Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel dispensing system for setting transaction parameters in association with a remote communications unit. This system will include wireless or radio communications electronics adapted to receive signals from remote communications units, a transaction interface for carrying out transactions, and a control system and associated memory operating in conjunction with the communications electronics and a transaction interface. The control system is adapted to receive indicia from a remote communications unit and control the transaction at the transaction interface involving the remote communications unit according to predefined parameters associated with the remote communications unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method allowing customers to conduct a remote banking transaction at a fuel dispenser, including obtaining cash in association with the transaction at the dispenser or a common terminal in the dispenser forecourt. The system may include a cash dispenser at the dispenser, fueling position, or the central terminal, or, alternatively, a delivery system configured to deliver cash from a central location to the customer at the dispenser, fueling position, or central terminal. During a transaction for purchasing fuel or other products associated with the service station, a customer is provided an opportunity to conduct a remote banking transaction. Providing a customer the opportunity to conduct such a transaction in association with a dispenser transaction will attract more customers to the station because of convenience as well as provide customers with more disposable cash to spend at the associated quick-serve restaurants and convenience store.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel dispensing system comprising a fuel dispenser associated with a control system adapted to detect a drive-off when fuel is delivered and not paid for, and generate a drive-off signal when a drive-off condition is detected. A receiver is associated with the control system and adapted to receive signals including identification indicia from a remote communications unit associated with the customer. A transmitter associated with the control system is adapted to transmit the drive-off signal to the remote communications unit. The drive-off signal is adapted to cause the remote communications unit to take measures to prevent future transactions involving that customer, and, in particular, the remote communications unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel dispensing apparatus and method for blending at least one blended fuel using a single meter both the blended fuel and the blend components. The invention includes an apparatus for dispensing a blended fuel that includes first and second valves in fluid communication with a low octane blend component and a high octane blend component respectively. A meter is in fluid communication with the first and second valves for generating a signal indicative of the volume of the blended fuel dispensed from the apparatus. The invention further includes a real time octane sensor in fluid communication with the blended fuel for generating an output signal indicative of the octane level of the blended fuel. A blend controller receives the octane sensor output signal and generates output control signals to the first and second control valves to maintain the blended product octane level at a predetermined level or within a predetermined range.

Abstract: The present invention is a fueling system for automatically providing predefined customer preferences during a fueling operation. These preferences are typically selected by a customer and associated with a remote communication unit, such as a transponder, that is issued to the customer. The preferences may be modified during a fueling transaction. During a fueling transaction, the transponder transmits information that a fueling system uses to automatically provide select information to the customer according to the predefined preferences. As such, the customer associated with the transponder does not have to select information during the transaction that he or she desires. Further, the invention provides for preventing the presentation of select information according to the predefined preferences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing a blended fuel including first and second real time octane sensors in fluid communication with sources of low and high octane blend components. The sensors generate an output signal indicative of the octane level of each component. The apparatus also includes first and second flow control valves in fluid communication with the first and second octane sensors respectively for independently controlling the flow rates of the low level and high level blend components. The invention further includes first and second meters in fluid communication with first and second flow control valves respectively for generating a signal indicative of the flow rates of the first and second blend components. The meters discharge to a blend manifold for mixing the blending components.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing installation that includes first and second fuel tanks containing first and second fuels of different octane levels. The tanks are provided with first and second octane level sensors mounted in the first and second fuel tanks respectively for measuring fuel octane levels and generating output signals indicative of the octane levels of the first and second fuels. Conduits from the first and second tanks transport the fuel to one or more fuel dispensers. The fuel dispensers include a blending system for blending the first and second fuels to form at least one blended fuel having an intermediate octane. A site controller in electronic communication with the blending system receives the output signals and controls the blending system to permit the dispensing of one or more blended fuels based on the measured octane levels of the first and second fuels.