Patent ID: 12258261

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that at least some of the figures and descriptions of the invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements that those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate may also comprise a portion of the invention. However, because such elements are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the invention, a description of such elements is not provided herein.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols and reference characters typically identify similar components throughout several views, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative aspects described in the detailed description, drawings and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other aspects may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the scope of the technology described herein.

The following description of certain examples of the technology should not be used to limit its scope. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments and advantages of the technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the technology. As will be realized, the technology described herein is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the technology. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

It is further understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, aspects, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, aspects, embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. The following described teachings, expressions, aspects, embodiments, examples, etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

Before explaining the various aspects of the mobile fluid transfer system in detail, it should be noted that the various aspects disclosed herein are not limited in their application or use to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and description. Rather, the disclosed aspects may be positioned or incorporated in other aspects, embodiments, variations and modifications thereof, and may be practiced or carried out in various ways. Accordingly, aspects of the mobile fluid transfer system disclosed herein are illustrative in nature and are not meant to limit the scope or application thereof. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the terms and expressions employed herein have been chosen for the purpose of describing the aspects for the convenience of the reader and are not meant to limit the scope thereof. In addition, it should be understood that any one or more of the disclosed aspects, expressions of aspects, and/or examples thereof, can be combined with any one or more of the other disclosed aspects, expressions of aspects, and/or examples thereof, without limitation.

Also, in the following description, it is to be understood that terms such as inward, outward, upward, downward, above, top, below, floor, left, right, side, interior, exterior and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. Terminology used herein is not meant to be limiting insofar as devices described herein, or portions thereof, may be attached or utilized in other orientations. The various aspects will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG.2illustrates a mobile fluid transfer system10in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The mobile fluid transfer system10is configured to be loaded onto a mobile platform such as, for example, the bed of a wheeled vehicle, and/or positioned in an enclosed cargo area of the wheeled vehicle. The wheeled vehicle may be any suitable wheeled vehicle such as, for example, a truck, a trailer, etc. According to various aspects, the mobile fluid transfer system10forms a portion of the mobile platform. Once the mobile fluid transfer system10has been loaded and/or positioned onto the mobile platform, the mobile fluid transfer system10can then be transported to a remote job site to be utilized for transferring one or more fluids to and from a machine. According to various aspects, the mobile fluid transfer system10is equipped with forklift channels which allows for the mobile fluid transfer system10to be loaded onto the bed of a wheeled vehicle with a forklift. According to other aspects, the mobile fluid transfer system10is equipped with lifting lugs (eye bolts, hoist rings or the like) which allows for the mobile fluid transfer system10to be loaded onto the bed of a wheeled vehicle with a crane or other similar machine. The mobile fluid transfer system10may be utilized with any number of different fluids and any number of different machines. For example, according to various aspects, the mobile fluid transfer system10may be utilized to remove engine oil from an earth moving machine (e.g., an excavator, a high-lift, a bulldozer, etc.) and refill the earth moving machine with clean, pre-filtered engine oil. Similarly, the mobile fluid transfer system10may be utilized to remove and replace engine oil from a machine other than an earth moving machine. For example, the mobile fluid transfer system10may be utilized to remove and replace engine oil from a compactor, a generator, a truck, an automobile, an engine powered apparatus and the like. According to other aspects, the mobile fluid transfer system10may be utilized to remove and replace a fluid (e.g., transmission fluid, hydraulic fluid, gear oil, steering fluid, etc.) other than engine oil from a machine. For purposes of simplicity, the mobile fluid transfer system10will be described hereinafter in the context of being employed to remove and refill engine oil of an earth moving machine. However, it will be appreciated that the mobile fluid transfer system10may be utilized with any number of different fluids and any number of different machines.

The mobile fluid transfer system10includes a fluid evacuation system12, a fluid refill system14, a sensing system16and a control circuit18. According to various aspects, the mobile fluid transfer system10also includes a fluid heating system20, a fluid containment system22(SeeFIG.7) and a purge system24. According to various aspects, the mobile fluid transfer system10further includes a power source26such as, for example, a battery. According to other aspects, electrical power can be provided to the mobile fluid transfer system10by the wheeled vehicle which transports the mobile fluid transfer system10to the remote job site, or by a machine being serviced by the mobile fluid transfer system10. Electrical power to operate the mobile fluid transfer system10can be direct current (DC) power provided by the wheeled vehicle which transports the mobile fluid transfer system10to the remote job site (e.g., from a battery of the wheeled vehicle), alternating current (AC) power from a machine being serviced by the mobile fluid transfer system10(e.g., from an electrical outlet powered by the machine), or direct current (DC) power from the power source26.

FIG.3illustrates a fluid evacuation system12of the mobile fluid transfer system10ofFIG.2in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The fluid evacuation system12includes a fluid storage container30configured to store engine oil evacuated from the earth moving machine. The engine oil evacuated from the earth moving machine may be referred to as waste oil. The fluid storage container30may be of any suitable size and shape. For example, according to various aspects, the fluid storage container30may be sized to hold 50 gallons of waste oil, 75 gallons of waste oil, 100 gallons of waste oil, 150 gallons of waste oil, etc., and may be configured in a cylindrical shape, a rectangular shape or a square shape. Although only one fluid storage container30is shown inFIG.3, it will be appreciated that the fluid evacuation system12may include any number of fluid storage containers30, and the various fluid storage containers30can be of different sizes and different shapes.

The fluid evacuation system12also includes piping32(or hosing) coupled to an inlet of the fluid storage container30, a shut-off valve34coupled to the piping32, hosing36coupled to the shut-off valve34and a connector38(e.g., a quick fit connector) coupled to an end of the hosing36. The shut-off valve34can be utilized to stop the flow of waste oil into the fluid storage container30. According to various aspects, the shut-off valve34is operated manually. According to other aspects, the shut-off valve34is a solenoid valve which is controlled automatically by the control circuit18. For such aspects, the fluid evacuation system12is coupled to the control circuit18. The hosing36is wound on a hose reel (not shown) which is similar to the hose reels shown inFIG.8, and can be extended to reach the earth moving machine and/or a portable pump40(shown in dashed lines) which is positioned proximate the earth moving machine. The hosing36may be of any suitable length and any suitable diameter. For example, according to various aspects, the hosing36may be 50 feet in length, 75 feet in length or 100 feet in length, and may have a diameter of ½″, ¾″ or 1″. For instances where the connector38is coupled to the portable pump40, the pump is also coupled to the earth moving machine by hosing42which may include a connector (e.g., a quick fit connector) which connects the hosing42to a valve assembly (e.g., a quick fit valve assembly) at the earth moving machine. By positioning the portable pump40proximate to the earth moving machine, the distance the portable pump40has to suck the engine oil from the earth moving machine (i.e., the distance of the suction line) is reduced, thereby allowing for increased flowrates and/or efficiency associated with the fluid evacuation system12. The engine oil sucked to the portable pump40is then pushed to the fluid storage container30. According to various aspects, the portable pump40and the hosing42are part of the fluid evacuation system12. By utilizing the portable pump40to apply a negative pressure to a valve assembly (e.g., a quick fit valve assembly) at the earth moving machine, the valve assembly operates to allow the waste oil to be evacuated from the earth moving machine, and the evacuated waste oil is subsequently delivered to the fluid storage container30. According to various aspects, the portable pump40may include a pressure relief valve which is set to a pressure which is less than the working pressure of the hosing36and/or the hosing42.

According to other aspects, in lieu of the portable pump40being utilized, the fluid evacuation system12includes a pump (not shown) which is permanently positioned proximate to the fluid storage container30. For such instances, the connector38at the end of the hosing36may be connected directly to a valve assembly (e.g. a quick fit valve assembly) which is connected directly to the earth moving machine. According to various aspects, the pump and/or the portable pump40may be powered by direct current (DC) power, alternating current (AC) power, or air power (pneumatic) provided by the mobile fluid transfer system10, the wheeled vehicle which transports the mobile fluid transfer system10to the remote job site, the machine being serviced by the mobile fluid transfer system10, or another external source. For example, according to some aspects, the pump and/or the portable pump40is powered by direct current (DC) power from a battery of the wheeled vehicle. According to other aspects, the pump and/or the portable pump40is powered by alternating current (AC) power from an electrical outlet powered by a machine being serviced by the mobile fluid transfer system10. According to yet other aspects, the pump and/or the portable pump40is powered by direct current (DC) power from the power source26. According to yet other aspects, the pump and/or the portable pump is pneumatically powered from an external source.

According to various aspects, the control circuit18is configured to provide certain safeguards for the operation of the fluid evacuation system12. For example, the control circuit18is configured to verify the shut-off valve34is open before energizing the portable pump40with DC power. If the control circuit18determines the valve34is closed and the fluid storage container30is not full (as described in more detail hereinbelow), the control circuit18will open the valve34and energize the portable pump40to allow for the evacuation of the waste oil from the earth moving machine. However, if the control circuit18determines the valve34is closed and the fluid storage container30is full (as described in more detail hereinbelow), the control circuit18will not oven the valve34and will not energize the portable pump40to allow for the evacuation of the waste oil from the earth moving machine.

FIG.4illustrates a fluid refill system14of the mobile fluid transfer system10ofFIG.2in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The fluid refill system14includes a fluid storage container50configured to store clean, filtered engine oil which can be utilized to refill the earth moving machine with engine oil. The clean, filtered engine oil stored in the fluid storage container50may be referred to as new oil. The fluid storage container50may be of any suitable size and shape. For example, according to various aspects, the fluid storage container50may be sized to hold 50 gallons of new oil, 75 gallons of new oil, 100 gallons of new oil, 150 gallons of new oil, etc., and may be configured in a cylindrical shape, a rectangular shape or a square shape. Although only one fluid storage container50is shown inFIG.4, it will be appreciated that the fluid refill system14may include any number of fluid storage containers50, and the various fluid storage containers50can be of different sizes and different shapes.

The fluid refill system14also includes piping52(or hosing) coupled to an outlet of the fluid storage container50, a shut-off valve54coupled to the piping52, piping56(or hosing) coupled to the shut-off valve54, a pump58having an inlet coupled to the piping56, hosing60coupled to an outlet of the pump58, and a connector62(e.g., a quick fit connector) coupled to an end of the hosing60. The shut-off valve54can be utilized to stop the flow of new oil to the earth moving machine. According to various aspects, the shut-off valve54is operated manually. According to other aspects, the shut-off valve54is a solenoid valve which is controlled automatically by the control circuit18. For such aspects, the fluid refill system14is coupled to the control circuit18. The hosing60is wound on a hose reel (not shown) which is similar to the hose reels shown inFIG.8, and can be extended to reach the earth moving machine. The hosing60may be of any suitable length and any suitable diameter. For example, according to various aspects, the hosing60may be 50 feet in length, 75 feet in length or 100 feet in length, and may have a diameter of ½″, ¾″ or 1″. The connector62at the end of the hosing60may be connected directly to a valve assembly (e.g., a quick fit valve assembly) which is connected directly to the earth moving machine. By utilizing the pump58to apply a positive pressure to the valve assembly, the valve assembly operates to allow the new oil from the fluid storage container50to be delivered to the earth moving machine.

According to various aspects, the pump58may be powered by direct current (DC) power, alternating current (AC) power, or air power (pneumatic) provided by the mobile fluid transfer system10, the wheeled vehicle which transports the mobile fluid transfer system10to the remote job site, the machine being serviced by the mobile fluid transfer system10, or another external source. For example, according to various aspects, the pump58is powered by direct current (DC) power from a battery of the wheeled vehicle. According to other aspects, the pump58is powered by alternating current (AC) power from an electrical outlet powered by a machine being serviced by the mobile fluid transfer system10. According to yet other aspects, the pump58is powered by direct current (DC) power from the power source26. According to yet other aspects, the pump58is pneumatically powered from an external source.

FIGS.5A and5Billustrate a rollover protection system70of the mobile fluid transfer system10ofFIG.2in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. Each of the fluid storage containers30,50may be equipped with its own rollover protection system70. The rollover protection system70is configured to keep the fluids inside the fluid storage containers30,50if the mobile fluid transfer system10were to be overturned, either on its side (90° protection), upside down (180° protection) or a position inbetween. For purposes of simplicity, the rollover protection system70will be described in the context of its applicability to the fluid storage container50. However, it will be appreciated that the following description of the rollover protection system70is equally applicable to the fluid storage container30. As shown inFIG.5A, an air vent72of the fluid storage container50can include a filter74and a check valve76incorporated therein. The air vent72is configured to allow air within the fluid storage container50to flow through the air vent72to the outside of the fluid storage container50. Similarly, air outside of the fluid storage container50can flow through the air vent72to the inside of the fluid storage container50. Because the air vent72is configured to facilitate airflow to and from the fluid storage container50, the air vent72can be further configured to prevent the introduction of external contaminants to the clean, pre-filtered fluid in the fluid storage container50. Although only one air vent72is shown inFIGS.5A and5B, it will be appreciated that the fluid storage container50may include more than one air vent72, and the fluid storage container30may include more than one air vent72.

According to various aspects, the filter74includes a sintered brass medium which defines a plurality of openings which the air passes through when entering or exiting the fluid storage container50. The plurality of openings can be of any suitable size. For example, according to various aspects, the size of one or more of the openings can be as small as 2 microns. According to other aspects, the size of the one or more of the openings can be as large as 40 microns. According to yet other aspects, the openings can be sized to prevent particulate larger than 10 microns from passing through the openings. Thus, the filter74can be utilized to prevent certain pollutants from reaching the interior of the fluid storage container50, as well as to prevent the fluids within the fluid storage containers50,70from spilling out from the fluid storage containers50,70, through the air vent72and to the outside of the fluid storage containers30,50whenever the wheeled vehicle which transports the mobile fluid transfer system10is subjected to bumps in the road or certain other road/jobsite conditions. According to other aspects, the filter74may include a material other than sintered brass (e.g., a sintered bronze medium, a sintered nickel medium, a nickel material, an aluminum material, etc.).

According to various aspects, the check valve76may be placed directly in a vent location of the fluid storage container50or in a location remote from the fluid storage container50, where the remote location is attached to the vent location with hosing/piping. The check valve76is configured to allow air to flow into and out of the fluid storage container50when the fluid storage container50is in an “upright” position. The check valve76is also configured to transition between an unbiased position (SeeFIG.5A) and a biased position (SeeFIG.5B). According to various aspects, the check valve76includes a ball78and a biasing element80such as, for example, a spring. When the fluid storage container50is in its normal upright position, the ball78exerts a downward force on the biasing element80such that the biasing element80is in a compressed condition. The ball78rests on top of the compressed biasing element80, and the position of the ball78as shown inFIG.5Aallows air to flow into or out of the fluid storage container50. Stated differently, the position of the ball78does not operate to block air from entering or exiting the fluid storage container50. However, when the fluid storage container50is positioned sideways or upside down (i.e., due to the mobile fluid transfer system10being turning on its side or upside down), the downward force exerted by the ball78on the biasing member80is decreased or eliminated such that the biasing element80is able to overcome any downward force exerted by the ball78and extend to a less compressed condition. The extension of the biasing member80to the less compressed condition causes the ball78to be moved to the position as shown inFIG.5B, where the ball78is set against the tapered wall82of the air vent72. In this position, the ball78operates to block any fluid within the fluid storage container50from exiting the fluid storage container50via the air vent72, as well as any air from entering or exiting the fluid storage container50.

Although the check valve76is described above as including a ball and seat configuration, according to other aspects, alternate configurations such as a swing, lift, dual plate, and/or stop check type configurations are also contemplated by the present disclosure. According to such aspects, the check valve76may include components such as swing hinges, a duck bills, dual plates, and discs to accomplish the same effect. Additionally, according to yet other aspects, the rollover protection system70may include an actuator which is utilized to transition the check valve76between a biased position and an unbiased position, and vice versa. For such aspects, the actuator may be controlled by the control circuit18in response to a signal output by a sensing device which is configured to measure an orientation of the mobile fluid transfer system10and/or the fluid storage container50.

FIG.5Cillustrates the check valve76of the rollover protection system70, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.5C, the check valve76is positioned in a location remote from the fluid storage container50, and is connected to an air vent72on each side of the fluid storage container50via hosing/piping84. This arrangement allows for fluid/air to balance out in instances where the fluid storage container50is situated at an angle relative to its standard “level-to-the-ground” orientation. It will be appreciated that the features illustrated and described with reference toFIG.5Care equally applicable to the fluid storage container30.

FIG.6illustrates a sensing system16of the mobile fluid transfer system10ofFIG.2in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The sensing system16is coupled to the fluid evacuation system12, to the fluid refill system14and to the control circuit18. According to various aspects, the sensing system16is also coupled to the power source26. According to various aspects, the sensing system16is coupled to the fluid evacuation system12, to the fluid refill system14and/or to the control circuit18via hard wires. According to other aspects, one or more portions of the sensing system16are wirelessly coupled to the fluid evacuation system12, to the fluid refill system14and/or to the control circuit18. The sensing system16includes a plurality of different sensing devices. According to various aspects, the sensing system16includes a first sensing device90and a second sensing device92. The first sensing device90may be positioned at the “top” of the fluid storage container30and is configured to measure a level/height of the waste oil in the fluid storage container30. The sensing system16may include a separate first sensing device90for each fluid storage container30of the fluid evacuation system12. The second sensing device92may be positioned at the “top” of the fluid storage container50and is configured to measure a level/height of the new oil in the fluid storage container50. The sensing system16may include a separate second sensing device92for each fluid storage container50of the fluid refill system14. According to various aspects, the first sensing device90forms a portion of the fluid evacuation system12and the second sensing device92forms a portion of the fluid refill system14.

According to various aspects, the first and/or second sensing devices90,92may be implemented as an ultrasonic device, a laser device, a radar device, a magnetorestrictive device, a pressure transducer and the like. According to other aspects, the first and/or second sensing devices90,92may be implemented as a mechanical sensing device. For an ultrasonic device, the time it takes for an ultrasound pulse to travel from a transducer to the surface of the waste oil (or from a transducer to the surface of the new oil) and back to the transducer can be utilized to determine the volume of the oil in a given fluid storage device30,50. For a laser device, the time it takes for a pulse of light to travel from a transmitter to the surface of the waste oil (or from a transducer to the surface of the new oil) and back to the transmitter can be utilized to determine the volume of the oil in a given fluid storage device30,50. For a radar device, the time it takes for a microwave to travel from an antenna to the surface of the waste oil (or from a transducer to the surface of the new oil) and back to the antenna can be utilized to determine the volume of the oil in a given fluid storage device30,50. By knowing the pre-determined shapes (e.g., cylindrical, rectangular, square) of the respective fluid storage containers30,50and by knowing the level/height of the fluid within the respective fluid storage containers30,50, the precise volumes of the fluids within the respective fluid storage containers30,50can be readily determined by the control circuit18in real time (or in near real time) as explained in more detail hereinbelow. By utilizing the first and second sensing devices90,92in lieu of the flow meters utilized by known mobile fluid transfer systems, the flow restrictions introduced by the flow meters are eliminated, thereby allowing the fluid evacuation system12and the fluid refill system14to transport the waste oil and the new oil at a faster rate (e.g., 15-20 gallons per minute) than the 4-5 gallons per minute realized by known mobile fluid transfer systems. According to other aspects, the first and/or second sensing devices90,92may be implemented by sensing devices other than ultrasonic devices, laser devices, radar devices, magnetorestrictive devices or pressure transducers. According to various aspects, the mobile fluid transfer system10may also include a mechanical float valve for the fluid storage container30and a mechanical float valve for the fluid storage container50to provide redundancy for the first and second sensing devices90,92.

According to various aspects, the first and second sensing devices90,92are setup to help define the usable capacity of the fluid storage containers30,50. The usable capacity of the fluid storage container30may be considered to be the total volume inside the fluid storage container30, minus a residual fluid volume at the bottom of the fluid storage container30, minus an air gap volume at the top of the fluid storage container30. A top of the residual fluid volume is set to a first predetermined height (a zero level) above the floor/bottom of the fluid storage container30and a bottom of the air gap volume is set to a second predetermined height (a full level) above the floor/bottom of the fluid storage container30. The air gap volume operates to minimize spillage coming up through the air vent72as the motion of the mobile platform (e.g., going around corners, stopping or starting quickly, etc.) causes the fluid in the fluid storage container30to slosh. The usable capacity of the fluid storage containers50may be determined in the same manner.

FIG.6Aillustrates a setup of the first sensing device90, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. Based on the time of flight data (e.g., the time it takes for an ultrasound pulse to travel from a transducer to the surface of the fluid in the fluid storage container30and back to the transducer), the first sensing device90is configured to output a signal indicative of the height of the fluid in the fluid storage container30. As shown inFIG.6A, the signal can be in units of milliamperes (e.g., 4-20 milliamperes). According to other aspects, the signal can be in in units of volts (e.g., 0-10 volts). For aspects where the first sensing device90is a 4-20 milliampere sensing device, the zero level in the fluid storage compartment30is set based on the height in the fluid storage container30where the first sensing device90outputs a 4 milliampere signal responsive to the time of flight data, and the full level in the fluid storage compartment30is set based on the height in the fluid storage compartment30where the first sensing device90outputs a 19 milliampere signal responsive to the time of flight data. The control circuit18is configured to plot the zero level height (i.e., the 4 milliampere signal) and the full level height (i.e., the 19 milliampere signal), then use the straight line equation y=mx+b to extrapolate respective heights of fluid in the fluid storage container30associated with respective signals between 4 milliamperes and 19 milliamperes output by the first sensing device90. For example, a signal of 11.5 milliamperes would be associated with a height being located equidistant from the zero level and the full level. Based on a given height associated with a given output signal of the first sensing device90, and the known length and width of the fluid storage container30, the control circuit18is configured to calculate the volume of “waste oil” present in the fluid storage container30. According to other aspects, the control circuit18may utilize a lookup table to determine the volume of “waste oil” present in the fluid storage container30based on a given height associated with a given output signal of the first sensing device90. The second sensing device92may be setup in the same manner as described above for the fluid storage container50. With the above-described setup, fluid viscosity calibration of the sensing devices90,92is not needed and the sensing devices90,92provide greater accuracy across a wide range of fluids than the flow meters of known lube skids. In view of the above-described functionality of the first and second sensing devices90,92, it will be appreciated that the outputs of the first and second sensing devices90,92may be utilized by the control circuit18to prevent the fluid storage containers30,50from being overfilled.

Returning toFIG.6, according to various aspects, the sensing system16further includes a third sensing device94and a fourth sensing device96. The third sensing device94is configured to output a signal when the level of the fluid in the fluid storage container30has reached or exceeded a predetermined threshold. Similarly, the fourth sensing device96is configured to output a signal when the level of the fluid in the fluid storage container50has reached or exceeded a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold for the fluid level in the fluid storage container30can be the same as or different from the predetermined threshold for the fluid level in the fluid storage container50. As explained in more detail hereinbelow, responsive to the output signals of the third and/or fourth sensing devices94,96, the control circuit18can initiate an audible alarm via a speaker of the mobile fluid transfer system10and/or a visual alarm via an indicator (e.g., a light emitting diode) or via a display of the mobile fluid transfer system10, as well as disconnect electrical power to the supplemental pump40and/or the pump58. Although the control circuit18can also be configured to initiate the audible alarm, the visual alarm and/or disconnect electrical power to the supplemental pump40and/or the pump58based on the signals output by the first and second sensing devices90,92(which indicate the levels of the fluids in the fluid storage containers30,50), the third and fourth sensing devices94,96offer a level of redundancy to help mitigate the chance of any inadvertent overfilling of the fluid storage containers30,50. According to various aspects, the third sensing device94forms a portion of the fluid evacuation system12and the fourth sensing device96forms a portion of the fluid refill system14. In view of the above-described functionality of the third and fourth sensing devices94,96, it will be appreciated that the outputs of the third and fourth sensing devices94,96may be utilized by the control circuit18to prevent the fluid storage containers30,50from being overfilled.

According to other aspects, the functionality of the third and fourth sensing devices94,96may be performed by the first and second sensing devices90,92. For example, any signals output by the first or second sensing devices90,92which are greater than 19 milliamperes can be interpreted by the control circuit18as the fluid in the fluid storage containers30,50having reached or exceeded the predetermined threshold, with the control circuit18then taking the above-described actions in response thereto.

According to various aspects, the sensing system16also includes a fifth sensing device98. The fifth sensing device98is configured to measure an orientation of the mobile fluid transfer system10(e.g., relative to the normal upright position of the mobile fluid transfer system10), and by extension, an orientation of the fluid storage containers30,50. Alternatively, the sensing system16may include two or more fifth sensing devices98(e.g., one for measuring the orientation of the fluid storage container30and another one for measuring the orientation of the fluid storage container50). The fifth sensing device98is further configured to output a signal indicative of the orientation of the mobile fluid transfer system10, of the fluid storage container30and/or of the fluid storage container50. As explained hereinabove, the control circuit18may control an actuation member of the rollover protection system70based on the signal output by the fifth sensing device98. According to various aspects, responsive to the output signal of the fifth sensing device98, the control circuit18can initiate an audible alarm via a speaker of the mobile fluid transfer system10and/or a visual alarm via an indicator (e.g., a light emitting diode) or via a display of the mobile fluid transfer system10, as well as disconnect electrical power to the supplemental pump40and/or the pump58. According to various aspects, the control circuit18may also close the shutoff valve34and/or the shutoff valve54if any of these valves are open when the output signal of the fifth sensing device98is indicative of a rollover event. According to various aspects, the fifth sensing device98forms a portion of the fluid evacuation system12and/or a portion of the fluid refill system14.

According to various aspects, the sensing system16also includes a sixth sensing device100. The sixth sensing device100is configured to detect a presence of a fluid which is proximate to a floor of the fluid containment system22(SeeFIG.8) and is external to the fluid storage containers30,50. As explained in more detail hereinbelow, the fluid containment system22surrounds the fluid storage containers30,50. The presence of a fluid at this location is indicative of a fluid leak or an overflow situation associated with the fluid storage container30and/or the fluid storage container50. The sixth sensing device100is also configured to output a signal indicative of the presence of the fluid. According to various aspects, responsive to the output signal of the sixth sensing device100, the control circuit18can initiate an audible alarm via a speaker of the mobile fluid transfer system10and/or a visual alarm via an indicator (e.g., a light emitting diode) or via a display of the mobile fluid transfer system10, as well as disconnect electrical power to the supplemental pump40and/or the pump58.

According to various aspects, the sensing system16further includes a seventh sensing device102and an eighth sensing device104. The seventh sensing device102may be positioned either on a “side” of the fluid storage container30or within the fluid storage container30, and is configured to measure a temperature of the fluid in a given zone of the fluid storage container30. The seventh sensing device102is further configured to output a signal which is representative of a temperature of the waste oil in the given zone of the fluid storage container30. Similarly, the eighth sensing device104may be positioned either on a “side” of the fluid storage container50or within the fluid storage container50, and is configured to measure a temperature of the fluid in a given zone of the fluid storage container50. The eighth sensing device104is further configured to output a signal which is representative of a temperature of the new oil in the given zone of the fluid storage container50. As explained in more detail hereinbelow, the signals output by the seventh and eighth sensing devices102,104may be utilized by the control circuit18to control heating of the waste oil in the fluid storage container30and/or the new oil in the fluid storage container50. According to various aspects, the seventh sensing device102forms a portion of the fluid evacuation system12and the eighth sensing device104forms a portion of the fluid refill system14.

According to various aspects, the sensing system16may also include one or more sensing devices106which are collectively utilized to determine parameters associated with the waste oil. Such parameters are associated with a quality/condition of the waste oil and can include, for example, degradation, contamination (e.g., fuel, coolant), acidity, water content, dilution, antioxidant depletion, metallic content, debris, soot, temperature, viscosity, particle count and the like. According to various aspects, the waste oil can be analyzed in real time or in near real time while in route from the machine to the fluid storage container30. For such aspects, the one or more sensing devices106measure various properties of the oil (e.g., dielectric constant, inductive characteristics, optical properties, spectrographic characteristics, magnetic properties, etc.) and output signals indicative of the measurements. According to other aspects, the waste oil can be captured and isolated while in route from the machine to the fluid storage container30, and the captured waste oil can be similarly analyzed externally to the mobile fluid transfer system10. The control circuit18utilizes the output signals of the one or more sensing devices106to determine the parameters associated with the waste oil. According to various aspects, the one or more sensing devices106form a portion of the fluid evacuation system12.

