Patent classifications
B67D7/14
Detecting locations associated with anomalous fuel dispensing operations within a network of gas stations
A system determines an interaction period during which a fuel dispensing operation is performed at a fuel dispensing terminal. The system determines a measured volume per unit time parameter associated with fuel dispensed from the fuel dispensing terminal by dividing the determined volume for fuel by the interaction period. The system compares the measured volume per unit time parameter with a threshold volume per unit time parameter. In response to determining that the measured volume per unit time parameter is less than the threshold volume per unit time parameter, the system retrieves a video feed that shows the fuel dispensing terminal during the fuel dispensing operation. The system creates a file for the fuel dispensing operation. The system stores the video feed in the created file.
PRODUCT DELIVERY SYSTEMS FOR LIQUID PRODUCT TRANSPORT VEHICLES AND METHODS OF LOADING LIQUID PRODUCTS USING THE SAME
A product delivery system includes a product transport vehicle having at least a plurality of tank compartments, internal valves, control valves, fluid property sensors, temperature sensors, overfill sensors, pressure sensors, a system controller, and a memory module. The product delivery system may be operable to communicatively connect with the loading system at a loading station, a fleet management system, or a cloud system to obtain information, such as the amount of liquid product to be loaded into a tank compartment. The product delivery system may be operable to compare the volumes of the tank compartments with the amounts of liquid product to be loaded at a loading station and maintain the internal valve or control valve in a locked state or transition the internal valve or control valve to an unlocked state based on the comparison. Other comparisons based on liquid type or distribution tank volume can also be made.
Beverage machine for preparing and dispensing iced beverages
The present invention provides a beverage machine with at least three distinct zones 1, 3, 4. A first zone 1 for storing a liquid or semi-liquid product at ambient temperature, a second zone 3 for processing the stored product, in particular for cooling the product to a predetermined serving temperature, and a third zone 4 for storing the cooled product and maintaining it at the predetermined serving temperature. From the third zone 4 an iced beverage can be dispensed.
Access control and metering of liquid storage tanks
A fluid access and control system for controlling access to a fluid storage tank includes a pump, a valve, a communications device, and controller. The pump is configured to supply a fluid output from the fluid storage tank. The valve is configured to control the fluid output of the pump. The communications device is configured to communicate with both a portable electronic device and a remote server. The communications device receives an access request from the portable electric device and transmits the access request to the remote server for validation. The controller is configured to control the operation of the pump and valve as defined by control signals transmitted by the remote server and received by the communications device. The controller is further configured to activate the pump and open the valve when the access request has been validated by the remote server and a START switch is actuated.
Fuel dispenser communication
Various systems, devices, and methods are provided for facilitating communication between a forecourt controller and a fuel dispenser. In certain aspects, a fuel controller translator is provided for translating commands transmitted between the forecourt controller and the fuel dispenser. For example, where the forecourt controller transmits commands that are compatible with the payment terminal, but not with the fuel controller, the fuel controller translator can translate the commands received from the forecourt controller into a format compatible with the fuel controller. Conversely, the fuel controller translator can translate commands received from the fuel controller into a format that is compatible with the forecourt controller.
FUEL DISPENSER UTILIZING TOKENIZED USER GUIDANCE AND PROMPTING FOR SECURE PAYMENT
A fuel dispenser comprises fuel flow piping defining a flow path from a source of fuel toward a fueling nozzle. A plurality of fuel handling components are disposed along the fuel flow piping. Control electronics are in operative communication with the fluid handling components. A payment system includes a PIN pad that transmits secure tokens which are preferably cryptographically unique and independent such as not to be a function or derivative of network keys or user PIN. The tokens are then received and acted upon by a second subsystem to render PIN entry display data.
FUEL DISPENSER UTILIZING TOKENIZED USER GUIDANCE AND PROMPTING FOR SECURE PAYMENT
A fuel dispenser comprises fuel flow piping defining a flow path from a source of fuel toward a fueling nozzle. A plurality of fuel handling components are disposed along the fuel flow piping. Control electronics are in operative communication with the fluid handling components. A payment system includes a PIN pad that transmits secure tokens which are preferably cryptographically unique and independent such as not to be a function or derivative of network keys or user PIN. The tokens are then received and acted upon by a second subsystem to render PIN entry display data.
FUEL TRANSFER PUMP WITH WIRELESS CONTROL
A fuel transfer pump electrical circuit for controlling a fuel transfer pump comprises a controller with communications logic configured for establishing a wireless communications link with a mobile device and a switch for activating a motor in the pump. The switch is controllably linked to the controller. The controller is configured to turn the switch on and off based on instructions received via the wireless communications link, thereby controlling the fuel transfer pump to turn a flow of fuel on and off. A mobile device application for interacting with the fuel transfer pump is also described.
Smart fuel nozzle
A nozzle for delivering fuel from a fueling station that can be remotely triggered to shut-off prior to the receiving fuel tank being filled. The nozzle includes a valve that can be opened by a lever and latched into the open position for continuous filling. The nozzle handle has an actuator positioned to cause the latch to release the lever and a controller that can energize the actuator in response to receipt of a wireless signal indicating that the delivery of fuel should be terminated. A wireless communication interface of the nozzle is in wireless communication with a fuel management system that can monitor a fuel flow meter to signal the nozzle to shut-off when the amount of fuel that has been delivered reaches a predetermined amount.
INTELLIGENT FUEL DISPENSERS
In general, intelligent fuel dispensers are provided. In at least some implementations, an intelligent fuel dispenser can determine customer identities and/or other characteristics and provide customized fueling sessions based on the determined customer identities and/or other characteristics. In at least some implementations, the fuel dispenser includes a touchless interface allowing customers to complete fueling sessions with minimal physical contact with the fuel dispenser.