Systems and methods for supplying fuel to a vehicle
US10766760B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 8, 2017 |
| Grant date | Sep 8, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 24, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB67D2007/329
- 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, which causes an electrostatic charge to accumulate on a surface of the fuel in the fuel tank. The method also includes exposing an air medium in the fuel tank to ionizing radiation to increase a level of ionization of an air medium in the fuel tank and increase a rate of dissipation of the electrostatic charge. The method includes determining the level of ionization of the 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 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.