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.

Provided is a device for automatic refueling of a vehicle that includes a nozzle having a flexible filler pipe with an open end. The filler pipe is inserted, with the open end first, into the tank pipe to deliver fuel through the open end into the tank pipe. An axial pressure is applied to the filler pipe to insert the filler pipe into the tank pipe. The filler pipe includes an inner fuel pipe of flexible hard plastic material, and an outer metal coil or a series of metal rings. The metal coil or metal rings are arranged to run in parallel to and outside of the inner fuel pipe. The metal coil is arranged to run in and along a recess in the surface of the inner fuel pipe and the metal rings are disposed in a series of annular recesses in the surface of the fuel pipe.

First data characterizing an attribute of a fuel dispenser user interacting with a fuel dispenser having an interactive display can be received. Second data characterizing a gaming application for presentation on the interactive display of the fuel dispenser can be determined based on the received first data and using a first predictive model that predicts an association of the gaming application with the fuel dispenser user characterized by the first data. The second data can be provided such that an instance of the gaming application is presented on the interactive display of the fuel dispenser. Related apparatus, systems, methods, techniques, and articles are also described.

The automatic identification hydrogen refueling system includes a ground positioning module, a hydrogen storage module, a mechanical arm, a refueling module, an automatic identification module and an information processing module. The ground positioning module is provided with a sensor. A hydrogen conveying pipeline is connected with the refueling module. The hydrogen storage module is arranged at a tail end of the ground positioning module, and connected with the mechanical arm, the information processing module and the hydrogen conveying pipeline. The information processing module controls the mechanical arm to drive the refueling module to preliminarily align a refueling connector after receiving a sensor signal. The automatic identification module identifies an accurate position of the refueling connector, the information processing module drives the mechanical arm to move until butting of the hydrogen refueling gun head and the refueling connector is completed, monitors and controls the refueling amount and the refueling pressure.

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.

The present application provides a method, device and system for automatically fueling a vehicle. The method includes: judging, by a fueling control device of the vehicle, whether the vehicle needs to be filled with fuel; obtaining driving route information and vehicle status information of the vehicle in the case of determining that the vehicle needs to be filled with fuel; determining fuel amount to be filled according to the driving route information and the vehicle status information of the vehicle; sending a fueling request to a fueling management system; receiving a feedback message from the fueling management system, wherein the feedback message includes position information of a fueling device; and prompting the vehicle to obtain fuel offered by the fueling device indicated by the position information of the fueling device according to the fuel amount to be filled.

A system whereby a mobile fuel station may refuel vehicles is disclosed. Fuel reservoirs are provided in a mobile fuel station that may store fuel and dispense fuel through a hybrid fuel line. Fuel nozzles are provided which can be detachably connected to the hybrid fuel line and can measure and display fuel dispensed from the mobile fuel station. Communication devices and a network are provided that allow a vehicle and a mobile fuel station to communicate location and status information wirelessly with the network. Refueling services and maintenance services that may be carried out using the mobile fuel station are also disclosed and claimed herein.

A transfer system, for transferring liquid-form gas between two liquid-form gas units, includes: a main pipe configured to transfer the liquid-form gas from a source tank of a liquid-form gas source unit to a receiving tank of a liquid-form gas receiving unit, the main pipe including at least a first portion and a flexible second portion; and at least one return pipe configured to convey the liquid-form gas present in the main pipe toward the source tank, the transfer system being configured to drain the liquid-form gas under gravity.

An Automatic Service Station Facility (ASSF) for replenishing various motivational energy sources onboard different types of AUV, Drones, and Remotely Controlled (RC) or robotic vehicles is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the automatic service station facility includes a rack, replaceable fuel tanks, a service module, and an electronic computer control system. The replaceable fuel tanks are stocked on the rack and substantially filled with various fluids which are utile as motivational energy sources within fuel-operated vehicles. The service module is mounted on the rack, and the electronic computer control system is connected in electrical communication with the service module. In this configuration, the service module is controllably operable to receive a depleted replaceable fuel tank from a fuel-operated vehicle and also selectively deliver one of the filled replaceable fuel tanks onboard the vehicle. In another embodiment, the service station facility may also stock replaceable batteries for selective delivery onboard battery-operated vehicles. In another embodiment, the ASSF is self-propelled, remotely controlled, and solar powered, being able to move long distances to remote locations which may be hazardous to humans, such as disaster zones or battle fields, where the ASSF can service AUV, Drones, and Remotely Controlled (RC) or robotic vehicles needed for the particular applications. Alternatively, the solar powered ASSF can be made to move continuously and service vehicles continuously for long duration operations like herding cattle for example.

A fuel storage system is provided for storing dimethylether (DME), a blend including DME, or other similar highly volatile fuel at a vehicle. The fuel storage system including a main storage tank, an expansion tank, a fuel filling receptacle configured to receive a fuel filling nozzle of a filling station, and a valve arrangement having at least a normal operating setting and a fuel filling setting. The valve arrangement in the normal operating setting provides a fuel passage between the main storage tank and the expansion tank, and the valve arrangement in the fuel filling setting both provides a fuel passage between the fuel filling receptacle and the main storage tank and prevents fuel flow between the main storage tank and the expansion tank. The fuel storage system is configured to mechanically prevent disconnection of the fuel filling nozzle from the fuel filling receptacle unless the valve arrangement is in the normal operating setting. A corresponding method, as well as a further example embodiment of the fuel storage system, are also provided.