U.S. patent application number 13/440456 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-11 for fuel load control device and applicable control procedure.
Invention is credited to Jose Bladimiro Hasenay.
Application Number | 20120255646 13/440456 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46160743 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120255646 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hasenay; Jose Bladimiro |
October 11, 2012 |
FUEL LOAD CONTROL DEVICE AND APPLICABLE CONTROL PROCEDURE
Abstract
Fuel load control device and control procedure. The presence of
the control device in the loading inlet of the tank enables
detection when there is fuel flow into said tank. The detector
signals can be temporarily identified by the clock. There is
control over the duration when there is fuel flow towards the tank
of the vehicle. A GPS enables identification of the geographical
location of the vehicle at the time of fuel loading. This
information is controlled and stored in data storage. The data
storage device may have a port for extracting the information. The
procedure consists of a series of steps such as obtaining
information previously generated by the detector means and which is
stored in the data storing means; obtaining information from the
fuel dispenser; comparing the obtained data, and generating
information to distinguish consistency or inconsistency between the
information from the device and the fuel dispenser.
Inventors: |
Hasenay; Jose Bladimiro;
(Buenos Aires, AR) |
Family ID: |
46160743 |
Appl. No.: |
13/440456 |
Filed: |
April 5, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/198 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60K 15/04 20130101;
B60K 2015/0321 20130101; G01P 13/0046 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/198 |
International
Class: |
B65B 57/06 20060101
B65B057/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 6, 2011 |
AR |
20110101146 |
Claims
1. A fuel load control device, applicable to any vehicle driven by
a fuel fluid loaded at gas stations provided with fuel dispensers
having respective fuel load control means, comprising: means able
to detect the fuel load into the vehicle tank, said tank comprising
a loading inlet, through which the fuel flows towards the inner
housing of said tank, which comprises: fuel flow detecting means
that enter the tank, said detecting means are adjacent to the tank
loading inlet and are arranged in a manner that makes them stand in
the way of the incoming fuel, said detecting means are connected to
a clock and data storage means provided with a data port; and said
clock provides the temporary parameters of the fuel flow, while
said storage means are able to store and deliver the data
corresponding to each fuel flow event detected by said detecting
means.
2. The fuel load control device according to claim 1, wherein the
fuel flow detecting means comprises: a detector which comprises a
freely rotary reel with paddles, each of them provided with a
signal generator, are driven by the fuel flow from the tank loading
inlet; and a sensor adjacent to said reel, which changes its status
at the passage of said signal generators of said paddles.
3. The fuel load control device according to claim 2, wherein the
fuel flow detecting means comprises: a reel which paddles are
provided with respective magnets; and a "hall effect" type sensor
able to detect the movement of said magnets.
4. The fuel load control device according to claim 3, wherein the
magnets comprise neodymium.
5. The fuel load control device according to claim 1, further
comprising a GPS connected to provide positioning data
corresponding to each fuel flow event.
6. The fuel load control device according to claim 1, further
comprising: an avl type circuit connected with a fuel flow detector
situated in the tank loading inlet, the avl type circuit including
a clock, a gps, a cell transceptor and a data storage means, said
gps is connected so that it provides global positioning data in
each stored event, said clock is connected so that it provides
temporary parameters of each stored event, said fuel flow detector
is adjacently arranged to the tank loading inlet so that it detects
fuel load events, said storage means is able to store the data
corresponding to each fuel load event, including its time and
geographical parameters; and said cell transceptor is linked to a
data transmission and reception network to which it transmits the
data corresponding to said fuel load events.
7. The fuel load control device according to claim 1, further
comprising transmission and reception means of data integrating a
network, which is also integrated by the computerized systems of
the gas stations where fuel is loaded.
8. The fuel load control device according to claim 7, further
comprising wireless data transmission and reception.
9. The fuel load control device according to claim 7, further
comprising data transmission and reception means through
interconnected communication networks.
10. The fuel load control device according to claim 1, further
comprising a structure situated in the fuel tank load inlet.
11. The fuel load control device according to claim 10, further
comprising a fuel inlet pipe which, from the loading inlet, is
projected into the tank, with a flow detector laterally mounted,
acting on said pipe.
12. The fuel load control device according to claim 10, further
comprising a false structure mounted on the fuel tank load
inlet.
13. The fuel load control device according to claim 10, further
comprising an inlet housing with partially open walls that are
permeable to the fuel fluid, but prevent direct access to the tank
inner cavity.
14. The fuel load control device according to claim 13, wherein the
inlet housing partially open walls comprise a plurality of
holes.
