Patent Publication Number: US-11047716-B2

Title: Rotating base and flange assembly for a fluid sensor assembly

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates to fluid sensor probes and more particularly to improved holder assemblies for fluid sensor probes for monitoring fluid stored in physically proximal storage containers. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Tanker trailers are towed by trucks and store fluids (e.g., gasoline) in multiple compartments that are generally filled from the bottom. For safety reasons, overfill sensors or probes are placed in each compartment to detect potential overfills and provide a signal indicative of the fluid level in a given compartment. The signals provided by the overfill sensors are monitored by a separate monitoring device to identify imminent overfills and to prevent their occurrence by, for example, shutting off a fluid filling system. 
     The overfill sensors are wired to the monitoring device by a backbone cable loom. A conventional backbone cable loom  100  is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The backbone cable loom  100  includes a monitor connection  102 , main cables  106 , overmolded junctions  108 , sensor cables  110 , and sensor connections  104 . The monitor connection  102  couples the monitoring device to overfill sensors via the main cables  106 , the overmolded junction  108 , the sensor cables  110 , and the sensor connections  104 . For example, the monitor connection  102  can include one or more stripped wires configured to be terminated at the monitoring device and wired to one or more input terminals or wires at the monitoring device. The overmolded junctions  108  each contain a unique set of wire junctions that make connections between the main cables  106  and each sensor cable  110  for each particular sensor connection  104 . The particular configuration of the wire junctions in an overmolded junction  108  varies based on, for example, the type of overfill sensor being used and the location of the overfill sensor in the tanker trailer (e.g., compartment # 1  as opposed to compartment # 3 ). These wire junctions are overmolded to protect the wire junctions from the external environment. The length of any of the main cables  106  and sensor cables  110  in the backbone cable loom  100  varies significantly with the particular size of the tanker trailer, the number of compartments in the tanker trailer, and the shape of the tanker trailer. 
     To operably connect the individual fluid sensors, the sensor connections  104  are connected to a fluid sensor assembly mounted on a portion of a fluid compartment. For examples, each sensor connection  104  can include one or more stripped wires configured to be terminated within a sensor holder housing and wired to one or more input terminals or wires of the fluid sensor assembly. The fluid sensor assembles are configured such that a fluid sensor contained within the fluid sensor assembly is positioned to detect a fluid level of the fluid compartment. However, access to a fluid compartment is typically provided via a manhole lid, or “man-lid,” in the compartment. An individual man-lid is limited in size (e.g., 12-18 inches in diameter), and can include multiple components such as additional sensors, compartment access hatches or visual inspection points, gauges, and other similar components. 
     SUMMARY 
     In an example, a fluid sensor assembly is provided. The fluid sensor assembly includes a flange, a base, and a cap. The flange is configured to mount to a fluid container. The base is configured to receive a fluid sensor, the base rotatably mounted to the flange and configured to rotate about the flange, the base forming a plurality of receiving apertures positioned about a perimeter of the base. The cap is configured to lock on the base and form a fluid-tight seal between the cap and the base. 
     Implementations of the fluid sensor assembly can include one or more of the following features. 
     In some examples, the fluid sensor assembly can further include a swivel seal positioned between the base and the flange when the base is mounted to the flange, the swivel seal configured to form a fluid seal between the base and the flange during rotation of the base about the flange. 
     In some examples, the fluid sensor assembly can further include a retaining ring configured to rotatably lock the base to the flange. 
     In some examples, the fluid sensor assembly can further include a locking mechanism configured to prevent rotation of the base about the flange. 
     In the fluid sensor assembly, the cap can further include one or more toolless wire connectors configured to provide an electrical connection to the fluid sensor. 
     In the fluid sensor assembly, the cap can include a plurality of articulating levers configured to rotate about a central axis, each of the articulating levers including a latching feature configured to be inserted into one of the plurality of receiving apertures when the cap is fitted on the base and to lock the cap to the base upon rotation of the articulating levers. In some examples of the fluid sensor assembly, each of the plurality of receiving apertures can include a slot. In some examples of the fluid sensor assembly, each of the latching features can include a pin extending from opposites sides of the articulating lever, the pin sized to fit into the slot when the cap is fitted to the base and to lock into the slot upon rotation of the articulating levers. 
     In the fluid sensor assembly, the base can be configured to rotate 360 degrees about the flange. 
     In the fluid sensor assembly, the fluid sensor can be a fluid overfill sensor. 
     In another example, a base assembly for use in a fluid sensor assembly is provided. The base assembly can include a flange, a base, a swivel seal, and a retaining ring. The flange is configured to mount to a fluid container. The base is configured to receive a fluid sensor, the base rotatably mounted to the flange and configured to rotate about the flange, the base forming a plurality of receiving apertures positioned about a perimeter of the base. The swivel seal is positioned between the base and the flange when the base is mounted to the flange, the swivel seal being configured to form a fluid seal between the base and the flange during rotation of the base about the flange. The retaining ring is configured to rotatably lock the base to the flange. 
     Implementations of the base assembly for use in a fluid sensor assembly can include one or more of the following features. 
     In some examples, the base assembly can further include a locking mechanism configured to prevent rotation of the base about the flange. In some examples of the base assembly, wherein the locking mechanism can include a toolless locking mechanism and/or a tooled locking mechanism. 
     In the base assembly, the base can be configured to rotate 360 degrees about the flange. 
     In the base assembly, the fluid sensor can be a fluid overfill sensor. 
     In another example, a fluid sensor assembly is provided. The fluid sensor assembly includes a flange, a base, a swivel seal, a retaining ring, and a cap. The flange is configured to mount to a fluid container. The base is configured to receive a fluid sensor, the base being rotatably mounted to the flange and configured to rotate about the flange, the base forming a plurality of receiving apertures positioned about a perimeter of the base. The swivel seal is positioned between the base and the flange when the base is mounted to the flange, the swivel seal being configured to form a fluid seal between the base and the flange during rotation of the base about the flange. The retaining ring is configured to rotatably lock the base to the flange. The cap is configured to lock on the base and form a fluid-tight seal between the cap and the base. 
     Implementations of the fluid sensor assembly can include one or more of the following features. 
     In some examples, the fluid sensor assembly further includes a locking mechanism configured to prevent rotation of the base about the flange. 
     In the fluid sensor assembly, the cap can further include one or more toolless wire connectors configured to provide an electrical connection to the fluid sensor. 
     In the fluid sensor assembly, the base can be configured to rotate 360 degrees about the flange. 
     In the fluid sensor assembly, the fluid sensor can be a fluid overfill sensor. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various aspects of at least one example are discussed below with reference to the accompanying figures, which are not intended to be drawn to scale. The figures are included to provide an illustration and a further understanding of the various aspects and examples and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification but are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The drawings, together with the remainder of the specification, serve to explain principles and operations of the described and claimed aspects and examples. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every figure. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a conventional backbone cable loom. 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate example tanker trailers, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate an example fluid sensor assembly, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a sample mounting flange, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate a sequence of positions assumed by levers during a process of locking a cap to a base in a fluid sensor assembly, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a flow diagram depicting a process for mounting and assembling a fluid sensor assembly such as that illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates an exploded view of a rotatable base/flange assembly, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates a perspective view of a rotatable base/flange assembly, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a fluid sensor assembly including a rotatable base/flange assembly as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a flow diagram depicting a process for mounting and assembling a fluid sensor assembly such as that illustrated in  FIG. 8 , in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  depicts an illustration of a dual-sensor fluid sensor assembly, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a front view of a holder component including two sensor probes, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a flow diagram depicting a process for mounting and assembling a dual-sensor fluid sensor assembly, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a sample wiring diagram for connecting a control device and multiple fluid sensors in a dual-sensor fluid sensor assembly, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following examples describe sensor assemblies and associated systems for fluid sensors (e.g., fluid level probes) that are interoperable with various tanker trailer configurations and that are easy to install and maintain. For instance, some examples disclosed herein manifest an appreciation that any given tanker trailer manufacturer may produce hundreds of different tanker trailer configurations to meet the needs of their customers. 
     In some examples as described herein, space around a sensor assembly, when installed, may be limited or access to the sensor assembly may be reduced. In such an example, modifications to traditional sensor assembly designs as taught herein can be used. In certain implementations, a cap of the sensor assembly can be modified such that cap locking members such as pivoting levers are redesigned to articulate in multiple directions, thereby reducing the amount of space required around the sensor assembly for attachment and detachment of the cap. In some examples, the sensor assembly can be configured such that at least a portion of the sensor assembly rotates after installation, thereby providing for customizable positioning of wiring ports to better accommodate wire routing between sensor assemblies. Additionally, depending upon the intended use of the fluid container, a two-probe sensor assembly can be used as described herein. 
     Various examples disclosed herein include wiring interfaces and associated systems for fluid sensors on tanker trailers.  FIG. 2A  illustrates an example tanker trailer  200 A suitable for transporting fluids including, for example, gasoline and other petroleum products. As shown in  FIG. 2A , the tanker trailer  200 A includes an overfill sensor assembly  202 , a retained product sensor assembly  204 , a monitor  206 , and a set of compartments  208 ,  210 ,  212 , and  214 . Each compartment of the set of compartments  208 ,  210 ,  212 , and  214  is constructed to store fluid. Each of these compartments  208 ,  210 ,  212 , and  214  can include an overfill sensor assembly, such as the overfill sensor assembly  202 , and a retained product sensor assembly, such as the retained product sensor assembly  204 . The overfill sensor assembly  202  provides a signal indicative of whether a compartment is filled with fluid, and the retained product sensor assembly  204  provides a signal indicative of whether the compartment is empty. The overfill sensor assembly  202  and/or the retained product sensor assembly  204  can be in communication with the monitor  206  (e.g., via electrical wires). The monitor  206  processes the signals received from the overfill sensor assemblies and/or the signals received from the retained product sensor assemblies to variously detect potential compartment overfills and empty compartments. It is appreciated that other tanker trailer configurations may be employed. For example, the tanker trailer may omit retained product sensor assembly  204  and/or monitor  206  as illustrated by tanker trailer  200 B in  FIG. 2B . In cases where the monitor  206  is not mounted on the tanker trailer, the tanker trailer  200 B includes a socket  207  that is connected to the overfill sensor assembly  202  in each of the compartments  208 ,  210 ,  212 , and  214 . The socket  207  is configured to connect, via the cable  210 , to an off-board monitor  206  that is, for example, mounted on a loading rack. 
     Articulating Levers 
     As noted above, depending upon the design and number of components included on a tanker trailer or other similar fluid storage container, the space around a component such as a fluid sensor assembly (e.g., overfill sensor assembly  202  as described above) can be limited. For example, a single man-lid can include multiple components such as a visual inspection cover, venting components, a tank access cover, a tank temperature probe, a tank pressure probe, a fluid sensor assembly such as an overfill sensor assembly, and other similar components. In such an example, space around each individual component can be limited and access to any specific component may be restricted. 
