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    World IP Anti theft device for LPG Cylinders.

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    World IP Anti theft device for LPG Cylinders.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF or read online from Scribd
    Flag for inappropriate content
    13 views51 pages

    WO2011070583A1

    Uploaded by

    Ravi Prakash Bharti
    World IP Anti theft device for LPG Cylinders.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF or read online from Scribd
    Flag for inappropriate content
    of 51
    (12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT) (19) World Intellectual Property Organization International Bureau. (51) International Patent Classification BOSD 49/00 (2006.01) F17C 13/00 (2006.01) B6SD 50/00 (2006.01) P16K 17/00 (2006.01) B6UK 15/04 (2006.01) ‘onal Application Number: PCT/IN2010/000515 en @ 3 August 2010 (03.08.2010) es) 26) Fnglish Fnglish (30) Priority Data: 2850/MUM/2009 10 December 2009 (10.12.2008) IN (72) Inventors and (71) Applicant : KUMAR, Jain, Anand [IN/IN]; "AY Wing 2nd Floor, Mhatre Pen Building, Senapati Bapat Marg, Dadar (IN). (74) Agent: DEWAN, Mohan; RK. Dewan & Company, Po: dar Chambers, S.A. Brelvi Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001, Maharashtra (IN). Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every ind of national protection available): AE, AG, AL, AM, AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BR, BW, BY, BZ, CA, CH, CL; CN, CO, CR; CU; CZ, DE, DK, DM, DO, wy NOE A000 A (10) International Publication Number WO 2011/070583 Al DZ, EC, FE, EG, FS, Fl, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, GT, HIN, HR, HU, 1D, IL, IN, 1S, 3, KE, KG, KM, KN, KP, (84) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every ind of regional protection available}: ARIPO (BW, GH, GM, KE, LR, LS, MW, MZ, NA, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG. 2M, ZW), Eurasian (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TI, ‘TM), European (AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, E, ES, Fl, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IP, IS, TT, LT, LU, LV, MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT,'RO, SE, SI, SK, SM, TR), OAPI (BE, BI, CF, CG, CL, CM, GA, GN, GQ, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), Declarations under Rule 417: 1 fo the entity of the Inventor (Rule 4.17) 4s 10 the applicant’ entitlement to claim the priority of the earlier application Rule 4.37) = ofinventorship (Rule 4.17¢)) Published with international search report (Art. 21(3)) < 2 Py e s = & & is located within a body (3). The body () is fitted to a fitment means (1) for fixing the anti theft device (100) of the present inven- (64) Title: ANTI THEFT DEVICE FOR LPG CYLINDER (87) Abstract: An anti thet device (100) for an sion tothe eylinder bung or the eylinder valve. The nti theft device (100) ofthe pres PG eylinder is disclosed wherein a flow restrictor means and a weighted magnet at invention operates on the principle of dt © ferential presure, The anti het devi (10) forthe LPG einer besides preventing the pilferage of the ig LPG oF excess us- so aids in providing safety against accidental leakage during domestic usage. WO 2011/070583 PCT/IN2010/000515 ANTI THEFT DEVICE FOR LPG CYLINDER FIELD OF INVENTION ‘The present invention relates to an anti-theft device for preventing theft and pilferage of fuel. The invention particularly relates an anti-theft device for preventing theft and pilferage of LPG from domestic LPG Cylinders. DEFINITIONS The term “authorized dispensation” in the present specification refers to the decantation carried by the oil companies in case leakage of LPG is detected after filling of the LPG in the liquid form. The term “accidental dispensation” in the present specification refers to the leakage of gas which takes place due to incorrect fitment of the regulator, use of damaged rubber tubes or due to incorrect fitting of the regulator and the rubber tube. ‘The term “unauthorized dispensation” in the present specification refers to the theft of LPG in the liquid form or the use of the LPG meant domestic usage for commercial or industrial usage. ‘The term “weight element” in the present specification refers to a member adapted to be displaced by virtue of gravitational force. WO 2011/070883 PCT/IN2010/000815 ‘The Term “Cylinder” in the present specification refers to all types and sizes of cylinders / containers / tanks / bottles used for storage, transportation and usage of Propane / Butane / their mixtures. ‘The Term “Bung” in the present specification refers to all types of bungs / bosses / flanges / neck-rings / valve pads used to reinforce openings of cylinders / containers / tanks / bottles used for storage, transportation and usage of Propane / Butane / their mixtures, with any type or size of fitment threads. The Term “LPG Valve” in the present specification refers to all types of valves used on cylinders / containers / tanks / bottles used for storage, transportation and usage of Propane / Butane / their mixtures, with any type or size of fitment threads. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present LPG Cylinders in use do not have any mechanism that only allows extraction of LPG when carried out by Oil Companies in authorized manner at their Filling Plants but prevent the same extraction of LPG when carried out in an unauthorized manner. ‘The primary objective of the present invention is to allow, filling of liquid LPG into and usage of gaseous LPG from, cylinders as per existing practice, but totally prevent extraction of liquid LPG from cylinders through ‘gravity as well as differential pressure’ unless carried out as per authorized procedure. The Oil Marketing Companies supply LPG to the domestic sector WO 2011/070583 PCT/IN2010/000515 at subsidy, while LPG for other applications is non-subsidized. This price disparity is the root of large scale pilferage of LPG from cylinders meant for domestic sector, into cylinders meant for other applications. Several devices and systems for preventing pilferage have been disclosed in the prior arts. US Patent Number 3,951,297 issued on April 20, 1976 discloses an anti- siphon gas tank adaptor which comprises an extension firmly secured to the tank and a tubular sleeve firmly welded to the extension and having an end portion within the tank covered with a conically-shaped member. The sleeve is provided with several holes about the circumference of the sleeve and one end of the extension is provided with means for receiving a cap for closing the entire adaptor. One disadvantage of the device of this disclosure is that it does not ensure authorized filling of liquid fuel as it does not provide any mechanism to prevent unauthorized filling of liquid. US Patent Number 3,002,649 discloses a fluid passage guard means comprising a tubular passage having a changed diameter portion at a given point, a guard means to prevent the insertion of elongated members through the tubular passage. The guard means comprises two springs. A first spring means having at least one radially outward projecting member designed to be aligned with the changed diameter portion so as to limit axial movement of the first means in the passage in at least one direction. A second spring means is axially coupled within the length of the first spring means includes a plurality of radially extending arms adapted to engage and be radially constrained by the passage side walls. A disadvantage of the device of this WO 2011/070583 PCT/IN2010/000515 disclosure is that with continuous usage, the springs tends to become weak and as such requires maintenance. Again another disadvantage of the device of this disclosure is that it does not provide for unauthorized filling of fluid. US Patent Number 4295577 issued October 20, 1981 discloses an anti-theft device for preventing unauthorized removal of liquid from large volume liquid storage tanks. The anti-theft device comprises a tube-like stanchion positioned within the fill tube associated with the storage tank, such that the lower end of the stanchion rests upon the bottom of the tank. The stanchion includes a grid-like baffle positioned above the highest liquid tank level for preventing insertion of a siphon tube. A plurality of crimped projections extending inwardly from the inner circumference of the speed tube positioned between the stanchion and the fill tube to prevent upward withdrawal of the stanchion from within the fill tube. The speed tube is held in place by means of a rotatable collar secured with the help of threads to the upper end of the fill tube, and locked in place by means of a keyed set screw. A disadvantage of the device of this disclosure is that due to the provision of key. The device of the US Patent Number 4295577 can be easily withdrawn once the structure of the key is known. US Patent Number 2008/0054000 A1 discloses a protective cover assembly comprising a mounting member adapted for tight association with an actuation port and a protective cover unit. The protective cover unit is adapted for engagement with the mounting member in a manner such that the protective cover unit covers the valve and blocks access thereto. A solenoid, which acts as a locking unit, is housed in the cover unit for driving a locking unit between a locking state in which the cover unit is locked to WO 2011/070583 PCT/IN2010/000515 the mounting member and an unlocking state, in which the cover unit can disengage form the mounting member, and comprises an electronic controller linked thereto, the electronic controller being responsive to an external control signal to actuate the solenoid to drive said locking unit. A disadvantage of this system is that it is complicated in construction. Another disadvantage of the invention of US Patent Number 2008/0054000 is that it is located extemnally above the valve and can be easily tempered with. Still another disadvantage of US Patent Number 2008/0054000 is that it uses a solenoid for operation which makes it complicated to use. ‘Apart from the above mentioned disadvantages, the anti-theft devices mentioned in the prior art do not provide for preventing outflow of liquid in all orientations and allowing outflow of gas only for inclinations within an envelope of an inverted cone of specified angle from vertical. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved Anti-theft device (ATD) that minimizes or eliminates one or more of the shortcomings as set forth above. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an ATD which enables filling of liquid LPG into and usage of gaseous LPG from, LPG cylinders as per existing practice but totally preventing unauthorized extraction of liquid LPG from cylinders through gravity as well as differential pressure. Another object of the present invention is to allow gas outflow when the cylinder is upright and gas withdrawal is as required by a domestic user. WO 2011/070883 PCT/IN2010/000515 Yet another object of the present invention is to restrict gas outflow when the cylinder is upright and gas withdrawal is higher by a certain percentage, than the flow required by a domestic user. Still another object of the present invention is to allow gas outflow even when the cylinder is inclined up to a specific angle from the vertical. Yet another object of the present invention is to prevent outflow of liquid LPG when the cylinder is either inclined by more than another specified angle, made horizontal or inverted. Still another object of the present invention is to allow authorized extraction of liquid LPG from cylinders when carried out as per authorized procedure. Another object of the ATD of the present invention is that its size is such that it can be inserted and extracted through the tiny diametric space of the bung thread. Still another object of the ATD of the present invention is that it is made of durable materials, which are compatible with LPG and do not corrode or deteriorate over the years. Yet another object of the present invention is to reduce the cost incurred in assembling. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a device which is simple to manufacture. WO 2011/070883 PCT/IN2010/000515 Again another object of the present invention is to develop a robust device. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device which is cost effective. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a device which is compact. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention there is provided an “Anti- theft device” (ATD) for an LPG cylinder having a valve fitted to cylinder bung, the device to be internally fitted within the LPG cylinder, the device comprising: a. fitment means for fitting the device to be in communication with the valve of the cylinder; b. a body extending from the fitment means, the body defined by a hollow head and a hollow chamber; c. a first set of holes, a second set of holes and a third set of holes circumferentially provided on the head, each of the sets of holes having pre-determined varying cross-sections, the sets of holes being located at pre-determined distances with respect to each other and the sets of holes providing communication means between the internal space of the cylinder and the valve, via the hollow of the head; WO 2011/070583 PCT/IN2010/000515 d. a seal located in the flow passage provided in the hollow head for restricting or allowing flow when closed or open respectively; +e. a flow restrictor means positioned within the hollow of the head, adapted to be displaced to selectively block one or more of the sets of hole to prevent accidental or unauthorized dispensation of gas and /or liquid filled in the internal space of the cylinder; and > a weighted element adapted to be displaced within the chamber, the spring loaded weighted element adapted to restrain the flow restrictor means in the operative inverted position of the cylinder for authorized dispensation of liquid. ‘Typically, the fitment means includes an adaptor for fitting the device to the bung of the cylinder or to the valve of the cylinder. Typically, the body is removably fitted to the fitment means or is integral with the fitment means. Typically, the chamber is integral with the head or is removably fitted to the head. Typically, the first set of holes is located adjacent to the lower operative end of the head, when the cylinder is in the upright normal position, the second set of holes is in the approximate middle of the head, and the third set of holes is adjacent to the upper operative end of the head and the second set of holes have the largest cross section and the third set of holes have the smallest cross section. WO 2011/070583 PCT/IN2010/000515 Typically, the flow restrictor means comprises of a first spring and a flow restrictor, the first spring is typically a cylindrical compression spring and the flow restrictor rests on the compression spring. Typically, the hollow of the head defines a first recess at the operative lower end to seat the first spring and a second recess at the operative upper end to receive the flow restrictor in a blocking configuration of the flow restrictor means. ‘Typically, the seal is provided with tapering side walls, the sealing means is provided in the second recess to form a gas tight seal between the head and the fitment means, the seal is supported by means of a seal support. Typically, the flow restrictor means has pressure equalization means to facilitate displacement of the flow restrictor means within the head, the flow restrictor means comprises of a first spring and a flow restrictor, the flow restrictor means is provided with an insert, the insert is typically of magnetic material. Typically, the weighted element is of magnetic material and is spring loaded. ‘Typically, the weighted element comprises a magnet, a non-magnetic holder and a weight member, the non-magnetic holder defines a recess at one end and a threaded end at the other end, the weight element is threadably engaged with the non-magnetic holder, the magnet is housed in the recess of the non-magnetic holder. ‘Typically, the weighted element is linearly displaced or displaced angularly by self weight. WO 2011/070583 PCT/IN2010/000515 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the accompanying drawings and their description stated below, which is merely illustrative of a preferred embodiment of the invention and do not limit in any way the nature and scope of the invention. Figure 1 illustrates the isometric view of the anti theft device (ATD) in accordance with this invention; Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of the ATD fitted to the bung of the cylinder with the LPG valve fitted to the bung above the adaptor; Figure 3 illustrates labelled sectional front view of the completely assembled ATD of figure 1; Figure’4a to figure 4h illustrates the alternative types of seal; Figure Sa to figure 5d illustrates the various types of spring used in the ATD in accordance with the present invention; Figure 6a to figure 6c illustrates the use of the spring shown in figure 5a to figure 5d in altermative embodiments of the ATD in accordance with the present invention; Figure 7 illustrates alternative embodiments of flow restrictor used in the ATD in accordance with the present invention; 10 WO 2011/070883 PCT/IN2010/000515 Figure 8a to figure 8d illustrate various types of grooves on the flow restrictor in accordance with the present invention; Figure 9 illustrates the interrelationship between the dimensions of the holes, passages and the flow restrictor of the ATD shown in figure 1; and Figure 10 illustrates the sectional view of the ATD directly attached to the LPG valve through suitable mating threads for fitment of the ATD shown in figure 1 to the cylinder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which do not limit the scope and ambit of the invention. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration. Referring to the accompanied drawings, an anti-theft device for LPG cylinder, in accordance with this invention is generally indicated by the reference numeral 100 and is particularly shown in figure 1 and figure 3 of the drawings. Figure 1 shows the isometric view of the ATD 100 in accordance with the present invention. In the case of an existing cylinder, the ATD of the present invention is retrofitted to the bung of the cylinder 30 as shown in figure 2. The operation of the ATD 100 of the present invention is based on the following principles: WO 2011/070883 PCT/IN2010/000515 1. Differential Pressure Principle: The ATD functions on the principle of differential pressure for achieving partial sealing when cylinder is upright to restrict outflow of LPG vapour and sealing the outflow when the cylinder is made inclined, horizontal or inverted. 2. Pressure Equalization Principle: Upon the outflow being prevented (due to the flow having exceeded the permitted value or the orientation of the cylinder being abnormal) a small by-pass flow is permitted to flow across the flow restrictor, from the high pressure zone in the cylinder to the low pressure zone between ATD and valve, so that after a certain time delay the locked ATD, unlocks to allow resumption of usage in normal orientation. too Flow Restrictor Holding Principle: Upon application of predefined pressure for opening the ATD the flow restrictor rises beyond the flow holes against spring force and is held there by magnetic, mechanical, electrical, electronic, passage diversion or other such holding means, to keep outflow passage open. 4, Passage Balancing Principle: Providing the necessary flows required for satisfactory functioning of the domestic regulator, shutting during excessive withdrawal and achieving opening for decanting is based on the balance achieved between the geometry, orientation, locations, sizes and the like of the multiple sets of holes & the flow passage in relation to the geometry, size, weight, location and the like of the flow restrictor. 12 WO 2011/070583 PCT/IN2010/000515 The ATD 100 has several distinguishing feature which are outlined hereunder: () Fitment: The ATD 100 is meant to be fitted, under the existing LPG valve of the LPG cylinder. The ATD 100 at the location of fitment to cylinder bung has the same thread profile as of the lowest portion threads of the LPG Cylinder bung. These lowest bung threads of an LPG cylinder remain unused inside all LPG cylinders and are never used during the fitment of the LPG valve, The fitment of the ATD 100 is therefore independent of the LPG valve above it and hence does not interfere with the fitment of the LPG valve. In order to prevent fouling of the two ie. the LPG valve and the ATD 100, a clear gap has been deliberately designed between the bottom of the LPG valve (under condition of maximum tightening) and the top of the ATD 100 (under condition of minimum tightening). Thus, fitment of the ATD 100 under the LPG valve is feasible and achievable. (ii) Filling of Liquid LPG: The ATD 100 permits the same filling rate, capacity and methodology for filling LPG liquid into cylinders, as permitted by the existing valve fitted above it, whereby the ATD 100 poses no’ impediment to the filling process in the filling plants, despite the presence of both the LPG valve and the ATD 100 in the filling passage. Util n of LPG vapour: The ATD 100 does not allow the same rate of withdrawal and utilization of LPG vapour as allowed by the 13 WO 2011/070583 PCT/IN2010/000515 (iv) wy) (vi) existing valve fitted above it. It restricts the outlet flow which varies with changing environment temperature and consequently the internal LPG pressure in the cylinder. The minimum outflow that is guaranteed through the ATD 100 is the maximum flow that a domestic pressure regulator must essentially deliver. This flow continues to be available, even when the cylinder is inclined by upto 10 degrees from vertical. Excess Flow Shut-off with Domestic Pressure Regulator (DPR): In a cylinder fitted with ATD 100 mounted with a DPR connected to gas stove through rubber tube, when the rubber tube gets cut / burnt / ripped-off from either ‘stove end or DPR end’, the normally out- flowing gas is immediately shut-off and only the small, deliberately permitted by-pass flow, continues to flow out. Restriction of High consumption: In case high withdrawal and utilization of LPG vapour from the cylinder fitted with ATD 100 is endeavored the ATD 100 seals and does not allow such flow to occur. It however continues to allow outflow of the small bypass flow deliberately permitted. Preventing Outflow of Liquid LPG: Whenever any cylinder fitted with the ATD 100 is inclined by more than a specified angle from upright, made horizontal or inverted and the valve outlet opened the ATD 100 prevents outflow of liquid LPG and continues to allow only a small by-pass flow that has been deliberately permitted for pressure equalization. However, when the cylinder which was either inclined, made horizontal or inverted and for which the ATD 100 had prevented 14 WO 2011/070583 PCT/IN2010/000515 outflow is again made upright with outlet closed LPG vapour outflow is possible after a certain time. (vii) Preventing Unauthorized Decanting of Liquid LPG: Whenever by using gravity, cylinder differential pressure or even a suction pump, effort is made to decant liquid LPG, from cylinder which is inclined at more than a specified angle from upright, made horizontal or inverted, the decanting does not occur since the ATD 100 prevents outflow of liquid LPG in these conditions. Thus, unauthorized decanting of Liquid LPG is totally prevented. (viiiyAllowing Authorized Decanting of Liquid LPG: Decanting at the filling plants, is done from inverted cylinders, but in this condition the ATD 100 seals the liquid outflow. However decanting of liquid LPG, can be done from such cylinders only if the authorized procedute of applying the specified pressure pulse is followed, without which outflow of Liquid LPG through the ATD 100 is prevented. After the ATD 100 is opened, it allows the outflow of liquid LPG necessary for successful decanting. Thus, authorized decanting of Liquid LPG is permitted. Figure 3 illustrates sectional view of the ATD 100. The ATD 100 of the present invention consists of a fitment means 1, a bung o-ring 2, a body 3, a seal 4, seal support 10, a flow restrictor 5, a magnet 6, a weighted element 7, a spring 8, a weight spring 28, a plug 9, a resilient flat washer 38 and a rubber pad 39. WO 2011/070883 PCT/IN2010/000515 ‘The details of fitment and functioning of ATD100 is described hereunder for a typical cylinder 30, having a typical bung 31 and a typical LPG valve 32. However the ATD 100 can also be used with any other cylinder, bung and valve. The fitment means 1 of the ATD 100 is provided with an adaptor 11 having external threads 11a and an elongate portion 13, having a threaded end 13a with internal threads 13b with a collar 13¢ beyond internal threads 13b at the end of the free end of the elongate portion 13 opposite to the external threads lla. The external threads 11a provided on the adaptor 11 of the fitment means I of the ATD 100 have the same thread size and profile as that of the threads provided to the lowest portion of a bung 31 of an LPG cylinder 30 which remain unused even after fitting the LPG valve 32. Using the external threads La of adaptor 11, the ATD 100 is fitted to the lowest threads of the cylinder bung 31 before fitting of LPG valve 32 to the upper threads of the cylinder bung 31, as shown in figure 