Electronic Refueling and Vent Control System with Integrated Control

Abstract

A modification to the vent control system of a fluid tank is provided. More particularly, an electronically controlled vent control system used in connection with a fuel tank is provided. The vent control system disclosed is operable to automatically sense the beginning of a fueling event and to open a venting valve allowing fuel to enter the tank. Subsequently, as the fuel reaches a predetermined fill level, the vent control system is operable to automatically close the venting valve, halting the flow of fuel into the tank.

1 . A vent control system operable with a tank for holding liquids comprising:
 means for detecting the initiation of a tank filling event;   means for detecting the level of fluid within said tank;   a power supply;   a vent having a housing, said vent in fluid communication with said tank and also in electrical communication with said means for detecting the initiation of a tank filling event, said means for detecting the level of fluid within said tank, and said power supply; and   logic circuits located within said housing, said logic circuits operable to open and close said vent in response to one or more electrical signals received from said means for detecting the initiation of a tank filling event, and said means for detecting the level of fluid within said tank.   
     
     
         2 . The vent control system of  claim 1  wherein said means for detecting the initiation of a tank filling event is taken from the group consisting of infra-red sensors, magnetic sensors, thermistor arrays, resistor arrays, and proximity sensors. 
     
     
         3 . The vent control system of  claim 1  wherein said means for detecting the level of fluid within said tank is a thermistor array or capacitive sensor. 
     
     
         4 . The vent control system of  claim 1  further comprising a logic circuit operable to control the opening and closing of said vent. 
     
     
         5 . The vent control system of  claim 4  wherein said means for detecting the initiation of a tank filling event is taken from the group consisting of infra-red sensors, magnetic sensors, thermistor arrays, resistor arrays, and proximity sensors, wherein said means for detecting the level of fluid within said tank is a thermistor array. 
     
     
         6 . A method for controlling a vent in a fuel tank comprising the steps of:
 providing a fuel tank with a filler tube and a vent having logic circuits operable to open and close said vent;   introducing a filler nozzle into said filler tube;   detecting said introduction of said filler nozzle;   sending a first signal to said vent;   introducing fuel into said fuel tank;   monitoring the level of fuel within said fuel tank; and   sending a second signal to said vent.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the step of sending a first signal to said vent causes said vent to open, and wherein the step of sending said second signal causes said vent to close. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6  further comprising the step of sending said second signal when a predetermined level of fuel has been introduced into said fuel tank.