A valve interconnector, suitable for use in combination with a receiver interconnector to couple a first hollow body to a second hollow body, is disclosed. The valve interconnector comprises a neck (7) to be secured to the first hollow body and further comprises a base cap (8) comprising an exterior tube portion (85) covering at least a portion of the external surface (7s) of the neck (7). The exterior tube portion and the neck are secured to each other with ability of relative rotation about a central axis. The valve interconnector is provided with a selector (44, 48) operative between the neck (7) and the exterior tube portion of the base cap (8) and configured for assuming at least a first position and a second position, in the first position the base cap being prevented from being axially released from the neck, in the second position the base cap being enabled to be axially released from the neck.

A method of controlling a fuel pump includes receiving a first set of data characterizing an audible activation word including a first voice pattern. Control of the fuel pump is authorized in response to the first voice pattern matching a stored voice pattern within a database. A second set of data characterizing an audible command word is received, where the audible command word includes a second voice pattern. The fuel pump is controlled based on the audible command word in response to the second voice pattern matching the stored voice pattern within the database.

A method of controlling a fuel pump includes receiving a first set of data characterizing an audible activation word including a first voice pattern. Control of the fuel pump is authorized in response to the first voice pattern matching a stored voice pattern within a database. A second set of data characterizing an audible command word is received, where the audible command word includes a second voice pattern. The fuel pump is controlled based on the audible command word in response to the second voice pattern matching the stored voice pattern within the database.

A method for filling a reservoir of a printing device that includes conducting an unattended refill process of an internal reservoir in response to a detection of a fluid supply unit. In an example, the supply dock fluidically, electrically, and mechanically couples to the fluid supply unit to the printing device.

A repositionable radio frequency identification housing (18) for a fuel delivery nozzle (10) is disclosed. The RFID housing (18) is affixed to and is repositionable relative to the fuel delivery nozzle (10). A RFID reader is positioned within the housing (18) for communicating with a radio frequency identification tag associated with a vehicle. The RFID housing (18) is repositionable to accommodate vehicles of different physical geometries and to enhance wireless communication with the RFID tag.

A robotic system for fueling or charging a vehicle having a vehicle connector, the robotic system including a robotic arm having a plurality of sequentially arranged articulated links and at least one group of operating cables extending from a proximal end of the arm to terminate at a control link, for controlling the position of that link, the cables each having a path comprising a passage in each successive more proximal link for closely receiving the cable, a flexible conduit operably connected with the robotic arm for delivering a fluid or an electrical current, respectively, to a vehicle, the conduit being connected to a source at a first end and a delivery connector at a second end, and a control system for operating the robotic arm and the hose or cable, wherein the control system directs the robotic arm to engage the vehicle connector with the delivery connector and, upon engagement of the vehicle connector and delivery connector, the control system relaxes the robotic arm to an under-constrained condition.

A case for an electronic cigarette vaporiser, the case including an automatic lifting mechanism that lifts the vaporiser up a few mm from the case to enable a user to easily grasp the vaporiser and withdraw it from the case. The lifting mechanism can be spring-based. The case both re-fills the vaporiser with liquid and also re-charges a battery in the vaporiser.

A refueling system has a fuel tank, a sealing member, a camera, and a controller. The fuel tank includes a main chamber. The sealing member is disposed between the main chamber and the atmosphere. The sealing member is configured to selectively move between a first position in which the fluid communication between the fuel tank and atmosphere is allowed and a second position in which fluid communication with atmosphere is inhibited. The camera is configured to retrieve an image of a fuel source within a predetermined proximity of the fuel tank. The controller is configured to actuate the sealing member in response to an evaluation of the image determining that fuel from the fuel source is consumable with the fuel tank.

In general, a smart door alarm and locking mechanism and methods for use thereof are provided for maintaining security while providing ease of access to a fuel dispenser. In an exemplary embodiment, the methods and devices are used in fuel dispensing devices for providing fuel to a vehicle. However, the methods and devices can be utilized in any device having a payment system where security and access are both required. In some embodiments, the described methods and systems include a door alarm and door lock kit that allow unlocking one or more doors in a housing of a fuel dispenser and simultaneously disabling or de-activating respective door alarm sensor(s). In a similar manner, the door can be locked and the door alarm sensor activated or re-activated substantially simultaneously.

In general, a smart door alarm and locking mechanism and methods for use thereof are provided for maintaining security while providing ease of access to a fuel dispenser. In an exemplary embodiment, the methods and devices are used in fuel dispensing devices for providing fuel to a vehicle. However, the methods and devices can be utilized in any device having a payment system where security and access are both required. In some embodiments, the described methods and systems include a door alarm and door lock kit that allow unlocking one or more doors in a housing of a fuel dispenser and simultaneously disabling or de-activating respective door alarm sensor(s). In a similar manner, the door can be locked and the door alarm sensor activated or re-activated substantially simultaneously.