Patents by Inventor Francis C. Williams

Francis C. Williams has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20160321655
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus for use in a retail fueling environment comprises a processor and associated memory, as well as a display. A communication portal operative to communicate with a remote support service when desired is also provided. The processor implements software allowing access to the electronic apparatus by the remote support service only when the remote support service presents a substantially random credential generated on as needed basis at the electronic apparatus. For example, credential may be a password shown on the display of the electronic apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: Francis C. Williams, JR., James E. Kelly, JR., Andrew R. Pearce, Michael J. Symonds
  • Patent number: 9147189
    Abstract: A system, device, and method for generating and transmitting secure reports or documents in a retail environment or payment system comprising both secure and unsecure portions, where users of the unsecure portions may require access to sensitive information stored by the secure portions for various purposes, such as reporting, accounting, or reconciliation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventors: James Kelly, Francis C. Williams, Michael Symonds
  • Publication number: 20110047081
    Abstract: A system, device, and method for generating and transmitting secure reports or documents in a retail environment or payment system comprising both secure and unsecure portions, where users of the unsecure portions may require access to sensitive information stored by the secure portions for various purposes, such as reporting, accounting, or reconciliation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: James Kelly, Francis C. Williams, Michael Symonds
  • Patent number: 7201315
    Abstract: An improved service station car wash system. A car wash kiosk is coupled to the fuel dispenser communication loop in the forecourt of the service station so that the car wash kiosk appears to the service station controller just as a fuel dispenser would. The car wash kiosk sends a car wash request over the fuel dispenser communication loop to the service station site controller. The service station controller handles any payment processing needed, as it would for payment entered at a fuel dispenser, and in turn communicates such request to a car wash controller for initiation of a car wash. The service station site controller is able to communicate to the car wash kiosk in a similar manner as communication occurs with a fuel dispenser, thereby making the functionality present in the service station controller for fuel dispenser applicable and reusable for a car wash kiosk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Symonds, Francis C. Williams
  • Publication number: 20040079799
    Abstract: An improved service station car wash system. A car wash kiosk is coupled to the fuel dispenser communication loop in the forecourt of the service station so that the car wash kiosk appears to the service station controller just as a fuel dispenser would. The car wash kiosk sends a car wash request over the fuel dispenser communication loop to the service station site controller. The service station controller handles any payment processing needed, as it would for payment entered at a fuel dispenser, and in turn communicates such request to a car wash controller for initiation of a car wash. The service station site controller is able to communicate to the car wash kiosk in a similar manner as communication occurs with a fuel dispenser, thereby making the functionality present in the service station controller for fuel dispenser applicable and reusable for a car wash kiosk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Michael J. Symonds, Francis C. Williams