Method of and Apparatus for Recording Fuel Supplied to a Vehicle
First Claim
1. A fuel measuring device for mounting on the inlet to a vehicle fuel tank, the fuel measuring device comprising:
- a sensor for recording a flow rate of fuel flowing through the inlet into the vehicle fuel tank;
a processor for integrating the fuel flow rate to determine amount of fuel supplied to the fuel tank;
a data storage device, for storing data indicative of the volume of fuel supplied to the vehicle fuel tank;
and a connector, for enabling the stored data on fuel volume to be transferred from the fuel measuring device on the vehicle to another device separate from the vehicle.
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Abstract
A fuel measuring device, for mounting on the inlet to a vehicle fuel tank, has a sensor for recording a flow rate of fuel flowing through the inlet into the vehicle fuel tank. A processor for integrating the fuel flow rate to determine amount of fuel supplied to the fuel tank and a data storage device, for storing data indicative of the volume of fuel supplied to the vehicle fuel tank, are provided. A connector, for enabling the stored data on fuel volume to be transferred from the fuel measuring device on the vehicle to another device separate from the vehicle. A signal from a sender unit of a vehicle fuel tank may be used. A related method enables fuel usage to be tracked by, for example, the renter of a vehicle, and a further related method provides improved fuel gauges for use in fleets of rental cars.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A fuel measuring device for mounting on the inlet to a vehicle fuel tank, the fuel measuring device comprising:
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a sensor for recording a flow rate of fuel flowing through the inlet into the vehicle fuel tank; a processor for integrating the fuel flow rate to determine amount of fuel supplied to the fuel tank; a data storage device, for storing data indicative of the volume of fuel supplied to the vehicle fuel tank; and a connector, for enabling the stored data on fuel volume to be transferred from the fuel measuring device on the vehicle to another device separate from the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A fuel measuring device, for connection to a signal from a sender unit of a vehicle fuel tank, the fuel measuring device comprising:
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a processor for determining amounts of fuel supplied to the vehicle from increases in the fuel level in the fuel tank indicated by the signal from the sender unit; a data storage device, connected to the processor, for recording data indicative of the fuel amounts supplied to the vehicle; and a connector for enabling the stored data to be transferred to another device remote from the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8)
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9. A method of renting a vehicle and recording fuel volume, the method comprising the steps of:
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(1) recording a start odometer reading; (2) completing a rental agreement with a customer; (3) during a term of the rental agreement, recording fuel supply to the vehicle; (4) on return of the vehicle at the end of the rental agreement, recording an end odometer reading, and from the start and end odometer readings determining a total distance traveled; (5) from total distance travelled and an expected fuel consumption rate, calculating an expected total fuel consumption figure for the term of rental agreement; (6) at the end of the rental agreement, recording total fuel supplied to the vehicle during the term of the agreement; (7) comparing total fuel supplied to the vehicle with the expected volume of fuel supplied to a vehicle, to determine if adequate fuel has been supplied to the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
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12. A fuel measuring device for mounting on the inlet to a vehicle fuel tank, the fuel measuring device comprising a sensor for measuring fuel supplied to the vehicle, a data store for storing the fuel data, and a connector or display for enabling transmission of the data to another device for use externally of the vehicle.
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13. A method of providing vehicles with improved fuel gauges for use in fleets of rental cars, the method comprising the steps of:
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(i) requesting vehicle manufacturers to provide vehicles for use in a rental fleet with sender units that are at least accurate over all the upper portion of fuel tank, and devices connected to the sender units for enabling accurate recordal of actual total fuel supplied by renters of the vehicles during terms of rental agreements; (ii) purchasing sufficient quantities of vehicles from a vehicle manufacturer, to justify the additional costs of providing the improved sender units; and (iii) utilizing the vehicles in the rental fleet, and utilizing said devices, to ensure that renters of the vehicles cover the cost of fuel used.
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Specification