Abstract: An integrated customer reward processing system and fuel dispensing apparatus to allow a retailer to authorize fuel to be dispensed at a discounted unit price in accordance with a customer's achievement of predefined purchasing criteria. More particularly, a data processing system is provided that implements customer rewards and includes a database that creates and maintains records associated with customers that make purchases at an associated store. The reward system will track the customer purchases and compare them with a predefined criteria to determine when a fuel discount is to be provided.When a customer meets one of the predefined criteria, the reward system will authorize a fuel discount and provide the customer with a mechanism to obtain the fuel at a discounted unit price.

Abstract: A tube/casting assembly and method according to which an axially-projecting cylindrical flange projects from one end of a tubular casting over which an end portion of the conduit extends. A groove is formed in the casting for receiving the end portion and a retainer secures the end portion of the conduit in the groove.

Abstract: A system and method for recovering a gasoline vapor/air mixture from a vehicle tank during the dispensing of a gasoline from a storage tank into the vehicle tank, according to which a flow line is established for the flow of the mixture from the vehicle tank to the storage tank during the dispensing. A pump is activated during the dispensing to flow the mixture from the vehicle tank to the storage tank, and the mixture flow is terminated in response to the termination of the dispensing. The pump is then activated to pressurize the flow line after which any reduction in the pressure of the mixture in the flow line is sensed. According to another embodiment, the mixture flow is terminated in response to termination of the dispensing and ambient air is introduced into the flow line. The pump is activated to pump the ambient air at a desired flow rate, and the flow rate of the air through the flow line is sensed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid flow system and method according to which the fluid is pumped from a source through a conduit while the flow rate of the fluid is sensed and terminated in response to the fluid flow rate falling below a predetermined minimum. After a predetermined time delay the valve is re-opened to allow flow to resume.

Abstract: A fluid flow system and method according to which fluid is pumped from a source through a conduit and a sensor senses the pressure of the fluid in the conduit. A meter is activated to measure the flow rate of the fluid when the fluid pressure in the conduit is relatively high, and is deactivated when the fluid pressure in the conduit is relatively low.

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.

Abstract: A fluid flow device and method are provided according to which one or more impellers are mounted for rotation in a chamber formed in a casing. Fluid to be processed is introduced into an inlet formed in the casing and at least one impeller is mounted for rotation in the chamber to flow the fluid through the casing and through an outlet in the casing. The impeller also draws atmospheric air into the chamber through an air inlet formed in the casing, and any backflow of the fluid from the fluid outlet into the air inlet is prevented.

Abstract: A system and method for handling a hose, according to which the hose is clamped to a clamp and the clamp is moved between a first position in which the hose is retracted and a second position in which the hose is extended. Manual movement of the hose from its retracted position is sensed and the clamp is driven to its second position, and manual movement of the hose from its extended position is sensed and the clamp is driven to its first position.

Abstract: A controlled power system and method for an internal combustion engine having a turbocharger controls the engine to vary differential pressure across the throttle, delta P, throttle reserve, according to a predetermined throttle reserve profile relative to at least one engine parameter.

Abstract: A device and method for testing for the recovery of vapor in a system in which a fluid is dispensed into a tank through a nozzle, according to which a vacuum is created to induce the flow of the vapor into the nozzle. The vacuum is measured and a display is provided that indicates whether or not the vacuum attains a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A pumping system and method according to which a plurality of housings are connected together, with each having an inlet and an outlet for respectively receiving and discharging the liquid to be pumped. A single shaft is driven by a motor and extends though all of the housings, and a plurality of rotors are respectively disposed in the housings and are connected to the shaft for rotation therewith. When the shaft is rotated, the rotors pump liquid passing into their corresponding housings from its inlet, through the housing and out its outlet.

Abstract: An internal diffuser on a diffuser stem is disposed in a bore of a rotary control valve for attenuating vibration in gas service or cavitation in liquid service. The valve has a valve body and a valve element, and the valve element is rotatable with respect to the internal diffuser. The internal diffuser can be rotatable or non-rotatable with respect to the valve body. The valve element has a valve stem, and the internal diffuser can be arranged coaxially with the valve stem, but this is not a necessary requirement. In one embodiment the internal diffuser is positioned in the bore of the valve element, and the diffuser stem is parallel with the valve stem and spaced laterally apart from it. In another embodiment the internal diffuser is located in the bore of the valve outside of the valve element in either an inlet or an outlet passage of the valve body. The diffuser stem has an axis which can be nonparallel with respect to the axis of the valve stem.