15. A load control procedure for the device of claim 1 comprising:
obtaining information previously generated by the detecting means
and which is stored in the storage means of the vehicle control
device, obtaining information from the fuel dispenser, where said
vehicle has been loaded with fuel, by means of a computerized
communication system, contrasting the data corresponding to the
control device and the fuel dispenser; and generating information
that distinguishes the consistency and/or inconsistency between the
information from the device and the fuel dispenser.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This patent application claims priority to Argentine Patent
Application No. 20110101146, filed on Apr. 6, 2011, and all the
benefits accruing therefrom under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety as if fully set forth herein.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention is related to the field of fuel load
control systems in vehicles.
[0003] More particularly, it refers to a load control device which
enables detection of duration, time and place of fuel load, and
storing said information, that may be supplied in order to compare
it with the information corresponding to the fuel dispenser that
performed the loading. It also refers to a control procedure
applicable with the device.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Up to date, no device such as the present fuel load control
device is known.
[0005] Devices are known, such as the one disclosed by CN101000334,
provided with means to analyze water percentages entering the
vehicle.
[0006] The device disclosed by CN2573304 is useful to check the
delivered volume, by means of a flow meter which requires the
modification of the fuel dispenser nozzle.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,469,149 shows a device which enables the
identification of the vehicle being loaded by means of the reading
of a bar code placed in the tank inner part. The reading is
performed through an optical reader placed in the fuel dispenser
nozzle.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,419 shows a device wherein verification
is made with a photo emitter located in the vehicle and a reader
placed in the fuel dispenser nozzle.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,156,198 shows a device with emitter-receiver
means located in the vehicle and in the fuel dispenser nozzle,
connected to respective computers that may communicate between each
other.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,204,819, U.S. Pat. No. 5,359,522 and U.S.
Pat. No. 5,605,182 show respective devices based on the
communication between the vehicle and the fuel dispenser.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,180 shows a fuel dispenser nozzle
provided with a fuel delivery control system. There is wireless
communication between the fuel tank, the fuel dispenser, the
vehicle and a remote position. Information is exchanged among the
four points. A keyboard and a screen are included in the fuel
dispenser nozzle for the operator's control.
[0012] FR2600318 also shows a device based on wireless
communication with the fuel dispenser nozzle.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,024,142 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,085,805 show a
device that performs RFID verification between the fuel tank and
the fuel dispenser nozzle, and, at the same time, a second
verification between the vehicle and the fuel dispenser, so that if
the two connections are not properly set, fuel delivery is
stopped.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0014] In general, the present invention is related to a fuel load
control device arranged in the loading inlet (2) of the fuel tank
(21) of a vehicle that detects when there is fuel flow (30) into
said tank (21). The signals of the detector (4) can be perceived by
the sensor (5), and the result can be temporarily identified by the
clock (7) [time, date, load time]. In this manner, duration and the
time when there is fuel flow (30) towards the tank (21) of the
vehicle (20) is detected. On the other hand, the presence of the
GPS (8) enables identification of the geographical position of the
vehicle (20) at the time the fuel load is performed. This
information is controlled and saved by a data storing means (9) or
storage means. The applicable control procedure comprises steps
wherein the information stored in the storing means (9) is
obtained, the information from the fuel dispenser is obtained, the
already obtained data is contrasted and information is generated,
which distinguishes the consistency and/or inconsistency between
the information from the device and the fuel dispenser.
[0015] A main advantage of the present load control device is that
it does not depend on establishing a direct communication with the
fuel dispenser or any of its parts. Neither has it required that
the fuel dispenser is modified or that auxiliary or supplementary
devices are added to it, as it works with any fuel dispenser,
regardless of its technical features.
[0016] Another advantage is that the device may act in the control,
without the need to measure fuel quantities. Control is based on
time periods, dates and times when the fuel flows through the tank
load inlet of the vehicle bearing the device. Geographical
positioning control of the vehicle may be added to it.
[0017] A further advantage is that data can be stored in the
vehicle and/or transmitted remotely, if required.
[0018] The information generated by the present device may be
contrasted, for example, with the ticket or invoice issued by the
oil company for the load, and that will be delivered to the driver
of the unit being measured. Said file may be delivered to the
company contracting the system, in written format, or, by
electronic report, at said company's choice.
[0019] The information interpreted by the device shall be
considered a "VALID TRANSACTION" report, if the data of the
ticket/invoice and data about the storage device coincide.
