GB2237112A - Delivery system - Google Patents

Abstract

For controlling the delivery of a consumable fluid [such as oil] from a central control station [C] to individual consumer units [U], a storage tank [T] at each consumer unit is provided with a sensing means [S] which is responsive to the quantity of oil in the tank, and which produces an output signal which is supplied, either directly or indirectly, to the control station [C] at least when the level of oil in the tank falls to a predetermined minimum level. Preferably the output from the sensing device [S] is fed to a smart modem, which, in response to the output indicating the reaching of said minimum level, causes a signal to be delivered via the telephone network to the control station [C]. Alternatively or in addition the control station may interrogate the consumer unit to determine the level of oil in the storage tank, as sensed by the device [S]. Alternative to the use of a telephone line, the possibility of the signal being transmitted from the consumer unit to the control station by radio is contemplated. Oil level in the consumer's tank may be sensed ultrasonically or by a pressure sensor and a temperature alarm may also be provided. <IMAGE>

Description

Title: "Delivery System" Description of Invention This invention is concerned with improvements relating to delivery systems, in particular but not exclusively for the delivery of consumable fluids such as fuel fluids, e.g. oil.

At present the delivery of consumable fluids is conducted generally haphazardly, and places a primary reliance upon the consumer to contact the delivery organisation when a delivery is required.

This constitutes a problem to the delivery organisation and to the consumer, in that, at times, the delivery organisation has unused delivery capacity and/or has to send out vehicles without full loads and at times [such as, for fuel fluids, in the event of an unexpected cold period] it may be difficult for the organisation to meet delivery demand. As far as the consumer is concerned, it requires that he check the level of fluid in [e.g.] a container or tank, which is not always convenient and/or he may forget and run out.

In addition, a delivery station has in general only empiric means for determining the likely delivery requirements, and in general requires to overstock with fluid to avoid the embarrassment of running out.

According to this invention there is provided a method of controlling the delivery of consumable fluids from a delivery control station to a plurality of consumer units, each consumer unit comprising a storage device for the consumable fluid, and sensing means associated with each storage device which is operative to transmit to the delivery control station a signal indicating the quantity of fluid in the storage device.

The sensing device may be operative to transmit such a signal of its own volition, for example when sensing that said quantity reaches an optimum low level, thereby avoiding the requirement for the consumer to periodically check the storage means to determine himself the quantity.

Preferably however the sensing device is adapted to deliver such a signal in response to an interrogatory instigated by the delivery control station.

Thus, the sensing device may be one which may be interrogated remotely using an existing telephone line or a radio frequency device. By interrogating the consumer unit, the output from the sensing device may be down loaded to the delivery station, and conveniently processed in an automatic processing operation, such as a computer.

Alternatively or in addition the interrogation may be carried our manually: thus, where a delivery is required at one consumer unit, a control operator may interrogate a nearby or on route consumer unit to determine whether or not a delivery may conveniently be made to that consumer unit, increasing the efficiency of delivery.

Alternatively the interrogation may be carried out by a computer control device which checks existing [requested] delivery requirements, interrogates other consumer units as appropriate and determines an optimum delivery programme, including [optionally] delivery route, and capacity of delivery vehicles.

Alternatively or in addition the sensing device may be operative or may be interrogated to provide an output signal indicating the reserve of the storage means at periodic intervals [e.g. once a day, or once a week, depending upon the rate of utilisation of the consumable material] enabling the delivery control system to plan in advance an appropriate delivery strategy.

According to this invention there is also provided a delivery system comprising a delivery control station and a plurality of consumer units, each consumer unit comprising storage means, wherein there is associated with each storage means a sensing device which is operative in response to the quantity of consumable fluids stored in the storage means to transmit a signal to the delivery control station.

According to this invention there is also provided a consumer unit for use with storage means for a consumable fluid, said consumer unit comprising sensing means which is operative to transmit a signal indicating a quantity of fluid in the storage means for reception by a delivery station remote from the consumer unit.

Said signal may be a radio signal, or may be a signal transmitted by a telephone line using a modem.

A schematic representation of a means for performance of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, selected for the purpose of illustrating the invention by way of example.

The consumer unit U comprises a tank for the consumable fluid [oil], from which oil is fed to the boiler B by a pump [not shown] via feed line F.

The consumer unit comprises a control means comprising a sensing device S, which is responsive to the quantity of oil in the storage tank, and an output device M which is operative to transmit a signal determined by the sensing device S, and thus determined by the quantity of oil in the storage tank, to an oil delivery control station C.

In the preferred embodiment the sensing device S is located in the feed pipe F, and is responsive to the pressure in the feed pipe, and thus to the quantity of oil in the tank, to produce an output signal. The output device M comprises a modem, preferably having computer control capability, such as a "smart modem" comprising an input line I1 by which a signal is fed to the modem from the sensing device S, and an output 01, conveniently afforded by a line having a BT-600 type modular jack J, for connection to a telephone.

