Abstract: Volume of a fluid, such as gasoline or diesel fuel, in a tank is determined by measuring the pressure of the fluid using a pressure sensor positioned proximate the bottom of the tank. The depth of the fluid in the tank is then calculated by dividing the pressure by the density of the fluid. Fluid volume is then determined mathematically or from charts given the depth as well as the size and shape of the tank. Multiple pressure readings may be taken along or near the bottom of a tank, and an average pressure determined that may be used to calculate measured volume. To maintain accuracy at different altitudes, pressure readings are preferably adjusted for atmospheric pressure using differential pressure sensors or a processor using data indicative of both pressures. Volume changes exceeding a predetermined threshold, or which are not comparable to dispensed fuel, may be flagged and alerts generated.

Abstract: Volume of a fluid, such as gasoline or diesel fuel, in a tank is determined by measuring the pressure of the fluid using a pressure sensor positioned proximate the bottom of the tank. The depth of the fluid in the tank is then calculated by dividing the pressure by the density of the fluid. Fluid volume is then determined mathematically or from charts given the depth as well as the size and shape of the tank. Multiple pressure readings may be taken along or near the bottom of a tank, and an average pressure determined that may be used to calculate measured volume. To maintain accuracy at different altitudes, pressure readings are preferably adjusted for atmospheric pressure using differential pressure sensors or a processor using data indicative of both pressures. Volume changes exceeding a predetermined threshold, or which are not comparable to dispensed fuel, may be flagged and alerts generated.

Abstract: Volume of a fluid, such as gasoline or diesel fuel, in a tank is determined by measuring the pressure of the fluid using a pressure sensor positioned proximate the bottom of the tank. The depth of the fluid in the tank is then calculated by dividing the pressure by the density of the fluid. Fluid volume is then determined mathematically or from charts given the depth as well as the size and shape of the tank. Multiple pressure readings may be taken along or near the bottom of a tank, and an average pressure determined that may be used to calculate measured volume. To maintain accuracy at different altitudes, pressure readings are preferably adjusted for atmospheric pressure using differential pressure sensors or a processor using data indicative of both pressures. Volume changes exceeding a predetermined threshold, or which are not comparable to dispensed fuel, may be flagged and alerts generated.

Abstract: In a method and a corresponding system for identifying a fuel loss event, periodic measurements of a measured volume of fuel stored in a fuel tank (mobile or stationary) are received, and a measurement of a dispensed volume of fuel dispensed into the fuel tank is received from a fueling station. A total volume of fuel is determined equal to the sum of the dispensed volume of fuel and the measured volume of fuel last measured prior to receiving from a fueling station. A difference is determined between the total volume and the measured volume of fuel first measured subsequent to determining the total volume. If the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold indicating a fuel loss event, an alert is generated indicating that there is a fuel loss event.

Abstract: Volume of a fluid, such as gasoline or diesel fuel, in a tank is determined by measuring the pressure of the fluid using a pressure sensor positioned proximate the bottom of the tank. The depth of the fluid in the tank is then calculated by dividing the pressure by the density of the fluid. Fluid volume is then determined mathematically or from charts given the depth as well as the size and shape of the tank. Multiple pressure readings may be taken along or near the bottom of a tank, and an average pressure determined that may be used to calculate measured volume. To maintain accuracy at different altitudes, pressure readings are preferably adjusted for atmospheric pressure using differential pressure sensors or a processor using data indicative of both pressures. Volume changes exceeding a predetermined threshold, or which are not comparable to dispensed fuel, may be flagged and alerts generated.

Abstract: The measured volume of fuel in a storage tank of a vehicle is determined by positioning a sensor within a storage tank holding the fuel. A processor is also located on the vehicle for receiving data relative to the volume of the fuel in the storage tank, the mileage of the vehicle, and vehicle location, date, and time, for transmitting such data to a remote or centralized server (“RS”). The RS also receives fuel dispensed data from a fuel dispensing station (“FDS”), including location, date/time, and volume of fuel dispensed to the storage tank of the vehicle. The RS then compares the data received from the vehicle processor with the fuel dispensed data to determine whether there are any discrepancies between the dispensed volume of fuel purchased, as indicated in the FDS data, and the measured increase of volume of fuel in the vehicle at the time of dispensing from the FDS.

Abstract: The measured volume of fuel in a storage tank of a vehicle is determined by positioning a sensor within a storage tank holding the fuel. A processor is also located on the vehicle for receiving data relative to the volume of the fuel in the storage tank, the mileage of the vehicle, and vehicle location, date, and time, for transmitting such data to a remote or centralized server (“RS”). The RS also receives fuel dispensed data from a fuel dispensing station (“FDS”), including location, date/time, and volume of fuel dispensed to the storage tank of the vehicle. The RS then compares the data received from the vehicle processor with the fuel dispensed data to determine whether there are any discrepancies between the dispensed volume of fuel purchased, as indicated in the FDS data, and the measured increase of volume of fuel in the vehicle at the time of dispensing from the FDS.

Abstract: Volume of a fluid, such as gasoline or diesel fuel, in a tank is determined by measuring the pressure of the fluid using a pressure sensor positioned proximate the bottom of the tank. The depth of the fluid in the tank is then calculated by dividing the pressure by the density of the fluid. Fluid volume is then determined mathematically or from charts given the depth as well as the size and shape of the tank. Multiple pressure readings may be taken along or near the bottom of a tank, and an average pressure determined that may be used to calculate measured volume. To maintain accuracy at different altitudes, pressure readings are preferably adjusted for atmospheric pressure using differential pressure sensors or a processor using data indicative of both pressures. Volume changes exceeding a predetermined threshold, or which are not comparable to dispensed fuel, may be flagged and alerts generated.

Abstract: Volume of a fluid in a tank is determined by measuring the pressure of fluid proximate to the bottom of the tank. The depth of the fluid is then determined from the pressure and density of the fluid. Fluid volume is then determined mathematically or from charts given the depth as well as the size and shape of a tank. Multiple pressure readings may be taken along the bottom of a tank, and an average pressure determined that may be used to calculate volume. Pressure readings may be taken at different heights to determine fluid density used to calculate volume. Pressure readings may be adjusted for atmospheric pressure. Volume increases or decreases exceeding a respective predetermined threshold may be flagged and alerts generated. Volume calculations may be recorded for comparing against a volume of fluid recorded as being purchased.

Abstract: An inventory of a consumable is managed by positioning a sensor within a storage tank holding the consumable and determining the volume of the consumable in the storage tank. A processor is also located on the vehicle for receiving data relative to the volume of the consumable in the storage tank, the mileage of the vehicle, and vehicle location, date, and time, and for transmitting such data to a remote inventory management server (“RIMS”). The RIMS also receives point-of-sale (“POS”) data, including location, date/time, purchase amount, and purchase price related to a consumable intake event at the storage tank of the vehicle. The RIMS then reconciles the data received from the vehicle processor with the POS data to determine whether there are any discrepancies between the fuel purchased and the volume of fuel measured.

Abstract: An inventory of a consumable is managed by positioning a sensor within a storage tank holding the consumable and determining the volume of the consumable in the storage tank. A processor is also located on the vehicle for receiving data relative to the volume of the consumable in the storage tank, the mileage of the vehicle, and vehicle location, date, and time, and for transmitting such data to a remote inventory management server (“RIMS”). The RIMS also receives point-of-sale (“POS”) data, including location, date/time, purchase amount, and purchase price related to a consumable intake event at the storage tank of the vehicle. The RIMS then reconciles the data received from the vehicle processor with the POS data to determine whether there are any discrepancies between the fuel purchased and the volume of fuel measured.

Abstract: Volume of a fluid in a tank is determined by measuring the pressure of fluid proximate to the bottom of the tank. The depth of the fluid is then determined from the pressure and density of the fluid. Fluid volume is then determined mathematically or from charts given the depth as well as the size and shape of a tank. Multiple pressure readings may be taken along the bottom of a tank, and an average pressure determined that may be used to calculate volume. Pressure readings may be taken at different heights to determine fluid density used to calculate volume. Pressure readings may be adjusted for atmospheric pressure. Volume increases or decreases exceeding a respective predetermined threshold may be flagged and alerts generated. Volume calculations may be recorded for comparing against a volume of fluid recorded as being purchased.

Abstract: A weight measurement method and apparatus for measuring and monitoring the weight load on a vehicle such as a tractor trailer rig. A load pin and bearing assembly mechanically couples the weight of a trailer and its payload to the leaf springs of a tractor trailer truck. The shackle pin is intersected by a longitudinal bore in which multiple strain gage sensors are mounted. A miniature signal processing unit is totally enclosed and shielded within the longitudinal bore and is electrically connected to the strain gage sensors. The signal processing unit develops weight signals that are communicated by conventional low voltage signal cabling to a load display unit in the tractor cab. An offset lubricant passage provides a means for lubricating the load pin bearings while preventing contact of the lubricant with the strain gages, internal wiring and signal conditioner components housed within the main longitudinal bore.