FIG.7illustrates a fluid heating system20of the mobile fluid transfer system10ofFIG.2in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The fluid heating system20comprises a heating device110and a heating device112. The heating device110is positioned within the fluid storage container30and is utilized to heat the fluid of a given zone of the fluid storage container30to a predetermined temperature. Similarly, the heating device112is positioned within the fluid storage container50and is utilized to heat the fluid of a given zone of the fluid storage container50to a predetermined temperature. According to various aspects, one of the heating device110and the heating device112may operate to heat the fluid of a given zone of the fluid storage container30as well as the fluid of a given zone of the fluid storage container50to a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature associated with the heating device110can be the same as or different from the predetermined temperature associated with the heating device112. According to various aspects, the heating devices110,112are resistive heating elements, and the electrical power provided to the heating devices110,112is controlled by the control circuit18based on signals output by the seventh and eighth sensing devices102,104to maintain predetermined temperature levels within the given zones of the fluid storage containers30,50. For instances where heating is needed to achieve sufficient flow of the fluids, by only heating respective zones of the fluid storage containers30,50, the entirety of the fluids in the fluid storage containers30,50are only partially heated (all of the fluid isn't necessarily heated to the predetermined temperature). This can allow for the flow of the fluids to be realized faster than would otherwise be possible. Electrical power to the first and second heating devices102,104can be provided by the power source26, by the wheeled vehicle which transports the mobile fluid transfer system10to the remote job site, from a machine being serviced by the mobile fluid transfer system10, or from an AC power source which is external to the mobile fluid transfer system10. According to other aspects, the heating devices110,112are flow type heaters which utilize an enclosed circulating liquid to heat the fluid of a given zone of the fluid storage container30as well as the fluid of a given zone of the fluid storage container50to a predetermined temperature.

According to various aspects, the heating devices110,112include sensing devices which measure the temperature of the heating elements of the heating devices110,112. For such aspects, the seventh and eighth sensing devices102,104are utilized to determine the temperatures of the respective fluids in the fluid storage containers30,50. If the temperature of fluid in the fluid storage container30is below a pre-determined threshold, the control circuit18turns on the heating device110. Similarly, if the temperature of fluid in the fluid storage container50is below the pre-determined threshold, the control circuit18turns on the heating device112. The pre-determined threshold for the fluid in the fluid storage container30can be the same as or different from the pre-determined threshold for the fluid in the fluid storage container50. The control circuit18also monitors the temperature of the heating elements of the heating devices110,112, and when a temperature of a heating element reaches a pre-determined upper threshold, the control circuit18shuts off the heating device110,112associated with the heating element. The pre-determined upper threshold for the heating element of the heating device110can be the same as or different from the pre-determined upper threshold for the heating element for the heating device112. As the heating element cools, the control circuit18continues the monitoring and when the temperature of the heating element hits a pre-determined lower threshold, the control circuit18turns the heating device110,112associated with the heating element back on. The pre-determined lower threshold for the heating element of the heating device110can be the same as or different from the pre-determined lower threshold for the heating element of the heating device112. The above-described process continues until the fluid temperatures measured by the seventh and eighth sensing devices102,104reach their respective pre-determined thresholds, a temperature at which fluids no longer need to be heated.

FIG.8illustrates a fluid containment system22of the mobile fluid transfer system10ofFIG.2in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The fluid containment system22surrounds the fluid storage containers30,50and may be of any suitable size and shape. For example, according to various aspects, the fluid containment system22is sized to be able to hold at least 100% of the combined capacity of the fluid storage containers30,50. According to other aspects, the fluid containment system22is sized to be able to hold up to 120% (e.g., 105%, 110%, 115%, etc.) of the combined capacity of the fluid storage containers30,50. Stated differently, for this example, if the combined capacity of the fluid storage container30and the fluid storage container50is 100 gallons, the fluid containment system22may be sized to hold up to 120 gallons of fluid. In this manner, even if both of the fluid storage containers30,50were to fail, the fluid containment system22could safely hold all of the fluid from the storage containers plus 20 gallons of any additional fluid (e.g., rainwater). According to yet other aspects, the fluid containment system22is sized to be able to hold more than 120% (e.g., 125%, 130%, 140%, 150%) of the combined capacity of the fluid storage containers30,50.

According to other aspects, the fluid containment system22may be configured to hold at least 100% of the individual capacity of the fluid storage container30or the fluid storage container50, whichever is greater. When the mobile fluid transfer system10arrives at the first remote job site of a given day, the fluid storage container50holds a certain amount of fluid (e.g., new oil) and the fluid storage container30may be empty or nearly empty. As the first machine is serviced, the fluid evacuation system12operates to evacuate a fluid (e.g., waste oil) from the machine and deliver the evacuated fluid into the fluid storage container30, thereby increasing the amount of fluid in the fluid storage container30. Once the evacuation process is completed, the fluid refill system14may then be operated to deliver the fluid (e.g., new oil) from the fluid storage container50to the machine, thereby decreasing the amount of fluid in the fluid storage container50. For instances where the amount of fluid delivered from the fluid storage container50to the machine is the same as the amount of fluid evacuated from the machine and delivered into the fluid storage container30, the combined amount of the fluids in the fluid storage containers30,50is the same at the end of the service operation as it was at the beginning of the service operation. This process may be repeated for any number of machines being serviced such that when the mobile fluid transfer system10leaves the first remote job site, the combined amount of the fluids in the fluid storage containers30,50is the same as it was when the mobile fluid transfer system10arrived at the first remote job site. For these aspects, the fluid containment system22is able to safely hold at least 100% of the sum of the fluids from the storage container30and the storage container50while the mobile fluid storage system10is in transit. According to other aspects, the fluid containment system22is sized to be able to hold up to 120% (e.g., 105%, 110%, 115%, etc.) of the individual capacity of the fluid storage container30or the fluid storage container50, whichever is greater, thereby providing a safety factor in case there are any additional fluid or fluids other than the waste oil or the new oil present in the fluid storage containers30,50. According to yet other aspects, the fluid containment system22is sized to be able to hold more than 120% (e.g., 125%, 130%, 140%, 150%) of the individual capacity of the fluid storage container30or the fluid storage container50, whichever is greater.

For the aspect shown inFIG.8, the fluid containment system22is rectangular shaped and includes a bottom or floor (not visible), four side walls120(left side, right side, front and rear) and a movable top122. The bottom/floor, the four side walls120and the movable top122may be fabricated from any suitable material. For example, according to various aspects, at least one of the bottom/floor, the four side walls120and the movable top122is fabricated from steel (e.g., plate steel). According to other aspects, at least one of the bottom/floor, the four side walls120and the movable top122is fabricated from an aluminum. According to various aspects, the fluid containment system22utilizes a floor of the mobile fluid transfer system10as the bottom/floor of the fluid containment system22. According to other aspects, the bottom/floor of the fluid containment system22is separate from and above the floor of the mobile fluid transfer system10. The four side walls120are coupled to the bottom/floor of the fluid containment system22and to their adjacent side walls120in a manner (e.g., welded) which provides a “watertight” seal such that any fluid which is in contact with the bottom/floor of the fluid containment system22and the four side walls120(up to a certain height) is prevented from leaking out of the fluid containment system22(as long as the mobile fluid transfer system10is in the “upright” position). The movable top102can be lifted off (either partially via hinges or fully) to provide access to the internal volume of the fluid containment system22.

In addition to surrounding the fluid storage containers30,50, the fluid containment system22also surrounds other portions of the fluid evacuation system12(e.g., the piping32, the air vent72, the first sensing device90, the third sensing device94, the fifth sensing device98, the seventh sensing device102and the one or more sensing devices106) and other portions of the fluid refill system14(e.g., the piping52, the air vent72, the second sensing device92, the fourth sensing device96, the fifth sensing device98, and the eighth sensing device104). The fluid containment system22also surrounds portions of the control circuit18, including power wiring and control wiring.

According to various aspects, the fluid containment system22also includes an insulative material and/or a fire retardant material which surrounds the fuel storage containers30,50. The insulative material provides a temperature buffer which helps to retain heat within the interiors of the fluid storage containers30,50. The fire retardant material provides fire suppression, and operates as a barrier to keep heat and/or flames external to the fluid storage containers30,50from introducing heat and/or damage to the interior of the fluid storage containers30,50, thereby reducing the possibility of such external heat damaging or compromising the interiors of the fluid storage containers30,50.

According to other aspects of the fluid containment system22, any of the bottom/floor, the side walls120and the top122may be double-walled, the top122may be fixed in place in lieu of being movable, and the shape of the fluid containment system22may be a shape other than rectangular. For example, the fluid containment system22may include at least one curved surface.

As also shown inFIG.8, according to various aspects, the mobile fluid transfer system10may further comprise a filter storage compartment124. The filter storage compartment124may be utilized to store filters which have been removed from various machines during service operations. The filter storage compartment124may be constructed in a manner similar to the fluid containment system22, and may be waterproof up to a certain height of the filter storage compartment124. The filter storage compartment124provides a convenient location to store the removed filters (and any debris/oil still in the filters) so as to avoid any unintended environmental issues associated with the removed filters. The filters can be subsequently removed and properly processed for disposal at a later point in time (e.g., when the mobile fluid transfer system10arrives at a service station, a repair shop or back at a home base). According to various aspects, the filter storage compartment124includes plug which allows for the fluid storage compartment124to be manually drained of any fluids. According to other aspects, the mobile fluid transfer system10may be configured to evacuate fluid from the filter storage compartment124and deliver the evacuated fluid into the fluid storage container30.

