Abstract: Method and apparatus for sharing a SIM card between two masters. The invention may be embodied in so-called multi-mode radiotelephones that use SIM cards to store and access information. The multi-mode radiotelephone includes at least two master components and a single SIM card. The method and apparatus synchronizes and coordinates communications from either master component directly to the SIM card, thereby allowing a single SIM card to directly service two master components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for compensating for predicted meter drift is a positive displacement meter comprising a pulser connected to the meter for generating a pulse stream indicative of a current volume delivered through the meter; and a pulse processor in electronic communication with the pulse generator. The pulse processor adds or subtracts pulses indicative of the inverse of the predicted meter drift to or from the pulse stream to create a corrected pulse stream. The amount of inverse applied is determined by the value of the current cumulative volume passed by the meter.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a vehicle having a vapor recovery system having a fuel dispenser configured to deliver fuel to a fuel tank of a vehicle, a vapor recovery system operatively associated with the fuel dispenser having a vapor path for removing fuel vapor expelled from the fuel tank of the vehicle during a fueling operation, and a hydrocarbon vapor sensor associated with the vapor path for sensing the fuel vapors in the vapor path, wherein when the vapor sensor does not sense fuel vapor during the fueling operation, the fuel dispenser determines the vehicle contains an onboard vapor recovery system. Once a vehicle having an onboard vapor recovery system is detected, the vapor recovery system is either shut off or adjusted during the fueling operation to minimize fugitive emissions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel dispenser system capable of receiving a signal from a vehicle transponder. Upon receiving the transponder's signal, the dispenser determines the proximity of the vehicle relative to the dispenser, and preferably, a particular fueling position associated with that dispenser. Proximity is determined by measuring one or more characteristics of the signal received at an antenna associated with the dispenser. Generally, the strength or magnitude of the signal received at the antenna is the characteristic used to determine vehicle proximity. Multiple directionally sensitive antennas are used to correlate a vehicle at a unique fueling position. The controller is configured to receive a signal from the transponder indicative of the presence of an ORVR system on the vehicle. Depending on the sophistication of the communication link between the transponder and dispenser, the dispenser will control its vapor recovery system accordingly.

Abstract: A vapor recovery system used with fuel dispensers and having error detection capabilities incorporated therein for detecting vapor leaks and performance deficiencies in the vapor recovery system. The vapor recovery system includes a fuel nozzle connected to a fuel source for pumping fuel into a vehicle. A vapor transfer line is connected to the nozzle and has a connected pump which pumps fuel vapor from the nozzle through the vapor transfer line and into a vapor holding tank. A pair of test valves are connected in the vapor transfer line on opposite sides of the pump and are used to isolate selected sections of the vapor recovery system for test purposes. Connected between each test valve and pump is a pressure sensor for measuring pressure in the vapor transfer line. A digital processor is connected to the vapor recovery system to control the vapor recovery system and to place the vapor recovery system in various test modes.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser for delivering fuel along a fuel delivery path, a flow rate modulator in the fuel delivery path and a control system operatively associated with the flow rate modulator for regulating the rate of flow in the fuel delivery path during a fueling operation to achieve a flow-rate-dependent result. The precision fuel dispenser may further include a flow transducer in the fuel delivery path configured to provide a flow transducer signal representing a volume of fuel flow in the fuel delivery path to the control system.

Abstract: A mobile safety structure with separate compartments for containment and dling of hazardous materials which includes a roof assembly, a base assembly having a containment pan, right side and left side walls and front and rear walls with the front and right side walls having at least one door allowing for access to the interior of the structure. A removable grating is also included in the mobile safety structure which rest atop the base assembly. The removable grating allows the user of the structure to remove hazardous materials from the containment pan by use of a pump, and to visually inspect the containment pan for hazardous materials. There is positioned within the structure four upstanding interior walls which extend from the roof assembly through the floor to a bottom plate of the base assembly to form five separate compartments and associated containment pans within the mobile safety structure's interior. Each interior wall has a fire proof door which allows access between adjacent compartments.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a vehicle having a vapor recovery system having a fuel dispenser configured to deliver fuel to a fuel tank of a vehicle, a vapor recovery system operatively associated with the fuel dispenser having a vapor path for removing fuel vapor expelled from the fuel tank of the vehicle during a fueling operation, and a hydrocarbon vapor sensor associated with the vapor path for sensing the fuel vapors in the vapor path, wherein when the vapor sensor does not sense fuel vapor during the fueling operation, the fuel dispenser determines the vehicle contains an onboard vapor recovery system. Once a vehicle having an onboard vapor recovery system is detected, the vapor recovery system is either shut off or adjusted during the fueling operation to minimize fugitive emissions.

Abstract: A mobile safety structure for the storing and handling of containers of hrdous materials comprising multiple modular storage units. The modular storage units may be configured in tandem to form one embodiment of the modular mobile safety structure. In this configuration access between the interiors of adjacent modular storage units is provided by a bellows which is connected to and removable from a bellows support frame in a side wall of each modular storage unit. The modular storage units may also be configured in a stacked arrangement to form an alternate embodiment of the modular mobile safety structure. In this configuration access between the interiors of the stacked modular storage units is provided through an opening between units in the stack. A pull down safety ladder affixed to the roof assembly of all units except the top unit in the stack allows the user to gain access to each unit in the stack of modular storage units.

Abstract: A vapor recovery system used with a fuel dispenser and having capabilities incorporated therein for controlling the rate at which vapor is recovered. The vapor recovery system includes a fuel delivery line connected to a fuel nozzle, a vapor return line connected to the fuel nozzle, a vapor pump in the vapor return line, and a processor connected to the vapor pump. The processor controls the speed of the vapor pump and the vapor recovery rate by generating and directing vapor pump control signals to the vapor pump. The vapor pump control signals are generated by solving a vapor control function stored in a memory operatively connected to the processor. The vapor control function includes a dependent sub-function dependent on independent variables that affect the rate of vapor volume generated during a fueling operation. To solve the control function, the processor accesses solutions to the dependent sub-function via a look-up table containing pre-computed dependent values.

Abstract: A vapor recovery system used with a fuel dispenser and having capabilities incorporated therein for controlling the rate at which vapor is recovered. The vapor recovery system includes a fuel delivery line connected to a fuel nozzle, a vapor return line connected to the fuel nozzle, a vapor pump in the vapor return line, and a processor connected to the vapor pump. The processor controls the speed of the vapor pump and the vapor recovery rate by generating and directing vapor pump control signals to the vapor pump. The vapor pump control signals are generated by solving a vapor control function stored in a memory operatively connected to the processor. The vapor control function includes a dependent sub-function dependent on independent variables that affect the rate of vapor volume generated during a fueling operation. To solve the control function, the processor accesses solutions to the dependent subfunction via a look-up table containing pre-computed dependent values.

Abstract: A mobile safety structure for the storing and handling of containers of hrdous materials which comprises a secondary containment feature in the form of a base assembly having a containment pan. The base assembly also provides a framework for supporting a floor of removable grating which allows access to the containment pan. The mobile safety structure further comprises front, rear and side walls and a roof of very sturdy construction employing interior and outer surface steel panels supported by a generally rectangular shaped tubular steel framework for each wall and the roof of the mobile safety structure. There is sandwiched between the interior and outer surface steel panels of each wall a pair of gypsum boards and R-19 fiberglass insulation. The fiberglass installation allows the user of mobile safety structure to adapt the structure for use under varying climatic conditions, while the gypsum board provides the structure with at least a four hour fire rating.

Abstract: A side rebound panel designed for mounting at both sides of a table tennis table. The panel has a main section against which a ball is rebounded during play. A mounting section is connected by a fold line to the main section. The mounting section includes a base and angled portions which are folded to form laterally stabilizing tubular triangular struts. The mounting section also preferably has a distal portion which mounts a connector to secure the strut construction. Lateral stability sections extend downwardly from the main section to engage the side edges of the table.

Abstract: A vapor recovery system used with fuel dispensers and having error detection capabilities incorporated therein for detecting vapor leaks and performance deficiencies in the vapor recovery system. The vapor recovery system includes a fuel nozzle connected to a fuel source for pumping fuel into a vehicle. A vapor transfer line is connected to the nozzle and has a connected pump which pumps fuel vapor from the nozzle through the vapor transfer line and into a vapor holding tank. A pair of test valves are connected in the vapor transfer line on opposite sides of the pump and are used to isolate selected sections of the vapor recovery system for test purposes. Connected between each test valve and pump is a pressure sensor for measuring pressure in the vapor transfer line. A digital processor is connected to the vapor recovery system to control the vapor recovery system and to place the vapor recovery system in various test modes.

Abstract: A gasoline service station includes gasoline dispensers and a PIN pad including keypads for receiving personal identification numbers and assembled into a network for securely communicating personal identification numbers from the PIN pads and dispensers to a host computer over unsecured data lines. The PIN pads and dispensers each include means for encryption and outputting of personal identification numbers. A security module includes means for decryption of data associated with each PIN pad and dispenser in a process for the respective PIN pads and dispensers and means for encryption of data associated with the host computer in a process which is different from its decryption of data associated with the PIN pads and dispensers.

Abstract: A gasoline service station includes gasoline dispensers and a PIN pad including keypads for receiving personal identification numbers and assembled into a network for securely communicating personal identification numbers from the PIN pads and dispensers to a host computer over unsecured data lines. The PIN pads and dispensers each include means for encryption and outputting of personal identification numbers. A security module includes means for decryption of data associated with each PIN pad and dispenser in a process for the respective PIN pads and dispensers and means for encryption of data associated with the host computer in a process which is different from its decryption of data associated with the PIN pads and dispensers.

Abstract: Identification and extraction of hybrid, frequency-hopped direct sequence pseudo noise (FH/DS), signals from a multiband signal environment is effected by a sequential signal processing technique which examines the distribution of the energy content within a prescribed sub-spectrum window that is iteratively scanned or `slides` across the overall signal spectrum of interest. Based upon this energy content distribution, in particular the extent to which a sub-spectrum window contains energy that exhibits significant conjugate phase symmetry associated with a direct spread signal, the inventive signal processing technique proceeds to emphasize the spectral composition of components of which hybrid signals are comprised and to deemphasize the spectral composition of signals other than those contained in hybrid signals. Potential hybrid signal candidates whose spectral composition has been emphasized are then selectively combined with the deemphasized signals to isolate and identify the hybrid signals.

Abstract: A vapor recovery fuel dispenser includes a liquid fuel pump for pumping and blending liquid fuels from fuel reservoirs along a fuel delivery line to an outlet. A vapor pump returns fuel vapors from proximate the outlet along a vapor return line to a repository. An electric motor drives the pump in response to a signal. An electrically-activatable valve is provided in the vapor return line. A first sensor generates a first pulse train representative of the flow rate of the liquid fuel pump and a second sensor generates a second pulse train representative of the flow rate of the vapor pump.A controller is operably interposed between the liquid fuel pumps and the vapor pump. The controller monitors whether the liquid pumps are operating, whether the vapor pump motor is operating, and the electrical current to the vapor pump motor. It also outputs an electrical signal to open the valve when the motor or liquid fuel pump is operating and to close the valve when motor operation or liquid pumping is not detected.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing volatile liquid fuel with recovery of fuel vapors includes a fuel delivery system having a fuel delivery line and a pump in the line to pump fuel there-along to a nozzle. A vapor recovery subsystem includes a vapor return line from the nozzle and a vapor impulsion means to induce vapor to flow through the vapor return line at a vapor flow rate comparable to the liquid flow rate through the fuel delivery line during most of a fueling operation. A vapor impulsion booster boosts the vapor flow rate above the liquid flow rate early in a fueling operation.

Abstract: A modular containment structure adapted for the storage and handling of hrdous materials which is a rectangular shaped box like structure with exterior walls, a floor, a roof and a door for access to an internal portion of the structure. Included in the internal portion of the modular containment structure are modular shelving units for storage of the hazardous materials and a computer for maintaining an inventory of the materials stored within the structure.