2. Hence the ATD 100 does not interfere with the fitment of the LPG valve 32. In designing the external threads 11a of the adaptor 11 of the fitment means 1 of the ATD 100, a clear gap is provided between the bottom of the LPG valve 32 (under condition of maximum tightening) and the top of the fitment means 1 (under condition of minimum tightening), in order to prevent interference of the LPG valve 32 with ATD 100. Further, as the ATD 100 is fitted from outside the LPG cylinder 30 to inside the LPG cylinder 30, the diametric dimensions along the entire cylindrical length of the ATD 100 besides the external threads 11a of the fitment means 1 is less than the smallest internal diametric dimension of the threaded hole of the cylinder bung 31. The extemal threads 11a of the fitment means 1 are taper threads having larger diameter than the lower most 16 WO 2011/070583 PCT/IN2010/000515 threads of the bung 31. This helps in preventing the ATD 100 from falling inside the cylinder 30, even in case of over tightening. The mating of the taper threads of the cylinder bung 31 and the external threads 11a of the adaptor 11 of the fitment means 1 of the ATD 100 helps to make the threaded joint to be leak-proof due to surface contact. Thus, in order to further enhance sealing between the joint formed by mating taper threads of the cylinder bung 31 and the external threads 11a of the adaptor 11 of the fitment means 1 of the ATD 100, a fitment means groove 12 is provided in the adaptor 11 of the fitment means 1 of the ATD 100 in order to accommodate a resilient bung o-ring 2 of suitable diameter. The dimension of the fitment means groove 12 and diameter of cord of the bung o-ring 2 is designed such that the bung o-ring 2, being resilient, is deformed to fit into the roots of the bung threads and also cross-over the crest of the bung thread by getting compressed, to maintain circularity and hence provide the necessary sealing. The bung o-ring 2 is typically of NBR or Viton. The bung o-ring 2 lies in a compressed configuration within the root of a bung thread of the cylinder bung 31. When an internal or external pressure is exerted by the LPG on the bung o-ring 2, it prevents the LPG to pass through the threaded joint between the ATD 100 and the cylinder bung 31 in order to maintain the differential pressure. The fitment means 1 is provided with coaxial passages ie. cylindrical passage 14 and hexagonal passage 15 to act as paths for flow of LPG, in liquid and gas forms. The passage 14 in the elongate portion of adaptor 11 of the fitment means 1 is typically cylindrical in shape. The passage 15 is typically hexagonal in shape and has a larger dimension than the cylindrical passage 14 of the fitment means 1. The hexagonal passage 15 acts as an 17 WO 2011/070583 PCT/IN2010/000515 internal hexagonal socket and is utilized in tightening the ATD 100 to the lowest portion threads of cylinder bung 31 using an Allen Key (not shown in figure). The hexagonal passage 15 also has a ball catch 33 into which the ball of the hexagonal Allen Key (not shown in figure) can be locked for lifting-out the ATD 100 when the ATD 100 is unscrewed for removing from the cylinder. The passages 14 and 15 of the adaptor 11 of the fitment means 1 form a funnel shaped axial passage 16 in order to enable smooth inflow of liquid LPG into the LPG cylinder 30 during filling. The internal threads 13b of the elongate portion 13 of the fitment means 1 is provided for fitting the fitment'means 1 to a body 3. A seal groove 11b and a seal support recess 11e is provided on the fitment means 1 at the end of the cylindrical passage 14 distal from the hexagonal passage 15 and proximal to the internal threads 13b. The seal support recess 11¢ of the elongate portion 13 of the fitment means 1 is provided for containing the conical seal support 10 for supporting the seal 4 from the inside. The seal 4 is located and contained within the seal groove 11b of the fitment means 1. The fitment means 1 is typically made of Brass, Zine Alloy, Steel or Plastic. The body 3 of the ATD 100 is defined by a hollow head 34 and a hollow chamber 22. The head 34 is substantially smaller than the chamber 22. The body 3 is typically cylindrical in shape. The head 34 defines a cylindrical hollow 24 and a partition 24. The partition 24 of the body 3 separates the head 34 from the chamber 22. The head 34 of the body 3 is provided with external parallel threads 23 of the head 34 distal from the partition 24. The external parallel threads 23 of the head 34 are provided to match the parallel internal threads 13b of the elongate portion 13 of the fitment means 1 and hence the external parallel threads 23 are used for attaching the body 3 to the 18 WO 2011/070583 PCT/IN2010/000515 internal threads 13b of the fitment means 1. The head 34 is provided with a first set of holes 25, a second set of holes 26 and a third set of holes 27. The first set of holes 25, the second set of holes 26 and the third set of holes 27 are located at specified distances from the partition 24 to connect the cylindrical passage 14 of the body 3 with the internal space of the cylinder 30, which space contains LPG. The first set of holes 25 are provided adjacent to the partition 24. The third set of holes 27 is located close to the upper operative end of the head. The second set of holes 26 are provided between the first set of holes 25 and the third set of holes 27. The first set of holes 25, the second set of holes 26 and the third set of holes 27 are provided radially along the circumference of the head 34. The first set of holes 25 and the second set of holes 26 typically consist of 6 holes whereas the third set of holes 27 typically consists of 3 holes. Alternatively, the number of holes can be changed but keeping the total cross-section. area of each set of holes the same as for the 6-6-3 holes configuration. The hollow 21 of the head 34 defines a high pressure portion from the end of the hollow head 34 having the parallel threads 23 to the partition 24. The chamber 22 defines a cylindrical hollow 22a which is larger than the hollow 21 of the head 34. The chamber 22 is closed at one end by the partition 24 with the closed end 22b being proximal to the partition 24 and having an open end 2c distal from the partition 24 at the other end of the cylindrical hollow 22a. The chamber 22 of the body 3, at the open end 2c is typically provided with a stepped location for accommodating a similarly stepped plug 9 together with a resilient flat washer 38, as shown in figure 3. The plug 9 at its centre on its face located inside the chamber 22 houses a rubber pad 39. The open end 22¢ of the chamber 22 is crimped over the plug 9 to close the open end 22¢ and contain, retain and support the weighted element 7, shown in figure 3, 19 WO 2011/070883 PCT/IN2010/000515 within the cylindrical hollow 22a of the chamber 22 of the body 3. Alternatively the open end 2c is provided with internal threads and the plug, 9 has external threads that match the internal threads of the open end 22c of the chamber 22 of the body 3, so that the plug 9 is threaded into the longer cylindrical hollow 22a of the chamber 22 of the body 3. The body 3 is typically of Brass, Zinc Alloy, Steel or Plastic. The weighted element 7 of the ATD 100, shown in figure 3, comprises a magnet 6, non-magnetic holder 7a and a weight member 7e. The spring loaded weighted element 7 is the housed in the hollow 22a of the chamber 22 of the body 3. The magnet 6 is housed in a recess for magnet 7b in the non-magnetic holder 7a. The magnet 6 is held inside the recess for magnet 7b by means of a magnetic washer 7e located in the recess for magnet 7b. ‘The magnetic washer 7e is held in place with the help of a non magnetic threaded bolt 7d. The non-magnetic holder 7a at the end distal from the magnet 6 has a smaller cross section having external threads 7f. The weight member 7e is cylindrical in shape and has the same diameter as the non- magnetic holder 7a. The weight member 7e is provided with internal threads 7g to be fitted to the external threads 7f of the non-magnetic holder 7a. Further, since the magnet 6 is held in the recess for magnet 7b of the non- magnetic holder 7a in order to avoid loss of magnetic power of the magnet 6, the non-magnetic holder 7a is typically of length more than the distance of influence of the magnet. The non-magnetic holder 7a is made of a non- magnetic material of lower density and the weight member 7e is typically of higher density steel. The non-magnetic holder 