Patents by Inventor Russel D. Leatherman
Russel D. Leatherman 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).
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Publication number: 20090222131Abstract: The invention relates to an interactive fuel dispenser system having a plurality of fuel dispensers operating in conjunction with a local server. Each dispenser generally has two fueling positions, each with a graphical user interface through which a customer interacts. In contrast with efforts to turn fuel dispensers into super computers, applicants' provide a dispenser architecture that need only be sufficient to establish interactivity with a server to create multimedia applications and carry out POS functions with a browser interface. Each fueling position acts as a client of a local server at the fuel station store. In the preferred embodiment, each fueling position client also may access remote servers connected to the same network in which the fueling position clients and the local server are connected. Preferably, this network is connected to the Worldwide Web of the Internet.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2009Publication date: September 3, 2009Inventors: Russel D. Leatherman, William C. Royal, JR.
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Patent number: 7546251Abstract: The invention relates to an interactive fuel dispenser system having a plurality of fuel dispensers operating in conjunction with a local server. Each dispenser generally has two fueling positions, each with a graphical user interface through which a customer interacts. In contrast with the recent trend in turning fuel dispensers into super computers, applicants' provide a dispenser architecture that need only be sufficient to establish interactivity with a server to create multimedia applications and carry out POS functions with a browser interface. Each fueling position acts as a client of a local server at the fuel station store. In the preferred embodiment, each fueling position client also may access remote servers connected to the same network in which the fueling position clients and the local server are connected. Preferably, this network is or is connected to the Worldwide Web of the Internet.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2000Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Gibarco, Inc.Inventors: Russel D. Leatherman, William C. Royal, Jr.
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Publication number: 20080319585Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In one implementation, an expansion module is provided that includes a microcontroller capable of sending and receiving data communications to and from a main microcontroller of the controller that executed irrigation programs, the data communications relating to an irrigation program.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2008Publication date: December 25, 2008Applicant: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, Andrew M. Nguyen, Susan E. Basch, Sergio R. Perez Araujo, Jose Macias Galarza, Bill Merkt, Adam A. Dunford
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Patent number: 7444207Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In one implementation, an expansion module is provided that includes a microcontroller capable of sending and receiving data communications to and from the a main microcontroller of the controller that executed irrigation programs, the data communications relating to an irrigation program.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2004Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, Jose Macias Galarza, Bill Merkt, Adam A. Dunford, Andrew M. Nguyen, Susan E. Basch, Sergio R. Perez Araujo
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Patent number: 6741909Abstract: The invention relates to an interactive fuel dispenser system having a plurality of fuel dispensers operating in conjunction with a local server. Each dispenser generally has two fueling positions, each with a graphical user interface through which a customer interacts. In contrast with the recent trend in turning fuel dispensers into super computers, applicants' provide a dispenser architecture that need only be sufficient to establish interactivity with a server to create multimedia applications and carry out POS functions with a browser interface. Each fueling position acts as a client of a local server at the fuel station store. In the preferred embodiment, each fueling position client also may access remote servers connected to the same network in which the fueling position clients and the local server are connected. Preferably, this network is or is connected to the Worldwide Web of the Internet.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2001Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.Inventors: Russel D. Leatherman, William C. Royal, Jr.
