In a method and a corresponding system for identifying a fuel loss event, periodic measurements of a measured volume of fuel stored in a fuel tank (mobile or stationary) are received, and a measurement of a dispensed volume of fuel dispensed into the fuel tank is received from a fueling station. A total volume of fuel is determined equal to the sum of the dispensed volume of fuel and the measured volume of fuel last measured prior to receiving from a fueling station. A difference is determined between the total volume and the measured volume of fuel first measured subsequent to determining the total volume. If the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold indicating a fuel loss event, an alert is generated indicating that there is a fuel loss event.
G07C 5/08 - Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle, or waiting time
G01M 3/32 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for containers, e.g. radiators
G07C 5/00 - Registering or indicating the working of vehicles
2.
System and Method for Determining Volume of Fluid in a Tank
Volume of a fluid, such as gasoline or diesel fuel, in a tank is determined by measuring the pressure of the fluid using a pressure sensor positioned proximate the bottom of the tank. The depth of the fluid in the tank is then calculated by dividing the pressure by the density of the fluid. Fluid volume is then determined mathematically or from charts given the depth as well as the size and shape of the tank. Multiple pressure readings may be taken along or near the bottom of a tank, and an average pressure determined that may be used to calculate measured volume. To maintain accuracy at different altitudes, pressure readings are preferably adjusted for atmospheric pressure using differential pressure sensors or a processor using data indicative of both pressures. Volume changes exceeding a predetermined threshold, or which are not comparable to dispensed fuel, may be flagged and alerts generated.
G06Q 10/087 - Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
G01F 22/02 - Methods or apparatus for measuring volume of fluids or fluent solid material, not otherwise provided for involving measurement of pressure
G01F 23/14 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measurement of pressure
G06Q 20/40 - Authorisation, e.g. identification of payer or payee, verification of customer or shop credentials; Review and approval of payers, e.g. check of credit lines or negative lists
G07C 5/00 - Registering or indicating the working of vehicles
G07F 13/02 - Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing of fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs by volume
In a method and a corresponding system for identifying a fuel loss event, periodic measurements of a measured volume of fuel stored in a fuel tank (mobile or stationary) are received, and a measurement of a dispensed volume of fuel dispensed into the fuel tank is received from a fueling station. A total volume of fuel is determined equal to the sum of the dispensed volume of fuel and the measured volume of fuel last measured prior to receiving from a fueling station. A difference is determined between the total volume and the measured volume of fuel first measured subsequent to determining the total volume. If the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold indicating a fuel loss event, an alert is generated indicating that there is a fuel loss event.
G01M 3/32 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for containers, e.g. radiators
4.
System and method for determining volume of fluid in a tank
Volume of a fluid, such as gasoline or diesel fuel, in a tank is determined by measuring the pressure of the fluid using a pressure sensor positioned proximate the bottom of the tank. The depth of the fluid in the tank is then calculated by dividing the pressure by the density of the fluid. Fluid volume is then determined mathematically or from charts given the depth as well as the size and shape of the tank. Multiple pressure readings may be taken along or near the bottom of a tank, and an average pressure determined that may be used to calculate measured volume. To maintain accuracy at different altitudes, pressure readings are preferably adjusted for atmospheric pressure using differential pressure sensors or a processor using data indicative of both pressures. Volume changes exceeding a predetermined threshold, or which are not comparable to dispensed fuel, may be flagged and alerts generated.
G06Q 10/087 - Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
G01F 23/14 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measurement of pressure
G06Q 20/40 - Authorisation, e.g. identification of payer or payee, verification of customer or shop credentials; Review and approval of payers, e.g. check of credit lines or negative lists
G07C 5/00 - Registering or indicating the working of vehicles
G01F 22/02 - Methods or apparatus for measuring volume of fluids or fluent solid material, not otherwise provided for involving measurement of pressure
G07F 13/02 - Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing of fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs by volume
G01F 23/18 - Indicating, recording, or alarm devices actuated electrically
G07C 5/08 - Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle, or waiting time
5.
System and method for identifying a fuel loss event
In a method and a corresponding system for identifying a fuel loss event, periodic measurements of a measured volume of fuel stored in a fuel tank (mobile or stationary) are received, and a measurement of a dispensed volume of fuel dispensed into the fuel tank is received from a fueling station. A total volume of fuel is determined equal to the sum of the dispensed volume of fuel and the measured volume of fuel last measured prior to receiving from a fueling station. A difference is determined between the total volume and the measured volume of fuel first measured subsequent to determining the total volume. If the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold indicating a fuel loss event, an alert is generated indicating that there is a fuel loss event.
G01M 3/32 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for containers, e.g. radiators
G07C 5/00 - Registering or indicating the working of vehicles
G07C 5/08 - Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle, or waiting time
Volume of a fluid, such as gasoline or diesel fuel, in a tank is determined by measuring the pressure of the fluid using a pressure sensor positioned proximate the bottom of the tank. The depth of the fluid in the tank is then calculated by dividing the pressure by the density of the fluid. Fluid volume is then determined mathematically or from charts given the depth as well as the size and shape of the tank. Multiple pressure readings may be taken along or near the bottom of a tank, and an average pressure determined that may be used to calculate measured volume. To maintain accuracy at different altitudes, pressure readings are preferably adjusted for atmospheric pressure using differential pressure sensors or a processor using data indicative of both pressures. Volume changes exceeding a predetermined threshold, or which are not comparable to dispensed fuel, may be flagged and alerts generated.
The measured volume of fuel in a storage tank of a vehicle is determined by positioning a sensor within a storage tank holding the fuel. A processor is also located on the vehicle for receiving data relative to the volume of the fuel in the storage tank, the mileage of the vehicle, and vehicle location, date, and time, for transmitting such data to a remote or centralized server ("RS"). The RS also receives fuel dispensed data from a fuel dispensing station ("FDS"), including location, date/time, and volume of fuel dispensed to the storage tank of the vehicle. The RS then compares the data received from the vehicle processor with the fuel dispensed data to determine whether there are any discrepancies between the dispensed volume of fuel purchased, as indicated in the FDS data, and the measured increase of volume of fuel in the vehicle at the time of dispensing from the FDS.
B60K 15/00 - Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
B60W 40/12 - Estimation or calculation of driving parameters for road vehicle drive control systems not related to the control of a particular sub-unit related to parameters of the vehicle itself
8.
System and method for determining volume of fluid in a tank
Volume of a fluid, such as gasoline or diesel fuel, in a tank is determined by measuring the pressure of the fluid using a pressure sensor positioned proximate the bottom of the tank. The depth of the fluid in the tank is then calculated by dividing the pressure by the density of the fluid. Fluid volume is then determined mathematically or from charts given the depth as well as the size and shape of the tank. Multiple pressure readings may be taken along or near the bottom of a tank, and an average pressure determined that may be used to calculate measured volume. To maintain accuracy at different altitudes, pressure readings are preferably adjusted for atmospheric pressure using differential pressure sensors or a processor using data indicative of both pressures. Volume changes exceeding a predetermined threshold, or which are not comparable to dispensed fuel, may be flagged and alerts generated.
G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
G01F 23/14 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measurement of pressure
G06Q 20/40 - Authorisation, e.g. identification of payer or payee, verification of customer or shop credentials; Review and approval of payers, e.g. check of credit lines or negative lists
G01F 23/00 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
G07C 5/00 - Registering or indicating the working of vehicles
G01F 22/02 - Methods or apparatus for measuring volume of fluids or fluent solid material, not otherwise provided for involving measurement of pressure
G07F 13/02 - Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing of fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs by volume
G07C 5/08 - Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle, or waiting time
9.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING VOLUME OF FLUID IN A TANK
Volume of a fluid in a tank is determined by measuring the pressure of fluid proximate to the bottom of the tank. The depth of the fluid is then determined from the pressure and density of the fluid. Fluid volume is then determined mathematically or from charts given the depth as well as the size and shape of a tank. Multiple pressure readings may be taken along the bottom of a tank, and an average pressure determined that may be used to calculate volume. Pressure readings may be taken at different heights to determine fluid density used to calculate volume. Pressure readings may be adjusted for atmospheric pressure. Volume increases or decreases exceeding a respective predetermined threshold may be flagged and alerts generated. Volume calculations may be recorded for comparing against a volume of fluid recorded as being purchased.
G01F 23/14 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measurement of pressure
G01F 23/18 - Indicating, recording, or alarm devices actuated electrically
G07C 5/08 - Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle, or waiting time
10.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING VOLUME OF FLUID IN A TANK
Volume of a fluid in a tank is determined by measuring the pressure of fluid proximate to the bottom of the tank. The depth of the fluid is then determined from the pressure and density of the fluid. Fluid volume is then determined mathematically or from charts given the depth as well as the size and shape of a tank. Multiple pressure readings may be taken along the bottom of a tank, and an average pressure determined that may be used to calculate volume. Pressure readings may be taken at different heights to determine fluid density used to calculate volume. Pressure readings may be adjusted for atmospheric pressure. Volume increases or decreases exceeding a respective predetermined threshold may be flagged and alerts generated. Volume calculations may be recorded for comparing against a volume of fluid recorded as being purchased.
