Two Or More Volume Devices Patents (Class 222/26)
  • Patent number: 11618664
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing system, has: a reservoir; a line connected to the reservoir; a tap connected to the line; a first valve connected to the line downstream of the reservoir, the first valve having a first open configuration and a first closed configuration; and a second valve connected to the line, the second valve having a second open configuration and a second closed configuration, the second valve being in the second closed configuration when the first valve is in the first closed configuration, when in the second closed configuration, the second valve blocking fluid communication between the tap outlet and the first valve, the second valve being in the second open configuration when the first valve is in the first open configuration to connect the reservoir to the tap outlet through the first valve and the second valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: SYSTÈMES MCED INC.
    Inventor: Mathieu Castonguay
  • Patent number: 11209126
    Abstract: A system for transferring LP gas includes an inlet port configured for connection to a single connection port of a first tank. The inlet port is configured to receive liquid phase LP gas, vapor phase LP gas, or a combination of both from the first tank. An outlet port is configured for connection to a single connection port of a second tank. The outlet port is configured to deliver the liquid phase LP gas, vapor phase LP gas, or combination of both to the second tank. A pump coupled between the inlet port via a first conduit and the outlet port via a second conduit is operable to pump the liquid phase LP gas, vapor phase LP gas, or combination of both from the first tank via the inlet port to the second tank via the outlet port through the first and second conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Blossman Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David Alexander Kennedy, Jessie W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11020767
    Abstract: A plural component dispensing system includes a dispensing device, first and second fluid component sources, a system controller, and an operator interface device. The first fluid component source is connected to the dispensing device to deliver the first fluid component to the dispensing device. The second fluid component source is connected to the dispensing device to deliver the second fluid component to the dispensing device. The system controller is connected to regulate operation of the first fluid component source and the second fluid component source to produce a target ratio of the first fluid component and the second fluid component at the dispensing device. The operator interface device is remote from and operatively connected to the system controller. The operator interface device is configured to output system state information received from the system controller and to receive operator input to control an operational state of the system controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas V. Vo, Jeffrey S. Armstrong, David Bordwell, Jonathan R. McMichael
  • Patent number: 11010708
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for coordinated distribution of hairstyling products using automatic pumps connected over a computer network is described, including, identifying a customer model of a customer, and receiving a product request for the customer. Based on the product request, a product and an amount of the product is determined to be distributed and a networked pump us selected, based on the product and the amount. For the selected pump, a request for distribution for the amount of the product is generated, and the selected pump automatically distributes the amount of the product based on the request for distribution. A confirmation of a distribution of the amount of the product is received from the selected pump, and the customer model is updated based on the amount of the product distributed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: JDS Associates Inc.
    Inventors: Quis T Bakir, Robinson B Nunez
  • Patent number: 10799906
    Abstract: A device and a method of discharging a liquid in a state of solid particles being dispersed in the liquid with a minimum additional structure for dispersing the solid particles. A discharge device and an application device each include a storage container; a measuring unit having a measuring hole; a plunger disposed in the measuring hole; a nozzle; a selector valve having a first position at which the storage container and the measuring unit are communicated, and a second position at which the measuring unit and the nozzle are communicated; a plunger drive device; a selector valve drive device; and a discharge control device, wherein a discharge control program includes a filling stepinto the measuring hole; an ejection step; an inflow step causing the liquid material in the measuring hole to flow into the storage container; a discharge step; and a stirring step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: MUSASHI ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventor: Kazumasa Ikushima
  • Patent number: 10781566
    Abstract: A percussion action pneumatic tool for compacting backfill areas including a vibration isolator and a percussion mechanism. The vibration isolator includes an inner shaft and an outer sleeve attached to a pair of springs. The springs dampen vibration or feedback transferred from the percussion mechanism to the outer sleeve and felt by the operator. The percussion mechanism includes a pair of elbows and an air conduit which allows the airflow to move through a second flow path into a second air space when the valve assembly directs the airflow through the second flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: M-B-W, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin J. Paske
  • Patent number: 10400957
    Abstract: An LP gas evacuation system for evacuating LP gas from a vehicle fuel tank includes an inlet port for connection to an excess flow valve associated with the vehicle fuel tank to receive LP gas from the vehicle fuel tank, an outlet port for connection to a storage tank, and a pump coupled between the inlet port and the outlet port. The pump is operable to pump the LP gas from the vehicle fuel tank via the inlet port to the storage tank via the outlet port. The pump is a pneumatically driven displacement pump that can effectively pump both liquid phase LP gas and gas phase LP gas. The pump has seals formed from a material substantially resistant to degradation by contact with the LP gas. The LP gas evacuation system further includes a pneumatic pressure regulator configured to receive a supply of compressed air and to provide compressed air at a desired pressure to the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Blossman Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David Alexander Kennedy, Jessie W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10241521
    Abstract: Methods for automated management of a plurality of throughflow apparatuses, the throughflow apparatuses being configured for producing a total throughflow of a fluid into and/or out of a storage apparatus, such as a natural gas store, include inputting predefined values for the throughflow apparatuses into an input unit, transferring the input predefined values to a management unit, and using the transferred predefined values of the management unit for managing the throughflow apparatuses in the control and/or regulation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Pawel Szajwaj
  • Patent number: 9951948
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Eric Le Blanc
  • Patent number: 9227829
    Abstract: A fuel station and a method of refueling a vehicle. The fuel station has at least two adjacent base structures, each base structure being provided with a first fuel dispensing device arranged on the base structure and defining a first refueling position on a first side of the base structure, and a second refueling position on a second side of the base structure, the second side being opposite to the first side. A second fuel dispensing device defines a third refueling position. The fuel station also includes at least one queuing position in front of one of the base structures. The queuing position is linked to the refueling positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Jan Hendrik Nieuwstraten
  • Publication number: 20140109644
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system providing for calibration and/or control of a liquid dispensing system is disclosed. The hand-held calibration auditing tool includes a flow meter (36-37) with inlets adapted for quick connection to one or more liquid inputs and/or liquid outputs of a liquid dispensing system (10). A sensor (94-95) having a data output of liquid flow information for a liquid input to the dispensing system (10) is operably connected to a controller (12) to receive the liquid flow information for the liquid input. The controller (12) provides a dilution rate and other liquid flow information for a liquid product input to a dispenser. The tool may include any number of flow meters, and may also include a flow meter connected to an outlet of a dispenser (22) for providing flow information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Henry L. Carbone, II, Richard J. Mehus, Kevin C. Tauer, Anatoly Skirda, Eugene Tokhtuev, William M. Christensen
  • Patent number: 8578934
    Abstract: An indicating device suitable for indicating the number of dosages of a substance that have been dispensed from or remain in a container includes at least one first indicator member incrementally moveable to a plurality of positions and a second indicator member moveable in response to a predetermined number of movements of the at least one first indicator member. The at least one first indicator member includes primary dosage indicia adapted to indicate the number of dosages of substance that have been dispensed from or remain in the container. The second indicator member includes secondary dosage indicia adapted to indicate that less than a minimum predetermined number of dosages of substance remain in the container. In one preferred embodiment, the primary dosage indicia are configured as numerical indicia and the secondary dosage indicia are configured as color indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: Robert Morton, Winston Z. Lu
  • Publication number: 20130199262
    Abstract: Fluid level measurements for the shared tank and outflow information provided by calibrated flow meters corresponding to dispensing stations connected to the shared tank may be used to derive a filled volume model for the tank as a function of fluid level. Subsequently, a filled volume change for a shared tank over a selected time interval may be determined from pre-change and post-change fluid level measurements. The change in filled volume may be compared with the total fluid flow over the selected time interval as indicated by the flow meters of active dispensing stations. If the filled volume change for the tank is substantially different than the total fluid flow indicated by the flow meters, the flow meters may be collectively adjusted to provide a more accurate indication of the filled volume change in the shared tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Brigham Young University
    Inventors: Thomas A. Nielson, William Barrett
  • Publication number: 20130056112
    Abstract: Fluid supply systems for storage and dispensing of chemical reagents and compositions, e.g., high purity liquid reagents and chemical mechanical polishing compositions used to manufacture microelectronic device products, having capability for detection of an empty or near-empty condition when the contained liquid is at or approaching depletion during dispensing operation. Fluid delivery systems employing empty detect arrangements are described, including pressure transducer monitoring of dispensed material intermediate the supply package and a servo-hydraulic dispense pump, or monitoring of dispenser chamber replenishment times in a dispenser being replenished on a cyclic schedule to flow material from the dispenser to a downstream tool utilizing the dispensed material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventor: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20120211516
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a pouring device for a container for the dosing of liquid. The pouring device has various features intended to ease use, including an improved removal and attachment system and a system to identify and visually illustrate selected pour sizes. In a specific embodiment, the pouring device has a colored light or LED indicator system that allows the user to quickly and easily confirm the selected pour size. Embodiments may also include one or more features that ease attachment and removal of the pouring device to a liquid container, such as a replaceable cork system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Achim Philipp Zapp, Richard A. Martindale
  • Publication number: 20110248044
    Abstract: A multi-station liquid mixing and dispensing apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing that defines a first pocket for supporting a first container and a second pocket for supporting a second container, a first door pivotably coupled to the housing and enclosing the first pocket, and a second door pivotably coupled to the housing opposite the first door. The first door includes a first window through which the first container can be identified. The second door encloses the second pocket and includes a second window through which the second container can be identified. The apparatus also includes a valve coupled to the housing to control flow of chemical concentrate to at least one of the first container and the second container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: DIVERSEY, INC.
    Inventors: Michael H. Bertucci, Curtis H. Hubmann, Christopher F. Lang, Steven E. Schiller
  • Patent number: 7824543
    Abstract: Wireless water purification systems and wireless remote dispensing devices for a water purification system. The remote dispensing device is fluidly coupled with the main purification unit. A wireless transceiver is associated with the remote dispensing device and another wireless transceiver is associated with the main purification unit. The wireless transceivers communicate across a wireless communications link between the remote dispensing device and the main purification unit. The system may include multiple remote dispensing devices and/or multiple main purification units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Barnstead Themolyne Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Larkner
  • Patent number: 7621273
    Abstract: An indicating device suitable for indicating the number of dosages of a substance that have been dispensed from or remain in a container includes at least one first indicator member incrementally moveable to a plurality of positions and a second indicator member moveable in response to a predetermined number of movements of the at least one first indicator member. The at least one first indicator member includes primary dosage indicia adapted to indicate the number of dosages of substance that have been dispensed from or remain in the container. The second indicator member includes secondary dosage indicia adapted to indicate that less than a minimum predetermined number of dosages of substance remain in the container. In one preferred embodiment, the primary dosage indicia are configured as numerical indicia and the secondary dosage indicia are configured as color indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: Robert Morton, Winston Z. Lu
  • Patent number: 7346427
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for collecting liquid product volume data at a dispenser. The dispenser can include first and second totalizers that receive signals from a pulser that identifies the flow rate of liquid product dispensed from the dispenser. The dispenser further includes a data acquisition unit communicating with at least the second totalizer, the data acquisition unit receives data indicative of a volume of the liquid product dispensed from the dispenser from the second totalizer. The method can include receiving a plurality of pulses at a first totalizer and a second totalizer within the dispenser. Upon receiving the pulses, the method includes generating data indicative of a volume of liquid product flowing from the dispenser. Following generating the data, the method can include sending the data corresponding to the second totalizer to at least one of a retail system and a central inventory management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Flymg J, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Hillam, Gary I. Shellabarger
  • Patent number: 7328726
    Abstract: The invention provides processes for delivering a blend of two or more compressed gas streams to a receiving vessel at a preset ramp rate under pressure regulation control in response to cumulative mass ratio when at least two of the streams have different compositions or instantaneous measured temperature when the streams have the same composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Perry Cohen, Edward Clyde Heydorn
  • Patent number: 6845882
    Abstract: A multiproduct fuel dispenser for dispensing a plurality of fuels stored in a plurality of reservoir tanks comprising a nozzle for dispensing fuel, fuel delivery lines for delivering fuel from the plurality of reservoir tanks to the nozzle, and a common fuel meter operatively connected to the fuel delivery lines for quantifying the amount of fuel dispensed from the plurality of reservoir tanks, the common fuel meter having an internal volume no greater than 0.1 gallons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventor: John Arnold Todd
  • Patent number: 6554162
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes one or more measure modules for measuring and delivering predetermined volumes of one or more different fluids. Each measure module includes a fluid inlet port, a retention vessel, an overflow aperture to allow fluid in excess of the desired volume to flow out of the vessel, and an outlet port for dispensing the retained fluid. A calibrating rod adjustably occupies a portion of the volume of the vessel to facilitate precise adjustment of the volume of fluid dispensed by the measure module. In one particular embodiment, a blender includes a plurality of measure modules whose outputs are coupled together to produce a mixture having a composition defined by the relative capacities of the vessels of the various measure modules. In another particular embodiment, one blender dilutes a chemical concentrate, and provides the diluted mixture to another blender, which further dilutes the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Chemand Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Schell, Dan C. Prince
  • Publication number: 20030062381
    Abstract: A multiproduct fuel dispenser for dispensing a plurality of fuels stored in a plurality of reservoir tanks comprising a nozzle for dispensing fuel, fuel delivery lines for delivering fuel from the plurality of reservoir tanks to the nozzle, and a common fuel meter operatively connected to the fuel delivery lines for quantifying the amount of fuel dispensed from the plurality of reservoir tanks, the common fuel meter having an internal volume no greater than 0.1 gallons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventor: John Arnold Todd
  • Publication number: 20020088822
    Abstract: A multiproduct fuel dispenser for dispensing a plurality of fuels stored in a plurality of reservoir tanks comprising a nozzle for dispensing fuel, fuel delivery lines for delivering fuel from the plurality of reservoir tanks to the nozzle, and a common fuel meter operatively connected to the fuel delivery lines for quantifying the amount of fuel dispensed from the plurality of reservoir tanks, the common fuel meter having an internal volume no greater than 0.1 gallons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Applicant: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventor: John Arnold Todd
  • Patent number: 6223788
    Abstract: A multi-product fuel dispensing system includes a plurality of reservoir tanks. Each tank has a specific grade of fuel stored therein. Each reservoir tank has a fuel delivery line connected thereto. A fuel delivery conduit has at least two flow channels. One flow channel is connected to receive a first grade of fuel from one of the fuel delivery lines, and another flow channel is connected to receive a second grade of fuel, of a lower grade than the first grade, from another of the fuel delivery lines. A nozzle has a connection to receive fuel from the fuel delivery conduit. A first proportional flow control and blend valve is connected in the system for receiving the first grade of fuel. A second proportional flow control and blend valve is connected in the system for receiving the second grade of fuel. A meter is connected in the system for receiving the second grade of fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Dresser Equipment Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Ken W. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6019146
    Abstract: A multi-product fuel dispensing system is provided for dispensing a plurality of fuels stored in a plurality of reservoir tanks. A fuel delivery conduit delivers a specific grade of fuel from one or more of the reservoir tanks. The conduit includes at least two flow channels, one for conveying a first grade of fuel and another for conveying a second grade of fuel. A nozzle connected to the conduit includes a blend valve for each flow channel. The nozzle can deliver the first grade of fuel, the second grade of fuel or a third grade of fuel comprising a blend of the first and second grades of fuel. An ultrasonic flow meter is mounted in the nozzle to measure the flow of fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ken W. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5979705
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing installation that includes first and second fuel tanks containing first and second fuels of different octane levels. The tanks are provided with first and second octane level sensors mounted in the first and second fuel tanks respectively for measuring fuel octane levels and generating output signals indicative of the octane levels of the first and second fuels. Conduits from the first and second tanks transport the fuel to one or more fuel dispensers. The fuel dispensers include a blending system for blending the first and second fuels to form at least one blended fuel having an intermediate octane. A site controller in electronic communication with the blending system receives the output signals and controls the blending system to permit the dispensing of one or more blended fuels based on the measured octane levels of the first and second fuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Kaehler, John S. McSpadden, Steven N. Terranova
  • Patent number: 5975353
    Abstract: A fluid system and method according to which a first fluid, a second fluid, or a blend of the fuels is passed to a first meter for measuring the flow thereof while the second fluid is passed through a second meter before it passes to the first meter. The flow of the first fluid to the first meter and the flow of the second fluid to the second meter and then to the first meter are controlled by valves and, as a result, a predetermined ratio of the blended fluids can be established and maintained. The second meter can be calibrated based on the first meter and therefore does not have to inherently provide relatively accurate volumetric measurements. Thus, the second meter can be less costly than the first meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian Malcolm Finlayson
  • Patent number: 5867403
    Abstract: A fuel dispenser is disclosed. The fuel dispenser has a housing which contains two chambers, one contains a computer and the other the hydraulic parts of the dispenser. Fiber optic cables connect a fiber optic switch which detects the cradling of a nozzle to a computer, and other fiber optic cables connected to a pulser signal the flow of fuel in the meter of the dispenser to the computer. The computer controls a liquid crystal display which prompts the customer to actuate keys on a keyboard adjacent to the display. A pivotal boot supported by a horizontal shaft receives the nozzle. This boot pivots to permit better access to the hydraulic area of the housing. The shaft, itself, is rotatable to actuate a switch to indicate, through fiber optic cable, to the computer that the nozzle is stored and to shut down pumping. A fiber optic pulser feeds light signals to the computer for indicating the flow of fuel through the meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Universal Epsco, Inc.
    Inventors: Bolling H. Sasnett, Jr., Bolling H. Sasnett, III, Richard M. Huff, Bruce A. Works, Randall C. Watts
  • Patent number: 5602745
    Abstract: A fuel dispenser for installation in a service station equipped with a dispenser control console includes a housing, a pump to pump fuel through the housing, a fuel flow meter in the housing, a switch actuable to indicate fuel is to be pumped through the housing, a display on the housing to display the amount of fuel pumped through the housing, and a dispenser control. The dispenser control includes a plurality of microcontroller nodes and a communications bus connecting the microcontroller nodes. A first node is associated with the switch, pump and fuel flow meter, a second node is associated with the display, and a third node is associated with a data link to the dispenser control console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventors: Hans B. Atchley, John J. Ronchetti, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5557084
    Abstract: An apparatus the dispensing a liquid fuel and measuring the amount dispensed according to a temperature-corrected volumetric measure includes a housing having a fuel-handling compartment and an electronics compartment and a barrier between the fuel handling compartment and the electronics compartment, a plurality of fuel passageways through the fuel-handling compartment, each passageway having a flow meter to measure the volume of fuel flowing through the passageway and a thermometric probe adapted to read the temperature of fuel flowing through the passageway, each of the meters being connected by a first electrical circuit to pass an electrical signal representative of the volumetric flow through its respective passageway onto the first circuit, each of the probes being connected by a second electric circuit to pass an electrical signal representative of the temperature of the probe onto the second circuit, the second circuit having one intrinsically safe passage through the barrier, and electronics in the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventors: Howard M. Myers, Charles W. VonCannon
  • Patent number: 5295610
    Abstract: A plastic gas can for the main purpose of blending 2 cycle fuel mixture and de-markation of ratio mixed by using an attached hinged cap (30) with an integrated measuring cup (10A) and exposed thumb-tabbed pointer (15) positioned to one of the engraved ratios (17) on hinged cap's (30) surface. 1/2 gallon graduations (26) molded on can's (28) side along with gas and oil ratio reference chart (25) and measuring cup's (10A) ounces, milliliters, and ratio graduations (10B) are for accurate proportioning of gas and oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Inventor: Philip W. Levison
  • Patent number: 5018645
    Abstract: An automotive fluids dispensing and blending system wherein a customer may select various fuel additives such as octane enhancers, fuel injector cleaners, varnish dissolvers, compounds to free-up piston rings, etc., all choices of which may be automatically blended with the selected fuel as the fuel is being dispensed normally into the vehicle fuel tank. The system also allows the customer to select and dispense various engine oils and oil additives, antifreeze solutions, windshield washer fluid, power steering fluid, and other automotive fluids directly into the vehicle using provided lines, nozzles and controls. All sales transactions are displayed to the customer and station operator for purposes of payment, and all sales transaction data is recorded and stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Inventor: Herbert G. Zinsmeyer
  • Patent number: 4978029
    Abstract: A dispenser for delivering different grades of gasoline through a single nozzle at each fueling position, includes a pair of hoses connected to the nozzle, one of which hoses is used for selectively delivering high octane gasoline, and the other of which hoses is for selectively delivering either low octane or mid octane gasoline through the nozzle, whereby a control system is programmed for monitoring the dispensing of low octane gasoline relative to the dispensing of mid octane gasoline, for injecting a sufficient quantity of high octane gasoline through the nozzle at the initiator of a mid octane dispensing cycle for compensating for low octane fuel remaining in the other hose from an immediately prior low octane dispensing cycle relative to a mid octane dispensing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Furrow, Harold R. Young
  • Patent number: 4876653
    Abstract: A system for blending low and high octane gasoline includes independent flow paths for each fuel between a supply source and a composite blend manifold and nozzle assembly, with the rate of flow of fuel in each flow path being under individual closed loop control, under an algorithm for comparing the ratio of the actual accumulated volumes of the low octane to the high octane fuel, relative to a statistically determined ratio of the ideal volume of said low to high octane fuel for the total actual accumulated volume of the sum of the volumes of the fuels at a given time, for providing a perfect blend relative to a preselected blend ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Inventors: John S. McSpadden, Russel D. Leatherman, Harold R. Young
  • Patent number: 4595122
    Abstract: A fuel supplying system comprises a first circuit for discriminating whether a previous fuel supplying operation is carried out in a normal fuel supplying mode or a preset fuel supplying mode, and for storing a discriminated fuel supplying mode of the previous fuel supplying operation, a second circuit for discriminating whether a present fuel supplying operation is carried out in the normal fuel supplying mode or the preset fuel supplying mode, and for storing a discriminated fuel supplying mode of the present fuel supplying operation, a third circuit for counting a flow quantity signal generated from a flowmeter when a fuel flows through the flowmeter so as to fill a fuel supplying hose before a valve of the fuel supplying nozzle is opened upon starting of the present fuel supplying operation, and for storing a counted value as a correcting quantity, and a fourth circuit for reading out the correcting quantity stored in the third circuit depending on the previous fuel supplying mode and the present fuel sup
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1986
    Assignee: Tokico Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeomi Yoshida, Kazuhisa Yamashita
  • Patent number: 4570823
    Abstract: The soap solution dispenser contains a reservoir into which opens an outlet or outflow opening of a container. In the reservoir there is present a float body or float which is pivotably mounted and provided with at least one indicator flag. Conjointly with the drop of the liquid level in the soap solution reservoir the float body also descends, which causes a displacement of the indicator flag. During the lowering of the surface of the soap solution the indicator flag moves along a viewing window formed in a cover or covering hood. There is thus signalled or indicated that the content of the soap solution in the reservoir is quite small or nearly consumed, so that the container now should be exchanged. One resulting advantage of the invention is that the indicator flag moves externally of the soap solution, so that the indicator flag cannot become stuck or bind, and thus, always remains readily visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1986
    Assignee: CWS AG
    Inventors: Sandro Arabian, Manfred Baumann, Walter Besserer
  • Patent number: 4550859
    Abstract: Automated fluid dispensing apparatus operative under stored program control includes an attended console for controlling an array of dispensing pumps or the like, e.g., a pump island in a self service filling station. An array of data input fields, display and status signalling fields and control keys are disposed on the console. Input signalling from the console may illustratively comprise data from price-per-gallon and transaction limit registers, pump enabling keys, and display controls. Console presentations are for such as pump identity and status, and dispensed fuel value or volume. A microprocessor is connected to the console equipment, and to individual pump controllers, sensors and the like. Fluid flow at each pump is thus readily monitored and controlled by an attendant at the console via the microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1985
    Assignee: Lockheed Electronics Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John Dow, Jr., William A. Oetting, Richard J. Yessian
  • Patent number: 4499464
    Abstract: A remote authorization apparatus for full-serve, self-serve vehicle fuel dispensing pumps. A transmitter carried by a station attendant may be activated to cause the emission of a radio signal. This signal is sensed by a receiver which actuates an associated control assembly to enable the reset mechanism in the fuel pumps for a preset time interval during which a customer may begin dispensing fuel. When the timed enabling signal ends, the pump or pumps which have begun service may continue, while all other pumps are returned to an inactive state. Other pumps may be enabled in the same manner by emission of the radio signal from the transmitter should other customers desire to use the self-serve vehicle fuel pumps, while previously authorized pumps are dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1985
    Assignee: Ardac, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce R. Knox, Andrew J. Hruby
  • Patent number: 4442953
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying fluid of preset quantity comprises a fluid supplying pump provided in a fluid supplying pipe arrangement, a motor for driving the fluid supplying pump, meter for metering the fluid flowing in the fluid supplying pipe arrangement, and a control circuit for detecting that supplied quantity of fluid measured by the meter has reached a quantity smaller than a preset fluid supplying quantity by an estimated oversupply quantity of fluid, and stopping the motor from being driven. The estimated oversupply quantity of fluid is set to a quantity equal to a quantity of fluid supplied by the fluid supplying pump after the motor is stopped from being driven and rotates due to inertia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Assignee: Tokico Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Miyamoto, Tetsuya Kakimoto, Wasaburo Tanida
  • Patent number: 4360128
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser in which a sensor provides an output corresponding to the level of the beverage in a storage reservoir from which the beverage is dispensed. In response to user actuation a dispensing valve is enabled for such a time interval, determined in accordance with the output of the sensor, as to compensate for variations in flow rate due to variations in the beverage level in the reservoir. The level sensor output is also used to control a level-indicating display and to disable the reservoir heater when the reservoir is empty. Preferably the sensor is a strain gauge adhered to the surface of a relatively thin resilient beam which supports a portion of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1982
    Assignee: Reynolds Products Inc.
    Inventor: Charles G. Neumann
  • Patent number: 4247899
    Abstract: A self-service gasoline station fuel delivery control and registration system having a central control unit with a display console, operating keyboard and master microprocessor module; separate slave microprocessor modules for the gasoline pumps for separately controlling the pumps and accumulating the amount of gasoline delivered thereby and connected for sequential communication with the master microprocessor module by common slave bus means; and peripheral controllers connected for selective communication with the master microprocessor module by common peripheral bus means for operating the system and/or registering the amount of gasoline delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1981
    Assignee: Veeder Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Schiller, Neal M. Alderman
  • Patent number: 4216529
    Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling the operation of a plurality of fluid dispensers, such as gasoline pumps or the like in a self-service gasoline station is disclosed. The system includes an operating console that may be located in a station building and has electronic displays, dispenser selecting push buttons and a keyboard including numeric and functional switches, all of which an operator can use to control the operation of the system. A mode select switch permits operation of the system in various modes, selected ones of which permit an operator to obtain various period totals of both volume and cost, to control normal postpay or prepay dispensing transactions, check inventory as well as set or reset the cost per volumetric unit, among other operations. The system can include electronic displays at the gasoline pump and permit price setting of the fluid product from the console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1980
    Assignee: General Atomic Company
    Inventors: Michael S. Krystek, George L. Hurley, III, Steven R. Smith, Stephen E. Rice
  • Patent number: 4131215
    Abstract: A system for dispensing gasoline and having an option which, if selected by the customer, automatically dispenses an additive with the gasoline and computes the price of the additive into the sale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1978
    Assignee: Sun Oil Company of Pennsylvania
    Inventor: William B. Hansel
  • Patent number: 4107777
    Abstract: A dispensing system for controlling and displaying information regarding self-service operation of each of a plurality of fuel dispensers in a gasoline station includes, in one embodiment, an operator console having a CRT display displaying the status of each of the dispensers as well as current and previous sales data and a data entry keyboard for entry of sales and other data together with switch means for arming dispensers for self-service operation and for actuating the system for displaying selective dispenser information. The CRT and data entry keyboard are coupled to a central control unit which includes a programmed memory central processing unit for handling data between the central control unit and each of a plurality of dispensers as well as dispenser communications interface circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1978
    Assignee: Anthes Imperial Limited
    Inventors: Allen F. Pearson, Paul A. Mayo, Ronald N. Lorenz
  • Patent number: 4101056
    Abstract: Method and apparatus suitable for the retail sale of gasoline (as well as for other fluid delivery systems) in terms of standard quantities (e.g., gallons) at a standard temperature, such as 60.degree. F. The apparatus for retail gasoline sale provides a pressure differential for moving the gasoline from a storage tank to a hose, and it includes a metering device preferably having a rotating shaft and a shaft-angle encoder for generating a positive angle continuous, electrical signal as a function of the shaft angle output. The instantaneous temperature of the gasoline in the nozzle is sensed and a thermal value signal generated from it several times per second. A rapid electronic computer computes from the continuous gallonage signal and the thermal value signal, at intervals of several times per second, the gallonage corrected to standard gallons at 60.degree. F. and actuates a display of the computed dispensed gallons in terms of standard gallons at 60.degree. F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1978
    Assignee: George E. Mattimoe
    Inventors: George E. Mattimoe, Michael P. Gouveia
  • Patent number: 4083473
    Abstract: A liquid blending system for providing three grades: (a) a first base grade; (b) a second base grade; and (c) a fixed blend proportion of the two. A blend control lever coupled to a valve is selectively driven by a differential receiving inputs from fluid meters in the base grade lines. Opposed solenoids pull the lever to one extreme or the other for the two base grades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1978
    Assignee: Dresser Europe S. A.
    Inventors: William Thomas Goodwin, Christopher William Ovens
  • Patent number: 4067486
    Abstract: A liquid fuel dispensing system having a plurality of dispensing pumps each generating electric pulses according to the volume of fuel dispensed and a central control where payment is made. A data transmission link couples each pump to the central control and each pump has a pulse store which accumulates pulses generated by the pump during a dispensing operation. A sampling mechanism at the central control samples the outputs from the pulse stores which are updated at each sampling. First and second storage elements are provided to store information at the central control relating to previous pump transaction whereby such pump can be cleared for use by second customer before first customer has paid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1978
    Assignee: Dresser Europe, S.A.
    Inventors: Peter John Hyde, Peter Kendall Cripps, Donald George Buchanan, Robert George Spalding
  • Patent number: 4044269
    Abstract: The circuit arrangement includes a transformer having a primary side included in at least one phase conductor of a polyphase supply for the load. A control circuit is connected to the secondary side of the transformer and includes a threshold circuit receiving a control signal from the transformer, a memory circuit receiving a threshold signal from the threshold circuit, a bistable switch connected to the threshold circuit and the memory circuit and switched, by the threshold signal, to a position preventing the stored signal from being passed on from said memory circuit, and a controlled electronic switch inserted in the phase conductor and controlled and opened by the stored signal. A resetting switch is operable to reset the control circuit to the initial state, and a delay device may be interposed between the memory circuit and the controlled electronic switch to delay opening of the latter until after a subsequent operation of the repetition-blocking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1977
    Inventor: Eduard Hermann
  • Patent number: 4027783
    Abstract: Tally means for a liquid dispenser which selectively draws measured quantities of liquor for discharge through a discharge sprout. A liquid pressure responsive sensor is connected to the discharge line and is responsive only to passage of liquid. The sensor has a chamber with a diaphragm closing one end. A chamber inlet, larger than the outlet, leads through the end closed by the diaphragm. Because of differential in orifice size, liquid accumulates in the chamber causing the diaphragm to deflect but not respond to air flow. A piston in the chamber is moved by the diaphragm to actuate a tally apparatus to provide both printed record and a display of the number of drinks dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1977
    Assignee: Booth, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Branch, Oliver W. Cole, Robert P. Kidd