U.S. patent number RE39,249 [Application Number 09/925,825] was granted by the patent office on 2006-08-29 for liquid delivery vehicle with remote control system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Clarence J. Link, Jr.. Invention is credited to Clarence J. Link, Jr..
United States Patent |
RE39,249 |
Link, Jr. |
August 29, 2006 |
Liquid delivery vehicle with remote control system
Abstract
A delivery vehicle for delivering liquids to a storage location
and a liquid delivery control system therefor. The apparatus
comprises manual and remote actuation of a clutch controller for
engaging and disengaging a clutch of the vehicle, remote and manual
actuation of a throttle controller for opening and closing a
throttle of the vehicle, actuation of a power take-off controller
for engaging and disengaging a power take-off on the vehicle, and
actuation of a valve controller for opening and closing an internal
flow valve in a cargo tank on the vehicle. The apparatus also may
include actuation of a reel controller for unwinding a liquid
delivery hose from a reel and rewinding the hose on the reel. A
method of delivering a liquid to a storage location is also
disclosed.
Inventors: |
Link, Jr.; Clarence J.
(Oklahoma City, OK) |
Assignee: |
Link, Jr.; Clarence J.
(Oklahoma City, OK)
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Family
ID: |
21989565 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/925,825 |
Filed: |
August 10, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
09054221 |
Apr 2, 1998 |
05975162 |
Nov 2, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
141/231; 141/192;
222/608; 222/627; 239/172; 239/195 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F17C
13/002 (20130101); F17C 2201/0109 (20130101); F17C
2201/035 (20130101); F17C 2201/056 (20130101); F17C
2221/035 (20130101); F17C 2223/0153 (20130101); F17C
2223/033 (20130101); F17C 2227/0135 (20130101); F17C
2250/032 (20130101); F17C 2250/034 (20130101); F17C
2250/0636 (20130101); F17C 2260/044 (20130101); F17C
2265/04 (20130101); F17C 2270/0171 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B65B
1/04 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;141/231,192,98,94
;137/456 ;222/627,626,628,608 ;417/316 ;239/172,195 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
ASCO Bulletin 8320 (Undated but admitted to be prior art). cited by
examiner .
ASCO Catalog 8320G182, p. 60 (Undated but admitted to be prior
art). cited by examiner .
Control Chief Corporation Catalog entitled "TeleMini Tele Chief
Series" (Undated but admitted to be prior art). cited by examiner
.
ASCO Catalog, pp. 38 and 39 (Undated but admitted to be prior art).
cited by examiner .
ASCP Bulletin 8003G and 8202G (Undated but admitted to be prior
art). cited by examiner .
49 CFR Part 171, Hazardous Materials: Cargo Tank Motor Vehicles in
Liquefied Compressed Gas Service, Interim Final Rule, Feb. 19,
1997. cited by other.
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Primary Examiner: Douglas; Steven O.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: McAfee & Taft
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A control apparatus for use on a liquid delivery vehicle of the
type having a liquid tank, a flow valve in communication with the
liquid tank, a pump in communication with the flow valve, a power
take-off connected to the pump for providing power thereto, a
clutch for selectively connecting the power take-off to an engine
of the vehicle, said apparatus comprising: clutch control means
mounted on the vehicle for engaging the clutch in response to a
clutch engaging signal and disengaging the clutch in response to a
clutch disengaging signal; valve control means mounted on the
vehicle for opening the flow valve in response to a valve opening
signal and closing the flow valve in response to a valve closing
signal; power take-off control means mounted on the vehicle for
engaging the power take-off in response to a power takeoff engaging
signal and disengaging the power take-off in response to a power
take-off disengaging signal; and a remote control for selectively
sending said clutch engaging and disengaging signals to said clutch
control means.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said clutch control means
comprises a clutch pneumatic controller connectable to an air
source on the vehicle and responsive to said clutch engaging and
disengaging signals.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein: said clutch control means
further comprises: a clutch pressure switch in pneumatic
communication with said clutch pneumatic controller; and a clutch
indicator light connected to said clutch pressure switch such that
said clutch indicator light is illuminated when said clutch
pressure switch senses air pressure applied to said clutch
pneumatic controller.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said valve control means
comprises a valve pneumatic controller connectable to an air source
on the vehicle and responsive to said valve opening and closing
signals.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein: said valve control means
further comprises: a valve pressure switch in pneumatic
communication with said valve pneumatic controller; and a valve
indicator light connected to said valve pressure switch such that
said valve indicator light is illuminated when said valve pressure
switch senses air pressure communicated to said valve pneumatic
controller.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said power take-off control
means comprises a power take-off pneumatic controller connectable
to an air source on the vehicle and responsive to said power
take-off engaging and disengaging signals.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: said clutch control means
comprises: a clutch controller; and a clutch switch having a clutch
engaging position for communicating said clutch engaging signal to
said clutch controller and a clutch disengaging position for
communicating said clutch disengaging signal to said clutch
controller; and said remote control can transmit said clutch
disengaging signal and said clutch engaging signal to said clutch
controller when said clutch switch is in said clutch disengaging
position.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: said valve control means
comprises: a valve controller; and a valve switch having a valve
opening position for communicating said valve opening signal to
said valve controller and a valve closing position for
communicating said valve closing signal to said valve
controller.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: said power take-off control
means comprises: a power take-off controller; and a power take-off
switch having a power takeoff engaging position for communicating
said power take-off engaging signal to said power take-off
controller and a power take-off disengaging position for
communicating said power take-off disengaging signal to said power
take-off controller.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising throttle control
means for opening an engine throttle of the vehicle in response to
a throttle opening signal and closing the throttle in response to a
throttle closing signal; and said remote control means being
adapted for transmitting said throttle opening and closing
signals.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said throttle control means
comprises a throttle controller connectable to an electrical air
source of the vehicle and responsive to said throttle opening and
closing signals.
12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein: said throttle control means
comprises: a throttle controller; and a throttle switch having a
throttle opening and closing position; and said remote control can
transmit said throttle opening and closing signals to said throttle
controller when said throttle switch is in said throttle closing
position.
13. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein: the delivery vehicle is also
of the type having a hose in communication with the flow valve and
a reel for the hose; and said remote control is also adapted for
selectively sending a hose reel winding signal to the reel such
that the reel rotates in a direction for winding the hose thereon
when said clutch disengaging signal is communicated to said clutch
control means and said throttle closing signal is communicated to
said throttle control means, a hose reel unwinding signal such that
the reel is rotated in a direction for unwinding the hose therefrom
when said clutch disengaging signal is communicated to said clutch
control means and said throttle opening signal is communicated to
said throttle control means, and a hose reel stop signal to stop
winding and unwinding of the reel.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising emergency shutdown
means for substantially simultaneously shutting off the engine of
the vehicle, closing the flow valve and disengaging the power
take-off in response to a shutdown signal, wherein said remote
control is adapted for transmitting said shutdown signal.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said shutdown signal
comprises an engine stop signal, said valve closing signal and said
power take-off disengaging signal.
16. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the delivery vehicle is also
of the type having a hose in communication with the flow valve and
a reel for the hose; and said remote control signal is also adapted
for selectively sending a hose reel winding signal to the reel for
winding the hose thereon, a hose reel unwinding signal for
unwinding the hose therefrom and a hose reel stop signal to stop
winding and unwinding of the reel.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein: the reel will only rotate in
a winding direction when said clutch disengaging signal is sent to
said clutch control means and said throttle closing signal is sent
to said throttle control means; and the hose will only rotate in an
unwinding direction when said clutch disengaging signal is sent to
said clutch control means and said throttle opening signal is sent
to said throttle control means.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein: said clutch control means
comprises: a pneumatic clutch controller connectable to an air
source on the vehicle and responsive to said clutch engaging and
disengaging signals; and a clutch pressure switch in pneumatic
communication with said clutch pneumatic controller and connected
to the reel motor such that the reel motor will rotate only when
said clutch pressure switch senses air pressure communicated to
said clutch pneumatic controller.
