Notes

Meir Ezra: Fuel delivery pathway control

Another feature of the present invention is that the various valves and controls can be protected from being manually overridden by placing the valves and other sensors in a protective enclosure or dome. The enclosure can be constructed to detect an attempt to mechanically access or manually manipulate the valves. A number of different types of devices can be used for this purpose. The valves can be placed in a vacuum or pressurized chamber, such that a pressure change caused by manual interference causes shutdown and lockdown of all valves that cannot be overridden. An electronic or light controlled interference detector or other such device could also be used. Any controls or measuring devices can be protected in this manner.

While the controls of this invention are designed to be administered by a computer in accordance with programmed instructions and data input from the various components of the system, the system also can be set up so that the approval of an individual operator is necessary for fuel transfer operation.

The system implemented in accordance with the present invention addresses the significant problems experienced by the major participants in the fueling industry. Depot/terminal operators want to increase their control over the fuel delivery process, eliminate fuel theft and fuel degradation, and ensure the correct amount and grade of fuel is properly delivered to the correct service station safely. Oil companies want to maintain and increase customer loyalty and profits. Home base operators need to control mobile fueling and in-house fueling facilities and fleet owners want to eliminate fraud committed by drivers and depot operators and gain real time control over their fleet vehicle.

While all of the features of the present invention can be advantageously be used together to provide a comprehensive monitoring and control system, it is not required that all elements be used together. Benefits are obtained by the use of each feature individually.