Abstract: A method, apparatus, computer-readable medium and system are disclosed that provide for rebalancing/reallocating funds within a cash handling device. The cash handling device may include one or more stackers, cartridges, rollers, or the like. Service personnel may (manually) extract from the cash handling device an amount of cash. The cash handling device is configured to internally recount an amount of cash remaining within the cash handling device, thereby precluding of a need for service personnel to redeposit funds intended to remain in the cash handling device. Service personnel may also (manually) deposit into the cash handling device an amount of cash in order to replenish the cash handling device. One or more confirmations may be generated to indicate an amount of cash removed from and deposited into the cash handling device.

Abstract: An electronic system for maintaining and controlling the use of water includes a control valve, an electronic water counter and a central computer connected to the water counter by wire, internet or wireless for opening and closing a control valve during pre-selected periods or in the event of excess usage. The system is also capable of providing water at an increased charge and subject to modification by a Smart Card.

Abstract: The efficiency of an irrigation system on a property is determined as a difference between the actual water usage at a property and the irrigation water need of the plant on the property. Data for the property are received including at least the location and irrigation area of the property. A reference evapotranspiration value for the property is determined using the solar radiation data derived from the location of the property. The irrigation water need of the property is then calculated from the reference evapotranspiration value and area. The irrigation water need is compared to the actual water use at the property to determined the efficiency of the irrigation system operating thereon.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and systems for managing a medical gas system by using wireless sensors located at the point of use. In one embodiment, a wireless sensor is fixed to a gas outlet, and is configured to measure gas flow, and to detect whether the gas outlet is connected to a medical device. The gas flow and connection data is included in a wireless signal that is transmitted to a remote server. The data received by the server may be analyzed to determine if any local or system leaks are occurring. In addition, the data may be used to monitor patient therapies, to calculate costs, and to determine replenishment points.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and systems for managing a medical gas system by using wireless sensors located at the point of use. In one embodiment, a wireless sensor is fixed to a gas outlet, and is configured to measure gas flow, and to detect whether the gas outlet is connected to a medical device. The gas flow and connection data is included in a wireless signal that is transmitted to a remote server. The data received by the server may be analyzed to determine if any local or system leaks are occurring. In addition, the data may be used to monitor patient therapies, to calculate costs, and to determine replenishment points.

Abstract: This invention is a water consumption monitoring and control system comprised of a base unit, itself comprising a display and a data entry device, a microprocessor, a communication link to water meters, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flush toilet vibration sensors and shut-off valves. In addition the base unit has access to the Internet and can access a server which holds a database of water conservation information. This database includes watering advisories from the local government, and weather information from the weather office. The server runs an algorithm and generates control data which is sent to the base unit.

Abstract: A system to form an actual sales value or actual delivery value for all components of a commingled hydrocarbon fluid stream using mass, volume and energy, to create a theoretical commingled hydrocarbon fluid stream molecular composition and present the information on individual components in the commingled hydrocarbon fluid stream instantaneously to a buyer and a seller.

Abstract: A chemical composition analyzer may be used to optically determine and report chemical compositions associated with gases within a gas collection and transmission infrastructure. This analyzer includes a number of optical sensors which may be used to perform spectroscopic spectrographic analysis in order to determine the chemical composition of the gas. Additionally other sensors may be used to measure other physical properties associated with the gas. These sensors are tied to a data collection system wherein the output of the optical sensors and sensors used to measure the physical properties of the gas may be combined and processed in order to determine in a nearly continuous fashion the chemical composition associated with the gas at various locations within the gas collection and transmission infrastructure. This real time compositional analysis may be used to determine valuations of the gas or to optimize other processes or equipment configurations.