19. A delivery vehicle for transporting liquid and delivering the
liquid to a storage location, said vehicle comprising: a rolling
chassis having a plurality of wheels thereon including a plurality
of drive wheels; an engine on said chassis; a transmission
connected to said engine and adapted for transmitting power from
said engine to said drive wheels; a cargo tank mounted on the
chassis for holding a quantity of the liquid; a flow valve in
communication with the cargo tank; fluid transferring means having
an inlet in communication with said flow valve and an outlet, for
transferring liquid from said cargo tank; a delivery hose in
communication with said outlet of said fluid transferring means and
having an end adapted for connection to the storage location; a
power take-off on said transmission and connected to said fluid
transferring means, said power take-off having an engaged position
wherein power from said engine is transferred to said fluid
transferring means, and a disengaged position disengaged from said
engine thereby preventing transfer of power from said engine to
said fluid transferring means; a transmission controller for
engaging said transmission in response to a transmission engaging
signal and disengaging said transmission in response to a
transmission disengaging signal; a valve controller for opening
said flow valve in response to a valve opening signal and closing
said valve in response to a valve closing signal; a power take-off
controller for engaging said power take-off in response to a power
take-off engaging signal and disengaging said power take-off in
response to a power take-off disengaging signal; and a radio remote
control for selectively transmitting said transmission engaging and
disengaging signals.
20. The vehicle of claim 19 wherein: said transmission is a manual
transmission comprising a clutch; said transmission controller
comprises a clutch controller; said transmission engaging signal is
a clutch engaging signal sent to said clutch controller; and said
transmission disengaging signal is a clutch disengaging signal sent
to said clutch controller.
21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein: said clutch controller
comprises a manual switch having clutch engaging and disengaging
positions; and said remote control can transmit said clutch
engaging and disengaging signals when said switch is in said clutch
disengaging position.
22. The vehicle of claim 20 further comprising an air source:
wherein, said clutch controller is a pneumatic controller connected
to said air source.
23. The vehicle of claim 22 further comprising: a clutch pressure
switch in pneumatic communication with said clutch controller; and
a clutch indicator light connected to said clutch pressure switch
such that said indicator light is illuminated when said clutch
pressure switch senses air pressure communicated to said clutch
controller.
24. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein: said transmission is an
automatic transmission; said transmission controller and said power
take-off controller are combined as a single controller
characterized by a solenoid connected to said automatic
transmission; said transmission engaging signal and said power
take-off engaging signal are combined as a single engaging signal
communicated to said solenoid; and said transmission disengaging
signal and said power take-off disengaging signal are combined as a
single disengaging signal communicated to said solenoid.
25. The vehicle of claim 19 further comprising an air source:
wherein, said valve controller is a pneumatic controller connected
to said air source.
26. The vehicle of claim 25, further comprising: a valve pressure
switch in pneumatic communication with said valve controller; and a
valve indicator light connected to said valve pressure switch such
that said valve indicator light is illuminated when said valve
pressure switch senses air pressure communicated to said valve
controller.
27. The vehicle of claim 19 further comprising an air source:
wherein, said power take-off controller is a pneumatic controller
connected to said air source.
28. The vehicle of claim 19 wherein: said valve controller
comprises a manual switch having valve opening and closing
positions; and said remote control can transmit said valve closing
signal when said switch is in said opening position.
29. The vehicle of claim 19 wherein: said power take-off controller
comprises a manual switch having power take-off engaging and
disengaging positions; and said remote control can transmit said
power take-off disengaging signal when said switch is in said power
take-off engaging position.
30. The vehicle of claim 19 wherein: said vehicle further comprises
a throttle controller for opening a throttle of said engine in
response to a throttle opening signal and closing said throttle in
response to a throttle closing signal; and said remote control can
transmit said throttle opening and closing signals.
31. The apparatus of claim 30 wherein: said throttle controller
comprises a manual switch having throttle opening and closing
positions; and said remote control can transmit said throttle
opening and closing signals when said switch is in said throttle
closing position.
32. The vehicle of claim 30 further comprising: a reel on which
said hose may be wound for storage; and a reel motor for winding
said hose onto said reel in response to a reel winding signal,
unwinding said hose from said reel in response to a reel unwinding
signal and stopping said reel in response to a reel stop signal;
wherein, said remote control can transmit said reel winding signal,
said reel unwinding signal and said reel stop signal.
33. The vehicle of claim 32 wherein: said reel motor can only
rotate in a winding direction when said transmission disengaging
signal is sent to said transmission controller and said throttle
closing signal is sent to said throttle controller; and said reel
can only rotate in an unwinding direction when said transmission
disengaging signal is sent to said transmission controller and said
throttle opening signal is sent to said throttle controller.
34. The vehicle of claim 19 further comprising: a reel on which
said hose may be wound for storage; and a reel motor for winding
said hose onto said reel in response to a reel winding signal,
unwinding said hose from said reel in response to a reel unwinding
signal and stopping said reel in response to a reel stop signal;
wherein, said remote control can transmit said reel winding signal,
said reel unwinding signal and said reel stop signal.
35. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said fluid transferring means
comprises a pump having a shaft connected to and driven by said
power take-off.
36. A method of delivering liquid from a delivery vehicle to a
storage vessel, said method comprising the steps of: (a) opening a
flow valve in communication with a tank of the vehicle so that the
tank is placed in communication with a pump on the vehicle; (b)
disengaging a clutch on the vehicle; (c) engaging a power take-off
on the vehicle so that power from an engine on the vehicle may be
transferred to the pump when the clutch is engaged; (d) extending a
delivery hose from the vehicle; (e) connecting a hose valve on an
end of the hose to the storage vessel; (f) opening the hose valve;
(g) remotely engaging the clutch so that power is transferred to
the pump and liquid is pumped out of the tank and through the
delivery hose into the storage vessel; (h) remotely disengaging the
clutch when a quantity of liquid in the storage vessel reaches a
desired level; (i) closing the hose valve; (j) disconnecting the
delivery hose from the storage vessel; and (k) returning the
delivery hose to the vehicle.
37. The method of claim 36 further comprising: after step (g),
remotely opening a throttle of the vehicle to increase the speed of
the power take-off and pump.
38. The method of claim 37 further comprising: prior to step (h),
remotely closing the throttle.
39. The method of claim 36 wherein step (d) comprises: unwinding
the delivery hose from a reel on the vehicle.
40. The method of claim 39 wherein: the reel is a powered reel; and
step (d) comprises: remotely actuating the reel to unwind the
delivery hose therefrom.
41. The method of claim 40 further comprising: prior to step (d),
remotely opening a throttle of the vehicle to increase the speed of
the engine.
42. The method of claim 39 wherein: the reel is a powered reel; and
step (k) comprises: remotely actuating the reel to rewind the
delivery hose thereon.
43. The method of claim 42 further comprising: prior to step (k),
remotely closing a throttle of the vehicle to decrease the speed of
the engine.
44. The method of claim 36 further comprising: in an emergency
situation, remotely disengaging the power take-off.
45. The method of claim 36 further comprising: in an emergency
situation, remotely closing the flow valve.
46. The method of claim 36 further comprising: in an emergency
situation, remotely stopping the engine.
47. The method of claim 36 further comprising, in an emergency, the
steps of: remotely disengaging the power take-off; remotely closing
the flow valve; and remotely stopping the engine.
.Iadd.48. A control apparatus for use on a liquid delivery vehicle
of the type having a liquid tank, a flow valve in communication
with the liquid tank, a pump in communication with the flow valve,
a power take-off connected to the pump for providing power thereto,
a delivery hose in communication with the pump, and a hose reel on
which the hose may be wound for storage, said apparatus comprising:
a hose reel drive means for rotating the hose reel; a reel motor
connected to said hose reel drive means for actuation thereof in
response to a signal; and a remote control for sending said signal
to said reel motor..Iaddend.
