Abstract: The system controls the dispensing of beverages in a bar. The system has individual manually actuated beverage dispensers equipped with electrically controlled flow valve devices which meter and dispense variable amounts of beverages upon command by a user. The system is provided with a key pad offering a selection of beverage mixes. A control device is connected to the beverage dispensers and the key pad for recording use of the beverage dispensers by the user, and for causing the flow valve devices of the dispensers used to make up a beverage mix selected on the key pad to dispense the amounts of beverage prescribed for the selected beverage mix. The controller provides for a controlled use of the beverage dispensers for preparing a beverage mix selected on the key pad in addition to a direct manual use of the beverage dispensers by the user.

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: A counting apparatus which is designed to be placed in parallel to a fluid flow line has a differential pressure switch which is placed across an orifice positioned within the fluid flow line. A counting mechanism is associated with the differential pressure switch to register a count when signaled by the differential pressure switch. The differential pressure switch is operable to react to the difference in pressure across the orifice to signal the counter to register a count. The orifice can be a fixed or a variable orifice. In another embodiment of the invention, a fixed or variable orifice is placed within the diaphragm of a diaphragm type differential pressure switch to adapt the differential pressure switch to be placed in series with the fluid flow line rather than in parallel to it.

Abstract: There is provided a counting apparatus which is designed to be located in any position in series with a fluid flow line. The apparatus has a first magnet in an air chamber of the body of the counter. As the fluid passes through the air chamber, the first magnet is forced down the air chamber by the fluid flow. The magnetic field of the first magnet passes through a magnetic field of a second magnet located in the mechanical counter causing the counter to mechanically change the number. When the fluid flow is stopped, a spring returns the first magnet to its original position again passing by the second magnet in the counter allowing the counter to reset for the counting of the next cycle.

Abstract: The device comprises a distributor provided with an operating member for a counting device of doses of fluid associated with a mouth of a container, a ring nut for fastening the distitributor onto the mouth and resilient element suitable for transforming the translatory motion of said operating member with respect to the ring nut in a rotatory and axially reciprocating motion of a rotating and axially translatable element to cause the appearance of a different numerical index provided on the rotating element at an observation position obtained in the control member.

Abstract: A secure control system for delivery, dispensing and inventory of several liquid fluids (products). A stocked liquid delivery vehicle 100 provides coordinated and measured filling of liquids through a site dispensing subsystem 200 to site storage containers 302. The liquids from the storage containers are subsequently delivered under inventory control, and in measured amounts, back through the fill lines to the dispenser. The dispenser CPU records the amounts of each liquid dispensed to each user through various spouts 224. Users are identified by a code number entered into the dispenser unit via a keyboard 208 or card reader. The dispenser CPU 202 contains program information to identity authorized users of the system. The system respnds to user solicitation of liquids by verifying the user's identity, querying as to which liquid is desired, the amount desired (if variable) and enables a control switch/indicator 232 to indicate the dispensing port 224 and readiness.

Abstract: A service station installation is disclosed in which the fuel amount and cost registers of the dispensing pump are connected by an information link to a hand-portable unit which displays the same information. The unit can be affixed to the windscreen of the vehicle which is being refueled or can be placed on the vehicle. The driver can monitor fuel amount and cost without leaving his vehicle.

Abstract: A dosing mechanism in the form of a manually operable, single-acting piston pump, which dispenses a given quantity of a substance, e.g. in atomized form, during each actuating stroke has a counter. For this purpose, a counting ring mounted in rotary manner on a base part is provided, which is advanced by one step per actuating stroke by an indexing device with cooperating and correspondingly bevelled ribs, so that in each case a different character in the counting ring appears at a window in the actuating pusher casing. Two projections cooperating with one another in a given position of the counting ring form a locking device against further actuation of the atomizing pump, when a given number of strokes have been performed.

