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 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.

Abstract: A self-closing cap for the filling neck of a container, the self-closing cap having integral therewith a smart card having a container coil antenna for communicating with a supply station coil antenna fixed to a supply nozzle when the supply nozzle is inserted into the container through the self-closing cap.

Abstract: A system for recording a credit or debit transaction on a fuel dispensing apparatus. The system comprises a primary card reader (PCR) for receiving data from a magnetic strip card situated on the exterior housing of the fuel dispensing apparatus and an auxiliary card reader (ACR) for receiving data from a magnetic strip card situated on the exterior housing of the fuel dispensing apparatus. The auxiliary card reader (ACR) is situated such that it is easily accessible to handicapped individuals. Also included is an interface board that accepts input from the primary and auxiliary card readers and determines which of the card readers is currently sending data. Upon determination, the interface board outputs the active card reader data to a card reader in dispenser (CRIND®) board coupled to the interface board. The CRIND® board forwards the active card reader data to a processing device in order to verify and complete the desired transaction.

Abstract: A system for billing individual units of a multi-unit building for water use or water related energy use wherein the multi-unit building is supplied water from a common source and the individual unit has a plurality of water using structures each supplied by one or a pair of water pipes supplied from a common source. The system includes a monitor for determining the volumetric flow through each of the water pipes and/or the temperature of the water and periodically transmits a signal encoded with the volumetric flow and temperature or the heat energy used and the identification of the individual unit. A remote receiver receives the encoded signals from each of the monitors, defines a total volumetric flow of water and/or total heat energy use for the individual unit for a selected period of time, computes a water consumption/heat energy charge and prepares and forwards a bill to the individual unit.

Abstract: A control circuit array for controlling operation of a plurality of multi-product fuel dispensers ("MPDs") in response to control inputs from a control input source. The control circuit array includes an electric power source, switches for fuel grade selection and MPD lighting and outputs to submersible turbine fuel pumps for supplying fuel to the MPDs. The improvement comprises a modular circuit board for being connected in series to form the control circuit array, wherein each circuit board includes emergency shutoff means for responding to a single emergency shutoff input for shutting off all power to each of the plurality of MPDs and the turbine pumps supplying the MPDs.

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: Measuring device, particularly for fuel pumps in service stations, comprising a pulser equipped with a microprocessor unit and an electronic head equipped with a microprocessor unit, in which device the pulser and the electronic head are connected and mutually communicate information and data correlated to the supply; the information and the data are encrypted by means of an algorithm loaded in said microprocessor units and are sent to the electronic head from the pulser together with the measurement values of each supply, in order to allow the verification and the validation of the transmitted data.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing system for providing dual-stage preconditioning and authentication for enhancing a fueling transaction. The system includes a fuel dispenser associated with a control system and a receiver adapted to receive signals, including a first indicia, from a remote communications unit of a customer. The receiver is operatively associated with the control system and enables the control system to retrieve the first indicia and precondition the dispenser for fueling. The control system is adapted to receive second indicia subsequent to receiving the first indicia, and authenticate a transaction involving the remote communications unit by determining the requisite authentication data based on the first indicia and correlating the authentication data with the second indicia. Authentication occurs when the second indicia and the requisite transaction indicia correlate. Various security and encryption techniques may be used when receiving the first and second indicia.

Abstract: A system for assisting handicapped individuals in operating gasoline dispensers which includes a transponder in which data is stored according to the specific gasoline requirements of the individual. A transceiver is located proximate the gasoline dispenser and interrogates the transponder to obtain such stored data, and generates a signal which is a function of the stored data that is transmitted to a computer which receives the signal and generates predetermined control signals for operating the gasoline dispenser. The system may also include a warning signal device activated by the transponder to notify an attendant that the handicapped individual is approaching and this device may include a read-out device which displays predetermined personal information relating to the handicapped individual.

Abstract: A management system for a vehicle having a commodity storage region and traveling along a path having a plurality of geographically-distributed commodity replenishing stations, includes a sensor for measuring a level of the commodity in the storage region and providing commodity level data. A global positioning system (GPS) determines a location of the vehicle along the path. A controller stores a record of current geographical locations of the commodity replenishing stations and current commodity prices thereat, and calculates commodity replenishing schedules of the vehicle at the replenishing stations based on an output from each of the GPS and the sensor, and a commodity price at at least some of the replenishing stations.

Abstract: The present invention provides pre-transaction estimates of the amount of fuel required to fill a vehicle's tank along with the estimated total cost of filling the vehicle's tank. The invention includes a vehicle-mounted transponder operatively associated with a vehicle control system or, at a minimum, the vehicle's fuel tank in a manner wherein the transponder is able to receive or determine information relating to fuel tank ullage. The ullage information may include the amount of fuel required to fill the tank, tank size and/or the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank. An interrogator at the fuel dispenser will interrogate the transponder and receive the available ullage information from the vehicle. An associated control system will evaluate the ullage information to determine the amount of fuel required to fill the vehicle and, optionally, calculate the total cost to be incurred if the vehicle is filled.

Abstract: A system for selling and dispensing of fluids, with change-making capability permits and the unattended sale and dispensing of motor fuels. The system may be incorporated either directly into a motor fuel pump or it may be incorporated into a module that may be installed either in a motor fuel pump or on a fueling island in association with the motor fuel pump. A cash acceptor is provided that accepts either currency or coin as a payment for a motor fuel purchase and the system further includes a change dispenser for disbursing change to a purchaser. The change dispenser includes two different change payout mechanisms that give cash back to a purchaser as change for a motor fuel purchaser. The change is dispensed in currency, or coin, or a combination of both. A controller is provided that links the cash acceptor, fuel pump and change dispenser together so that the value of cash deposited with the system is identified and the motor fuel pump is enabled.

Abstract: A fueling nozzle having a rotatable locking ring adjacent its discharge end and adapted for mating with and being secured to a fuel receiving tank adapter at a common datum line has a receiving antenna associated with the nozzle and the fuel receiving tank has a transmitting antenna associated therewith. The fueling nozzle is activated by information transmitted as a continuous radio frequency signal from a continuously operating identity transmitter mounted on a vehicle desiring fueling. The identity transmitter is powered by the vehicle power source and requires no special activation by the user. The receiving antenna comprises a circumferential band completely encircling the nozzle and is insulated therefrom and secured thereabout. The receiving antenna is in such close proximity with the transmitting antenna as to interrupt transmission of the information and to cause cessation of a fueling operation upon withdrawal of the fueling nozzle from the fuel tank by more than a maximum functional distance.

Abstract: A fluid delivery nozzle for wireless communication to either an active or a passive device located on a vehicle and for wireless communication from the fluid delivery nozzle to a central location for storage of vehicle data. Upon initiation of a fluid delivery transaction, a communication link is established between a vehicle communication device and the central location and between a fluid container of the vehicle and the fluid delivery nozzle. The information received from the vehicle and container is relayed to the central location to authorize delivery of a fluid to the vehicle. Information is also transferred from the central location back and forth to the fluid delivery nozzle to update and store information regarding the fluid delivery transaction. A keyboard and display are provided on the fluid delivery nozzle to provide an operator interface during the fluid delivery transaction.

Abstract: The automated filling station system of the present invention allows customers to obtain change in currency at the time of purchase, thereby accommodating cash customers as well as credit customers, and one-time customers as well as returning customers. In one embodiment, the system is implemented as a network (10) of filling stations (16) that report to a remote host computer (12). Each filling station (16) has a number of fuel pump systems (22) and a change dispenser system (24). Upon completion of a fueling transaction, a code is provided to a customer at a fuel pump system (22). The customer can enter the code to receive cash at the change dispenser (24) or can use the code for credit towards a subsequent fuel purchase within the network (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel dispenser having a fuel delivery path, a pump associated with the delivery path for pumping fuel from a storage tank to a fueling nozzle and a controller and communication system adapted to receive remotely transmitted signals from transmitters of different types. The controller is adapted to determine the type of transmitter from which the remotely transmitted signals were received, and preferably, whether or not the transmitter is moved with respect to the dispenser. The controller and communication depending on the sophistication of the system or respond to information in the transmitted signals indicating the vehicle is moving.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted fueling system identification unit including an inductive communication loop arranged to surround a fuel intake pathway of a vehicle and circuitry powered by electric power inductively received by the loop for transmitting via the loop at least one of the following parameters: vehicle identification number, credit information, required fuel particulars.

Abstract: A mechanical fuel pump control system for controlling mechanical fuel pumps through a PC-based Point-of-Sales system utilizing a mechanical pump controller and a mechanical pump configurator is disclosed. The pump control system includes a pump control circuit board having a microprocessor with read-only-memory for storing operating code and a read-and-write-memory device for calculating and storing response data. The pump control system uses a configuration circuit board to condition output signals including preset limits, pump authorization signal and close valve signal, and to condition input signals including a pulse signal, a handle signal, and a motor return signal. A relay board controls the pumping process. The pump control system allows the POS application software to integrate pump control with other functions including register function, scanning, and inventory control in the POS computer.

Abstract: An automated fueling facility comprising a fuel receiving station, at least one fuel storage tank, at least one fuel dispensing station all these components connected by associated transfer piping and a central data collection station having novel secure fueling operation is provided. Each of the components is in electrical communication with the central data collection station through an interface terminal which processes a digital data string of information from vehicles desiring fueling. The interface terminal compares the transmitted information to selected stored information, authorizing properly coded vehicles access to fuel from the fuel dispensing station and ceases fueling operations at the respective fuel dispensing station when the digital data string is interrupted. The fuel dispensing station has a fuel dispensing nozzle adapted for mating with and being secured to a fuel receiving tank at a common datum line.