.Iadd.49. The apparatus of claim 48 wherein: said signal is a hose
unwinding signal; and said reel motor is adapted for unwinding the
hose from the hose reel in response to said hose unwinding signal;
and said remote control is adapted for sending said hose unwinding
signal to said reel motor..Iaddend.
.Iadd.50. The apparatus of claim 49 wherein the delivery vehicle is
also of the type having a clutch for selectively connecting the
power take-off to an engine of the vehicle, said apparatus further
comprising: clutch control means mounted on the vehicle for
engaging the clutch in response to a clutch engaging signal and
disengaging the clutch in response to a clutch disengaging signal;
wherein, said reel motor will only rotate the reel when said clutch
disengaging signal is sent to said clutch control
means..Iaddend.
.Iadd.51. The apparatus of claim 50 wherein: said remote control is
adapted for selectively sending said clutch engaging and
disengaging signals to said clutch control means..Iaddend.
.Iadd.52. The apparatus of claim 50 wherein: said clutch control
means comprises: a clutch pneumatic controller connectable to an
air source on the vehicle and responsive to said clutch engaging
and disengaging signals; and a clutch pressure switch in pneumatic
communication with said clutch pneumatic controller and connected
to said reel motor such that said reel motor will rotate only when
said clutch pressure switch senses air pressure communicated to
said clutch pneumatic controller..Iaddend.
.Iadd.53. The apparatus of claim 48 further comprising throttle
control means for opening an engine throttle of the vehicle in
response to a throttle opening signal enclosing the throttle in
response to a throttle closing signal..Iaddend.
.Iadd.54. The apparatus of claim 53 wherein: said reel motor will
only rotate the reel in a winding direction when said throttle
closing signal is sent to said throttle control means; and said
reel motor will only rotate the reel in an unwinding direction when
said throttle opening signal is sent to said throttle control
means..Iaddend.
.Iadd.55. The apparatus of claim 53 wherein said remote control
means is adapted for transmitting said throttle opening and closing
signals..Iaddend.
.Iadd.56. The apparatus of claim 53 wherein: said throttle control
means comprises: a throttle controller; and a throttle switch
having a throttle opening and closing position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.57. The apparatus of claim 56 wherein: said remote control is
adapted for transmitting said throttle opening and closing signals
to said throttle controller when said throttle switch is in said
throttle closing position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.58. The apparatus of claim 48 wherein said remote control is
wireless..Iaddend.
.Iadd.59. The apparatus of claim 48 further comprising an emergency
shutdown for closing the flow valve and shutting off power to the
pump and said hose reel drive means..Iaddend.
.Iadd.60. A control apparatus for use on a liquid delivery vehicle
of the type having a liquid tank, a flow valve in communication
with the liquid tank, a pump in communication with the flow valve,
said apparatus comprising: valve control means for closing the
valve in response to a valve closing signal; and a remote control
for sending said valve closing signal to said valve control
means..Iaddend.
.Iadd.61. The apparatus of claim 60 wherein: said valve control
means is also adapted for opening the valve in response to a valve
opening signal..Iaddend.
.Iadd.62. The apparatus of claim 61 wherein said valve control
means comprises a valve pneumatic controller connectable to an air
source on the vehicle and responsive to said valve opening and
closing signals..Iaddend.
.Iadd.63. The apparatus of claim 62 wherein: said valve control
means further comprises: a valve pressure switch in pneumatic
communication with said valve pneumatic controller; and a valve
indicator light connected to said valve pressure switch such that
said valve indicator light is illuminated when said valve pressure
switch senses air pressure communicated to said valve pneumatic
controller..Iaddend.
.Iadd.64. The apparatus of claim 60 further comprising: power
take-off control means mounted on the vehicle for engaging the
power take-off in response to a power take-off engaging signal and
disengaging the power take-off in response to a power take-off
disengaging signal..Iaddend.
.Iadd.65. The apparatus of claim 64 wherein said remote control is
adapted for transmitting said power take-off disengaging signal and
said power take-off engaging signal..Iaddend.
.Iadd.66. The apparatus of claim 65 wherein: said power take-off
controller comprises a manual switch having power take-off engaging
and disengaging positions; and said remote control is adapted for
transmitting said power take-off disengaging signal when said
switch is in said power take-off engaging position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.67. The apparatus of claim 60 wherein said remote control is
wireless..Iaddend.
.Iadd.68. The apparatus of claim 60 further comprising an emergency
shutdown for sending said valve closing signal and shutting off
power to the pump..Iaddend.
.Iadd.69. The apparatus of claim 60 further comprising: ignition
control means for disengaging an ignition of the engine from a
power source on the vehicle in response to an engine shutdown
signal; and wherein, said remote control is adapted for
transmitting said engine shutdown signal to said ignition control
means..Iaddend.
.Iadd.70. A control apparatus for use on a liquid delivery vehicle
of a type having a liquid tank, a flow valve in communication with
the liquid tank, a pump in communication with the flow valve, a
power take-off connected to the pump for providing power thereto
from the engine and an engine throttle on the engine, said
apparatus comprising: throttle control means for opening an engine
throttle of the vehicle in response to a throttle opening signal
and closing the throttle in response to a throttle closing
position; and a remote control for transmitting the throttle
opening and closing signals..Iaddend.
.Iadd.71. The apparatus of claim 69 wherein said throttle control
means comprises a throttle controller connectable to an electrical
air source of a vehicle and responsive to the throttle opening and
closing signals..Iaddend.
.Iadd.72. The apparatus of claim 70 wherein: said throttle control
means further comprises: a throttle switch having a throttle
opening and closing position; wherein, said remote control is
adapted for transmitting said throttle opening and closing signals
to said throttle controller when said throttle switch is in said
throttle closing position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.73. The apparatus of claim 69 further comprising: clutch
control means mounted on the vehicle for engaging a clutch of the
vehicle in response to a clutch engaging signal and disengaging the
clutch in response to a clutch disengaging signal; and wherein,
said remote control is adapted for sending said clutch engaging and
disengaging signals to said clutch control means..Iaddend.
.Iadd.74. The apparatus of claim 72 wherein said clutch control
means comprises a clutch pneumatic controller connectable to an air
source on the vehicle and responsive to said clutch engaging and
disengaging signals..Iaddend.
.Iadd.75. The apparatus of claim 73 wherein: said clutch control
means further comprises: a clutch pressure switch in pneumatic
communication with said clutch pneumatic controller; and a clutch
indicator light connected to said clutch pressure switch such that
said clutch indicator light is illuminated when said clutch
pressure switch senses air pressure applied to said clutch
pneumatic controller..Iaddend.
.Iadd.76. The apparatus of claim 69 wherein said remote control is
wireless..Iaddend.
.Iadd.77. The apparatus of claim 69 further comprising an emergency
shutoff for closing the valve, shutting off power to the pump and
closing the throttle..Iaddend.
.Iadd.78. A control apparatus for use on a liquid delivery vehicle
of the type having a liquid tank, a flow valve in communication
with the liquid tank, a pump in communication with the flow valve,
a transmission connected to the engine, a power take-off on the
transmission and connected to the pump for providing power thereto,
said apparatus comprising: valve control means mounted on the
vehicle for closing the valve in response to a valve closing
signal; power take-off control means mounted on the vehicle for
disengaging the power take-off in response to a power take-off
disengaging signal; and a remote control for sending said valve
closing signal and said power take-off disengaging
signal..Iaddend.
.Iadd.79. The apparatus of claim 77 further comprising: emergency
shutdown means for substantially simultaneously shutting off the
engine of the vehicle, closing the flow valve and disengaging the
power take-off in response to a shutdown signal; and wherein said
remote control is adapted for transmitting said shutdown
signal..Iaddend.
.Iadd.80. The apparatus of claim 78 wherein said power shutdown
signal comprises an engine stop signal, said valve closing signal
and said power take-off disengaging signal..Iaddend.
