Patents by Inventor Rick Fadler

Rick Fadler 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).

  • Patent number: 11274029
    Abstract: Described herein is a fuel authorization program that vehicles enrolled in the fuel authorization program to provide fuel tank sensor data in each fuel authorization request, so that an amount of fuel authorized will be limited to the amount needed to fill the vehicle's fuel tank, reducing a likelihood that fuel will be diverted. In at least some embodiments, the fuel authorization controller at the vehicle automatically uses the fuel tank sensor data and known tank size to include in a fuel authorization request sent to a fuel vendor data defining how much fuel is required to fill the vehicle fuel tanks. In at least some embodiments, the fuel vendor consults data from a source other than the vehicle (such as records maintained by the fuel authorization program) to determine how large the vehicles fuel tanks are, and to calculate how much fuel is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Zonar Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick Fadler, Charles Michael McQuade, Michael Charles King
  • Patent number: 10783730
    Abstract: A fuel authorization system enables data to be exchanged between vehicles and a fuel vendor, to verify that the vehicle is authorized to receive fuel. Each fuel island is equipped with a camera and a short range radio (RF) component. Participating vehicles are equipped with fuel authorization component including an IR transmitter and a RF component that can establish a data link with the fuel island's RF unit. When the camera senses a vehicle in the fuel lane, an RF query is sent to the vehicle. Participating vehicles respond with an IR transmission. An RF data link is then established between the enrolled vehicle and the fuel vendor to verify that the vehicle is authorized to receive fuel. Once the verification is complete, the fuel dispenser is enabled. In some embodiments, the IR data link is not required, as the camera can distinguish between multiple fuel lanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Zonar Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Michael McQuade, Rick Fadler
  • Patent number: 10489998
    Abstract: A fuel authorization system enables data to be exchanged between vehicles and a fuel vendor, to verify that the vehicle is authorized to receive fuel. Each fuel island is equipped with a camera and a short range radio (RF) component. Participating vehicles are equipped with fuel authorization component including an IR transmitter and a RF component that can establish a data link with the fuel island's RF unit. When the camera senses a vehicle in the fuel lane, an RF query is sent to the vehicle. Participating vehicles respond with an IR transmission. An RF data link is then established between the enrolled vehicle and the fuel vendor to verify that the vehicle is authorized to receive fuel. Once the verification is complete, the fuel dispenser is enabled. In some embodiments, the IR data link is not required, as the camera can distinguish between multiple fuel lanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: ZONAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Michael McQuade, Rick Fadler
  • Publication number: 20190177151
    Abstract: Described herein is a fuel authorization program that vehicles enrolled in the fuel authorization program to provide fuel tank sensor data in each fuel authorization request, so that an amount of fuel authorized will be limited to the amount needed to fill the vehicle's fuel tank, reducing a likelihood that fuel will be diverted. In at least some embodiments, the fuel authorization controller at the vehicle automatically uses the fuel tank sensor data and known tank size to include in a fuel authorization request sent to a fuel vendor data defining how much fuel is required to fill the vehicle fuel tanks. In at least some embodiments, the fuel vendor consults data from a source other than the vehicle (such as records maintained by the fuel authorization program) to determine how large the vehicles fuel tanks are, and to calculate how much fuel is required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2017
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Applicant: ZONAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: RICK FADLER, CHARLES MICHAEL MCQUADE, MICHAEL CHARLES KING
  • Patent number: 10306189
    Abstract: A fuel authorization system enables data to be exchanged between vehicles and a gated facility, to verify that the vehicle is authorized to enter the facility. The gated facility is equipped with a camera and a short-range radio (RF) component. Participating vehicles are equipped with fuel authorization component including a RF component that can establish a data link with the gated facility's RF unit. When the camera senses a vehicle in the fuel lane, an RF query is sent to the vehicle. Participating vehicles respond with an action perceivable by the camera. An RF data link is then established between the enrolled vehicle and the gated facility to verify that the vehicle is authorized to receive fuel. Once the verification is complete, the fuel dispenser is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: ZONAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Charles King, Rick Fadler, Charles Michael McQuade
  • Publication number: 20190139340
    Abstract: A fuel authorization system enables data to be exchanged between vehicles and a fuel vendor, to verify that the vehicle is authorized to receive fuel. Each fuel island is equipped with a camera and a short range radio (RF) component. Participating vehicles are equipped with fuel authorization component including an IR transmitter and a RF component that can establish a data link with the fuel island's RF unit. When the camera senses a vehicle in the fuel lane, an RF query is sent to the vehicle. Participating vehicles respond with an IR transmission. An RF data link is then established between the enrolled vehicle and the fuel vendor to verify that the vehicle is authorized to receive fuel. Once the verification is complete, the fuel dispenser is enabled. In some embodiments, the IR data link is not required, as the camera can distinguish between multiple fuel lanes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Applicant: ZONAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: CHARLES MICHAEL MCQUADE, RICK FADLER
  • Publication number: 20180035083
    Abstract: A fuel authorization system enables data to be exchanged between vehicles and a gated facility, to verify that the vehicle is authorized to enter the facility. The gated facility is equipped with a camera and a short-range radio (RF) component. Participating vehicles are equipped with fuel authorization component including a RF component that can establish a data link with the gated facility's RF unit. When the camera senses a vehicle in the fuel lane, an RF query is sent to the vehicle. Participating vehicles respond with an action perceivable by the camera. An RF data link is then established between the enrolled vehicle and the gated facility to verify that the vehicle is authorized to receive fuel. Once the verification is complete, the fuel dispenser is enabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: ZONAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: MICHAEL CHARLES KING, RICK FADLER, CHARLES MICHAEL MCQUADE
  • Patent number: 9881432
    Abstract: A fuel authorization system enables data to be exchanged between vehicles and a fuel vendor, to verify that the vehicle is authorized to receive fuel. Each fuel island is equipped with a camera and a short range radio (RF) component. Participating vehicles are equipped with fuel authorization component including an IR transmitter and a RF component that can establish a data link with the fuel island's RF unit. When the camera senses a vehicle in the fuel lane, an RF query is sent to the vehicle. Participating vehicles respond with an IR transmission. An RF data link is then established between the enrolled vehicle and the fuel vendor to verify that the vehicle is authorized to receive fuel. Once the verification is complete, the fuel dispenser is enabled. In some embodiments, the IR data link is not required, as the camera can distinguish between multiple fuel lanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: ZONAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Michael McQuade, Rick Fadler
  • Patent number: 9856129
    Abstract: Described herein is a fuel authorization program that vehicles enrolled in the fuel authorization program to provide fuel tank sensor data in each fuel authorization request, so that an amount of fuel authorized will be limited to the amount needed to fill the vehicle's fuel tank, reducing a likelihood that fuel will be diverted. In at least some embodiments, the fuel authorization controller at the vehicle automatically uses the fuel tank sensor data and known tank size to include in a fuel authorization request sent to a fuel vendor data defining how much fuel is required to fill the vehicle fuel tanks. In at least some embodiments, the fuel vendor consults data from a source other than the vehicle (such as records maintained by the fuel authorization program) to determine how large the vehicles fuel tanks are, and to calculate how much fuel is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Zonar Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Charles King, Rick Fadler, Charles Michael McQuade
  • Patent number: 9828233
    Abstract: Described herein is a fuel authorization program that vehicles enrolled in the fuel authorization program to provide fuel tank sensor data in each fuel authorization request, so that an amount of fuel authorized will be limited to the amount needed to fill the vehicle's fuel tank, reducing a likelihood that fuel will be diverted. In at least some embodiments, the fuel authorization controller at the vehicle automatically uses the fuel tank sensor data and known tank size to include in a fuel authorization request sent to a fuel vendor data defining how much fuel is required to fill the vehicle fuel tanks. In at least some embodiments, the fuel vendor consults data from a source other than the vehicle (such as records maintained by the fuel authorization program) to determine how large the vehicles fuel tanks are, and to calculate how much fuel is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: ZONAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Michael McQuade, Rick Fadler
  • Patent number: 9815681
