Abstract: An apparatus and method is available for transferring data relating to the functioning of a fuel dispenser between a wireless device and the fuel dispenser. The wireless device activates a sensor on the fuel dispenser which in turn initiates the transfer of data between the wireless device and the fuel dispenser. The wireless device can download data from the fuel dispenser for review as well as modifying the data. If the operator of the wireless device modifies the data, the operator can upload the modified data to the fuel dispenser.

Abstract: An agent facility monitors and performs management tasks on the fuel dispenser positions of a refueling environment. The agent facility collects event information including dispenser component data, performs diagnostic operations on the component data, and executes maintenance operations according to the results of the diagnostic tests. The diagnostic procedure manipulates event-specific variable information and then employs a rule-based evaluation procedure that applies the manipulated variable information to specific rules associated with the detected event. These rules involve a comparative analysis relative to predetermined reference measures. The rules are implemented in a programmable event table having plural records each associated with a respective event.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for transferring data relating to the functioning of a fuel dispenser between a wireless device and the fuel dispenser. The wireless device activates a sensor on the fuel dispenser which in turn initiates the transfer of data between the wireless device and the fuel dispenser. The wireless device can download data from the fuel dispenser for review as well as modifying the data. If the operator of the wireless device modifies the data, the operator can upload the modified data to the fuel dispenser.

Abstract: A refueling environment includes a fuel dispenser position having an intercom system that comprises a speaker unit and a microphone unit. The dispenser microphone unit includes an array of directional microphones defining an acoustic coverage pattern tailored to receive voice communications uttered by a customer. A voice-activatable fuel dispenser controller may receive voice-based command signals from the dispenser microphone unit. A POS terminal in the refueling environment includes an intercom system having a speaker unit and a microphone unit. The POS microphone unit includes an array of directional microphones defining an acoustic coverage pattern configured to receive voice communications uttered by a station operator. A packet-based data network provides a communications link between the dispenser intercom system and POS intercom system to establish a voice connection therebetween that supports a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) format.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser environment includes multiple dispenser positions each configured with at least one application module configured to perform various dispenser and transaction related functions. Each application module includes at least one processor configured with an Extensible Markup Language (XML) signal processing capability enabling it to perform various processing tasks. The XML processor can process input data objects acquired from the fuel dispenser environment and generate corresponding XML documents that incorporate the input data. These XML files may be exchanged with other local applications or communicated over a network connection to a remote server application. The XML processor can also process input XML documents and retrieve the data objects contained therein. These retrieved data objects may then be used as inputs to the fuel dispenser environment. In particular, these data objects are provided in a native format compatible with the dispenser devices.

Abstract: A digital intercom system is integrally provided at each dispenser position of a refueling environment. Each intercom system is enabled for communications with a packet-based network disposed at the service station site. The site operator terminal is similarly equipped with an intercom system that is enabled for communications with the packet-based network, thereby permitting voice communications between the operator terminal and customer. The network is connected to a packet-based network such as a WAN, Internet, or Intranet disposed apart from the refueling site. Remote facilities may access the refueling environment by connecting to the network. In one form, the WAN includes the Internet, the LAN supports Internet Protocol (IP), ATM protocol, or frame relay protocol communications, and both the operator terminal intercom system and the various dispenser intercom systems are so enabled.