.Iadd.81. The apparatus of claim 77 wherein: said transmission is a
manual transmission comprising a clutch; and further comprising
clutch control means mounted on the vehicle for disengaging the
clutch in response to a clutch disengaging signal; and wherein,
said remote control is adapted for sending said clutch disengaging
signal..Iaddend.
.Iadd.82. The apparatus of claim 77 wherein: said transmission is
an automatic transmission; said power take-off control means is
characterized by a transmission controller connected to said
automatic transmission; and said power take-off disengaging signal
comprises a transmission disengaging signal..Iaddend.
.Iadd.83. The apparatus of claim 81 wherein said transmission
controller comprises a solenoid..Iaddend.
.Iadd.84. The apparatus of claim 77 wherein said remote control is
wireless..Iaddend.
.Iadd.85. A control apparatus for use on a delivery vehicle of a
type having a liquid tank, a flow valve in communication with the
liquid tank, a pump in communication with the flow valve, a power
take-off connected to the pump and connectable to an engine of the
vehicle for providing power to the pump, said apparatus comprising:
an ignition controller for disengaging an ignition of the engine
from a power source on the vehicle in response to an engine
shutdown signal; and a remote control for transmitting said engine
shutdown signal to said ignition controller..Iaddend.
.Iadd.86. The apparatus of claim 85 further comprising: a valve
controller for closing the flow valve in response to a valve
closing signal; and wherein, said remote control is adapted for
transmitting said valve closing signal to said valve
controller..Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to vehicles for delivering of liquids to a
storage location, and more particularly, to a liquid delivery
vehicle having a liquid delivery system which is at least partially
remotely controllable.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There are many applications for the transportation of liquids by a
ground vehicle for delivery to a storage location. The design and
construction of such vehicles, and of the liquid delivery systems
on those vehicles, vary depending upon the type of liquid being
transported and delivered. In many cases, rules and regulations,
both state and federal, such as United States Department of
Transportation regulations, apply to the vehicles and to the
delivery of liquids therefrom.
Volatile and flammable liquids, such as liquefied petroleum gases
(LP gas or LPG), require very specialized equipment and careful
handling. Liquefied petroleum gases, such as butane and propane,
must be maintained under pressure at ambient temperatures to keep
them in a liquid state. These liquids are extremely volatile; they
will boil unless maintained under pressure. For example, propane
boils at -44.degree. F., and butane boils at +31.degree. F. That
is, butane and propane exist only in a gaseous state at atmospheric
pressure and most ambient temperatures. In order to keep liquefied
petroleum gases in a pressurized, liquid state, they must be stored
in pressure vessels capable of withstanding internal pressures
greater than atmospheric pressure.
Delivery vehicles for transporting and delivering liquefied
petroleum gases must therefore have a pressurized tank or vessel
thereon to hold the LP gas in a liquid state, and when the LP gas
is delivered, it must be transferred into a similar pressurized
storage tank or vessel. All of the interconnecting equipment and
piping must also be designed to withstand these high internal
pressures. The present invention is designed specifically to be
used in an LP gas transport and delivery system, although the main
components and principles of operation would also be applicable to
the delivery of other liquids, including non-volatile liquids.
LP gas delivery vehicles are well known in the art, and are
frequently used to deliver liquefied petroleum gas to storage
vessels, particularly in rural areas. LP gases are flammable, and
thus useful as fuels, and typically delivery vehicles are used to
deliver the LP gas to residential storage tanks and also to larger
commercial storage vessels from which the LP gas may be further
distributed. LP gases are used for commercial and residential
heating, motor fuels, and other applications such as heating,
cooling and cooking on recreational vehicles.
In a typical LP gas delivery cycle, the driver/operator parks the
vehicle at some distance spaced from the storage vessel or tank to
be filled. It may be possible to park the vehicle immediately
adjacent to the storage tank, but in most cases, this is not
possible. Regardless of the distance, however, the general
procedure for filling the storage tank is the same.
After parking the vehicle, the operator chocks the wheels so that
unintended movement of the vehicle is prevented, after which the
actual delivery cycle may be carried out.
These delivery vehicles typically have a flow meter, and the
operator inserts a ticket into the meter which records the
transaction so that the customer can be billed the appropriate
amount for the volume of liquid delivered to the customer's storage
tank. The operator then takes or "acquires" a delivery hose
attached to the vehicle and extends the hose from the vehicle to
the storage tank. A hose valve is disposed on the end of the hose
along with a coupling. The coupling is attached to a mating fitting
on the tank, and the hose valve is opened. The operator then
returns to the delivery truck.
Back at the truck, the operator actuates control levers to open an
internal flow valve on the truck which allows fluid communication
between the delivery tank and a liquid transferring means, such as
a pump. The operator then disengages the clutch on the vehicle,
assuming the vehicle has a manual transmission, and while the
clutch is disengaged, engages a power take-off. For vehicles with
automatic transmissions, a control solenoid on the power take-off
is actuated. The power take-off is connected to a shaft of the
pump. Once the power take-off is engaged, the clutch is reengaged
to allow power from the engine to drive the pump through the power
take-off.
The operator then returns to the storage tank and observes the
liquid fuel level on a liquid level gauge at the tank. Just before
the fluid level reaches the maximum allowable amount, the driver
again returns to the truck from the storage tank and stops the
pump. This procedure includes disengaging the clutch and then
disengaging the power takeoff. The internal flow valve in the
delivery tank can then be closed.
The operator again returns to the storage tank, closes the hose
valve, and disconnects the hose from the storage tank. The hose is
then rewound onto its reel. At this point, the vehicle can then be
driven to another location for filling another storage tank.
In this prior art procedure, three round trips by the operator from
the delivery vehicle to the storage tank are required. Also, since
the operator has to leave the storage tank before it is full, the
amount of fluid pumped into the storage tank is only an estimate at
the time the operator disengages the pump. Thus, it is possible
that the storage vessel will not be completely filled. This
presents a disadvantage to the provider of the LP gas of not
selling as much as possible and also provides the disadvantage to
the customer of not having the tank completely filled which may
necessitate a shorter time between deliveries or possibly result in
the customer running out of fuel. If the tank is overfilled; it may
present a safety hazard.
Thus, there is a need to provide more accurate filling as a benefit
to both the provider of the LP gas and to the customer. There is
also a need to reduce the amount of time for each filling cycle.
The present invention meets these needs by providing a liquid
delivery vehicle with a remote control system so that the operator
can stand at the storage tank and remotely operate the controls on
the truck. This reduces the number of round trips between the
delivery vehicle and the storage tank from three to one. Obviously,
this saves time and makes the delivery cycle shorter and more
efficient. A benefit to the provider of the LP gas is that it
allows more deliveries in a given time period and also results in
less operator fatigue.
.[.Recently implemented Department of Transportation rules [see 49
C.F.R. .sctn.171.5], require a remotely controlled emergency
shut-down, or alternatively, an additional person standing at all
times at arm's length from the controls at the truck. The addition
of another person at the truck obviously greatly increases labor
costs which is not an acceptable alternative in the great majority
of cases. The present invention meets the requirements of the
regulations by providing a remotely controlled emergency shut-off
which substantially simultaneously stops the engine on the vehicle,
disengages the power take-off and closes the internal flow valve.
In addition to meeting the Department of Transportation
regulations, the present invention provides a remote operation of
the controls on the vehicle during a typical delivery cycle as
described above..].
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a liquid delivery vehicle and a remote
control system therefor for use in delivering liquids to a storage
location. In particular, the illustrated embodiment of the vehicle
is for use with pressurized, volatile liquids, such as liquefied
petroleum gases, anhydrous ammonia, etc. The invention also
includes a method of transferring liquid from a delivery vehicle to
a storage location.
