Abstract:
A connection line protection system employs unique identifiers on outlets and inlets. A connector connects a selected outlet with a selected inlet. The connector mounts at opposing ends an identifier that identifies the connector. A scanner is employed to scan in tandem a first identifier of the outlet and a connector identifier and a second identifier of the inlets and the identifier of the connector. The readings are compared with a schedule to determine whether the connector is properly mounted and connected between a selected outlet and a selected inlet. The identifiers include RFIDs and barcodes. The identifiers are preferably angularly spaced around the outlets, inlets and the couplers of the connector. The identifier may be affixed by snap rings mounting barcode labels or RFID buttons.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    In the liquid distribution industry, such as bottling and canning operations and liquid fuel deliveries, such as oil and gasoline, it is necessary to use temporary hose connections between the tanks storing the liquid and bottling equipment or tanks receiving the liquid. It is possible, if the operator is not careful, to introduce the wrong liquid into the wrong production line or storage tank because multiple hoses can be used simultaneously in large bottling facilities and multiple tanks used on delivery trucks and multiple tanks can be used to store the liquid at the sites. This mix-up could be quite costly and time-consuming to correct the error. 
         [0002]    To prevent the mix-up between hoses, tanks, and bottling and canning equipment, it is highly desirable to have an automatic identification system, that will quickly and accurately verify that the interconnect hoses are connected to the correct ports. This disclosure partially pertains to techniques of identifying the hose connections and the ports to which they are attached to. It is very important that the identification is easily achieved, accurate, and cost-effective. Two different methods of identification are employed. The first uses the barcode technology and the second uses RFID technology. Both systems use a portable scanner, with wireless communications back to a central processor that either verifies the hose connections are correct or alerts the operator if there is an incorrect connection. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    Briefly stated, the connection line protection system comprises a first array of outlets that each have a first unique identifier and a second array of inlets that each have a second unique identifier. The connection line protection system also comprises a connector having opposed ends that each have a connector identifier and a scanner for reading in tandem a first identifier and a connector identifier and a second identifier and a connector identifier. The scanner compares the readings with a schedule to determine whether the opposed ends of the connector are properly connected between an outlet and an inlet. The identifiers comprise barcodes or RFIDs. The first array of outlets may be manifold ports and the second array of inlets may be inlet ports. The manifold ports are each connected to a storage tank and the connector may be a hose. 
         [0004]    The outlets comprise a multiple port fuel manifold each connecting with corresponding fuel tanks of a fuel delivery truck. The inlets communicate with a corresponding storage tank. The connector has opposed couplings each with a ring mounting angularly spaced identifiers. The identifiers comprise a barcode or an RFID. At least two barcodes or RFIDs are disposed at angularly spaced locations around the coupling and rings snap onto the couplings. The outlets further have a plurality of angularly spaced barcodes or RFIDs. The inlets further have a plurality of angularly spaced barcodes or RFIDs. 
         [0005]    Briefly stated, the connection line protection method comprises scanning a personal identification badge, associated with an operator, with a scanner and sending the information to a gateway terminal by a radio frequency network. The gateway terminal then sends a schedule to the scanner containing a first identifier of an outlet, a second identifier of an inlet, and a third identifier of a connector. The method then involves connecting the connector to the outlet and inlet and scanning the identifiers at the connections between the outlet and connector and inlet and connector. The connection line protection method then involves comparing the scanned identifiers with the schedule and emitting an audio or visual cue to alert the operator if the scanned identifiers do not match the schedule. 
