Patent classifications
B67D7/10
PRINTERLESS FUEL DISPENSER
Fuel dispensers, systems and methods are provided for electronically transmitting data characterizing fueling transactions in a fueling environment, and in particular from a fuel dispenser. In an exemplary embodiment, a fuel dispenser is provided having a printer module that can perform operations that enable any one or more of replacing a printer, providing a user with a printed transaction record at a remote location, and/or provide the user with an electronic transaction record. The application of the printer module can facilitate providing a user with a printed and/or electronic transaction record, while minimizing, or eliminating, changes to standard communication protocol associated with components of a payment terminal that can deliver formatted transaction data to a typical printer. Minimizing or eliminating changes to standard communication protocol associated with providing users with transaction records can facilitate retrofitting the printer module to existing fuel dispensers, and/or simplify design considerations for new dispenser.
Systems and Methods of Custom Condiment Dispensing
Systems and methods of custom condiment dispensing include a reservoir of base condiment and a plurality of flavoring reservoirs. A first pump is pneumatically connected to the reservoir of base condiment. The second pump is pneumatically connected to at least one flavoring reservoir of the plurality of flavoring reservoirs. A nozzle is fluidly connected to the reservoir of base condiment and fluidly connected to the plurality of flavoring reservoirs. The nozzle is configured to simultaneously dispense the base condiment and at least one flavoring therethrough. A controller receives the user selections of the base condiment and the at least one flavoring and operates the first pump and the second pump to dispense base condiment and at least one flavoring.
Systems and Methods of Custom Condiment Dispensing
Systems and methods of custom condiment dispensing include a reservoir of base condiment and a plurality of flavoring reservoirs. A first pump is pneumatically connected to the reservoir of base condiment. The second pump is pneumatically connected to at least one flavoring reservoir of the plurality of flavoring reservoirs. A nozzle is fluidly connected to the reservoir of base condiment and fluidly connected to the plurality of flavoring reservoirs. The nozzle is configured to simultaneously dispense the base condiment and at least one flavoring therethrough. A controller receives the user selections of the base condiment and the at least one flavoring and operates the first pump and the second pump to dispense base condiment and at least one flavoring.
FUEL DISPENSER HAVING INTEGRATED CONTROL ELECTRONICS
A method of operating a fuel dispenser having a plurality of fuel handling components and a user interface having at least one peripheral device for input of sensitive payment information. One step of the method involves providing control electronics for the fuel dispenser, the control electronics including a multi-core processor having at least two processor cores and an on-board memory located on a common integrated circuit chip. According to another step, pump hydraulic software is executed on a first processor core of the at least two processor cores via a real-time operating system, the pump hydraulic software being in operative communication with at least one of the fuel handling components. Peripheral control software is executed on a second processor core of the at least two processor cores operating via a non-real time operating system separately and asynchronously from the first processor core. The peripheral control software is operative to provide payment instructions via the user interface and receive sensitive payment information via the at least one peripheral device. For example, the pump hydraulic software and the peripheral control software may communicate with each other via the on-board memory of the multi-core processor.
FUEL DISPENSER HAVING INTEGRATED CONTROL ELECTRONICS
A method of operating a fuel dispenser having a plurality of fuel handling components and a user interface having at least one peripheral device for input of sensitive payment information. One step of the method involves providing control electronics for the fuel dispenser, the control electronics including a multi-core processor having at least two processor cores and an on-board memory located on a common integrated circuit chip. According to another step, pump hydraulic software is executed on a first processor core of the at least two processor cores via a real-time operating system, the pump hydraulic software being in operative communication with at least one of the fuel handling components. Peripheral control software is executed on a second processor core of the at least two processor cores operating via a non-real time operating system separately and asynchronously from the first processor core. The peripheral control software is operative to provide payment instructions via the user interface and receive sensitive payment information via the at least one peripheral device. For example, the pump hydraulic software and the peripheral control software may communicate with each other via the on-board memory of the multi-core processor.
INTEGRATED TABLET COMPUTER IN HOT AND COLD DISPENSING MACHINE
Improvements a hot and cold dispensing machine is disclosed. The machine integrates a tablet computer with hot and cold dispensing machines, including Coffee machines that transform the dispensing machine into a fully interactive machine that enables an unlimited number of features to be added as functionalities. Computers are easy to use, multitasking, enable connection to internet, and provide access to all social media networks. The user will enjoy all of a computer's powerful features when configuring their profile on the machines from watching a commercial that push advertisement or even live TV while waiting for their drink. The information on the tablet can be shared with other dispensing machines and remembers previous and preferred preferences. The machine can also suggest other combinations based up on the user and similar user's selections.
Two-part, syringe-based electrochemical dispenser
A Two-part, Syringe-based Electrochemical Dispenser. The dispenser consists of a disposable syringe-like fluid storage reservoir and a reusable fluid driver. The driver is located at the proximal end of a conventional syringe; the fluid exit port at the distal end. The driver generates a gas that inflates an elongated bladder situated within the filled syringe. Expansion of the bladder releases liquid at a rate nearly identical to the gas generation rate. The dispenser is held in a vertical position with the distal end pointed downward. Liquid is released drop-wise onto a porous material from which it can evaporate. A battery-driven electrochemical oxygen generator is the gas source. Means to attach the dispenser in its vertical position are provided. Such dispensing devices can be used to release pheromones, repellants, insecticides, fragrances, etc.