The control apparatus of the present invention is designed for use
on a delivery vehicle of the type having a liquid tank, a flow
valve in communication with the liquid tank, a pump in
communication with the flow valve and a power take-off connected to
the pump and a transmission of the vehicle for providing power to
the pump. In the case of a manual transmission, the delivery
vehicle is also of the type having a clutch for selectively
connecting the power take-off to an engine of the vehicle. This
control apparatus comprises clutch control means mounted on the
vehicle for engaging the clutch in response to a clutch engaging
signal and disengaging the clutch in response to a clutch
disengaging signal, valve control means mounted on the vehicle for
opening the flow valve in response to a valve opening signal and
closing the flow valve in response to a valve closing signal, power
take-off control means mounted on the vehicle for engaging the
power take-off in response to a power take-off engaging signal and
disengaging the power take-off in response to a power take-off
disengaging signal, and a remote control for selectively sending at
least the clutch engaging and disengaging signals to the clutch
control means.
The clutch control means preferably comprises a clutch pneumatic
controller connectable to an air source on the vehicle and
responsive to the clutch engaging signals. The clutch control means
may further comprise a clutch pressure switch in pneumatic
communication with the clutch pneumatic controller and a clutch
indicator light connected to the clutch pressure switch such that
the clutch indicator light is illuminated when the clutch pressure
switch senses air pressure applied to the clutch pneumatic
controller.
The valve control means preferably comprises a valve pneumatic
controller connectable to the air source on the vehicle and
responsive to the valve opening and closing signals. The valve
control means may further comprise a valve pressure switch in
pneumatic communication with the valve pneumatic controller and a
valve indicator light connected to the valve pressure switch such
that the valve indicator light is illuminated when the valve
pressure switch senses air pressure communicated to the valve
pneumatic controller.
The power take-off control means comprises a power takeoff
pneumatic controller connectable to the air source on the vehicle
and responsive to the power take-off engaging and disengaging
signals.
In the preferred embodiment, the clutch control means also
comprises a clutch switch having a clutch engaging position for
communicating the clutch engaging signal to the clutch controller
and a clutch disengaging position for communicating the clutch
disengaging signal to the clutch controller. The remote control can
transmit the clutch disengaging signal and the clutch engaging
signal to the clutch controller only when the clutch switch is in
the clutch disengaging position.
The valve control means preferably also comprises a valve switch
having a valve opening position for communicating the valve opening
signal to the valve controller and a valve closing position for
communicating the valve closing signal to the valve controller.
Similarly, the power take-off control means also comprises a power
take-off switch having a power take-off engaging position for
communicating the power take-off engaging signal to the power
take-off controller and a power take-off disengaging signal for
communicating the power take-off disengaging signal to the power
take-off controller.
The control apparatus may further comprise throttle control means
for opening an engine throttle of the vehicle in response to a
throttle opening signal and closing the throttle in response to a
throttle closing signal. The remote control may be adapted for
transmitting the throttle opening and closing signals. The throttle
control means preferably comprises a throttle controller
connectable to an electrical source on the vehicle and responsive
to the throttle opening and closing signals. The throttle control
means may also comprise a throttle switch having a throttle opening
and closing position. The remote control can transmit the throttle
closing signal and the throttle opening signal to the throttle
controller when the throttle switch is in the throttle closing
position only.
In some embodiments, the delivery vehicle may also be of a type
having a hose in communication with the flow valve, a reel for the
hose, and a motor for rotating the reel so that the hose may be
wound and unwound therefrom. The terms "winding" and "rewinding"
are used interchangeably herein. Preferably, the remote control is
also adapted for selectively sending a hose reel winding or
rewinding signal to the reel such that the reel rotates in a
direction for winding or rewinding the hose thereon when the clutch
disengaging signal is communicated to the clutch control means and
the throttle closing signal is communicated to the throttle control
means, a hose reel unwinding signal such that the reel is rotated
in a direction for unwinding the hose therefrom when the clutch
disengaging signal is communicated to the clutch control means and
the throttle opening signal is communicated to the throttle control
means, and a hose reel stop signal to stop winding and unwinding of
the reel. The reel will only rotate in a winding or rewinding
direction when the clutch disengaging signal is sent to the clutch
control means and the throttle closing signal is sent to the
throttle control means. The hose will only rotate in an unwinding
direction when the clutch disengaging signal is sent to the clutch
control means and the throttle opening signal is sent to the
throttle control means. The clutch control means may further
comprise another clutch pressure switch in pneumatic communication
with the clutch pneumatic controller and connected to the reel
motor such that the reel motor will rotate only when this other
clutch pressure switch senses air pressure communicated to the
clutch pneumatic controller.
The control apparatus may further comprise emergency shutdown means
for substantially simultaneously shutting off the engine of the
vehicle, closing the flow valve and disengaging the power take-off
in response to a shutdown signal. The remote control is preferably
adapted for transmitting this shutdown signal. The shutdown signal
may comprise an engine stop signal, the valve closing signal and
the power take-off disengaging signal.
Stated in another way, the present invention is characterized by a
delivery vehicle for transporting liquid and delivering the liquid
to a storage location. The vehicle comprises a rolling chassis
having a plurality of wheels thereon including a plurality of drive
wheels, an engine on the chassis, a transmission connected to the
engine and adapted for transmitting power from the engine to the
drive wheels, a cargo tank mounted on the chassis for holding a
quantity of the liquid, a flow valve in communication with the
cargo tank, fluid transferring means having an inlet in
communication with the flow valve and an outlet for transferring
liquid from the cargo tank, a delivery hose in communication with
the outlet of the fluid transferring means and having an end
adapted for connection to the storage location, a power take-off on
the transmission and connected to the fluid transferring means such
that the power take-off has an engaged position wherein power from
the engine is transferred to the fluid transferring means and a
disengaged position disengaged from the engine thereby preventing
transfer of power from the engine to the fluid transferring means,
a transmission controller for engaging the transmission in response
to a transmission engaging signal and disengaging the transmission
in response to a transmission disengaging signal, a valve
controller for opening the flow valve in response to a valve
opening signal and closing the valve in response to a valve closing
signal, a power take-off controller for engaging the power take-off
in response to a power take-off engaging signal and disengaging the
power take-off in response to a power take-off disengaging signal,
and a remote controller for selectively transmitting at least the
transmission engaging and disengaging signals.
In such a delivery vehicle wherein the transmission is a manual
transmission comprising a clutch, the transmission controller
comprises a clutch controller, the transmission engaging signal is
a clutch engaging signal sent to the clutch controller and the
transmission disengaging signal is a clutch disengaging signal sent
to the clutch controller. The clutch controller comprises a manual
switch having clutch engaging and disengaging positions, and the
remote control can transmit the clutch engaging and disengaging
signals only when the switch is in the disengaging position.
Some delivery vehicles have an automatic transmission. In these
automatic transmissions, the power take-off is part of the
transmission and is known as a "hot shift" PTO. Hydraulic clutches
in the transmission are engaged and disengaged to drive the power
take-off output shaft. Such an automatic transmission power
take-off output shaft would be connected to the fluid transferring
means in the same manner as the manual transmission power take-off
configuration. A solenoid is in fluid communication with the
hydraulic clutches and supplies fluid thereto when actuated. The
solenoid thus may be considered the automatic transmission
embodiment of the transmission controller. In this case, the
transmission engaging signal and the power take-off engaging signal
are the same and may be transmitted by the remote controller.
The valve controller comprises a manual switch having valve opening
and closing positions, and the remote control can transmit the
valve closing signal when the switch is in the opening position.
The power take-off controller also comprises a manual switch having
power take-off engaging and disengaging positions, and the remote
control can transmit the power take-off disengaging signal when the
switch is in the power take-off engaging position.
The vehicle may further comprise a throttle controller for opening
a throttle of the engine in response to a throttle opening signal
and closing the throttle in response to a throttle closing signal,
and the remote control can transmit the throttle opening and
closing signals. The throttle controller comprises a manual switch
having throttle opening and closing positions, and the remote
control can transmit the throttle opening and closing signals when
the switch is in the throttle closing position only.
The vehicle may further comprise a reel on which the hose may be
wound for storage and a reel controller for winding the hose onto
the reel in response to a reel winding signal, unwinding the hose
from the reel in response to a reel unwinding signal and stopping
the reel in response to a reel stop signal. The remote control can
transmit the reel winding signal, the reel unwinding signal and the
reel stop signal.
