Tank sensor array for inventory signaling in a tank management system

Abstract

A tank inventory signaling apparatus that has gas cylinder tanks stored on a pad having an array of spots to mark tank placement. Tanks are placed directly over the spots in a grid of rows and columns. Sensors below each spot act as weight or proximity sensors indicating the presence or absence of a tank. The sensors are connected to logic that monitors the state of all sensors. Tank inventory is inferred by changes of state of the sensor grid since it is necessary to change sensor state to remove a tank. Sensor states are reported to a remote server having associated tank management and supply software and route management software. In this manner, local tank usage can be tracked at remote locations for resupply of tanks and delivery of replacement tanks can be optimized.

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