Abstract: A molded transparent thermoplastic housing has a programmable transmitting circuit for transmitting seal identifying serial number, seal location, container identification and other data to a local receiver. A door in the housing permits access to the circuit for programming the seal indicia and related data for transmission. A contact arrangement forms a switch upon insertion of a locking bolt into a locking mechanism in the housing and applies battery power through the bolt to activate the data generating circuit. A conductor along the bolt shank is connected to the circuit provides a tamper evident signal to the circuit when the bolt is severed. The circuit senses the removal of the bolt or severed bolt condition for generating a “tamper” signal which is transmitted to a local receiver/reader.

Abstract: Two mating L-shaped steel sheet casing members in one embodiment for sliding doors are secured to a corresponding door and have overlying front walls in the closed state. Each member has a plurality of corresponding locking keeper elements. In the closed state the keeper elements are in interdigitated juxtaposed and preferably welded to the casing members via through optional bores in the casing members, or extend through the side walls of the casing formed by side wall sections. The keeper elements in one subassembly are slotted to allow for misalignment with the other keeper elements for receiving a locking bolt seal shaft. The keeper elements optionally have tongue projections for engaging a gap between the closed doors. An angle iron member shields the rear of the chamber below the lowermost locking element to protect the seal locking body. Other embodiments are disclosed and include cast assemblies with no weldments and a single casing and hasp for use with swinging doors or a rail car plug door.

Abstract: A plurality of walls form a housing cavity in which a latch hasp is received. An opening in the housing receives therethrough the latch hasp, the latch enclosing the cavity. The bolt seal has a shank with a head at one end or with a U-shaped bight in a second embodiment. The head engages a housing wall and a locking body engages and locks to the shank at a shank end distal the head. The shank between the head and lock body is fully enclosed by the housing and latch to preclude access to the shank by tampering tools. In a second embodiment, the shank bight engages the received hasp of a latch. The shank distal the bight is locked to the housing by a locking body. The latch depends into and encloses the housing cavity open at the top. The shank between the bight and the locking body is fully enclosed in the cavity. Different housings are disclosed wherein the head may be enclosed or exposed for access by a shank breaking tool. A reusable bolt and locking body is disclosed for use with several embodiments.

Abstract: A lock body through bore receives a steel bolt with an array of annular grooves. A locking mechanism secured in the bore has an annular array of locking jaws normally biased engaged with an inserted bolt groove. A jaw spreader has a conical surface for spreading the jaws radially outwardly to disengage the bolt. A locking member normally is radially outwardly of the jaws to preclude such spreading. A spring with a high spring constant, e.g., 300 pound load, axially biases the locking member in the jaw locking position. The spreader and locking member define a locking jaw conical path for radially outwardly releasing the jaws during bolt insertion and for locking the jaws in the opposite bolt withdrawal direction.

Abstract: A stamped hardened sheet steel tapered ferrule with cantilevered radially resilient fingers is wedged by a spring against a tapered bore of a hardened steel housing. The fingers bend radially inwardly to grip a stranded steel cable in the ferrule bore in response to the spring action. When the cable is slid in the ferrule in one direction, the ferrule gripping the cable is further wedged against the tapered bore and further grips the cable. The cable is released when it is slid in the opposite direction pulling the engaged ferrule away from the tapered bore of the housing. The cable has a flag at one end which with the seal lock a hasp therebetween limiting the relative motion of the cable in the opposite ferrule release direction. In a second embodiment, the ferrule is in interference fit with a rod or cable and the spring is not used forcing the ferrule to always grip the rod or cable.

Abstract: A fishing reel 10 includes a casing 12 having a mounting plate 14 for mounting on a fishing rod. A first elongate member 16 extends from the casing 12 in a direction substantially normal to a longitudinal axis of the fishing rod, the first elongate member 16 being rotatably mounted about a shaft which, int urn, is rotatably mounted in the casing 12. A second elongate member projects from the casing 12 in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fishing rod. A spool 20 is releasably mounted on either the first elongate member 16 or the second elongate member. A control means 22 is mounted within the casing 12 for controlling operation of the first elongate member 16. The control means 22 includes a drag mechanism 50, a brake mechanism 62 and a noise-making mechanism.