U.S. patent number 3,921,854 [Application Number 05/469,518] was granted by the patent office on 1975-11-25 for remote control console for a plurality of automatic gasoline dispensers.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Pan-Nova, Inc.. Invention is credited to Thomas D. Formica, Robert C. Greenwood, Thomas E. Jones.
United States Patent |
3,921,854 |
Formica , et al. |
November 25, 1975 |
Remote control console for a plurality of automatic gasoline
dispensers
Abstract
A control unit and dispensers for a gasoline station providing
for prepayment at a single control of fuel dispensing at each of a
plurality of dispensers, and automatic payout of change whenever a
customer does not take all of the gasoline paid for.
Inventors: |
Formica; Thomas D. (Newport
Beach, CA), Greenwood; Robert C. (Cypress, CA), Jones;
Thomas E. (Costa Mesa, CA) |
Assignee: |
Pan-Nova, Inc. (Santa Fe
Springs, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
23864092 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/469,518 |
Filed: |
May 13, 1974 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/16;
194/219 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F
13/02 (20130101); G07F 5/24 (20130101); B67D
7/307 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B67D
5/08 (20060101); B67D 5/30 (20060101); G07F
5/00 (20060101); G07F 13/02 (20060101); G07F
5/24 (20060101); G07F 13/00 (20060101); B67D
005/30 (); G07F 013/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;222/14-22 ;194/13 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Tollberg; Stanley H.
Assistant Examiner: Lane; Hadd
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Harris, Kern, Wallen &
Tinsley
Claims
I claim:
1. In a fluid dispensing system, the combination of:
a plurality of fluid dispensers, each of said dispensers
including
means responsive to an input signal for registering a number of
units of fluid to be dispensed:
means for registering the number of units of fluid dispensed;
means for terminating dispensing when the number of units dispensed
matches the number to be dispensed; and
means for paying out change when dispensing is terminated and the
number of units dispensed is less than the number of units to be
dispensed; and
a control unit continuously connected to each of said fluid
dispensers, said control unit including
means for generating an input signal corresponding to a number of
units of fluid to be dispensed;
means for selecting a dispenser and coupling the input signal to
the selected dispenser;
means for initiating operation of said generating means after a
dispenser is selected; and
means for blocking further operation of said selecting means after
actuation of said initiating means until said generating means
input signal has been transmitted to the selected dispenser.
2. A fluid dispensing system, as defined in claim 1 wherein each of
said dispensers includes status means for indicating when the
dispensers is ready to dispense fluid, and
said control unit includes an indicator for each dispenser and
means for connecting each indicator to the status means of the
corresponding dispenser.
3. A fluid dispensing system as defined in claim 2 wherein each of
said dispensers includes reset means for resetting the dispenser to
the initial condition ready to dispense fluid; and
said control unit includes means for generating a reset signal and
coupling the reset signal to the selected dispenser.
4. A fluid dispensing system as defined in claim 1 wherein said
control unit generating means includes a pulse generating circuit
providing voltage pulses to the selected dispenser corresponding to
the number of units to be dispensed.
5. A control unit as defined in claim 6 wherein each of the
dispensers has a reset circuit and said control unit includes means
for generating a reset signal for connection to a selected
dispenser for actuating the dispenser reset circuit.
6. A control unit for use with a plurality of fluid dispensers
having
first register means for registering sales units to be dispensed in
response to input signals;
second register means for registering dispensing units as fluid is
dispensed;
means for terminating dispensing when there is a match in value of
registered units; and
means for paying out change when dispensing is terminated prior to
a match in values;
said control unit including in combination;
means for generating an input signal corresponding to a number of
sales units to be dispensed;
means for selecting a dispenser and coupling the input signal to
the selected dispenser;
means for continuously connecting said control unit to the
dispenser;
means for initiating operation of said generating means after a
dispenser is selected; and
means for blocking further operation of said selecting means after
actuation of said initiating means until said generating means
input signal has been transmitted to the selected dispenser.
7. A control unit for use with a plurality of fluid dispensers
having
first register means for registering sales units to be dispensed in
response to input signals;
second register means for registering dispensing units as fluid is
dispensed;
means for terminating dispensing when there is a match in value of
registered units; and
means for paying out change when dispensing is terminated prior to
a match in values;
said control unit including in combination:
means for generating an input signal corresponding to a number of
sales units to be dispensed; and
means for selecting a dispenser and coupling the input signal to
the selected dispenser;
said generating means including
a switch for selecting a number of sales units;
a pulse generator for producing electrical pulses as the input
signals; and
a counter for counting input signals and stopping pulse generation
when input signals corresponding to the selected number of sales
units have been transmitted to the selected dispenser.
8. A control unit as defined in claim 7 wherein said means for
selecting includes
a switch with a plurality of first contact sets for connecting said
pulse generator to said dispensers, with said sets being
selectively movable between non-connect and connect positions;
a switch release for moving all of said contact sets to said
non-connect position; and
means for actuating said switch release when said counter stops
said pulse generator.
9. A control unit as defined in claim 8 including a reset signal
source and means for actuating said reset signal source to provide
a reset signal;
with said switch including a plurality of second contact sets for
selectively connecting said reset signal to said dispensers.
10. A control unit as defined in claim 9 including a plurality of
lamps and means for connecting a lamp to a dispenser for indicating
that a dispenser is ready for selection.
11. A control unit as defined in claim 7 wherein said counter
comprises a multisection sequential switch;
with one of said sections having sequential steps connected to said
first switch for terminating counting when said sequential switch
advances to the selected number of value units;
with another of said sections having sequential steps connected to
lamps for indicating the count state of the counter.
12. In a fluid dispensing system, the combination of:
a plurality of fluid dispensers, each of said dispensers
including
means responsive to an input signal for registering a number of
units of fluid to be dispensed;
means for registering the number of units of fluid dispensed;
means for terminating dispensing when the number of units dispensed
matches the number to be dispensed; and
means for paying out change when dispensing is terminated and the
number of units dispensed is less than the number of units to be
dispensed; and
a control unit connected to each of said fluid dispensers, said
control unit including
means for generating an input signal corresponding to a number of
units of fluid to be dispensed; and
means for selecting a dispenser and coupling the input signal to
the selected dispenser;
said generating means including
a pulse generating circuit providing voltage pulses to the selected
dispenser corresponding to the number of units to be dispensed,
and
counter means for counting the pulse generating circuit output and
shutting the pulse generating circuit off when a predetermined
count is attained.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Automatic dispensers are being designed and used at gasoline
stations and several such units are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,550,743; 3,605,973; 3,666,928; 3,731,777; and 3,768,617. In these
dispensers, a quantity of fuel is purchased by the customer, in
terms of dollars or gallons or other units, and this purchase is
registered in the dispenser, mechanically as by deposit of tokens
or coins, or electrically as by a switch setting or electrical
pulses. Typically the customer purchases tokens from an attendant
and deposits them in the dispenser or pays the attendant and the
attendant sets the register in the dispenser.
The customer then positions the hose nozzle in the fuel tank of the
vehicle and opens the valve to start gasoline flow. When all of the
fuel paid for is dispensed, the dispenser automatically shuts off
gasoline flow. If for any reason the customer does not wish to take
all the fuel paid for, the customer may shut off flow and return
the hose nozzle to the dispenser. Change will automatically be paid
to the customer for the value of the fuel paid for but not
received.
Present day gasoline stations utilize a plurality of dispensers,
typically twelve, and it is desirable to be able to operate the
twelve dispensers with a single attendant. In one mode of
operation, the attendant runs from dispenser to dispenser as the
customers drive in. This has not been satisfactory because one
attendant cannot handle a busy location. In another mode of
operation, customers pull up to the dispensers, take whatever
amount of gasoline they desire, and then make payment to an
attendant located at a control booth at the exit of the station,
with the amount of fuel and the cost of the fuel being metered at
the booth. This system has not been satisfactory in all respects,
as it requires meter reading and change making by the attendant, a
time consuming operation at a busy installation, and also has the
problem of customers taking more fuel than they are prepared to pay
for.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a control unit
for operation with a plurality of dispensers at a gasoline station
providing for prepayment by the customer, control of the operation
by a single attendant, and automatic change payout to each customer
when the amount of fuel paid for has not been taken. The invention
will be described herein in conjunction with the dispenser of U.S.
Pat. No. 3,605,973, but it will be readily understood that the
invention is equally suitable for use with other change making
dispensers. Also, while the invention is described as used with
gasoline, it is equally suitable for dispensing of other fluid.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A plurality of automatic change paying fluid dispensers are
operated from a single control console. The attendant at the
control console receives advance payment for a number of sales
units, typically in dollars or gallons, selects a dispenser by
actuating a selection switch, and enters the prepaid number of
sales units by actuating a value switch. Sales units are entered
into the selected dispenser by electric pulses from a pulse
generating circuit at the control console. After the credits are
entered into the selected dispenser, the dispenser is ready for
operation by the customer, and the control console is available for
entering sales unit credit into another selected dispenser.
The control console includes means for selecting a dispenser, means
for generating the input signal for connection to the dispenser,
means for resetting a dispenser to the initial position in the case
of a malfunction or change of mind, and means for indicating to the
attendant when a dispenser is available for selection and use by a
customer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side view of an automatic changepaying gasoline
dispenser, with portions of the side panels of the housing
removed;
FIG. 2 is a partial view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 from the
opposite side;
FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view taken along the line 3--3 of
FIG. 1 illustrating the money handling portion of the
dispenser;
FIGS. 4a and 4b comprise an electrical schematic of the dispenser
of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view of the resolution unit of the
dispenser of FIG. 1;
FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9 illustrate cams A, B, C and D, respectively, of
the resolution unit of FIG. 5;
FIG. 10 is a diagram of a gasoline station incorporating the
presently preferred embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 11 is a view of the control console for the booth of the
service station of FIG. 10; and
FIGS. 12a and 12b are an electrical schematic of the control unit
for the station of FIG. 10.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIGS. 1-9 illustrate one modification of the dispenser of U.S. Pat.
No. 3,605,973 for use in the present invention. Of course neither
this particular dispenser nor the specific modification disclosed
is essential. Other dispensers, such as Keene Model 512 REW and A.
O. Smith Model E-501, may be used. Also, since payment is being
made at the control console, the coin or token receiving
components, such as the coin acceptor unit 32, the coin chutes 34,
the coin slots 34' and the switch 33, may be omitted. The control
console of FIGS. 11 and 12 serves as an alternate method of adding
credits to a dispenser and ordinarily is not used simultaneously
with tokens.
The structure of FIG. 1 includes a gasoline delivery unit 10
(Tokheim Model 1150T-S-RC-APC) to which the coin-operated
dispensing system has been attached, with the system contained in
housings 11, 12. A side panel has been removed from the housing 13
of the gasoline delivery unit 10 to show some of the interior
connections. The delivery unit 10 includes an inlet pipeline 14, a
flow meter or computer 15, hose 16 and outlet nozzle 17, and a
level 18 for operating switches designated as pump control switch
No. 1 and No. 2, PCS-1 and PCS-2. The flow meter 15 provides for
measuring the amount of gasoline flowing from the nozzle 17 and
indicates the measured amount in gallons and in dollars and cents.
A dispenser reset motor DRM is incorporated in the flow meter 15
for resetting the mechanism to the zero condition. A shaft 20
projects from the side of the flow meter 15 and makes one complete
revolution for each ten-cent increment of fluid dispensed. Two
valves are connected in parallel between the inlet pipeline 14 and
the hose 16 for controlling fluid flow from the pump to the outlet
nozzle, with the valves being controlled by valve solenoids No. 1
and No. 2, V1 and V2. When both valves are closed, there is no
flow; when both valves are opened, there is fluid flow at the
maximum or full rate; when one valve is open and one valve is
closed, there is flow at an intermediate or slow flow rate. In a
typical installation, the two valves will be of equal size so that
the slow flow rate is one-half the full flow rate. There is a pump
22 in the inlet pipeline 14, with the pump usually being positioned
remote from the delivery unit. The pump motor PM is energized in
the conventional manner via PCS-2. Each delivery unit may have its
own pump motor, or one pump motor may serve several delivery units.
The electrical circuitry is shown in FIG. 4 and will be discussed
below.
A resolution unit 25 is mounted in the housing 11 and has one input
shaft 26 connected to the flow meter shaft 20 by a right angle gear
drive 27 supported on a bracket 27'. The resolution unit 25 is
illustrated in FIGS. 5-9 and includes a differential type
arrangement of gears with inputs 26, 28 and an output 29. An
electric motor 31 (MRU) has its output shaft connected to the input
shaft 28 by flexible coupling 30. In the particular embodiment
illustrated, the gear ratios are selected such that 2-1/2
revolutions of the 10 cent shaft 20 from the flow meter produces
one revolution of the output shaft 29. The gearing is also arranged
so that the motor MRU drives the output shaft 29 in the same
direction as the output shaft is driven by the flow meter.
Four cams A, B, C and D (FIGS. 6-9) are mounted on the output shaft
29 for actuating the subtract and zero position switch SZC, the
slow flow switch SFC, the nickel pay-out switch NPC, and the penny
pay-out switch PPC, respectively, as the shaft 29 rotates. As can
be seen from the cam configurations in FIGS. 6-9, cam A activates
switch SZC once for each complete revolution, cam B activates
switch SFC once per revolution with the opening of SFC preceding
the opening of SZC by approximately 145.degree.. Cam C activates
switch NPC at 1/5, 2/5, 3/5 and 4/5 of a revolution. Cam D
activates switch PPC 20 times per revolution, with the switch being
closed every 14.4.degree. of a revolution except at the points when
switch NPC is closed and at the zero point. With the particular
embodiment illustrated, one revolution of the shaft 29 corresponds
to one delivery unit of gasoline having a value of 25 cents. Cam A
provides a zero position indicating the start and end of a delivery
unit. Cam B is utilized to initiate the slow flow operation by
closing one of the valves approximately midway through a delivery
unit. Cam C provides signals corresponding to 5 cents, 10 cents, 15
cents and 20 cents, while cam D provides signals for the odd cents
between the 5-cent signals of cam C. Of course, other cam
configurations can be utilized for other values for delivery units
and for other monetary values.
The coin handling units are mounted in the housing 12 and are shown
in FIG. 3. A conventional coin acceptance unit 32 is fed by coin
chutes 34 leading from coin slots 34' located on opposite sides of
the housing 12. The coin acceptance unit 32 functions in the
conventional manner to close a coin switch 33 (CS) when a valid
coin has been received. The acceptance unit 32 also includes a coin
reject solenoid COR for rejecting undesired coins. A coin count
switch CCS is positioned elsewhere in the system to energize the
coin reject solenoid when more than a predetermined number of coins
are deposited at one time.
The particular embodiment illustrated and described in this
application is designed for operation with tokens representing one
dollar in value. Of course the system can be designed to handle any
type of coin or token and the word coin is used here to include any
of the objects representing monetary value.
A coin refund unit is also mounted in the housing 12 and includes
quarter, nickel, and penny storage tubes 35, 36, 37, respectively.
The quarter tube 35 includes a mechanism for dropping quarters one
at a time into pay-out receptacle 38, operated by the quarter
pay-out solenoid QPS, and also includes a switch QTE operated when
the quarter tube is empty. The nickel tube 36 and the penny tube 37
are similarly equipped with a nickel pay-out solenoid NPS and the
tube empty switch NTE and a penny pay-out solenoid PPS and tube
empty switch PTE, respectively.
A monetary display unit 41 is mounted in the housing 12 and
includes a wheel 42 having the numerals 0 through 9 positioned
around the periphery thereof. The wheel is disposed within the
housing so that one of the numerals may be viewed through an
opening 43 in the housing 12 (FIG. 1). The display unit is stepped
through the ten positions by a monetary display solenoid, MDS-1. A
similar display unit 44 is positioned in the housing 12 for
displaying numerals at a window 45 (FIG. 2) and is operated by
another solenoid MDS-2. The units 41, 44 display the number of
one-dollar tokens which a customer deposits and are reset to zero
when the system is reset. The units typically are solenoid-operated
stepper devices of conventional design and it will be recognized
that other numerical display devices can be utilized where
desired.
Display panels 51, 52 are mounted on opposite sides of the housing
11 and each is provided with three legends identified by numerals
1, 2 and 3, and with lamps for selectively illuminating the
legends. The preferred language for each of the legends is set out
in Table II. Legend 1 may be presented in the form of an arror
pointing toward coin slots 32. Legends 2 and 3 may be provided in
the form of an arrow pointing toward the nozzle 17 and the lever
18. Typically the lever 18 is painted red for ease in location.
The electrical circuitry for the system is illustrated in FIGS. 4a
and 4b, and the various components are identified in Table I.
Most of the components are switches, relay coils, relay contacts,
solenoid coils, motors, lamps, resistors, diodes and capacitors and
are conventional in construction and operation. By way of example,
reference numeral 55 indicates a set of contacts of the credit
relay CR and reference numeral 56 indicates the coil of the CR
relay. The moving arm of the contact set 55 engages the upper fixed
contact when the coil is unenergized and engages the lower fixed
contact when the coil is energized. The coil for the credit relay
CR is energized when the stop relay ST is energized, closing
contact set 57.
