Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for determining product use by acoustically sensing actuations of product dispensers to determine how much product remains, and, optionally, alert a provider when low product states exist.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing unit for refueling vehicles is provided that in one embodiment includes a base module containing dispensing hydraulics, an electronics module for controlling a fuel dispensing unit and having a user interface, a nozzle module for holding at least one nozzle for dispensing fuel from a fuel reservoir, a column module, and a top module. The electronics module is arranged above of the base module, the nozzle module is arranged above the base module, the column module is arranged above the nozzle module and the top module is arranged above the column module. Also provided is a method for assembling such a fuel dispensing unit.

Abstract: A portable personal dispenser assembly comprising a combination of a dispenser and a communication enabled, portable handheld pocket-sized, personal computer in which the pocket-sized personal computer performs compliance monitoring of use of the dispenser and preferably controls and powers the use of the dispenser.

Abstract: In combination a fluid dispenser for dispensing fluid and a sound sensing mechanism remote from the fluid dispenser, the fluid dispenser dispensing fluid when activated, the fluid dispenser including a sound generator which generates a sound when the fluid dispenser is activated, the sound sensing mechanism separate from and spaced from the fluid dispenser, the sound sensing mechanism including a sound sensor to sense the sound generated by the sound generator, the sound sensing mechanism including a communication system to transmit data representative of the sound sensed by the sound generator.

Abstract: A method includes determining whether an object is sensed by a sensor, dispensing a product responsive to determining that the object has been sensed, setting an object clear time value to a first value, setting a first timer to a first time period and starting the timer, starting a second timer with the set object clear time, determining whether the first timer has expired, determining whether an object is sensed by the sensor responsive to determining that the first timer has not expired, determining whether the second timer has expired responsive to determining that an object is not sensed by the sensor, setting the first timer to a second time period and starting the first timer responsive to determining that the second timer has expired.

Abstract: A hand sanitizer dispenser and/or system may include a means for dispensing hand sanitizer. It may also include a microprocessor adapted to control electronic components of the hand sanitizer dispenser. A counter may communicate with the dispensing means and may count actuation events thereof. They dispenser and/or system may also include a means for identifying a user of the dispenser, and may be adapted to correlate actuation events with a user and record the data in a data storage means. The dispenser and/or system may also include a data port which may be in communication with a remote computer, and may communicate data recorded by the dispenser to the remote computer.

Abstract: A storage dispensing unit provides for storage of a granular bulk material in a hermetic storage container. The granular material is held in a storage container which feeds a dispensing section. The dispensing section selectively dispenses the ingredient downward to a base, which optionally includes a weighting tray of a scale. The ingredient is dispensed by weight. The storage dispensing unit may also include a display and keypad for entry of a desired quantity of ingredient to be dispensed, and optionally which of plural ingredients to be dispensed. A controller can convert a requested volumetric measure to an equivalent weight measure, and dispense by weight in place of volume. The storage dispensing unit further optionally includes pressure control on the storage container, i.e., vacuum, an maintains a hermetic seal when not actively dispensing. Optionally, temperature may also be controlled to enhance the shelf life of the stored ingredient.

Abstract: This application generally relates to systems and methods for authenticating a bulk quantity of a consumable product with a corresponding product. More specifically, the invention associates a bulk quantity of the consumable product with a product parameter such as a consumption rate of the consumable product within the corresponding product; provides and authorizes a key and/or reader with the bulk quantity and consumption rate data to a specific corresponding product wherein the bulk quantity and consumption rate data are correlated to a maximum consumption quantity value; monitoring consumption of the consumable product within the corresponding product until the maximum consumption quantity value is reached; and providing an event output to the corresponding product when the maximum consumption quantity value is realized.

Abstract: In combination a fluid dispenser for dispensing fluid and a sound sensing mechanism remote from the fluid dispenser, the fluid dispenser dispensing fluid when activated, the fluid dispenser including a sound generator which generates a sound when the fluid dispenser is activated, the sound sensing mechanism separate from and spaced from the fluid dispenser, the sound sensing mechanism including a sound sensor to sense the sound generated by the sound generator, the sound sensing mechanism including a communication system to transmit data representative of the sound sensed by the sound generator.

Abstract: A remote adjustable fuel dispenser for dispenser diagnostics and remote telecommunication. The fuel dispenser contains a remote communication system for communication between the fuel dispenser and a remote telecommunication device. A wireless input device, such as a keyboard, mouse, or hand-held computer is in wireless communication with a fuel dispenser for use during fuel dispenser diagnostics.

Abstract: A removably attachable automatic squeeze bottle utilization cycle counting device comprises a squeeze bottle, a nozzle, a removable nozzle cap for isolating the nozzle from the outside environment and a hinged mechanism which attaches onto the squeeze bottle and nozzle in a removable manner. This mechanism locates the nozzle cap relative to the nozzle and indicates the number of times the nozzle cap has been removed or replaced in a given cycle. The mechanism comprises upper and lower clips for removably attaching the mechanism to the bottle and nozzle cap, a rotatable part, a set of symbols, an indicator and mechanical means for indexing the rotatable part. Each time the nozzle cap is removed, or each time it is replaced, the rotatable part is automatically indexed to the next sequential position.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser is disclosed. The fuel dispenser has a housing which contains two chambers, one contains a computer and the other the hydraulic parts of the dispenser. Fiber optic cables connect a fiber optic switch which detects the cradling of a nozzle to a computer, and other fiber optic cables connected to a pulser signal the flow of fuel in the meter of the dispenser to the computer. The computer controls a liquid crystal display which prompts the customer to actuate keys on a keyboard adjacent to the display. A pivotal boot supported by a horizontal shaft receives the nozzle. This boot pivots to permit better access to the hydraulic area of the housing. The shaft, itself, is rotatable to actuate a switch to indicate, through fiber optic cable, to the computer that the nozzle is stored and to shut down pumping. A fiber optic pulser feeds light signals to the computer for indicating the flow of fuel through the meter.

Abstract: An automatic squeeze-bottle utilization cycle counting device in the form of a squeeze bottle, a bottle cap having a nozzle attached to the squeeze bottle and a removable nozzle cap hinged to the bottle cap for isolating the nozzle from the outside environment. An indicating mechanism indicates the number of times the nozzle cap has been removed and replaced is provided in the form of a rotatable part rotatably attached to the bottle cap, a set of symbols on the rotatable part, a window in the nozzle cap for sequential indication of the symbols and cooperating ratchet elements on the rotatable part and the nozzle cap for indexing the rotatable part. The device provides positive positioning of the nozzle cap and allows tracking of compliance with a prescribed regimen which includes using the contents of the squeeze-bottle, while decreasing the risk of contamination of the nozzle and the contents of the bottle.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser for installation in a service station equipped with a dispenser control console includes a housing, a pump to pump fuel through the housing, a fuel flow meter in the housing, a switch actuable to indicate fuel is to be pumped through the housing, a display on the housing to display the amount of fuel pumped through the housing, and a dispenser control. The dispenser control includes a plurality of microcontroller nodes and a communications bus connecting the microcontroller nodes. A first node is associated with the switch, pump and fuel flow meter, a second node is associated with the display, and a third node is associated with a data link to the dispenser control console.

Abstract: Equipment is provided to solve the problem of affording information, in connection with dispensing of beverage from a pressurized keg via a tap controlled with a tap handle, about the level of beverage remaining in the keg. Preferably, the tap handle is caused to contain a power source, a position-sensitive switch, a microprocessor containing a timer, a reset associated with the microprocessor to be activated when a new keg is started, a device for causing the microprocessor to accumulate an aggregate amount of time since the reset was most recently activated, and a display or output responsive to the microprocessor to give signals (clock-face-style display, digital and/or alphanumeric display, or in some aspects of the invention, a flashing light or even simply an audible signal) to let the user know what the level of liquid in the keg is or that it has reached a point near to the end of the quarter-barrel or half-barrel keg now in use.

