B60K2015/03223

Systems and methods for reducing saddle fuel tank depressurization time
10906798 · 2021-02-02 · ·

Methods and systems are provided for increase a rate at which a saddle fuel tank is depressurized responsive to a request for refueling. In one example, a method may include, responsive to the request for refueling, depressurizing a primary side of the saddle fuel tank to a secondary side of the saddle fuel tank, and commanding open a refueling lock coupled to the primary side to allow fuel to be delivered to the primary side when pressure in the primary side drops below a threshold pressure. In this way, the secondary fuel tank may be maintained at atmospheric pressure prior to the request for refueling, which may increase the rate of depressurization of the saddle fuel tank responsive to the request.

Fracking sensor probe
20210213827 · 2021-07-15 ·

This invention is a sensor probe, generally used in the oil fracking business, and includes structurally a pair of tube members, concentrically assembled, an inner housing tube, and an outer spout tube, affixed to a cap and adaptor, with the inner housing holding one or more sensors, to detect the level of fuel within the fuel tank of the fracking truck. The adaptor has a first aperture for attachment of the fuel line, for delivery of fuel in the space between the tube members, and the adaptor has a second aperture for connection of an electrical receptacle, for attachment with the electric lines leading from the various sensors, to the adaptor, for connection with a circuit line from a remote monitor.

Electronic venting in a saddle fuel tank
10828982 · 2020-11-10 · ·

A fuel tank system constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure includes a saddle fuel tank, a control module, a first and second solenoid, and a first and second vent line. The saddle fuel tank can have a first lobe and a second lobe. The first vent line can have a first vent port located in the first lobe of the saddle fuel tank. The first solenoid is configured to open and close the first vent port. The second vent line can have a second vent port located in the second lobe of the saddle fuel tank. The second solenoid is configured to open and close the second vent port. The control module sends a signal to the first and second solenoids to close the first and second vents upon reaching a full fuel condition.

System and method for balancing fuel levels among multiple fuel tanks

Systems and methods for balancing levels of liquid fuel among multiple vehicle-mounted fuel tanks utilize at least one control valve that is configured to admit pressurized gas into a first fuel tank while a second fuel tank is ventilated, responsive to detection of a difference of liquid fuel levels within the first and second fuel tanks. Admission of pressurized gas into one fuel tank and ventilation of another fuel tank creates a pressure imbalance that causes liquid fuel to flow through a balancing line connecting the fuel tanks. Balancing may be performed in a bidirectional manner.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BALANCING FUEL LEVELS AMONG MULTIPLE FUEL TANKS

Systems and methods for balancing levels of liquid fuel among multiple vehicle-mounted fuel tanks utilize at least one control valve that is configured to admit pressurized gas into a first fuel tank while a second fuel tank is ventilated, responsive to detection of a difference of liquid fuel levels within the first and second fuel tanks. Admission of pressurized gas into one fuel tank and ventilation of another fuel tank creates a pressure imbalance that causes liquid fuel to flow through a balancing line connecting the fuel tanks. Balancing may be performed in a bidirectional manner.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REDUCING SADDLE FUEL TANK DEPRESSURIZATION TIME
20200290861 · 2020-09-17 ·

Methods and systems are provided for increase a rate at which a saddle fuel tank is depressurized responsive to a request for refueling. In one example, a method may include, responsive to the request for refueling, depressurizing a primary side of the saddle fuel tank to a secondary side of the saddle fuel tank, and commanding open a refueling lock coupled to the primary side to allow fuel to be delivered to the primary side when pressure in the primary side drops below a threshold pressure. In this way, the secondary fuel tank may be maintained at atmospheric pressure prior to the request for refueling, which may increase the rate of depressurization of the saddle fuel tank responsive to the request.

Fuel tank

A fuel tank includes a fuel tank main body portion, a first supporting pillar portion, and a second supporting pillar portion. The first supporting pillar portion is provided at a vehicle rear side of an inner side of the fuel tank main body portion. The second supporting pillar portion is provided at a vehicle front side of the first supporting pillar portion at the inner side of the fuel tank main body portion and is longer in the vehicle vertical direction than the first supporting pillar portion is in the vehicle vertical direction.

FUEL TANK WITH INTEGRATED LEVEL SENSORS, IN PARTICULAR FOR AERIAL VEHICLES

Liquid fuel tank comprising a plurality of liquid level detection capacitive sensors, each arranged along an edge of the fuel tank such that the capacitance of said sensors varies with the volume of fuel present in the fuel tank, wherein an independent liquid level detection capacitive sensor is arranged along each edge of the fuel tank bottom and of the side walls; wherein the tank is electrically conductive and each level sensor comprises an electrically insulating plate arranged thickness-wise between sensor and tank, such that tank and sensors are capacitively uncoupled. Method for obtaining the fuel volume comprising: obtaining the reading of the liquid level detection capacitive sensors arranged on the edges of the tank; calculating the volume, corresponding to the fuel, of the geometric solid defined by the fuel tank and by the upper surface of the fuel as defined by the liquid level readings from the sensors.

System and method for controlling operation of a vehicle based on measured fluid levels in a fluid reservoir

System and method for controlling operation of a vehicle having a fluid reservoir. The system includes one or more fluid level indicators configured to respectively obtain a measured fluid level in the fluid reservoir. A plurality of sensors is operatively connected to the vehicle and configured to respectively obtain one or more parameters. A controller is configured to determine if a fluid level transition between the measured fluid level and a past fluid level is indicated, when there is exactly one fluid level indicator. The controller is configured to identify a reporting state from among a first state, a second state and a third state, based in part on a correlation to a dynamic event and an expected direction for the fluid level transition. A control action is executed by the controller based in part on the reporting state.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MITIGATING SADDLE FUEL TANK JET PUMP FAILURE
20200064848 · 2020-02-27 ·

Methods and systems are provided for enabling a vehicle for which a jet pump that functions to transfer fuel from a passive side to an active side of a saddle fuel tank is degraded, to reach a desired destination by the taking of mitigating action. The mitigating action includes conducting a driving maneuver in response to an indication that the jet pump is degraded, the driving maneuver conducted in order to transfer a desired amount of fuel from the passive side to the active side. In this way, a vehicle may reach a desired destination even under circumstances where the vehicle may otherwise be unable to reach the desired destination.