Patent Application
20140261856
Not applicable.
The present invention relates in general to a system and method for providing a self-service mobile fueling system.
A typical fuel station has a permanent tank installed, either underground or above ground. These permanent tanks are positioned in a location, and delivery trucks periodically deliver and transfer fuel to the permanent tank. The cost to install one of those tanks can be very costly, and these types of tanks are not mobile. There is a need for a portable tank or tanker truck solution for use with a separate mobile metering system.
Underground tanks and large above-ground tanks are expensive and also not portable. Underground tanks are subject to leaks that cause severe environmental hazards by contamination of fuel, soil, ground water, and drinking water. Research shows many geographic areas had, and currently have, this environmental leakage problem. Thousands of leaking ground tanks have to be dug up because of potential contamination of the drinking water. There is a need for a more environmentally-friendly solution to the tank problem.
The U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,020 to Webb shows a fuel dispensing device. Despite its description, the storage tank shown in the '020 Webb Patent uses a stationary tank that is not mobile or easily movable. The storage tank in the '020 Webb Patent can only be moved by implementation of a crane or other lifting device, and this storage tank is not a standard portable tank or tanker truck. The mobility of the system disclosed in Webb Patent suffers by its lack of mobility. It would not be versatile nor economically feasible to transport a heavy concrete base and tank loaded with fuel over a long distance and heavily traveled highways, which makes the system in Webb non-portable in any conventional sense.
Above-ground fuel dispensing systems are known and illustrated, for example, by U.S. Pat. No. 7,296,601, as well as the U.S. Pat. No. 5,400,924 to Brodie, and Bryant, U.S. Pat. No. 5,114,046. These patented structures are not portable and are intended to remain at a specified location. There is a need for a mobile self-serve metering system that can be used with a mobile or movable tank or tanker truck.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,152,197 and 5,983,962, both to Geradot, disclose a specialized tanker truck system that has specialized metering and storage implemented integral with the tanker truck capabilities. Specialized truck or tank equipment is more expensive standard tanks and tanker trucks, and such specialized systems are not as versatile or portable as needed.
For instance, there is a need for an unattended self-serve system that does not require a gas station attendant and conventional credit cards can be used to pay from such fuel transfers. Self-service mobile metering systems at rural airports or at construction sites would allow purchasers the flexibility of purchasing fuel when it is convenient, and without incurring a late-night attendant service call charge.
The Rogers U.S. Pat. No. 4,131,214 shows a gasoline delivery truck which utilizes the air pressure associated with the vehicle air brakes to pressurize the area over the fuel for forcing fuel from the truck. This patented arrangement is for a delivery truck, not a retail dispensing device. There is a need for a mobile retail metering system that can be used with a conventional portable tank or tanker truck.
Because specialized truck or tank equipment is more expensive than standard tanks and tanker trucks, the present invention is a portable self-serve metering and pumping system that can be used with standard mobile tanks or tanker trucks. A portable self-serve fuel metering system that may be coupled to a standard portable storage tank or tanker truck, which eliminates the need for specialized equipment on the tank or tanker truck and the need for underground storage tanks. By using portable tanks or tanker trucks, the invention eliminates the possibility of environmental leaks and spills. A primary purpose of the present invention is to aid in a cleaner environment, which is a more environmentally-friendly solution to the tank problem.
A self service mobile fueling system having a mobile fueling unit and a mobile fueling tank. The mobile fueling unit having a pump or dispenser is secured to a platform that allows the pump to be easily relocated, and supports self-service at the metering equipment, including the use of credit card payments. A tanker truck couples to the self-serve portable metering system in the present invention. When empty, a new tank or tanker truck can be driven to the location of the empty tank or tanker truck for swapping out.
This self-service mobile metering and pumping system can be used at rural airports or at construction sites, and thereby allows purchasers the flexibility of purchasing fuel when it is convenient to the purchaser and without incurring a late-night attendant service call charge. As such, this invention supports that use of a mobile self-serve retail metering system that can be used with a conventional portable tank or tanker truck.
