US-20260125260-A1 - SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC TANK GAUGE SUPERVISION

US20260125260A1US 20260125260 A1US20260125260 A1US 20260125260A1US-20260125260-A1

Abstract

An automatic tank gauge supervisory system for use with a plurality of automatic tank gauge devices located at multiple geographically dispersed fueling sites. The system comprises a remote computing resource in operative communication with the plurality of automatic tank gauge devices. The remote computing resource is operative to receive status information from a respective one of the automatic tank gauge devices and based on the information, command an action to be taken or transmit a notification.

Inventors

Martin Cohen
Mark Dietrech
Bill Umbach
Adam Reynolds

Assignees

GILBARCO INC.

Dates

Publication Date: 20260507
Application Date: 20251031

Claims (19)

1 . An automatic tank gauge supervisory system for use with a plurality of automatic tank gauge devices located at multiple geographically dispersed fueling sites, the system comprising: a remote computing resource in operative communication with the plurality of automatic tank gauge devices; the remote computing resource being operative to: receive status information from a respective one of the automatic tank gauge devices; and based on the information, command an action to be taken or transmit a notification.
2 . An automatic tank gauge supervisory system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the respective one of the automatic tank gauge devices is in communication with a plurality of sensors devices and the status information includes information from at least one of the sensor devices.
3 . An automatic tank gauge supervisory system as set forth in claim 2 , wherein the plurality of sensors devices includes at least two of a level sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, and a flow rate sensor.
4 . An automatic tank gauge supervisory system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein communication between the plurality of automatic tank gauge devices and the remote computing resource is encrypted.
5 . An automatic tank gauge supervisory system as set forth in claim 4 , wherein the remote computing resource is capable of authenticating the respective one of the automatic tank gauge devices.
6 . An automatic tank gauge supervisory system as set forth in claim 5 , wherein the remote computing resource utilizes a public key infrastructure system for communication with the plurality of automatic tank gauge devices.
7 . An automatic tank gauge supervisory system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein commanding an action to be taken or transmitting a notification includes at least one of inventory management, leak detection, environmental compliance actions, and enhancing ATG functionality.
8 . A system comprising: a plurality of automatic tank gauge devices located at multiple geographically dispersed fueling sites; and a remote computing resource in operative communication with the plurality of automatic tank gauge devices, the remote computing resource being operative to: receive status information from a respective one of the automatic tank gauge devices; and based on the information, command an action to be taken or transmit a notification.
9 . A system as set forth in claim 8 , wherein the respective one of the automatic tank gauge devices is in communication with a plurality of sensors devices and the status information includes information from at least one of the sensor devices.
10 . A system as set forth in claim 9 , wherein the plurality of sensors devices includes at least two of a level sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, and a flow rate sensor.
11 . A system as set forth in claim 8 , wherein communication between the plurality of automatic tank gauge devices and the remote computing resource is encrypted.
12 . A system as set forth in claim 11 , wherein the remote computing resource is capable of authenticating the respective one of the automatic tank gauge devices.
13 . A system as set forth in claim 12 , wherein the remote computing resource utilizes a public key infrastructure system for communication with the plurality of automatic tank gauge devices.
14 . A system as set forth in claim 8 , wherein commanding an action to be taken or transmitting a notification includes at least one of inventory management, leak detection, environmental compliance actions, and enhancing ATG functionality.
15 . A method of monitoring a plurality of automatic tank gauge devices located at multiple geographically dispersed fueling sites, the method comprising: providing a remote computing resource in operative communication with the plurality of automatic tank gauge devices; receiving, at the remote computing resource, status information from a respective one of the automatic tank gauge devices; and operating the remote computing resource to command an action to be taken or transmit a notification based on the information.
16 . A method as set forth in claim 15 , wherein the remote computing resource polls the respective one of the automatic tank gauge devices to prompt the status information.
17 . A method as set forth in claim 15 , wherein the status information includes sensor information from at least two of a level sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, and a flow rate sensor.
