Methods and Systems for on Demand Fuel Supply

• US 20200131018A1
• Filed: 10/25/2018
• Published: 04/30/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 10/25/2018
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Texas Fueling Services, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Texas Fueling Services, Inc.
• Inventors: Duncan, Mason, Tuchsnieder, Hanan
• Granted Patent: US 10,850,969 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 2007/0444 Sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/0266 by gas acting directly on the liquid
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/04 for transferring fuels, lubricants or mixed fuels and lubricants
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/16 Arrangements of liquid meters
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/3209 relating to spillage or leakage, e.g. spill containments, leak detection leak detectors for underground fuel dispensing systems G01M3/2892
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/36 Arrangements of flow- or pressure-control valves associated with nozzles B67D7/42
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/367 the float acting pneumatically on a shut-off valve
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/38 Arrangements of hoses, e.g. operative connection with pump motor hoses in general F16L11/00
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/46 when liquid in container to be filled reaches a predetermined level
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/56 Arrangements of flow-indicators, e.g. transparent compartments, windows, rotary vanes indicating or recording presence, absence or direction of movement G01P13/00
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/78 Arrangements of storage tanks, reservoirs or pipe-lines
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/84 Casings, cabinets or frameworks; Trolleys or like movable supports
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 31/26 with the valve guided for rectilinear movement and the float attached to a pivoted arm

Abstract

In a method and system for delivering fluid to a fluid consuming asset having a fluid tank, a first tank and a second tank are fluidically coupled and the second tank is pressurized. An inlet of a manifold is fluidically coupled to the second tank and an outlet of the manifold is coupled to a spigot. A first distal end of a fluid transporting mechanism is coupled to the spigot and a second distal end thereof is coupled to a hydraulic connector of a fill cap having a connection plate coupled to the fluid tank of the fluid consuming asset. The fill cap further comprises a probe and fluid flows from the first tank to the second tank, through the manifold and the hydraulic connector, through the probe and into the fluid tank of the fluid consuming asset.

Claims

1. A system for delivering a first fluid to a fluid consuming asset having a fluid tank comprising:

a first tank, wherein the first tank contains the first fluid to be delivered to the fluid consuming asset;

a second tank fluidically coupled to the first tank by a first connection,

wherein the first fluid flows from the first tank to the second tank through the first connection, and

wherein the second tank is pressurized;

a manifold having a first inlet and one or more outlets, wherein the first inlet of the manifold is fluidically coupled to the second tank, and wherein the first fluid flows from the second tank into the manifold through the first inlet;

a spigot fluidically coupled to one of the one or more outlets of the manifold,

wherein a first distal end of the spigot is fluidically coupled to the one of the one or more outlets of the manifold and a second distal end of the spigot is fluidically coupled to a fluid transporting mechanism, and

wherein the fluid transporting mechanism comprises a first distal end fluidically coupled to the second distal end of the spigot and a second distal end; and

a fill cap, wherein the fill cap comprises;

a connection plate, wherein the connection plate is coupled to an opening of the fluid tank of the fluid consuming asset;

a hydraulic connector fluidically coupled to the second distal end of the fluid transporting mechanism;

a probe disposed within the fluid tank of the fluid consuming asset,

wherein the probe comprises an inlet at a first distal end coupled to the connection plate and an outlet at a second distal end within the fluid tank;

wherein the inlet of the probe is fluidically coupled to the hydraulic connector and wherein the first fluid flows from the fluid transporting mechanism, through the hydraulic connector and into the probe through the probe inlet, and

wherein the first fluid flows into the fluid tank of the fluid consuming asset through the outlet of the probe.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid transporting mechanism is selected from a group consisting of a hose, an aluminum pipe and a hard steel pipe.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid transporting mechanism comprises a first segment and a second segment.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first segment and the second segment are detachably coupled.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the first segment and the second segments are detachably coupled using a mechanism selected from a group consisting of a threaded connection, a hydraulic dry break coupling, and a cam lock.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first fluid is a fuel and the fluid consuming asset is a fuel consuming asset.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the fuel is selected from a group consisting of clear fuel and a dyed fuel.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the manifold further comprises a divider dividing the manifold into a first compartment and a second compartment;

wherein the first inlet allows the first fluid to flow into the first compartment; and

wherein a second inlet allows a second fluid to flow into the second compartment.