     To access the sensors and fluid probes contained within the fluid sensor assembly, the cap of the sensor assembly may need to be removed. However, in order to maintain a secure connection and protect the fluid sensors and probes contained within the fluid sensor assembly, the cap may require a robust fastening system that is not easy to remove or requires space around the cap to manipulate. As noted above, the fluid sensor assembly may be positioned on a man-lid with numerous other components, further complicating access to and removal of the fluid sensor assembly cap. 
     As described herein, a fluid sensor assembly can include a base configured to receive a fluid sensor, the base forming a plurality of receiving apertures positioned about a perimeter of the base and a cap configured to fit on the base and form a fluid-tight seal between the cap and the base. The cap can include a plurality of articulating levers that are each configured to rotate about a corresponding, respective central axis. Each of the articulating levers can have a latching feature configured to be inserted into one of the plurality of receiving apertures when the cap is fitted on the base and to lock the cap to the base upon rotation of the articulating levers. Thus, as described herein, by including articulating levers that rotate to lock the cap to the base, the amount of space around the fluid sensor assembly that is required for locking/unlocking and removing the cap is reduced. Such a fluid sensor assembly with a cap having articulating levers is described in greater detail in the following description of  FIGS. 3-6 . 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a fluid sensor assembly  300  configured to house a fluid sensor such as a fluid overfill sensor as described above. The sensor assembly  300  can include a cap  302  that is configured to removably attach to a base  304 . The base  304  can be mounted or otherwise attached to a flange  306 . The flange  306  can be mounted to a fluid container and be positioned to surround an opening in the fluid container, thereby providing access to the interior of the fluid container. Additionally, once assembled, the cap  302 , base  304 , and flange  306  are configured to seal the fluid container such that any fluid and vapors from the fluid are contained as well. For example, upon assembly the fluid sensor assembly can have an ingress protection rating of IP65 as defined by international standard EN 60529. Each of cap  302 , base  304 , and flange  306  are described in additional detail below. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates an exploded view of the fluid sensor assembly  300  with cap  302  detached from the base  304 . As shown in  FIG. 3B , the cap  302  can include a set of articulating levers  308 . It should be noted that two articulating levers  308  are shown by way of example and, depending upon the size and shape of cap  302 , different numbers of articulating levers can be used. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 3B , each of articulating levers  308  can include a top portion  310  that is configured to be manipulated by a person such as a technician accessing the fluid sensor assembly  300 . In certain implementations, the top portion  310  can be sized and/or shaped to receive a finger or multiple fingers of the person accessing the fluid sensor assembly  300  to better facilitate manipulation of the articulating lever  308 . As shown in  FIG. 3A , the top portion  310  can be shaped such that at least a portion of the articulating lever contours to mimic at least a portion of an exterior shape of the cap  302 . The contour of the top portion  310  can be seen in, for example,  FIG. 5C  as described below. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 3B , each articulating lever  308  can further include a bottom portion  312 . The bottom portion  312  can be coupled to the top portion  310  at a pivot point  314 . For example, the pivot point  314  can include a pin that connects the top portion  310  and the bottom portion  312  such that the top portion can pivot from a vertical to a horizontal position about the pivot point. The bottom portion  312  can also include one or more latching features  316 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 3B , the latching feature  316  can include a pin that extends from opposite sides of the bottom portion  312 . However, it should be noted that a pin is shown by way of example only and additional latching features  316  can be used. For example, the latching features  316  can include a threaded portion, a hook-shaped protrusion, an L-shaped or C-shaped protrusion, and other similar latch shapes and fasteners. 
     As defined herein and explained in greater detail below, during manipulation and locking of the cap  302 , the articulating levers  308  can be rotated about a central axis of rotation, thereby locking the cap to the base  304 . The pivot point  314  can be configured to provide a movement point for the top portion  310  relative to the bottom portion  312  such that the top portion can pivot about the pivot point to a position perpendicular to the central axis of rotation. The movement of the articulating levers  308 , and the individual components of the articulating levers, is described in greater detail below in the discussion of  FIGS. 5A-5C . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 3B , the cap  302  can further include one or more wire connectors  318  that are configured to provide an external electrical connection to a fluid sensor housed within the fluid sensor assembly  300 . For example, the cap  302  can include a modular connector that is configured to releasably attach to the wiring of the fluid sensor. A cable having, for example, a matching toolless connector such as a bayonet connector can be attached to the connectors  318 , thereby establishing a connection to the fluid sensor housed within the fluid sensor assembly  300 . Examples of such toolless connectors can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/573,007, filed Nov. 9, 2017 and entitled “Wiring Interface for Fluid Sensors,” the content of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 3B , the base  304  can form a set of receiving apertures  320  that are positioned about the perimeter of the base and configured to receive the latching features  316  of the articulating levers  308 . Similar to the articulating levers  308 , two receiving apertures  320  are shown by way of example only and, depending on the size and shape of the base  304 , additional numbers of receiving apertures can be included. Each of the receiving apertures  320  can be shaped to receive at least a portion of the latching features  316 . For instance, if the latching feature  316  is shaped like a pin as shown in  FIG. 3B , the receiving aperture  320  can be shaped like a slot configured to receive the pin. However, upon rotation of the articulating lever  308  as described herein, the latching feature  316  can rotate in the receiving aperture  320 , thereby locking the cap  302  to the base  304 . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 3B , the base  304  can further include a fluid sensor mounting bracket  322  that is configured to secure, for example, a cylindrical fluid level probe. A sensor lock  324  can be included to releasably tighten the mounting bracket  322 , thereby securing the fluid sensor in the fluid sensor assembly  300 . It should be noted, however, that the shape of the mounting bracket  322  and the type of sensor lock  324  as shown in  FIG. 3B  are provided by way of example only. Depending upon the type and shape of fluid sensor used, the shape of the mounting bracket  322  can be altered to properly fit and secure the fluid sensor. Similarly, the sensor lock  324  can include a lever that is configured to pivot between a locked position and an unlocked position as shown in  FIG. 3B . However, depending upon the design of the mounting bracket  322 , the sensor lock  324  can include additional locking or tightening implements such as a thumb screw, a hex head screw, a Phillips head screw, a straight head screw, a square head screw, and other similar tightening implements can be used. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates multiple views of flange  306  as described above and included in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . More specifically, the left image shows a top-down view of the flange  306  and the right view shows an isometric view of the flange. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the flange  306  can form a set of mounting holes  402  that are positioned about the perimeter of the flange  306 . Each of the mounting holes  402  can be sized to receive a particular fastener. For example, each of mounting holes  402  can be about 0.27 inches in diameter and configured to receive a 0.25-inch fastener such as a stainless-steel bolt. However, it should be noted that these sizes are provided by way of example only and can be modified depending upon the size of the flange  306 . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 4 , the flange  306  can also form a central opening  404  that is configured to be positioned over and around an opening in the fluid container, thereby providing access to the interior of the fluid container. For example, the overall outer diameter of the flange  306  can be about 4.5 inches. In such an example, the central opening  404  can have a diameter of about 2.0 inches. However, it should be noted that these diameters are provided by way of example only. In some examples, the flange  306  can have an outer diameter of about 3.5 to about 6.0 inches. In such examples, the central opening  404  can have a diameter of about 1.5 to about 4.0 inches. 
     As noted above, the fluid sensor assembly  300  can be configured to mount on an external fuel container such as a fuel tanker trailer and, as such, can be designed to be exposed to harsh conditions such as rain, snow, wind, sun, heat, and other types of weather. In addition, the components of the fluid sensor assembly  300  can be designed to withstand potential corrosion caused by the fluid in the container as well as any fumes or vapors that the fluid gives off. For example, if the fluid is gasoline, the components of the fluid sensor assembly  300  can be manufactured from materials that can withstand exposure to gasoline. In certain implementations, the base  304  and the flange  306  can be manufactured from a non-corrosive metal such as stainless-steel or another similar metal. The cap  302  can be manufactured from a lighter material such as a high-density polyethylene or another similar plastic. 
       FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate a set of views (top, middle, and bottom) showing various positions of the articulating levers  308  during attachment of the cap  302  to the base  304  in one particular example. In  FIGS. 5A-5C , the top view shows an isometric view, the middle view shows a front view, and the bottom view shows a side view. However, it should be noted that, in each individual figure, the components shown in the fluid sensor assembly are in the same position relative to one another. For example, the position of the articulating levers  308  are identical in each of the top, middle, and bottom views of each individual  FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5A , the cap  302  has been positioned on the base  304  and each of the top portions  310  of the articulating levers  308  are oriented in a parallel position relative to the front side of the fluid sensor assembly  300 . Each of the latching features  316 , illustrated in this example as pins, is similarly oriented in a parallel position relative to the front side of the fluid sensor assembly  300 . In certain implementations, each of the pins can be oriented in a different position such as in a perpendicular position relative to the front side of the fluid sensor assembly  300 . Additionally, each of the latching features  316  is positioned within a receiving aperture  320 . However, with this position of the articulating arms  308 , the cap  302  can be lifted from the base  304  without any manipulation. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5B , the cap  302  remains positioned on the base  304  and each of the articulating levers  308  have been rotated 90 degrees about a central axis of rotation  505 . As such, each of the top portions  310  of the articulating levers  308  are oriented in a perpendicular position relative to the front side of the fluid sensor assembly  300 . Each of the latching features  316 , illustrated in this example as pins, are similarly oriented in a perpendicular position relative to the front side of the fluid sensor assembly  300 . Additionally, each of the latching features  316  is now locked within a receiving aperture  320 . 
     It should be noted that, in this example, each of the articulating levers  308  are configured to rotate in opposite directions (e.g., one of the articulating arms is configured to rotate in a clockwise direction and one of the articulating arms is configured to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction). However, this is shown by way of example only and, in certain implementations, the articulating levers can be configured to rotate in the same direction. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5C , the cap  302  remains locked on the base  304 . Each of the top portions  310  of the articulating levers  308  have been pivoted about pivot point  314  and are oriented toward the back of the cap  302 . After pivoting, each of the top portions  310  are positioned perpendicular to the central axis of rotation  505 . When positioned as shown in  FIG. 5C , the chance of accidentally manipulating the articulating levers  308  is reduced or eliminated completely. Additionally, when positioned as shown in  FIG. 5C , the contour of the top portions  310  can be configured to mimic the overall shape of the cap  302 , thereby eliminating any component of the fluid sensor assembly  300  protruding beyond the diameter of the flange  306 , resulting in a compact design that does not interfere with any adjacent components that may be mounted, for example, on the same man-lid of a tanker trailer. 