FIG.9illustrates a purge system24of the mobile fluid transfer system10ofFIG.2in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. According to various aspects, the purge system24includes a source130of a pressurized purging agent (e.g., air or nitrogen), a shut-off valve132, hosing134connected to the shut-off valve132, and a fitting136(e.g., a quick connect fitting) coupled to an end of the hosing134. The shut-off valve132can be utilized to stop the flow of the purging agent to the earth moving machine. According to various aspects, the shut-off valve132is operated manually. According to other aspects, the shut-off valve132is a solenoid valve which is controlled automatically by the control circuit18. For such aspects, the purge system24is coupled to the control circuit18. The hosing134is wound on a hose reel (not shown) which is similar to the hose reels shown inFIG.8, is wound in a manner similar to the hosing36of the fluid evacuation system12and the hosing60of the fluid refill system14, and can be extended to reach the earth moving machine. The hosing134may be of any suitable length and any suitable diameter. For example, according to various aspects, the hosing134may be 50 feet in length, 75 feet in length or 100 feet in length, and may have a diameter of ⅜″, ½″, ⅝″ or ¾″. The fitting136may be coupled directly to a valve assembly (e.g., a quick fit valve assembly) which is connected directly to the earth moving machine. By utilizing the source130of the pressurized purging agent to apply a positive pressure to the valve assembly, the valve assembly operates to allow the pressurized purging agent to be delivered to the earth moving machine, where the pressurized purging agent acts to dislodge and remove any trapped particulate or oil from the filter (or filters) of the earth moving machine, thereby allowing for the dislodged particulate or oil to be subsequently removed from the machine during an evacuation process. The use of the purge system24also operates to lower the temperature of the filter. For instances where the filter is to be removed and replaced, the filter to be removed is at a lower temperature and contains less liquid waste as a result of the purging, thereby mitigating the risk of burns and oil spills which can occur during the removal of the filter. For instances where the filter is a reusable filter, the purging returns the reusable filter (or filters) to a like-new condition. When the purge system24is utilized in conjunction with the fluid evacuation system12and the fluid refill system14for an oil service operation performed on a given machine, approximately 10% more “waste oil” is removed from the machine by the fluid evacuation system12, resulting in less cross-contamination of the new oil delivered to the machine by the fluid refill system14.

FIG.10illustrates a control circuit18of the mobile fluid transfer system10ofFIG.2in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The control circuit18includes a processing circuit140, a memory circuit142and a wireless or cellular communication module144. According to various aspects, the control circuit18also includes a global positioning system (GPS) module146. Also, according to various aspects, the control circuit also includes the power source26. As shown inFIG.2, the control circuit18is coupled to fluid refill system14and to the sensing system16. According to various aspects, the control circuit18is also coupled to the fluid evacuation system12, the fluid heating system20, the purge system24and a power source (e.g., the power source26or a power source external to the mobile fluid transfer system10). According to various aspects, when AC power is coupled to the mobile fluid transfer system10, the control circuit18and the heating devices110,112are powered by AC power. If no AC power is coupled to the mobile fluid transfer system10, the control circuit18is powered by DC power.

The processing circuit140may be, for example, hardwired circuitry, programmable circuitry (e.g., a computer processor including one or more individual instruction processing cores, processing unit, processor, microcontroller, microcontroller unit, controller, digital signal processor (DSP), programmable logic device (PLD), programmable logic array (PLA), or field programmable gate array (FPGA)), state machine circuitry, firmware that stores instructions executed by programmable circuitry, and any combination thereof. The processing circuit140may, collectively or individually, be embodied as circuitry that forms part of a larger system, for example, an integrated circuit (IC), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system on-chip (SoC), desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, servers, smart phones, etc. Accordingly, the processing circuit140may include, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one application specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of random access memory), and/or electrical circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical-electrical equipment). Those having skill in the art will recognize that the subject matter described herein may be implemented in an analog or digital fashion or some combination thereof.

The memory circuit142is coupled to the processing circuit140and may include more than one type of memory. For example, according to various aspects, the memory142circuit may include volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM), which can act as external cache memory. According to various aspects, the random access memory can be static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), Synchlink dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), direct Rambus random access memory (DRRAM) and the like. The non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), electrically programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory and the like. According to various aspects, the memory circuit142can also include removable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile storage media, such as for example disk storage. The disk storage can include, but is not limited to, devices like a magnetic disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a tape drive, a Jaz drive, a Zip drive, a LS-60 drive, a flash memory card, or a memory stick. In addition, the disk storage can include storage media separately or in combination with other storage media including, but not limited to, an optical disc drive such as a compact disc ROM device (CD-ROM), a compact disc recordable drive (CD-R Drive), a compact disc rewritable drive (CD-RW Drive), a digital versatile disc ROM drive (DVD-ROM) and the like.

The wireless communication module144is configured to enable communication between the mobile fluid transfer system10and other devices/systems via a network152(SeeFIG.11), where the communications between the wireless communications module144and the network152are wireless communications. With this capability, the mobile fluid transfer system10is able to receive information/instructions/commands from devices which are proximate to the mobile fluid transfer system10, as well as communicate information associated with the mobile fluid transfer system10to systems which are remote from the mobile fluid transfer system10. For example, according to various aspects, as explained in more detail hereinbelow, the mobile fluid transfer system10can be controlled by a wireless controller, and can automatically send reports to one or more remote computing systems.

The wireless communication module144can employ any suitable wireless communication technology. For example, according to various aspects, the wireless communication module144can employ, Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Thread, ZigBee, and the like. Similarly, the wireless communication module144can employ any one of a number of wireless communication standards or protocols, including but not limited to Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 family), WPA2, WPA3, WiMAX (IEEE 802.16 family), IEEE 802.20, long-term evolution (LTE), and Ev-DO, HSPA+, HSDPA+, HSUPA+, EDGE, GSM, GPRS, CDMA, TDMA, DECT, and Ethernet derivatives thereof, as well as any other wireless protocols that are designated as 3G, 4G, 5G, and beyond.

According to various aspects, the GPS module146is configured to receive information communicated from a plurality of GPS satellites and/or ground GPS stations, and utilize the information to determine its location, and by extension, the location of the mobile fluid transfer system10. The location information can be stored in the memory circuit142and communicated to any device, computing system and the like which is connected to the network152.

In general, as described in more detail hereinbelow, the control circuit18is configured to control the operation of the mobile fluid transfer system10, receive information/instructions/commands from devices and/or systems which are external to the mobile fluid transfer system10, and communicate information to devices and/or systems which are external to the mobile fluid transfer system10. Such devices may include, for example, a wireless controller.

According to various aspects, the control circuit18is configured to receive a signal output by the first sensing device90, temporarily store the received signal in the memory circuit142, and utilize the stored signal to determine the amount of fluid in the fluid storage container30. For example, according to various aspects, the fluid storage container30is rectangular shaped, having a length of 4 feet, a width of 2 feet and a height of 3 feet, and the control circuit18is pre-programmed to know these dimensions. Thus, the control circuit18can easily calculate, or be pre-programmed to know, that the cross-sectional area of the fluid storage container30is 8 square feet. Therefore, once the height of the fluid (e.g., a distance from the floor of the fluid storage container30to the top of the waste oil) is determined, the control circuit18can determine the amount (or volume) of the fluid in the fluid storage container30. The control circuit can determine the amount in gallons, quarts, liters and the like. When a signal (e.g., an ultrasound pulse, a pulse of light, a microwave, etc.) travels from the sensing device90to the “top” of the waste oil and back to the sensing device90, the sensing device90is configured to measure the time of travel and output a signal indicative of the measured time of travel to the control circuit18. The control circuit18can utilize the signal from the first sensing device90to determine a distance between the top of the waste oil and the top of the fluid storage container30and by extension, the height of the waste oil from the floor of the storage to the top of the waste oil. The control circuit18may then simply calculate the amount of fluid in the fluid storage container30by multiplying the cross-sectional area of the fluid storage container30(8 square feet) by the determined height of the fluid in the fluid storage container30. Alternatively, the control circuit18can also just simply multiply the known length (4 feet) by the known width (2 feet) by the determined height. The above-described calculations, or like calculations, can be performed to determine an amount of fluid in the fluid storage container in real time (or in near-real time), and can be performed any number of times. According to other aspects, the control circuit18can determine the amount of fluid (e.g., waste oil) in the fluid storage container30using the methodology described with reference toFIG.6A.

Similarly, according to various aspects, the control circuit18is also configured to receive a signal output by the second sensing device92, temporarily store the received signal in the memory circuit142, and utilize the stored signal to determine the amount of fluid in the fluid storage container50in the same manner as described above.

According to various aspects, the control circuit18is further configured to receive signals output by the first and second sensing devices90,92, temporarily store the received signals in the memory circuit142, and utilize the stored signals to determine whether the level of the either of the fluids in the fluid storage containers30,50have reached respective predetermined thresholds. In the context of the fluid storage container30, the predetermined threshold can represent a level indicating that the waste oil is getting close to filling the fluid storage container30, and it is time to stop receiving waste oil. The waste oil can subsequently be removed from the fluid storage container30. For example, according to various aspects, the predetermined threshold for the waste oil may be set as an amount (e.g., a certain number of gallons), a height of the fluid (e.g., 2 feet, 8 inches), a percentage of the overall volume of the fluid storage container30(e.g., 90% of 24 cubic feet), a percentage of the overall height of the fluid storage container30(e.g., 90% of 3 feet) and the like. Similarly, in the context of the fluid storage container50, the predetermined threshold can represent a level indicating that the new oil in the fluid storage container50is getting close be being empty, and it is time to stop supplying the new oil. Additional new oil can subsequently be added to refill the fluid storage container50. For example, according to various aspects, the predetermined threshold for the new oil may be set as an amount (e.g., a certain number of gallons), a height of the fluid (e.g., 4 inches), a percentage of the overall volume of the fluid storage container50(e.g., 10% of 24 cubic feet), a percentage of the overall height of the fluid storage container50(e.g., 10% of 3 feet) and the like.

By knowing the amounts of the fluids in the fluid storage containers30,50, the height of the fluids in the fluid storage containers30,50, and the empty or unused height of the fluid storage containers30,50from the above-described methods, the control circuit18can readily determine whether or not either of the respective predetermined thresholds has been reached based on the signals received from the first and second sensing devices90,92. For instances where the predetermined threshold is set in different units (e.g., as a percentage), the control circuit18is configured to utilize the above described calculations to perform additional straight-forward calculations to determine whether or not the predetermined threshold has been reached (or exceeded). According to other aspects, the control circuit18can determine whether or not the predetermined threshold has been reached (or exceeded) based on the signals output by the first and second sensing devices90,92as described with reference toFIG.6.

According to various aspects, based on the above-described calculations associated with the signals from the first and second sensing devices90,92, the control circuit18is further configured to calculate/determine the following: (1) the amount (e.g. gallons) of fluid in the fluid storage container30before and after the performance of each machine service operation (e.g., a fluid evacuation), (2) the amount (e.g., gallons) of fluid pumped into the fluid storage container30for each machine service operation, (3) the amount (e.g. gallons) of fluid in the fluid storage container30before and after a removal operation is performed on the fluid storage container30, (4) the amount (e.g. gallons) of fluid in the fluid storage container50before and after a refill operation is performed on the fluid storage container50, (5) the amount (e.g. gallons) of fluid in the fluid storage container50before and after the performance of each machine service operation (e.g., a fluid refill) and (6) the amount (e.g., gallons) of fluid pumped out of the fluid storage container50for each machine service operation. Of course, similar calculations/determinations can be made for associated milestones such as, for example, fluid levels at the start of work day, fluid levels upon arrival and exit of each different jobsite, fluid levels at end of the day, and the like. All of the above information can be stored in the memory circuit142and communicated to any device, computing system and the like which is connected to the network152.

According to various aspects, the control circuit18is configured to receive a signal output by the third sensing device94, temporarily store the received signal in the memory circuit142, and utilize the stored signal to determine whether a level of the fluid in the fluid storage container30has reached (or exceeded) a predetermined threshold. In the context of the fluid storage container30, the predetermined threshold can represent a level indicating that the waste oil is getting close to filling the fluid storage container30, and it is time to stop receiving waste oil. For example, according to various aspects, the third sensing device94is positioned based on the predetermined threshold. If the fluid level is below the position measured by the third sensing device94, the third sensing device94outputs a first signal indicative of the fluid level not having reached the predetermined threshold. However, if the fluid level reaches the position measured by the third sensing device94, the third sensing device94outputs a second signal indicative of the fluid level having reached the predetermined threshold. When the control circuit18processes the first signal, the control circuit18determines the level of fluid in the storage container30has not reached the predetermined threshold and does not take any action. However, when the control circuit18processes the second signal, the control circuit18determines the level of fluid in the storage container30has reached the predetermined threshold. Responsive thereto, the control circuit18may take further action such as, for example, disconnecting electrical power from a pump associated with the fluid evacuation system12, closing off the shut-off valve34, initiating an audible alarm, initiating a visual alarm and/or communicating a notification to one or more devices, computing systems and the like which are connected to the network152.

Similarly, according to various aspects, the control circuit18is also configured to receive a signal output by the fourth sensing device96, temporarily store the received signal in the memory circuit142, and utilize the stored signal to determine whether a level of the fluid in the fluid storage container50has reached (or exceeded) a predetermined threshold. In the context of the fluid storage container50, the predetermined threshold can represent a level indicating that the new oil in the fluid storage container50is getting close be being empty, and it is time to stop supplying the new oil. For example, according to various aspects, the fourth sensing device96is positioned based on the predetermined threshold. If the fluid level is above the position measured by the fourth sensing device96, the fourth sensing device96outputs a first signal indicative of the fluid level not having dropped down to the predetermined threshold. However, if the fluid level reaches or drops below the position measured by the fourth sensing device96, the fourth sensing device96outputs a second signal indicative of the fluid level having reached or dropped below the predetermined threshold. When the control circuit18processes the first signal, the control circuit18determines the level of fluid in the storage container30has not dropped down to the predetermined threshold and does not take any action. However, when the control circuit18processes the second signal, the control circuit18determines the level of fluid in the storage container30has reached or dropped below the predetermined threshold. Responsive thereto, the control circuit18may take further action such as, for example, disconnecting electrical power from the pump58of the fluid refill system14, closing off the shut-off valve54, initiating an audible alarm, initiating a visual alarm and/or communicating a notification to one or more devices, computing systems and the like which are connected to the network152. All of the above information can be stored in the memory circuit142and communicated to any device, computing system and the like which is connected to the network152.

In certain aspects, the above-described determination made by the control circuit18based on signals received from the third and fourth sensing devices94,96can provide redundancy to the predetermined threshold determinations made by the control circuit18based on signals received from the first and second sensing devices90,92.

According to various aspects, the control circuit18is configured to receive a signal output by the fifth sensing device98, temporarily store the received signal in the memory circuit142, and utilize the stored signal to determine whether the mobile fluid storage system10and/or the fluid storage containers30,50are oriented in position other than an upright position. For example, according to various aspects, the fifth sensing device98is configured to output a signal indicative of the orientation of the mobile fluid storage system10and/or the fluid storage containers30,50. If the mobile fluid storage system10and/or the fluid storage containers30,50are oriented in the upright position, the fifth sensing device98outputs a first signal indicative of the mobile fluid storage system10and/or the fluid storage containers30,50being in the upright position. However, if the mobile fluid storage system10and/or the fluid storage containers30,50are oriented in a position other than the upright position, the fifth sensing device98outputs a second signal indicative of the mobile fluid storage system10and/or the fluid storage containers30,50being in a position other than the upright position. Stated differently, the second signal is indicative of a rollover condition. When the control circuit18processes the first signal, the control circuit18determines the mobile fluid storage system10and/or the fluid storage containers30,50are in the upright position (they have not rolled over) and does not take any action. However, when the control circuit18processes the second signal, the control circuit18determines the mobile fluid storage system10and/or the fluid storage containers30,50are in not in the normal upright position (they have rolled over, either onto their side or upside down). Responsive thereto, the control circuit18may take further action such as, for example, disconnecting electrical power from a pump associated with the fluid evacuation system12, disconnecting electrical power from the pump58of the fluid refill system14, closing off the shut-off valve34, closing off the shut-off valve54, initiating an audible alarm, initiating a visual alarm and/or communicating a notification to one or more devices, computing systems and the like which are connected to the network152. All of the above information can be stored in the memory circuit142and communicated to any device, computing system and the like which is connected to the network152.

According to various aspects, the control circuit18is configured to receive a signal output by the sixth sensing device100, temporarily store the received signal in the memory circuit142, and utilize the stored signal to determine whether fluid is present proximate a floor of the fluid containment system22and external to the fluid storage containers30,50. For example, according to various aspects, the sixth sensing device100is configured to output a first signal indicative of the lack of a presence of fluid proximate the floor of the fluid containment system22and external to the fluid storage containers30,50, and is also configured to output a second signal indicative of the presence of fluid proximate the floor of the fluid containment system22and external to the fluid storage containers30,50. The presence of fluid is indicative of a leak or a spill. Thus, the second signal is indicative of a spill or leak having occurred. If the sixth sensing device100does not sense the presence of fluid proximate the floor of the fluid containment system22and external to the fluid storage containers30,50, the sixth sensing device100outputs the first signal. However, if the sixth sensing device100senses the presence of fluid proximate the floor of the fluid containment system22and external to the fluid storage containers30,50, the sixth sensing device100outputs the second signal. When the control circuit18processes the first signal, the control circuit18determines no fluid has leaked or spilled from the fluid storage containers30,50and/or any piping positioned within the fluid containment system22, and the control circuit18does not take any action in response thereto. However, when the control circuit18processes the second signal, the control circuit18determines fluid has leaked or spilled from the fluid storage containers30,50and/or any piping positioned within the fluid containment system22. Responsive thereto, the control circuit18may take further action such as, for example, disconnecting electrical power from a pump associated with the fluid evacuation system12, disconnecting electrical power from the pump58of the fluid refill system14, disconnecting electrical power from the heating devices110,112, closing off the shut-off valve34, closing off the shut-off valve54, initiating an audible alarm, initiating a visual alarm and/or communicating a notification to one or more devices, computing systems and the like which are connected to the network152. All of the above information can be stored in the memory circuit142and communicated to any device, computing system and the like which is connected to the network152.

According to various aspects, the control circuit18is configured to receive a signal output by the seventh sensing device102, temporarily store the received signal in the memory circuit142, and utilize the stored signal to control operation of the heating device110. For example, according to various aspects, the seventh sensing device102is configured to measure a temperature of the fluid in a given zone of the fluid storage container30, and output a signal which indicative of the measured temperature. The heating device110is utilized to heat the fluid of a given zone of the fluid storage container30to a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature may be stored in the memory circuit142. The control circuit18is further configured to determine the temperature of the fluid based on the output signal of the seventh sensing device102, compare the determined temperature to the predetermined temperature, and control the heating device110accordingly. For example, if the measured temperature is the same as or greater than the predetermined temperature, the control circuit18operates to disconnect electrical power to the heating device110, thereby preventing the fluid in the fluid storage container30from being heated by the heating device110. However, if the measured temperature is less than the predetermined temperature, the control circuit18operates to connect electrical power to the heating device110, thereby allowing the fluid in the fluid storage container30to be heated by the heating device110. Once the fluid in the fluid storage container30is heated to the predetermined temperature, the control circuit18operates to disconnect electrical power to the heating device110. For safety reasons, the control circuit18is configured to verify the fluid level in the fluid storage container30is higher than the height of the heating element of the heating device110in the fluid storage container30before allowing for the electrical power to be connected to the heating device110.

