AU2018211211A1

AU2018211211A1 - Improved control system

Info

Publication number: AU2018211211A1
Application number: AU2018211211A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Rex William Greenwood
Original assignee: Greenwood Rex
Current assignee: Greenwood Rex
Priority date: 2017-08-01
Filing date: 2018-07-31
Publication date: 2019-02-21
Anticipated expiration: 2038-07-31
Also published as: NZ744792A; AU2018211211B2; AU2018101060A4; AU2019226265A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an improved control system for heated transported products, for connection to a truck with a tank containing the heated product. The improved control system includes, a control interface means, a power source to provide power to the control interface means, a connection to the heating apparatus for heating the product in the tank and sensors for monitoring conditions of the heated product in the tank. The operator can control the heating of the product through use of the control interface means and may receive information on the product through use of the sensors.

Description

Title of Invention: IMPROVED CONTROL SYSTEM

The applicant applies for the grant of a patent for the invention described in the accompanying complete patent specification:

The following is a full description of the invention including the best method of performing the invention, known to us:

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IMPROVED CONTROL SYSTEM [0001] The present invention relates to an improved control system and in particular for an improved control system for heated transported products, for example bitumen spray trucks.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0002] Bitumen is used around the world to surface or repair road surfaces. It has been found convenient to transport the heated bitumen from source to where the bitumen is to be applied. The application may be manually, or more preferably through use of a bitumen truck which can spray the heated bitumen as a layer over the road surface.

[0003] The bitumen must be kept heated to at least 170 degrees Celsius in order that it remains usable, fluid, and able to be sprayed from the truck on to the road surface. Therefore, the bitumen must be kept very hot, and maintained at the hot temperature if the operator is to be able to work. If allowed to cool the bitumen will start to set and this must not happen until the product is applied to the road surface.

[0004] At present, the temperature of the bitumen is maintained throughout the work day but not when on a break, such as overnight. During these times the heating is turned off and the bitumen cools. The heating is not controlled, but a heating system, typically LPG gas, is turned on and provides heating continually, until it is turned off again. The current system is therefore somewhat primitive, the operator must manually turn on the heating mechanism and watch that the bitumen is heated to the appropriate temperature for use, without overheating or cooling. The operator is required to arrive at site 2 hours early, before other workers, to turn on the heating mechanism for the truck so that the bitumen can be ready for use, when the rest of the crew arrive. The need to arrive earlier than the other workers creates very long shift times, and leads to driver fatigue. For the operator, there is a significant responsibility to ensure that the bitumen is kept usable ready specPA2049118

2018211211 31 Jul 2018 to spray on the road as needed. The pressure is on the operator, to make sure the operator attends the truck in good time so that the bitumen is useable when the rest of the workers are also ready to start work.

[0005] Safety is the most important factor on any work site, including a road plant. Operator fatigue is often a significant factor in accidents but also can lead to long term health problems. Clearly, an improved control system is desired that enables the operator to work the same shifts as the other workers, and achieve the same ends, and to have the bitumen sprayer operational and ready for work when needed.

[0006] The inventor, has therefore developed a significant step forward in the industry in an improved control system than allows better control of the heating. In the most developed forms of the invention, the improved control system includes remote monitoring, controls and alerts, such as through use of a phone or tablet computer. In this way the operator can reduce energy use by better heating of the product, but also monitor exactly the situation. Alarms and safety features included can alert the operator to the need to attend to the truck and give confidence that the machinery is in good order if not alerts or alarms are sounding. Overall this clever and very well designed invention is a significant improvement in the art for operators. It gives the operator peace of mind that the truck is safe, the bitumen heated properly.

[0007] The following describes a non-limiting example of the invention being used with reference to an improved control system for a bitumen spray truck, as a particularly useful application of the invention. However, other than as limited in the statement of invention, or claims, it is not intended that the invention be limited to use for bitumen or bitumen trucks and trailers. The control system may be used anywhere there is a need to control heating, in particular for a product to be transported heated, which may include water, hazard materials or in fact any suitable materials.

specPA2049118 [0008] For clarity, any prior art referred to herein, does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge, in Australia or elsewhere.

2018211211 31 Jul 2018 [0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved control system that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of use of an improved control system for heated transported products, that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0010] Accordingly, the present invention provides an improved control system for heated transported products, for connection to a truck with a tank containing the heated product, the improved control system including:

a control interface means;

a power source to provide power to the control interface means; a connection to the heating apparatus for heating the product in the tank; sensors for monitoring conditions of the heated product in the tank, wherein, the operator can control the heating of the product through use of the control interface means and may receive information on the product through use of the sensors.