The system is powered from a 110 volt ac source connected at
terminals 58, 59. A voltage step-down transformer 60, a full wave
rectifier 61, and a filter capacitor 62 provide a 24 volt dc power
source for some of the components.
The system includes a counter, typically a solenoid actuated
stepping switch 64, referred to as the delivery stepper DS. The
delivery stepper has a plurality of fixed contacts and a moving arm
which is advanced from one contact to the next. In the system
described in this application, 36 contacts are utilized, although
only a portion of the contacts are illustrated in FIG. 4. Each step
corresponds to one delivery unit of 25 cents and 36 contacts
provide a nine dollar capacity for the system. The delivery stepper
is actuated by solenoids DSA and DSB. When DSA is energized, the
stepper switch advances one step. When DSB is energized, the
stepper switch is reset to the initial condition, as illustrated in
FIG. 4. Contacts 1 through 4 are electrically interconnected.
Contacts 5 through 8 are similarly interconnected. Each succeeding
group of four contacts are similarly interconnected. A diode 65 is
connected between the first group and the second group to serve as
a blocking diode and prevent current flow from the first group to
the second group. Diodes are similarly connected between each of
the succeeding groups of contacts.
The monetary display unit 41 includes a stepping switch MDU having
ten fixed contacts and a moving arm, with the moving arm actuated
by the solenoid MDS-1. In the system illustrated herein, the ten
fixed contacts of MDU correspond to the monetary values zero
through nine dollars. The second or one dollar contact is
electrically connected to the first group of four contacts of the
delivery stepper DS, the third or two dollar contact is connected
to the second group of four contacts of DS, and the succeeding
contacts of MDU are similarly connected to succeeding groups of
DS.
Other conventional counter units, such as relay or transistor
types, may be used for either or both of DS and MDU if desired. The
functions of the remaining components of the system will readily be
apparent from the description of operation which follows.
When the system is in the start position, ready to accept coins,
the monetary display unit MDU is in the zero position. The first
legend lamp 67 is energized from the ac line through RST and RFR.
When the customer drops a one dollar token in the coin slot, coin
switch CS is closed and energizes the one dollar add relay 1.00 AR,
which in turn energizes MDS-1 and MDS-2. A resistor 68 is connected
in series with the coil of 1.00 AR for current limiting purposes.
Resistors are similarly used in conjunction with a number of other
coils in the circuit. A capacitor 69 is charged from the dc source
through a resistor 70 and CS. When CS is actuated by a coin, the
capacitor 69 is discharged into the 1.00 AR coil to provide a pulse
of energy for actuating the relay. Capacitors are used similarly in
conjunction with a number of other relays in the circuit. Diodes 71
are connected in circuit with MDS-1 and MDS-2 for blocking purposes
so that current of only one polarity flows in the circuit. Diodes
are similarly used in conjunction with other relays in the
circuitry.
When the dollar token is deposited, both monetary display units
advance one step, positioning the numeral 1 at the openings 43, 45.
The arm on MDU is moved from the zero position to the one dollar
position. A bell is also energized through 1.00 AR to provide an
audible signal to the customer. The customer may deposit additional
dollar tokens to a total not to exceed nine dollars. As each
additional token is deposited the process is repeated to advance
MDU one step. A coin count switch CCS is mounted on MDU and is
opened after nine dollars have been deposited. When CCS is opened,
the reject solenoid REJ in the coin handling unit 30 is
de-energized to return to the customer any additional token
deposited, since this particular system has a maximum capacity of
nine dollars. Tokens are also returned when any of the normally
closed tube empty switches PTE, NTE, QTE is opened, indicating that
the supply of coins for refunds is depleted. The reset motor zero
position switch RSMS-3 is in series with REJ, with RSMS-3 closed
when RSM is stopped and open when RSM is running.
With the deposit of the first coin and activation of 1.00 AR, lamp
67 for the first legend is turned off and lamp 72 for the second
legend is energized by operation of RST and ST, indicating to the
customer that gasoline can be dispensed. Legend 2 instructs the
customer to turn the handle 18. When the handle 18 is rotated to
the on position, PCS-1 is closed and the flow meter 15 is reset to
zero by the pump reset motor PRM. When resetting of the flow meter
is completed, PCS-2 is closed to provide power to the valve
solenoids V1, V2, and to the pump motor PM. Operation of PCR also
turns off power to the legend 2 lamp 72. After placing the nozzle
17 in the tank of his automobile, the customer may operate the
lever on the nozzle in the customary manner and gasoline flows
through the system.