         [0006]    The connection line protection method further comprises scanning the first identifier on the outlet, the second identifier on the inlet, and the third identifier on the connector with the scanner and comparing the scanned identifiers with the schedule. The scanner emits an audio or visual cue to alert the operator if the scanned identifiers do not match the schedule. This method may further comprise collecting identifiers with the terminal to create the schedule. The connection line protection method may also include disposing at least two identifiers at angularly spaced locations around the connector at opposed couplings and snapping rings onto the couplings. At least two identifiers may be disposed at angularly spaced locations around the outlets and/or the inlets. Additionally, the connection line protection method may include storing the schedule in a memory of the scanner and storing the time scanned and the information contained in the personal identification badge in the memory. A location identifier associated with a location, information from the first identifier on the outlet, information from the second identifier on the inlet, and information from the third identifier on the connector may also be stored in the scanner. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is a photograph of multiple panel mounted manifold ports; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a photograph of a representative distribution manifold for storage tanks with selected ports connected to selected fill lines for which the connection line protection system is employed; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a photograph of multiple mounted manifold ports on a tank truck; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3A  is an enlarged pictorial drawing of a floor port fuel manifold; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a line drawing of the fuel delivery truck as connected to underground storage tanks; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a photograph of a quick connect storage tank manifold port; 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a photograph of a quick connect hose coupling; 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a line drawing of right angle quick connect hose coupling; 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a line drawing of a quick connect storage tank manifold port; 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is an isometric drawing of a snap ring; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9A  is a photograph of a snap ring; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9B  is a photograph of a snap ring barcode label; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9C  is a photograph of an intelligent barcode snap ring assembly; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a photograph of an intelligent barcode ring attached to a quick connect storage tank manifold port; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a photograph of hose coupling barcode labels; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11A  is an enlarged photograph of a hose coupling barcode label; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11B  is a photograph of an intelligent barcode quick connect hose coupling; 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a photograph of a handheld barcode scanning terminal; 
           [0025]      FIG. 12A  is a line drawing of the handheld barcode scanning terminal of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is a schematic drawing of the handheld barcode scanning terminal of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  is a photograph of an intelligent manifold port assembly; 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  is a photograph of the handheld barcode scanning terminal of  FIG. 12  as employed to scan a manifold port and connected quick collect hose coupling; 
           [0029]      FIG. 15A  is a line drawing, partly in diagram form, showing hose coupling barcode labels; 
           [0030]      FIG. 16  is a drawing showing the intelligent hoses with its intelligent quick connect hose couplings; 
           [0031]      FIG. 17  is schematic diagram of an intelligent barcode scanning system; 
           [0032]      FIG. 18  is an isometric drawing of a snap ring; 
           [0033]      FIG. 18A  is a photograph of an RFID button; 
           [0034]      FIG. 18B  is a photograph of a snap ring and an RFID button; 
           [0035]      FIG. 18C  is a photograph of a snap ring showing hotspots; 
           [0036]      FIG. 18D  is a photograph of an intelligent RFID snap ring assembly; 
           [0037]      FIG. 19  is a photograph of an intelligent RFID ring attached to the quick connect manifold port; 
           [0038]      FIG. 20  is a photograph of an RFID button carrier; 
           [0039]      FIG. 20A  is a photograph of an RFID label showing hotspots; 
           [0040]      FIG. 20B  is a photograph of the RFID label attached to the RFID tag assembly; 
           [0041]      FIG. 20C  is a photograph of the hose coupling with an RFID tag assembly; 
           [0042]      FIG. 21  is a photograph of a handheld RFID scanning terminal; 
           [0043]      FIG. 21A  is an isometric drawing of the handheld RFID scanning terminal of  FIG. 21 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 21B  is an isometric drawing of a charging station for the RFID scanning terminal of  FIG. 21 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 22  is a schematic drawing of the handheld RFID scanning terminal of  FIG. 21 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 23  is a photograph of an intelligent RFID manifold assembly and connected hose coupler; 
           [0047]      FIG. 24  is a photograph of the handheld RFID scanning terminal of  FIG. 21  scanning RFID tags of the manifold assembly and hose coupler of  FIG. 23 ; 
           [0048]      FIG. 25  is a schematic line drawing, showing intelligent hoses interconnected between a delivery truck and the underground tanks; 
           [0049]      FIG. 25A  is a line drawing of a representative delivery truck operator; 
           [0050]      FIG. 25B  is a line drawing, showing RFID scanning as employed in the system of  FIGS. 25 ; and 
           [0051]      FIG. 26  is a photograph of the RFID scanner display panel for the scanner of  FIG. 25B . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0052]    With reference to the drawings, wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the several figures, a connection line protection system has numerous applications, including the disclosed applications wherein the connection line protection system automatically determines whether a line connection between a port of a manifold of ports and a selected second port for an outlet line is correctly connected or a hose is correctly connected between a fuel tank truck reservoir and the proper underground storage tank, such as employed in fuel dispensing stations. The connection line protection system preferably employs handheld scanners which have RF communication capability and read barcodes or RFID tags to determine whether or not the connections are correct. 
