Abstract: In general, transparent fuel dispensers are provided, and in particular methods and devices are provided for increasing visibility on a fuel dispensing device. In one embodiment a fuel dispenser is provided having a display that is at least partially transparent at least during certain modes of operation. The display can display information on portions thereof during certain modes of operation as well.

Abstract: A multimode system for receiving data in a retail environment includes: a secure input module for receiving high security input and low security input from a customer, the high security input to be communicated by the secure input module in cipher text, and the low security input to be communicated by the secure input module in plaintext. The multimode system is adapted to operate in a high security mode and a low security mode. The multimode system is adapted to enter the low security mode upon detection by the multimode system of a security breach condition. In the high security mode, the secure input module accepts low security input and high security input. In the low security mode, the secure input module accepts the low security input and does not accept the high security input.

Abstract: A first data packet can be received from an origination terminal at a remote server operatively coupled to the origination terminal and an end user terminal. The first data packet can have a plurality of offers and image or video data acquired by an image/video sensor. The image or video data can be processed by the remote server using an image processing algorithm to estimate a current idle time associated with the origination terminal. One or more aspects of the plurality of offers can be controlled by the remote server based on the current idle time. A second data packet including the plurality of offers can be transmitted to the end user terminal by the remote server. A selection of a preferred offer of the plurality of offers can be received from the end user terminal at the remote server. The preferred offer can be provided to the origination terminal.

Abstract: Various methods, systems, and devices for loading currency into an electronic wallet are provided. In general, a currency acceptance terminal can be configured to accept currency from a user for loading into the user's electronic wallet, which may be used to purchase products from a merchant. The currency acceptance terminal can be unmanned such that the currency can be accepted and loaded into the electronic wallet without a cashier or other employee handling the currency or the currency acceptance terminal.

Abstract: An automated wetstock management system can include a plurality of sensors disposed in a fuel storage facility, the plurality of sensors configured to sense fuel data characterizing one or more aspects of the fuel storage facility, and a wetstock management server communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensors. The wetstock management server can process the fuel data to detect whether the fuel data satisfies an exception indicative of an operational issue of the fuel storage facility based on one or more predefined rules or models stored in the wetstock management server. In some embodiments, the wetstock management server can generate a workflow for assisting a user of the fuel storage facility to resolve the operational issue. In some embodiments, the wetstock management server can assign a risk category to the exception and electronically transmit an alert characterizing the operational issue to the user.

Abstract: In general, a smart door alarm and locking mechanism and methods for use thereof are provided for maintaining security while providing ease of access to a fuel dispenser. In an exemplary embodiment, the methods and devices are used in fuel dispensing devices for providing fuel to a vehicle. However, the methods and devices can be utilized in any device having a payment system where security and access are both required. In some embodiments, the described methods and systems include a door alarm and door lock kit that allow unlocking one or more doors in a housing of a fuel dispenser and simultaneously disabling or de-activating respective door alarm sensor(s). In a similar manner, the door can be locked and the door alarm sensor activated or re-activated substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: Fuel dispensing transactions may be accomplished by a variety of systems and techniques. A fuel dispensing device may include a payment module, a data entry device, and a customer display. The payment module may receive a first communication from a point of sale device requesting an encrypted response and receive a second communication from the point of sale device requesting an unencrypted response. The module may match the first communication to a first corresponding library entry, match the second communication to a second corresponding library entry, determine a user response based on one of the first corresponding library entry or the second corresponding library entry, where the user response defines one of the encrypted response based on the first corresponding library entry or the unencrypted response based on the second corresponding library entry, and use the corresponding library entry to generate a visual customer display requesting the user response.

Abstract: A selection of a fueling station item, graphically depicted on a display of a fuel dispenser and corresponding to an available fueling station product, can be received by at least one data processor of a fuel dispenser. A two dimensional barcode based on the selected fueling station item can be determined. The two dimensional barcode can be provided to the fuel dispenser display for graphical depiction on the fuel dispenser display.

Abstract: A multimode system for receiving data in a retail environment includes: a secure input module for receiving high security input and low security input from a customer, the high security input to be communicated by the secure input module in cipher text, and the low security input to be communicated by the secure input module in plaintext. The multimode system is adapted to operate in a high security mode and a low security mode. The multimode system is adapted to enter the low security mode upon detection by the multimode system of a security breach condition. In the high security mode, the secure input module accepts low security input and high security input. In the low security mode, the secure input module accepts the low security input and does not accept the high security input.

