially axial directions to fall on the photosensitive switch. When the inlet flap is in its closed configuration the top of the hood abuts the underside of the inlet flap and hence closes the window. When the inlet flap is in its open configuration the window is exposed to light and thus activates the switch which in turn activates the audible warning. In another embodiment, shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the device 10 further comprises an RFID transponder 70 for co-operation with a RFID interrogator mounted on a petrol pump itself or its nozzle. The RFID transponder has a particular signature which is associated with the correct fuel type for a particular vehicle. If the incorrect fuel pump nozzle is lifted from its cradle on the pump or if the incorrect fuel pump nozzle is held sufficiently close to the device 10, an audible warning will be played either by the device or a system disposed on the pump. Disposed on the device 10 is a stop button 72 which can be pressed to stop the audible warning and which can re-set the device. Fig. 8 shows the positioning of switches 74 which can be used to select the audible warning which is played by the device. The switches 74 can be used to select a particular language in which the message is played or the fuel type warning where appropriate. In another embodiment, Fig.9, the audible warning device is separated into two sections, a RFID interrogator 86 and a RFID transponder tag 80. Fig. 9 shows an automobile 87, having a fuel inlet 89, fitted with a RFID transponder 80 which is mounted by means of an adhesive to the inner face 82 of a fuel inlet flap 84. RFID interrogator 86 is mounted on a fuel pump handle 88 which itself is connected to a fuel pump 90 having a cradle 92 shaped to receive the fuel pump handle 88. The RFID transponder 80 indicates the correct fuel type. Interrogator 86 is operably connected to CPU 94, which is as substantially as described hereinabove. CPU 94 is itself connected to speaker 96, triggering the appropriate audible and/or visual warning if the RFID transponder 80 , which indicates the correct fuel type for the vehicle to which it is fitted, does not coπectly correspond to the fuel type which is available through pump handle 88. Lifting the fuel pump handle 88 from cradle 92 activates the RFID interrogator 86. In this embodiment, the RFID frequency is low such that the interrogator's range is short. In another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10, the interrogator 86 is mounted on the fuel pump 90 and plays an audible warning via speaker 96 indicating the correct fuel type for a particular RFID transponder 80 if the incorrect fuel pump handle 88 is lifted from its cradle 92. If the correct fuel pump handle 88 is lifted from its cradle 92, an audible message is not played. Lifting the fuel pump handle 88 from cradle 92 activates interrogator 86. In an alternative embodiment, the audible warning device is separated into two sections, a transmitter B and a receiver A as shown in Fig. 11. The transmitter B is located on the exterior of an automobile. The receiver A is located on a petrol pump on a garage forecourt. On receipt of a signal from the transmitter B, the receiver A activates the speaker 34 and LED 50, and therefore creating a visual and audible warning. The transmitter B is powered by an AC signal created by an oscillator or direct from an AC supply. In this way, the transmitter B can emit a signal via an LED 44 periodically. Presently, an LED which produces radio waves is preferred. A photodiode 48 is used to detect the signal and generate a small voltage across the base-emitter junction of a transistor 49. The voltage allows the battery to power the speaker 34 and LED 50. Presently the receiver A housed in a 4" x 3" x 2" (10cm x 7.5cm x 5cm) plastic housing, although the size of the housing is largely dependent on the speaker and battery used. Additionally the transmitter B may have a low battery warning in the form of a buzzer or LED. Furthermore, the receiver A has a CPU which is programmable by a user, whereby the audible warning can be changed. In another embodiment, the receiver has a USB connector for uploading new messages. In other embodiments of the present invention, it is envisaged that a switch will be provided to allow the device to be used on a petrol or diesel car. The switch will be connected to the CPU 32, which will alter the audible message to be played accordingly. A language switch could also be provided to interact with the CPU 32 to change the language of tlie audible warning. Alternatively, the language switch could change the language of only a section of the audible warning. For example, an audible warning could be in two languages, such as English and German. The warning message could alternate between the two languages every other sentence. In another embodiment, the device has a stop button. The stop button deactivates the device, so that use of the switch could prevent the audible warning from occurring or interrupt the audible warning if it has already started to play. In a further embodiment, if a user fails to select the correct fuel pump handle for a particular RFID transponder, the CPU will shut-off the fuel pump preventing fuel from being delivered to the fuel pump nozzle.

Claims

1. An audible warning device for a fuel tank having an inlet and a fuel inlet flap which is moveable between an open and closed configuration such that the inlet can be selectively uncovered or covered, the device comprising: a control unit having means for storing and playing an audible message, the audible message comprising an indication of fuel type; and a switch operatively coupled to the control unit and co-operating with the flap such that when the fuel inlet flap is in its open configuration the switch is capable of activating the control unit to play the audible warning.

2. An audible warning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flap is in its closed configuration the switch deactivates the control unit.

3. An audible warning device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the control unit comprises a central processing unit (CPU).

4. An audible warning device as claimed in any one of claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the means for storing an audible warning comprises a memory module capable of storing digital messages.

5. An audible warning device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the means for storing an audible message comprise a microchip.

6. An audible warning device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the microchip is a mask ROM.

7. An audible warning device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for playing an audible warning comprises a speaker.

8. An audible warning device as claimed in any one of tlie preceding claims, wherein the audible message is played once alerting a user to the fuel type to be used

9. An audible warning device as claimed in any one of claims 1-7, wherein the audible message is a looped message, repeated until the control unit is deactivated. A

10. An audible warning device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a stop button which is able to deactivate the device.

11. An audible warning device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the audible message identifies the correct fuel for a particular engine of a vehicle.

12 . An audible warning device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the audible message identifies petrol fuel, unleaded petrol fuel or diesel fuel to be used with a particular engine.

13. . An audible warning device as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, :further comprising a switch provided for selecting the fuel type identified by the audible warning.

14. An audible warning device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the audible message is in one or more suitable languages.

15. An audible warning device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a switch that allows one or more languages to be used for the audible message.

16. An audible warning device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the switch is a pressure sensitive switch.

17. An audible warning device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the pressure sensitive switch comprises a release trigger.

18. An audible warning device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the switch is operatively coupled to a mechanism that releases the fuel inlet flap from its closed configuration.

19 . An audible warning device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a housing for the control unit.

20. An audible warning device as claimed in claim 19, wherein all of the elements of the device are contained within the housing.

21. An audible warning device as claimed in either of claim 19 or 20, wherein the housing is hermetically sealed.

22. An audible warning device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the switch comprises a photosensitive element.

23. An audible warning device as claimed in claim 22, wherein the switch has a hood which prevents the switch from being activated whilst the fuel inlet flap is in its closed position.

24. An audible warning device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the switch comprises a CDS (Cadmium Sulphide) photocell.

25. An audible warning device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a means for mounting the device on a vehicle.

26. An audible warning device as claimed in claim 25, wherein the means for mounting the device comprises an adhesive.

26. An audible warning device as claimed in either of claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the means for mounting the device comprises an adhesive pad one side of which is fixed to the device and the other side having a removable backing sheet disposed thereon.

27. An audible warning device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a dedicated power source

28. An audible warning device as claimed in claim 27, wherein the power source is an integrally formed component of the device

29. An audible warning device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the power source is a replaceable component.

30. An audible warning device as claimed in claim 29, wherein the power source comprises at least one battery

31. An audible alarm and voice message device comprising: a printed circuit board; a microchip mask ROM; a speaker; and dry-cell batteries contained and housed within a plastic case, wherein the device is triggered by a switch.

32. An audible alarm and voice message device as claimed in claim 31 , wherein the batteries are dry-cell button batteries.

33. An audible alarm and voice message device as claimed in either of claim 31 or claim 32, wherein the device is triggered when a fuel filler cap is opened.

34. An audible alarm and voice message device as claimed in any one of claim 31, 32 or 33, wherein the device is mounted in the interior of a vehicle on the floor next to a vehicle's fuel filler flap pull release mechanism, which opens the fuel filler flap.

35. An audible alarm and voice message device as claimed in claim 34, wherein the switch is operatively coupled to the fuel inlet flap via the fuel filler flap release mechanism located in the interior of the vehicle, whereby when the fuel flap release mechanism is operated to open the fuel filler flap, the switch activates the control unit to play the audible warning.

36. An audible alarm and voice message device as claimed in claim 35, wherein the release mechanism comprises a lever and the switch is located above or beneath the release lever, the switch being a trigger release switch, whereby the device is activated by actuating the fuel filler flap release mechanism.

37. An audible alarm and voice message device as claimed in claim 36, wherein the device is secured in place by Velcro (RTM) to a car floor.

38. An audible and voice message device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to an as illustrated in the accompanying diagrams.

39. An audible warning device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to an as illustrated in the accompanying diagrams.

40. An audible warning system comprising signal transmitting means being mountable on a vehicle and signal receiving means comprising a control unit having means for storing and playing an audible message, the audible message comprising an indication of fuel type, wherein on detection of said signal from said signal transmitting means, said signal receiving means is capable of activating the control unit to play the audible warning.

41. A system as claimed in claim 40 wherein the signal receiving means further comprises a visual warning. Preferably the signal receiving means comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED).

42. An audible warning system comprising fuel type identification means mountable on a vehicle fuel filler flap and means of detecting the identification means mountable on a fuel pump.

43. An audible warning system comprising fuel type identification means mountable on a vehicle fuel filler flap and means of detecting the identification means mountable on a fuel pump handle.

44. A system as claimed in claim 42 or 43 wherein the fuel type indication means comprises an RFID transponder.

45. A system as claimed in claim 44 wherein the RFID transponder indicates the correct fuel type for a vehicle's engine.

46. A system as claimed in any one of claims 42-45 wherein the means for detecting the identification means comprises a RFID interrogator for detecting an RFID transponder mounted on a vehicle.

47. A system as claimed in claim 46 wherein the identification means is co- operable with an audible message system comprising a control unit having means for storing and playing an audible message, the audible message comprising an indication of fuel type, operatively coupled to the control unit and co-operating with the identification means such that when the identification means is detected, the audible message system is capable of being activated, activating the control unit to play the audible message.

48. A system as claimed in claim 46 or 47 wherein the means for detecting the identification means is a RFID interrogator is mounted on a fuel pump handle, and if brought into close proximity to the RFID transponder mounted on a vehicle, the audible message system is capable of being activated, activating the control unit to play the audible message.

49. A system as claimed in claim 46 or 47 wherein the means for detecting the identification means is a RFID interrogator mounted on a fuel pump having a fuel pump handle which is received in and carried by a fuel pump handle cradle, wherein if the incorrect fuel pump handle for a given RFID transponder is lifted from its cradle, the audible message system is capable of being activated, activating the control unit to play the audible message.

50. A system as claimed in claim 48 or 49 wherein the audible message is capable of indicating the correct fuel type for a particular vehicle.

51. A system as claimed in claim 48 wherein the audible message is played when an incorrect fuel pump handle is brought into close proximity to the RFID transponder.

52. A system as claimed in any one of claims 48 to 51 wherein the control unit is capable of shutting off a petrol pump if a user fails to re-select a correct fuel pump handle for a particular RFID transponder.