    Abstract: Described herein is a fuel authorization program that requires data to be dynamically retrieved from a vehicle data bus during the fuel authorization process. This can be implemented using a smart cable that is installed in enrolled vehicles. The smart cable includes a housing suitable for commercial environments, a cable to logically couple the smart cable to the vehicle data bus, a second data link to be used to logically couple the smart cable to a fuel authorization “puck” in a vehicle, and a controller. The puck handles communication with the fuel vendor. The controller automatically implements the functions responding to a query from the puck received over the second data link by dynamically acquiring data from the vehicle data bus using the first data link, and conveying the data to the puck using the second data link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: ZONAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Michael McQuade, Rick Fadler
  • Patent number: 9805538
    Abstract: A fuel authorization program based on equipping fuel station, fuel pumps, and vehicles with components to enable automatic fuel authorization for enrolled vehicles. The program includes fuel pumps including a pump transmitting sensor that automatically emits a pump ID. As a vehicle pulls in next to the pump a vehicle coupling receiving sensor detects the pump ID signal and a proximity link is created. The vehicle sensor passes the pump ID via hardwire or Bluetooth to vehicle fuel authorization processor (which can be part of a telematics device). The vehicle processor transmits the pump ID (and any fuel authorization credentials needed, such as a PIN or VIN) via WI-FI to a Station processor for fuel vendor authorization. If approved, the pump is enabled. As the vehicle moves away the coupling sensor link is broken and the vehicle transmits a “disconnect” message via Wi-Fi and the pump is disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: ZONAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Michael McQuade, Rick Fadler, Ryan Schoelerman
  • Patent number: 9787950
    Abstract: A fuel authorization system enables data to be exchanged between vehicles and a fuel vendor, to verify that the vehicle is authorized to receive fuel. Each fuel island is equipped with a camera and a short range radio (RF) component. Participating vehicles are equipped with fuel authorization component including an IR transmitter and a RF component that can establish a data link with the fuel island's RF unit. When the camera senses a vehicle in the fuel lane, an RF query is sent to the vehicle. Participating vehicles respond with an IR transmission. An RF data link is then established between the enrolled vehicle and the fuel vendor to verify that the vehicle is authorized to receive fuel. Once the verification is complete, the fuel dispenser is enabled. In some embodiments, the IR data link is not required, as the camera can distinguish between multiple fuel lanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: ZONAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Charles King, Rick Fadler, Charles Michael McQuade
  • Publication number: 20170193502
    Abstract: A fuel authorization program based on equipping fuel station, fuel pumps, and vehicles with components to enable automatic fuel authorization for enrolled vehicles. The program includes fuel pumps including a pump transmitting sensor that automatically emits a pump ID. As a vehicle pulls in next to the pump a vehicle coupling receiving sensor detects the pump ID signal and a proximity link is created. The vehicle sensor passes the pump ID via hardwire or Bluetooth to vehicle fuel authorization processor (which can be part of a telematics device). The vehicle processor transmits the pump ID (and any fuel authorization credentials needed, such as a PIN or VIN) via WI-FI to a Station processor for fuel vendor authorization. If approved, the pump is enabled. As the vehicle moves away the coupling sensor link is broken and the vehicle transmits a “disconnect” message via Wi-Fi and the pump is disabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Applicant: ZONAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: CHARLES MICHAEL MCQUADE, RICK FADLER, RYAN SCHOELERMAN
  • Patent number: 9607464
    Abstract: A fuel authorization program based on equipping fuel station, fuel pumps, and vehicles with components to enable automatic fuel authorization for enrolled vehicles. The program includes fuel pumps including a pump transmitting sensor that automatically emits a pump ID. As a vehicle pulls in next to the pump a vehicle coupling receiving sensor detects the pump ID signal and a proximity link is created. The vehicle sensor passes the pump ID via hardwire or Bluetooth to vehicle fuel authorization processor (which can be part of a telematics device). The vehicle processor transmits the pump ID (and any fuel authorization credentials needed, such as a PIN or VIN) via WI-FI to a Station processor for fuel vendor authorization. If approved, the pump is enabled. As the vehicle moves away the coupling sensor link is broken and the vehicle transmits a “disconnect” message via Wi-Fi and the pump is disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: ZONAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Michael McQuade, Rick Fadler, Ryan Schoelerman
  • Publication number: 20170069152