7a is of a length such that the weight member 7e is sufficiently distant from the magnet 6 to avoid adversely influencing the power of the magnet 6. In order to reduce the 20 WO 2011/070583 PCT/IN2010/000515 volume of the ATD 100, the volume of the spring loaded weighted element 7 is thus reduced by assembling the non-magnetic holder 7a and the weight member 7e. The weight member 7e is tightened onto the external threads 7f of the non-magnetic holder 7a. The non-magnetic holder 7a and the weight member 7e collectively have the required weight but are shorter in length. Hence the spring loaded weighted element 7 occupies lesser volume. The spring loaded weighted element 7 is located in the hollow 22a of the chamber 22 such that the magnet 6 is located towards the partition 24 of the body 3 and the weight member 7e is towards the plug 9. Reduction in the length of the spring loaded weighted element 7 results in reduction in the length of the chamber 22 whereby the effective volume of the ATD 100 is reduced. The force exerted by the non-magnetic holder 7a and the weight member 7e of the spring loaded weighted element 7 helps in disengaging the flow restrictor 5 from the hold of the magnet 6. The spring 8 assists in pushing the flow restrictor 5 away from the spring loaded weighted element 7. However, the force exerted by the spring loaded weighted element 7 acts as a primary force in disengaging the flow réstrictor 5 from the hold of the magnet 6. Further assistance is also extracted from the jerks that a cylinder is bound to encounter in a plant during its normal handling (such as unloading after decanting, loading on the conveyor, movement on the conveyor and transportation) whereby the magnetically held spring loaded weighted element 7 would get disengaged. In order to further reduce the volume occupied by the ATD 100 within the cylinder 30, the disengaging force required to enable the flow restrictor 5 to be separate from the magnet 6 is divided into two components in the typically in the ratio of 40:60. The 40% component of the disengaging force is generated by use of a weight spring 28 and the balance 60% component of the disengaging force is generated by 21 WO 2011/070583 PCT/IN2010/000515 the spring loaded weighted element 7. The large end of the weight spring 28 rests on partition 24 at the closed end 22b of the chamber 22 and the small end of the weight spring 28 is located on a step collar provided on the non- magnetic holder 7a. As such when the cylinder 30 is in normal orientation the spring loaded weighted element 7 rests at the bottom of the chamber 22 against the rubber pad 39 of the plug 9 and both the weight spring 28 and the spring loaded weighted element 7 act to pressed against the plug 9. When the cylinder 30 is inverted or the cylinder 30 is in an abnormal orientation, the absolute value of the spring loaded weighted element 7 enables the magnet 6 to be adjacent to the partition 24 at the closed end 22b of the chamber 22 by overcoming the spring force of the weight spring 28. The spring loaded weighted element 7 being more than the spring force of the weight spring 28 in the inverted orientation of the cylinder 30 overcomes the weight spring 28 and takes the magnet 6 adjacent to the partition 24 of the body 3. This helps the magnet 6 to be appropriately located to hold onto the flow restrictor 5 when authorised decanting is desired and the flow restrictor 5 is thrust against the partition 24 by the externally applied pressure. Thus, the effective weight of the spring loaded weighted element 7 is reduced by 40% and the over-all weight of the ATD 100 by 25% which effectively reduced the stresses on the fitment threads by the same 25% and also leads to reduction in size and hence the occupied volume of the ATD 100 within the internal space of the cylinder 30. Thus, collectively on account of use of the weight spring 28, the non-magnetic holder 7a and the weight member 7e, the overall volume of the ATD 100 is reduced by 18%. Alternatively, the weighted element 7 may include a magnet attached to one end of a sliding weight such that the magnet is located towards the chamber end 24 of the body 3. 22 WO 2011/070583 PCT/IN2010/000515 The seal 4 of the ATD 100 is confined within the seal groove 11b of the adaptor 11. When the fitment means 1 and the body 3 are threaded together tightly, the annular seal clamping face 29 of the body 3 sit onto and compress the seal 4 to form a leak-proof joint. The seal 4 has the shape of a hollow frustum of a cone, having a circular base ring 20a at a wider end of the frustum side and a lip portion 20 with lip 20b at the narrow end of the frustum. The seal 4 is such that the lip 20b of the seal 4 protrudes into the shorter hollow 21 of the body 3. The seal 4 is typically of resilient material such as NBR or Viton. The seal 4 is provided with a plurality of raised internal ribs 37 supported by the seal support 10. Figure 4a to figure 4h illustrates the alternative types of the seal 4. The seal support 10 of the ATD 100 firmly supports the seal 4 from the inside, such that the seal 4 even under pressure on its lip 20b maintains its conical shape on account of the support provided by the seal support 10. The seal support 10 has a seal support base 10a located in seal support recess Le provided in the adaptor 11. The seal support tip 10b is the annular ring over which the lip portion 20 of the seal 4 folds when lip 20b of seal 4 is under pressure. The conical lip portion 20 of the. seal 4 is supported from the outside by the conical annular portion 22d of the body 3. The spring 8 of the ATD 100 is typically cylindrical in shape and is typically a compression spring. The spring 8 is located inside the cylindrical hollow 21 of the head 34 of the body 3 with one end of the spring 8 located on a spring locator pin 19 of the partition 24 and the other end of the spring 8 is located inside a recess Se of the flow restrictor 5. Thus, when the spring 8 is compressed, the spring 8 is guided by a spring locator pin 19 and externally 23 WO 2011/070583 PCT/IN2010/000515 by the recess Se of the flow restrictor 5. Further, the flow restrictor 5 is also guided externally by the inner wall of the chamber end 22. The spring 8 has sufficient spring force so as to restrain the flow restrictor 5 from reaching the partition 24 unless external force is applied to the flow restrictor 5 so as to overcome the spring force of the spring 8 to take the flow restrictor 5 to the partition 24. The spring 8 is typically of non-rusting and non-magnetic material. The spring 8 can be cylindrical compression type, conical compression type, cylindrical tension type, conical tension type, etc., and shape of the spring 8 can be varied as shown in figure Sa to figure Sd. Figure 6a to figure 6c illustrates use of alternate embodiments of spring 8 for holding the flow restrictor 5. Figure 6a and 6b illustrate alternate use of the spring 8. Figure 6c illustrates the use of the spring 8, wherein a spring loaded jaws 35 expand and hold onto the flow restrictor 5, with the help of pivot 36 when the decanting pressure is applied. These are only a few examples of the many alternate embodiments possible. Figure 7 illustrates the various types of flow restrictor 5 of the ATD 100 in accordance with the present invention. The flow restrictor 5 is typically a plain metallic/non-metallic ball, a cylinder of any cross section, a frustum of acone, a cone, a plug, a dumbbell, or any other shape that enables restricting and shutting the flow of LPG. The flow restrictor 5 can either be uncoated or coated with either the coating or insert being resilient material or non resilient. The flow restrictor 5 is provided with a magnetic insert Sa and flow restrictor body Sb. The base of the magnetic insert 5a can come in contact with the partition 24. The magnetic insert Sa is typically in the form of a cup and defines the recess Se. The flow restrictor 5, shown in figure 3, is located 24 WO 2011/070583 PCT/IN2010/000515 inside the hollow 21 of the head 34 of the body 3. The flow restrictor 5 rests on the spring 8 during the normal orientation of the LPG cylinder 30. The flow restrictor S is capable of moving inside the hollow 21 of the head 34 in the axial direction of the body 3. If the seal 4 is of resilient material, the flow restrictor body Sb at its contacting surface with the seal 4 is provided with a plurality of bypass grooves Sd. The outer cylindrical surface of the flow restrictor 5 is typically provided with one or more lifting grooves 5e, shown in figure 3, to assist in lifting the flow restrictor 5 for achieving shut-off. Figure 8a to figure 8d illustrate various types of bypass grooves Sd on the flow restrictor body Sb of the flow restrictor 5. The bypass grooves Sd are typically straight, curved, spiral or any other shape for linking the high portion-18 and the low pressure portions 17 via the micro channels formed by the bypass groove 5d. The bypass grooves 5d of the flow restrictor 5 acts as a pressure equalizing means between the low pressure portion 17 of the fitment means 1 and the high pressure portion 18 of the head 34 of the body 3. If the seal 4 is rigid and the flow restrictor 5 is also rigid, the bypass grooves 5d may not be required to be provided on the flow restrictor 5. However, if the flow restrictor 5 is flexible and the seal 4 is rigid the bypass grooves 5d are required to be provided on the seal 4. The flow restrictor 5 is typically of non-rusting magnetic metal. When the flow restrictor 5 seals the ATD 100 and prevents outflow of liquid, the seal 4 being made of resilient material deforms and firmly seals the contact surface of the flow restrictor 5 to prevent leakage of liquid and thereby de-links the low pressure portion in the passage 14 and 15 of the fitment means 1 from the high pressure portion in the hollow 21 of the head 25 WO 2011/070883 PCT/IN2010/000515 34 of the ATD 100. The seal 4 is designed such that under the pressure of the flow restrictor 5, the seal 4 deforms uniformly thereby providing adequate sealing. The internal ribs 37 of the seal 4 help to provide additional structural rigidity while withstanding the load applied by the flow restrictor 5 under pressure to firmly press the seal lip 20b of the seal 4 against the flow restrictor 5 and thereby preventing leakage of liquid LPG. Whenever the ATD 100 gets closed due to any reason, the flow of LPG is prevented between the low pressure portion in the passage 14 and 15 of the fitment means 1 and the high pressure portion in the hollow 21 of the head 34. In this situation of pressure differential between the low pressure portion in the passage 14 and 15 of the fitment means 1 and the high pressure portion in the hollow 21 of the head 34, the bypass grooves 5d of the flow restrictor 5 of the ATD 100 operates as a pressure equalizing means and begins to allow an extremely low bypass flow through the gap between the flow restrictor 5 and the seal lip 20b formed on account of the bypass groove 5d even when the flow restrictor 5 sits snugly on the seal 4. The pressure equalization is alternatively achieved by eliminating the resilient sealing and directly providing a metallic/non metallic rigid seating for a rigid flow restrictor 5, a metallic/non metallic rigid seating for a resilient flow restrictor 5, a pressure equalizing hole between the low pressure portions in the passage 14 and 15 of the fitment means 1 and the high pressure portions in the hollow 21 of the head 34 or a pressure equalizing hole between the cylinder inside space and the low pressure portion in the passage 14 and 15 of the fitment means 1. The pressure equalizing hole is typically a fine jet, a fine orifice, a capillary tube, a pressure equalizing valve, rigid or resilient 26 WO 2011/070583 PCT/IN2010/000515 seating, a float that opens in the vapour space of the cylinder and floats to remain in the vapour space in all orientations of the cylinder and the like. The bypass flow of LPG through the bypass grooves 5d, which acts as a pressure equalizing means, being very small, there is a time delay in the build-up of sufficient pressure in the low pressure chamber in the passage 14 and 15 of the fitment means 1 to a level where the pressure differential between the low pressure chamber in the passage 14 and 15 of the fitment means 1 and high pressure chamber the hollow 21 of the head 34 becomes negligible such that the flow restrictor § is separated from the seal lip 20b of the seal 4 and the flow restrictor 5 drops down into hollow portion 21 of the head 34 of the body 3. This results in reconnection of the inside of the cylinder 30 with the inlet of the LPG valve 32, whereby gas outflow resumes when the outlet of the LPG valve 32 is opened. Figure 9 illustrates the inter relationship between the dimensions of the first set of holes 25, the second set of holes 26, the third set of holes 27, the hollow 21 of the head 34 of the body 3, the cylindrical passage 14 of the fitment means 1 and the flow restrictor 5. D1 indicates the diameter of the cylindrical passage 14 of the fitment means 1, D2 indicates the diameter of the flow restrictor 5, D3 illustrates the diameter of the hollow 21 of the head 34 of the body 3, D4 indicates the diameter of the holes in the third set of holes 27, D5 indicates the diameter of the holes in the first set of holes 25 and D6 indicates the diameter of the holes in the second set of holes 26. Considering the diameter D1 of the cylindrical passage 14 of the fitment means 1 to be 1 (unity), the diameter D2 of the flow restrictor 5 is 1.35-1.40 times the diameter D1 of the cylindrical passage 14 of the fitment means 1. 27 WO 2011/070583 PCT/IN2010/000515 ‘The diameter D3 of the hollow 21 of the head 34 of the body 3 is 1.4-1.5 times the diameter D1 of the cylindrical passage 14 of the fitment means 1. ‘The diameter D4 of the holes in the third set of holes 27 is 0.2 times the diametér D1 of the cylindrical passage 14 of the fitment means 1. The diameter DS of the holes in the first set of holes 25 is 1.67 to 1.73 times the diameter D1 of the cylindrical passage 14 of the fitment means 1. The diameter D6 of the holes in the second set of holes 26 is 0.33 to 0.50 times the diameter D1 of the cylindrical passage 14 of the fitment means 1. When the cylinder is in normal orientation, with ATD 100 open and LPG gas permitted to flow out, from the outlet of the ATD 100 of figure 1 the flow restrictor 5 of the ATD 100 of figure 1 on account of the gravitational force, rests, a slightly above the second set of holes 26 on the spring 8 and allows outflow of the LPG vapour from the cylinder 30 through the third set of hole’ 27 via the passages of the body 3 and fitment means 1 to the valve 32. During this outflow the flow occurs through both sets of the second set of holes 26 and the third set of holes 27 with'the main flow passing through the third set of holes 27. The minimum outflow that is guaranteed through the ATD 100 is the same as the maximum flow through a domestic pressure regulator and poses no hindrance to the LPG vapour withdrawal and utilization. The flow restrictor 5 being in the path of the main flow of LPG and the flow being small it does not affect the flow restrictor 5 on account of the weight of the flow restrictor 5. Thus, the ATD 100 is fully able to deliver LPG vapour required as per the DPR. Also when the cylinder 30 is inclined by upto 10 degrees from vertical the outflow does not get adversely affected. The inflow or filling of the liquid LPG can also be carried out in the normal orientation position of the cylinder 30 during which the flow restrictor 5 is 28 WO 2011/070583 PCT/IN2010/000515 pushed downwards and compresses the spring 8 but upon release of filling pressure the flow restrictor 5 and the spring 8 regain original positions. However, when the withdrawal and hence the outflow becomes excessive, the LPG vapour which was passing smoothly through the second set of holes 26 over the flow restrictor 5 becomes turbulent and the total lift force on the bottom of the flow restrictor 5 as well as the lifting grooves Se exceeds the weight of the flow restrictor 5, causing the flow restrictor 5 to be carried along with the vapour and upon reaching the seal 4 the flow restrictor 5 sits on lip 20b of the seal 4 and blocks the passage of LPG. Further, the flow restrictor 5 continues to remain in the blocking configuration on account of the pressure differential between the high internal pressure and low external pressure. However, the outlet flow varies with changing environment temperature and consequently performance varies with the internal pressure of the LPG in the cylinder 30. Thus, there is a restriction on the unlimited withdrawal and utilization of LPG vapour. When the cylinder 30 is inclined by more than the specified angle @ typically more than 70 degrees, the flow restrictor 5 seals the outlet of the ATD 100 of figure 1. When the cylinder 30 is inclined by more than a specified angle 6, the weight of the flow restrictor 5 gets resolved into two components whereby the horizontal component of the force being small the flow restrictor 5 of ATD 100 of figure 1 moves on account of the flow from the second set of holes 26 and is carried along till it reaches the seal 4 where the flow restrictor 5 seals the outflow. Thus, the outflow of LPG liquid is prevented through the ATD 100 on account of the passages being closed. 