9. The system of claim 8 further comprising a valve, wherein the valve is operable to selectively combine or separate the first compartment and the second compartment.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the fill cap further comprises:

a valve disposed at the outlet at the second distal end of the probe,

wherein the valve is movable between an open position and a closed position,

wherein fluid does not flow out of the outlet of the probe when the valve is in the closed position, and

wherein fluid flows out of the outlet of the probe when the valve is in the open position;

an arm coupled to the valve, wherein the movement of the arm moves the valve between the open position and the closed position; and

a float coupled to the arm, wherein the float moves the arm depending on the level of fluid in the fluid tank.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the spigot comprises:

a nipple at the first distal end of the spigot, wherein the nipple is fluidically coupled to the one of the one or more outlets of the manifold;

a valve fluidically coupled to the nipple, wherein the valve is operable to control fluid flow through the spigot;

a visual flow indicator fluidically coupled to the valve, wherein the visual flow indicator is operable to visually verify whether fluid is flowing out through the spigot; and

a connection member at the second distal end of the spigot, wherein the connection member is fluidically coupled to the fluid transporting mechanism.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the first connection between the first tank and the second tank is a metered connection.

14. The system of claim 1 further comprising a second connection between the first tank and the second tank, wherein the first fluid flows from the second tank to the first tank through the second connection.

37. The system of claim 1 further comprising a second connection between the first tank and the second tank, wherein the first fluid flows from the second tank to the first tank through the second connection.

11. A system for delivering a first fluid to a fluid consuming asset having a fluid tank comprising:

a first tank, wherein the first tank contains the first fluid to be delivered to the fluid consuming asset;

a second tank fluidically coupled to the first tank by a first connection,

wherein the first fluid flows from the first tank to the second tank through the first connection, and

wherein the second tank is pressurized;

a manifold having a first inlet and one or more outlets, wherein the first inlet of the manifold is fluidically coupled to the second tank, and wherein the first fluid flows from the second tank into the manifold through the first inlet;

a spigot fluidically coupled to one of the one or more outlets of the manifold,

wherein a first distal end of the spigot is fluidically coupled to the one of the one or more outlets of the manifold and a second distal end of the spigot is fluidically coupled to a fluid transporting mechanism, and

wherein the fluid transporting mechanism comprises a first distal end fluidically coupled to the second distal end of the spigot and a second distal end; and

a fill cap, wherein the fill cap comprises;

a connection plate, wherein the connection plate is coupled to an opening of the fluid tank of the fluid consuming asset;

a hydraulic connector fluidically coupled to the second distal end of the fluid transporting mechanism;

a probe disposed within the fluid tank of the fluid consuming asset,

wherein the probe comprises an inlet at a first distal end coupled to the connection plate and an outlet at a second distal end within the fluid tank;

wherein the inlet of the probe is fluidically coupled to the hydraulic connector and wherein the first fluid flows from the fluid transporting mechanism, through the hydraulic connector and into the probe through the probe inlet, and

wherein the first fluid flows into the fluid tank of the fluid consuming asset through the outlet of the probe;

wherein the fill cap further comprises;

a first opening and a second opening disposed on the connection plate;

a first connecting member disposed in the first opening,

wherein the first connecting member comprises an inner lip disposed within the fluid tank and an outer lip disposed outside the fluid tank, and

a second connecting member disposed in the second opening,

wherein the second connecting member comprises an inner lip disposed within the fluid tank and an outer lip disposed outside the fluid tank; and

a first fastener corresponding to the first connecting member and a second fastener corresponding to the second connecting member,

wherein fastening the first fastener moves the inner lip of first connecting member towards the connection plate,

wherein the inner lip of the first connecting member rests against a wall of the fluid tank when the first fastener is fastened,

wherein fastening the second fastener moves the inner lip of the second connecting member towards the connection plate,

wherein the inner lip of the second connecting member rests against a wall of the fluid tank when the second fastener is fastened.

22. The system of claim 11, wherein the fluid transporting mechanism comprises a first segment and a second segment.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the first segment and the second segment are detachably coupled.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the first segment and the second segments are detachably coupled using a mechanism selected from a group consisting of a threaded connection, a hydraulic dry break coupling, and a cam lock.

25. The system of claim 11, wherein the first fluid is a fuel and the fluid consuming asset is a fuel consuming asset.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein the fuel is selected from a group consisting of clear fuel and a dyed fuel.