Thus in use, when the output signal provided by the sensing device S falls below a predetermined level [corresponding to a fall in the level of oil in the tank to below a predetermined level], the output unit M will command the output line 01 to dial the delivery control station, and automatically to provide to the delivery control station information relating to the consumer unit concerned [e.g.

name and address, and if desired the level currently being sensed].

Advantageously the modem M is adapted to input to an auto-answer system, whereby the output from the modem is fed directly into the control computer. Thus, the modem is preferably one which inputs to the control computer a unique I.D number, and time and date of transmission.

Preferably additional input capability is provided on the modem M by additional input lines I2-I5, and additional output capability is provided by output lines 02 and 03. In this way some at least of the following control functions may be exercised: [a] A signal may be fed to the modem M each time the boiler is switched on, the modem being programmed to respond automatically after a predetermined number of inputs, to report to the delivery control station.

[b] An input from the delivery control station is permitted, allowing the central computer to interrogate the modem M, to determine the output from the pressure sensing device S, to determine whether or not a delivery could be made, even in the circumstances where the level in the tank had not fallen below said predetermined level.

[c] An alarm system may be provided from which a signal may be input into the modem M, and in turn transmitted to the central computer, in the event of certain events occurring. For example, a temperature sensing device may be provided, and the modem M may respond to the output from the sensing device going above a predetermined maximum to activate an "excessive temperature" condition to the central computer.

[d] An input may be provided [e.g. from another telephone] allowing an instruction to be given to the modem M to carry out boiler control functions, for example to switch on, or control the temperature, or to re-programme the setting.

Preferably the sensing device S comprises a combined pressure switch and a pressure transducer. Preferably the output from the pressure sensing device is fed to the modem M in conjunction with a timing circuit, whereby the output from the pressure sensing device will not trigger off a reporting action until a predetermined time has elapsed. In this way, momentary fluctuations in the pressure sensed by the device as may from time to time occur will not be effective to signal an oil-requirement situation.

It will be appreciated of course that other level sensing means may be used, such as for example an ultrasonic device mounted in the tank and which is capable of directly measuring the height of oil in the tank.

In addition to the consumer unit shown, in practice a number of similar consumer units will be connected to the delivery control station C in a similar manner.

In use, at appropriate time intervals, the delivery control station C will send a signal to the output device M causing it to interrogate the measuring device S, which transmits a signal indicating the state of the tank T [remaining volume] which in turn is transmitted to the control system.

Preferably the information is received by a computer at the control station C. In this manner information regarding the state of a number of tanks over an area may be collated by the computer, and delivery regime organised.

In particular, deliveries may be made which take into account not only the state of particular tanks, but also the rate of utilisation of fuel oil in those tanks, giving an earlier delivery to a tank which utilises oil- at a higher rate.

In addition, where the delivery control station has the capability purchasing oil at a low price, the volume of oil which may be delivered to consumer units may easily be determined.

Alternative or in addition the sensing device S may of its own volition transmit a signal to the control device, either via the interrogator or directly, when the fuel level falls to one which indicates that a delivery is required.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in the terms or means for performing the desired function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, may, separately or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims (11)

CLAIMS:

1. A method of controlling the delivery of consumable fluids from a delivery control station to a plurality of consumer units, each consumer unit U comprising a storage device for the consumable fluid, and sensing means associated with each storage device which is operative to transmit to the delivery control station a signal indicating the quantity of fluid in the storage device.

2. A method according to Claim 1 wherein the sensing means is operative to transmit a signal when the quantity of fluid in the tank falls to a predetermined level.

3. A method according to one of Claims 1 and 2 wherein the sensing means is operative to transmit a signal automatically at regular intervals.

4. A method of any one of the preceding claims wherein the sensing means is operative to transmit a signal in response to reception of an interrogatory signal from the control station.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the signal is transmitted to the control station by radio.

6. A method according to any one of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the signal is transmitted to the control station by a telephone line utilising a modem.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the consumer unit is operative to sense parameters in addition to the quantity of fluid contained in the storage means, and to transmit additional information to the control station indicating the state of other parameters.

8. A method according to Claim 7 wherein said additional information includes at least an alarm signal.

9. A delivery system comprising a delivery control station and a plurality of consumer units, for the delivery of consumable fluid to the consumer units, each consumer unit comprising storage means, wherein there is associated with each storage means a sensing device which is operative in response to the quantity of consumable fluid stored in the storage means to transmit or cause to be transmitted a signal to the delivery control station.

10. A consumer unit for use with storage means for consumable fluid, said consumer unit comprising sensing means which is responsive to the quantity of fluid in the storage means, and output means to transmit a signal determined by the quantity of fluid in the storage means for reception by a delivery control station remote from the unit.

11. A consumer unit according to Claim 10, wherein said signal is a radio signal, or a signal transmitted by a telephone line utilising a modem.