Abstract: A ladder or a retrofit kit for a ladder specially designed for a safe ascent onto and descent from a roof top. Two swing arms are mounted on the outside of the ladder rails near the top rung of the ladder. The swing arms are normally in a storage position along side the rails. The arms can be pivoted and locked in an upright or nearly upright position, forming handles to hold as a user walks through the arms and onto the roof. Each arm can have a non-slip grip covering at least half of the arm beginning at it's free end. Additionally, a swing plate is pivotally attached to the top rung. With the top rung just above the level of the roof edge, the plate or step can be pivoted over and onto the roof to create a safe step at the top of the ladder. The swing arms and safety step can be incorporated into a quick and easy to install retrofit kit which could be temporarily or permanently attached to most ladders.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preventing fraudulent acquisition of private transaction information associated with customer input at a fuel dispenser are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a fuel dispenser includes a hose and nozzle combination that receives fuel to dispense to the customer's vehicle. The fuel dispenser includes a user interface having a display and a virtual keypad that is adapted to receive customer input associated with a transaction at the fuel dispenser. The fuel dispenser also includes a control system coupled to the user interface and adapted to determine when customer input is required for the transaction, activate the virtual keypad to facilitate entry of the customer input, receive the customer input from the virtual keypad, deactivate the virtual keypad after the customer input is received, and process the transaction based upon the received customer input.

Abstract: A manifold for distributing fuel within a fuel distribution system that is convertible between a multi-hose output design and a single hose output design. The manifold includes a main housing, and a plurality of ports connected with the main housing for inputting and outputting fuel. The ports are selectively positionable between an open position to allow the fuel to pass through the port, and a closed position to prevent fuel to pass through the port. A cover is positioned on the main housing for selectively directing the flow of the fuel through the main housing.

Abstract: An improved fuel dispenser actuator includes a flap in a nozzle support such that the nozzle engages the flap when the nozzle is put into the dispenser housing and not in use. The resulting movement of the flap moves a magnet on the flap out of proximity to a reed switch, thereby opening a circuit and disabling the dispensing of fuel.

Abstract: In a unitized door construction for fuel dispensers, a molded door panel hinged at one edge to selectively provide access to the safe zone in which are housed all electronics, lamps, one or more customer communication devices, and, in some embodiments, even meter encoders and/or the electromechanical portion of the fuel valves. The nozzle boot(s) and nozzle cradle seat(s) are molded integrally into the surface of the door panel. One or more smaller access panels in the upper portion of the door panel allow separate and selective access through the larger door panel to the credit card reader, receipt printer, cash depository, and attendant key pad, as well as providing security for the large door panel. A unique hinge arrangement allows the hinge to be located internally of the external periphery of the door panel and then the door to be moved rearwardly upon closure to effect the final sealing thereof.

Abstract: A gasoline dispenser system includes a housing with a first enclosure providing a safe area for mounting electrical apparatus, a second enclosure providing a hazaradous area for mounting fuel carrying apparatus, an air gap vapor barrier separating the first and second enclosures, at least one bifurcated electromechanical valve for controlling gasoline flow, having a solenoid winding mounted within the first enclosure, and a valve body mounted within the second enclosure, with a control rod connected from the solenoid winding, through the air gap, to a plunger or control device within the valve body, and with an elastomeric seal about the control rod for secondary sealing where it enters the second enclosure, for substantially preventing gasoline fumes from escaping from the second enclosure into the air gap.