Abstract:
A control apparatus adapted for use with a gasoline dispensing equipment is provided to automatically stop the flow of gasoline after a predetermined volume is dispensed. The apparatus electromechanically senses the position of a computer counter which registers the amount of gasoline dispensed and with the control provided by a plurality of electrical switches, interrupts the motor which drives the gasoline dispensing pump or closes the valve which controls the dispensing action when a specific amount of gasoline has been dispensed. The volume of gasoline to be dispensed may be measured in cost or volume units and may be predetermined by presetting a dollar or gallon amount on one of the switch mechanisms in the control apparatus. When the preset amount is dispensed by the gasoline pump, the dispensing cycle is interrupted. Automatic resetting means restores the control apparatus to a zero operational mode upon interruption of the cycle so that the control apparatus is prepared for the next dispensing cycle.
Abstract:
Money operated dispensing equipment for dispensing fluids, e.g., gasoline, etc., from self-serving fluid dispensers located, for example, at an automobile service station of the well-known type. A console controls plural dispensers simultaneously, and a control unit in each dispenser stores and removes credit independently of the console.
Abstract:
Various systems, devices, and methods are provided for facilitating communication between a forecourt controller and a fuel dispenser. In certain aspects, a fuel controller translator is provided for translating commands transmitted between the forecourt controller and the fuel dispenser. For example, where the forecourt controller transmits commands that are compatible with the payment terminal, but not with the fuel controller, the fuel controller translator can translate the commands received from the forecourt controller into a format compatible with the fuel controller. Conversely, the fuel controller translator can translate commands received from the fuel controller into a format that is compatible with the forecourt controller.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention relate to a gas fire pit delivery and pay-station system for providing a gas service on a pay-per-use basis. The system provides a multi pay-station or a single pay-station configuration connected to a main gas supply of pressurized gas whereby a control signal is provided by the pay-station to a plurality of electronically controlled gas valves for disabling or enabling the pressurized gas to flow to one or more fire pit stations.
Abstract:
A control unit and dispensers for a gasoline station providing for prepayment at a single control of fuel dispensing at each of a plurality of dispensers, and automatic payout of change whenever a customer does not take all of the gasoline paid for.
Abstract:
A central fuel management system includes a pre-authorization module arranged to receive carrier, trailer, and driver identifying information; match, for each meter under a truck rack, one or more loads associated with the carrier, trailer, and driver identifying information; query for each of the one or more loads: a nomination system containing information on book stock; a terminal automated system containing information on physical inventory at two or more terminals; and a third party allocation management system containing information on loading quantity limits. On the basis of the query the pre-authorization module decides whether each load of the one or more loads is authorized prior to its loading. Where authorized, the driver loads at the truck rack.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention relate to a gas fire pit delivery and pay-station system for providing a gas service on a pay-per-use basis. The system provides a multi pay-station or a single pay-station configuration connected to a main gas supply of pressurized gas whereby a control signal is provided by the pay-station to a plurality of electronically controlled gas valves for disabling or enabling the pressurized gas to flow to one or more fire pit stations.
Abstract:
A coin/credit-card/debit-card and credit card activated windshield washer fluid dispensing system that is economically constructed with a minimum number of electrical components, and which is particularly suitable for retrofitting to existing housings built for other dispensing purposes. Through use of the present invention an operator can neatly transfer a metered amount of windshield washer fluid directly into a motor vehicle windshield fluid reservoir under low pressure without the use of a funnel. The system can be used as a stand-alone unit or combined in a housing with other automotive-related systems, such as air/vacuum service units. A first preferred embodiment comprises a timer, pump, and solenoid all operating under standard current whereby upon opening the solenoid and pump activation, windshield washer fluid is transferred from a tank to a low pressure regulator for a pre-determined amount of time. A second preferred embodiment is even simpler in construction than the first preferred embodiment, and lower in cost since it has no pump, wherein windshield washer fluid is gravity-fed from an elevated tank, through the opened solenoid, subsequently through a low pressure regulator and into a dispensing hose. Through use of the variable timer and regulator, the dispensing system can be precisely calibrated to dispense a fixed maximum amount of fluid per unit payment at a chosen dispensing speed. Applications would include, but not be limited to, use in association with car washes, convenience stores, gas stations, rental car facilities, and maintenance garages for buses and other fleet vehicles.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for vending liquid fuel of the type wherein an electrically driven pump is controllably energized in response to a counter adding a credit unit as electrically signalled by a money acceptor. The counter subtracts credit units in response to a primary dispensing switch which is operatively responsive to the dispensing of fuel. In accordance with the present invention, a fail-safe circuit is provided which is electrically connected with the counter, acceptor and primary switch and which is operable for selectively disabling the pump from delivering fuel. A secondary dispensing switch is provided which is operatively responsive to dispensing of fuel and which cooperates with the fail-safe circuit in monitoring the normal sequence of vending steps and responding to abnormality in such normal sequence of steps by precluding delivery of pumped fuel.