         [0053]    The connection line protection system may be employed to ensure proper connections between manifold line ports and fill ports as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . A representative distribution manifold  100  which shows quick connect storage tank manifold ports  101 ,  103  and quick connect filler line manifold ports  105 ,  107 . As many as  100  manifold ports may be mounted to a distribution panel  100 . Manifold ports  101  are connected to storage tank number one  102 , manifold ports  103  are connected to storage tank number three  104 , manifold ports  117  are connected to storage tank number five  114 , and manifold ports  105  are connected to fill line number one  106 , manifold ports  107  are connected to fill line number four  108 , manifold ports  113  are connected to fill line number three  110 , and manifold ports  118  are connected to fill line number two  115 . Also shown are interconnecting hoses  111 ,  116  with quick connect hose couplings  303 . 
         [0054]    The connection line protection system may also be employed to ensure proper hose connections for the fuel delivery truck/underground tank system of  FIGS. 3 and 4 . A representative fuel delivery truck  200  with multiple fuel tanks  201 ,  202 ,  206  connected to four port fuel manifold  203 , which includes a loading component  205  and an unloading coupler  204 . A representative fuel delivery truck  200  with multiple fuel tanks  201 ,  202 ,  206  connected to four port fuel manifold  203 , which includes a loading component  205  connected to truck tank number three  201  and an unloading coupler  204  connected to truck tank number one  202  and unloading coupler  204  connected to truck tank number four  206 . Also shown are an interconnecting hose  212 , with quick connect hose couplings  303  and right angle quick connect hose coupling  306  connected to underground tank number one  214 . Also shown are an interconnecting hose  213  with quick connect hose couplings  303  and right angle quick connect hose coupling  306  connected to underground tank number two  215 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 5  is a photograph of quick connect storage tank manifold ports  301  and the cover retaining clip  302 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 6  is a photograph of a quick connect hose coupling  303 , with two recessed areas  304  and one recessed area  305 . A second set of recessed areas on the reverse side of the hose coupling  303  are not shown in photograph. 
         [0057]      FIG. 7  shows a right angle quick connect hose coupling  306 , with two recessed areas  304  and one recessed area  305 . A second set of recessed areas on the reverse side of the hose coupling  306  are not shown in the photograph. 
         [0058]      FIG. 8  shows a quick connect storage tank manifold port  301 , underground storage tank  215  and the cover retaining manhole  553 . The cover is not shown. 
         [0059]    Various snap ring features are illustrated in  FIG. 9-10 .  FIG. 9  shows a snap ring  307  with recessed label area  309  and recessed cover retaining clip area  308 .  FIG. 9A  is a photograph of a snap ring  307  with a cut in the ring  504  that allows the snap ring to be expanded.  FIG. 9B  is a photograph of a snap ring barcode label  310  with bar code label  311  being printed horizontally approximately the full length of the label.  FIG. 9C  is a photograph of a snap ring  307  and barcode label  310  applied to snap ring  307  to form intelligent barcode snap ring assembly  307 A.  FIG. 10  is a photograph of intelligent barcode snap ring assembly  307 A attached to a quick connect storage tank manifold ports  301 , to form an intelligent manifold port assembly  335 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 11  is a photograph of hose coupling barcode labels  312 ,  313 ,  314  with the bar code being printed horizontally the full length of the label.  FIG. 11A  is an enlarged photograph of hose coupling barcode label  313 .  FIG. 11B  is a photograph of hose coupling  303  with barcode label  313  applied to recessed area  304  to form intelligent barcode quick connect hose coupling  336 . 
         [0061]    With reference to  FIGS. 12-13 , a handheld barcode scanning terminal with RF communications  315  is preferably employed in the connection line protection system. The handheld barcode scanning terminal with RF communications  315  showing a display  316 , a keypad  317 , and a terminal handle  318 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 13  shows a schematic drawing of one embodiment of a handheld barcode scanning terminal with RF communications  315  an intelligent barcode ring  314 , an intelligent quick connect hose barcode label  313 , a charging cradle  326 , and a power module  330 . 
         [0063]    The barcode scanning terminal  315  contains a microprocessor  322  that receives data from RFID scanner  525  which is transmitted to an RF transceiver and nonvolatile memory  325 . The RF transceiver and/or nonvolatile memory  325  transmit data back to the microprocessor  322  and if the data is incorrect the microprocessor sends a signal to audio enunciator  323  to alert the operator. The microprocessor  322  also sends data to display  316  for the operator to read. The microprocessor  322  receives input from the operator through keys  321  on keypad  317 . 
         [0064]    The microprocessor  322  sends data to a gateway terminal (not pictured) through the RF transceiver. The barcode scanning terminal  315  receives data from the intelligent barcode ring  314  and the intelligent quick connect hose barcode label  313  through barcode scanner  318 , which uses scanning beam  320 . 
         [0065]    The charging cradle  326  is electrically connected to power module  524  and contains magnet sensor  328 , inductive transmitter  329 , and inductive coils  331 . When the magnet sensor  328  senses close proximity of magnet  327  in the barcode scanning terminal  315 , the inductive transmitter  329  is switched to an on state to transmit electricity from power module  330  to an inductive receiver  332  in the barcode scanning terminal  315 . This electricity is transmitted through inductive coils  331 . The microprocessor  322  ultimately receives electricity from terminal battery  333  which is mounted in parallel with inductive receiver  332  and regulator  334 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 14  is a photograph of an intelligent manifold port assembly  335  connected to an intelligent barcode quick connect hose coupling  336 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 15  is a photograph of handheld barcode scanning terminal  315  concurrently scanning the labels on an intelligent manifold port assembly  335  and a connected intelligent barcode quick connect hose coupling  336 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 15A  shows hose coupling barcode labels  313  and a snap ring barcode label  310  with respect to scan rotation area  421 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 16  shows the intelligent hose  337  with its intelligent quick connect hose coupling  336  connected to an intelligent manifold port assembly  335  providing a liquid path from tank number five  114  to fill line number two  115 . Also shown is an intelligent hose  338  with its intelligent quick connect hose coupling  336  connected to an intelligent manifold port assembly  335  providing a liquid path from tank number two  109  to fill line number three  110 . 
         [0070]      FIG. 17  is a schematic system diagram showing a scheduler terminal  401  connected to a local area network  402 , and a host computer  403  connected to the local area network  402 . A gateway terminal  404  is also connected to the local area network  402 . Also shown is a handheld barcode scanning terminal  315  being held by docking station  326 , which is being powered by power module  330 . The handheld barcode scanning terminal  315  is shown communicating to the gateway terminal  404  via the RF link  405 . The handheld barcode scanning terminal  315  is being held by the hose installer  542  scanning his employee badge  407 . The handheld barcode scanning terminal  315  is communicating with the gateway terminal  404  via the RF link  406 . 
         [0071]    The scheduler enters the sequence of hose removal from the previous day&#39;s operations and the hose installation required to transfer liquids from holding tanks to filling lines, for the next operation, on his terminal  401 . The schedule is sent from terminal  401  by a local area network  402  to the host computer  403 . The schedule is also sent via the local area network  402  to the gateway terminal  404 , typically located near the hose connection room. The add/delete hose schedule is transferred via of the local RF network  405  to the barcode scanning terminal  315  cradled in the docking station  326 . When the operator  542  starts the exchange of hoses, he first must send his personal barcode identification badge, which will be uploaded to the gateway terminal  404  via the RF network  406 . He then will receive from the gateway terminal  404 , a list of add and delete hoses. As he removes the hoses, as instructed, he scans the intelligent hose couplings and manifold ports; this event is then transmitted back to the gateway terminal  404  via the RF network  406 . 
         [0072]    If the operator removes the wrong hose, he receives an audio alert and a visual message on the barcode scanning terminal. As the operator installs the new required hoses, between intelligent tank ports and intelligent filling lines ports, he scans intelligent port and intelligent hose connector, at the same time to confirm that he is installing the correct hose on the correct port. The operator scans both ends of the hoses and their connections  335  and  336  to confirm that they were installed properly. When the correct installation is confirmed, the barcode scanning terminal  315  will transmit the status to the gateway terminal  404 . As each requested connection is confirmed, a message is sent from the gateway terminal  404  to the host computer  403  via the local area network. 