     To remove the cap  302  from the base  304 , a reverse process as that shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C  can be used. For example, the top portions  310  of the articulating levers  308  can be pivoting about the pivot point  314  back into a vertical position as shown in  FIG. 5B . The articulating levers  308  can then be rotated 90 degrees back to a position where the top portions  310  of the articulating levers are oriented in a parallel position to the front side of the fluid sensor assembly, thereby unlocking the latching features  316  from the receiving apertures  320 . Once unlocked, the cap  302  can be removed from the body  304 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a sample process  600  for mounting and assembling a fluid sensor assembly (e.g., fluid sensor assembly  300 ) as described above in the discussion of  FIGS. 3A-5C . The process  600  can include initially mounting  602  the flange to a fluid container such as a fluid compartment in a tanker trailer. Mounting  602  the flange can include cutting a hole into the container or simply mounting the flange around a hole already cut or otherwise inserted into the container. The base can then be attached  604  to the flange using, for example, bolts, screws, or other similar fasteners. In some examples, the base can be attached to the flange using a tension or snap fit, secured using a tensioning ring, or another similar fastening technique. In other examples, the base can include a threaded portion that is configured to screw or otherwise turn into the flange, thereby attaching the base to the flange. 
     Process  600  can further include inserting  606  and securing the fluid sensor or probe into the base. As noted above, the base can include a mounting bracket configured to secure the fluid sensor as well as a sensor lock for tightening the sensor into the mounting bracket. The fluid sensor can be wired  608  to the cap. As noted above, the sensor can include a modular connector configured to attach to a mating modular connector on the cap. The cap can then be positioned  610  and the articulating levers can be rotated  612  to lock the cap to the base using, for example, a similar process as that shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C  and described above. 
     It should be noted that the process  600  as shown in  FIG. 6  is provided by way of example only. In actual implementation, several of the process steps can be combined and/or performed in an alternate order. Similarly, additional process steps can be included. For example, in certain implementations, the base and the flange can be manufactured as a single component. In such an example, attaching  604  the base to the flange can be performed during manufacturing of the flange/base component. In certain implementations, inserting  606  the sensor into the base can be performed prior to attaching  604  the base to the flange. 
     Swivel Flange 
     As noted above, depending upon the design and number of components included on a tanker trailer or other similar fluid storage container, the space around a component such as a fluid sensor assembly can be limited. This is especially important and potentially troublesome when running wires between fluid sensors assemblies. For example, as noted above, a single man-lid can include multiple components. In such an example, space around each individual component can be limited and pathways for routing wires to a sensor such as a fluid sensor contained within a fluid sensor assembly as described herein can be difficult to access or follow depending upon the mounting position and orientation of the fluid sensor assembly once mounted. 
     As described herein, a fluid sensor assembly can include a flange configured to mount to a fluid container and a base configured to receive a fluid sensor, the base rotatably mounted to the flange and configured to rotate about the flange. The base can further form a plurality of receiving apertures positioned about a perimeter of the base as described above, and the fluid sensor assembly can include a cap configured to lock on the base and form a fluid-tight seal between the cap and the base such as cap  302  described above. However, by including a base that is rotatably mounted to the flange and configured to rotate, in some examples, 360 degrees can provide added flexibility when installing a fluid sensor assembly as the base can be rotated to provide better and easier access to the connectors on the cap (e.g., toolless connectors  320  as described above). Such a rotatable base/flange assembly is described in greater detail in the following description of  FIGS. 7-9 . 
       FIG. 7A  illustrates an exploded view of a sample rotating or swiveling base/flange assembly  700  as described herein. As shown in  FIG. 7A , a base  702  can be rotatably attached to a flange  704 . As described herein, flange  704  can be similar to flange  306  as described above, for example, in  FIG. 4 . The flange  704  can form a central opening  706  that is configured to receive an extended portion or stem  708  included on base  702 . A swivel seal  710  can be positioned between the stem  708  and the central opening  706  to form a fluid-tight seal between the base  702  and the flange  704  while permitting rotation of the base about the flange. 
     In certain implementation, the swivel seal  710  is an O-ring made from a flexible material such as fluorosilicone. Such a seal can provide a barrier against fumes, liquids, and vapors from the fluid container while permitting rotation of the base about the flange. In other implementations, the swivel seal  710  can be made from other chemically compatible materials that permit rotation of the base  702  such as polymers similar to fluorosilicone, Teflon, and other similar materials. The swivel seal  710  can also be manufactured to satisfy any requirements regulated by, for example, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). For example, in a rollover situation, the U.S. DOT requires that any fluid container access points maintain a fluid seal up to a pressure of about 38 psi. As such, the swivel seal  710  can be manufactured to satisfy or exceed this requirement. For example, the swivel seal  710  can be manufactured and tested to withstand a pressure of about 80 psi in a rollover situation. In other examples, the swivel seal  710  can be manufactured to a different size/thickness or from a different material to withstand a pressure of about 60-100 psi. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 7A , the base/flange assembly  700  can include a retaining ring  712  that is configured to fit within a receiving groove  714  on stem  708  once inserted into central opening  706 , thereby locking the base  702  and the flange  704  together. The retaining ring  712  can be configured to exert a pressure on the groove  714 , thereby maintaining a force on the swivel seal  710  and providing the vapor lock between the base  702  and the flange  704 . The base/flange assembly  700  can further include a probe seal  716  configured to provide an effective seal around a fluid sensor or probe once inserted into the base as described above. The probe seal  716  can be manufactured from a similar material as the swivel seal  710  as described above. 
     In certain implementations, the retaining ring  712  can be manufactured from a corrosion-resistance material such as stainless steel. The retaining ring  712  can be sized so as to fit tightly within the groove  714  to prevent separation of the base  702  from the flange  704  during operation of the base/flange assembly  700 . For example, the retaining ring  712  can fit in the groove  714  such that the retaining ring contacts the groove about the entire inner circumference of the retaining ring, thereby eliminating any movement or rotation of the retaining ring when fitted into the groove. 