Abstract: The assessment of funds related to motor vehicles includes: receiving a vehicle identification for a motor vehicle from an identification system at a fuel station as part of a fueling transaction; obtaining vehicle information and a funds calculation method from a vehicle assessment database using the vehicle identification, where the funds calculation method comprises variables for the vehicle information; calculating funds to be collected during the fueling transaction using the vehicle information according to the funds calculation method; and determining a total cost of the fueling transaction, the total cost comprising the funds to be collected. Other types of funds or non-fund related functions may be taken into account, such as driver socio-economic data, insurance status data, license status data, fees and fines data, law enforcement data, and data collection for research, analysis, and planning, thus providing a tool for customizing the assessment of funds related to motor vehicles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for measuring and controlling an amount of flow and volume of liquid fluid and/or electrical energy consumed by an electro-pump. The method and system obtains a plurality of values for electrical parameters of the electro-pump including voltage value, currents value and active/reactive energy value; calculates the plurality values; and determines and controls the amount of instant flow and volume of said liquid fluid based on said calculated values. The system/method gathers these two measuring and controlling features (i.e. measuring and controlling the volume of liquid and amount of energy) in one casing, thereby, where applicable, provides a secure reference for policy making of both two parameters at the same time (e.g. for underground water resources).

Abstract: A system and method for using a consumer wireless device in retail transactions utilizes a fixed communication device that functions as a base station for the consumer wireless device. The fixed communication device has a limited coverage zone. When a consumer wireless device comes within the coverage zone of the fixed communication device, the consumer wireless device selects the fixed communication device as the preferred base station and initiates a registration with that base station. The consumer wireless device is uniquely identified with ID data transmitted by the consumer wireless device to the fixed communication device. The unique identification is subsequently used in the process of completing a transaction.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for controlling a water supply system having at least one pump and at least one storage facility. Also disclosed are a system and method of establishing a pumping schedule for a water supply system having at least one pump and at least one storage facility. The systems and methods are adapted to minimize the economic cost associated with operating the pump(s) of the water supply system. Another aspect of the systems and methods includes meeting operational constraints of the water supply system.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel techniques for controlling flow rates through parallel distribution paths of centrifuges and dryers using model predictive control. In particular, the present techniques are presented in the context of biofuel production, wherein control of whole stillage flow rates through parallel distribution paths of centrifuges and dryers may be optimized. However, the present techniques may also be applied to other suitable applications, such as the production of agricultural products, where parallel distribution paths of centrifuges and dryers may be used to separate solids from liquids as well as to remove water from the solids and liquids.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing system which sets the price for fuel to be dispensed based on the mileage/fuel consumption history of a vehicle for which fuel is being purchased. A key is used both to enable vehicle operation and to transfer mileage data to the dispenser computer.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an apparatus and method of managing transport of fluid commodities in a pipeline network. The method includes obtaining operational settings, which include equipment settings and measured parameters, associated with a pipeline network as a fluid commodity is transported through the pipeline network. From the operational settings, a recommendation is generated concurrently with the transport of the fluid commodity through the pipeline network to optimize at least one of the operational settings. The recommendation comprises revised equipment settings associated with equipment disposed along the pipeline network. The equipment settings in the recommendation may be based on empirical data from previous experience with the transport of fluid commodities through the pipeline network and/or based on theoretical data from modeling of the transport of the fluid commodity through the pipeline network.

Abstract: A beverage distribution system is offered for the purpose of self-service beverage dispensing, capable of providing customers real-time feedback on beverage consumption levels. The system includes a network of control stations and patron stations which are in constant communication via a wired or wireless network. The system is capable of detecting low beverage levels in beverage containers when or before they occur and can inform wait staff of such events. Furthermore, wait staff is provided with the tools to perform intelligent control of the self-service consumption according to local laws as well as paying visits to patrons at the appropriate time resulting in a very efficient system. A novel valve control scheme is also offered that is energy efficient, that does not generate undesirable heat in the presence of cooled beverages. Also, a generic flow control for beverage distribution is presented.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for dispensing consumable products. In one embodiment, a product dispenser is provided. The product dispenser can include a user interface operable to receive consumer inputs and to present product selection information. In addition, the product dispenser can include a reader configured to obtain identification information associated with a consumer. The product dispenser can include a controller in communication with the reader and user interface, and operable to execute a set of instructions to receive from the reader identification information associated with a consumer. The controller can also be operable to execute a set of instructions operable to retrieve consumer information based at least in part on the identification information, and provide product selection information at the user interface based at least in part on the consumer information.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a new way to generate estimated forward retail prices for a retail commodity within a geographic boundary that represents a target market; Using estimates for local retail prices, combined with knowledge of current and historical wholesale prices, embodiments disclosed herein enable the creation of a forward estimate of retail prices on fuels for a specific location, time period, and fuel grade. In some embodiment, the process of creating a forward estimate of retail prices on fuels comprises performing a predictive modeling utilizing wholesale gasoline prices, rack markup, retail markup, and taxes on a location, time period, and fuel grade basis. In some cases, the estimated forward retail prices thus generated can be used in a pricing model for price protection services for that retail commodity in that target market.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for collecting and distributing environmental impact offset payments at the point of sale of a fuel. An exemplary method presents a user interface at a point of sale of a purchase of a fuel, receives via the user interface a user-selection indicating an intention of the user to pay an environmental impact offset fee associated with the purchase, presents a choice to the user of making a custom offset payment or of buying a fuel that has the offset fee included in the price of the fuel, and calculates a custom offset payment for the purchase. The custom offset payment can be based on such considerations as an energy equivalency of the fuel purchased, volume or weight of the fuel being purchased, fuel type, fuel grade, e.g.

