초록 ▼

A system and associated methods for monitoring fluid distribution for heavy duty vehicles are provided. The system advantageously includes a first handheld RF data communications terminal. The handheld data terminal preferably includes a portable housing readily adapted to be positioned in the hand

A system and associated methods for monitoring fluid distribution for heavy duty vehicles are provided. The system advantageously includes a first handheld RF data communications terminal. The handheld data terminal preferably includes a portable housing readily adapted to be positioned in the hand of a driver of a heavy duty vehicle and a first RF transceiver connected to the portable housing for transmitting and receiving RF data communications to thereby interface with a heavy duty vehicle driver to collect data from customer fluid delivery locations. The system also includes at least one heavy duty vehicle adapted to transport fluid and a second vehicle data communications terminal preferably mounted to the at least one heavy duty vehicle. The second data communications terminal preferably includes a second RF transceiver for transmitting and receiving RF data communications. The system additionally includes at least one fluid storage tank positioned at a customer fluid delivery location for receiving and storing fluid transported by the heavy duty vehicle. The fluid storage tank includes a tank identifier for identifying the tank and adapted to be received by the data collection device of the first handheld data collection terminal. The system further includes a main office data monitoring and dispatching data terminal is associated with a main office.

대표청구항 ▼

[ That which is claimed:] [1.] A system for monitoring fluid distribution for a fleet of heavy duty vehicles adapted to transport fluid, the system comprising:a plurality of first handheld RF data communications terminals, each of said plurality of handheld terminals including a portable housing rea

[ That which is claimed:] [1.] A system for monitoring fluid distribution for a fleet of heavy duty vehicles adapted to transport fluid, the system comprising:a plurality of first handheld RF data communications terminals, each of said plurality of handheld terminals including a portable housing readily adapted to be positioned in the hand of a driver of a heavy duty vehicle, a first RF transceiver connected to said portable housing for transmitting and receiving RF data communications, a first processor mounted in said housing for processing data communications, a first user interface connected to said processor and to an external surface of said portable housing for interfacing with a heavy duty vehicle driver, and a data collection device connected to said processor and to said portable housing for collecting data from customer fluid delivery locations;a fleet of heavy duty vehicles adapted to transport fluid;a plurality of second vehicle data communications terminals each mounted to one of the fleet of heavy duty vehicles, each of said plurality of second vehicle data communications terminals including a second RF transceiver for transmitting and receiving RF data communications, a second processor for processing data communications, and a second user interface for interfacing with a driver of a heavy duty vehicle;at least one fluid storage tank positioned at a customer fluid delivery location for receiving and storing fluid transported by the heavy duty vehicle, the fluid storage tank including tank identifying means for identifying the tank and adapted to be received by said data collection device of each of said plurality of first handheld data collection terminals; anda main office data monitoring and dispatching terminal associated with a main office for monitoring and dispatching fuel distribution data to the fleet of heavy duty vehicles, said main office terminal including a third RF transceiver for transmitting and receiving data communications to and from each of the plurality of second vehicle data communication terminals, a third processor connected to said third RF transceiver for processing data communications, and a third user monitoring and dispatching interface for monitoring fluid distribution data and for providing dispatching instructions from a main office user.