Patent ID: 8720499
Filing Date: 2014-05-13
Classification: B64F,B67D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A fuel dispensing apparatus for delivering fuel from a fuel source, comprising: a flow conduit defining a fluid flow path from a fuel source to an outlet where fuel is dispensed; a fuel filter located along said fluid flow path; an electrically-controlled valve located along said fluid flow path; at least one water detector configured to detect at least one water fuel quality characteristic in real time as said fuel passes through said flow conduit; at least one particulate monitor configured to detect at least one particulate fuel quality characteristic in real time as said fuel passes through said flow conduit; at least one differential pressure sensor configured to detect at least one fuel pressure drop across said fuel filter in real time, and an electronic control system in communication with each of said at least one water detector, particulate monitor, and differential pressure sensor and configured to receive fuel quality sensor information corresponding to said at least one detected water fuel quality characteristic, particulate fuel quality characteristic, and fuel pressure drop across said fuel filter in real time, wherein said electronic control system is further configured to automatically direct said valve from a high flow position corresponding to a first flow rate of said fuel to a low flow position corresponding to a second flow rate of said fuel lower than said first flow rate, thereby maintaining said flow of said fuel through said flow conduit to be delivered to said fuel source at a reduced flow rate, in response to receiving fuel quality sensor information indicating that: