Method of overfill probe identification and control
First Claim
1. A method of controlling a fluid transfer control apparatus for transferring fluid from a fluid source to a receiving container in which an overfill probe detects when fluid in the container reaches a predetermined level and in which the overfill probe is one of a five-wire type probe or a two-wire type probe, the method comprising:
- applying a five-wire test signal to the probe;
detecting any five-wire return signal received within a predetermined time limit;
if a five-wire return signal is detected, configuring the fluid transfer control apparatus for five-wire overfill probe operation; and
if a five-wire return signal is not detected, testing the probe for the presence of a valid two-wire probe signal and configuring the fluid transfer control apparatus for two-wire overfill probe operation if a valid two-wire signal is detected.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A fail-safe fluid transfer control apparatus has full redundancy in the response to various inputs such as overfill probe signals, ground detection signals, and the like. Independent microprocessor controllers independently evaluate the inputs and each output control signals to close a respective relay when the inputs indicate that fluid transfer may commence. The relays are arranged in series such that both must be closed for a fluid transfer to commence. The control signals from each controller include a static signal and an alternating signal, both of which must be properly output to close its respective relay. Each controller monitors the state of each relay, and discontinues its control signals if either relay appears to be malfunctioning. Each controller runs an different, independently written firmware program to process the detected inputs to prevent a common firmware error. An optical bypass key replaces conventional mechanical keys and transmits an optically encoded signal to the controller for establishing a bypass condition. A preheating circuit is also provided for providing a dynamic voltage supply to standard thermistor probes which may be encountered.
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Citations
32 Claims
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1. A method of controlling a fluid transfer control apparatus for transferring fluid from a fluid source to a receiving container in which an overfill probe detects when fluid in the container reaches a predetermined level and in which the overfill probe is one of a five-wire type probe or a two-wire type probe, the method comprising:
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applying a five-wire test signal to the probe; detecting any five-wire return signal received within a predetermined time limit; if a five-wire return signal is detected, configuring the fluid transfer control apparatus for five-wire overfill probe operation; and if a five-wire return signal is not detected, testing the probe for the presence of a valid two-wire probe signal and configuring the fluid transfer control apparatus for two-wire overfill probe operation if a valid two-wire signal is detected. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method of controlling a fluid transfer control apparatus for transferring fluid from a fluid source to a receiving container in which an overfill probe detects when fluid in the container reaches a predetermined level and in which the overfill probe is one of a plurality of different probe types, the method comprising:
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connecting a controller of the control apparatus to the probe; detecting a signal received from the probe with the controller; interpreting the detected signal to identify the probe type with the controller; and configuring the control apparatus with the controller to operate with a probe of the identified probe type. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A fluid transfer control apparatus for transferring fluid from a fluid source to a receiving container in which an overfill probe detects when fluid in the container reaches a predetermined level and in which the overfill probe is one of a plurality of different probe types, the apparatus comprising:
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a connection apparatus for providing electrical connection to the probe; and a controller that is capable of detecting, via the connection apparatus, and identifying any of a plurality of different signals each of which is indicative of a particular probe type, the controller detecting and identifying a particular one of said signals from the probe and responding to the particular signal by configuring the fluid transfer control apparatus to operate with a probe of the type indicated by the particular signal. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A fluid transfer control apparatus for transferring fluid from a fluid source to a receiving container in which an overfill probe detects when fluid in the container reaches a predetermined level and in which the overfill probe is one of a plurality of different probe types, the apparatus comprising:
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a connection apparatus for providing electrical connection to the probe; a controller that transmits a test signal to the probe via the connection apparatus that corresponds to a five-wire probe type signal, and determines whether a return signal is received that corresponds to a predetermined five-wire probe return signal and, if so, configures the fluid transfer apparatus for operation with a five-wire type probe, and wherein the controller also, if no five-wire return signal is detected, determines whether a two-wire probe type signal is received from the probe and, if so, configures the fluid transfer apparatus for operation with a two-wire type probe. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
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23. A fluid transfer control apparatus for transferring fluid from a fluid source to a receiving container in which one of a plurality of overfill probes detects when fluid in the container reaches a predetermined level, the apparatus comprising:
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a connection apparatus for providing electrical connection to the probes, the connection apparatus having a plurality of different conductors that each make conductive contact with a different probe; and a controller that detects whether a short circuit exists between a first one of said conductors and a second one of said conductors. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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Specification