The scope of the invention provides a self-service mobile fueling metering system to be used in collaboration with a standard mobile fueling tank (e.g. a mobile fuel tank or tanker truck). The invention allows for a temporary self-serve station to be used that does not require the installation of a fuel tank (below or aboveground) or a fueling mechanism (e.g. a fuel pump). The fuel would be accessible any time a user desires and would not require an attendant be present.
The invention provides a cost effective and simple way to provide customers fuel at any time, in a location of your choosing. The invention is intended to be used at emergency evacuations, construction sites, small airports, speedways, or anywhere in need of a temporary and/or inexpensive self-service fueling station.
A system providing self-service mobile fueling is herein disclosed. The system comprises a self service mobile fueling unit and a mobile fuel tank. The mobile fuel tank is an aboveground tank that is easily moved from one location to another. Because specialized truck or tank equipment is more expensive than standard tanks and tanker trucks, the present invention is a portable self-serve metering system that can be used with standard mobile tanks or tanker trucks.
A portable self-serve fuel metering system that may be coupled to a standard portable storage tank or tanker truck, which eliminates the need for specialized equipment on the tank or standard tanker truck and the need for permanent storage tanks. By using portable tanks or tanker trucks, the invention eliminates the possibility of environmental leaks and spills. A primary purpose of the present invention is to aid in a cleaner environment, which is more environmentally-friendly solution to the tank problem.
In general, the present invention uses a method of fueling vehicles at selectable temporary locations including initially coupling a standard tank or tanker truck to the portable self-serve metering system. The standard tank or tanker truck can be temporary located in a secure manner at or near the portable self-serve metering system, and when empty the tank or tanker truck can be replaced with another tank or tanker truck filled with fuel.
A self service mobile fueling system having a mobile fueling unit and a mobile fueling tank. The mobile fueling unit having a pump or dispenser is secured to a platform that allows the pump to be easily relocated, and supports self-service at the metering equipment, including the use of credit card payments. A tanker truck couples to the self-serve portable metering system in the present invention. When empty, a new tank or tanker truck can be driven to the location of the empty tank or tanker truck for swapping out.
This self-service mobile metering systems can be used at rural airports or at construction sites, and thereby allow purchasers the flexibility of purchasing fuel when it is convenient to the purchaser and without incurring a late-night attendant service call charge. As such, this invention supports that use of a mobile self-serve retail metering system that can be used with a conventional portable tank or tanker truck.
In general, and in one form of the invention, an above ground portable fuel dispensing device includes a fuel container formed of inner and outer fuel impervious walls and a plurality of fuel metering and dispensing units coupled to the container for simultaneously dispensing metered quantities of fuel to a plurality of vehicles. A plurality of wheels such as the undercarriage of a semi-tractor trailer support the device for allowing the device to be moved between locations at which fuel is dispensed to vehicles and a fuel container refilling location.
For dispensing highly flammable fuels, an air compressor may be used to pressurize an air space in the fuel container for forcing fuel from the container to the vehicles. As an alternative, each dispensing unit may include a hydraulically powered pump for pumping fuel from the container to a vehicle and a common source of pressurized hydraulic fluid may be coupled by oil line 20 to each of the fuel metering and dispensing units for selectively dispensing fuel from the units.
The pump 101 is secured to the platform 102. Preferably a hose reel or holder 140 is secured to the platform 102 to hold the fueling hose 145. A filter 130 is secured to the pump 101 and fueling hose 145 to filter any particles from the gas that may be harmful to the mechanism being fueled. Preferably each part is secured to another part by way of bolts, rivets, screws, welding, or any other forms of fastening. Filter 130 may also be integral to the pump 101.
By having the pump 101, card reader 120, hose reel 140, and filter 130 directly or indirectly secured to platform 102, the fueling unit 100 is easily mobile as the platform only needs to be moved from one location to another. The mobility of the fueling unit 100 allows it to be installed in various locations whether temporary, semi-permanent or permanent. Some examples of temporary locations may be a construction site, a fairground, or an event. Some semi-permanent or permanent locations may be a small charter airport, a marina, or a small rural town.
Card reader 120 allows the fueling unit 100 to be self-service. The self-service aspect of the invention is important as it allows the fueling unit 100 to be used anyway without a need for an attendant to be present. The card reader 120 may process transactions through a wired or wireless connection. A wireless connection may be a Wi-Fi connection through a local router or a network connection using cell towers and/or satellites. This purchasing means provides a user 24/7 access to the fuel. The card reader 120 may also be integral to pump 101 (see
Further, fueling unit 100 comprises a tank attachment apparatus that is secured to pump 101. The tank attachment apparatus is used to connect and disconnect the mobile fueling tank to and from the fueling unit 100 and is further discussed in
Referring to
The pump 201 is secured to the platform 202. Preferably a hose reel or holder 240 is secured to the platform 202 to hold the fueling hose 245. A filter 230 is secured to the pump 201 and fueling hose 245 to filter any particles from the gas that may be harmful to the mechanism being fueled. Preferably each part is secured to another part by way of bolts, rivets, screws, welding, or any other forms of fastening.
By having the pump 201, card reader 220, hose reel 240, and filter 230 directly or indirectly secured to platform 202, the fueling unit 200 becomes easily mobile as the platform 202 only needs to be moved from one location to another. The mobility of the fueling unit 200 allows it to be installed in various locations whether temporary, semi-permanent or permanent. Some examples of temporary locations may be a construction site, a fairground, or an event. Some semi-permanent or permanent locations may be a small charter airport, a marina, or a small rural town.
The platform 202 may be relocated by trailer, fork lift, cargo/freight, or any common means of transportation. The platform 201 may be simply placed in a location or temporarily secured to the ground by stakes, bolts, anchoring fasteners, or other forms of anchoring objects to the ground common in the art.
Card reader 220 allows the fueling unit 200 to be self-service. The self-service aspect of the invention is important as it allows the fueling unit 200 to be used anyway without a need for an attendant to be present. The card reader 220 may process transactions through a wired or wireless connection. A wireless connection may be a Wi-Fi connection through a local router or a network connection using cell towers and/or satellites. This purchasing means provides a user access to the fuel 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The fueling unit 200 is adapted to connect to a mobile fueling tank 205. The fueling unit 200 comprises a tank attachment apparatus 250 that is secured to pump 201. The tank attachment apparatus 250 is used to connect and disconnect the mobile fueling tank 205 to and from the fueling unit 200. The tank attachment apparatus 250 comprises a coupler 252. Mobile fueling tank 205 further comprises an adapter 254 that is adapted to couple with coupler 252, and has features to control standard transport and transfer vents and integral controls. Pump 201 may also comprise an emergency valve 280 to which tank attachment apparatus 250 is secured.
Preferably, the coupler 252 and adapter 254 are Dry Break or API couplings which are dry disconnect couplings or dry break couplers that form a secure hose connection and allow for a spill-free disconnect. Dry Break couplings have become standard use to prevent spillage of petro-chemicals during the connection and disconnection of flowlines. Other coupling pairs may be used provided that the coupler 252 and adapter 254 are secured together in a way that prevents spillage of petro-chemicals during the connection and disconnection of flowlines.
A mobile fueling tank 205 may be of a variety of mobile tanks including a mobile fuel tank, fuel trailers and fuel tankers. The mobile fueling tank 205 comprises a tank 210 that can hold a liquid. The mobile fueling tank 205 should be aboveground and not permanently secured to a location. Preferably, the mobile fueling tank 205 is a fuel tanker that can be easily connected and disconnected from the metering and pumping unit 200 as needed. When the fuel is low in the tank 210, the mobile fueling tank 205 is disconnected from the fueling unit 200, taken to a refueling location, refilled and returned to the fueling unit location and reconnected to the fueling unit 200 or replaced with another tanker unit.
Pump 201 may also comprise electrical outputs that connect the fueling unit 200 to a generator, electrical outlet, and/or electrical connectors on the mobile fueling tank.
Referring to
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The pump 701 is secured to the platform 702. Preferably a hose reel or holder 740 is secured to the platform 702 to hold the fueling hose 745. A filter 730 is secured to the pump 701 and fueling hose 745 to filter any particles from the gas that may be harmful to the mechanism being fueled. Preferably each part is secured to another part by way of bolts, rivets, screws, welding, or any other forms of fastening.
By having the pump 701, card reader 720, hose reel 740, and filter 730 directly or indirectly secured to platform 702, the fueling unit 700 becomes easily mobile as the platform 702 only needs to be moved from one location to another. The mobility of the fueling unit 700 allows it to be installed in various locations whether temporary, semi-permanent or permanent. Some examples of temporary locations may be a construction site, a fairground, or an event. Some semi-permanent or permanent locations may be a small charter airport, a marina, or a small rural town.
The platform 702 may be relocated by trailer, fork lift, cargo/freight, or any common means of transportation. The platform 701 may be simply placed in a location or temporarily secured to the ground by stakes, bolts, anchoring fasteners, or other forms of anchoring objects to the ground common in the art.
Card reader 720 allows the fueling unit 700 to be self-service. The self-service aspect of the invention is important as it allows the fueling unit 700 to be used anyway without a need for an attendant to be present. The card reader 720 may process transactions through a wired or wireless connection. A wireless connection may be a Wi-Fi connection through a local router or a network connection using cell towers and/or satellites. This purchasing means provides a user access to the fuel 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The fueling unit 700 is adapted to connect to a mobile fueling tank 705. The fueling unit 700 comprises a tank attachment apparatus 750 that is secured to pump 701. The tank attachment apparatus 750 is used to connect and disconnect the mobile fueling tank 705 to and from the fueling unit 700. The tank attachment apparatus 750 comprises a coupler 752. Mobile fueling tank 705 further comprises an adapter 754 that is adapted to couple with coupler 752. Pump 701 may also comprise an emergency valve 780 to which tank attachment apparatus 750 is secured. Further, tank attachment apparatus 750 may comprise air line 751 to help remove any air within the liquid or fuel after the liquid or fuel has left tank 710.
Preferably, the coupler 752 and adapter 754 are Dry Break or API couplings which are dry disconnect couplings or dry break couplers that form a secure hose connection and allow for a spill-free disconnect. Dry Break couplings have become standard use to prevent spillage of petro-chemicals during the connection and disconnection of flowlines. Other coupling pairs may be used provided that the coupler 752 and adapter 754 are secured together in a way that prevents spillage of petro-chemicals during the connection and disconnection of flowlines. Common Dry Break and API couplings can be found in the market.
A mobile fueling tank 705 may be of a variety of mobile tanks including a mobile fuel tank, fuel trailers and fuel tankers. The mobile fueling tank 705 comprises a tank 710 that can hold a liquid. The mobile fueling tank 705 should be aboveground and not permanently secured to a location. Preferably, the mobile fueling tank 705 is a fuel tanker that can be easily connected and disconnected from the fueling unit as needed.
In this embodiment, tank 710 comprises a belly valve 712 and a vent 714. Vent 714 is designed to allow air into the tank 710 as the liquid or fuel is removed and keep fumes or toxic air from leaving the tank 710. Belly valve 712 is designed to release the liquid or fuel through the bottom of the tank 710. Belly valve 712 may also act as an emergency valve. Belly valves are common in the art. When the fuel is low in the tank 710, the mobile fueling tank 705 is disconnected from the fueling unit 700, taken to a refueling location, then returned to the fueling unit location and reconnected to the fueling unit 700.
Pump 701 may also comprise electrical outputs that connect the fueling unit 700 to a generator, electrical outlet, and/or electrical connectors on the mobile fueling tank.
Referring to
The pump 801 is secured to the platform 802. Preferably a hose reel or holder 840 is secured to the platform 802 to hold the fueling hose 845. A filter 830 is secured to the pump 801 and fueling hose 845 to filter any particles from the gas that may be harmful to the mechanism being fueled. Preferably each part is secured to another part by way of bolts, rivets, screws, welding, or any other forms of fastening.
By having the pump 801, card reader 820, hose reel 840, and filter 830 directly or indirectly secured to platform 802, the fueling unit 800 becomes easily mobile as the platform 802 only needs to be moved from one location to another. The mobility of the fueling unit 800 allows it to be installed in various locations whether temporary, semi-permanent or permanent. Some examples of temporary locations may be a construction site, a fairground, or an event. Some semi-permanent or permanent locations may be a small charter airport, a marina, or a small rural town.
