Abstract: A method and apparatus for the purpose of ensuring positioning between a fixed automatic fueling service terminal and a vehicle, such that the vehicle is identified within a close range and authorized to dock at an identified service terminal to exchange services. This is accomplished by wirelessly determining the proximity of a couplable vehicle, with respect to a docking location at the service terminal. When a vehicle is within a specified distance of an automatic fueling service terminal, known as the zone of proximity detection, the vehicle identification code and service terminal identification code are both continuously determined and passed to a multi-port station controller, for authentication of service transactions and secure service processes, including automatically fueling the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the purpose of ensuring positioning between a fixed automatic fueling service terminal and a vehicle, such that the vehicle is identified within a close range and authorized to dock at an identified service terminal to exchange services. This is accomplished by wirelessly determining the proximity of a couplable vehicle, with respect to a docking location at the service terminal. When a vehicle is within a specified distance of an automatic fueling service terminal, known as the zone of proximity detection, the vehicle identification code and service terminal identification code are both continuously determined and passed to a multi-port station controller, for authentication of service transactions and secure service processes, including automatically fueling the vehicle.

Abstract: An energy exchange system includes a plurality of service ports, each receptive to a connectivity device. The connectivity device physically connects a vehicle to the energy exchange system for exchanging energy services. Each vehicle using the energy exchange system is known to the system. Consequently, a vehicle may be secured to the service port to prevent theft in the case of home or parking lot service ports and to retain vehicles reported stolen in the case of other service locations, such as fast-fill stations. Associated with the energy exchange process is a clamping of the connectivity device. Disabling of the clamp release in response to a vehicle stolen or unauthorized use status, prevents the vehicle from being removed from the service port. Additional measures such as disabling the vehicle drive train or fuel system may be used to further ensure that the vehicle is retained.

Abstract: This invention relates to a connectivity device for passively connecting a vehicle to a service port. The connectivity device comprises a mount for mounting to one of the vehicle or service port; a deployment apparatus movably attached to the mount; a plug for coupling to a receptacle in the other of the vehicle or service port; and, a compliant member attaching the plug to the deployment apparatus. The compliant member provides sufficient compliance for the plug to engage the receptacle when the connectivity device is in range of but not perfectly aligned with the receptacle.