         [0073]    Also being shown is a handheld barcode scanning terminal  315  scanning a connection between intelligent hose  336  and intelligent manifold port assembly  335  which is connected to tank number five  114  and also scanning a connection between intelligent hose connector  336  and intelligent manifold port assembly  335  which is connected to fill line number two  115 . 
         [0074]      FIG. 18  shows a snap ring  503  with recessed label area  309 , a recessed cover retaining clip area  308 , and a recessed area for RFID buttons  502 ,  501  and not shown  503 , and a split ring area  504 .  FIG. 18A  is a photograph of an RFID button  505  and an RFID label  506 .  FIG. 18B  is a photograph of a snap ring  307  and RFID buttons  505  inserted in recesses  501 ,  502 ,  503 .  FIG. 18C  is a photograph of a snap ring RFID label  506  showing hotspots  507 ,  508 ,  509 .  FIG. 18D  is a photograph of an intelligent RFID snap ring assembly  510 . 
         [0075]    With reference to  FIGS. 19-20C , various RFID snap ring assembly  506  attached to a quick connect storage tank manifold ports  301  to form an intelligent manifold port assembly  511 .  FIG. 20  is a photograph of an RFID button carrier  512  with an RFID button  505  inserted in the recessed area  512 A forming assembly  513 .  FIG. 20A  is a photograph of a label  514 , which shows the hotspot  514 A on the label.  FIG. 20B  is a photograph of label  514  attached to the RFID assembly  513  to form the RFID tag assembly  515 .  FIG. 20C  is a photograph of hose coupling  303  with RFID tag assembly  515  applied to recessed area  305  to form intelligent RFID quick connect hose coupling  516 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 21  is a photograph of a handheld RFID scanning terminal with RF communications  520  showing RFID antenna  521 .  FIG. 21A  shows a handheld RFID scanning terminal  520  being held in charging station  326 .  FIG. 21B  is an isometric drawing of charging station  326 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 22  is a schematic system diagram showing a handheld RFID scanning terminal with RF communications  520 , an assembly  540 , a charging cradle  326 , and power module  524 . 
         [0078]    The scanning module  520  contains a microprocessor  322  that receives data from RFID scanner  525  which is transmitted to RF transceiver  563  and nonvolatile memory  325 . The RF transceiver  563  and/or nonvolatile memory  325  transmit data back to the microprocessor  322  and if the data is incorrect the microprocessor sends a signal to audio enunciator  323  to alert the operator. The microprocessor  322  also sends data to display  530  to illuminate a tank product LED  533 , a hose connection LED  534 , a hose connection LED  535 , a truck product LED  536 , a delivery truck identification LED  527 , or a truck driver identification LED  528 . The display  530  may also illuminate power LED  532 , or auxiliary LEDS  527 , 528  in response to the data received from the microprocessor  322  or data input by the operator through keypad  531 . 
         [0079]    The microprocessor  322  sends data to a gateway terminal (not pictured) through RF transceiver  563 . The assembly  540  contains an intelligent RFID ring  511 , an intelligent quick connect hose RFID label  516 . The scanning module  520  receives data from the assembly  540  through RFID scanner  525 , which uses RFID scanning beam  526 . 
         [0080]    The charging cradle  326  is electrically connected to power module  524  and contains magnet sensor  328 , inductive transmitter  329 , and inductive coils  331 . When the magnet sensor  328  senses close proximity of magnet  327  in the scanning module  520 , the inductive transmitter  329  is switched to an on state to transmit electricity from power module  330  to an inductive receiver  332  in the scanning module  520 . This electricity is transmitted through inductive coils  331 . The microprocessor  322  ultimately receives electricity from terminal battery  333  which is mounted in parallel with inductive receiver  332  and regulator  334 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 23  is a photograph of an intelligent RFID manifold port assembly  511  and a connected intelligent RFID quick connect hose coupling  516   
         [0082]      FIG. 24  is a photograph of a handheld RFID scanning terminal  520  concurrently scanning the RFID tag  515  on an intelligent manifold port assembly  540 , and a connected intelligent RFID quick connect hose coupling  516 , and the operator pressing the read button  531 . 
         [0083]      FIG. 25  shows the intelligent hose  542  with its intelligent quick connect hose coupling  511  connected to an intelligent manifold port assembly  516  providing a liquid path from truck tank number one  202  to underground tank number two  214 . Also shown is an intelligent hose  541  with its intelligent quick connect hose coupling  516  connected to an intelligent manifold port assembly  511  providing a liquid path from tank number four  206  to underground tank number one  204 . Also shown is RFID scanner  520  reading the RFID tags on the intelligent hose  541  at the connection to tank number four  206  on the delivery truck  200  and the scanning of the RFID tags on the intelligent hose  541  at the underground tank number one  204 . A truck identification RFID tag  548  is attached to delivery truck  200 . The RFID scanner  520  is shown in its charging cradle inside the delivery truck cab  200 . The charge cradle  326  power cord  524  is plugged to communicate with the delivery truck battery  543 . 
         [0084]      FIG. 25A  shows a delivery truck operator  542  scanning his employee RFID tag  505  on his employee badge  543 . 
         [0085]      FIG. 25B  shows an RFID scanner  520  scanning an RFID tag on a right angle intelligent RFID quick connect hose coupling  544 . 
         [0086]      FIG. 26  is a photograph of an RFID scanner  520 , a display panel  530  with tank product LEDs  533 ,  540 ,  544 , a hose tank connection LED  534 ,  541 ,  545 , a hose truck connection LED  535 ,  542 ,  543 , a truck product LED  536 ,  546 ,  555 , a delivery truck identification LED  527 , a truck driver identification LED  528 , a keypad  531 , and power on the LED  532 . 
         [0087]    When a fluid delivery truck driver arrives at the delivery point, he removes the handheld RFID scanner  520  from its cradle  326  located in the cab of delivery truck  200 . He first scans his personal RFID identification tag  505 , located on either a fob or a badge  543 , with the RFID scanner  520 . This event is time stamped and stored in the nonvolatile memory in the RFID scanner. He is then instructed to scan the RFID tag  549 , which identifies the location of his delivery. Again, this event is time stamped and stored in the nonvolatile memory in the RFID scanner  520 . 
         [0088]    As he connects intelligent hoses to the intelligent manifolds on the delivery truck  200 , he must scan both the intelligent port  511  and the intelligent hose connection  516 . This transaction is time stamped and stored in the nonvolatile memory in the scanning terminal  520 . He is then instructed to scan the intelligent port  502  mounted to the underground tank  204  and the intelligent hose connection  516 A. If this connection is correct, the event is time stamped and stored in the nonvolatile memory in the scanning terminal  520 , and a positive audio alert will be emitted and a message to proceed to transfer liquids will be displayed on the scanning terminal  520 . 
         [0089]    When the hose is first connected to the tank  204  intelligent port and scanned with the handheld RFID scanner  520 , the scanner display  536  will indicate the type of fuel in the tank. When the intelligent hose connection is scanned, it will light the orange LED  541 , indicating that the intelligent hose has been identified. The operator is then instructed to scan the intelligent hose connection  516  and the intelligent tank port  511  after the connection has been made to ensure the correct product will be fed to the correct tank. If this connection is correct, the orange LEDs will turn to green indicating that it is correct connection. If the connection is incorrect, the LEDs will turn red, indicating that he has connected the intelligent hose to the wrong port. 
         [0090]    It should be appreciated that the intelligent connection line protection system may be efficiently and easily implemented for use in properly connecting existing manifold ports and inlet lines via quick disconnect hose couplers and also for use in properly connecting fuel delivery truck outlets and underground fuel tank inlets via fuel hose adapter couplers. Precise angular orientation of the connections is not required in order to read the barcodes and/or the RFID tags. The use of the handheld scanners with communication capability allows for an immediate confirmation that a connection is correct or immediate input that the connection is incorrect. The scanner may be easily charged by a charger for the manifold port/inlet line application and may be easily charged through the electrical cigarette lighter or vehicle electric system for the fuel tank truck application. Additional information such as a time stamp for the hose connections and the identification of the installer may also be obtained through the connection line protection system. 
         [0091]    While preferred embodiments of the foregoing connection line protection system have been set forth for purposes of illustration, the foregoing description should not be deemed a limitation of the invention. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations and alternatives may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention.