Abstract: A method for dispensing fuel has features to prevent theft of fuel and also control maintenance of authorized vehicles. The system includes a portable memory unit which remains with each vehicle. The portable memory unit is removably connected to an on-board computer on the vehicle. The on-board computer senses certain vehicle conditions and changes through transducers carburetor settings. The on-board computer also writes into the portable memory unit a warning if any of the vehicle conditions exceed limits. At the fuel dispensing site, a data processing unit receives the portable memory unit to read from it coded information. A central processing unit is located at a central records site and connected to the remote processing unit for record storage. The remote processing unit reads from the portable memory unit a last mileage at which fuel was dispensed, and compares it to a current mileage entered by the operator into the remote processing unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing fuel has features to prevent theft of fuel and also control maintenance of authorized vehicles. The system includes a portable memory unit which remains with each vehicle. At the fuel dispensing site, a data processing unit receives the portable memory unit to read from it coded information. A central processing unit is located at a central records site and connected to the remote processing unit for record storage. The remote processing unit reads a vehicle identification number and checks it for validity. The remote processing unit also reads a last mileage at which fuel was dispensed, and compares it to a current mileage entered by the operator into the remote processing unit. A next service mileage is also read by the remote processing unit and compared to the current mileage. If the current mileage is less than the last mileage, this is an indication of error, and fuel will not be dispensed.