Abstract: Flat indicia wheels are used in conjunction with a Geneva-type register movement. The register utilizes transfer wheels which have an outer edge shaped to contain a plurality of scallops and cusps. Each transfer wheel is associated with a transfer disc that rotates about an adjacent shaft and whose transfer arm causes the transfer wheel to rotate a preselected angular distance by striking a peg attached to the transfer wheel. This type of movement makes possible the use of flat indicia wheels with indicia, or numerals, imposed on a flat surface of the wheel. The presentation of a flat numeral through an opening in a faceplate provides for easier reading and, when used with an automatic reading device such as a light pin, reduces the chances of an erroneous reading.

Abstract: Conversion of a conventional volume-price computer for a liquid fuel metering pump to extend the existing range from three place to four place unit price per volume and comprising an auxiliary differential gear train assembly driven from the main output gear of the volume register shaft through a settable variable gear train and a fixed step-up gear train assembly wherein an additional higher unit price per volume of 0, $1, or $2 may be added to the conventional mechanism.

Abstract: Means is provided for converting a fuel pump mechanism price display for reading in either lower or higher order increments. The number wheel utilized has relatively short and relatively long graduation marks, with the relatively short marks being masked by the selective application of a masking strip transversely across the corresponding window of the pump face plate, to thereby render only the relatively long marks visible.

Abstract: An improved magnetic rotor type water meter having an anti-reverse-rotation device for preventing the reverse rotation of the pointer driving gear of the water meter, although the rotor or impeller of the water meter is rotated in the reverse direction by a counterflow from the outlet or by any type of fluid pressures applied to the outlet.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser cost counter having a plurality of coaxial cost counter wheels with a 100 count first order counter wheel with ten, 36.degree. spaced, two-place identifying numerals of 00, 10, 20 . . . 90 having an angular height of 30.degree., ten-count graduations centered on the identifying numerals and intermediate five-count graduations between the identifying numerals and with both the ten-count and five-count graduations extending at least substantially the full width of the identifying numerals and such that the counter can be read without substantial readout ambiguity during a count transfer from the first order counter wheel to the next higher order counter wheel.

Abstract: An expanded readout system and a method for expanding the readout of a resettable fuel pump register employs a shutter pinion, a shutter having a pawl assembly, and a stop means for each of the counters to be expanded. The pawl assembly may comprise one of two pawl structures depending on the counter. The expanded readout operates in conjunction with the mechanical system of the register to record the expanded readout and to reset the readout by rotation of the shutter.

Abstract: A fuel pump cost counter anti-backlash device having a follower rotor connected by a reverse bias spring to the cost counter drive train for removing any inertia overtravel in the drive train at the termination of a fuel delivery and a controlled coil spring clutch for clutching the follower rotor to a fixed drum for establishing a substantially constant reverse bias.

Abstract: Two embodiments of a fuel pump cost counter anti-overtravel device having a controlled coil spring clutch for selectively clutching the cost counter drive train to a fixed drum for preventing cost counter overtravel at the termination of a fuel delivery.

Abstract: A preselection counter having a switch-off counter which is adapted to actuate a desired function when a quantity of this function determined by a preset value has been reached includes presettable indicating means having number rollers adapted to have the preset value set therein and to retain this setting through repeated cycles of operation of the switch-off counter. The presettable indicating means enable continuous display of the preset value during operation of the counter with the preset value being transferred from the number rollers of the switch-off counter by a sensing wheel mechanism which is operatively interposed therebetween and which may be repeatedly reset to the preset value on the preset counter after each cycle of operation of the switch-off counter without requiring changes in the preset value in the presettable indicating means.

Abstract: A meter for a liquid dispenser of the type having an axially movable plunger. The meter includes a housing detachably mountable on the dispenser. The housing has a bore in which is engaged a sleeve on the dispenser. An annular space is provided, coaxially of the bore. In this space is provided a cylindrical actuating member, the base of which is formed as a striker. Upward sliding movement of member actuates hollow plunger so that liquid is dispensed through an aperture. Upward movement of the member also causes an operating member secured to a counter to turn, thereby advancing the counter by one digit. A spring loaded interlocking member is adapted to prevent upward movement of the actuating member if the meter is removed from the dispenser.