The fluid transferring means comprises a pump having a shaft
connected to and driven by the power take-off.
The present invention also includes a method of delivering liquid
from a delivery vehicle to a storage location and comprising the
steps of opening a flow valve in communication with a tank of the
vehicle so that the tank is placed in communication with a pump on
the vehicle, disengaging a clutch on the vehicle, engaging a power
take-off on the vehicle so that power from an engine on the vehicle
may be transferred to the pump when the clutch is engaged,
extending a delivery hose from the vehicle, connecting a hose valve
on an end of the hose to the storage vessel, opening the hose
valve, remotely engaging the clutch so that power is transferred to
the pump and liquid is pumped out of the tank and through the
delivery hose into the storage vessel, remotely disengaging the
clutch when a quantity of liquid in the storage vessel reaches a
desired level, closing the hose valve, disconnecting the delivery
hose from the storage vessel, and returning the delivery hose to
the vehicle.
The method may also comprise, after the step of remotely engaging
the clutch, remotely opening a throttle of the vehicle to increase
the speed of the power take-off and pump. After liquid has been
pumped, the method may also comprise the step of remotely closing
the throttle.
The step of extending the delivery hose may comprise unwinding the
delivery hose from a reel on the vehicle. If the reel is a powered
reel, this step may further comprise remotely actuating the reel to
unwind the delivery hose therefrom. Prior to this step of remotely
actuating the reel, the method may further comprise the step of
remotely opening a throttle of the vehicle to increase the speed of
the engine. In such a case, the step of returning the delivery hose
to the vehicle may comprise remotely actuating the reel to rewind
the delivery hose thereon. Prior to the step of remotely actuating
the reel to rewind the delivery hose, the method may further
comprise the step of remotely closing the throttle of the vehicle
to decrease the speed of the engine.
In an emergency situation, the method may further comprise remotely
disengaging the power take-off, remotely closing the flow valve
and/or remotely stopping the engine.
Numerous objects and advantages of the invention will become
apparent as the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiment is read in conjunction with the drawings which
illustrate such embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of the liquid delivery vehicle with
remote control system of the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows a rear elevation of the vehicle.
FIG. 3 is a piping and control schematic of the delivery vehicle in
operation during filling of a storage vessel.
FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed pneumatic schematic of the control
system.
FIG. 5 is a wiring schematic of the main control panel and remote
control panel of the control system.
FIG. 6 shows a wiring schematic of a hose reel control panel of the
control system.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and
2, the liquid delivery vehicle with remote control system of the
present invention is shown and generally designated by the numeral
10. Vehicle 10 as described herein is designed for use with
volatile liquids, such as liquefied petroleum gases, anhydrous
ammonia, etc. However, the vehicle and the control system for
liquid delivery from the vehicle which are described herein are
also adaptable to the delivery of non-volatile liquids.
Vehicle 10 as illustrated is a "bobtail" truck. Such a vehicle has
a rolling chassis 12 supported on front wheels 14 and rear drive
wheels 16 with a cab 18 at the forward end of the chassis. This
portion of vehicle 10 and the drive train thereof are normally
purchased from a dealer for a motor vehicle manufacturer. The
remaining components which make up delivery vehicle 10 are added by
a fabricator, such as the assignee of the present invention.
Liquid is carried on vehicle 10 in a delivery or cargo vessel or
tank 20 which is mounted on chassis 12. In volatile liquid
applications, delivery tank 20 is a pressure vessel in which the
liquid can be stored under pressure. Delivery tank 20 has a variety
of gauges, relief valves, piping and other components in
communication therewith which are well known in the art and, for
simplicity, are not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Major components shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2 include a hose reel 22 with a delivery hose 24
wrapped thereon and a meter 26 which measures and records the
amount of liquid pumped out of delivery tank 20 during a delivery
cycle, as will be further described herein. Hose reel 22 is of a
kind known in the art such as manufactured by Hannay or Nordic, and
meter 26 is also known in the art, such as Neptune Model 40.
The control system of the present invention for delivery vehicle 10
is generally designated by the numeral 30. The major components of
control system 30 are a remote control panel 32, a main control
panel 34 and an annunciator panel 36. Remote control panel 32 is
preferably mounted at the rear of vehicle 10. Main control panel 34
is preferably mounted at a location near the rear of cab 18 of
vehicle 10. Annunciator panel 36 is designed to be mounted under
the dash within cab 18. However, it should be understood that each
of these components may be mounted in a variety of locations on
vehicle 10, and the invention is not limited to any particular
location or configuration.
Referring now to FIG. 3, the details of control system 30 and
additional components of delivery vehicle 10 will be described.
The drive train of vehicle 10, of course, includes an engine 40
which delivers power to rear wheels 16 through a transmission 42.
If transmission 42 is a manual transmission, it includes a clutch
44. Engine 40 has a throttle 46 which controls the flow of fuel to
the engine, and thus the speed of the engine, in a well known
manner.
Attached to transmission 42 is a power take-off 48 which, when
engaged, transmits power from engine 40 to a power take-off shaft
50, again in a known manner.
An internal flow valve 52 is mounted on the lower side of delivery
tank 20. As can be seen in FIG. 3, a portion of internal flow valve
52 extends into liquid section 54 in delivery tank 20 which is
below a vapor section 56. Internal flow valve 52 is attached to and
extends partially through a flange 58 which is integral to the
lower side of delivery tank 20.
A pump 60 is attached to internal flow valve 52 by an inlet flange
62 which is in communication with the internal flow valve. Pump 60
also has an outlet 64.
Internal flow valve 52 is of a kind known in the art, such as a
Fisher Model C403-24, and is adapted to be opened in response to
pressure applied thereto. Also, internal flow valve 52 acts as an
excess flow valve which will close automatically in the event of an
accident which may shear pump 60 away from vehicle 10. This feature
of internal flow valve 52 is designed to try to control dangerous
situations, such as the undesired escape of liquid from delivery
tank 20 which can be quite hazardous for volatile liquids,
particularly when they are flammable such as liquefied petroleum
gases.
Pump 60 is also of a kind known in the art. A typical pump 60 is a
rotary, sliding vane pump, such as the Corken Model Z3200 which has
a rotatable pump shaft 70 extending therefrom. Pump shaft 70 is
preferably substantially parallel to power take-off shaft 50.
A drive shaft 72 extends between power take-off shaft 50 and pump
shaft 70 and is connected to the power take-off shaft and pump
shaft by universal joints 74 and 76, respectively. Thus, when power
take-off shaft 50 is rotated by the engagement of power take-off
48, pump shaft 70 is rotated through drive shaft 72 and universal
joints 74 and 76 so that liquid may be pumped out of delivery tank
20 through internal flow valve 52.
Main control panel 34 is electrically connected to vehicle battery
78 by a pressure switch 80 and ignition switch 82. Pressure switch
90 is connected to the vehicle parking brake (not shown). When the
parking brake is set or activated, and when ignition switch 82 of
vehicle 10 is closed, pressure switch 80 is closed so that power is
supplied to main control panel 34 of control system 30 through
cable 84. In other words, unless the parking brake on vehicle 10 is
set and ignition switch 82 is on, control system 30 is
deactivated.
Main control panel 34 is adapted for connection to an electrical
line 90 and a plurality of pneumatic lines 86, 88, 92, 94 and 96.
Electric line 90 is connected to a throttle controller 98 which is
connected to throttle 46 on engine 40. Pneumatic line 92 is
connected to a pneumatic clutch or transmission controller 100
which is connected to clutch 44. Pneumatic line 94 is connected to
a pneumatic power take-off controller 102 which in turn is
connected to power take-off 48. Pneumatic line 96 is connected to a
pneumatic internal flow valve controller 104 which is connected to
internal flow valve 52.
