WO2017147697A1

WO2017147697A1 - System and method to monitor and operate a refuelling equipment

Info

Publication number: WO2017147697A1
Application number: PCT/CA2017/050264
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sebastien BIBEAU; Sebastien Lassonde
Original assignee: Tekinno Corporation Inc.
Priority date: 2016-02-29
Filing date: 2017-02-28
Publication date: 2017-09-08

Abstract

The present is a system and method for monitoring and operating of a refueler. The system comprises a main unit operably connected to the refueler, the main unit having a main unit controller and a communication module, the main unit being configured to control operations of the refueler; and to monitor and display the operations of the refueler; a portable remote control in communication with the main unit, the portable remote control comprising a central processing unit; a remote control display connected to the central processing unit; a power source; and a communication module connected to the central processing unit. The portable remote control is to send one or more commands to the main unit via the communication module of the portable remote control; to receive monitoring information from the main unit via the communication module; and display the received monitoring information on the remote control display.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD TO MONITOR AND OPERATE A REFUELLING

EQUIPMENT

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] The present patent application claims the benefits of priority of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 62/301,215, entitled "Petroleum Smart Environment" and filed at the United States Patent and Trademark Office on February 29, 2016.

Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention generally relates to systems and methods of refuelling and in particular to systems and methods for monitoring and operating refueling equipment at a distance.

Background of the Invention

[0003] Refueling the equipment, such as an aircraft, is a complicated task. Lack of continuous monitoring of the equipment and low accuracy of operations may increase a risk of human errors and lead to low quality of refueling.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The disclosed system aims at deploying a smart environment for refuelling an equipment. The system further aims at avoiding or substantially reducing human errors and quality issues, increasing efficiency to process involving high risks, bringing a safer work environment and achieving reliable, continuous, and accurate monitoring.

[0005] The system and method described herein is designed to prevent "back and forth" movement of the operator between a refueling equipment (hereafter "refueler") and the point of use of the refueler. For example, the point of use of the refueler may be located at a distance from the refueler, for example, near the equipment that is being refueled (e.g., aircraft). Such method and systems as described herein are provided in order to allow the operator to remotely monitor and operate the refueler near the point of use of the refueler and not near the refueler.

[0006] The refueler may be, for example, a refueler truck.

[0007] Other aspects of the present inventions aim at deploying a smart environment that may help to avoids human error, avoid quality issues, increases efficiency, brings a safer work environment and achieves reliable, continuous, and accurate monitoring; allow the operator to remotely monitor and operate equipment near the point of use without "back and forth" movement; and may allow the operator to work alone, faster, safer and with less efforts.

[0008] The system and method described herein may further allow the external systems and the authority (such as a supervisor of the operator) to monitor the operator in the realisation of the operational steps to prevent errors and misconduct. The system and methods may further allow the external systems and the authority to monitor the vital signs and functions of the operator to prevent and/or detect possible accidents.

[0009] The system may further allow the external systems and the authority to collect, process and share data with external systems.

[0010] The system as described herein may allow the external systems and the authority to warn, alert and inform the operator and the equipment about, for example, an environmental event, system event (e.g. any step of any process such as, e.g. start of a transaction, operation, etc.) or any other issues.

[0011] The system and methods described herein may further allow the operator's both hands to be free from the operating equipment. The system may allow retrofitting the existing equipment to be added to the system. For instance, the retrofitting may comprise adding legacy equipment using old technology to the system. Retrofitting may comprise using a module adapted to communicate with the legacy equipment and adapted to use modern communication methods to enable communicating with the system. The system and methods may further generate and transmit any type of information (visual, sound, numeric, etc).

[0012] In a first aspect, a system for remotely monitoring and operating of a refueler is provided. In at least one embodiment, the system comprises a main unit operably connected to the refueler, the main unit having a main unit controller and a communication module, the main unit being configured to control operations of the refueler and to monitor and display the operations of the refueler; and a portable remote control in communication with the main unit. In at least one embodiment, the portable remote control comprises a central processing unit; a remote control display connected to the central processing unit; a power source; and a communication module connected to the central processing unit. In at least one embodiment, the portable remote control is configured to send one or more commands to the main unit via the communication module of the portable remote control; receive monitoring information from the main unit via the communication module; of the portable remote control and display the received monitoring information on the remote control display. [0013] In at least one embodiment, the portable remote control further comprises at least one sensor unit, the portable remote control being further configured to process a signal received by the at least one sensor unit and to send a command to the main unit based on the processed signal.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, the sensor unit may be selected from a light sensor, a biometric sensor, a deadman module, a ground checker, an augmented reality device or a ground clip.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, the portable remote control further may comprise a user input control, the portable remote control being further configured to process input received from the user input control and to send a predetermined command to the main unit.

[0016] In at least one embodiment, the predetermined command may be a request to stop operations of the refueler, the main unit may be further configured to send a request to the refueler to stop any operation upon reception of the request to stop operations from the portable remote control.

[0017] In at least one embodiment, the user input control may be one or more keypad buttons.

[0018] In at least one embodiment, the user input control may be integrated with the display unit.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, the portable remote control may further comprise a I/O module, the I/O module being connected to the central processing unit and may be configured to connect to one or more auxiliary devices.

[0020] In at least one embodiment, the I/O module of the portable remote control may be one or more USB ports.

[0021] In at least one embodiment, the one or more auxiliary devices may be selected from a light sensor, a biometric sensor, a deadman module, a ground checker, an augmented reality device or a ground clip.

[0022] In at least one embodiment, the portable remote control may further comprise a unique identification module comprising a unique identifier, the portable remote control may be further configured to communicate the unique identifier to the main unit, the main unit may be further configured to accept commands from a portable remote control having the unique identifier. [0023] In at least one embodiment, the remote control may be adapted to be attached to an arm of an operator.

[0024] The portable remote control may be a mobile device. The communication module of the portable remote control may be a radio-frequency antenna. The communication module of the main unit may be a radio-frequency antenna.

[0025] In at least one embodiment, the main unit may further comprise a I/O module, the I/O module being connected to the central processing unit of the main unit and being configured to connect to one or more auxiliary devices. The I/O module of the main unit may be one or more USB ports.

[0026] In at least one embodiment, the main unit may further comprise a main unit display configured to display the status of the refueler.

[0027] In at least one embodiment, the main unit may further comprise a main unit display configured to display the status of the communication module of the main unit.

[0028] In at least one embodiment, the system may further comprise a base station and at least one auxiliary wireless unit configured to receive and transmit data to and from the at least one auxiliary device and operable to be mounted on the at least one auxiliary device, the at least one auxiliary device being configured to communicate with the base station.

[0029] In at least one embodiment, the remote control may further include at least one port for the at least one auxiliary device and the remote control may be configured to operably connect to the at least one auxiliary device. The remote control may be adapted to be attached to the operator's arm.

[0030] In a second aspect, there is a method for monitoring and operating of a refueler at a distance by an operator. In at least one embodiment, the method comprises the portable remote control communicating a request to the main unit, the main unit being in communication with the remote control and with the refueler; the received request being processed by the main unit; and the main unit controlling operations of the refueler based on the processed request.

[0031] In at least one embodiment, the method may further comprise the portable remote control detecting a predetermined event; and the detection of the predetermined event triggering the communication of the request to the main unit.

[0032] In at least one embodiment, the detection of a predetermined event may further comprise receiving sensor data from at least one sensor unit, processing the received sensor data by the portable remote control and sending the command to the main unit based on the processed sensor data. In at least one embodiment, the sensor data may be selected from a light data, a biometric data, a movement data of the operator or ground data.

[0033] In at least one embodiment, the method may further comprise processing an input received from remote control and sending a predetermined command to the main unit based on the received input. The predetermined command may be a request to stop operations of the refueler.

[0034] In at least one embodiment, the method may further comprise the main unit sending a request to the refueler to stop any operation upon reception of the request to stop operations from the portable remote control.

[0035] In at least one embodiment, the method may further comprise the remote control receiving the status of refueler and displaying the received status on the remote control.

[0036] The method may further comprise the main unit receiving a status of refueler and displaying the status of the refueler on the main unit.

[0037] The method may further comprise detecting biometric data of the operator and sending a request to stop operation of the refueler when the detected biometric data of the operator is below and/or higher a predetermined level.

[0038] In at least one embodiment, the method may further include the remote control receiving data from at least one auxiliary device and communicating a request to the main unit according to the data received from the auxiliary device. The method may further include the one or more auxiliary devices being selected from a light sensor, a biometric sensor, a deadman module, a ground checker, an augmented reality device or a ground clip. The method may also include communicating a unique identifier to the main unit from the remote control.

[0039] In at least one embodiment, the method may further include attaching the remote control to the forearm of an operator.

[0040] In a third aspect, a main unit for monitoring and operating of a refueler is provided. In at least one embodiment, the main unit comprises a communication module in communication with a controller of the main unit, the communication module being configured to connect with one or more modules of the refueler: the controller being configured to: fetch data from the one or more modules; process the fetched data from the one or more modules. [0041] In at least one embodiment, the controller may be further configured to send a command to at least one of the modules using the communication module. The main unit and the modules may form a network.

[0042] In at least one embodiment, the communication module may be also configured to connect with a remote control, the remote control being adapted to send one or more commands to the controller and to request the fetched data and/or processed data from the controller.

[0043] In at least one embodiment, the communication module may be also configured to connect with a remote computer device, the main unit being configured communicated the fetched data and/or processed data to the computer device.

[0044] In at least one embodiment, the modules of the refueler may be selected from an electronic register, at least one sensor, at least one light indicator, a payment system, an inventory system, a data management system, at least one pump, at least one hose reel, and at least one meter, a quality system, a pressure control system and/or a Power Take Off (PTO).

[0045] The main unit may further include I/O module configured to connect with one or more of the modules of the refueler. The main unit may further a display unit adapted to display the fetch data and/or the processed data. The main unit may be a server. The main unit may be configured to act as a web server.

[0046] Other and further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be obvious upon an understanding of the illustrative embodiments about to be described or will be indicated in the appended claims, and various advantages not referred to herein will occur to one skilled in the art upon employment of the invention in practice.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0047] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0048] Figure 1 is a diagram of a system for monitoring and operating of a refueler at a distance by an operator, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0049] Figure 2 is a diagram of the refueler and its components in accordance with the present invention;

[0050] Figure 3 is a side view of different types of prior art refuelers; [0051] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a main unit in accordance with the present invention;

[0052] Figure 5 is a schematic of the main unit in accordance with the present invention;

[0053] Figure 6 is a diagram of the system, illustrating interaction of the main unit with a remote control, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0054] Figure 7 a schematic view of the wireless communication unit, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0055] Figure 8 is a diagram showing the remote control worn on the arm of a user, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0056] Figure 9 is a top view of the remote control in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0057] Figure 10 is a front view of the remote control, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0058] Figure 11 is a side view of the remote control unit, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0059] Figure 12 is a schematic view of the remote control, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0060] Figure 13 is a front view of the wireless auxiliary unit, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0061] Figure 14 is a top view of the wireless auxiliary unit, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0062] Figure 15 is a schematic view of the wireless auxiliary unit, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0063] Figure 16 is a schematic view of a non- wireless deadman device mounted on a wireless auxiliary unit, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0064] Figure 17 is a schematic view of a ground clip device mounted on a wireless auxiliary unit, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0065] Figure 18 is a schematic view of a base station for the wireless auxiliary unit with the wireless auxiliary unit, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0066] Figure 19 a schematic view of the base station for the wireless auxiliary unit; [0067] Figure 20 is schematic view of the remote control unit with a non-wireless deadman device;

[0068] Figure 21 is a diagram of the system for monitoring and operating of a refueler at a distance by an operator, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0069] Figure 22 is a diagram of the system for monitoring and operating of a refueler at a distance by an operator, in accordance with at least one embodiment in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

[0070] A novel system and method to monitor and operate a refuelling equipment at a distance will be described hereinafter. Although the invention is described in terms of specific illustrative embodiments, it is to be understood that the embodiments described herein are by way of example only and that the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited thereby.

[0071] It should be understood that the term "and/or" used herein may refer to "and" or "or". That is, the expression "X and/or Y" includes: "X or Y", "X and Y", "only X", and "only Y".

[0072] One of the objectives of the present invention is to deploy a smart environment that interacts with a set of equipments. The system as described herein may be part of a smart network aiming at avoiding human error, avoid quality issues, increasing efficiency, bringing a safer work environment and/or achieving reliable, continuous, and accurate monitoring.

[0073] The system and method as described herein may allow the operator to remotely monitor and operate equipment near the point of use without "back and forth" movement. The system generally aims at allowing the operator to work alone, faster, safer and with less effort.

[0074] The system and method as described herein may be also called a "smart environment".

[0075] The system and method as described herein may also allow the external systems and the authority (e.g. the operator's supervisor) to monitor the operator in the realization of the operational steps to prevent errors, to monitor the vital signs and/or functions of the operator to prevent possible accidents, to collect, process and share data with external systems.

[0076] The system and method as described herein may also allow the external systems and the authority to warn, alert and inform the operator and the system, about an environmental event and/or issues and/or the system event and/or issues.

[0077] It should be understood that the term "equipment" may refer to "a piece of equipment" (singular of "equipment") and equipments (plural of "equipment"). [0078] Now referring to Figure 1, a system 100 for monitoring and operating a refueler at a distance in accordance with at least one embodiment is shown.

[0079] The system 100 generally comprises a refueler equipment 200. In the present embodiment, the refueler equipment is fuel truck, understandably, any other type of equipment could be used without departing from the principles of the present invention. The refueler equipment comprises a main unit 300 operatively connected to the refueler 200. The main unit 300 is configured to operate distribution of the fuel contained in the refueler 200. The system 100 further comprises a remote control 400 configured to communicate with the main unit 300 and/or with the refueler 200.

[0080] For example, the piece of equipment, or equipment 90 may be a high-risk equipment. The equipment 90 may be a vehicle, for example, an airplane 90, as shown at Figure 1. Typically, the system 100 is integrated into a refueling environment. For example, the refueling environment may be an airplane that is fuelled by a refueler or a refueling system of the airplane.

[0081] When refuelling the equipment 90 using a refueler 200 containing fuel, an operator 101 is typically located close to the equipment 90 to be refuelled. In a typical embodiment, the refueler 200 is at a certain distance from the equipment 90. Thus, the operator 101 may have difficulty operating the refueler 200 as the operator 101 typically needs to run "back and forth" between the equipment 90 and the refueler 200 to control and/or monitor the refuelling process.

[0082] The refueler 200 may be, for example, any refueler adapted to be used for refuelling the equipment.

[0083] Now referring to Figure 2, an example of a refueler 200 adapted to refuel an airplane is shown.

[0084] As shown at Figure 2, the refueler 200 may comprise various devices or modules to be controlled and monitored during refueling of the equipment 90. Typically, the said various devices and modules of the refueler 200 are not configured to communicate with each other or are not inter-related.

[0085] In some embodiments, the system 100 is adapted to communicate with the different devices and modules. In such embodiments, the main unit 300 is configured to connect, control and/or communicate with one or more of the said devices and modules. The various devices and module may comprise, but are not limited to, an electronic register 202, at least one sensor 204, at least one light indicator 206, a payment system 208, an inventory system 210, a data management system 212, at least one pump 214, at least one hose reel 216, and at least one meter 218, a quality system 220, a pressure control system 222, and Power Take Off (PTO) 224. In a preferred embodiment, the main unit 300 and the various devices and modules are configured to communicate through a network, such as but not limited to a LAN, a WAN or any other type of communication network. Understandably, any other method of communication, including legacy communication protocols could be used to connect to the said modules and devices.

[0086] The refueler 200 may be any type of a refueling system and may comprise several facilities and/or modules.

[0087] Now referring to Figure 3, examples of refuelers are shown. In such embodiments, the refueler 200 may be a fueler truck 200a, a fueler trailer 200b and a fixed fuelling tank 200c. Understandably, the present invention is not limited by the said examples as other type of supplying equipment may be used without departing from the present invention.

[0088] Now referring to Figure 4, where a plan view of the main unit 300 is shown. Such main unit 300 may be, for example, located, installed and/or positioned on the refueler 200. In a typical embodiment, the main unit 300 comprises a transmitter module adapted to communicate with remote control 400 or with equipment 90.

[0089] For example, the main unit 300 may be embodied as a main controller of the system 100. In such an example, the main unit 300 is adapted to communicate with the remote control 400 using different radio-frequencies (RF) and may comprise at least one main unit display 302 showing, for example, the radio frequency channel being used. The main unit 300 may further comprise one or more status lights 304 (e.g. LED output status lights). In such an embodiment, main unit 300 may further comprise a transient memory unit and a non-transient storage medium in communication with the controller. In yet other embodiment, the main unit 300 may be a computer device or a server.

[0090] Figure 5 is a diagram showing internal modules of the main unit 300 and their interactions. In at least one embodiment, the main unit 300 may comprise a processor 310 (e.g. MCU), connected via serial and power interface 316 to a wireless antenna located on the main unit 300. The main unit 300 may also comprise a USB connector 306, a status light 304, a relay protected output 308, learn RF device pushbutton 3012, and various input modules 314. The main unit 300 may provide additional functionality to the refueler 200. For example, the main unit 300 may comprises a Global Positioning System (GPS) module, an alert/warning system, wireless communication module and/or any other type of module providing data for monitoring or controlling the refueler 200.

[0091] Referring now to Figure 6, the main unit 300 may be configured to remotely communicate with the remote control 400 via a wireless communication unit 30. In a typical embodiment, the wireless communication unit 30 comprises a receiver and an emitter which communicate through an antenna 316 (see Figure 5). In a preferred embodiment, radio- frequency (RF) communication is used. Understandably, any other wireless communication method may be used without departing from the present invention, such as but not limited to Bluetooth™, WIFI, cellular communications or any other similar communication protocols. The wireless communication unit 30 may be integrated to the main unit 300 or may be attached to or located on the refueler 200 in order to be operatively connected to the main unit 300.

[0092] Understandably, the main unit 300 may be configured to act as a server. In such an embodiment, as the main unit 300 is configured to communicate with various devices and modules (see Figure 2), the main unit 300 is further configure to fetch information or data from the said devices or modules and to store such information in the non-transient medium or in a data store, such as a database or a file. The information may be stored at predetermined intervals. The information may also be stored upon request to the main unit 300 by a remote client, such as the remote control device 400 or any other client device.

[0093] As an example, in an embodiment where the refueler is a truck, the main unit 300 may fetch and store data from one or more modules or devices during operations. Upon completion of the operations or after the truck has returned to a base location, a computer device, such as but not limited to a computer, a smart phone, a table, a smart watch, etc, may connect to the main unit 300 using the communication module or by connecting through the I/O ports. The computer device may then retrieve the stored information from the main unit 300. In a preferred embodiment, the communication module of the main unit 300 is configured to connect to a network on which the computer device may connect with the main unit 300.

[0094] In some embodiments, the main unit 300 may act as a server, such as a web server, or may provide API to allow connection and retrieval of the stored information.

[0095] In yet other embodiments, the main unit 300 may be configured to fetch and communicate the information to a client during operation or in real time.

[0096] Figure 7 shows a diagram of the internal modules of the wireless communication unit 30. In at least one embodiment, the wireless communication unit 30 may have an RF unit 31 , a serial and 5V power interface to wireless antenna 32 and a low-dropout regulator (LDO) 33. The RF unit 31 may be adapted to one or more communication protocols. The serial and 5V power interface to wireless antenna 32 and the low-dropout regulator (LDO) 33 may be adapted to operably connect to the power supply of the system. Understandably, any other type of wireless communication unit supporting any known communication protocol could be used without departing from the principles of the present invention, such a WIFI module, a Bluetooth™ module or a NFC module.

[0097] Using the remote control 400, the operator 101 may remotely monitor and operate the refueler 200 near the point of use, which may be located close to the equipment 90 and at a distance from the refueler 200. Said monitoring and operating aims at reducing the "back and forth" to and from the refueler 200 of an operator. Using the remote control 400, the operator 101 may remotely access or interact with the critical information and functionalities (as shown at Figure 1) of the refueler 200. In a preferred embodiment, the remote control 400 is adapted to be fixed and/or attached to the forearm of the operator 101 or to clothing of the operator 101, thus helping the operator to free is hands or arms for other purposes.

[0098] Communication of the remote control 400 with the main unit 300, and processing of the commands ate the main unit level 300 and not at the remote control 400 enables the remote control 400 to be small and portable.

[0099] Now referring to Figure 8, in one embodiment, the remote control 400 is adapted to be fixed and/or attached to the forearm of the operator 101 or to clothing of the operator 101, therefore leaving the operator's hand free for any other task.

[00100] In at least one embodiment, the remote control may be any mobile device comprising a central processing unit, such as, but not limited to, a phone or a smart watch. The mobile device must be adapted to be fixed and/or attached to the forearm of the operator 101 or to clothing of the operator 101.

[00101] Now referring to Figures 9, 10 and 11, an exemplary embodiment of the remote control 400 is shown. The remote control 400 generally comprises a mean for displaying information 402 or 410 and a mean for controlling the remote control (such as 405 and/or 407), such as but not limited to buttons, touch pad, touch screens or the like.

[00102] The portable remote control 400 may have a user input control and the portable remote control may be further configured to process input received from the user input control and to send a predetermined command to the main unit. The user input control may be one or more keypad buttons. The user input control may be integrated with the display unit such as using a touch screen.

[00103] In a preferred embodiment, the mean for displaying information 402 is an integrated display 402 and the mean for controlling the remote control is a set of control buttons 405. Still in a preferred embodiment, the mean for displaying information 402 may further comprise one or more status lights, such as light emitting diode (LED) 410. The mean for controlling remote control 400 may be located anywhere on the remote control 400, such as on top of the remote control 400 and on front of the said remote control 400 (see Figures 9 and 10 respectively). Having more than one control interfaces may be specifically convenient for the operator 101 when these interfaces are related to different operations with the refuel er 200. The mean for displaying information may further comprise an emergency stop button which may be configured to stop any operation of the refueler 200.

[00104] Now referring to Figure 12, a diagram of the various internal modules of the remote control 400 and their interactions is shown.

[00105] In a preferred embodiment, the remote control 400 comprises a microcontroller unit (MCU) or a central processing unit (CPU) 420, a power source 440, a remote control display 402 and a communication module 422. The CPU 420 is configured to process data received from the different modules, such as sensors 436, auxiliary devices 450, communication module 422 and input controls, such as keypads (426, 428). The CPU 420 analyzes the processed data to display information on the remote control display 402 and/or to receive and transmit data or a command to and from the main unit 300 using the communication module 422. The communication module 422, such as RF module, may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the wireless communication unit 30 of the main unit 300 as described above.

[00106] The remote control processor 420 may further be configured to process input from the input controls, such as the remote control keypads, top keypad 426 (e.g. as shown at Figure 9) and side keypad 428 (e.g. as shown at Figure 10). The remote control controller 420 may also be configured to receive and process input or signal from a remote control light sensor 436 and/or RFID tag reader 430. The remote control processor 420 may further be configured to control a vibrator 434, a buzzer 432, or send data to at least one remote control LED driver 424 in order to communicate a status to the operator 101. For example, the RFID tag reader 430 may be adapted to automatically identify the equipment 90 that needs to be filled in by scanning (reading) a unique tag and/or identification number of the equipment 90. [00107] The remote control processor 420 is configured to control the display 402 of the remote control. The remote control 400 may further comprise an I/O controller 415, such as a USB connector 450, used to communicate with external devices or transfer data to and from the remote control processor 420. In an embodiment using a USB connector, the said connector may be configured to provide a power source to the remote control 400. Said power source may be used to charge the battery 440. One skilled in the art shall understand that any other type of I/O ports may be used to interconnect the remote control 400 with auxiliary devices or with power sources without departing from the present invention.

[00108] Auxiliary devices may be wireless and/or non-wireless. For example, the auxiliary devices may be any equipment adapted to measure, collect and transmit information. For example, the auxiliary devices may be a biometric sensor 70, wireless dead man device 50, non-wireless dead man device 140, ground checker (e.g. smart ground checker 60), augmented reality device 80, ground clip 150, etc.

[00109] Still referring to Figure 12, a unique serial ID module 454 is configured to assign a unique identification to the remote control 400. In a preferred embodiment, the unique identification 454 provides a mean for the main unit 300 to check which remote control 400 is communicating with the main unit 300.

[00110] In other embodiments, the remote control 400 may further comprise a mean to identify the orientation of the remote control 400, such as a gyroscope, or to identify the movement of the remote control 400, such as an accelerometer. Such means to identify the movement and orientation are connected to the controller 420. In such embodiments, the controller 420 is configured to process the received data from such means and to generate alarms or send commands to the main unit 300 when the predetermined actions of the operator 101 are detected, such as but not limited to falling down, spilling fuel, running away from the equipment 90, etc.

[00111] Referring now to Figure 20, an example of a method of operatively connecting the remote control 400 to the auxiliary device is shown. More specifically, the remote control 400 is connected to a deadman device 140 using a physical connection.

[00112] Understandably, the remote control 400 may further comprise an auxiliary wireless module 110 configured to operatively connect (or integrate) to non-wireless auxiliary devices that may be part of the system 100.

[00113] The operator 101 may work close to the equipment 90 and may need most of the auxiliary devices to be portable and the operator 101 may choose one or more auxiliary devices. . The auxiliary wireless unit 110 may increase the number of possible auxiliary devices used by the operator 101 by connecting the non-wireless auxiliary devices to the main unit 300 as described herein.

[00114] Moreover, the remote control 400 may comprise one or more input ports for plugging one or more auxiliary devices into the remote control 400 and therefore making the non-wireless auxiliary devices operable to communicate data to and receive data from the main unit 300 via the remote control 400.

[00115] Referring now to Figures 13 and 14, an embodiment of an auxiliary wireless unit 110 is shown. In such an embodiment, the auxiliary wireless unit 110 comprises at least one LED 111 adapted to display a status of the wireless unit 110 and at least one aux/power port (input/output port 112) adapted to operatively connect to the auxiliary device.

[00116] Referring now to Figure 15, a diagram of an embodiment of the auxiliary wireless unit 110 is shown with various internal modules.

[00117] In a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary wireless unit 110 comprises an auxiliary wireless unit LED driver 162, an inductive power unit 164, an auxiliary wireless unit charger 166 (e.g. LIPO charger), an RF integrated circuit 168, at least one auxiliary wireless unit battery 170 such as a LIPO battery and an auxiliary wireless unit RFID tag reader 172.

[00118] The auxiliary wireless unit 110 (see figures 13 and 14) may be adapted to be mounted on or to the auxiliary devices using a mechanical interface 130. In some embodiments, the auxiliary wireless unit 110 may be mounted to (integrated with) a non- wireless deadman 140, as shown at Figure 16. Figure 17 shows an example of mounting of the wireless auxiliary unit 110 onto a ground clip 150 via a mechanical interface 130.

[00119] The auxiliary wireless unit 110 may enable wireless communication of data

(information) between the auxiliary devices and the wireless auxiliary unit base station 120 (hereafter "base station 120").

[00120] The base station 120 may be configured to act as a charging device and communication equipment for the auxiliary wireless unit 110. For example, the base station 120 may be installed in the cabin of the refuel er 200.

[00121] Figure 18 shows an example of the auxiliary wireless unit 110 being operatively connected to the base station 120. For example, when operatively connected to the base station 120, the auxiliary wireless unit 110 may be charged and may transmit information to the base station 120 and/or may receive information from the base station 120. [00122] Figure 19 shows a diagram of various internal modules and their interactions of the base station 120. For example, the base station may have an RF antenna 121, an RF integrated circuit 122, a reed switch 123, a relay out 124, a DC out port 125, a 3V out port 126, at least one charger 127, at least one button 128, at least one LED 129, a term block 131, a microcontroller (e.g. PIC MCU) 132, a global enable input 133, an auxiliary input 134, and a buzzer output 135.

[00123] For example, the charger 127 may be operable to charge the auxiliary device connected to the base station 120. The RF integrated circuit 122 and the RF antenna may be operable to communicate with the auxiliary devices wirelessly. The microcontroller 132 may be operable to receive the data to/from the RF circuit and to transmit it to/from the main unit 300 and/or directly to the refuel er 200.

[00124] For example, the information/data received from the base station 300 by the main unit 300 may be further displayed by the main unit 300 on one or more displays 20.

[00125] Now referring to Figures 21 and 22, shown therein are different exemplary embodiments of system 100.

[00126] In some embodiments of the system 100, some of the auxiliary devices may communicate with the base station 120 and the other auxiliary devices may communicate with the wireless communication unit 30, as shown at Figure 21. The remote control 400 may, for example, communicate with the wireless communication unit 30.

[00127] For example, the wireless auxiliary devices (such as, for example, wireless deadman 50 and/or wireless smart ground checker 60) may communicate wirelessly with the base station 120 (transmit information to and receive information from). When the auxiliary devices are non-wireless, such auxiliary devices may communicate with the base station 120 using the auxiliary wireless unit 110, as discussed herein. At the same time, the remote control 400 and the auxiliary devices (such as, for example, biometric sensor unit 70 and/or augmented reality device 80) of the system 100 may communicate with the wireless communication unit 30, as shown at Figure 21.

[00128] In at least one embodiment of the system 100, all auxiliary devices may communicate with the wireless communication unit 30, as shown for example at Figure 22. When the auxiliary devices are non-wireless, such auxiliary devices may communicate with the wireless communication unit 30 using (through) one or more auxiliary wireless units 110, as discussed herein. [00129] The system 100 may be configured to provide monitoring of the operational steps of refuelling in order to prevent errors and misconduct.

[00130] For example, the system 100 may be configured to collect, process and share data with external systems.

[00131] For example, the system 100 may further comprise the biometric sensor unit 70. Such biometric sensor unit 70 may permit monitoring of vital signs and other biometric information of the operator 101 which may help to prevent possible accidents, based the information received from the biometric sensor unit 70. For example, the biometric information of the operator may be transmitted to the main unit 300. For example, the main unit 300 may be operable to recognise when the biometric information of the operator 101 is outside a pre-defined range of biometric information and send an alarm signal. For example, the alarm signal may be an email or other type of a message sent to a supervisor of the operator 101.

[00132] The system 100 may be further configured to send and/or receive from the warnings, alerts and/or other information. For example, such warnings, alerts and/or other information may be provided to the operator and the system from the external systems or the authority. For example, the received warnings, alerts and/or other information may comprise information about environmental events, system events (e.g. events related to the refueler 200 or equipment 90) and/or other issues.

[00133] The system 100 may be further configured to transmit visual information to the operator through at least one display device 20, at least one augmented reality device 80 and/or via the LED or other types of visual device.

[00134] The system 100 may also transmit sound information through speaker, buzzer or other type of device transmitting or producing sound. The system 100 may further transmit vibration information through a vibration device.

[00135] For example, the remote control 400 may receive wirelessly a request from the main unit 300 (via the base station 120 or via the wireless communication unit 30) to alarm the operator 101. The remote control processor 420 may then trigger the buzzer 432 and/or the vibrator 434. For example, the remote control 400 may produce the sound or vibrate each time a certain operation performed by the refueler 200 has been completed.

[00136] For example, the remote control 400 may comprise input and output LED display. [00137] The operator 101 may therefore monitor and operate the refueler 200 while being located at a distance from the refueler 200. The main unit 300, after having received a particular request from the remote control 400 (e.g. start refueling, stop refuelling, provide payment information, etc.) may then transmit such request (operational command) to the refueler 200 and/or to a particular device (e.g. as shown at Figure 2) of the refueler 200. For example, the main unit 300 may communicate with the pump 214, meter 218, quality system 220, sensors 204 and other devices of the refueler 200.

[00138] The system 100 as described herein aims at allowing the operator 101 to free both hands from the operating equipment. In particular, the remote control 400 may be adapted to be attached to an arm of an operator.

[00139] Typically various devices and modules that take part in the refuelling operation are not connected with each other or centrally and even have different manufacturers. The system 100 as described herein may permit to inter-connect and centrally monitor and operate these devices and modules which take part in the refueling operation. Various steps of refueling operation may be monitored and operated: for example, identification of the equipment, communication with the invoicing and/or inventory/stock systems, authorisation, control of pumping equipment, emergency stop, monitoring of various systems and devices, monitoring of the operator 101 , etc.

[00140] The system 100 also may permit the authorities (such as, e.g., supervisors) to monitor the operation of refuelling from the distance.

[00141] The system 100 may also allow various external mobile devices such as, but not limited to, computer devices, smartphones, and/or tablets, to connect to the system 100, e.g. through the main unit 300, in order to monitor the operation of refueling.

[00142] While illustrative and presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail hereinabove, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited by the prior art.

Claims

A system for remotely monitoring and operating of a refueler, the system comprising:

- a main unit operably connected to the refueler, the main unit having a main unit controller and a communication module, the main unit being configured to:

i) control operations of the refueler;

ii) monitor and display the operations of the refueler;

- a portable remote control in communication with the main unit, the portable remote control comprising:

i) a central processing unit;

ii) a remote control display connected to the central processing unit;

iii) a power source;

iv) a communication module connected to the central processing unit;

the portable remote control being configured to:

i) send one or more commands to the main unit via the communication module of the portable remote control;

ii) receive monitoring information from the main unit via the communication module; of the portable remote control;

iii) display the received monitoring information on the remote control display.

The system of claim 1, wherein the portable remote control further comprises at least one sensor unit, the portable remote control being further configured to process a signal received by the at least one sensor unit and to send a command to the main unit based on the processed signal.

The system of claim 2, wherein the sensor unit is selected from a light sensor, a biometric sensor, a dead man module, a ground checker, an augmented reality device or a ground clip.

The system of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the portable remote control further comprises a user input control, the portable remote control being further configured to process input received from the user input control and to send a predetermined command to the main unit. 5) The system of claim 4, wherein the predetermined command is a request to stop operations of the refueler, the main unit being further configured to send a request to the refueler to stop any operation upon reception of the request to stop operations from the portable remote control.

6) The system of any of claims 4 or 5, wherein the user input control is one or more keypad buttons.

7) The system of any of claims 4 or 5, wherein the user input control is integrated with the display unit.

8) The system of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the portable remote control further comprises a I/O module, the I/O module being connected to the central processing unit and being configured to connect to one or more auxiliary devices.

9) The system of claim 8, the I/O module of the portable remote control being one or more USB ports.

10) The system of any of claim 8 or 9, wherein the one or more auxiliary devices are selected from a light sensor, a biometric sensor, a deadman module, a ground checker, an augmented reality device or a ground clip.