18 . A method as set forth in claim 15 , wherein commanding an action to be taken or transmitting a notification includes at least one of inventory management, leak detection, environmental compliance actions, and enhancing ATG functionality.
19 . A method as set forth in claim 15 , wherein the receiving step involves decrypting the status information.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION This application is based upon and claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 63/715,348, filed Nov. 1, 2024, incorporated fully herein by reference for all purposes. FIELD The present invention relates generally to automatic tank gauges (ATG) such as those used in fuel dispensing environments. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system for remote monitoring and maintenance of an ATG. BACKGROUND Automatic tank gauges are widely used in fuel storage, distribution, and various other industries for monitoring, measurement, and data reporting of liquid levels within storage tanks. ATGs, such as those manufactured by Veeder-Root Company, have become essential components in managing tank inventory, ensuring regulatory compliance, detecting leaks, and optimizing fuel logistics. These systems are critical in industries dependent on the safe and efficient storage of liquid assets, including petroleum refueling stations, chemical processing facilities, and manufacturing plants. Traditional ATG systems, including models such as Veeder-Root's TLS-450PLUS, leverage a combination of probe-based sensors and control consoles to monitor product levels, temperature, water presence, and tank conditions in real time. Standard ATG units typically use in-tank probes to measure liquid levels and identify water intrusion, then relay this information to a control console for local monitoring. These data points enable operators to maintain accurate inventory control, prevent costly overfills, and respond promptly to leak indications, all of which are fundamental to operational safety and environmental protection. In recent years, there has been a significant industry shift toward remote monitoring and maintenance capabilities in ATGs, driven by advancements in communication technology and the increasing need for centralized, real-time oversight. Many ATG systems offer network connectivity options that support remote access via Ethernet, cellular, or other wireless communication methods. This remote functionality enables operators to monitor tank conditions from a centralized location, allowing for proactive inventory management, compliance tracking, and immediate notification of critical events, such as leak detection or temperature fluctuations, regardless of the operator's physical location. Remote monitoring capabilities have also facilitated the development of remote servicing that allows service teams to perform system diagnostics, troubleshoot issues, and, in some cases, implement software updates without requiring on-site visits. Such remote maintenance abilities are rudimentary at best. Although there have been various attempts to solve this problem using the available communication ports of the ATG, these provide only a very limited set of options for performing remote maintenance as that interface is primarily aimed at facilitating data interfaces between devices at the facility operating an underground storage tank (UST). ATGs are installed at facilities that need to monitor USTs. Unfortunately, these facilities are often unstaffed or staffed by personnel who are not certified to perform maintenance on an ATG. Oftentimes, a truck and skilled personnel is required to be dispatched to the site to perform maintenance on the ATG. This is a costly operation that often results in downtime for the facility. SUMMARY According to one aspect, the present invention provides an automatic tank gauge supervisory system for use with a plurality of automatic tank gauge devices located at multiple geographically dispersed fueling sites. The system comprises a remote computing resource in operative communication with the plurality of automatic tank gauge devices. The remote computing resource is operative to receive status information from a respective one of the automatic tank gauge devices, and based on the information, command an action to be taken or transmit a notification. According to an exemplary embodiment, the respective one of the automatic tank gauge devices is in communication with a plurality of sensors devices and the status information includes information from at least one of the sensor devices. According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of sensors devices includes at least two of a level sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, and a flow rate sensor. According to an exemplary embodiment, communication between the plurality of automatic tank gauge devices and the remote computing resource is encrypted. According to an exemplary embodiment, the remote computing resource is capable of authenticating the respective one of the automatic tank gauge devices. According to an exemplary embodiment, the remote computing resource utilizes a public key infrastructure system for communication with the plurality of automatic tank gauge devices. According to an exemplary embodiment, commanding an action to be taken or transmitting