Method and apparatus for refueling multiple vehicles

Abstract

A refueling dock for refueling multiple vehicles at one time is disclosed. The dock has a manifold that has an inlet that can be connected to a fuel tanker truck and a plurality of outlet openings. Each outlet opening has a valve that controls the flow of fuel through the hose. A nozzle is fitted to the hose and is located at the end of the hose distant from the outlet opening. Two or more hoses can be simultaneously connected to different equipment in need of refueling. A valved fuel tank inlet line enables fuel to flow from the manifold to a fuel tank on the dock. When needed, fuel from the tank can then be pumped to the manifold through a fuel tank outlet line,.which can be connected to the same inlet on the manifold that is used to receive fuel from the tanker trick.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional application No. 60 / 743,209, filed Feb. 1, 2006, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention is directed to a method and apparatus for refueling vehicles used on a construction site and, in particular, to a method and apparatus for refueling multiple vehicles at one time using a refueling dock with multiple fuel hoses. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] While working on a construction site, large vehicles that are used in moving and hauling dirt and debris need to be refueled. To deal with this problem, construction companies generally hire fuel companies to bring a large fuel tanker truck to the construction site and connect the tanker truck individually to each piece of equipment that needs to be refueled. This is a time consuming, expensive process. The tanker truck travels to the location of each piece of equipment and refuels one piece of equipment ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] The new refueling dock reduces the time and expense needed to refuel multiple vehicles or pieces of equipment by providing fuel to multiple pieces of equipment at one time.

[0005] The disclosed refueling dock includes a tank that can be used to hold fuel. The tank is supported on a wheeled base such as a trailer or flat-bed. Preferably, the base will allow ease of movement and convenient placement of the dock. Fuel is provided through a manifold in the dock. Fuel may be supplied to the manifold by the fuel tanker truck or from the fuel tank. A pump enables the dock to be used independently of the tanker truck.

[0008] In many cases, the refueling dock should be located in this staging area. When refueling is required or when the equipment is not in use, it can be parked within range of the hoses on the refueling dock. Fuel may then be pumped through the manifold of the refueling e pieces of equipment at one time. In some cases, it may be desirable to arrange a along each side of the staging area, and align the equipment in need of fuel in front of and behind each refueling dock. Doing so leaves room for the tanker truck to drive refueling docks and conveniently access each of them.

Problems solved by technology

This is a time consuming, expensive process.

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