[0011] Accordingly, the present invention provides in a variant, an improved control system for heated transported products, for connection to a truck with a tank containing the heated product, the improved control system including:

a control interface means;

a power source to provide power to the control interface means; a connection to the heating apparatus for heating the product in the tank; sensors for monitoring conditions of the heated product in the tank, specPA2049118

2018211211 31 Jul 2018 wherein, the operator can control the heating of the product through use of the control interface means and may receive information on the product through use of the sensors, and further wherein remote access to the information and control is included in the system.

[0012] Preferably, the improved control system enables better control of the heating product. Preferably, the improved control system enables better control of the heating of the product when the truck is not operational. Preferably, the control enables the operator to set the temperature. Preferably, the control enables the temperature of the heated product to be set and controlled within safe limits. The control may take any suitable form. Preferably, the improved control system enables remote control of the heating of the product, in one form of the invention. There may be a combination of manual and remote controls.

[0013] Preferably, the heated product is bitumen. The product may be any suitable product. The temperature control is described as heating. Other temperatures may be controlled instead. The control may be the regulation of maximum or minimum temperatures. Preferably, the control includes maintaining the bitumen at a usable temperature. Preferably, the controls include maintaining the bitumen within a safe temperature range.

[0014] The truck may be any suitable truck. The truck may be a bitumen spray truck or trailer. The heated product may be any heated product .In other forms of the invention the heated product may be any product, including not heated, where the apparatus is beneficial. For example, the invention may be used for the control and transportation of hazardous materials (not heated).

[0015] The control interface may take any suitable form. The control interface may be include one or more NHPs Allen Bradley Micro 800 controller. Preferably, the controller interface includes a touch screen. Any suitable screen or display may be used instead. Preferably, a DMS-SMS module is included. Preferably, analogue specPA2049118

2018211211 31 Jul 2018 inputs for the temperature probes are included. Preferably, these may be an EWON FLEXI System. Any suitable sensors may be used. Any suitable probes may be used. Preferably, the temperature of the product is sensed by the sensors and the control interface includes a monitor for that sensor. For example, the temperature sensor may report if the temperature goes outside of a pre-set range. The sensors may act on a thermostat to keep the temperature steady. The sensors may be linked to an alert system. The sensors may be monitored through use of a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device may be a mobile phone. Alerts or alarms may be received on the mobile phone through the wireless networks to alert the operator to conditions.

[0016] A software application on the electronic device may be used by the operator. This may be an application “app” on a mobile phone. The app may be used to monitor the conditions of the product. The control system may communicate with the app operable by the operator to enable remote monitoring of the system. Some control of the system may be caused by the app in some forms of the invention. Alarms to safety issues are of particular value through use of the control system and through use of the app on electronic device.

[0017] Preferably, the power source includes one or more batteries to provide power to the system. In other forms the system may be connected to any suitable power source, including AC or DC. More than one battery may be included to provide power to the system. Preferably, the power source is suitably wired to the control interface means.

[0018] Preferably, one or more parts of the control system may be connected to the heating apparatus. The connection may be the introduction of the sensors. Most preferably, the control system and heating system are integrated. Most preferably, the heating system has controls and the control system of the invention is integrated to provide control thereof. In another form of the invention the control system controls the heating of the product and replaces other forms of heating specPA2049118 control. The heating controls are preferably fully controlled by the control system of the invention.

2018211211 31 Jul 2018 [0019] Preferably, one or more sensors are included to relay information to the operator through the monitor. Preferably, probes are included and these sense the conditions to be monitored. Preferably, sensors detect and report the temperature. Any suitable conditions may be reported in some forms of the invention.

[0020] Most preferably a plurality of sensors are included to sense and report on a plurality of conditions. The conditions may be high or low temperatures, for example. The conditions monitored may be chosen from the following group: high temperature; low temperature; pressure; or any suitable combination thereof.

[0021] The operator may control any suitable features of the system. Most preferably, the operator can suitably control the temperature of bitumen to keep it usable.

[0022] Preferably, the control system is kept secured against unauthorised use. Preferably, the control system includes a locked cabinet to secure the controls. Any suitable lock or security system may be used.

[0023] Accordingly, the present invention provides, in a variant an improved control system for heated transported products, for connection to a truck containing the heated product in a tank, the improved control system including:

a control interface means;

a power source to provide power to the control interface; a connection to the heating apparatus for heating the product in the tank; sensors for monitoring conditions within the tank; and communication means, specPA2049118

2018211211 31 Jul 2018 wherein, the operator may set a suitable temperature on the control interface, and the control interface will control the temperature of the heating apparatus, and the temperature and status of the heated product may be monitored remotely, through use of the communication means.

[0024] Preferably, the control interface includes communication whereby monitoring of the apparatus may be made remotely. Further, the communication may include control remotely, alerts and information from the control system to an electronic device, such as a mobile phone. Communication means may be included to communicate between the parts of the apparatus and the control interface means. Communication means may be included to communicate between any parts of the apparatus. Communication telemetry may be included. Preferably, the sensor means communicate with the control interface means to provide information on the parts of the apparatus. Preferably, feedback communication in response to the information of the sensors is provided. The feedback communication may take any suitable form.

[0025] Accordingly, the present invention provides, in a variant, an improved control system for heated transported products, for connection to a truck with a tank containing the heated product, the improved control system including:

a control interface means;

a power source to provide power to the control interface means; a connection to the heating apparatus for heating the product in the tank; sensors for monitoring conditions of the heated product in the tank, wherein, the operator can set a suitable temperature of the heating apparatus, can control heating of the product through use of the control interface means and may received information on the product through use of the sensors.

[0026] In this form of the invention the information may also be monitored and or controlled remotely.

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0027] The invention will now be described in connection with a non-limiting preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0028] Figure 1 is a schematic side perspective view of a bitumen truck, with a control apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention installed, much of the truck is omitted for ease of illustration, as is the detail of the frame and installation;

[0029] Figure 2 is a schematic front view of the control apparatus of Figure 1 showing the frame, batteries and alternator;

[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the apparatus of Figure 2, further illustrating the frame and battery, as well as safety controls to the side of the apparatus;

[0031] Figure 4 is an example controller of the Allen Bradly panel, the NHPs Allen Bradley Micro 800 controller including a touch screen, DMS-SMS module and analogue inputs for the temperature probes with contractors, control relays, safety monitoring relay and circuit breakers;

[0032] Figure 5 is a block diagram of the components of the invention including the engine, hydraulic pump, alternator for burners, control panel and batteries; and [0033] Figure 6 is a schematic side view of a truck in a second preferred embodiment, with a panel mounted on the side door of a truck for ready access.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS INCLUDING A BEST METHOD [0034] With reference to Schedule 3 (9) of Patent Regulations 1991, we note that labels are included in the drawings to particularly facilitate understanding.

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2018211211 31 Jul 2018 [0035] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, a preferred embodiment ofthe invention will be described, in parts as schematically illustrated. Referring to Figure 1 in particular bitumen truck 1 (only part of which is illustrated), is shown with the new and inventive controller apparatus 10 installed thereon. Controller apparatus 10 is shown to include all the parts necessary to control and monitor the heating ofthe bitumen in tank 12. The heating mechanism used for the bitumen in tank 12 may be any suitable, usual mechanism, not limited to as described, as would be understood by a person skilled in the art. In other forms of the invention the heating mechanism, and if fact the tank and truck could be supplied together. However, it is advantageous that control apparatus 10 is standalone apparatus that may be retrofitted to any suitable truck. The heated product in the example is bitumen but could be any suitable product that needs to be maintained at a temperature for use, such as water, or hazardous chemicals such as those that need to be kept at particular temperatures during transportation or use.

[0036] Tank 12, as shown, includes the usual safety sign 12 to make clear the contents. Bitumen truck 1 is of a standard known form for transporting tanks of materials, and is only partially and schematically illustrated, as would be readily understood by the person skilled in the art. Bitumen truck 1 and tank 10 are omitted from the remainder of the drawings for ease of illustration.

[0037] As can be seen in Figure 1, locked controller box 16 is conveniently installed at a low and accessible part of the side of truck 1. The convenient location enables the operator to fully access and use the controls while standing next to the truck, without the need to return to the cabin of the truck to check or adjust the settings. By being operable outside of the cabin an additional check can be made of the heating apparatus settings before leaving the vehicle, or before getting in the cab to operate the vehicle. The useful cabinet is of a known form utilised as a locked cabinet that enables the operator to securely change and monitor the controls. Only the truck operator will have a key to the locked cabinet or only the operator and supervisor. Unauthorised access to adjust the settings will therefore be specPA2049118

2018211211 31 Jul 2018 prevented, other than to key holder as is used for similar locked cabinets in work sites. Monitoring of the status of the apparatus can be seen and interacted with through use of the control system and may be supplemented through use of a remote electronic device, as described below.

[0038] Below controller box 16 is power box 18 which contains the batteries and alternator for apparatus 10, in the usual manner, connected up to provide power to the electrical components, and control from the controls. In the remaining Figures power box 18 is omitted for ease of illustration of the components inside, as would be readily understood by the person skilled in the art. Power box 18 is a protective box to protect and contain the batteries and alternator and corresponding connections while truck 1 is travelling or in use, spraying bitumen. Again these strong boxes are used in the truck and road plant industry to protect equipment.

[0039] Referring to Figure 2 in particular, the contents of power box 18 (refer Figure 1) is seen, as batteries 20, 22 and alternator 24. The alternator is of a kind suitable for the application, namely, a LEECE-NEVILLE (Trade Mark) alternator. The form of these and the particular location may be modified somewhat. Batteries 20, 22 are standard deep cycle long life, suitable for the use, namely Century (Trade Mark) deep cycle long life battery. Other forms of power or batteries may be used in other applications. Even a direct plug in DC or AC may be an option in some forms of the invention. The compact, mobile, standalone nature of the invention is, however, of particular use, and benefit to the industry.

[0040] The inventor has found the compact nature of the apparatus useful, in particular inclusion of frame 26. Frame 26 can be seen to support the front accessible parts of the apparatus, the controls and power. What cannot be seen from the front is that the heavy engine part of the apparatus that power to the batteries. Frame 26 has been especially designed to provide the appropriate support and structure to enable the apparatus to be usable and carried as specPA2049118

2018211211 31 Jul 2018 illustrated. In control box 16, are other electricals 28 to provide the secondary cutouts if the microcontroller fails. Control panels 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42 and 44 are each included to monitor and control aspects of the heating system. Controls 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 and 42 are all secondary controls to the main control. Each is shown as a NHPs Allen Bradley Micro 800 controller including a touch screen, SMS module and analogue inputs for the temperature probes with an EWON FLEXI System (Trade Mark) system, contractors, control relays, safety monitoring relay and circuit breakers. Each can therefore be controlled through use of the touch screen and buttons, monitors through use of the probes and sensors in the usual fashion and can communicate with other electronic devices so the control readings can be read on a phone or computer for example, as is known in the industry. The temperature is pre-set at the time of installation/commissioning, and the appropriate controls used to change these pre-sets, only if necessary.

[0041] Secondary controls 32, 34 and 36 are for control of the upper temp safety, in the high, medium and lower range respectively from left to right. Control 38 monitors and controls burner tube safety, which is particularly important. Controls 40, 42 and 44 are for control of the upper lower safety, in the high, medium and lower range respectively from left to right. The displays are easy to read, the controls easy to use and the range of controls enables careful monitoring and control of the temperature for the secondary safety settings. In this way the safe temperature range for a particular product in the tank can be set, and monitored to make sure the product stays in that same range. Opening 46 is the hole for the door latch which swings over to cover and protect the electronics inside, and keep these locked away from unauthorised use. Each of the controls is labelled, as indicated at 48 to indicate the particular control.

[0042] Referring in particular to Figure 3, various safety shutoffs are included labelled 50, for example as soon as the handbrake is disengaged the system shuts down so the truck cannot drive off with the system running Emergency stop button 50 is located conveniently towards the top so it can be quickly pressed to cause specPA2049118

2018211211 31 Jul 2018 an emergency stop in the usual fashion. Should a reset for emergency be required reset emergency button 52 may be pressed. For safety “deadman” switch 54 is included which must be pushed at intervals by the driver to maintain the system on. In manual mode, should the driver not press button or switch 54 at the required interval the system will turn off. Key switch 56 is to activate the top burner only, and is used under manual control. A “Hatz” (Trade Mark) generator control box 58 is included for control ofthe generator in the usual manner. Figure 3 also provides the side view showing frame 26 extending back behind controller box 16 and battery 22.