27. The system of claim 11, wherein the manifold further comprises a divider dividing the manifold into a first compartment and a second compartment;

wherein the first inlet allows the first fluid to flow into the first compartment; and

wherein a second inlet allows a second fluid to flow into the second compartment.

28. The system of claim 27 further comprising a valve, wherein the valve is operable to selectively combine or separate the first compartment and the second compartment.

29. The system of claim 11, wherein the fill cap further comprises:

a valve disposed at the outlet at the second distal end of the probe,

wherein the valve is movable between an open position and a closed position,

wherein fluid does not flow out of the outlet of the probe when the valve is in the closed position, and

wherein fluid flows out of the outlet of the probe when the valve is in the open position;

an arm coupled to the valve, wherein the movement of the arm moves the valve between the open position and the closed position; and

a float coupled to the arm, wherein the float moves the arm depending on the level of fluid in the fluid tank.

30. The system of claim 11, wherein the spigot comprises:

a nipple at the first distal end of the spigot, wherein the nipple is fluidically coupled to the one of the one or more outlets of the manifold;

a valve fluidically coupled to the nipple, wherein the valve is operable to control fluid flow through the spigot;

a visual flow indicator fluidically coupled to the valve, wherein the visual flow indicator is operable to visually verify whether fluid is flowing out through the spigot; and

a connection member at the second distal end of the spigot, wherein the connection member is fluidically coupled to the fluid transporting mechanism.

31. The system of claim 11, wherein the first connection between the first tank and the second tank is a metered connection.

32. The system of claim 11 further comprising a second connection between the first tank and the second tank, wherein the first fluid flows from the second tank to the first tank through the second connection.

15. A fuel delivery system comprising:

a first tank, wherein the first tank contains the fuel to be delivered to a fuel tank of a fuel consuming asset;

a second tank fluidically coupled to the first tank through a first connection,

wherein fuel flows from the first tank to the second tank through the first connection, and

wherein the second tank is pressurized;

a manifold having an inlet and at least one outlet,

wherein the inlet of the manifold is fluidically coupled to the second tank through a fuel delivery coupling, and

wherein fuel flows into the manifold from the second tank through the fuel delivery coupling;

a spigot fluidically coupled to the at least one outlet of the manifold,

wherein a first distal end of the spigot is fluidically coupled to the at least one outlet of the manifold,

wherein a second distal end of the spigot is fluidically coupled to a first distal end of a fluid transporting mechanism, the fluid transporting mechanism having a second distal end;

a fill cap fluidically coupled to the second distal end of the fluid transporting mechanism, the fill cap comprising;

a connection plate, wherein the connection plate is coupled to an opening of a fuel tank of a fuel consuming asset;

a hydraulic connector fluidically coupled to the second distal end of the fluid transporting mechanism;

a probe disposed within the fuel tank,

wherein the probe comprises an inlet at a first distal end coupled to the connection plate and an outlet at a second distal end within the fuel tank;

wherein the inlet of the probe is fluidically coupled to the hydraulic connector and wherein the fuel flows from the fluid transporting mechanism, through the hydraulic connector and into the probe through the probe inlet, and

wherein the fuel flows into the fuel tank of the fuel consuming asset through the outlet of the probe.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the fluid transporting mechanism is segmented and wherein at least two segments of the fluid transporting mechanism are detachably coupled.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the at least two segments of the fluid transporting mechanism are detachably coupled using a mechanism selected from a group consisting of a threaded connection, a hydraulic dry break coupling, and a cam lock.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein the fill cap further comprises:

a valve disposed at the second distal end of the probe,

wherein the valve is movable between an open position and a closed position,

wherein fuel does not flow out of the outlet of the probe when the valve is in the closed position, and

wherein fuel flows out of the outlet of the probe when the valve is in the open position;

an arm coupled to the valve, wherein the movement of the arm moves the valve between the open position and the closed position; and

a float coupled to the arm, wherein the float moves the arm depending on the level of fuel in the fuel tank.

33. The system of claim 15, wherein the fluid transporting mechanism is selected from a group consisting of a hose, an aluminum pipe and a hard steel pipe.

34. The system of claim 15, wherein the fuel is selected from a group consisting of clear fuel and a dyed fuel.

35. The system of claim 15, wherein the manifold further comprises a divider dividing the manifold into a first compartment and a second compartment;

wherein the first inlet allows the first fluid to flow into the first compartment; and

wherein a second inlet allows a second fluid to flow into the second compartment.