Abstract: An apparatus for bulk dispensing of liquids from a reservoir includes a pump connected to the reservoir for pumping liquid from the reservoir, a dispensing structure connected to the pump for dispensing the pumped liquid and a measuring structure for measuring an amount of liquid being dispensed.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing unit has a structure providing a plurality of dispensing hoses on each of two sides for dispensing one or more kinds of fuel. The unit has a closed cabinet in its lower portion containing the fuel handling equipment and a pair of vertical hollow end standards, one on each of the opposite ends of the cabinet. A trough interconnects the tops of the standards leaving an open space between the trough and cabinet in which a display unit is mounted to display information on price, volume, etc. All fuel handling equipment is confined to the cabinet, one end standard and the trough. All electrical and microprocessor facilities are confined to the other standard and are sealed from the cabinet, trough and the one end standard.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system comprises a supply of liquid (121), a pump (101), a meter (161) and a plurality of dispensing points or stations, (181) each controlled by a solenoid valve (201). A control box (281) monitors the meter and controls by electronic apparatus which station is enabled (that is, which solenoid valve (201) is opened) and displays on a display (261) provided a reading derived from the meter. In one embodiment, selection of a station (181) is effected at the control box but the invention also provides electronic apparatus enabling selection to be effected at each station. The invention does away with the need for a meter at each station and finds application in the dispensing of oil or the like in garage workshops.

Abstract: An upright tubular housing is divided into a lower compartment, a central compartment and an upper compartment by horizontal partition plates. Within the lower compartment are the hydraulic components which may be any number of a variety of hydraulic systems from conventional non-electronic or electronic gasoline pumps. A meter of the hydraulic system drives a shaft which, in turn, drives a pulser disposed in the intermediate compartment to provide a clock pulse. Within the upper compartment are the electronic components which include the power supply and a number of pc boards or cards, including a computer board carrying a microprocessing unit, a power fail detector, and a non-volatile memory. Information is transfered to the non-volatile memory on shut down or power failure. A battery pack supplies sufficient power for operation of the displays, after shut down. Other boards include a price control board, and an interface board.

Abstract: Equipment for use in a trading system in which a bonus is given to a customer selected comprises a plurality of stores, such as counters, which are fed successively so that they are filled successively depending on the feeding rate and the capacities of the counters. When a store is filled, feeding is stopped and the bonus appropriate to the filled store is made available to a subsequent customer initiating a transaction. The filled store is emptied and feeding to the stores is resumed until another store is filled and the appropriate bonus is paid. A modification may include a random selector which scans the stores and makes the bonus available if a full store is selected. Means may be provided to display the running bonus and the customer point at which the bonus is payable.

Abstract: A flow meter for use in monitoring unit and total quantities of a dispensed fluid, such as draft beer, includes a motion detection switch inside a housing and is coupled to a valve which controls the fluid flow. The switch provides an electrical indication during periods when the valve is open. A totalizer including microprocessor circuitry totalizes the amount of fluid passing through the valve based upon an adjustable, predetermined flow rate setting. An indicator is also coupled to the totalizing circuitry to provide an indication when a unit quantity has passed through the valve at the predetermined flow rate. The totalizer further totalizes the number of occurrences of the unit quantity or any other preselected quantity.

Abstract: A remote control fluid dispensing system is disclosed comprising a fluid dispenser and electrical pump means for pumping fluid from the dispenser at a dispensing station. Pulse generating means are provided at the dispensing station for generating DC pulses in metered response to the dispensing of fluid. Electrical to light energy transducer means and light to electrical energy transducer means electrically insulated from but optically coupled with the electrical to energy transducer means are provided at a control station. Electrical circuit means are further provided for coupling the pulse generating means with the electrical to light energy transducer means and for coupling the electrical pump means with a source of current at the control station. Display means are further provided at the control station coupled with the light to electrical energy transducer means for displaying metered dispensing of fluid information generated by the pulse generating means.

Abstract: Apparatus for paying out a bonus or a premium when a machine, such as a petrol pump, has dispensed a predetermined quantity of a commodity. The apparatus comprises a control device in a housing and a pay-out device on the housing. The control device is arranged to generate an output signal to actuate the pay-out device when the machine with which it is associated has dispensed a predetermined quantity of the commodity.