The platform 802 may be relocated by trailer, fork lift, cargo/freight, or any common means of transportation. The platform 801 may be simply placed in a location or temporarily secured to the ground by stakes, bolts, anchoring fasteners, or other forms of anchoring objects to the ground common in the art.
Card reader 820 allows the fueling unit 800 to be self-service. The self-service aspect of the invention is important as it allows the fueling unit 800 to be used anyway without a need for an attendant to be present. The card reader 820 may process transactions through a wired or wireless connection. A wireless connection may be a Wi-Fi connection through a local router or a network connection using cell towers and/or satellites. This purchasing means provides a user access to the fuel 24 hours a day, 8 days a week.
The fueling unit 800 is adapted to connect to a mobile fueling tank 805. The fueling unit 800 comprises a tank attachment apparatus 850 that is secured to pump 801. The tank attachment apparatus 850 is used to connect and disconnect the mobile fueling tank 805 to and from the fueling unit 800. The tank attachment apparatus 850 comprises a coupler 852. Mobile fueling tank 805 further comprises an adapter 858 that is adapted to couple with coupler 856. Pump 801 may also comprise an emergency valve 880 to which tank attachment apparatus 850 is secured. Further, tank attachment apparatus 850 may comprise air lines 851 and 853 that help remove any air within the liquid or fuel after the liquid or fuel has left tank 810.
Preferably, the coupler 856 and adapter 858 are Dry Break or API couplings which are dry disconnect couplings or dry break couplers that form a secure hose connection and allow for a spill-free disconnect. Dry Break couplings have become standard use to prevent spillage of petro-chemicals during the connection and disconnection of flowlines. Other coupling pairs may be used provided that the coupler 852 and adapter 854 are secured together in a way that prevents spillage of petro-chemicals during the connection and disconnection of flowlines. Common Dry Break and API couplings can be found in the market.
A mobile fueling tank 805 may be of a variety of mobile tanks including a mobile fuel tank, fuel trailers and fuel tankers. The mobile fueling tank 805 comprises a tank 810 that can hold a liquid. The mobile fueling tank 805 should be aboveground and not permanently secured to a location. Preferably, the mobile fueling tank 805 is a fuel tanker that can be easily connected and disconnected from the fueling unit as needed.
In this embodiment, tank 810 comprises a sub pump 816 and a vent 814. Vent 814 is designed to allow air into the tank 810 as the liquid or fuel is removed and keep fumes or toxic air from leaving the tank 810. Sub pump 816 is designed to pump the liquid or fuel from the inside of the tank 810 and pump it up through the top of the tank 810. Sub pump 816 resides inside tank 810 and is typically located near the bottom of tank 810. When the fuel is low in the tank 810, the mobile fueling tank 805 is disconnected from the fueling unit 800, taken to a refueling location, then returned to the fueling unit location and reconnected to the fueling unit 800.
Pump 801 may also comprise electrical outputs that connect the fueling unit 800 to a generator, electrical outlet, and/or electrical connectors on the mobile fueling tank.
An example of the application of the invention is as follows:
A small charter airplane needs to leave at 2 A.M. and requires fuel. At that time of night/morning, a fuel truck operator is usually not available. The airport may employ the invention to allow the plane owners/operators the convenience of refueling at any time of day without an attendant present.
Another example of the application of the invention is as follows:
A construction site may employ the invention. The invention provides a temporary fueling station on the actual construction site to refuel any construction vehicles as needed. Construction workers working during uncommon hours can continue using their vehicles without the inconvenience of requiring a fueling personnel to be present. Once the construction stop as a whole is finishing, the invention can be easily removed from the site without destruction of the site.
The system should not come under the present containment laws as it should not be considered as fuel in storage. For a large operation such as a high volume truck stop, the unloading time would be about the same as a fuel transport unit takes to unload into an underground storage tank. Such fuel transport trucks are typically not in containment while unloading fuel.
While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and teachings of the invention. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only, and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations and modifications of the invention disclosed herein are possible and are within the scope of the invention.