Similarly, the control circuit18is configured to receive a signal output by the eighth sensing device104, temporarily store the received signal in the memory circuit142, and utilize the stored signal to control operation of the heating device112. For example, according to various aspects, the eighth sensing device104is configured to measure a temperature of the fluid in a given zone of the fluid storage container50, and output a signal which indicative of the measured temperature. The heating device112is utilized to heat the fluid of a given zone of the fluid storage container50to a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature may be stored in the memory circuit142. The control circuit18is further configured to determine the temperature of the fluid based on the output signal of the eighth sensing device104, compare the determined temperature to the predetermined temperature, and control the heating device112accordingly. For example, if the measured temperature is the same as or greater than the predetermined temperature, the control circuit18operates to disconnect electrical power to the heating device112, thereby preventing the fluid in the fluid storage container50from being heated by the heating device112. However, if the measured temperature is the less than the predetermined temperature, the control circuit18operates to connect electrical power to the heating device112, thereby allowing the fluid in the fluid storage container50to be heated by the heating device112. Once the fluid in the fluid storage container50is heated to the predetermined temperature, the control circuit18operates to disconnect electrical power to the heating device112. For safety reasons, the control circuit18is configured to verify the fluid level in the fluid storage container50is higher than the height of the heating element of the heating device112in the fluid storage container50before allowing for the electrical power to be connected to the heating device112.

The above-described determinations associated with the heating devices110,112may be made any number of times. All of the determined temperatures, the respective times the determinations were made, the amount of time the heating devices110,112were energized, etc. can be stored in the memory circuit142and communicated to any device, computing system and the like which is connected to the network152.

According to various aspects, the control circuit18is configured to receive respective signals output by the one or more sensing devices106, temporarily store the received signals in the memory circuit142, and utilize the stored signals to determine parameters associated with fluid evacuated from a machine. The parameters are associated with a quality/condition of the fluid and can include, for example, degradation, contamination (e.g., fuel, coolant), acidity, water content, dilution, antioxidant depletion, metallic content, debris, soot, temperature, viscosity, particle count and the like for oil evacuated from the machine (i.e., waste oil). Thus, the control circuit18can also be considered to be configured to determine a quality/condition of the waste oil. For example, according to various aspects, the mobile fluid transfer system10can include an oil sampling apparatus which is configured to secure one or more samples of oil evacuated from the machine to allow for real time indications of any of the above-listed parameters. According to various aspects, the oil sampling apparatus can be pre-configured to assess for a plurality of combinations of parameters, values, elements, and the like associated with the evacuated oil.

For example, in various aspects, as fluid is evacuated from the earth moving machine and is being routed to the fluid storage container30, the fluid may be captured and isolated, either inline (e.g., from the hosing36) or via a separate branch line coupled to the hosing36. The one or more sensing devices106measure various properties of the captured/isolated fluid (e.g., dielectric constant, inductive characteristics, optical properties, spectrographic characteristics, magnetic properties, etc.) and output signals indicative of the measurements. The control circuit18subsequently utilizes the output signals of the one or more sensing devices106to determine the parameters associated with the fluid. The control system18may also then utilize the determined parameters to analyze a condition/quality of the fluid. All of the determined parameters, the respective times the determinations were made, the determined quality/condition of the fluid, etc. can be stored in the memory circuit142and communicated to any device, computing system and the like which is connected to the network152.

According to various aspects, the control circuit18is configured to control the various pumps and valves of the mobile fluid transfer system10. The pumps run on DC power and the valves are activated with DC power. The control circuit18provides against overfilling the fluid storage containers30,50by allowing the fluid storage containers30,50to be filled if the following two conditions are met. First, there are no leaks as indicated by sixth sensing device100. Second, the fluid storage containers30,50are not full as indicated, for example, by the first and second sensing devices90,92. As described in more detail hereinbelow, the control circuit18can operate in an automatic mode or a manual mode.

In the automatic mode, the wireless communication module144is configured to connect the wireless controller to an IP address of the mobile fluid transfer system10via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or the like. When a person/service technician operates the wireless controller to communicate a fluid dispense request in units of gallons, quarts, liters and the like, the control circuit18receives the fluid dispense request and performs several checks/actions responsive thereto. First, the control circuit18determines whether the requested fluid amount is available. The control circuit18may utilize the output signals of the first and second sensing devices90,92to make this determination. If the control circuit18determines the requested amount is not available, the control circuit18may record a log fault and communicate a fault signal to the wireless controller. Second, the control circuit18determines whether any leaks are present in the fluid refill system14. The control circuit18may utilize the output signal of the sixth sensing device100to make this determination. If the control circuit18determines a leak has occurred, the control circuit18may record a log fault and communicate a fault signal to the wireless controller. Third, if the requested fluid amount is available and there are no leaks, the control circuit18may open the shutoff valve54if it isn't already open and activate the pump58to allow fluid to be pumped from the fluid storage container50to the earth moving machine. Fourth, the control circuit18monitors the flow of the fluid from the fluid storage container50, and automatically closes the valve58and/or de-energizes the pump58once the requested fluid amount has been dispensed from the fluid storage container50. The control circuit18may determine the requested fluid amount has been dispensed based on the output signals of the first and second sensing devices90,92. According to various aspects, the flow rate of the fluid may be controlled based on the temperature of the fluid, and the control circuit18can shut down the dispensing process if the flow rate is below a predetermined threshold. Fifth, the control circuit18records the volume of oil dispensed from the fluid storage container50and may also may also operate to capture data such as, for example, data regarding the evacuation event, the location of the event, timestamp information, fluid levels associated with the event and as well as a service set identifier (SSID) associated with a network coupled to the wireless device and the wireless communication module144of the mobile fluid transfer system10.

With respect to the manual mode, when a person/service technician jogs or toggles a control button of the wireless controller, the control circuit18receives a jog/toggle request from the wireless controller, and the control circuit18jogs or toggles from the automatic mode to the manual mode. In the manual mode, as long as the control circuit18determines the requested fluid amount is available and no leaks are present, the fluid will be delivered from the fluid storage container50as long as the control button of the wireless controller is held down. If the control circuit18determines the requested fluid amount is not available or a leak is present, the control circuit18may record a log fault (or log faults) and communicate a fault signal (or fault signals) to the wireless controller.

FIG.11illustrates a management system150, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The management system150includes the mobile fluid transfer system10, a network152, a wireless controller154and one or more computing systems156. The mobile fluid transfer system10is communicably connected with the wireless controller154and the one or more computing systems156via the network152. The network152may include any type of delivery system including, but not limited to, a local area network (e.g., Ethernet), a wide area network (e.g. the Internet and/or World Wide Web), a telephone network (e.g., analog, digital, wired, wireless, PSTN, ISDN, GSM, GPRS, and/or xDSL), a packet-switched network, a radio network, a television network, a cable network, a satellite network, and/or any other wired or wireless communications network configured to carry data. The network152may include elements, such as, for example, intermediate nodes, proxy servers, routers, switches, and adapters configured to direct and/or deliver data. In general, the mobile fluid transfer system10system10is configured to communicate with the wireless controller154and the one or more computing systems156via the network14using various communication protocols (e.g., HTTP, TCP/IP, TelNet, UDP, WAP, WebSockets, WiFi, Bluetooth) and/or to operate within or in concert with one or more other communications systems. As the mobile fluid transfer system10can connect to the Internet, it will be appreciated that the mobile fluid transfer system10can have a distinct Internet Protocol address (IP address) which allows for host or network interface identification and location addressing.

The wireless controller154is configured to manage the operation of the mobile fluid transfer system10, and may be any suitable type of handheld device such as, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop computing device and the like which can wirelessly communicate with the mobile fluid transfer system10. According to various aspects, the wireless controller154is also configured to be connected directly to the control circuit18via a wired connection.

The one or more computing systems156can include, for example, a computing system of an owner of the mobile fluid transfer system10, a computing system of a service provider associated with the mobile fluid transfer system10, a computing system associated with an owner of the machine being serviced by the mobile fluid transfer system10, etc., and each of these computing systems can be at locations which are remote from the machine being serviced.

According to various aspects, at least one of the one or more computing systems156can function as an inventory management system and/or a work order system. For example, as described above, the mobile fluid transfer system10can send information regarding fluid levels (as well as a lot of other information such as, for example, valve positions, fluid values, pump status, containment status, fluid temp, temperatures of heating elements, faults, etc.) to the computing system156so that the amount of fluid evacuated and the amount of fluid dispensed can be tracked in real-time or in near-real time. Stated differently, the computing system156knows the inventory of the fluids in the fluid storage containers30,50at all times. According to various aspects, the information can be communicated to and from the wireless controller154once per second. Based on the information received by the computing system156, and knowing the location of the mobile fluid transfer system10, the computing system156can be configured to direct the mobile fluid transfer system10to the nearest location where the fluid/waste oil in the fluid storage container30can be safely and properly disposed and/or where additional fluid/new oil can be safely and properly added to the fluid storage tank50. Additionally, based on all of the information sent by the mobile fluid transfer system10to the computing system156, the computing system156can communicate information to a device associated with a driver of the vehicle which is transporting the mobile fluid transfer system10. Such information can include, for example, a notification the fluid storage container30should be emptied, a notification the fluid storage container50should be refilled, a name, address, contact information and directions to the closest service provider where the fluid storage containers30,50can be safely and properly emptied/filled (including how many miles away the service provider is from the current location of the mobile fluid transfer system10), the price per gallon charged by the service, and the like.

According to various aspects, the wireless communication module154is configured to send data to computing system156via network152when proximity to a recognized beacon exceeds a pre-determined threshold. Beacons, which are small, wireless transmitters that use low-energy Bluetooth technology to send signals to other smart devices nearby, may be positioned at service locations visited by the mobile fluid transfer system10, at evacuation/refill service centers visited by the mobile fluid transfer system10, and at home bases of the mobile fluid transfer systems10. Each beacon can be pre-configured with a unique identifier, the sensing of the beacon by the mobile fluid transfer system10can occur both when the mobile fluid transfer system10moves into and out of the beacon area. The sensing of the beacon triggers the control circuit18to switch to an internet accessible network connection. Once the internet accessible network connection is established, the mobile fluid transfer system10can send data to the computing system156via the wireless controller154and the network152. The data sent may be data which has been collected and recorded since the last data send, and such data may include, for example, respective fluid levels of the fluid storage containers30,50, the location (e.g., latitude and longitude) where the service was performed, the date and time the service was performed, the amount of fluid evacuated from the machine and delivered into the fluid storage container30, the amount of fluid delivered to the machine from the fluid storage container50and the like. According to other aspects, a cellular signal can be utilized at specific times to allow for the mobile fluid transfer system10to send the data to the computing system156via the network152. Once the mobile fluid transfer system10is at a bulk oil center, the mobile fluid transfer system10can offload waste oil, upload new oil, and record both volumes, record event information, time information, date information, location information, technician information and the like for complete inventory control of fluids. According to various aspects, the mobile fluid transfer system10can connect to a computing system of a branch network (e.g., a branch network of the bulk oil center), in order to enable, regulate, control and/or capture and record fluid changes. Consumptions and volumes may be determined by measured changes in fluid levels from the start to the stop of a refill and/or evacuate event.

For organizations or companies which employ a plurality of mobile fluid transfer systems10, each mobile fluid transfer system10can be communicating fluid levels in its fluid storage containers30,50, has recorded the amount of fluid delivered from the fluid storage container50to each serviced machine, and has recorded the amount of fluid evacuated from each serviced machine and delivered to the fluid storage container30, the organization or company has nearly perfect visibility to assess, monitor, verify fluid inventories across all of its mobile fluid transfer systems10. This can be done for branch locations as well as for facility-based locations.

According to various aspects, the computing system156can generate a work order for servicing any number of machines, and communicate the work order to a device associated with a driver of the vehicle which is transporting the mobile fluid transfer system10. When generating the work order, the computing system156can take into account information such as, for example, the capacity of the fluid storage container30, the capacity of the fluid storage container50, the fluid capacity of each machine to be serviced (so as to know how much fluid will be evacuated from the machine into the fluid storage container30and how much fluid will be removed from the fluid storage container50to be added to the machine), the total gallons needed for all of the machines to be serviced, etc. For instances where the actual amount of the fluids in the fluid storage containers30,50varies from the amounts indicated by the computing system156, the mobile fluid transfer system10can be flagged for an audit and the computing system156can generate a discrepancy report based on the results of the audit.

For instances where the mobile fluid transfer system10is integrated to a network, jobs can be dispatched from a central location such that the technicians periodically receive work orders via the network. For a given work order, the work order may note total fluid volumes needed to complete the work. The computing system156may then compare the total volumes of fluids needed to the respective volumes present in the fluid storage containers30,50. If the respective volumes present in the fluid storage containers30,50are sufficient to complete the work, the work order may note this. According to some aspects, if the respective volumes present in the fluid storage containers30,50are not sufficient to complete the work, the computing system156will notify the wireless controller154, or the technician, of the insufficiency. For such instances, the computing system156will present a map, or locations of the ‘nearest’ servicing locations, where the mobile fluid transfer system10can be serviced to offload fluid in the fluid storage container30and add new fluids to the fluid storage container50so as to be able to complete the work order.

At a given job site, once the control circuit18is communicably connected to the wireless controller154, the wireless controller154may be viewed by the technician to see a representation of the volume of fluid in the fluid storage container50, and the technician may request a volume of fluid be delivered from the fluid storage container50to the machine to be serviced. Either during or upon completion of the service, the mobile fluid transfer system10can record the GPS coordinates of service event, the gallons of fluid pumped from the fluid storage container50, the work order number of the event, the machine serviced, the technician who oversaw the servicing, etc. On completion of the servicing, the changes in the volumes of the fluids in the fluid storage containers30,50are recorded, and one or more of the following are logged: the volume of fluid delivered from the fluid storage container50to the machine, the time/date of the event, the location by GPS coordinates of the event, the fluids used for the servicing, and the volume of fluid evacuated from the machine and delivered into the fluid storage container30.

According to various aspects, the mobile fluid transfer system10and the wireless controller154are integrated with the computing system156. For such aspects, a mobile application such as, for example, the ConnexionMobile application may be utilized to link work orders to the amounts of fluids needed, the location of fill stations, inventory control upon entry into and/or exit from bulk stations, work order consumption data, and uploads to the computing system156whether the mobile fluid transfer system10is in or out of beacon range.

Although the above description is provided in the context of a single mobile fluid transfer system10, it will be appreciated that any number of mobile fluid transfer systems10may be in communication with the computing system156via the network152, any number of mobile fluid transfer systems10may be utilized to form a fleet of mobile fluid transfer systems10, where the various mobile fluid transfer systems10can communicate with one another via the network152and can cooperate to complete any number of work orders.

Examples

Example 1—A mobile fluid transfer system is provided. The mobile fluid transfer system comprises a fluid evacuation system comprising a first fluid storage container, a fluid refill system comprising a second fluid storage container, a sensing system coupled to the fluid evacuation system and the fluid refill system, and a control circuit coupled to the sensing system, the fluid evacuation system and the fluid refill system, wherein the control circuit is configured to (1) determine an amount of a first fluid in the first fluid storage container based on a first signal from the sensing system and (2) determine an amount of a second fluid in the second fluid storage container based on a second signal from the sensing system.Example 2—The mobile fluid transfer system of Example 1, further comprising a power source coupled to the control circuit.Example 3—The mobile fluid transfer system of Example 2, wherein the power source is further coupled to the sensing system.Example 4—The mobile fluid transfer system of Examples 1, 2 or 3, wherein the fluid evacuation system further includes a solenoid valve, wherein the solenoid valve is controlled by the control circuit based on a third signal from the sensing system.Example 5—The mobile fluid transfer system of Examples 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the fluid evacuation system further includes a pump.Example 6—The mobile fluid transfer system of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the fluid refill system further includes a solenoid valve, wherein the solenoid valve is controlled by the control circuit based on a third signal from the sensing system.Example 7—The mobile fluid transfer system of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein the fluid refill system further includes a pump, wherein the pump is controlled by the control circuit based on a third signal from the sensing system.Example 8—The mobile fluid transfer system of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, further comprising a rollover protection system, wherein the rollover protection system is configured to prevent fluid present in the first fluid storage container from exiting the first fluid storage container when the mobile fluid transfer system is in a non-upright position.Example 9—The mobile fluid transfer system of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, wherein the sensing system is wirelessly coupled to at least one of the following: the fluid evacuation system, the fluid refill system, and the control circuit.Example 10—The mobile fluid transfer system of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, wherein the sensing system comprises a first sensing device configured to measure a level of a fluid within the first fluid storage container and a second sensing device configured to measure a level of a fluid within the second fluid storage container.Example 11—The mobile fluid transfer system of Example 10, wherein at least one of the first and second sensing devices comprises one of the following: an ultrasonic device; a laser device, a radar device, a magnetorestrictive device, and a pressure transducer.Example 12—The mobile fluid transfer system of Examples 10 or 11, wherein the sensing system further comprises at least one of the following: a third sensing device configured to output a signal when a level of the fluid in the first fluid storage container reaches a predetermined threshold, and a fourth sensing device configured to output a signal when a level of the fluid in the second fluid storage container reaches a predetermined threshold.Example 13—The mobile fluid transfer system of Examples 10 or 11, wherein the sensing system comprises a third sensing device configured to measure an orientation of the mobile fluid transfer system.Example 14—The mobile fluid transfer system of Examples 10 or 11, wherein the mobile fluid transfer system further comprises a fluid containment system surrounding the first and second fluid storage containers, and wherein the sensing system further comprises a third sensing device configured to detect a presence of a fluid proximate a floor of the fluid containment system and external to the first and second fluid storage containers.Example 15—The mobile fluid transfer system of Examples 10 or 11, wherein the sensing system further comprises at least one of the following: a third sensing device configured to measure a temperature of the fluid in the first fluid storage container, and a fourth sensing device configured to measure a temperature of the fluid in the second fluid storage container.Example 16—The mobile fluid transfer system of Examples 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15, wherein the sensing system further comprises one or more additional sensing devices configured to measure a parameter associated with fluid transported by the fluid evacuation system.Example 17—The mobile fluid transfer system of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, further comprising a fluid heating system coupled to the control circuit, wherein the fluid heating system comprises a first heating device positioned in the first fluid storage container and a second heating device positioned in the second fluid storage container.Example 18—The mobile fluid transfer system of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17, further comprising a purge system comprising a source of a pressurized purging agent.Example 19—The mobile fluid transfer system of Example 18, wherein the purge system is coupled to the control circuit.Example 20—The mobile fluid transfer system of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 or 19, wherein the control circuit comprises a processing circuit, a memory circuit coupled to the processing circuit, and a wireless communication module coupled to the processing circuit.

Although the various aspects of the mobile fluid transfer system10have been described herein in connection with certain disclosed aspects, many modifications and variations to those aspects may be implemented. Also, where materials are disclosed for certain components, other materials may be used. Furthermore, according to various aspects, a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component, to perform a given function or functions. The foregoing description and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations as falling within the scope of the disclosed aspects.

While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, the described invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. For example, although the invention was described in the context of a mobile fluid transfer system, the general principles of the invention are equally applicable to other types of fluid transfer systems.

Any patent, patent application, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materials does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.