Abstract: A readout pointer for the penny wheel of a fuel pump cost counter having a circumferentially extending mask for the penny wheel and adapted to be mounted in alternate axially spaced positions for selectively masking the short graduations on the penny wheel for selectively reading the penny wheel either to the nearest 1.cent. graduations or nearest 2.cent. graduations.

Abstract: A conversion kit for converting the display wheels of a conventional gasoline pump to increase the money value display is disclosed. The kit comprises numbered adhesive strips which are sized to fit the circumference of one or more of the display wheels of a conventional gasoline pump display panel. Strips are applied to the one cent wheel to convert the wheel to a zero to one dollar wheel. The conversion permits the price display wheels to rotate at a much slower speed. The conversion kit further enables the pump display to register a larger money sale.RELATED APPLICATIONS:This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 21,981, filed on Mar. 19, 1979 by applicant now abandoned.

Abstract: An assembly for installation into a fuel dispensing pump permits its conversion from gallon- to liter-based operation upon the mere pulling of a shift pin.

Abstract: A fuel pump register cost counter having a transfer mechanism permitting count transfers at a substantially reduced torque through the use of a torsion spring drive of the transfer ring of the units wheel and the use of transfer pinions between the counter wheels having transfer gear sections with alternating involute gear teeth and non-involute resilient gear teeth providing for relatively gradually accelerating and decelerating the transfer pinion at the beginning and end of the transfer interval.

Abstract: Plural totalizers having axially shiftable shafts, and key actuated locks for moving the shafts, are mounted on a plate adapted to be connected over an opening in the case of a gasoline sales pump. Plural key actuated locks with lugs on the undersides of their cylinders selectively cam the ends of the shafts to connect one shaft to a shaft driven by the sales register of the pump. Detents co-act with slides on the bottom of each cylinder to permit only one cylinder and totalizer shaft to be engaged at a time. One detent closes a switch on the plate when actuated to complete a circuit to the pump delivery device. The other detent is actuated by a lever supported on the plate and adapted to be connected to the reset lever of the pump to release both detents and a first actuated lock cylinder prior to a succeeding actuation of the pump. Flanges turned from the plate support the totalizers with the shafts of the totalizers projecting therefrom.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser with a resettable register having a safety limit mechanism for limiting the amount of fuel dispensed by means of a gear trip mechanism indexed by the register to trip a shut-off valve after an adjustable safety limit is dispensed. The trip mechanism is reset for a succeeding delivery automatically by the register reset mechanism during the register reset cycle or manually by a reset push-button on the dispenser.

Abstract: A plate adapted to be mounted over an opening in the casing of a gasoline sales pump supports a frame which in turn rotatably and axially slidably supports a plurality of totalizer shafts and dial wheels, and a drive shaft with plural gears each associated with one of the totalizers. Each totalizer shaft has a gear engagable with a gear on the drive shaft by axial motion of the totalizer shaft. A drive gear on the drive shaft is permanently connected to the resettable register of the pump. Springs bias the totalizer shafts out of engagement with the drive shaft gears. Actuating levers pivoted on the plate engage the totalizer shafts in opposition to the springs. A selector bar slidable through the plate opposite each level has an angled end that cams the lever to totalizer engaging position. Springs bias the selector bars, and plural locks having key actuated cylinders move the selector bars against their springs.

Abstract: A counter operated control device is provided for controlling and terminating the delivery of liquid petroleum products and the like. The device includes a presettable counter controlling a multiple stage trip mechanism having independent first and second stage trip units. The counter is further provided with an interlock between a preset control rod and a valve control ring, an emergency trip feature, the ability to provide an adjustable trip setting without disassembly of the counter, an improved count transfer array and improved performance and accuracy through optimization of the operating forces within the counter.