11) The system of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the portable remote control further comprises a unique identification module comprising a unique identifier, the portable remote control being further configured to communicate the unique identifier to the main unit, the main unit being further configured to accept commands from a portable remote control having the unique identifier.

12) The system of any of claims 1 to 11, the remote control being adapted to be attached to an arm of an operator.

13) The system of any of claims 1 to 12, the portable remote control being a mobile device.

14) The system of any of claims 1 to 13, the communication module of the portable remote control being a radio-frequency antenna.

15) The system of any of claims 1 to 14, the communication module of the main unit being a radio-frequency antenna.

16) The system of any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the main unit further comprise a I/O module, the I/O module being connected to the central processing unit of the main unit and being configured to connect to one or more auxiliary devices. 17) The system of claim 8, the I/O module of the main unit being one or more USB ports.

18) The system of any of claims 1 to 17, wherein the main unit further comprises a main unit display configured to display the status of the refueler.

19) The system of any of claims 1 to 17, wherein the main unit further comprises a main unit display configured to display the status of the communication module of the main unit.

20) The system of claim 1 further comprising a base station and at least one auxiliary wireless unit configured to receive and transmit data to and from the at least one auxiliary device and operable to be mounted on the at least one auxiliary device, the at least one auxiliary device being configured to communicate with the base station.

21) The system of claim 20 wherein the remote control further comprises at least one port for the at least one auxiliary device and the remote control is configured to operably connect to the at least one auxiliary device.

22) The system of any of claims 1 to 21 wherein the remote control is adapted to be attached to the operator's arm.

23) A method for monitoring and operating of a refueler at a distance by an operator, the method comprising:

- the portable remote control communicating a request to the main unit, the main unit being in communication with the remote control and with the refueler;

- the received request being processed by the main unit; and

- the main unit controlling operations of the refueler based on the processed request.

24) The method of claim 23, the method further comprising

- the portable remote control detecting a predetermined event;

- the detection of the predetermined event triggering the communication of the request to the main unit.

25) The method of claim 24, the detection of a predetermined event further comprising

- receiving sensor data from at least one sensor unit;

- processing the received sensor data by the portable remote control; and

- sending the command to the main unit based on the processed sensor data. 26) The method of claim 25 wherein the sensor data is selected from a light data, a biometric data, a movement data of the operator or ground data.

27) The method of any one of claims 23 to 26, the method further comprising processing an input received from remote control and sending a predetermined command to the main unit based on the received input.

28) The method of claim 27 wherein the predetermined command is a request to stop operations of the refueler.

29) The method of claim 28, the method further comprising the main unit sending a request to the refueler to stop any operation upon reception of the request to stop operations from the portable remote control.

30) The method of any one of claims 23 to 29, the method further comprising the remote control receiving the status of refueler and displaying the received status on the remote control.

31) The method of any one of claims 23 to 30, the method further comprising the main unit receiving a status of refueler and displaying the status of the refueler on the main unit.

32) The method of any of claims 23 to 31, the method further comprising detecting biometric data of the operator and sending a request to stop operation of the refueler when the detected biometric data of the operator is below and/or higher a predetermined level.

33) The method of any of claims 23 to 32, the method further comprising the remote control receiving data from at least one auxiliary device and communicating a request to the main unit according to the data received from the auxiliary device.

34) The method of claim 33„ the method further comprising the one or more auxiliary devices being selected from a light sensor, a biometric sensor, a dead man module, a ground checker, an augmented reality device or a ground clip.

35) The method of any of claims 23 to 34, the method further comprising communicating a unique identifier to the main unit from the remote control.

36) The method of any of claims 23 to 35, the method further comprising attaching the remote control to the forearm of an operator.

37) A main unit for monitoring and operating of a refueler, the main unit comprising: - a communication module in communication with a controller of the main unit, the communication module being configured to connect with one or more modules of the refuel er;

- the controller being configured to:

i) fetch data from the one or more modules;

ii) process the fetched data from the one or more modules.

38) The main unit of claim 37, the controller being further configured to send a command to at least one of the modules using the communication module.

39) The main unit of any of claims 37 or 38, the main unit and the modules forming a network.

40) The main unit of claim 37, the communication module being further configured to connect with a remote control, the remote control being adapted to send one or more commands to the controller and to request the fetched data and/or processed data from the controller.

41) The main unit of claim 37, the communication module being further configured to connect with a remote computer device, the main unit being configured communicated the fetched data and/or processed data to the computer device.

42) The main unit of claim 37, the modules of the refueler being selected from an electronic register, at least one sensor, at least one light indicator, a payment system, an inventory system, a data management system, at least one pump, at least one hose reel, and at least one meter, a quality system, a pressure control system and/or a Power Take Off (PTO).

43) The main unit of claim 37, the main unit further comprising I/O module configured to connect with one or more of the modules of the refueler.

44) The main unit of claim 37, the main unit further comprising a display unit adapted to display the fetch data and/or the processed data.

45) The main unit of any claims 37 to 44, the main unit being a server.

46) The main unit of claim 45, the main unit being configured to act as a web server.