Abstract: A business process where hydrogen-depleted carbon, a fuel byproduct, that is removed from pumped-ion, electrochemical engines, or a similar device derived therefrom, is used directly or indirectly to supply carbon that is used as a reactant in solar-powered, liquid-hydrocarbon-fuel synthesizers, or a similar device derived therefrom, the reuse of the recovered carbon thereby yielding a renewable supply of hydrocarbon-based fuel. The synthesized fuel produced by the solar-powered, liquid-hydrocarbon-fuel synthesizers is converted to useful work by the pumped-ion, electrochemical engines. Little to no carbon dioxide gas is exhausted into the atmosphere when solar energy is the sole source of process heat used by the synthesizer.

Abstract: A fueling agent operates a fueling agent client device for collecting and generating transaction data relating to a fueling transaction. The fueling agent client device transmits the transaction data to a fuel management server, for example, via a wireless communications link. The fuel management server stores the transaction data in a transaction record. The transaction data includes final fuel load data indicating an amount of fuel dispensed during the fueling transaction. Selected transaction data is retrieved from the transaction record and is delivered to a data communications system for transmission to a receiver. The receiver may be in the cockpit of an aircraft. An aircraft data communication system may be a digital data link system for transmitting data to and from the aircraft via VHF radio, such as ACARS. The fuel management server may communicate with an aircraft data communication system directly, or indirectly via an airline computer system.

Abstract: An oil supply apparatus includes an oil supply setup apparatus for setting the oil supply in order for clients himself or herself to carry out the oil supply operation; an oil supply mechanism for controlling the oil supply operation on the basis of the oil supply setup content set by the oil supply setup apparatus; and a change payer for settling the oil supply charge in cash due to setting of the oil supply by the oil supply mechanism in one main body case, a change payer has a bill processor for receiving a money by a bill and disbursing the cash when the change is needed of the bill and a coin processor for receiving the money by a coin and disbursing the cash when the change is needed of the coin.

Abstract: Treating fluid production and subterranean formation treating methods as well as treating fluid compositions that reuse at least part of a prior treating fluid, particularly a fluid having one or more constituents that can be relinked. This includes conditioning a selected at least partially delinked flow-back fluid recovered from a first treating fluid pumped into a well, such that the conditioned selected at least partially delinked flow-back fluid provides a constituent for a second treating fluid. Also included are pricing considerations. A composition for a treating fluid includes a treating fluid residual recovered from a well, preferably a conditioned treating fluid residual. Examples of such compositions include fracturing fluids and gravel pack fluids.

Abstract: A weight estimating system for estimating the weight of a mailpiece and a postage metering system including such a weight estimating system. The weight estimating system includes a measuring system, a diverter mechanism and a microprocessor system. The measuring system includes a transport, a first plurality of detectors for measuring the dimensions of the mailpiece and a second plurality of detectors for measuring values of other characteristics of the mailpiece which are indicative of the presence of non-paper materials in the mailpiece as the mailpiece is transported. The microprocessor is responsive to the second detectors to determine if non-paper materials are included in the mailpiece and, if not, determines the volume from the dimensional measurements and estimates the weight as the product of the volume and a density for paper output an appropriate postage amount to the meter and the mailpiece to the printer.

Abstract: A user identifies themselves to an information display device using, for example, an identification-carrying device that contains a unique identification code. The identification code is associated with a particular profile that identifies, for example, customer loyalty, preference and history data that may be associated with a particular user. An identification sensor senses the identification code on the identification-carrying device. The identification code is then forwarded to an information server. The information server uses the identification code, and possibly additional information such as an identification of the information display device, to access loyalty and preference data associated with the identification code. This information can include, for example, coupons that have been issued to the user associated with the identification code, a user's preferences, a user's purchase history, or the like.

Abstract: This invention provides for an apparatus and a method for operation of a cryogenic hydrogen storage system that contains a porous medium configured to adsorb hydrogen. The hydrogen storage and supply system includes a hydrogen source apparatus and a cryosorptive storage apparatus. Methods and devices that allow for an energy efficient filling of the cryosorptive apparatus from the hydrogen source apparatus are described. The cryosorptive hydrogen storage apparatus is filled with cold, pressurized hydrogen. During the course of filling, heat is generated in the cryosorptive storage device by the process of hydrogen adsorption on to the host medium. Methods and devices are provided for the removal the generated heat and the warm hydrogen. Further provided are devices and methods for the capture and recycle of escaped hydrogen within the hydrogen source apparatus.

Abstract: A computerized oil/fuel customer/supplier storage and inventory control system programmed to generate work orders and purchase orders for the customer, the supplier respectively depending upon predetermined/preprogrammed levels of oil/fuel at the customer and supplier's locations respectively.

Abstract: A licensing method includes the steps of establishing a licensing vendor; providing an imaging device that uses an imaging media in forming printed images on print media, the imaging media including an initial supply amount of an imaging substance; associating a usage license with at least one of the imaging device and the imaging media, the usage license defining a first usage threshold at which a consumer is prompted to acquire a new license; and providing a license monitoring mechanism communicatively coupled with the imaging device, the license monitoring mechanism performing the steps of tracking an amount of usage of the imaging media by the imaging device; determining whether the amount of usage of the imaging media by the imaging device has reached a usage threshold; and upon reaching the usage threshold, then prompting the consumer to acquire the new license from the licensing vendor.

Abstract: This invention provides for an apparatus and a method for operation of a cryogenic hydrogen storage system that contains a porous medium configured to adsorb hydrogen. The hydrogen storage and supply system includes a hydrogen source apparatus and a cryosorptive storage apparatus. Methods and devices that allow for an energy efficient filling of the cryosorptive apparatus from the hydrogen source apparatus are described. The cryosorptive hydrogen storage apparatus is filled with cold, pressurized hydrogen. During the course of filling, heat is generated in the cryosorptive storage device by the process of hydrogen adsorption on to the host medium. Methods and devices are provided for the removal the generated heat and the warm hydrogen. Further provided are devices and methods for the capture and recycle of escaped hydrogen within the hydrogen source apparatus.

Abstract: A fuel-dispenser station which comprises one or more fuel hoses with fuel-dispenser nozzles useable to control a flow of fuel, which has been purchased from a fuel vendor, from the fuel vendor's fuel storage tank to the customer's fuel storage reservoir. The fuel-dispenser station comprises one or more hydraulics modules, fuel-hose modules, and/or head electronics modules. Each of the modules of the fuel-dispenser station constitutes a subsystem of the fuel-dispenser station and comprises a module frame-structure to which all of the other components of the module are engaged. Such a module of a fuel dispenser station can be assembled as a unit before being mounted to the fuel-dispenser station and can further be removed from the fuel-dispenser station as an assembled unit.

Abstract: A control system for a fuel dispensing system and a method for simultaneously refueling from at least two fuel dispensers to provide a single transaction total wherein the two fuel dispensers are a master/satellite fuel dispenser pair. A first communication means enables the dispenser control circuitry in the master dispenser to control the dispensing of fuel from the satellite dispenser. A second communication means enables the dispenser control circuitry to receive data regarding the amount of fuel dispensed by the satellite dispenser. A combination means generally associated with the dispenser control circuitry combines the total amount of fuel dispensed from the master/satellite fuel dispenser pair to a single vehicle. A device mounted on the master dispenser displays the total volume and price for the customer as a single transaction.

Abstract: A construction machine refueling system receives information transmitted from a construction machine at a receiver provided in a base station, and the construction machine includes a detector that detects a residual fuel amount and a transmitter that, when the residual amount of fuel is less than a specified value, transmits information indicating that fact to the base station.

Abstract: A power metering apparatus provides utility services to a customer's facility when the customer prepays or makes other sufficient advance payment assurances. This apparatus is inserted between the utility company's delivery lines and the customer's facility. A utility service interagent establishes an account with a utility supplier for the provision of utility services to the customer's facility, with responsibility for payment and/or provision of utility services lying with the power interagent. When the customer desires utility services, the customer. submits prepayment by various means, such as (1) purchasing a payment card and locally presenting the card to the metering apparatus, or (2) providing prepayment or other payment assurances to the interagent via telephone, cable, internet, or another means, in which case the interagent sends machine-readable payment notification to the metering apparatus via telephone, cable connection, etc.

Abstract: A method, system, and program for adjusting an amount owed for fueling based on vehicle characteristics are provided. Vehicle characteristics of a vehicle to be fueled utilizing the fuel pump are wirelessly read. A database is accessed to determine a vehicle status based on the read vehicle characteristics. A payment owed amount is adjusted for fueling the vehicle based on the vehicle status.

Abstract: An oil supply station system of the present invention includes a plurality of oil supply apparatuses standing within an oil supply station, and each having at a body case thereof a self-service oil supply mechanism and a touch-activated operating panel and having a printer for recording any change on a slip for a cash transaction. The system further includes a change dispenser disposed in a vicinity of an office of the oil supply station, for reading the slip and discharging change. Also, a POS terminal is connected in a data communicable manner with the plurality of oil supply apparatuses and the change dispenser, for providing permission to the change dispenser to dispense change.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining per unit price of fuel pumped into a vehicle based on vehicle specific data stored in the vehicle is provided. The data is transmitted from the vehicle to a fuel pump computer. The fuel pump computer uses the data, along with rules provided by a regulatory agency to determine per unit fuel price. Purchase of lighter, more efficient vehicles, or vehicles producing less undesirable emissions, or vehicles capable of using alternative fuels, or hybrid vehicles, can be encouraged by providing lower per unit fuel prices for such vehicles.

Abstract: Methods and systems for creating dynamic performance measures (DPMs) for an IBA manufacturing process. Included is a method for monitoring an Isobutyl Alcohol (IBA) recovery system that includes computing at least one of an amount of IBA recovered from the IBA recovery system and an amount of waste material produced from the IBA recovery system, and displaying at least one of the recovered IBA and the waste material produced based on time. The method also includes computing a cost saved based on a cost of virgin IBA and the amount of IBA recovered. Computing an amount of waste material includes measuring waste material flow, and computing a cost of waste material management based on the measured waste material flow and a cost per unit volume to dispose of waste material. The IBA recovery system can include an evaporation IBA recovery system and/or a distillation IBA recovery system.

Abstract: A system for the operation of a number of commercial washing machines and automatically feeding liquid chemicals to the washing machines. The system has chemical reservoir pods with a pressure sensor and an output valve on each. The chemical pods are supplied with liquid chemical by refill pumps. The quantity of chemical in a chemical pod, and the quantity of chemical dispensed from each chemical pod is calculated from information received by a controller from the pressure sensor to determine when to open and close the valve. A further pressure sensor is provided in the supply pipe to each washing machine to verify and measure flow quantity of water and chemical to the machine.

Abstract: A fueling system to be provided in a gas station is disclosed, which comprises at least one fueling machine, and a data input/output unit, the data input/output unit being movable in a required direction, and a fueling data being input from the data input/output unit and being output to the fueling machines.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating delivery of fuel to a customer site with a delivery truck. A hand-held device captures an identifier specific to the given customer. A zero flow of fuel being transferred from the delivery truck to a customer storage tank is sensed, and the fuel delivery is tagged for billing to the customer based upon when the zero flow is sensed in relation to when the identifier is captured. The hand-held device is used to log the identifier and an identification time at which the identifier is captured. A computer is provided on-board the delivery truck, and logs zero flow indications and the respective zero flow times. The system determines which ones of the zero flow times are after the identification time but before a next occurring identification time at which the hand-held device captures a next identifier.