    Abstract: A fuel authorization system enables data to be exchanged between vehicles and a fuel vendor, to verify that the vehicle is authorized to receive fuel. Each fuel island is equipped with a camera and a short range radio (RF) component. Participating vehicles are equipped with fuel authorization component including an IR transmitter and a RF component that can establish a data link with the fuel island's RF unit. When the camera senses a vehicle in the fuel lane, an RF query is sent to the vehicle. Participating vehicles respond with an IR transmission. An RF data link is then established between the enrolled vehicle and the fuel vendor to verify that the vehicle is authorized to receive fuel. Once the verification is complete, the fuel dispenser is enabled. In some embodiments, the IR data link is not required, as the camera can distinguish between multiple fuel lanes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Applicant: ZONAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: CHARLES MICHAEL MCQUADE, RICK FADLER
  • Publication number: 20140327778
    Abstract: A fuel authorization system enables data to be exchanged between vehicles and a fuel vendor, to verify that the vehicle is authorized to receive fuel. Each fuel island is equipped with a camera and a short range radio (RF) component. Participating vehicles are equipped with fuel authorization component including an IR transmitter and a RF component that can establish a data link with the fuel island's RF unit. When the camera senses a vehicle in the fuel lane, an RF query is sent to the vehicle. Participating vehicles respond with an IR transmission. An RF data link is then established between the enrolled vehicle and the fuel vendor to verify that the vehicle is authorized to receive fuel. Once the verification is complete, the fuel dispenser is enabled. In some embodiments, the IR data link is not required, as the camera can distinguish between multiple fuel lanes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: ZONAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: CHARLES MICHAEL MCQUADE, RICK FADLER
  • Publication number: 20140279535
    Abstract: An automated fuel authorization system equips refrigerated trailers with a reefer tag that implements the function of tracking run time data for a compressor in the refrigerated trailer that is responsible for refrigeration. The reefer tag automatically sends the run time data to a fuel vendor as part of an automated fuel authorization request. Based on the run time data, a known fuel tank size, and a normal fuel consumption rate for the compressor, the fuel vendor automatically determines an amount of fuel to authorize for dispensing into the fuel tank at the refrigerated trailer. If the fuel authorization request is approved, the fuel vendor automatically authorizes a fuel transaction for the amount of fuel so determined. An exemplary reefer tag includes a radio frequency data link for sharing the run time data. No run time data will be shared if the trailer is not coupled to a tractor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ZONAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: RICK FADLER
  • Publication number: 20140267741
    Abstract: A fuel authorization system enables data to be exchanged between vehicles and a fuel vendor, to verify that the vehicle is authorized to receive fuel. Each fuel island is equipped with a camera and a short range radio (RF) component. Participating vehicles are equipped with fuel authorization component including an IR transmitter and a RF component that can establish a data link with the fuel island's RF unit. When the camera senses a vehicle in the fuel lane, an RF query is sent to the vehicle. Participating vehicles respond with an IR transmission. An RF data link is then established between the enrolled vehicle and the fuel vendor to verify that the vehicle is authorized to receive fuel. Once the verification is complete, the fuel dispenser is enabled. In some embodiments, the IR data link is not required, as the camera can distinguish between multiple fuel lanes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ZONAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: MICHAEL CHARLES KING, RICK FADLER, CHARLES MICHAEL MCQUADE
  • Publication number: 20140263629
    Abstract: A fuel authorization program based on equipping fuel station, fuel pumps, and vehicles with components to enable automatic fuel authorization for enrolled vehicles. The program includes fuel pumps including a pump transmitting sensor that automatically emits a pump ID. As a vehicle pulls in next to the pump a vehicle coupling receiving sensor detects the pump ID signal and a proximity link is created. The vehicle sensor passes the pump ID via hardwire or Bluetooth to vehicle fuel authorization processor (which can be part of a telematics device). The vehicle processor transmits the pump ID (and any fuel authorization credentials needed, such as a PIN or VIN) via WI-FI to a Station processor for fuel vendor authorization. If approved, the pump is enabled. As the vehicle moves away the coupling sensor link is broken and the vehicle transmits a “disconnect” message via Wi-Fi and the pump is disabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ZONAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: CHARLES MICHAEL MCQUADE, RICK FADLER, RYAN SCHOELERMAN