29 WO 2011/070583 PCT/IN2010/000515 When the cylinder 30 is made horizontal or the cylinder 30 is in an abnormal orientation, the weight of the flow restrictor 5 is resolved into two components namely a horizontal component and a vertical component whereby the horizontal component of the force being small the flow restrictor 5 of ATD 100 of figure 1 moves on account of the flow from the second set of holes 26 and is carried till the flow restrictor 5 reaches the seal 4 where flow restrictor 5 seals the outflow of LPG. Thus, the outflow of LPG liquid is prevented through the ATD 100 on account of the passages 14, 15 and 21 being in closed configuration. When the cylinder 30 in the horizontal condition is made to roll, the passages 14, 15 and 21 remains blocked by means of the flow restrictor 5. Also, since the flow restrictor 5 is in the blocking position, it helps in preventing any attempt to extract liquid LPG by pressing the spindle of the LPG valve 32 for extracting liquid LPG by gravity, differential pressure or even suction pump. However, when the cylinder 30 is returned to normal orientation from the horizontal position or abnornial orientation, the flow restrictor 5 drops after a time lag to open the passages 14, 15 and 21 and LPG vapour outflow is permitted. When the cylinder 30 is in inverted or in the abnormal orientation, the entire weight of the flow restrictor 5 acts downwards whereby the flow restrictor 5 of ATD 100 of figure 1 moves on account of the flow from the second set of holes 26 and is carried till flow restrictor 5 reaches the seal 4 where flow restrictor 5 stops and seals the outflow of LPG. Thus, outflow of LPG liquid is prevented through the ATD 100. Any effort to extract the LPG liquid by pressing the spindle of the LPG valve 32 and using gravity, differential pressure or even a pump is prevented.as the internal pressure of the cylinder 30 presses the flow restrictor 5 onto the seal 4 and prevents the outflow of 30 WO 2011/070583 PCT/IN2010/000515 liquid LPG. When the cylinder 30 is brought back to the normal orientation, the flow restrictor 5 opens the passages 14, 15 and 21 after a time lag and helps in permitting outflow of LPG vapour. When the cylinder is inverted or the cylinder is in the abnormal orientation due to externally applied pressure, the flow restrictor 5 compresses the spring 8 to reach the partition 24 and hence near the magnet 6 which holds the flow restrictor 5 thereby opening the ATD 100 of figure 1. When the cylinder 30 is in the inverted condition or an abnormal orientation and the ATD 100 is pressurized so as to overcome the combined force of the internal LPG pressure and gravitational force on the flow restrictor 5, the flow restrictor 5 rises in the passage and upon reaching the spring compresses the spring 8 and experiences resistance to its upwards movement and when the application of pressure ceases, the outwards flowing LPG due to the pressure differential carries back the flow restrictor 5 onto the seal 4 and reseals the opened passages, thus preventing any attempt to remove liquid LPG and prevents decanting. Thus, any attempt to open the passages 14, 15 and 21 for withdrawing of LPG is prevented. However, when a predefined pressure typically 12 kgf/cm? is applied to overcome the combined forces of internal LPG pressure during filing of the cylinders, the gravitational force acting on the flow restrictor 5 and the force of spring 8, this pressures enables the flow restrictor 5 to overcome the spring force of the spring 8 and hence the flow restrictor 5 réaches near the partition 24 and the magnet 6 holds onto the flow restrictor 5 by virtue of magnetic force and hence prevents the flow restrictor 5 from falling back onto the seal 4, even after the applied pressure is stopped. The magnet 6 exerts a magnetic pull force and holds the flow restrictor 5. Alternative arrangements for holding the flow restrictor 5, as 31 WO 2011/070883 PCT/IN2010/000515 shown in figure 6a to figure 6c can be implemented to prevent the flow restrictor 5 from closing the passage so as to allow for authorised decanting. These arrangements are only illustrative and a few of the many options possible. Altematively, the flow restrictor 5 can be forced to open against the resistance of the scaling by means of pulling, pushing, thrusting, attracting, or repulsion. Thus, when the passage through the seal 4 is opened and held in open position with the help of the magnet 6, the extraction of liquid LPG by gravity, differential pressure or suction from inside the cylinder 30 to any receiving vessel is possible. When the decanting is complete and the cylinder 30 is made upright or brought to normal position the gravitational force on the spring loaded weighted element 7 assisted by the weight spring 28 collectively exceeds the holding force of the magnet 6 causing the release of the flow restrictor 5 and the spring loaded weighted clement 7 is caused to rest on the plug 9. Figure 10 shows the ATD 100 directly attached to a typical LPG valve 32. The fitment means 11 (for direct integration with a valve) of the ATD 100 is provided with suitable extemal threads to directly fit the ATD 100 to a suitably modified lower portion of the LPG valve 32 having internal threads. TESTS CONDUCTED The ATD was tested and evaluated for the following requirements: 1. The fitment of the ATD to the bung is without any hindrances. 2. The ATD does not pose any hindrance to the fitment of the valve to the cylinder bung. 32 WO 2011/070583 PCT/IN2010/000515 3. The liquid LPG filling time for cylinders fitted with ATD is same as the filling time for cylinders not fitted with ATD. 4. When the valve spindle is depressed using LPG regulator in the normal orientation of a cylinder outflow of LPG vapour is more than the maximum permitted for domestic pressure regulators. 5. When the valve spindle is depressed using LPG regulator in the normal orientation of a cylinder and the cylinder is inclined by upto 10degrees from normal the outflow of LPG vapour is more than the maximum permitted for domestic pressure regulators. 6. When ina cylinder fitted with a DPR connected to a gas stove through a rubber tube, the rubber tube is disconnected from either DPR end or stove end the gas outflow immediately stops only allowing the bypass flow. 7. When the high flow usage using an adaptor/high pressure regulator or any other device in the normal orientation of a cylinder is attempted the outflow of gaseous LPG stops. 8. When an LPG cylinder, in the normal orientation, is tilted and the valve spindle is depressed using a regulator, the outflow of gaseous LPG stops after the tilt angle is greater than 70° to vertical. 9. When cylinder is in inverted position and the valve spindle is depressed using a regulator, the liquid LPG does not come out of the cylinder 10.When the cylinder is in horizontal position and is rolled keeping the valve spindle depressed using a regulator, the LPG liquid does not come out. In order to assess effectiveness during rolling the following tests were conducted: a. rolling the cylinder while it is horizontal; 33 WO 2011/070583 PCT/IN2010/000515 b. rolling the cylinder keeping it inclined at various angles keeping its valve pointing downwards; c. inverting and shaking the cylinder; d. dropping. the cylinder with a jerk so that valve side falls first/last; and e. opening the outlet at low/high pressure differentials. 11.The Liquid LPG can be extracted from the cylinder only on the application of a pressure pulse of typically 12 kgf/cm? through the cylinder valve to unlock the ATD. TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES ‘The ATD of the present invention has simple but reliable construction and functions by differential pressure and gravity. The ATD is compact in construction, When the cylinder fitted ATD is in circulation, the ATD of the present invention prevents the extraction of LPG from the cylinder. The ATD of the present invention acts as a safety equipment in the event of damaged rubber tubes or in case of incorrect fitment of the regulator. The ATD prevents excess flow of LPG for usage from the cylinder. ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE LPG being a subsidized fuel with wide gap between the unsubsidized and subsidized selling prices is subjected to theft or pilferage which causes huge lose to the economy. Hence, the present invention helps to prevent the theft or pilferage and hence helps to reduce the loss caused to the economy. Further, accidental leakage of gas in the domestic level on many instances 34 WO 2011/070883 PCT/IN2010/000515 leads to explosions resulting in loss of life and property. The present invention helps in preventing the accidental leakage of gas at the domestic level and hence helps in preventing the loss of life and property due to explosion. This device eliminates the requirement of upstream gas safety device which act on the excess flow. While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments 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. 35 WO 2011/070583 PCT/IN2010/000515 CLAIMS 1) An “Anti- theft device” (ATD) for an LPG cylinder having a valve fitted to cylinder bung, said device to be internally fitted within the LPG cylinder, said device comprising: a. fitment means for fitting the device to be in communication with the valve of the cylinder; a body extending from the fitment means, said body defined by a hollow head and a hollow chamber; . a first set of holes, a second set of holes and a third set of holes circumferentially provided on the head, each of said sets of holes having pre-determined varying cross-sections, said sets of holes being located at pre-determined distances with respect to each other and said sets of holes providing communication means between the internal space of the cylinder and the valve, via the hollow of the head; . a seal located in the flow passage provided in the hollow head for restricting or allowing flow when closed or open respectively; . a flow restrictor means positioned within the hollow of the head, adapted to be displaced to selectively block one or more of the sets of hole to prevent accidental or unauthorized dispensation of gas and /or liquid filled in the internal space of the cylinder; and a weighted element adapted to be displaced within said chamber, said spring loaded weighted element adapted to restrain said flow restrictor means in the operative inverted position of the cylinder for authorized dispensation of liquid. 36 WO 2011/070583 PCT/IN2010/000515 2) The ATD as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fitment means includes an adaptor for fitting the device to the bung of the cylinder or to the valve of the cylinder. 3) The ATD as claimed in claim 1, wherein.said body is removably fitted to the fitment means or is integral with the fitment means. 4) The ATD as claimed in claim 1, wherein said chamber is integral with the head or is removably fitted to said head. 5) The ATD as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first set of holes is located adjacent to the lower operative end of the head, when the cylinder is in the upright normal position, said second set of holes is in the approximate middle of the head, and the third set of holes is adjacent to the upper operative end of the head and the second set of holes have the largest cross section and the third set of holes have the smallest cross section. 6) The ATD as claimed in claim 1, wherein said flow restrictor means comprises of a first spring and a flow restrictor, said first spring is typically a cylindrical compression spring, said flow restrictor rests on said compression spring. 7) ‘The ATD as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hollow of the head defines a first recess at the operative lower end to seat the first spring and a second recess at the operative upper end to receive the flow restrictor in a blocking configuration of the flow restrictor means. 37 WO 2011/070583 PCT/IN2010/000515 8) 9) 10) lL 12 ) The ATD as claimed in claim 1, wherein said seal is provided with tapering side walls, said sealing means is provided in the second recess to form a gas tight seal between the head and the fitment means, said seal is supported by means of a seal support. The ATD as claimed in claim 1, wherein said flow restrictor means has pressure equalization means to facilitate displacement of the flow restrictor means within the head, said flow restrictor means comprises of a first spring and a flow restrictor, said flow restrictor means is provided with an insert, said insert is typically of magnetic material. The ATD as claimed in claim 1, wherein said weighted element is of magnetic material and is spring loaded. The ATD as claimed in claim 1, wherein said weighted element comprises a magnet, a non-magnetic holder and a weight member, said non-magnetic holder defines a recess at one end and a threaded end at the other end, said weight member is threadably engaged with said non-magnetic holder, said magnet is housed in the recess of said non-magnetic holder. The ATD as claimed in claim 1, wherein said weighted element is linearly displaced or displaced angularly by self weight. 38 WO 2011/070883 PCT/IN2010/000815 FIGURE 1 U9 PCT/IN2010/000515 WO 2011/070583 SN E FIGURE 2 29 WO 2011/070883 29° = 106 26 1b 26 25 PCT/IN2010/000815 2267 f 22a 6—N 7b Te TE: Te: 39. 22¢. FIGURE 3 319 38 WO 2011/070583 PCT/IN2010/000515 | 2 -@_ 8-4 2- FIGURE 4a FIGURE 4b FIGURE 4c FIGURE 4d ae 6 6 2 FIGURE 4e FIGURE 4f FIGURE 5a FIGURE 5c 8a Z é 49 a = FIGURE 5b FIGURE 5d Z FIGURE 4g FIGURE 4h 8b 8d WO 2011/070883 PCT/IN2010/000515 _« 9 L 8 Ww a a) 9 ira 2 8 ~ 8 Ww K i] a 3 ae a Lae : N « ® & Ww w 5 9 iz 9 2auyndld WO 2011/070883 FIGURE 8a FIGURE 8c XI FIGURE 8b FIGURE 8d PCT/IN2010/000515 Wd FIGURE 9 ayy, FIGURE 10 national application No, PCT/IN2010/000515 INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT as A. CLASSIFICATION OF SUBJECT MATTER See exta sheet Aceotding to International Patent Classification (IPC) orto both national clasifcation and IPC 1B. _FIBLDS SEARCHED Minin im documentation searched (classification system followed by classi ton symbols) [Pc:R6sDs0.00.S0102,50.4.49100,4912.49 04 49106 49108 49/10,49/12.90100,90122.90122,55)14,.55102 $5.00.41)00.41.02.41/04,B60K 5104,15/05.15103,15100,260R25 00 2510825104 F17C1304,13.00,7100,F16K17.00,1,00 ‘Dectmentation searched other than minimum documentation tothe tent that such documents are inluded inthe felds searched Eetronie data base consulted during the international search ame of data base and, where practicable, sear terms used) (NPAT, WPI, EPODOC: CNKE: magnet spring, valve, weigh, LPG or fuel of liquid theft o plferag or safety, authorized ©. DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT. Category] Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages Relevant to claim No, FIM200901 262{TAIN A K) 02 Oxt,2009(02,10-2009) abstract 12 A |eN101203397A(MOUGENOT PROT INNOVATION)I8 Jun, 2008(18 06 2008) the whole document MR A {oR0273S48A (BRADLEY. Peter et a)22 Jun, 1994(22,06.1994) the whole document 12 A {682272961 (ABBOTT, Johnhenry}01 Jun, 1994(01 06.1994) the whole document 12 A en201272593Y(CHEN, Ynerong)15 Jul 2009(15.07 2008) the whole docu rary A __|u8s931327 (HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, INC.)03 Aug. 1999(03.08.1999)the whole document 12 A__[EN2160799Y(ANSHAN IRON & STEEL CO. et al}06 Apr. 1994406 04. 1994) the whole document 12 G1 Further documents are listed in the continuation of Box C, See patent family annex. * Spovial categories of cited documents: Tater document published after the international filing date ‘or priority date and not in conflict withthe application but “A” document defining the general sate ofthe art which isnot to understand the rineipleor theory underving the considered 1 be of particular relevance invention “E™ eatier application or patent bu published on orater the “X"_documentof particular relevance; the elsmed invention international filing date ‘cannot be considered novel or cannot be considered to involve ‘an inventive step when the dacument sfaken alone SY" document of particular relevance; the elsimed invention ‘cannot be considered to involve an inventive step when the ‘document is combined with one or mare other seh document which may throws doubis on priority claim (S) oF ‘which is cited to establish the publication date of another citation or other special reason (as specified) “0° document refisting to anol dsslosute, use, exibition or ‘document, such combination being obvious toa person other means slid in the art

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