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 system and method for controlling an automated fueling station having a plurality of fuel dispensers that accepting payment from a customer and dispense fuel. The system may perform consumer card authorizations utilizing a remote host server or a local database. A plurality of dispenser controllers are located at the fueling station, and each of the controllers is associated with and controls one of the dispensers. Each of the dispenser controllers includes a network connection to the server or local database for accessing consumer card authorization information. A failure of a single dispenser controller affects only the fuel dispenser associated with the failed controller. In another embodiment, the dispenser controllers are connected to the fuel dispensers through an Internet Protocol (IP)-based network that enables any controller to control any dispenser or combination of dispensers.

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: This invention provides applications and methods for organizing a web site. The web site allows online product research capability, online product development collaboration, and the ability to import content and format from foreign web sites without losing session.

Abstract: A central system controller located at a remote service facility performs the centralized processing of the various refueling transaction requests originating from a network of service station sites. The transaction request is transmitted by the customer from a vehicle RF transceiver to a dispenser-equipped RF transceiver where it is routed through an on-site dedicated controller to the central system controller over a long-haul communications link. The central system controller processes the transaction and directs the dedicated controller to render operative control of the fuel dispenser and an associated hydraulic arm assembly that selectively maneuvers the nozzle assembly into fueling engagement with the vehicle in an automated fashion. The central system controller is connected to other commercial retailers such as online merchants to permit the customer to request additional transactions unrelated to the refueling activity.

Abstract: A gasoline refueling nozzle (3) includes a system for preventing theft of gasoline by leaving without payment after refueling. The nozzle communicates both ways with a chip (7) on the car and a central unit (9) in the gasoline station via two air interfaces (5, 6, 8). The nozzle is equipped with an easily legible display (20) and with a built-in battery (17) for its operation, and the battery is recharged inductively from the gasoline pump (2) via an adapter unit.

Abstract: A central system controller located at a remote service facility performs the centralized processing of the various refueling transaction requests originating from a network of service station sites. The transaction request is transmitted by the customer from a vehicle RF transceiver to a dispenser equipped RF transceiver where it is routed through an on-site dedicated controller to the central system controller over a long-haul communications link. The central system controller processes the transaction and directs the dedicated controller to render operative control of the fuel dispenser and an associated hydraulic arm assembly that selectively maneuvers the nozzle assembly into fueling engagement with the vehicle in an automated fashion. The central system controller is connected to other commercial retailers such as online merchants to permit the customer to request additional transactions unrelated to the refueling activity.

Abstract: A system and associated methods for monitoring fluid distribution for heavy duty vehicles are provided. The system preferably includes a first handheld radio frequency (“RF”) data communications terminal having a portable housing readily adapted to be positioned in the hand of a heavy duty vehicle driver and a first RF transceiver connected to the portable housing to collect data from customer fluid delivery locations. The system also preferably includes at least one heavy duty fluid transport vehicle and a vehicle data communications terminal mounted to the at least one heavy duty vehicle having a second EF transceiver. The system additionally preferably includes at least one fluid storage tank positioned at a customer fluid delivery location for receiving and storing fluid transported by the heavy duty vehicle having a tank identifier for identifying the tank and adapted to be received by the data collection device of the first data communications terminal.

Abstract: A system for the distribution of services, includes a computer device within a vehicle, a vehicle monitoring system coupled to the computer device, a communication system coupled to the computer device for outputting a signal with vehicle monitoring system data, and a remote service center computer device for receiving a signal with vehicle monitoring system data. The method of distributing vehicle maintenance services includes monitoring, by a sensor, a maintenance parameter of the vehicle, communicating the service parameter to a controller, the controller triggering a communications device, sending, by the communications device, a message to a service center, and dispatching, by the service center, a service vehicle based on receiving the signal.

Abstract: An electronic energy management system is suitable for use with an energy distribution network that provides energy from an energy resource to user sites. A plurality of energy usage meters, at least one at each user site, monitors energy usage at each user site. The system comprises a data acquisition subsystem that acquires energy usage data from the energy usage meters. The energy usage data comprises multiple increments of total energy usage over defined periods of time. An electronic data storage located at a central location remote from the energy usage meters stores the acquired energy usage data. An electronic communication subsystem provides user access to the stored acquired energy usage data from the electronic data storage.