Abstract: In a setting device for presettable counters, a number of indicating rollers are arranged with symbols on their circumferential peripheral surfaces. Connected to each indicating roller is a ratchet wheel and an adjusting wheel. A switching device for each roller permits it to be moved in a step-by-step manner and otherwise to be locked in position. The switching device includes a switching pawl for engaging the ratchet wheel and moving the roller, a fixing lever for locking the adjusting wheel and roller in position, a control pawl and a key for displacing the control pawl. The control pawl is spring-biased against the actuating movement of the key. The control pawl displaces the switching pawl and the fixing lever in response to its displacement by the key.

Abstract: An actuating counter for use in conjunction with a fluid metering device, such as a liquid displacement meter, which can be preset prior to commencement of operation to count out a desired number of product units characterized in that upon actuation of the preset mechanism, further manual operation of the preset mechanism is precluded by an interlock mechanism which is equally adaptable to existing and newly manufactured counters, yet which can be aborted at any time in an emergency.

Abstract: A flow responsive counting apparatus comprising in combination a) conduit means having an inlet and an outlet; b) means mechanically responsive to fluid flow for measuring volumetric flow of water; c) means mechanically responsive to fluid flow for totalling "on-off" water flow cycles; said conduit means interconnecting in series the means for measuring volume flow and means for totalling on-off water flow cycles. The apparatus interconnected in an appropriate water line in an automatic car wash can provide a tamper-resistant means for counting the number of vehicles washed in the automatic car wash.

Abstract: Tally means for a liquid dispenser which selectively draws measured quantities of liquor for discharge through a discharge sprout. A liquid pressure responsive sensor is connected to the discharge line and is responsive only to passage of liquid. The sensor has a chamber with a diaphragm closing one end. A chamber inlet, larger than the outlet, leads through the end closed by the diaphragm. Because of differential in orifice size, liquid accumulates in the chamber causing the diaphragm to deflect but not respond to air flow. A piston in the chamber is moved by the diaphragm to actuate a tally apparatus to provide both printed record and a display of the number of drinks dispensed.

Abstract: In order to increase the "sale" or "cost" registering capacity of a standard, conventional three-wheel register (counter) used in gasoline dispeners, a modified price wheel has been developed as a substitute for the lowest-order price wheel of a conventional register. This new wheel carries indicia from zero to 99 and during counting makes one revolution for every one hundred cents' worth of gasoline dispensed. The new wheel has an antibacklash arrangement for eliminating inaccuracies during the counting mode, and has an improved reset stop and a linkage mechanism associated therewith, for providing accurate resetting and for preventing improper operation during the resetting mode.

Abstract: A fuel delivery pump with resettable volume and cost counters having counter resetting means with a zero detent mechanism for accurately positioning the lowest order number wheels of the counters at zero.

Abstract: Converter for a fuel pump computer having a register driven by a variator normally connected to be driven by a meter wherein the converter is attachable to the variator for driving it by a variator drive gear in the converter which has a meter driven rotary input and change speed gearing for expanding the price range of the computer. In a first setting, the rotary input is connected to the variator drive gear in 1:1 drive ratio. In a second setting, the rotary input is connected to the variator drive gear via the change speed gearing to provide a selected drive ratio for a different unit volume of fuel delivered. The settings of the converter are changed by an interlock providing an irreversible gear ratio changeover.

Abstract: A modified mechanical gasoline pump computer with an input gear box mounted on the underside of the base of the computer variator. A depending gear box input shaft is coupled to be driven by the gasoline meter and is axially shiftable for axially shifting gear box output gearing mounted on the variator center shaft upwardly from a gallon unit volume measure gear ratio setting to an alternate quart or liter unit volume measure gear ratio setting.