U.S. patent application number 10/804140 was filed with the patent office on 2005-01-06 for dispenser activation method and apparatus.
Invention is credited to Struthers, Kevin, Webb, Michael C..
Application Number | 20050000588 10/804140 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32825460 |
Filed Date | 2005-01-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050000588 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Webb, Michael C. ; et
al. |
January 6, 2005 |
Dispenser activation method and apparatus
Abstract
A fuel dispenser includes a non-mechanical switch that detects
whether a fueling nozzle is positioned inside or outside of a
nozzle boot. When the non-mechanical switch detects that the
fueling nozzle is removed from the nozzle boot, the non-mechanical
switch generates a signal to activate a fuel dispensing
transaction. When the non-mechanical switch detects that the
fueling nozzle if replaced in the nozzle boot, the non-mechanical
switch generates a signal to terminate the fuel dispensing
transaction.
Inventors: |
Webb, Michael C.; (Raleigh,
NC) ; Struthers, Kevin; (Clayton, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DRINKER BIDDLE & REATH
ONE LOGAN SQUARE
18TH AND CHERRY STREETS
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103-6996
US
|
Family ID: |
32825460 |
Appl. No.: |
10/804140 |
Filed: |
March 19, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60456203 |
Mar 21, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
141/94 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B67D 7/84 20130101; B67D
7/04 20130101; B67D 7/12 20130101; B67D 7/42 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/094 |
International
Class: |
B65B 001/30 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A fuel dispenser activation apparatus comprising: a fuel
dispenser having a fueling hose terminating in a fueling nozzle, a
nozzle holster into which the fueling nozzle is inserted and where
said nozzle resides when the dispenser is not dispensing fuel and
from which said nozzle is removed to dispense fuel; a proximity
sensor for sensing the presence and absence of the nozzle in the
holster.
2. The fuel dispenser of claim 1, further comprising: an electrode
disposed proximate to the holster and in communication with the
proximity sensor that improves the sensitivity of the proximity
sensor.
3. The fuel dispenser of claim 1, wherein: said proximity sensor is
an inductive device.
4. The fuel dispenser of claim 1, wherein: said proximity sensor is
a capacitive device.
5. The fuel dispenser of claim 1, wherein: said proximity sensor is
a photoelectric device.
6. The fuel dispenser of claim 1, wherein: said proximity sensor is
an ultrasonic device.
7. The fuel dispenser of claim 2, wherein: said electrode comprises
one or more of wire, wire mesh, conductive foil, metal tape.
8. The fuel dispenser of claim 1, wherein: the proximity sensor
produces a signal indicating a condition that the nozzle is either
proximate to or distant from the holster.
9. The fuel dispenser of claim 1, further comprising: a signal
connection between the proximity sensor and a switching device,
said switching device signaling the activation and termination of
fueling activity based on the signal from the proximity sensor.
10. The fuel dispenser of claim 9, wherein: said signal connection
comprises one or more of a group of technologies, said group
comprising direct wired electronic connection, optical signal
connection, wireless signal connection.
11. A fuel dispenser activation apparatus comprising: a fuel
dispenser having a fueling hose terminating in a fueling nozzle, a
nozzle holster into which the fueling nozzle is inserted and where
said nozzle resides when the dispenser is not dispensing fuel and
from which said nozzle is removed to dispense fuel; a proximity
sensor for sensing nozzle removal from and insertion into the
holster.
12. The fuel dispenser of claim 11, further comprising: an
electrode disposed proximate to the holster and in communication
with the proximity sensor that improves the sensitivity of the
proximity sensor.
13. The fuel dispenser of claim 11, wherein: said proximity sensor
is an inductive device.
14. The fuel dispenser of claim 11, wherein: said proximity sensor
is a capacitive device.
15. The fuel dispenser of claim 11, wherein: said proximity sensor
is a photoelectric device.
16. The fuel dispenser of claim 11, wherein: said proximity sensor
is an ultrasonic device.
17. The fuel dispenser of claim 11, wherein: said proximity sensor
produces a signal indicating transition between the proximate and
distant state of the nozzle relative to the holster.
18. The fuel dispenser of claim 12, wherein: said electrode
comprises one or more of wire, wire mesh, conductive foil, metal
tape.
19. The fuel dispenser of claim 11, further comprising: a signal
connection between the proximity sensor and a switching device,
said switching device signaling the activation and termination of
fueling activity based on the signal from the proximity sensor.
20. The fuel dispenser of claim 19, wherein: said signal connection
comprises one or more of a group of technologies, said group
comprising direct wired electronic connection, optical signal
connection, wireless signal connection.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to the field of fuel dispensers. More
particularly, the invention is related to detecting the position of
a fueling nozzle of a fuel dispenser. This application claims
priority from a provisional application, Ser. No. 60/456,203, filed
Mar. 21, 2003.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Most states require that fuel dispensers be configurable to
require the operator of the fuel dispenser (i.e., a self-service
customer or a service station attendant) to perform at least two
operations before allowing a fueling or dispensing transaction to
begin. One required operation is for the operator to select the
type or grade of fuel. The other required operation is for the
operator to actuate a switch to activate the dispensing
transaction. With most dispensers, the order or sequence in which
these operations are completed is irrelevant.
[0003] The selection of a grade of fuel is typically implemented by
requiring the operator of the fuel dispenser to select a grade or
type of fuel by depressing a fuel grade button. The fuel grade
button is usually implemented as a mechanical switch but may
sometimes be a graphic button on a touch screen display.
[0004] The actuation of a switch to activate the dispensing
transaction is typically implemented by one of several fuel
dispenser designs. In one design, the fuel dispenser includes a
mechanical lever that may be moved between an "UP" position and a
"DOWN" position. In the UP position, the mechanical lever blocks
the opening of a holster, thereby preventing insertion of a fueling
nozzle. In the DOWN position, the mechanical lever does not block
the opening of the holster and is blocked from moving into the UP
position by the fueling nozzle if it is located in the holster.
[0005] To dispense fuel, the operator removes the fueling nozzle
from the holster and then manually lifts the mechanical lever into
the UP position. By lifting the lever into the UP position, the
operator actuates a switch that activates the dispensing
transaction. After dispensing fuel, the operator must manually
lower the mechanical lever to the DOWN position to no longer block
the opening of the holster in order to replace the nozzle into the
holster. By lowering the mechanical lever to the DOWN position, the
operator actuates a switch that terminates the dispensing
transaction.
[0006] In another fuel dispenser design, the fuel dispenser
includes a mechanical flapper-switch mechanism inside the holster
and a mechanical or a graphical display activation button. To
dispense fuel, the operator depresses the mechanical or graphical
display activation button which activates the dispensing
transaction. The operator then dispenses fuel via the fueling
nozzle. After dispensing fuel, the operator returns the fueling
nozzle to its holster. The insertion of the fueling nozzle into its
holster causes the nozzle to contact and move the flapper-switch
mechanism. This movement of the flapper-switch mechanism actuates a
switch which terminates the dispensing transaction.
[0007] In yet another fuel dispenser design, the fuel dispenser
again includes a mechanical flapper-switch mechanism inside the
holster. To dispense fuel, the operator removes a fueling nozzle
from its holster from a position where it was blocking movement of
the flapper-switch mechanism. When the nozzle is removed from the
holster, the mechanical flapper mechanism moves outward and
actuates a switch to activate the dispensing transaction. After
dispensing fuel, the operator returns the fueling nozzle to its
holster, thereby pushing the flapper-switch mechanism into the
holster which actuates a switch and terminates the fuel dispensing
transaction as described above.
[0008] The conventional fuel dispensers described above use button
switches, lever switches or flapper switches to activate and/or
terminate dispensing transactions. Such switches are mechanically
activated and, as such, are prone to failure over time after
repeated use due to mechanical wear. In addition, these mechanical
switches include numerous components that make them complicated and
expensive to manufacture, install and repair. Further, conventional
fuel dispenser designs can be confusing or difficult for an
operator to operate because they require the operator to
consciously carry out two separate operations before the fueling
transaction may begin.
[0009] A need, therefore, exists for an improved fuel dispenser
having a simpler operator interface and a non-mechanical apparatus
for activating and/or terminating a fuel dispensing
transaction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is a fuel dispenser that includes a
proximity sensor that determines when a fueling nozzle is
positioned within a holster and when the fueling nozzle is removed
from the holster. The proximity sensor generates a proximity signal
that indicates the position of the nozzle. A switching device
receives the proximity signal and activates or terminates a fuel
dispensing transaction based on the determined position of the
fueling nozzle as indicated by the proximity signal.
[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the proximity
sensor is a capacitive proximity sensor that detects changes in
capacitance.
[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, the proximity
sensor communicates the proximity signal to the switching device
via a wired connection.
[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, the proximity
sensor communicates the proximity signal to the switching device
via a wireless connection.
[0014] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the
holster is non-metallic and the nozzle comprises a metal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is
shown in the drawings a form that is presently preferred; it being
understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the
precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a fuel dispenser according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a side plan view of a fuel dispenser according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a fuel dispenser
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals
illustrate corresponding or similar elements throughout the several
views, there is shown in FIGS. 1-3 a fuel dispenser 100 according
to the present invention. A fueling nozzle 104 is coupled to a fuel
source (not shown) via a fueling hose 106. The fueling nozzle 104
may dispense fuel from the fuel source when a fueling transaction
is activated and may not dispense fuel when a fueling transaction
is terminated.
[0020] The fueling transaction is activated or terminated based on
certain factors. Such factors include whether the fueling nozzle
104 is located in or removed from its nozzle boot 102 or holster.
When the fueling nozzle 104 is removed from the holster 102, the
fuel dispenser 100 may activate the fueling transaction provided
that any other requirements or criteria, such as confirmation of
payment, are satisfied. When the fueling nozzle 104 is returned to
the holster 102, the fuel dispenser 100 terminates the fueling
transaction.
[0021] The fuel dispenser 100 includes a non-mechanical proximity
sensor 108 that is mounted on or near the holster 102. The
proximity sensor 108 automatically detects whether the fueling
nozzle 104 is removed from or replaced into its nozzle boot 102 or
holster. The proximity sensor 108 indicates the position of the
fueling nozzle 104 on a proximity signal that it transmits on a
signal connection 112 to a non-mechanical switching device 114. The
signal connection 112 may be a wired connection, an optical fiber
connection, or a wireless (e.g., infrared, radio frequency, . . . )
connection. The non-mechanical switching device 114 activates
and/or terminates the fuel dispensing transaction based on the
indicated position of the fueling nozzle 104.
[0022] The proximity sensor 108 and the switching device 114 do not
have moving parts that must be displaced by the removal and/or
replacement of the fueling nozzle 104 from the holster 102. The
invention provides improved reliability over conventional fuel
dispensers by avoiding failure mechanisms that might otherwise
result from mechanical wear that occurs after repeated use of
mechanically-activated switches used to activate and/or terminate a
dispensing transaction.
[0023] When the nozzle 104 is removed from the holster 102, the
proximity sensor 108 sends a corresponding signal (the "REMOVED"
signal) to the switching device 114 which may then activate the
dispensing (or fueling) transaction in response to such signal.
When the nozzle 104 is replaced into the holster 102, the proximity
sensor 108 sends a corresponding signal (the "RETURNED" signal) to
the switching device 108 that terminates the dispensing (or
fueling) transaction.
[0024] A proximity sensor 108 may include a sensing element and
conditioning circuitry for detecting the proximity of the nozzle
104 to the holster 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensing
element generates a signal corresponding to the degree of proximity
of the nozzle 104 to the holster 102. If the degree of proximity is
greater than a predetermined threshold, the conditioning circuitry
determines that the nozzle 104 is within the holster 102 and
generates the RETURNED signal. If the degree of proximity is less
than a predetermined threshold, the conditioning circuitry
determines that the nozzle 104 is removed from the holster 102 and
generates the REMOVED signal.
[0025] Alternatively, the proximity sensor may generate a proximity
signal based on the detection of a transition from a proximate
position to a distant position and vice versa. For example, when
the proximity sensor 108 first detects a high proximity (i.e.,
nozzle is close to sensor) followed by a low proximity (i.e.,
nozzle is far from sensor), it may generate a REMOVED signal. When
the proximity sensor 108 detects a low proximity followed by a high
proximity, it may generate a RETURNED signal.
[0026] The use of transitions rather than a predetermined threshold
may improve the system's reliability despite variations in the
signal generated by the sensing element over time. The signal
generated by the sensing element may vary over time and use due to
factors including contamination of the sensing element (such as a
covering of dirt) and wear of the fueling nozzle 104. This may
cause an error if determining position of the nozzle 104 based on a
predetermined threshold. For example, these factors may cause
operating variations such that the signals generated by the sensing
element corresponding to the nozzle 104 being in and out of the
holster 102 are both above or both below the predetermined
threshold. In contrast, determining position based on the
transition will not result in an error because, although the
characteristics of the transition may vary, the transition from low
to high and high to low proximity signals still occurs.
[0027] The proximity sensor 108 may be implemented by one of
various proximity sensor technologies, including inductive,
capacitive, ultrasonic, and photoelectric technologies. The
composition of the nozzle 104 and possibly the holster 102 will
correspond to the particular proximity sensor technology. For
example, the nozzle 104 will be comprised of a metal if the
proximity sensor 108 is an inductive proximity sensor.
[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the proximity sensor 108 is a
capacitive proximity sensor 108 that detects a difference in
capacitance between when the nozzle 104 is positioned in the
holster 102 and when the nozzle 104 is removed from the holster
102. In an exemplary embodiment, the nozzle 104 comprises a
metallic material. In an exemplary embodiment, the holster 102 is
made of a non-metallic material, such as plastic, to improve the
detection capability and reliability of the capacitive proximity
sensor 108 in detecting the position of the fueling nozzle 104.
[0029] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, an electrode
110 is installed around the outside of the holster 102 to increase
the sensitivity and expand the sensing area of the proximity sensor
108. This electrode 110 could be made of wire or foil (e.g., an
aluminum foil tape).
[0030] The proximity sensor 108 may be implemented on a small
circuit board that may be encapsulated in a potting compound. The
switching device 114 may implemented by a computer or an
application specific integrated circuit and may be located within
the electronics compartment (i.e., head) of the fuel dispenser 100.
Although the proximity sensor 108 and the switching device 114 are
shown as two separate elements, they may be combined in a single
unit mounted on the holster 102.
[0031] A fuel dispenser may include multiple nozzles and holsters,
each corresponding to a different grade of fuel. In an exemplary
embodiment, the characteristics of each nozzle are particular for
nozzles corresponding to that grade of fuel. This way, the
proximity sensor and switching device may determine whether the
nozzle for one grade of fuel is returned to the holster for another
grade of fuel. For example, with a capacitive proximity sensor, the
metal content of the nozzles for each different grade of fuel may
vary such that the proximity sensor may determine both proximity
and the type of nozzle. Upon detection of misplacement of the
nozzle, the switching device may generate an error signal to a
station operator may correct the nozzle placement.
[0032] A fuel dispenser 100 according to the present invention may
provide a simpler operator interface because the operator does not
need to consciously carry out two separate operations before the
fueling transaction may begin. The fuel dispenser 100 does not
require any buttons to be depressed or levers to be actuated to
activate or terminate a fueling dispensing transaction.
[0033] Other variations of the apparatus can be conceived that
provide the beneficial results of the invention while not deviating
from the basic design features described herein.
* * * * *