Systems and methods for supplying fuel to a vehicle
US10526195B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 8, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jan 7, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 20, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02M25/00
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In an example, a method of supplying fuel to a fuel tank of a vehicle includes supplying, via a fuel line, fuel to a fuel tank of a vehicle at an initial rate of fuel flow. The act of supplying the fuel causes an electrostatic charge to accumulate on a surface of the fuel in the fuel tank. The method also includes determining a level of ionization of an air medium in the fuel tank, and determining an increased rate of fuel flow based on a difference between the determined level of ionization and a baseline level of ionization. The electrostatic charge accumulated on the surface of the fuel dissipates at an increased rate when the determined level of ionization of the air medium is higher than the baseline level of ionization. The method further includes supplying the fuel to the fuel tank at the increased rate of fuel flow.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.