A fuel authorization program based on equipping fuel station, fuel pumps, and vehicles with components to enable automatic fuel authorization for enrolled vehicles. The program includes fuel pumps including a pump transmitting sensor that automatically emits a pump ID. As a vehicle pulls in next to the pump a vehicle coupling receiving sensor detects the pump ID signal and a proximity link is created. The vehicle sensor passes the pump ID via hardwire or Bluetooth to vehicle fuel authorization processor (which can be part of a telematics device). The vehicle processor transmits the pump ID (and any fuel authorization credentials needed, such as a PIN or VIN) via WI-FI to a Station processor for fuel vendor authorization. If approved, the pump is enabled. As the vehicle moves away the coupling sensor link is broken and the vehicle transmits a disconnect message via Wi-Fi and the pump is disabled.

Device (100) for achieving a temporary connection between two objects (101,102) which are movable relative to each other, comprising respective connecting means (114,154), being brought together in order to jointly establish said connection, a movable robot (110), arranged to continuously displace the first connecting means relative to the first object, a control means (120), arranged to control the movements of the robot relative to the first object, as well as a sensor means (130), arranged to continuously read a relative position between the first connecting means and the second connecting means while the said objects move relative to each other. The invention is characterised in that the control means is arranged to, while the objects move relative to each other, continuously control the robot so that the first connecting means is displaced, relative to the first object and up to the second connecting means, and there connects to the second connecting means. The invention also relates to a method.

The present invention extends to methods, systems, devices, and apparatus for replenishing vehicle resources. Vehicles can be aligned with and docked to replenishment devices. In one aspect, a flying vehicle (e.g., an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)) is aligned onto electrical recharging contacts. The flying vehicles fuel level or battery charge can be replenished with minimal, if any, human intervention. Vehicle docking (e.g., landing), alignment, and replenishment can be performed automatically. A circular ring or shaped surface of a vehicle can engage with a conical sloping surface of a docking apparatus as a vehicle moves towards and/or into the docking apparatus. The conical sloping surface shape aligns the vehicle with recharge contacts or a refueling probe at the base of the docking apparatus.

A method for supplying a mobile usage unit with a consumable delivered by a movable delivery connection of a maintenance station to a supply inlet of the mobile usage unit includes identifying via a sensor system a supply inlet of the mobile usage unit, the sensor system providing data to a control unit, fluidly connecting via the control unit the delivery connection to the identified supply inlet, delivering via the control unit the consumable to the supply inlet, and after the delivery of the consumable has terminated, fluidly separating via the control unit the delivery connection from the supply inlet.

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

A refueling system for motor vehicles, that includes a motor vehicle with a first communication interface and with a control unit, as well as a refueling installation, a second communication interface, which has a communication connection to the first communication interface for the transmission of data, as well as a tank with a fuel. The refueling installation has a sensor device, which is equipped to determine a fuel material property of the fuel of the refueling installation and to transmit it to the motor vehicle, so that the control unit of the motor vehicle controls a vehicle component on the basis of the determined fuel material property.

A device for controlling refueling of hydrogen includes one or more hydrogen refueling facilities for refueling a hydrogen-powered vehicle with hydrogen, and a controller that collects state information and control data of the hydrogen refueling facilities, performs artificial intelligence learning based on the state information and the control data, and controls operations of the hydrogen refueling facilities based on the learning result.

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.

An apparatus configured to detect a gas hose pull away event at a gas station includes a gas hose sensor configured to detect when a gas hose is pulled away from a gas pump, a visual alarm configured to be activated in response to detection that the gas hose has been pulled away from the gas pump, an audible alarm configured to be activated in response to detection that the gas hose has been pulled away from the gas pump, a mounting bracket configured to attach the apparatus to a fixed location on or proximate to the gas pump, and an electrical connection configured to provide electrical power. In one example, the gas hose sensor includes a cord, a wire, or a string that is attached to the gas hose. In another example, the sensor is attached to the gas hose utilizing a clamp, a tie, or a magnet.

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