WO1998022917A1

WO1998022917A1 - Modular unit for automating a fuel dispensing system

Info

Publication number: WO1998022917A1
Application number: PCT/US1997/021022
Authority: WO
Inventors: R. Michael Webb
Original assignee: Computer Interface Corp.
Priority date: 1996-11-18
Filing date: 1997-11-18
Publication date: 1998-05-28
Also published as: AU5586898A

Abstract

An interface unit (26) for connecting a fuel dispensing system (10) with a commercially available computer (14) in order to permit automated fuel dispensing transactions includes a dispensing system control (12) for instructing the dispensing system to dispense fuel, a volumetric monitor (16) for receiving information relating to an amount of fuel dispensed from the dispensing system; and a computer interface (26) for communicating with a remote computer (14). The computer interface (26) includes structure for communicating information received from the volumetric monitor to the computer, and structure for receiving instructions from the computer as to when to actuate the dispensing control system.

Description

MODULAR UNIT FOR AUTOMATING A FUEL DISPENSING SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to the technical field of liquid storage and dispensing, and more specifically to a modular unit that permits a fuel dispensing system, such as those which exist at service centers for commercial fleets and automobile service stations throughout the world, to be retrofitted in order to permit automated transactions with consumers .

2. Description of the Related Technology

Many large transportation and shipping companies with terminals throughout the United States are fueling their equipment using various types of pumps ranging in age from new to very old. These companies typically use millions of gallons of fuel each year and attempt to keep track of the fuel by having attendants fill out manual tickets for recording gallons, vehicle numbers and other information. These tickets have to be manually consolidated, balanced, and keyed into the owner's accounting system.

As major companies are forced to upgrade their fuel systems, their desire is to automate and to eliminate the ticket system. At present, the only way to automate a fuel system is to place some type of computerized reader at or near the pumps. The computerized reader acts as an input device and as a switch controlling the pumps and/or the dispensers. The computerized reader typically will accept an encoded card, a manual or electronic key, and in some cases an electronic input from the vehicle. If the input is validated, (often via a dial up network) the computerized reader switches on the pump, waits for a return signal indicating that the pump is on, and then begins reading pulses that are generated by the gallon register. Pulses are typically 12 VDC and are either generated by the pump if it is electronic, or by a reed switch returning 12 VDC produced by the computerized reader. In all cases, there must be an explosion proof electrical conduit run from the computerized reader or its control box to the pumps for power and a separate conduit, in most cases, for signal wire.

As major users of fuel attempt to automate, they find that the cost for equipment and installation of a new, or to upgrade an old fuel system ranges from $20,000 on up. In many cases they are forced to discard the old pumps, which are not compatible with the computerized reader. Upgrading and automating, then, represents a significant expense.

A need exists for a system and method that will permit older pumping systems and other systems not compatible with computerized readers to be retrofitted for automated operation, so that the entire pumping system will not have to be replaced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved system and method that will permit older pumping systems and other systems not compatible with computerized readers to be retrofitted for automated operation, so that the entire pumping system will not have to be replaced.

In order to achieve the above and other objects of the invention, an interface unit for retrofitting a fuel dispensing system to permit automated fuel dispensing transactions using a commonly available computer, includes, according to a first aspect of the invention, a dispensing system control for instructing the dispensing system to dispense fuel; a volumetric monitoring system for receiving information relating to an amount of fuel dispensed from said dispensing system; and a computer interfacing system for communicating with a remote computer, the computer interfacing system including structure for communicating information received from the volumetric monitoring system to the computer, and structure for receiving instructions from the computer as to when to actuate the dispensing system control .

According to a second aspect of the invention, an improved automated control unit for retrofitting a fuel dispensing system that is not equipped to permit an automated fuel dispensing transaction in order to permit such automated fuel dispensing transactions, includes a dispensing system control for instructing the dispensing system to dispense fuel; a volumetric monitoring system for receiving information relating to an amount of fuel dispensed from the dispensing system; a computer that is remote from the fuel dispensing system; and computer interfacing structure for communicating with the remote computer, the computer interfacing structure including structure for communicating information received from the volumetric monitoring system to the computer, and structure for receiving instructions from the computer as to when to actuate said dispensing system control means.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for automating a fuel dispensing system of the type that is not equipped for handling automated transactions, includes steps of: (a) mounting an interface unit to the fuel dispensing system that is equipped to monitor the volumetric flow of fuel from the fuel dispensing system and control operation of the fuel dispensing system; and (b) connecting the interface unit to a remote computer.

These and various other advantages and features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatical depiction of an improved fueling system that is constructed according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the system that is depicted in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a schematic diagram of one component of the system that is depicted in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a diagrammatical depiction of a system that is constructed according to a second embodiment of the invention; and

FIGURE 5 is a diagrammatical depiction of a system that is constructed according to a third embodiment of the invention..

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT (S)

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding structure throughout the views, and referring in particular to FIGURE 1, an improved fueling system 10 that is constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention includes one or more pumps 12 that are of conventional construction, a standard personal computer 14 that is situated remotely from the pumps 12 and a fuel tank monitor

16, the detail and function of which will be discussed in greater detail below. Fueling system 10 further includes a printer 18, a modem 20 and a card reader/keypad 22, all of which are in communication with the personal computer 14, as is diagrammatically shown in FIGURE 1. A junction box 24 is provided within each of the pump units 12, the details and function of which will be described in greater detail below.

One advantageous feature of the fueling system 10 that is depicted in FIGURE 1 involves the provision of a pump control interface unit 26 in each of the pump units 12. The function of each of the pump control interface units 26 is to retrofit a fuel dispensing system that is not equipped to permit an automated fuel dispensing transaction in order to permit such a transaction without the costly addition of new pumps, or an expensive dedicated control unit for controlling an automated fueling system. Since the pump control interface is designed for compact explosive and liquid resistant environments and primarily controls high amperage motors and senses volumetric and status information, it may also be used to automate truck scales, security gates, elevators, truck lifts, and other equipment. The pump control interface unit 26 permits the personal computer 14 to instruct the pumps 12 to dispense fuel, and to monitor and receive information relating to an amount of fuel that is dispensed from each of the pumps 12. As may be seen in FIGURE 1, a signal line 28 connects each of the pump control interface units 26 to the personal computer 14.

FIGURE 2 depicts a junction box 24 and a housing 34 for the pump control interface unit. Both the junction box 24 and the housing 34 are sealed so as to be classified as fire and weather proof and insulated from the environment when in pump 12. The electrical lines within pump 12 and the signal line 28 are both installed within shielded conduits 32, in a manner that is in wide use throughout the industry. FIGURE 3 is a schematic depiction of a junction box 24 and adjacent pump control interface unit 26. Also shown schematically in FIGURE 3 is the motor 36 for a pump 12, the pump handle switch 38, which must be actuated by a user before a fueling transition in the manner that is common in existing automated service stations, and a reed switch 40 that is provided to sense and report information on the volume of fuel that is being dispensed from the pump 12 during a fueling transaction. Within the pump control interface unit 26 are depicted a power unit 42, a AC/DC converter 44, a first relay 48, a second relay 50 and a surge suppressor 46. The signal line 28 is shown on the left of FIGURE 3, and in the embodiment of FIGURE 3 constitutes five different electrical lines, which will be numbered for reference purpose from the top to the bottom as viewed in FIGURE 3 as a first line 52, a second line 54, a third line 56, a fourth line 58 and a fifth line 60. Two AC power lines, L_x, L₂, which are shown on the bottom of FIGURE 3, provide electrical input (110 VAC or 220 VAC) to the pump control interface unit 26, and thus to the junction box 24 and the pump 12 itself. A neutral line N₁ is also provided in the pump control interface unit 26 and extends into the junction box 24, as shown in FIGURE 3.

In operation, the signal line 28 is connected to the personal computer 14, preferably through the parallel port of the personal computer 14. The fuel tank controller 16, printer 18, modem 20, and card reader/keypad 22 are also connected to the personal computer 14 in a manner that is known to those skilled in this area of technology. For example, fuel tank controller 16 may be a Veeder-Root model TLS 350 controller, commonly available from petroleum equipment dealers. Printer 18 is of conventional construction, and is attached to the printer port of the personal computer 14. Modem 20 is of conventional construction, and is attached to one of the personal computer's serial ports. Card reader/keypad 22, is a unit such as a Veriphone 201, commonly used by merchants accepting credit cards, and is attached to another one of the serial ports of the personal computer 14.

Personal computer 14 is programmed so as to permit an operator to disable the pumps 12 or alternatively, to enable a fueling transaction to take place. To enable a fueling transaction to take place, the computer provides a constant DC signal or difference of potential between the third line 56 and the fourth line 58 shown in FIGURE 3. This in turn energizes relays 48, 50 and supplies power from line L-_L and line L₂ to the junction box 24, as is shown schematically in FIGURE 3. In order to enable such a transaction, the personal computer 14 may be programmed to require input from the card reader/keypad 22, so that customer account information can be entered for billing purposes. This customer account information may further be validated by use of the modem 20 through contact with a remote service center or a commercial financial institution. The modem 20 may be used for such purposes as to authorize fueling, to contact fuel vendors electronically or by telefax to order fuel, or to contact a service company or department for repair.

After operation is enabled by the personal computer 14, a customer or attendant will activate the pump handle switch 38, which will supply power from line L_x to the pump motor 36 to enable operation of the pump for fueling. At the same time, closing of the pump handle switch 38 will supply power to the power unit 42, which in turn will generate a DC signal that is return to the personal computer

14 through the second line 54 in order to inform the personal computer 14 that the pump handle switch has been actuated. A surge suppressor 46 is placed in the power supply line to protect the power unit 42 against power surges when the pump handle switch 38 is closed, as may be seen schematically in FIGURE 3.

While fueling is taking place, the reed switch 40, which is mounted to an analog volumetric indicator on the pump 12 in order to monitor and report volumetric flow information, supplies this information electronically to the computer 14 through signal line 28, and specifically through the first line 52, as will be apparent from FIGURE 3. This information will be processed by the personal computer 14 for billing and inventory control purposes. This information may be printed out on a transaction by transaction basis from the personal computer 14 to the printer 18 for customer verification purposes, or aggregate information may be printed out periodically for manifest inventory purposes .

A fueling system 68 constructed according to a second embodiment of the invention is depicted schematically in FIGURE 4. This system is identical to the system 10 depicted in FIGURE 1, except that it utilizes wireless transmission between the personal computer 14 and the pumps 12, instead of the signal line 28 that is used in FIGURE 1. In the embodiment of FIGURE 4, a transmitter/receiver 62 is connected to the personal computer 14 and similar transmitter/receiver 64 are connected to the respective pump units 12. The transmitter/receiver unit 64 are coupled to transducer 66, which in turn is coupled to the pump control interface control unit 26. Power for the transmitter/receiver 64 is provided through the fifth line 60 shown in FIGURE 3. This power is derived from the L_x power input line, and is then converted to a low voltage DC current by a transformer/rectifier or AC/DC converter 44.

A fueling system 81 that is constructed according to a third embodiment of the invention is depicted schematically in FIGURE 5. This system is identical to the system shown and described with reference to FIGURE 1, except that it utilizes existing electric wires to transmit data between the personal computer 14 and the pumps 12, instead of the signal line 28 that is used in FIGURE 1. In the embodiment of FIGURE 5, a modulator/filter 82 is connected to the personal computer 14, and a similar modulator/filter 84 is connected to the respective pump units 12. The modulator/filter units 84 are connected to the pump control interface unit 26. Power for the modulator/filters is derived from the LI power input line, and is also used to transmit data. The advantage of this embodiment is that it uses wires that already exist in the system being retrofitted to carry information between the personal computer and the pump control interface. It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An interface unit for retrofitting a fuel dispensing system to permit an automated fuel dispensing transaction using a commonly available computer, comprising: dispensing system control means for instructing the dispensing system to dispense fuel; volumetric monitoring means for receiving information relating to an amount of fuel dispensed from said dispensing system; and computer interfacing means for communicating with a remote computer, said computer interfacing means including means for communicating information received from said volumetric monitoring means to the computer, and means for receiving instructions from the computer as to when to actuate said dispensing system control means.

2. An interface unit according to claim 1, further comprising means for mounting said interface unit proximate to a preexisting junction box in the dispensing system.

3. An interface unit according to claim 2, wherein said mounting means comprises an explosion-proof enclosure .

4. An interface unit according to claim 1, wherein said computer interfacing means comprises a communication wire leading to the remote computer, and said wire is positioned in a preexisting conduit in the fuel dispensing system.

5. An interface according to claim 1, wherein said volumetric monitoring means comprises means for receiving an electronic signal from said dispensing system.

6. An interface system according to claim 1, wherein said volumetric monitoring means comprises means, mounted on said dispensing system, for sensing a condition relating to volumetric output of the dispensing system.

7. An interface system according to claim 1, wherein said dispensing system control means comprises a switch for providing electrical power to the dispensing system.

8. An interfacing system according to claim 1, wherein said computer interfacing means is constructed and arranged to be coupled to a programmable aftermarket computer system.

9. An interfacing system according to claim 1, wherein said computer interfacing means is constructed and arranged to be coupled to a parallel port of a personal computer.

10. An improved automated control unit for retrofitting a fuel dispensing system that is not equipped to permit an automated fuel dispensing transaction in order to permit such automated fuel dispensing transactions, comprising: dispensing system control means for instructing the dispensing system to dispense fuel; volumetric monitoring means for receiving information relating to an amount of fuel dispensed from said dispensing system; a computer that is remote from the fuel dispensing system; and computer interfacing means for communicating with said remote computer, said computer interfacing means including means for communicating information received from said volumetric monitoring means to the computer, and means for receiving instructions from the computer as to when to actuate said dispensing system control means.

11. A method for automating a fuel dispensing system of the type that is not equipped for handling automated transactions, comprising steps of:

(a) mounting an interface unit to the fuel dispensing system that is equipped to monitor the volumetric flow of fuel from the fuel dispensing system and control operation of the fuel dispensing system; and (b) connecting the interface unit to a remote computer.