System, Method and Apparatus for Verifying Groundwire Connections on a Vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method, system, and apparatus for verifying a groundwire connection prior to transferring a fluid between a tank and a reservoir. The system includes a grounding unit configured to electrically ground the vehicle when the groundwire is connected thereto, at least one conduit adapted to connect the tank to transfer the fluid to or from the tank, an automated valve adapted to be connected to the at least one conduit, the automated valve configured to open and close to restrict the flow of fluid through the conduit, and at least one processor in communication with the automated valve, the at least one processor programmed or configured to: determine if the groundwire is connected to the grounding unit; and in response to determining that the groundwire is connected to the grounding unit, causing the automated valve to open.

The invention claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for verifying a groundwire connection of a vehicle comprising a tank prior to transferring a fluid to or from the tank, comprising:
 a grounding unit configured to electrically ground the vehicle when the groundwire is connected thereto;   at least one conduit adapted to connect the tank to transfer the fluid to or from the tank;   an automated valve adapted to be connected to the at least one conduit, the automated valve configured to open and close to restrict the flow of fluid through the conduit; and   at least one processor in communication with the automated valve, the at least one processor programmed or configured to:
 determine if the groundwire is connected to the grounding unit; and 
 in response to determining that the groundwire is connected to the grounding unit, causing the automated valve to open. 
   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the automated valve is caused to open in response to user input and after determining that the groundwire is connected to the grounding unit. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one processor determines if the groundwire is connected to the grounding unit by at least one of the following:
 (i) detecting a change in electrical signal from at least one of the grounding unit and the groundwire;   (ii) detecting a connection with at least one camera;   (iii) detecting a signal from a communicating member affixed to the groundwire;   (iv) detecting a signal from a communicating member affixed to the grounding unit; or   (v) any combination thereof.   
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a flow meter in communication with the at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed or configured to:
 receive data from the flow meter; and   cause the automated valve to open or close based upon the data received from the flow meter.   
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a camera unit in communication with the at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed or configured to record or cease recording in response to determining at least one of the following: that the at least one conduit is connected to the tank or a manifold, that the groundwire is connected to the grounding unit, that fluid is being transferred to or from the tank, that the automated valve is open, that an overrise mechanism has been activated, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         6 . A system for verifying a groundwire connection of a vehicle comprising a tank prior to transferring a fluid to or from the tank, comprising:
 an automated valve adapted to be connected to at least one conduit between the tank and a reservoir, the automated valve configured to open and close in response to receiving at least one command or instruction; and   at least one processor in communication with the automated valve, the at least one processor programmed or configured to:
 determine if the groundwire is connected to the grounding unit; and 
 in response to determining that the groundwire is connected to the grounding unit, causing the automated valve to open. 
   
     
     
         7 . A method for verifying a groundwire connection of a vehicle comprising a tank prior to transferring a fluid to or from the tank, comprising:
 detecting, with at least one processor or circuit, an electrical connection between the groundwire of the vehicle and a grounding unit;   determining, with at least one processor or circuit, that the vehicle is grounded based at least partially on the detected electrical connection; and   opening an automated valve in response to determining that the vehicle is grounded, wherein the automated valve restricts fluid flow through at least one conduit connecting the tank to a reservoir.