G07C 7/00 - TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE - Details or accessories common to the registering or indicating apparatus of groups and
G01F 23/00 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
G01F 23/14 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measurement of pressure
G01F 23/18 - Indicating, recording, or alarm devices actuated electrically
11.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING VOLUME OF FLUID IN A TANK
A system for determining volume of fluid in at least one tank, the system comprising: at least one tank mounted on a vehicle, the at least one tank being capable of storing a volume of fluid; at least one sensor positioned within the at least one tank, and submersed in fluid when fluid is in the at least one tank, the at least one sensor being configured for measuring pressure of fluid proximate to the bottom of the at least one tank; at least one vent line operably connected to the at least one sensor, the at least one vent line having a single end through which air may flow and atmospheric pressure may be communicated to the at least one sensor, the at least one sensor being further configured for adjusting a fluid pressure reading by the communicated atmospheric pressure; a first at least one processor positioned within the at least one sensor, and a first at least one memory coupled to the first at least one processor, the first at least one memory including computer program code executable by the first at least one processor for generating pressure signals indicative of fluid pressure adjusted by atmospheric pressure; and means for determining the volume of fluid from the pressure signals.
G01F 23/14 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measurement of pressure
G01F 23/18 - Indicating, recording, or alarm devices actuated electrically
12.
System and method for determining volume of fluid in a tank
Volume of a fluid in a tank is determined by measuring the pressure of fluid proximate to the bottom of the tank. The depth of the fluid is then determined from the pressure and density of the fluid. Fluid volume is then determined mathematically or from charts given the depth as well as the size and shape of a tank. Multiple pressure readings may be taken along the bottom of a tank, and an average pressure determined that may be used to calculate volume. Pressure readings may be taken at different heights to determine fluid density used to calculate volume. Pressure readings may be adjusted for atmospheric pressure. Volume increases or decreases exceeding a respective predetermined threshold may be flagged and alerts generated. Volume calculations may be recorded for comparing against a volume of fluid recorded as being purchased.
G01F 17/00 - Methods or apparatus for determining the capacity of containers or cavities, or the volume of solid bodies
G01F 23/14 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measurement of pressure
G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
G08B 19/02 - Alarm responsive to formation or anticipated formation of ice
G06Q 20/40 - Authorisation, e.g. identification of payer or payee, verification of customer or shop credentials; Review and approval of payers, e.g. check of credit lines or negative lists
G07C 5/00 - Registering or indicating the working of vehicles
G07F 13/02 - Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing of fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs by volume
G01F 22/02 - Methods or apparatus for measuring volume of fluids or fluent solid material, not otherwise provided for involving measurement of pressure
G01F 1/00 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
G01F 1/37 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by measuring pressure or differential pressure the pressure or differential pressure being created by the use of flow constriction the pressure or differential pressure being measured by means of communicating tubes or reservoirs with movable fluid levels, e.g. by U-tubes
G01F 1/68 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using thermal effects
G01L 27/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus for measuring fluid pressure
G06Q 40/00 - Finance; Insurance; Tax strategies; Processing of corporate or income taxes
G07C 5/08 - Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle, or waiting time
13.
Redundant data communication system for confirming a fuel event and method therefor
An inventory of a consumable is managed by positioning a sensor within a storage tank holding the consumable and determining the volume of the consumable in the storage tank. A processor is also located on the vehicle for receiving data relative to the volume of the consumable in the storage tank, the mileage of the vehicle, and vehicle location, date, and time, and for transmitting such data to a remote inventory management server (“RIMS”). The RIMS also receives point-of-sale (“POS”) data, including location, date/time, purchase amount, and purchase price related to a consumable intake event at the storage tank of the vehicle. The RIMS then reconciles the data received from the vehicle processor with the POS data to determine whether there are any discrepancies between the fuel purchased and the volume of fuel measured.
G06G 1/14 - Hand-manipulated computing devices in which a straight or curved line has to be drawn from given points on one or more input scales to one or more points on a result scale
G01F 23/14 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measurement of pressure
G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
G08B 19/02 - Alarm responsive to formation or anticipated formation of ice
G06Q 20/40 - Authorisation, e.g. identification of payer or payee, verification of customer or shop credentials; Review and approval of payers, e.g. check of credit lines or negative lists
G07C 5/00 - Registering or indicating the working of vehicles
G07F 13/02 - Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing of fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs by volume
G01F 22/02 - Methods or apparatus for measuring volume of fluids or fluent solid material, not otherwise provided for involving measurement of pressure
G06F 15/00 - Digital computers in general; Data processing equipment in general
G07C 5/08 - Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle, or waiting time
patents