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Patent number: 6681814Abstract: A fuel dispenser contains a vapor sensor in the non-hazardous electronics chamber. The vapor sensor is operatively connected to a power interlock. When hydrocarbon vapors exceed a predetermined threshold in the electronics chamber, power is decoupled from the electronics in the electronics chamber to prevent explosions. The power interlock may further decouple power from the entire fuel dispenser. The detection of hydrocarbon vapors may also be communicated to another system including a remote location.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2002Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.Inventors: Jack F. Bartlett, Howard M. Myers, Russel D. Leatherman
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Publication number: 20040011421Abstract: A fuel dispenser contains a vapor sensor in the non-hazardous electronics chamber. The vapor sensor is operatively connected to a power interlock. When hydrocarbon vapors exceed a predetermined threshold in the electronics chamber, power is decoupled from the electronics in the electronics chamber to prevent explosions. The power interlock may further decouple power from the entire fuel dispenser. The detection of hydrocarbon vapors may also be communicated to another system including a remote location.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2002Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventors: Jack F. Bartlett, Howard M. Myers, Russel D. Leatherman
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Publication number: 20010018627Abstract: The invention relates to an interactive fuel dispenser system having a plurality of fuel dispensers operating in conjunction with a local server. Each dispenser generally has two fueling positions, each with a graphical user interface through which a customer interacts. In contrast with the recent trend in turning fuel dispensers into super computers, applicants' provide a dispenser architecture that need only be sufficient to establish interactivity with a server to create multimedia applications and carry out POS functions with a browser interface. Each fueling position acts as a client of a local server at the fuel station store. In the preferred embodiment, each fueling position client also may access remote servers connected to the same network in which the fueling position clients and the local server are connected. Preferably, this network is or is connected to the Worldwide Web of the Internet.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2001Publication date: August 30, 2001Inventors: Russel D. Leatherman, William C. Royal
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Patent number: 6275746Abstract: The invention relates to an interactive fuel dispenser system having a plurality of fuel dispensers operating in conjunction with a local server. Each dispenser generally has two fueling positions, each with a graphical user interface through which a customer interacts. In contrast with the recent trend in turning fuel dispensers into super computers, applicants' provide a dispenser architecture that need only be sufficient to establish interactivity with a server to create multimedia applications and carry out POS functions with a browser interface. Each fueling position acts as a client of a local server at the fuel station store. In the preferred embodiment, each fueling position client also may access remote servers connected to the same network in which the fueling position clients and the local server are connected. Preferably, this network is or is connected to the Worldwide Web of the Internet.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2000Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Assignee: Marconi Commerce Systems Inc.Inventors: Russel D. Leatherman, William C. Royal, Jr.
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Patent number: 6219543Abstract: A handheld energy detection diagnostic device for detecting and measuring high frequency energy comprising a pick-up or antenna mechanism coupled to electronics circuitry to receive and evaluate RF energy characteristics being emitted from an RF transmission source. Based upon the level of received energy and the level of expected energy, the device presents a ratio to a technician indicating a degree of performance currently being experienced at a particular device. Diagnostic data is also obtained to indicate to a technician the field geometry of the system being tested. The device is small enough to be handheld and included with a technician's standard set of tools.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1998Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Inventors: Howard M. Myers, Russel D. Leatherman
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Patent number: 6052629Abstract: The invention relates to an interactive fuel dispenser system having a plurality of fuel dispensers operating in conjunction with a local server. Each dispenser generally has two fueling positions, each with a graphical user interface through which a customer interacts. In contrast with efforts to turn fuel dispensers into super computers, applicants' provide a dispenser architecture that need only be sufficient to establish interactivity with a server to create multimedia applications and carry out POS functions with a browser interface. Each fueling position acts as a client of a local server at the fuel station store. In the preferred embodiment, each fueling position client also may access remote servers connected to the same network in which the fueling position clients and the local server are connected. Preferably, this network is connected to the Worldwide Web of the Internet.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1997Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.Inventors: Russel D. Leatherman, William C. Royal, Jr.
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Patent number: 5734851Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing fuel at a retail site includes a fuel dispenser having a raster-scannable display of information to a customer. A circuit generates graphics information concerning transactions for display on the raster-scannable display. A video signal source supplies video signals to the fuel dispenser to be displayed on the raster-scannable display, and the fuel dispenser circuit means is capable of selectively directing graphics information concerning transactions or video signals or a combination of them to the raster-scannable display.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 1997Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.Inventors: Russel D. Leatherman, Walter L. Baker, III
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Patent number: 5719781Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing fuel at a retail site includes a fuel dispenser having a raster-scannable display of information to a customer, a first circuit to generate graphics information concerning fueling data for display on the raster-scannable display, a second circuit to generate user prompts for display on the raster-scannable display, a video signal source supplying video signals to the fuel dispenser to be displayed on the raster-scannable display, and a third circuit to direct fueling data from the first circuit, user prompts from the second circuit and video signals from the video signal source selectively to the raster-scannable display.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1995Date of Patent: February 17, 1998Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.Inventors: Russel D. Leatherman, Walter L. Baker, III
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Patent number: 4876653Abstract: A system for blending low and high octane gasoline includes independent flow paths for each fuel between a supply source and a composite blend manifold and nozzle assembly, with the rate of flow of fuel in each flow path being under individual closed loop control, under an algorithm for comparing the ratio of the actual accumulated volumes of the low octane to the high octane fuel, relative to a statistically determined ratio of the ideal volume of said low to high octane fuel for the total actual accumulated volume of the sum of the volumes of the fuels at a given time, for providing a perfect blend relative to a preselected blend ratio.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1987Date of Patent: October 24, 1989Inventors: John S. McSpadden, Russel D. Leatherman, Harold R. Young