Liquid delivery vehicle with remote control system

Abstract

A delivery vehicle for delivering liquids to a storage location and a liquid delivery control system therefor. The apparatus comprises manual and remote actuation of a clutch controller for engaging and disengaging a clutch of the vehicle, remote and manual actuation of a throttle controller for opening and closing a throttle of the vehicle, actuation of a power take-off controller for engaging and disengaging a power take-off on the vehicle, and actuation of a valve controller for opening and closing an internal flow valve in a cargo tank on the vehicle. The apparatus also may include actuation of a reel controller for unwinding a liquid delivery hose from a reel and rewinding the hose on the reel. A method of delivering a liquid to a storage location is also disclosed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates to vehicles for delivering of liquids to a storage location, and more particularly, to a liquid delivery vehicle having a liquid delivery system which is at least partially remotely controllable.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]There are many applications for the transportation of liquids by a ground vehicle for delivery to a storage location. The design and construction of such vehicles, and of the liquid delivery systems on those vehicles, vary depending upon the type of liquid being transported and delivered. In many cases, rules and regulations, both state and federal, such as United States Department of Transportation regulations, apply to the vehicles and to the delivery of liquids therefrom.[0005]Volatile and flammable liquids, such as liquefied petroleum gases (LP gas or LPG), require very specialized equipment and careful handling. Liquefied petroleum gases, such as butane and p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]The present invention is a liquid delivery vehicle and a remote control system therefor for use in delivering liquids to a storage location. In particular, the illustrated embodiment of the vehicle is f

Problems solved by technology

These liquids are extremely volatile; they will boil unless maintained under pressure.

It may be possible to park the vehicle immediately adjacent to the storage tank, but in most cases, this is not possible.

Also, since the operator has to leave the storage tank before it is full, the amount of fluid pumped into the storage tank is only an estimate at the time the operator disengages the pump.

This presents a disadvantage to the provider of the LP gas of not selling as much as possible and also provides the disadvantage to the customer of not having the tank completely filled which may necessitate a shorter time between deliveries or possibly result in the customer running out of fuel.

If the tank is overfilled; it may present a safety hazard.

Obviously, this saves time and makes the delivery cycle shorter and more efficient.

The addition of another person at the truck obviously greatly increases labor costs which is not an acceptable alternative in the great majority of cases.

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