[0020] Otherwise, it will issue a notice that the operation is
irregular, allowing the transport company to be able to analyze
this particular case.
[0021] If the supply time is longer than the loading time, it will
be considered a "CONFLICT" transaction, thus indicating that part
of the fuel supplied by the fuel dispenser has not entered
effectively into the fuel tank.
[0022] In case the supply time is shorter than the loading time,
the transaction will be considered "INVALID," thus indicating that
the transaction needs technical revision and special analysis.
[0023] In the case of an "INVALID" transaction report, this will
imply that through the fuel loading inlet flew more fuel than the
fuel supplied by the fuel dispenser. Thus, it will be stated that
there was fuel purchase of unknown origin, or there was an addition
of strange fluids in the fuel tank.
[0024] In this manner, it will be ensured that in the relation
between "unit's driver" and "fuel seller" of the oil company, there
is no collusion which fosters and encourages fuel fraud and
theft.
[0025] This system will be hidden, so that none of the controlled
parts will know about it and/or will have access to it for its
handling.
[0026] Similarly, it will contain security features preventing it
from being removed and/or handled during loading operation or at
any other moment during the unit travel.
[0027] Obtaining the information from the storage device and the
fuel dispenser may be performed, for example, with a wireless
system, operating with a computerized IT system, which reads,
contrasts and processes the information obtained, thus issuing the
necessary reports.
[0028] With relation to the geographical position report, it will
be obtained through the use of a GPS, enabling the controller to
detect accurately the place where the system activity took place.
Thus, it may indicate the area where the fuel load was made.
[0029] In case the loading facility prevents, by any means, the
reading of this device, it will issue a report indicating the last
geographical position measured and the first next reading, upon
resuming the reading.
[0030] This will prevent the "on travel" loading of strange fluids
in the fuel tank, enabling, if this happens, the detection of the
exact place where there was an irregular situation; and, if
necessary, that the controller specifically analyzes the existence
or not of a gas station or loading facility at that place during
the travel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] To clarify and understand better the aim of the invention,
it is illustrated with several figures in which it was represented
in one of its preferred forms of embodiment, as an illustrative,
not limitative example:
[0032] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a vehicle with the
present control device applied to its fuel tank. It includes a
detail with a partial longitudinal section which enables an
appreciation of the arrangement of the device in the load inlet of
the above mentioned tank.
[0033] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the present device
applied to a load inlet.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the structure of the load
pipe in an embodiment, wherein it is closed in order to prevent the
access to the tank housing, with its walls provided with holes that
enable the passage of fuel through it.
[0035] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the detector means,
including the detector reel and the sensor.
[0036] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the detecting means of
FIG. 4.
[0037] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the present device
in one of its embodiments.
[0038] In the different drawings, the same reference numbers and/or
letters indicate the same or corresponding parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] More particularly, the present fuel load control device is
applicable to any vehicle (20) driven by a fuel fluid, loaded at
gas stations provided with fuel dispensers. The latter are usually
provided with their own respective fuel delivery control means.
[0040] The above mentioned fuel fluid is introduced into the fuel
tanks (21) of the vehicles (20), through a loading inlet (2)
situated in an opening (21b) of the walls (21a) of said tank (21).
The fuel flow (30) is produced from said loading inlet (2) towards
the inner housing or cavity (21c) of the tank (21).
[0041] The present device comprises detector means (1) of the fuel
flow (30) entering the tank (21). In one of the embodiments, the
present device comprises a fuel loading pipe (3) formed by a
structure (3a), along which (3a) the fuel flows (30) until an
outflow (3b) which opens towards the housing (21c) of the tank
(21).
[0042] In this loading pipe (3) is arranged a detector (4) of the
fuel flow (30) which operates in association with a sensor (5). In
the embodiment described, the detector (4) of the flow (30)
comprises a reel (6) which shaft (6c) is mounted in a rotary manner
on a proper support (6d). The reel (6) has rotary paddles (6a)
provided with signal generating means (6b). For example, said
generating means (6b) may be comprised by magnets comprising
neodymium.
[0043] The sensor (5) is prepared to change its status with the
passage of the signal generators (6b) of the detector (4). In one
embodiment, the sensor (5) may be of "Hall effect" type. In order
to prevent non-allowed access to the housing (21c) of the fuel tank
(21), the structure (3a) of the loading pipe (3) can be disposed in
a manner that prevents said access, but which at the same time
enables the fuel circulation. For that, open walls (3c) with a
plurality of holes can be provided.
[0044] In the present control device, the detecting means (1) are
connected to a clock (7) that provides the temporary parameters of
the fuel flow (30) to data storing means (9) able to store and
deliver the data corresponding to each fuel flow event (30)
detected by the detecting means (1). These storing means (9) can
have a data port enabling its communication with other devices.
[0045] In another embodiment, the control device comprises an AVL
type circuit which is connected with the detector (4) of flow (30)
and with the sensor (5), the two latter situated in the pipe (3)
which extends from the loading inlet (2).
[0046] Said AVL type circuit comprises at least one clock (7), a
GPS (8), a cell transceptor (10) and a data storing device (9).
[0047] The GPS (8) is connected in such a manner that it provides
global positioning data at each event of stored fuel flow (30). In
addition, the storing means (9) [it may be any circuit, equipment,
device or system suitable to that effect] stores the data
corresponding to each event of fuel load, including the time
parameters provided by the clock (7) and the geographical
positioning parameters provided by the GPS (8).
[0048] Finally, the cell transceptor (10) is linked to transmission
and data reception networks, towards which it transmits the data
corresponding to the above mentioned events.
[0049] It has been considered that the transmission and data
reception means may communicate in a wireless or wired manner
and/or through interconnected communication networks, such as local
networks, Internet, etc. It has also been considered that the
present device is connected to a network wherein the computerized
systems of gas stations where the bearing vehicle (20) loads fuel
are also integrated.
[0050] The presence of the control device in the loading inlet (2)
of the tank (21) enables detection when there is fuel flow (30)
entering said tank (21). The detector signals (4) perceived by the
sensor (5) are temporarily identified by the clock (7) [time, date,
loading time].
[0051] In this manner, the duration and the time when there is fuel
flow (30) towards the tank (21) of the vehicle (20) are
controlled.
[0052] In addition, the presence of the GPS (8) allows
identification of the geographical position of the vehicle (20) at
the time fuel load occurs.
[0053] This information is controlled and stored by the data
storage (9), which is able to deliver the information under
different formats, for example, generating a file containing the
data.
[0054] The data storage device (9) may have one or more ports which
enable it to extract the accumulated or stored information or to
transmit it to a system that may use or process it.
[0055] In general, the present fuel load control procedure consists
of, on the one hand, obtaining the information stored by the
detecting means (4) in the storage means (9) of a vehicle control
device. This may be done in a wired or wireless manner, extracting
the information from the vehicle itself (20) or transmitting it,
for example, through a cell transceptor (10).
[0056] In addition, the information is obtained from the fuel
dispenser where said vehicle (20) has been loaded.
[0057] Once the information is available, either from the control
device or from the fuel dispenser, by means of a computerized and
communication system suitable to that effect, the data
corresponding to both sources are contrasted, sorted out and/or
compared.
[0058] Finally, information is generated, processed, sorted out and
organized so that it enables a user to distinguish consistency
and/or inconsistency between the information from the device and
the fuel dispenser.
[0059] Undoubtedly, upon putting the present invention into
practice, modifications may be introduced as far as certain details
of construction and form are concerned, which will be encompassed
within the scope of the following claims.
[0060] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0061] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are
merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring
individually to each separate value falling within the range,
unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not
pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise
claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of
the invention.
[0062] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
[0063] (1) Fuel flow detecting means (30). [0064] (2) Loading inlet
of the fuel tank (21). [0065] (2a) Outer lid of the loading inlet
(2). [0066] (2b) Mounting base of the loading inlet (2). [0067] (3)
Fuel loading pipe. [0068] (3a) Loading pipe structure (3). [0069]
(3b) Loading pipe outflow (3). [0070] (3c) Open walls with holes of
the loading pipe (3). [0071] (4) Fuel flow detector (30). [0072]
(5) Sensor adjacent to the detector (4). [0073] (6) Detector reel
(4). [0074] (6a) Reel paddles (6). [0075] (6b) Signal generating
means [magnets]. [0076] (6c) Reel shaft (6). [0077] (6d) Reel
support (6). [0078] (7) Clock. [0079] (8) GPS. [0080] (8a) GPS
antenna (8). [0081] (9) Data storage [data storing means]. [0082]
(10) Cell transceptor. [0083] (10a) Cell antenna. [0084] (20)
Vehicle. [0085] (21) Fuel tank. [0086] (21a) Walls of the fuel tank
(21). [0087] (21b) Opening of the fuel tank (21). [0088] (21c)
Inner housing or cavity of the fuel tank (21). [0089] (30) Fuel
flow.
* * * * *