36. The system of claim 35 further comprising a valve, wherein the valve is operable to selectively combine or separate the first compartment and the second compartment.

19. A fill cap for delivering a fluid from a fluid transporting mechanism to a fluid tank, the fill cap comprising:

a connection plate,

wherein the connection plate is coupled to an opening of the fluid tank;

a hydraulic connector fluidically coupled to the fluid transporting mechanism;

a probe disposed within the fluid tank,

wherein the probe comprises an inlet at a first distal end coupled to the connection plate and an outlet at a second distal end within the fluid tank;

wherein the inlet of the probe is fluidically coupled to the hydraulic connector and wherein the fluid flows from the fluid transporting mechanism, through the hydraulic connector and into the probe through the probe inlet, and

wherein the fluid flows into the fluid tank through the outlet of the probe,

a valve disposed at the second distal end of the probe,

wherein the valve is movable between an open position and a closed position,

wherein fluid does not flow out of the outlet of the probe when the valve is in the closed position, and

wherein fluid flows out of the outlet of the probe when the valve is in the open position;

an arm coupled to the valve, wherein the movement of the arm moves the valve between the open position and the closed position; and

a float coupled to the arm,

wherein the float moves the arm depending on the level of fluid in the fluid tank;

a first opening and a second opening disposed on the connection plate;

a first connecting member disposed in the first opening,

wherein the first connecting member comprises an inner lip disposed within the fluid tank and an outer lip disposed outside the fluid tank, and

a second connecting member disposed in the second opening,

wherein the second connecting member comprises an inner lip disposed within the fluid tank and an outer lip disposed outside the fluid tank; and

a first fastener corresponding to the first connecting member and a second fastener corresponding to the second connecting member,

wherein fastening the first fastener moves the inner lip of the first connecting member towards the connection plate,

wherein the inner lip of the first connecting member rests against a wall of the fluid tank when the first fastener is fastened,

wherein fastening the second fastener moves the inner lip of the second connecting member towards the connection plate,

wherein the inner lip of the second connecting member rests against a wall of the fluid tank when the second fastener is fastened.

20. A method of delivering fuel to a fuel consuming asset having a fuel tank comprising:

filling a first tank with the fuel;

fluidically coupling the first tank to the second tank through a first connection;

fluidically coupling the second tank to a manifold through a fuel delivery coupling;

fluidically coupling the manifold to a fluid transporting mechanism,

wherein fluidically coupling the manifold to a fluid transporting mechanism comprises fluidically coupling a spigot at an outlet of the manifold to the fluid transporting mechanism;

fluidically coupling the fluid transporting mechanism to a hydraulic connector of a fill cap;

coupling the fill cap to an opening of the fuel tank, wherein coupling the fill cap to the opening of the fuel tank comprises;

inserting a first connecting member having an inner lip disposed within the fuel tank and an outer lip disposed outside the fuel tank through a first opening on a connection plate of the fill cap;

inserting a second connecting member having an inner lip disposed within the fuel tank and an outer lip disposed outside the fuel tank through a second opening on the connection plate of the fill cap;

fastening a first fastener corresponding to the first connecting member and a second fastener corresponding to the second connecting member until the inner lip of the first connecting member and the inner lip of the second connecting member rest against a wall of the fuel tank;

directing the fuel from the first tank to the second tank through a first connection;

pressurizing the second tank;

directing the fuel from the second tank to the manifold through the fuel delivery coupling;

turning on a valve on the spigot to allow fluid flow through the spigot;

directing the fuel through the spigot into the fluid transporting mechanism;

directing the fuel from the fuel transporting mechanism to the hydraulic connector of the fill cap;

directing the fuel from the hydraulic connector into the fuel tank through an outlet of a probe of the fill cap; and

stopping the flow of fuel out of the probe and into the fuel tank when a level of fuel in the fuel tank reaches a predetermined maximum level.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein stopping the flow of fuel out of the probe and into the fuel tank when a level of fuel in the fuel tank reaches a predetermined maximum level comprises:

coupling a valve to the outlet of the probe;

coupling a float to the valve,

wherein an arm couples the float to the valve,

wherein the valve is movable between an open position and a closed position,

wherein fuel does not flow out of the outlet when the valve is in the closed position,

wherein fuel flows out of the outlet when the valve is in the open position, and

wherein the movement of the arm is operable to open and close the valve; and

moving the arm and closing the valve when the float moves to a position corresponding to the predetermined maximum level.