[0043] Referring to Figure 4 in particular the detail of each of control 32 is shown, in one example, the other controls have equivalent parts. Control 32 includes touch screen display 60 which displays information and options which can be selected by the operator. The touch screen controls may be supplemented by use of on/off switch 64, and buttons 66, 68 and 70 to control further items. Button 66 is a “Button 1” soft button for programming, and button 68 is a “Button 2” soft button for programming. Button 70 is “Button 3” for control of other functions. Label 48 of 32 in this example will say UPPER TEMP SAFETY, with HIGH RANGE written below. The controls and secondary “safetys” and particular button arrangements can be varied slightly, within the scope of the invention depending on the particular controls required.

[0044] Referring to Figure 5, the large components are illustrated showing how these fit into frame 26. Frame 26 has been designed to be easily fitted to truck 1, so the standalone system can be retrofitted easily and beneficially. In figure 5, engine 72, can be seen as a large component behind controller box 16 and battery 20/22, with alternator 24 lying between them. Hydraulic pump 74 lies behind engine 72 ready for use for circulation.

[0045] Frame 26 can be seen to have base 76 and parts 78, 80, 82 and 84 all strongly supporting the installation of controller apparatus 10 to truck 1.

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2018211211 31 Jul 2018 [0046] Referring to Figure 6, a variant is shown where truck 101 has controller apparatus 110. The apparatus is the same as described above, excepting that cabin screen 116 is used. Cabin screen 116 is the same as the control panel but is mounted on the truck cabin and can be accessed very quickly and conveniently. As shown screen 116 is a touch screen, and the operator can set the temperature and other controls through use of the touch screen of 116.

[0047] Overall the inventor has developed a very useful invention that can be retrofitted to bitumen trucks and trailers as a standalone control apparatus. Or the apparatus could be provided with new bitumen trucks as sold from the manufacturer. In use an operator will access the control box from the side of the truck, wake the touch screen through touch or button pressing in the usual manner, select the type of bitumen, open the control box 16 and check the secondary “safetys”, are working and are correctly set, then push start. Once the controls have been used the operator can leave the site. Or at the start of the day the operator will then lock up the box and get into the cab to commence the bitumen spray job. Through the job any faults or low or high temperatures of the bitumen, or any other safety alerts are sent to the operator’s phone. These alerts are set so as to be noticed by the operator so they can stop and check if necessary. Use of the mobile network between the controllers is a known system and a specialised app enables the exact condition of the bitumen to be seen.

[0048] At the end of the shift the bitumen will need to be kept at an appropriate temperature, which can be a tiring business for the operator. They will need to check on the tank overnight as it will be serious if the bitumen is allowed to set in the tank. Instead, with the new invention the monitoring can be made as often as the operator wishes from where they are staying. Alerts can again be set to alert to rise or drops in temperature or faults or safety issues. If there is a serious fault or issue, this should be apparent from the remote control and app and alerts will specPA2049118 notify the operator. In this emergency situation the operator must then go to truck to assess the situation and take remedial action.

2018211211 31 Jul 2018 [0049] It is likely that this clever invention will become the international standard, once known about, due to improvement in site safety, use of the product, and most importantly for the convenience and safety of the operator.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY [0050] The apparatus is used in industrial applications, provided with the vehicle or as a manufactured and supplied to the user.

[0051] It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiment disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its various aspects.

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REFERENCE SIGNS LIST:

1	Bitumen Truck	44	Control	80	Frame Part
10	Controller Apparatus	46	Opening for door latch	82	Frame Part
12	Tank	48	Labels	84	Frame Part
14	Tank Sign	50	Emergency Stop Button	86	Frame Part
16	Controller Box	52	Reset Emergency Button	101	Truck
18	Battery 1	54	Deadman Switch	101	Controller apparatus
20	Battery 2	56	Key switch top burner	116	Cabin screen
22	Alternator	58	“Hatz” Generator control box
24	Frame	60	Display 32
26	Electricals	62	Body
28	Controls & Display	64	On/Off Switch-soft buttons for programming
30	Secondary Control	66	Button 1 soft button for programming
32	Secondary Control	68	Button 2 soft button for programming
34	Secondary Control	70	Button 3
36	Secondary Control	72	Engine
38	Secondary Control	74	Hydraulic Pump
40	Secondary	76	Base of Frame
42	Secondary Control	78	Frame Part

