Method and apparatus for controlling transportation, storage and sale of fluids such as petrochemicals
First Claim
1. A method for controlling passage of a fluid through an opening in an otherwise substantially closed fluid tank, the method comprising, locking the opening against passage of fluid therethrough until a signal derived from a Global Positioning System (GPS) is received indicating that the tank is located at a predetermined fluid exchange position location whereat the opening in the tank is to be unlocked for allowing passage therethrough of a fluid.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses are provided, for use singlely, or as part of a comprehensive security solution, for ensuring the integrity of a supply chain involving transportation, storage and/or sale of fluids such as petrochemicals. Passage of a fluid through an opening in an otherwise closed fluid tank is controlled by locking the opening against passage of fluid therethrough until a signal derived from a GPS is received, indicating that the tank is positioned at a pre-determined location whereat the opening in the tank is to be unlocked for allowing passage therethrough of the fluid. The tank may be, inter alia, a mobile tank, a stationary tank at a bulk station, or a stationary tank at a service station.
28 Citations
32 Claims
- 1. A method for controlling passage of a fluid through an opening in an otherwise substantially closed fluid tank, the method comprising, locking the opening against passage of fluid therethrough until a signal derived from a Global Positioning System (GPS) is received indicating that the tank is located at a predetermined fluid exchange position location whereat the opening in the tank is to be unlocked for allowing passage therethrough of a fluid.
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16. An apparatus for controlling transfer of fluids between a first tank and a second tank, when the second tank is located at a predetermined fluid exchange location verified by receipt of a signal from a global positioning satellite (GPS), the apparatus comprising:
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a lockable fluid control valve, a first control transceiver, and a second control transceiver; the lockable fluid control valve being adapted for connection to one or the other of the first and second tanks, and configured for allowing fluid flow therethrough when in an un-locked state thereof and for blocking fluid flow therethrough when in a locked state thereof; the first control transceiver being adapted for attachment to the first tank, and being programmable for receiving and verifying an identification code of the second control transceiver, sending an identification code of the first control transceiver, and for sending a verification signal to the second control transceiver upon verification of the identification code of the second control transceiver; the second control transceiver being adapted for attachment to the second tank, and being programmable, for sending an identification code of the second control transceiver to the first control transceiver, and for receiving and verifying the identification code of the first control transceiver; the second control transceiver being further programmable, for recording a desired fluid exchange GPS location, at which the second tank is allowed to exchange fluid with the first tank, for receiving a GPS signal from a source independent from the first and second control transceivers indicative of a present location of the second control transceiver, and for verifying that the present location of the second tank, as determined from the received GPS signal, matches the desired fluid exchange location; the second control transceiver being further configured and operatively connected to the lockable fluid valve for sending an unlocking signal to the lockable fluid valve, only upon completion of a successful mutual exchange between, and mutual verification of, the programmed identification codes of the first and second control transceivers, and receipt and verification by the second control transceiver that the present GPS location of the second tank matches the programmed fluid exchange location of the second tank. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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Specification