A multiply-redundant system that protects fueling of rockets, aircraft and other vehicles using Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) along with an oxidizer such as Liquefied Oxygen. One or more sensors in combination with one or more optional microswitches combine to detect any leaks, fire or explosion hazards quickly locking out further fueling. For different levels of safety, different combinations of sensors can be used.

A float probe configured to regulate fluid flow into a fluid container is disclosed. The float probe comprises an upper assembly having one or more outlets, a plurality of rods extending from the upper assembly to a lower assembly and a float assembly disposed between the upper assembly and the lower assembly. A first distal end of the rods is coupled to the upper assembly and a second distal end of the rods is coupled to the lower assembly. The rods extend along an outer surface of the float assembly and the float assembly is movable along the rods between a first position proximate to the upper assembly and a second position proximate to the lower assembly. The float assembly prevents fluid flow out of the outlets when disposed in the first position.

A portable fuel metering system (PMU) is described. The PMU has one or more flow meters capable of metering the flow of fluids, such as fuel, as the fluid is transferred from a source to a receiver. The PMU may include a telemetry unit configured to transmit parameters related to the fuel transfer to remote location. The PMU may be configured in a light, portable package that may be carried by one or two people. The PMU may include a power generator that is configured to use the flow of fluid to the PMU to generate power for the PMU's operation.

Aspects and implementations of the present disclosure relate, generally, to optimization of the autonomous vehicle technology and, more specifically, to a transfer hub for autonomous trucking operations. The transfer hub supports automated trailer delivery, trailer-tractor matching, trailer-tractor hitching, automated post-hitching visual inspection, automated refueling, parking spot calibration, load verification, load distribution assessment, automated brake inspection, and other improvements to the existing technology.

A fuel delivery system and method for reducing the likelihood that a fuel tank of equipment at a well site during fracturing of a well will run out of fuel. A fuel source has plural fuel outlets, a hose on each fuel outlet of the plural fuel outlets, each hose being connected to a fuel cap on a respective one of the fuel tanks for delivery of fuel to the fuel tank. At least a manually controlled valve at each fuel outlet controls fluid flow through the hose at the respective fuel outlet.

An apparatus and process for preventive maintenance for nozzle elements of a fuel dispenser or recharging station can include a nozzle preventive maintenance apparatus (e.g. fuel dispenser nozzle preventive maintenance apparatus or vehicle recharging nozzle preventive maintenance apparatus). The nozzle preventive maintenance apparatus can be configured to communicate with a sensor element of a nozzle to evaluate the operational status of that sensor element. In the event the testing determines that the sensor element is malfunctioning or broken, the apparatus can respond by scheduling or ordering maintenance to repair the component so the failure can be identified quickly and resolved to try and avoid the chance that a user may attempt to utilize a nozzle with a non-functioning element and have a negative experience in use of a dispenser (e.g. fuel dispenser or electricity dispenser that can be considered a recharging station).

An apparatus and process for preventive maintenance for nozzle elements of a fuel dispenser or recharging station can include a nozzle preventive maintenance apparatus (e.g. fuel dispenser nozzle preventive maintenance apparatus or vehicle recharging nozzle preventive maintenance apparatus). The nozzle preventive maintenance apparatus can be configured to communicate with a sensor element of a nozzle to evaluate the operational status of that sensor element. In the event the testing determines that the sensor element is malfunctioning or broken, the apparatus can respond by scheduling or ordering maintenance to repair the component so the failure can be identified quickly and resolved to try and avoid the chance that a user may attempt to utilize a nozzle with a non-functioning element and have a negative experience in use of a dispenser (e.g. fuel dispenser or electricity dispenser that can be considered a recharging station).

A vehicle control device for a vehicle includes a communication unit configured to communicate with a communication device located at a gas station, and a processor configured to control the vehicle to perform at least one of autonomous driving or autonomous fueling based on information received from the communication device. In addition, a control method for controlling a vehicle includes communicating with a communication device located at a gas station, and controlling a vehicle to perform an operation based on information received from the communication device.

A system includes one or more mobile fuel distribution stations that have a mobile trailer, a pump, a manifold, a plurality of hoses, detachably connectable fuel caps connected or connectable with the hoses, valves, and fuel level sensors. The mobile fuel distribution station is configured to operate the pump responsive to a low fuel threshold to provide fuel to the manifold, from the manifold to the valves, and from the valves through the hoses. One or more servers are operable to communicate with the mobile fuel distribution station. The server is configured to receive fuel operating parameter data from the mobile fuel distribution station, determine whether the fuel operating parameter data is within a preset limit, and send a control action in response to the operating parameter data being outside the preset limit.

Systems and methods for mobile refueling by mobile fuel carriers of vehicles of approved users at approved mobile refueling locations. The system may include a server connected to a network and a database accessible by the server that includes approved refueling location information and approved user and user vehicle information, including vehicle identification fuel preference information. User computers communicate with the server via the network, the user computers sending refueling request information including user identification and vehicle location information to the server. The server sends refueling instructions to a fuel carrier computer having a user interface which allows updating of route information with real-time information pertaining to user requests and fuel carrier location data.