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Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. An improved control system for heated transported products, for connection to a truck with a tank containing the heated product, the improved control system including:

a control interface means;

a power source to provide power to the control interface means; a connection to the heating apparatus for heating the product in the tank; sensors for monitoring conditions of the heated product in the tank, wherein, the operator can control the heating of the product through use of the control interface means and may receive information on the product through use of the sensors.
2. The improved control system of claim 1, wherein the improved control system enables better control of the heating product.
3. The improved control system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the improved control system enables better control of the heating of the product when the truck is not operational.
4. The improved control system of any one of claims 1 or 3, wherein the control enables the temperature of the heated product to be set and controlled within safe limits.
5. The improved control system of any one of claims 1 or 4, wherein the improved control system enables remote control of the heating of the product.
6. The improved control system of any one of claims 1 or 5, wherein there is a combination of manual and remote controls.
7. The improved control system of any one of claims 1 or 6, wherein the heated product is bitumen.

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8. The improved control system of any one of claims 1 or 7, wherein the control is the regulation of maximum or minimum temperatures.
9. The improved control system of any one of claims 1 or 8, wherein the control includes maintaining the bitumen at a usable temperature and or a safe temperature range.
10. The improved control system of any one of claims 1 or 9, wherein the truck is a bitumen spray truck or trailer.
11. The improved control system of any one of claims 1 or 10, wherein the control interface includes one or more NHPs Allen Bradley Micro 800 controller.
12. The improved control system of any one of claims 1 or 11, wherein the controller interface includes a touch screen.
13. The improved control system of any one of claims 1 or 12, wherein a DMSSMS module is included.
14. The improved control system of any one of claims 1 or 13, wherein analogue inputs for the temperature probes are included.
15. The improved control system of claim 14, wherein analogue inputs include an EWON FLEXI System.
16. The improved control system of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the temperature of the product is sensed by the sensors and the control interface includes a monitor for that sensor.
17. The improved control system of claim 16, wherein the temperature sensor report if the temperature goes outside of a pre-set range.

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18. The improved control system of claim 16 or 17, wherein the sensors act on a thermostat to keep the temperature steady.
19. The improved control system of claim 16 to 18, wherein the sensors are linked to an alert system.
20. The improved control system of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the sensors are monitored through use of a portable electronic device.
21. The improved control system of claim 20, wherein the portable electronic device is a mobile phone.
22. The improved control system of claim 21, wherein alerts or alarms may be received on the mobile phone through the wireless networks to alert the operator to conditions.
23. The improved control system of any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein a software application on the electronic device may be used by the operator.
24. The improved control system of any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the control system communicates with the app operable by the operator to enable remote monitoring of the system.
25. The improved control system of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the power source includes one or more batteries to provide power to the system.
26. The improved control system of any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein a plurality of sensors are included to sense and report on a plurality of conditions.

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27. The improved control system of claim 26, wherein the conditions monitored are chosen from the following group: high temperature; low temperature; pressure; or any suitable combination thereof.
28. The improved control system of any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein, the operator can suitably control the temperature of bitumen to keep it usable.
29. The improved control system of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein, the control system is kept secured against unauthorised use, including a locked cabinet to secure the controls.
30. An improved control system for heated transported products, for connection to a truck with a tank containing the heated product, the improved control system including:

a control interface means;

a power source to provide power to the control interface means; a connection to the heating apparatus for heating the product in the tank; sensors for monitoring conditions of the heated product in the tank, wherein, the operator can control the heating of the product through use of the control interface means and may receive information on the product through use of the sensors, and further wherein remote access to the information and control is included in the system.
31. An improved control system for heated transported products, for connection to a truck containing the heated product in a tank, the improved control system including:

a control interface means;

a power source to provide power to the control interface; a connection to the heating apparatus for heating the product in the tank; sensors for monitoring conditions within the tank; and communication means, specPA2049118

2018211211 31 Jul 2018 wherein, the operator may set a suitable temperature on the control interface, and the control interface will control the temperature of the heating apparatus, and the temperature and status of the heated product may be monitored remotely, through use of the communication means.
32. The improved control system of any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein, the control interface includes communication whereby monitoring of the apparatus may be made remotely.
33. The improved control system of any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein, the feedback communication in response to the information of the sensors is provided.
34. An improved control system for heated transported products, for connection to a truck with a tank containing the heated product, the improved control system including:

a control interface means;

a power source to provide power to the control interface means; a connection to the heating apparatus for heating the product in the tank; sensors for monitoring conditions of the heated product in the tank, wherein, the operator can set a suitable temperature of the heating apparatus, can control heating of the product through use of the control interface means and may received information on the product through use of the sensors.