Abstract: In one aspect, data characterizing a fuel storage facility can be received from a sensor in operable communication with the fuel storage facility. An estimate of meter drift of a flow meter of a fuel dispenser in fluid communication with the fuel storage facility can be determined based on the received data. The estimate of meter drift can be determined based on at least one predictive model that predicts whether a calibration parameter characterizing a calibration of the flow meter has deviated from a predetermined flow meter calibration parameter. The estimate of meter drift can be provided.

Abstract: In general, intelligent fuel dispensers are provided. In at least some implementations, an intelligent fuel dispenser can determine customer identities and/or other characteristics and provide customized fueling sessions based on the determined customer identities and/or other characteristics. In at least some implementations, the fuel dispenser includes a touchless interface allowing customers to complete fueling sessions with minimal physical contact with the fuel dispenser.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling maintenance of a fuel dispenser. In one exemplary embodiment, a system is provided having a fuel dispenser that includes an electronics module having a data processor, a remote enterprise server in communication with the electronics module, and a remote code processor in communication with the remote enterprise server. The data processor is configured to determine an authorization password based on data characterizing the fuel dispenser, to receive a remote password that is generated by the remote code processor based on the fuel dispenser data, to determine that the remote password matches the authorization password, and to cause the fuel dispenser to enter a maintenance mode.

Abstract: Various exemplary devices and methods for heating fuel hoses and nozzles are provided. In general, the devices and methods for heating fuel hoses and nozzles can be configured to heat fluid dispensable by a user into a fuel tank or other type of container. In some embodiments, a fuel dispensing device can include a first passageway configured to pass fluid therethrough and can include a second passageway configured to pass heated air therethrough. The heated air passing through the second passageway can be configured to heat the fluid passing through the first passageway. In some embodiments, a fuel dispensing device can include a single hose configured to pass fluid and heated air through separate passageways therein, and the device can include a manifold configured to facilitate passage of the fluid and the heated air from separate sources into the single hose.

Abstract: An anti-skimming card reader device, and systems and methods for using the same, are provided. The card reading device can include a plate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The device can also include a magnetic stripe reader disposed at the second surface. The magnetic stripe reader can include at least one sensor configured to acquire data from a magnetic stripe of a card disposed at the first surface and at least one proximity sensor configured to detect that the card is disposed at the first surface and to cause the at least one sensor to acquire the data from the magnetic stripe.

Abstract: Various exemplary outdoor payment terminals and methods of using outdoor payment terminals are provided. In general, data signals can be transmitted between a payment terminal configured to receive payment information from a customer and a point of sale (POS) configured to authorize the customer's payment and provide various commands, e.g., instructions, to the payment terminal. A payment terminal can include a translator configured to translate commands transmitted from the POS to the payment terminal so the payment terminal carries out the type of command requested by the POS but executes in a way that accounts for payment terminal functionality unknown to the POS.

Abstract: In an aspect, a cloud-based server can establish a communications channel with a merchant device over a computer network. The cloud-based server can receive product information characterizing a product from the merchant device via the communications channel. The product information can include at least one measurement characterizing the product acquired in real-time by at least one sensor communicatively coupled to the merchant device. The cloud-based server can calculate a remaining life of the product based on the product information received from the merchant device. The cloud-based server can calculate a real-time price of the product based on a plurality of factors including the calculated remaining life of the product. The cloud-based server can transmit a promotion to purchase the product at a discount to a first client device in response to determining that the remaining life of the product is less than a predefined threshold, the discount calculated based upon the real-time price of the product.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided for detection of various leaks within fuel dispensers, such as through visualization within a fuel dispenser. An exemplary fuel dispenser can include a housing having fuel dispensing components disposed therein, a control system in the housing for controlling the dispensing of fuel, and a leak detection assembly for detecting a fluid leak within the housing, and for visually confirming the presence of a leak using an imaging device.

Abstract: Various methods and systems for communication between a fuel dispenser and a mobile device are provided. In one embodiment, a method of operating a fuel dispenser to communicate with a mobile device is provided that includes detecting the mobile device in proximity to the fuel dispenser, and communicating with the mobile device to receive input from and/or send information to the mobile device. The communication can use Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE).