Patent classifications
B67D7/348
AIRCRAFT REFUELING SAFETY SYSTEM
A system ensures the correct type of fuel is dispensed in an aircraft while removing the introduction of human error in the refueling process. The system includes an RFID tag disposed at one or more aircraft that electronically stores data such as engine type, engine hours, fuel type, tail number, and pilot/subscriber data for the aircraft on which the RFID tag is disposed. An RFID reader is disposed at or near a fuel dispensing mechanism, such as a fuel truck or tank. A signal indicative of fuel type is emitted from the RFID tag to the RFID reader. RFID tags on aircraft that are enrolled in the system's subscription service enable aircraft to be recognized by a module operating the fuel dispensing mechanism. Based on a comparison performed by the module, authorization to begin fueling is either permitted or declined.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRACKING FUEL DELIVERIES
A fuel truck is used to deliver fuel to vehicles parked at one or more locations. While the fuel truck is servicing vehicles, a user of the fuel truck uses a mobile device to assist in the management of fuel delivery. Specifically, each vehicle being serviced has a tag that is a capable of being read by the mobile device. The tag communicates information that identifies the vehicle, and the mobile device communicates with a meter on the fuel truck to track how much fuel is delivered to the identified vehicle. The mobile device also controls the meter such that fuel is allowed to flow only when the mobile device is aware of which vehicle is receiving the fuel. Thus, over time, the mobile device is able to track accurately which vehicle is receiving fuel so that the amount of fuel delivered to each vehicle can be precisely determined.
LOW COST RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID) DISPENSING SYSTEMS
A radio frequency identification (RFID) dispenser that includes low cost electronic components that can read and write to the tag of a refill cartridge. In one embodiment, the reader utilizes a multi band pass filter to convert the radio frequency identification into a digital signal that is processed by a controller to perform a dispensing function representative to the code of the tag. In another embodiment, the controller utilizes an internal comparator to convert the radio frequency identification into a digital signal that is processed by a controller to perform a dispensing function representative to the code of the tag. The dispenser in both embodiments also includes a pair of transistors that write to the RFID tag of the refill cartridge. A dispenser according to the invention also includes the capability to read and/or write to tags upon cartridges employed by the dispenser, and augmenting the operation of the dispenser as a function thereof. Additionally, a dispenser of variable size is presented that is adaptable, through adjustable partitions or a telescoping cup, to receive and maintain cartridges of various sizes.
Portable vehicle fueling kiosk
Improvements in a portable vehicle fueling kiosk is disclosed. The kiosk is constructed on a pallet or a skid that allows the kiosk to be placed, located or moved to a location where the fuel dispensing is desired. A fuel tanker that would normally dispense fuel to a storage tank of a gas station is connected to one side of the kiosk. The kiosk accepts payment by nearly any form of money, credit card or token to measure, dispense and bill or invoice the user. The kiosk can have a Wi-Fi or cellular communication to communicate with a user at a distance and can monitor, use, status and remaining fuel in the tanker. If a fuel tanker has been depleted additional tankers can be connected to the kiosk, and when the kiosk is no longer needed it can be transported to another location.
Fluid nozzle with one or more sensors
A fluid nozzle includes a housing, a poppet configured to move within the housing, and a contact sensor disposed in the housing and configured to sense a position of the poppet. A contact sensor may include an actuation rod configured to move in response to contact with the poppet, an actuation rod spring configured to apply a biasing force to the actuation rod, a push rod, a rolling member disposed between the actuation rod and the push rod, and a switch actuated via movement of the push rod. In a connected position of the poppet, the actuation rod may push the rolling member, the rolling member may push the push rod, and the push rod may activate the switch to indicate a connection.
RFID apparatuses and associated communication methods
An apparatus comprises a passive RFID tag designed to provide information identifying at least one fuel compatible with a vehicle.
Preventing contamination in a bulk liquid storage tank
A system and method prevent product-type contamination in a bulk liquid storage tank. A control unit receives an indication of a storage product type in the bulk storage and a delivery product type in the tanker truck. The control unit compares the delivery product type with the storage product type and controls delivery based on a result of the comparison.
Vehicles and methods identifying a service device in communication with a vehicle
Vehicles and methods are disclosed. A vehicle includes one or more imaging sensors, one or more processors, and one or more non-transitory memory modules storing machine-readable instructions. Executing the machine-readable instructions causes the one or more processors to receive identification information from a service device. Executing the machine-readable instructions causes the one or more processors to obtain, using the one or more imaging sensors, image data corresponding to identifying indicia of the service device. Executing the machine-readable instructions causes the one or more processors to authenticate the service device based on the identification information and the identifying indicia. Executing the machine-readable instructions causes the one or more processors to initiate a service in response to authentication of the service device.
FUEL DISPENSER COMMERCE
Systems and processes may provide for commerce at a fuel dispenser. In one general aspect, a system and process at a fuel dispenser may have the ability to present a user interface including data regarding at least one merchant remote from the fuel dispenser's fueling facility and to determine if ordering data corresponding to the remote merchant has been received. If ordering data corresponding to the remote merchant has been received, the system and process may have the ability to present a user interface regarding payment data. The system and process may also have the ability to determine if payment data has been received and, if payment data has been received, generate a message regarding the ordering data for a remote merchant computer.
CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR LIQUID PRODUCT DELIVERY VEHICLES
A product delivery vehicle system includes a product delivery vehicle with at least one tank compartment. The system includes an internal valve fluidly coupled to the tank compartment, a control valve, and an air system comprising a main air valve and a solenoid valve fluidly coupled to the main air valve and to the internal valve. The solenoid valve is operable to open and close the internal valve. The system includes an electronic control unit communicatively coupled to the control valve, the main air valve, and the solenoid valve. The system includes a tank tag reader operable to read a tank tag and transmit a tank tag indicator associated with the tank tag, the tank tag indicator indicative of a stored liquid type in a distribution tank. The electronic control unit may maintain the internal valve closed and the control valve locked when a product type mismatch is detected.