     In certain implementations, the base/flange assembly  700  can include additional components. For example, as shown in  FIG. 7B , the base/flange assembly  700  can include a locking mechanism  730 . The locking mechanism  730  can be configured to provide a locking feature to prevent further rotation of the base  702  about the flange  704 . In certain implementations, the locking mechanism  730  can include a toolless locking mechanism such as a thumb screw or a butterfly/wing nut. In other implementations, the locking mechanism  730  can include a tooled locking mechanism such as a screw that requires a driver for tightening or bolt. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a fluid sensor assembly  800  similar to fluid sensor assembly  300  as described above. Cap  302  as described above can be positioned onto the base/flange assembly  700  and locked into position on base  702  as described above. However, it should be noted that fluid sensor assembly  800  is shown in  FIG. 8  with cap  302  by way of example only. In other examples, the fluid sensor assembly  800  can include a cap that does not include the articulating levers as described herein. For example, the fluid sensor assembly  800  can include a cap that is screwed, bolted, or otherwise similarly attached to the base/flange assembly  700 . 
     As described herein, the fluid sensor assembly  800  can be configured to mount on an external fuel container such as a fuel tanker trailer and, as such, can be designed to be exposed to harsh conditions such as rain, snow, wind, sun, heat, and other types of weather. In addition, the components of the fluid sensor assembly  800  can be designed to withstand potential corrosion caused by the fluid in the container as well as any fumes or vapors that the fluid gives off. For example, if the fluid is gasoline, the components of the fluid sensor assembly  800  can be manufactured from materials that can withstand exposure to the fluid. In certain implementations, the base  702  and the flange  704 , and the components contained therein except as stated otherwise above, can be manufactured from a non-corrosive metal such as stainless-steel or another similar metal. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a sample process  900  for mounting and assembling a fluid sensor assembly (e.g., fluid sensor assembly  800  including a rotatable base/flange assembly) as described above. The process  900  can include initially mounting  902  the base/flange assembly to a fluid container such as a fluid compartment in a tanker trailer. Mounting  902  the base/flange assembly can include cutting a hole into the container or simply mounting the flange around a hole already cut or otherwise inserted into the container. 
     Process  900  can further include inserting  904  and securing the fluid sensor or probe into the base. As noted above, a fluid sensor base can include a mounting bracket configured to secure the fluid sensor as well as a sensor lock for tightening the sensor into the mounting bracket. The fluid sensor can be wired  906  to the cap. As noted above, the sensor can include a modular connector configured to attach to a mating modular connector on the cap. The cap can then be fastened  908  to the base/flange assembly. For example, if the cap includes articulating levers as described herein, the cap can be fastened  908  using the process as illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-5C . 
     Process  900  can further include rotating  910  the fluid sensor assembly into a position where attaching the wires to the connectors on the cap is easiest or most convenient. The external wires can be attached  912  to the cap and process  900  is complete. 
     It should be noted that the process  900  as shown in  FIG. 9  is provided by way of example only. In actual implementation, several of the process steps can be combined and/or performed in an alternate order. Similarly, additional process steps can be included. For example, in certain implementations, process  900  can further include locking the base/flange assembly into position following rotating  910  the assembly. 
     Dual-Sensor Assemblies 
     In some fuel filling environments such as a tank-to-tank filling environment with less sophisticated pumping equipment common, for example, in an airport where aviation fuel is pumped from a storage tank to tanker trucks, a two-probe fluid sensor assembly can be used. The first sensor extends further into the tank and provides an initial signal when the fuel hits a certain height. This signal indicates that the pump should begin to shut down the pumping operation. The second sensor provides an emergency shut off signal to the pump similar to the single fluid sensor examples as described above. 
     In order to conserve space, it is useful to include a two-sensor fluid sensor assembly into the space where a single fluid sensor assembly was previously mounted. However, two-sensor fluid sensor assemblies are generally bigger than single fluid sensor assemblies, thereby requiring fluid tank or storage container modification when being retrofit. 
     A two-sensor fluid probe assembly is described herein that provides for a smaller footprint when installed by using a similar sensor holder as those described above in regard to the single fluid sensor assemblies. However, the two-sensor fluid sensor assembly as described herein also provides for a semi- or fully-toolless installation that improves efficiency and ease of installation. 
     For example, a two-sensor fluid sensor assembly as described herein can include a probe holder configured to receive and secure two fluid sensor probes, a base configured to receive and secure the holder upon rotation of the holder into the base, and a spring positioned between the holder and the base, the spring positioned to exert a repelling force between the holder and the base to secure the holder to the base. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a sample dual-sensor fluid sensor assembly  1000  as described herein. The assembly  1000  can include a cap  1002 , a probe holder  1004 , and a base  1006 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the cap  1002  can include two screws or other similar removable fasteners for removable affixing the cap to the base  1006 . The base  1006  can be configured to mount to a flange such as flange  306  as described above, thereby requiring the same amount of space as the single fluid sensor assemblies as described above. For example, the base  1006  can be configured to thread into a flange to physically attach the base to the flange. Once attached to the flange, the probe holder can be inserted into the base  1006  and the cap can be affixed as described below. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the assembly  1000  includes two fuel sensor probes  1008 A and  1008 B. In certain implementations, the two probes  1008 A and  1008 B are set to measure fuel levels at different heights. To continue the above example, probe  1008 A can be set to extend further into a fuel storage container and provide an initial signal to begin shutting down the pump. Probe  1008 B can be set to sit higher in the fuel storage container and to provide the emergency shut off signal. 
     In certain implementations, the difference in height between the two probes  1008 A and  1008 B can be about 1.5 inches. However, this height difference can be adjust based upon various factors such as the fill rate of the pump, the size of the fuel storage container, and the recommended fill height of the fuel storage container. In some examples, probes  1008 A and  1008 B can be different sizes. For example, probe  1008 A can be a twelve-inch probe and probe  1008 B can be a 7-inch probe. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 10 , the holder  1004  of assembly  1000  can include a probe mounting bracket  1010  configured to hold both of probes  1008 A and  1008 B in position. The mounting bracket  1010  can include a probe lock  1012  configured to apply pressure to the mounting bracket to hold the probes  1008 A and  1008 B in place during operation. In some examples, the probe lock  1012  can be a toolless fastener such as a thumb screw or a butterfly/wing nut. In other examples, the probe lock can be a tooled fastener such as a hex nut, a bolt, or a screw that requires a driver for tightening. In certain implementations, the probe lock  1012  can be configured to secure both probes  1008 A and  1008 B simultaneous. In other examples, the probe lock  1012  can include two locking members configured to individually hold each of the probes  1008 A and  1008 , allowing for one probe to be securely tightened while the second probe can be loosened for adjustment. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 10 , the holder  1004  can also include a number of rotational locking members  1014 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , each of the rotational locking members  1014  can be configured to extend from the holder  1004 . The rotational locking members  1014  can be positioned and configured to lock the holder  1004  into the base  1006 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the base  1006  can include a number of receiving detents  1016 . Upon insertion of the holder  1004  into the base  1006 , the holder can be rotated such that the rotational locking members  1014  engage the receiving detents  1016 , thereby locking the holder into the base. Such an operation provides for a toolless insertion of the holder into the base. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 10 , each of probes  1008 A and  1008 B include wires  1018 . Upon insertion of the holder  1004  into the base  1006 , the wires  1018  can be directed through one or more wire connectors  1020  for exterior connection. 
       FIG. 11  provides an additional view of the holder  1004  and the probes  1008 A and  1008 B. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the holder can also include a wave or disk spring  1022 . In certain implementations, the disk spring can be manufactured from a metal such as stainless steel or carbon steel. Upon insertion of the holder  1004  into the base  1006 , the disk spring is positioned and configured to push back against the holder, thereby creating a repelling force between the holder and the base. This repelling force acts to secure the rotational locking members  1014  into the receiving detents  1016 . To remove the holder  1004  from the base  1006 , an opposite force to the repelling force can be applied to the holder to offset the disk spring  1022  and release the rotational locking members from the receiving detents  1016 , thereby allowing for rotation and removal of the holder from the base. In some implementations, the disk spring  1022  can be configured to exert about 20 pounds of pressure as the repelling force as described herein. In some examples, the disk spring  1022  can be configured to exert about 25-50 pounds of pressure. In other examples, the disk spring can be configured to exert about 10-30 pounds of pressure. 
     The specific design of the components of assembly  1000  as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11  provides for improved installation and servicing of a dual-sensor fluid sensor assembly (or, for example, any configuration of sensor assembly fitting through the sensor holder as described herein, for example, a one-sensor or a three-sensor assembly) as described herein. For example, upon removal of the cap  1002  (for example, by loosening the two screws shown on opposites sides of cap  1002  in  FIG. 10 ), a technician can remove the holder  1004  on the fluid tank without tools by simply depressing the holder, thereby opposing the repelling force exerted by the disk spring  1022  and rotating the holder. After rotation, the technician can remove the holder  1004  from the base  1006  and return to ground level for inspection of the probes  1008 A and  1008 B. If necessary, replacement of one or both of the probes  1008 A and  1008 B is simplified to merely loosening the probe lock  1012  and removing one or both of the probes from the mounting bracket  1010 . In certain implementations, if the probe lock  1012  is a toolless fastener such as a thumbscrew, the technician does not need any tools to remove the holder  1004  from the base  1006  and replace one or both of probes  1008 A and  1008 B. 
     It should be noted that cap  1002  as shown in  FIG. 10  is provided with screws for attaching to base  1006  by way of example only. In certain implementations, a modified version of cap  302  including the articulating levers as described above can be used with the dual-sensor fluid sensor assembly  1000 . 
     As described herein, the assembly  1000  can be configured to mount on an external fuel container such as a fuel tanker trailer and, as such, can be designed to be exposed to harsh conditions such as rain, snow, wind, sun, heat, and other types of weather. In addition, the components of the assembly  1000  can be designed to withstand potential corrosion caused by the fluid in the container as well as any fumes or vapors that the fluid gives off. For example, if the fluid is gasoline, the components of the fluid sensor assembly  1000  can be manufactured from materials that can withstand exposure to the fluid. In certain implementations, the holder  1004  and the base  1006 , and the components contained therein except as stated otherwise above, can be manufactured from a non-corrosive metal such as stainless-steel or another similar metal. The cap  1002  can be manufactured from a lighter material such as a high-density polyethylene or another similar plastic. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a sample process  1200  for mounting and assembling a dual-sensor fluid sensor assembly (e.g., assembly  1000 ) as described above. The process  1200  can include determining  1202  a depth for each of the probes being inserted into the assembly. For example, as noted above, determining the probe depth can be based upon various factors such as pump fill rate, fuel storage tank size, and recommended fuel height in the tank. Based upon this information, a depth for each of the fuel probes can be determined  1202 . For example, probe one can be inserted to a depth of 7.5 inches and probe two can be inserted to a depth of 6.0 inches. 
     Process  1200  can further include inserting  1204  probe  1  into the mounting bracket, inserting  1206  probe two into the mounting bracket, and securing  1208  both of the probes into the probe holder. For example, securing  1208  the probes can include tightening the probe lock on the mounting bracket. 
     Once the probes are secured  1208  into the probe holder, the holder can be secured  1210  to the base. As noted above, to secure  1210  the holder to the base, the holder can be inserted into the base and pushed down into the base, thereby opposing any pressure exerted on the holder by the disk spring (e.g., disk spring  1022 ) now positioned between the holder and base. The holder can be rotated until the rotational locking members (e.g., rotational locking members  1014 ) engage the receiving detents (e.g., receiving detents  1016 ). Upon release of the holder, the disk spring will exert a repelling force on the base and the holder, thereby locking the rotational locking members into the receiving detents. 
     Process  1200  can further include wiring  1212  the individual probes to connectors in the base (e.g., connectors  1020 ) or directly to a wiring harness or other similar external wires. Process  1200  further includes fastening  1214  the cap to the base, thereby completing process  1200 . 
     It should be noted that process  1200  as shown in  FIG. 12  is provided by way of example only. In actual implementation, several of the process steps can be combined and/or performed in an alternate order. Similarly, additional process steps can be included. For example, in certain implementations, process  1200  can further include mounting a base/flange assembly onto the fuel storage container. In other examples, the process  1200  can include a removal of the holder from the base by, as noted above, depressing the holder into the base to offset the repelling force and rotating the holder to remove form the base. 
     As noted above,  FIG. 1  illustrates an example cable loom  100  including overmolded junctions to protect connecting wires. However, when using a dual sensor assembly as described in  FIGS. 10-12 , it may not be feasible or convenient to use pre-manufactured cables as is shown in  FIG. 1 . Rather, each fluid sensor can be wired individually to a central control unit, the wires being run in a protective sheathing such as a conduit or a flexible sheathing to provide protection from the elements as well as the any spilled fluid being stored in the container that the dual-sensor fluid sensor assembly is mounted to. 
     For example,  FIG. 13  illustrates a sample wiring system  1300  that includes one example of wiring for a dual sensor fluid sensor assembly as described herein. As shown in  FIG. 13 , the system  1300  can include a control unit  1302  that can be configured to provide control instructions to a pump  1315 . The pump can be configured to pump a fluid such as gasoline or another similar fluid into storage container  1320  via pipe  1318 . As further shown in  FIG. 13 , the storage container  1320  can include a dual-sensor fluid sensor assembly  1310  as described herein. 
     The control unit  1302  can include one or more terminal blocks  1304  that are positioned and configured to receive one or more wires  1306 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the wires  1306  include multiple wires connected to various portions of the terminal block  1304 . The terminal block  1304  can be configured to provide power, ground, control signals, and other similar electrical signals from the control unit  1302  to the wires  1306 . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 13 , the wires  1306  are run through a protective sheathing  1308  to the dual-sensor fluid sensor assembly  1310 . A portion  1306   a  of the wires  1306  are directed to and physically connected to a first sensor  1312   a . For example, a power wire, a ground wire, and one or more control wires can be operably connected to the first sensor  1312   a , thereby operably coupling the first sensor with the control unit  1302 . Similarly, a second portion  1306   b  of the wires  1306  are directed to and physically connected to a second sensor  1312   b . For example, a power wire, ground wire, and one or more control wires can be operably connected to the second sensor  1312   b , thereby operably coupling the second sensor with the control unit  1302 . 
     For example, wires  1306   a  can be directed through a first wire connector (e.g., one of wire connectors  1020  as described above) on the dual-sensor fluid sensor assembly  1310  and operably connected to wires attached to the first sensor  1312   a  (e.g., one of wires  1018  as described above). Similarly, wires  1306   b  can be directed through a second wire connector on the dual-sensor fluid sensor assembly  1310  and operably connected to wires attached to the second sensor  1312   b . Once connected, sensors  1312   a  and  1312   b  can receive power from and communicate fluid level information with the control unit  1302 . Based upon information from the sensors  1312   a  and  1312   b , the control unit can provide updated control instructions to the pump  1315 . 
     It should be noted that the wiring system  1300  as shown in  FIG. 13  is provided by way of example only, and certain aspects of the diagram are included for illustrative purposes only. For example, wires  1306  is shown as having six wires by way of example only. In actual implementation, the number of wires included in wires  1306  can vary based upon the number of sensors being connected to the control unit  1302  as well as the individual wiring requirements of each of the sensors. Similarly, in certain implementations, the sensors  1312   a  and  1312   b  could share a common wire of wires  1306 . For example, each of sensors  1312   a  and  1312   b  could have a common ground or power wire. 
     It should also be noted that in an actual installation, the sheathing  1308  would be arranged such that no portion of the wires  1306  are exposed. However, a portion of the wires  1036  are shown as exposed in  FIG. 13  by way of example only. 
     The examples of the methods and apparatuses discussed herein are not limited in application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The methods and apparatuses are capable of implementation in other examples and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Examples of specific implementations are provided herein for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. In particular, acts, elements and features discussed in connection with any one or more examples are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in any other examples. 
     Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Any references to examples or elements or acts of the systems and methods herein referred to in the singular may also embrace examples including a plurality of these elements, and any references in plural to any example or element or act herein may also embrace examples including only a single element. References in the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the presently disclosed systems or methods, their components, acts, or elements. The use herein of “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. References to “or” may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. 
     Having thus described several aspects of at least one example of this disclosure, it is to be appreciated various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure and are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.