Abstract: The present invention relates to a means for monitoring the utility usage in a building with individual units but serviced by a single utility company meter. The individual units receive a pulse flow meter which is hard wired to a central unit and then sent to the internet for reading and then splitting the utility bill into prorated utility bills based on actual usage rather than size of the individual unit as a percentage of the whole unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a means for monitoring the utility usage in a building with individual units but serviced by a single utility company meter. The individual units receive a pulse flow meter which is hard wired to a central unit and then sent to the internet for reading and then splitting the utility bill into prorated utility bills based on actual usage rather than size of the individual unit as a percentage of the whole unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for gathering product level profile information from different, spaced apart fueling locations networked together to a server through the Internet. A RLM monitors the data wire between the dispensers and dispenser controller to determine the amount of fuel dispensed and it stores this information in memory. The RLM is further interfaced to the ATG to determine the amount of product remaining in the USTs, and it tracts fuel additions to the USTs from delivery trucks. This information is stored in a data file in the RLM, and is linked together along with a site identifier to form a data packet for transmission. A communication network interconnects the RLMs of the remote fueling sites to a server. The server maintains a first database of routing numbers for the remote sites, and a second database of product level information for each remote site. The server individually polls the remote sites to obtain the data packet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for gathering product level profile information from the POS of different, spaced apart fueling locations networked together to a server through the Internet. The POS monitors the dispensers through a pump control center to determine the amount of fuel dispensed and the ATG to determine the amount of product remaining in the USTs, and it tracts fuel additions to the USTs from delivery trucks. This information is stored in a data file in the POS, and is linked together along with a site identifier to form a data packet for transmission. A communication network interconnects the POS of the remote fueling sites to a server. The server maintains a first database of routing numbers for the remote sites, and a second database of product level information for each remote site. The server individually polls the remote sites to obtain the data packet.

Abstract: A mechanical fuel pump control system for controlling mechanical fuel pumps through a PC-based Point-of-Sales system utilizing a mechanical pump controller and a mechanical pump configurator is disclosed. The pump control system includes a pump control circuit board having a microprocessor with read-only-memory for storing operating code and a read-and-write-memory device for calculating and storing response data. The pump control system uses a configuration circuit board to condition output signals including preset limits, pump authorization signal and close valve signal, and to condition input signals including a pulse signal, a handle signal, and a motor return signal. A relay board controls the pumping process. The pump control system allows the POS application software to integrate pump control with other functions including register function, scanning, and inventory control in the POS computer.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser-credit card reader control system for controlling the fuel dispensing process and accepting payment for the fuel dispensed through a card reader is disclosed. The dispenser controller has a microprocessor with read-only-memory for storing operating routines and command code and read-and-write-memory for storing responses. Configuration circuits translate the communication language of the dispenser controller into a communication protocol readable by the dispensers such that the dispensing process of various dispenser brands can be controlled and payment for the fuel accepted. A feature of the disclosure is that the controller includes a command for transmitting an encrypted PIN number data block from the card reader to a site controller without analyzing the data, manipulating the data, or permanently storing the data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel pump-card reader control center for controlling the fuel dispensing process and accepting payment for the fuel dispensed through a card reader. The control center has a microprocessor with read-only-memory (ROM) and read-and-write-memory (RAM). Operating routines are stored in ROM and operating code for controlling the dispensing process and accepting payment for the fuel dispensed is stored in RAM. The control commands for pump control and card reader control are down-loadable from magnetic medium or remotely though a modem interface. Configuration circuits translate the communication language of the fuel pump control commands and the card reader control commands into a communication format which is readable by the dispensers such that the control center can control dispensing process of different dispenser brands and accept payment for the fuel dispensed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel dispenser control console which is interfaced to a cash register for down-loading sales information to the register when the sale is paid out on the console. The control console includes a programmable data processor which processes commands for controlling the dispensers. Commands to the dispensers are initiated through input keys on the console. Sales information is down-loaded to the cash register through a serial connection to the console. Sales information is transferred from the console to the register in a command format (character string) which mimics a cash register keyboard entry. The system uses a communication protocol translator to configure the command logic signals from the console into a format readable by the dispensers such that the system can be used with various dispenser brands.

Abstract: A microprocessor based dispenser control system for controlling the dispensing process in a liquid pump and storing information on the type and number of times the liquid has been dispensed is disclosed. The system includes a dispensing pump and a control console for controlling the pump. The console is interfaced to a cash register, point-of-sales system, or printer for down-loading information to these. In a preferred embodiment, the dispensing pump is a squeeze type pump driven by a stepper motor. The microprocessor uses a pulse drive source to control the stepper motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel dispenser control system which controls the fuel dispensing process and accepts payment for the fuel dispensed through a card reader. The dispenser controller has a microprocessor with read-only-memory (ROM) and read-and-write-memory (RAM). A series of commands are stored in the ROM for controlling the dispensing process and accepting payment for the fuel dispensed. Configuration circuits' translate the communication language of the dispenser controller into a communication protocol readable by the dispensers such that the dispensing process of various dispenser brands can be controlled and payment for the fuel accepted. Response data from the dispenser is stored in the RAM, and then passed up a register system.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser-cash register control console is provided for simultaneously controlling fuel dispensers and the input key switches on a cash register keyboard so that sales information on each dispensing transaction can be down-loaded to a cash register at the end of the sale. The system includes a control console having a programmable data processor coupled with a read-only-memory ROM chip and read-and-write-memory RAM chip. Commands to the dispensers are initiated through input keys on the console. Sales information is down-loaded to the cash register through a cash register interface board which has a second microprocessor with ROM and RAM, serially connected to the processor in the console. When the register interface processor receives sales information from the console, it locks out the cash register key board, transfers the sales information to the designated department, and then unlocks the keyboard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flow signal monitoring system for monitoring data signals in a data wire between fuel dispensers and the dispenser controller for collecting, storing, and later down-loading information relating flow quantity signals. The system includes an electronic communication translator which is attached to the wire. The design of the monitoring system is such that it is coupled to the data wire, however, it is electrically isolated from the data wire. When the dispenser and remote dispenser controller are communicating in current loop communication protocol, the system uses a configuration circuit with an opto-coupler having a light emitting diode and transistor for transforming the data signals into corresponding computer logic signals. When the dispenser and controller are communicating in voltage level communication protocol, a comparator is used to transform the data signals into corresponding computer logic signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel pump control system for controlling fuel dispensers through a PC-based POS terminal. The system includes a printed circuit board which can be inserted in an expansion slot in the PC for controlling the fuel dispensers. The system uses a microprocessor with read-only-memory and read-and-write-memory. A series of commands are stored in the ROM for controlling the dispensers during the fueling process. A configuration circuit translates and configures the communication protocol of the pump control system and the communication protocol of the dispensers allowing them to interact. Response data from the dispenser during the fueling process is stored in the RAM. The pump control system is interfaced to the POS application software in the POS. In a preferred embodiment, the flow of data between the microprocessor in the pump controller and the microprocessor in the PC-based POS is controlled by a terminate-stay-resident driver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data signal monitoring system for monitoring data signals in a data wire without interrupting data signal flow. In the illustrative embodiment, the data signal monitoring system is connected to the data wires between a fuel dispenser and the the dispenser control console. The design is such that the data signals flow into the monitoring system without interrupting the communication between console and dispenser. The monitoring system interprets the data and analyzes pump status and commands. The data signal monitoring system translates the physical signals in the wire into serial signals which are sent to a microprocessor in the monitoring system for processing. The microprocessor then controls other electrical devices from information extracted from the communication between the pump and console. Such electrical devices include a price sign displaying the price of the fuel and an audio message system which is activated when the pump nozzle handle is lifted.