Method and Apparatus for Multi-Line Fuel Delivery
First Claim
1. An apparatus for refueling at least one internal combustion engine comprising:
- a) a bulk storage tank containing fuel, wherein said bulk storage tank is adapted to be raised to a higher elevation than an inlet of a fuel tank of said at least one internal combustion engine;
b) a conduit having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is in fluid communication with said bulk storage tank and said second end is attached to said inlet of said fuel tank of said at least one internal combustion engine; and
c) a float valve assembly operationally attached to said second end of said conduit and disposed in said fuel tank of said at least one internal combustion engine, wherein said float valve assembly is adapted to permit fuel to gravity feed from said bulk storage tank into said fuel tank through said conduit, but to block fuel flow from said conduit into said fuel tank when fuel in said fuel tank reaches a predetermined level.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A gravity-fed fuel delivery system is provided. A central storage tank holds fuel to re-supply a number of pump trucks or other mechanized equipment, such as on a hydraulic fracturing location, and can be selectively raised or lowered. Hoses or other conduits extend from the central storage tank to individual fuel tanks of the equipment to be refueled. Adapters allow connection of the distal end of each hose or conduit to an inlet opening of a fuel tank. A float valve assembly senses when fuel inside an individual fuel tank is below a predetermined level, thereby mechanically opening a valve assembly to permit fluid to flow from the central storage tank, through a conduit, through the float valve assembly and into the fuel tank.
144 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus for refueling at least one internal combustion engine comprising:
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a) a bulk storage tank containing fuel, wherein said bulk storage tank is adapted to be raised to a higher elevation than an inlet of a fuel tank of said at least one internal combustion engine; b) a conduit having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is in fluid communication with said bulk storage tank and said second end is attached to said inlet of said fuel tank of said at least one internal combustion engine; and c) a float valve assembly operationally attached to said second end of said conduit and disposed in said fuel tank of said at least one internal combustion engine, wherein said float valve assembly is adapted to permit fuel to gravity feed from said bulk storage tank into said fuel tank through said conduit, but to block fuel flow from said conduit into said fuel tank when fuel in said fuel tank reaches a predetermined level. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for delivering fuel to an internal combustion engine, comprising:
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a) providing a bulk storage tank containing fuel; b) installing a conduit from said bulk storage tank to a fuel tank of said internal combustion engine; c) installing a float valve assembly disposed in said fuel tank and in fluid communication with an outlet of said conduit, said float valve assembly adapted to permit fuel to gravity feed from said bulk storage tank into said fuel tank through said conduit, but to block fuel flow from said conduit into said fuel tank when fuel in said fuel tank reaches a predetermined level; d) raising said bulk storage tank to an elevation above said fuel tank; and e) allowing fuel to gravity flow from said bulk storage tank through said conduits and into said fuel tanks. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A float valve assembly, comprising:
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a) a sleeve member having a top, a fluid inlet, a length, an inner chamber, and a bottom having an opening extending into said inner chamber; b) a seat member defining an opening, wherein said seat member is disposed in said sleeve member between said fluid inlet and said inner chamber; c) a ball disposed on said seat member to create a fluid pressure seal that prevents fluid flow; d) a float member slidably disposed in said inner chamber; and e) a linkage assembly disposed between said float member and said seat member, wherein said linkage assembly is configured to lift said ball from said seat and remove said fluid pressure seal when said float member reaches a predetermined position along the length of said sleeve member in response to a liquid reaching a predetermined level in a container. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification