Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for generating electrical pulses in response to rotation of a shaft. The apparatus incorporates an internal optical disc carried by a hub assembly attached to the operating shaft, with the hub assembly having a beveled bearing surface at one end thereof for engaging a similarly beveled surface of the apparatus housing, and biasing means for biasing the hub assembly toward said housing beveled surface to compensate for mechanical wear and to also minimize erratic movement of the optical disc. The combination of a light emitting diode and photo-transistor generate electrical signals in response to the blocking and transmitting of light through radially oriented opaque segments of the disc during rotation. The light emitting diodes and photo-transistors are retained by receptacles which snap fit within cooperating apertures of the housing.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling the operation of a plurality of fluid dispensers, such as gasoline pumps or the like in a self-service gasoline station is disclosed. The system includes an operating console that may be located in a station building and has electronic displays, dispenser selecting push buttons and a keyboard including numeric and functional switches, all of which an operator can use to control the operation of the system. A mode select switch permits operation of the system in various modes, selected ones of which permit an operator to obtain various period totals of both volume and cost, to control normal postpay or prepay dispensing transactions, check inventory as well as set or reset the cost per volumetric unit, among other operations. The system can include electronic displays at the gasoline pump and permit price setting of the fluid product from the console.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for generating electrical pulses in response to rotation of a shaft. The apparatus incorporates an internal optical disc carried by a hub assembly attached to the operating shaft, with the hub assembly having a beveled bearing surface at one end thereof for engaging a similarly beveled surface of the apparatus housing, and biasing means for biasing the hub assembly toward said housing beveled surface to compensate for mechanical wear and to also minimize erratic movement of the optical disc. The combination of a light emitting diode and photo-transistor generate electrical signals in response to the blocking and transmitting of light through radially oriented opaque segments of the disc during rotation. The light emitting diodes and photo-transistors are retained by receptacles which snap fit within cooperating apertures of the housing.

Abstract: A battery backup system provides DC power to a data processing system in the event of an AC power failure. A preferred embodiment supplies DC power from a plurality of series-connected batteries at a voltage level sufficient to operate a data processor. After a time delay, the batteries are connected in parallel to provide DC power at a lower voltage level sufficient to maintain information stored in a memory.