Referring now to FIG. 4, in which a pneumatic schematic is shown,
disposed inside main control panel 34 are a clutch solenoid 105, a
power take-off solenoid 106 and an internal flow valve solenoid
107. Clutch solenoid 105 is disposed in pneumatic line 92 and
controls the supply of air to clutch controller 100. Power take-off
solenoid 106 is disposed in pneumatic line 94 and controls the
supply of air to power take-off controller 102. Valve solenoid 107
is disposed in pneumatic line 96 and controls the supply of air to
valve controller 104. When any of solenoids 105, 106 or 107 is
actuated, air is communicated to the corresponding controller. When
any of solenoids 105, 106 or 107 is deactuated, air in the
corresponding pneumatic line is vented through vent line 88.
A first clutch pressure switch 108 and a second clutch pressure
switch 109 are in communication with pneumatic line 92 and are
adapted for sensing pressure in pneumatic line 92. First clutch
pressure switch 108 is a feedback switch which, when pressure is
sensed in pneumatic line 92, provides electrical power to a clutch
indicator light 134 in remote control panel 32 as will be further
described herein. Second clutch pressure switch 109 is connected to
a hose reel control panel 156 as will be further described herein.
Valve pressure switch 112 is a feedback switch which provides
electrical power to a valve indicator light 132 in remote control
panel 34, as further described herein, when pressure is sensed in
pneumatic line 96.
Pneumatic line 86 connects main control panel 34 to an air source
110 which is usually the same as that used to actuate the brakes on
vehicle 10.
A manual emergency shutdown 114 is provided in pneumatic line 86 so
that the air supply to main control panel 34 may be shut off
quickly if necessary. When this occurs, air is vented out of a vent
line 115. This will result in clutch controller 100, power take-off
controller 102 and valve controller 104 being substantially
simultaneously disconnected from air supply 110.
Pneumatic line 88 vents to the atmosphere and thus may be referred
to as vent line 88.
Remote control panel 32 is electrically connected to main control
panel 34 by a cable 118. Mounted on remote control panel 32 are a
throttle switch 120 connected to throttle controller 98, a power
take-off switch 122 connected to power take-off solenoid 106, an
internal flow valve switch 124 connected to internal flow valve
solenoid 107 and a clutch switch 126 connected to clutch solenoid
105.
Actuation of throttle switch 120 selectively sends a throttle
opening and closing signal to throttle controller 98. Actuation of
power take-off switch 122 selectively sends a power take-off
engaging or disengaging signal to power take-off controller 102.
Actuation of internal flow valve switch 124 selectively sends a
valve opening or closing signal to valve controller 104. Actuation
of clutch switch 126 selectively sends a clutch engaging or
disengaging signal to clutch controller 100.
Also mounted on remote control panel 32 are a throttle indicator
light 128 which is illuminated when throttle switch 120 is
actuated, a power take-off indicator light 130 which is illuminated
when power take-off switch 122 is actuated and power take-off 48 is
engaged, previously mentioned internal flow valve indicator light
132 which is illuminated when internal flow valve switch 124 is
actuated and internal flow valve pressure switch 112 senses air
pressure in pneumatic line 96, and previously mentioned clutch
indicator light which is illuminated when clutch switch 126 is
actuated and first clutch pressure switch 108 senses air pressure
in pneumatic line 92.
Switches 120, 122, 124 and 126 and indicator lights 128, 130, 132
and 134 are connected to main control panel 34 by cable 118. See
also the electrical schematic in FIG. 5 which will be understood by
those skilled in the art.
Actuation of throttle switch 120 allows manual actuation of
throttle controller 98, actuation of power take-off switch 122
allows manual actuation of power take-off controller 102, internal
flow valve switch 124 allows manual control of internal flow valve
controller 104, and clutch switch 126 allows manual control of
clutch controller 100. Thus, an operator can stand at the rear of
vehicle 10 adjacent to remote control panel 32 and actuate the
corresponding switches 120, 122, 124 and 126 to open and close
throttle 46, engage and disengage clutch 44, engage and disengage
power take-off 48 and open and close internal flow valve 52.
Annunciator panel 36 located in cab 18 of vehicle 10 has a power
indicator light 140 and an emergency shutdown indicator light 142.
Annunciator panel 36 is connected to main control panel 34 by a
cable 144. See FIGS. 3 and 5. Any time power is provided to main
control panel 34, power indicator light 140 is illuminated. In the
event of an emergency shutdown, emergency shutdown indicator light
142 is illuminated so that the operator can see that the emergency
shutdown has been actuated.
An antenna 146 is connected to main control panel 34 by an antenna
cable 148. As seen in FIGS. 1-3, antenna 146 is preferably located
at an upper rear portion of vehicle 10, such as on delivery tank
20.
Discharge 64 of pump 60 is connected to meter 26 by a pump
discharge line 148. Meter 26 is in communication with hose 24 on
hose reel 22 through another liquid line 150.
In one preferred embodiment, hose reel 22 is a powered hose reel
driven by an electric hose reel motor 152. Reel motor 152 is
connected to hose reel 22 by any drive means known in the art, such
as a chain drive 154.
Reel motor 152 is connected to a hose reel control panel 156 by a
cable 158, and the hose reel control panel is connected to main
control panel 34 by another cable 160. See FIG. 5 and also see the
electrical schematic of FIG. 6 which will be understood by those
skilled in the art. A reel rewind controller 162 is connected to
main control panel 34 by a cable 164. Reel rewind controller 162 is
adapted to actuate hose reel control panel 156 and thus reel motor
152 by depressing a manual rewind button 166. Manual rewind button
166 is a "dead-man" type which only actuates reel motor 152 when
depressed. In the event of failure of manual rewind button 166,
reel rewind controller 162 includes an emergency stop switch 167.
Reel rewind controller 162 may only be used to rewind hose 24 onto
hose reel 22 and not to unwind the hose and only when clutch
controller 100 is activated, that is, when second clutch pressure
switch 109 senses air pressure in pneumatic line 92.
A hand-held remote controller 170 may be used by the operator
during a delivery cycle to provide remote control of control system
30. In the illustrated embodiment, remote controller 170 has a
radio transmitter (not shown) which sends signals through an
antenna 172 to antenna 146 on vehicle 10 and thus to main control
panel 34. Antenna 172 may be internal within remote controller 170.
Remote controller 170 has a remote clutch button 174, a remote
throttle button 176, and a remote emergency shutdown button
178.
If delivery vehicle 10 has a powered hose reel 22 driven by reel
motor 152, remote controller 170 may also have a remote reel button
180. Normally, hose reel control panel 156 signals hose reel motor
152 to be in condition for rotating in a rewinding position. When
throttle controller 98 is actuated to a throttle opening position,
hose reel control panel 156 signals hose reel motor 152 to be in
condition for rotating in an unwinding direction. Manual rewind
button 166 is inactive when throttle controller 98 is thus engaged,
and actuation of reel motor 152 may only occur in this case when
remote reel button 180 on remote controller 170 is pushed. Remote
reel button 180 is a "dead-man" type button which only sends a
rewinding or unwinding signal to reel motor 152 when the button is
depressed. Releasing the button will break the connection and stop
the signal, which essentially act as a stop signal to reel motor
152. When throttle controller 98 is not so engaged, and reel motor
152 is in a rewind condition, depressing remote reel button 180 on
remote controller 170 will cause reel motor 152 to rotate in the
rewind direction. Again, releasing remote reel button 180 will
cause reel motor 152 to stop.
An indicator light 182 may also be provided on remote controller
170 which flashes each time any of buttons 174, 176, 178 or 180 is
pushed. This allows the operator to know that the corresponding
button has been properly actuated.
If delivery vehicle 10 has an automatic transmission, power
take-off 48 is part of the transmission and is known as a "hot
shift" power take-off. "Hot shift" power take-off 48 and the
automatic transmission have internal clutches (not shown) which
engage and disengage the power take-off. In this automatic
transmission configuration, there is no pneumatic power take-off
controller 102. Instead, clutch controller 100 is an automatic
transmission controller characterized by a solenoid which supplies
hydraulic fluid to the internal clutches when the solenoid is
engaged. Thus, in operation, the engagement of "hot shift" power
take-off 48 on the automatic transmission is controlled by
activating either clutch switch 126 on remote control panel 32 or
remote clutch button 174 on remote controller 170. Power take-off
switch 122 on remote control panel 32 is deactivated. Other than
these changes, the operation of control system 30 with an automatic
transmission is the same as previously described.
OPERATION OF THE INVENTION
In operation, delivery vehicle 10 is parked at a convenient
location with respect to a stationary storage vessel or tank 200 to
be filled. Storage tank 200 may be of any kind known in the art,
such as a residential LP gas storage tank. The operator of delivery
vehicle 10 will generally park the vehicle as near to storage tank
200 as possible, although this may not be particularly close.
Storage tank 200 has a fill connector 202 in communication
therewith. Storage tank 200 also has a liquid level gauge 204 which
shows the approximate liquid level 206 in storage tank 200.
Typically, liquid level gauge 204 is a known mechanical device
having a float 208 extending into storage tank 200 and which floats
on the surface of the liquid in the tank. Float 208 is connected to
a needle (not shown) on the external portion of liquid level gauge
so that the operator can see the level in storage tank 200 when
standing adjacent thereto.
When delivery vehicle 10 is positioned as desired, the parking
brake is set which actuates pressure switch 80 to allow power to be
communicated to main control panel 34 of control system 30,
assuming ignition switch 82 is on. The operator exits the vehicle
and chocks the wheels so that the vehicle cannot inadvertently
roll.
The operator then moves to the rear of vehicle 10 and inserts a
delivery ticket (not shown) into meter 26 in a manner known in the
art. This starts the actual delivery process, and when done, the
total amount of liquid delivered to storage tank 200 will be
printed on the delivery ticket.
The operator then actuates clutch switch 126 on remote control
panel 32 which sends a clutch disengaging signal to clutch
controller 100 to disengage clutch 44. Next, the operator actuates
internal flow valve switch 124 which sends a valve opening signal
to valve controller 104 to open internal flow valve 52, thereby
communicating liquid from delivery tank 20 with pump 60. The
operator then actuates power take-off switch 122 which sends a
power take-off engaging signal to power take-off controller 102 to
engage power take-off 48 so that power may be applied to pump 60
when clutch 44 is re-engaged.
At this point, the operator can acquire and extend hose 24.
Normally, this is accomplished by grasping a hose valve 210 which
is on the end of hose 24. If reel 22 is a manual reel, the operator
extends hose 24 by simply pulling it away from vehicle 10. If reel
22 is powered by a motor, such as reel motor 152, the operator may
push remote throttle button 176 which signals hose reel control
panel 156 to reverse the direction of hose reel motor 152. Then the
operator pushes and holds remote reel button 180 on remote
controller 170 to send a reel unwinding signal to hose reel
controller 156 and reel motor 152, thereby causing the reel motor
to rotate so that hose 24 is unwound from reel 22. The operator
knows when remote reel button 180 can be pushed to unwind hose 24
by hearing engine 40 on vehicle 10 speed up because throttle
controller 98 has been actuated to open throttle 46. Again, remote
reel button 180 and manual rewind button 166 are of the "dead-man"
type such that a constant pressure must be applied to these buttons
for hose reel motor 152 to operate, but manual rewind button 166 is
deactivated when throttle 46 is open. Releasing remote reel button
180 or manual rewind button 166 will result in the deactivation of
reel motor 152.
As the hose unwinds, the operator merely walks away from vehicle 10
holding the end of hose 24 until sufficient length of hose has been
extended to reach storage tank 200, at which point the operator
must release remote reel button 180 on remote controller 170. This
sends a reel stop signal (an interruption or cessation of the reel
unwinding signal) to hose reel controller 156 and reel motor 152 to
stop the rotation of the reel motor. When unwinding is completed,
the operator may press remote throttle button 176 again to send the
throttle closing signal to throttle controller 98 which results in
the engine being slowed back down to idle speed.
When sufficient length of hose 24 has been extended from delivery
vehicle 10, hose valve 210 is engaged with connector 202 on storage
tank 200. This connection is of a kind known in the art, and, for
simplicity, details are not shown herein. Fluid communication is
provided between delivery tank 20 and storage tank 200 by opening
hose valve 210. At this point, the operator engages remote clutch
button 174 which sends a clutch engaging signal to clutch
controller 100 to re-engage clutch 44 so that power is transmitted
through power take-off 48 to pump 60. It should be noted that
clutch 44 is thus re-engaged even though clutch switch 126 on
remote control panel 32 is in the disengaging position thereof.
With pump 60 thus powered by power take-off 48, liquid is pumped
out of delivery tank 20 through internal flow valve 52 and
discharged out of pump 60 through line 148, meter 26, line 150,
hose 24 and hose valve 210 into storage tank 200. If desired, the
operator may push remote throttle button 176 to send a throttle
opening signal to throttle controller 98, thereby opening throttle
46 to increase the speed of engine 40. It should be noted that this
throttle opening signal may be sent to throttle controller 98 only
when throttle switch 120 on remote control panel 32 is in the
throttle closed position. The remote opening of throttle 46 results
in increased speed of power take-off 48 and pump 60 so that the
pumping rate of liquid out of delivery tank 20 is increased.
During the filling operation, the operator observes the level 206
of liquid in storage tank 200 by viewing liquid level gauge 204.
When liquid level 206 reaches the desired amount, the operator
pushes remote throttle button 176 to send a throttle closing signal
to throttle controller 98, thereby slowing down engine 40 and pump
60, and also pushes remote clutch button 174 to send a clutch
disengaging signal to clutch controller 100 to disengage clutch 44,
thereby stopping power take-off 48 and pump 60.
At this point, the operator then closes hose valve 210 and
disconnects it from connector 202 on storage tank 200.
If reel 22 is manually operated, the operator must manually rewind
hose 24 on the reel. However, if reel 22 is powered by reel motor
152, the operator may once again push and hold remote reel button
180 on remote controller 170 to send a reel rewind signal to reel
rewind controller 162 and reel motor 152 so that hose 24 is
automatically rewound on reel 22. All the operator has to do at
this point is "walk" hose 24 back toward delivery vehicle 10. To
stop rewinding at any time, the operator simply releases remote
reel button 180 on remote controller 170 to send a reel stop signal
(an interruption or cessation of the reel rewinding signal) to hose
reel controller 156 and reel motor 152 to stop the rotation of the
reel motor.
It will be seen that control system 30 for liquid delivery vehicle
10 thus provides an easily used, remote control of the system, and
requires only a single trip from delivery vehicle 10 to storage
tank 200 and back for a complete filling operation. This is a great
improvement over the prior art previously described in which three
such round trips are necessary.
To minimize the possibilities of dangerous situations and to comply
with the above-mentioned Department of Transportation regulations,
remote controller 170 has remote shutdown button 178 therein which,
when pushed, remotely shuts down control system 30 completely. When
remote shutdown button 160 is pushed, an engine shutdown signal is
sent to the ignition of engine 40 on vehicle 10 so that the engine
is stopped, a valve closing signal is sent to internal flow valve
controller 104 so that internal flow control valve 52 is closed,
and a power take-off disengaging signal is sent to power take-off
controller 102 so that power take-off 48 is disengaged. In this
way, pump 60 is shut off, and no liquid may flow from delivery tank
20 because internal flow valve 52 is closed. Shutdown indicator
light 142 on annunciator panel 36 is illuminated.
It will be seen, therefore, that the delivery vehicle with remote
control system of the present invention is well adapted to carry
out the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent
therein. While a preferred embodiment of the apparatus and method
of use are described for the purposes of this disclosure, numerous
changes in the arrangement and construction of parts in the
apparatus and steps in the method may be made by those skilled in
the art. All such changes are encompassed within the scope and
spirit of the appended claims.
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