A system detects a fuel dispensing operation that indicates fuel is being dispensed from the fuel dispensing terminal. The system determines an identifier value associated with a volume of fuel dispensed from the fuel dispensing terminal. The system determines a measured volume per unit time parameter associated with the fuel dispensed from the fuel dispensing terminal by dividing the determined identifier value by a unit parameter. 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 instructs the fuel dispensing terminal to stop dispensing fuel.

A wholesale gas discount card system allows an oil company to provide a uniform percentage discount across regions where the wholesale price per gallon varies and at the same time allows consumers to get a discount on the retail price per gallon of gas. The wholesale gas discount card system operates as a subscription system in which only subscribing consumers are able to receive discounts at participating retail gas stations. The discount is based upon a predetermined amount of the wholesale price component of the retail gas price per gallon, for example 5%. The percentage wholesale price discounts can vary depending on the gasoline type, i.e. regular, mid-range, premium and diesel. In this way, a wholesaler can control their price margin across regions with varying wholesale price components per gallon. Participating consumers can download a software application onto their smart phone that provides the locations of participating retail gas stations in a given area and the discounted retail gas prices per gallon. Once a retail station is selected, the consumer inserts a discount credit card into the gas dispenser. The system uses the account information from the credit card and the location of the gas pump to process the transaction as the consumer pumps gas into their vehicle. The gas is charged to their credit account. Based upon a predetermined discount, the total discounted cost of the transaction is determined back office and credited on the consumer's account and optionally displayed on the pump.

Devices, means and arrangements used for the supply or dispatch of fuels for vehicles, including dispenser of fuel is described. There is a system of inventory control, receipt printing, fleet control with supply restrictions, storage in portable memories such as USB, electronic identification of seller, customer and vehicle, improved control system and management of fleets with storage of identifiers and generation of accurate and updated reports for delivery to the customer and respective collection of fuel, wireless communication with the control center to prevent data manipulation that may take place with having physical wiring, high durability and performance keyboard, and mainly with receipt formats that can be customized according to the needs and requirements of the customers.

An improved control system for a fuel dispenser is disclosed that enables fuel dispensers to process prepaid gas cards based upon a discounted wholesale cost or a non-discounted price that is locked in at the time of the purchase without taking delivery. The control system has access to a snap shot of the regional wholesale gasoline costs across an entire region, such as the US, at the time of purchase of the prepaid gas card. This enables the prepaid gas card to provide a discount on the wholesale cost component of a gallon of gas at any location across the entire region. Since the discount only applies to one component of the retail gas price per gallon; namely, the wholesale gas cost per gallon, the control system automatically calculates a discounted retail gas price at the time and location of delivery based upon the discounted or locked in wholesale cost at the time of purchase of the prepaid gas card. The prepaid gas discount card is received in a magnetic card reader at the fuel dispenser in the same manner as conventional credit cards and provides a wholesaler the ability to create an elastic demand for the gas and regain customer loyalty for gas credit cards.

A system determines that a fuel dispensing operation may be anomalous. In response, the system accesses fuel inventory data that indicates fuel levels in a fuel tank during a time period. The system determines a measure amount of fuel that left the fuel tank based on the fuel inventory data. The system determines a calculated amount of dispensed fuel associated with one or more fuel dispensing operations during the time period. The system compares the measured amount of fuel that left the fuel tank with the calculated amount of dispensed fuel. The system determines that the measured amount of fuel that left the fuel tank is more than the calculated amount of dispensed fuel. In response, the system concludes that at least one of the fuel dispensing operations is anomalous and causes the fuel dispensing terminal to stop dispensing fuel.

A retail fueling environment comprises a plurality of fuel dispensers located so that each defines at least one refueling position. Site automation electronics are in communication with the plurality of fuel dispensers. A fueling position availability indicator system is also provided, including a plurality of position indicators indicating availability status of at least one associated refueling position. Detection electronics are operative to ascertain data regarding transaction status of refueling transactions at the refueling positions. In addition, processing electronics are operative to determine a state of each of the position indicators based at least in part on the transaction status. A position indicator control device is operative to produce control signals to the position indicators.

A system for dispensing liquid comprising a container body having a top end and a bottom end, the bottom end being closed and the top end configured to open and close, the top end having an electrical controller and a nozzle member, the nozzle member configured to sit on top of the electrical controller, and the bottom end having a charge circuit and an air valve; the electrical controller comprising at least one of a speaker, a button, a display, a battery, a radio frequency transceiver, and a pumper, wherein the electrical controller is configured to connect to a network and wherein the pumper is configured to dispense liquid from the container body out through the nozzle member.

An improved fluid transfer accuracy, information collection, and overall management. A system may utilize a pump to transfer fluid from a source to a target vessel, a meter for measuring an amount of fluid transferred, a density meter to detect actual fluid density, and a control unit to determine actual fluid transfer amount based on density. As an example, a fluid flow meter can be coupled with a flow conduit to determine fluid volume, along with the density meter to detect real-time density of transferred fluid. During a fluid transfer event, such as aircraft refueling, LPG fueling, or other refined fuels or valuable liquids, fluid volume can be converted to fluid weight in real-time based on actual density. The real-time fluid weight can be used to determine if a target fluid weight has been reached, and fluid flow can be shut off at the appropriate time.

A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a fresh food compartment and a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet and including an interior surface in communication with the fresh food compartment when the door is closed. A shelf unit is disposed adjacent the interior surface of the door, and a container is supported by the shelf unit. A fill mechanism is positioned vertically above the container and the container is configured to receive liquid from the fill mechanism. A sensor is configured to sense a property of the container or liquid received in the container. A control is in communication with the sensor and regulates a dispensing of liquid into the container based upon the sensed property. The sensor utilizes a capacitive sensor located adjacent to the container.

An apparatus and process for preventive maintenance for nozzle elements of a fuel dispenser or recharging station can include a nozzle preventive maintenance apparatus (e.g. fuel dispenser nozzle preventive maintenance apparatus or vehicle recharging nozzle preventive maintenance apparatus). The nozzle preventive maintenance apparatus can be configured to communicate with a sensor element of a nozzle to evaluate the operational status of that sensor element. In the event the testing determines that the sensor element is malfunctioning or broken, the apparatus can respond by scheduling or ordering maintenance to repair the component so the failure can be identified quickly and resolved to try and avoid the chance that a user may attempt to utilize a nozzle with a non-functioning element and have a negative experience in use of a dispenser (e.g. fuel dispenser or electricity dispenser that can be considered a recharging station).