As gasoline is dispensed, the flow meter 15 registers the amount
and the output shaft 20 drives the cams of the resolution unit 25.
As cam A moves from its start or zero position, switch SZC is
closed to energize the zero position relay ZPR, which in turn
energizes the credit take-off relay CTO. Operation of CTO energizes
DSA causing the delivery stepper DS to advance one step or one
delivery unit. The cams on the resolution unit 25 make one full
revolution for each delivery unit or 25 cents' worth of gasoline is
dispensed. Each revolution causes one operation of SZC and causes
DS to advance one step.
A closed circuit between the moving arm of DS and the moving arm of
MDU energizes the stop relay ST and the credit relay CR. This is a
permissive circuit which allows gasoline to be dispensed. If one
coin has been deposited, the MDU arm will be at the second contact
or one dollar position. This permissive circuit will remain closed
while DS moves through the first four steps. If two coins have been
deposited, the circuit will remain closed through the first eight
steps, and so forth for each additional coin deposited. When the
delivery stepper DS moves one step beyond the corresponding point
on MDU, this permissive circuit is interrupted and ST and CR are
de-energized.
At this point in the cycle, cam A on the resolution unit 25 has
moved past the zero position, SZC is closed providing power to ZPR,
and gasoline flow continues, since gasoline flow is permitted as
long as either ZPR or CR is energized. When a revolution of cam A
is completed and the zero position is reached, SZC is opened and
ZPR is de-energized. CR has already been de-energized and gasoline
flow is stopped. Cam B closes switch SFC during the first
215.degree. of each revolution. During any revolution when CR is
de-energized and ZPR is energized, opening of SFC interrupts power
to V1 to close one valve and cause a reduced rate of flow during
the last ten cents' worth of delivery. When ZPR and CR are
de-energized, the third legend lamp 73 is lighted.
The preceding description covers the operation of the system when
the value of the gasoline delivered to the customer is the same as
the value of the tokens deposited by the customer. When the value
of the gasoline delivered is less than the value of the tokens
deposited, the operation during delivery of gasoline is as
described above, to the point where delivery is interrupted. For
example, if the customer has deposited three tokens, MDU is at the
fourth contact indicating three dollars. If delivery of gasoline is
stopped by the customer or by the automatic shutoff in the nozzle,
before the customer has received gasoline equal in value to three
dollars, the system will refund the difference. After delivery is
stopped, the nozzle is returned to its cradle and the handle 18 is
turned to the off position, the refund portion of the system
becomes operative. Suppose the customer has received gasoline of a
value of $1.37. DS will have stepped six times and be at the
seventh contact, the permissive circuit through MDU and DS will be
complete and ST and CR will be energized. The permissive circuit
will not be broken until DS has stepped twelve times and reaches
the thirteenth contact.
When the handle 18 is turned to the off position, PCS-1 is opened,
de-energizing PCR and energizing the refund relay RFR which
supplies power to the refund motor RFM. RFM drives a cam which
actuates the refund motor switch RFMS. When as in the example being
discussed, CR and RFR are energized when PCR is de-energized,
actuating RFMS energizes the credit take off relay CTO to actuate
DSA and advance DS one step. Actuation of CTO also energizes the
quarter pay solenoid QPS to drop one 25 cent piece from the storage
tube 35 into the receptable 38. This pay out process is repeated
until DS steps beyond its match point with MDU at which time ST and
CR are de-energized. RFM continues to run until it arrives at its
zero or start position at which time the carryover switch CO-3 is
opened. RFR is de-energized and RFM stops.
In the example being discussed wherein three dollars in tokens was
deposited and $1.37 in gasoline was delivered, RFM will cause DS to
step six times to position 13, returning a quarter for each step,
with a total of six quarters or $1.50. When ST is de-energized the
penny, nickel pay relay PNP and the penny, nickel transfer relay
PNT are enabled and relay POS is energized through CO-3 providing
power to the motor 31 (MRU) of the resolution unit 25. The cams of
the resolution unit stop in an intermediate position when gasoline
flow is stopped. MRU continues to drive the cams in the same
direction. Rotation of cam D operates the penny-pay switch PPC to
energize the penny pay-out solenoid PPS, via a closed contact set
on PNT. Each inpulse to PPS results in a penny being paid out from
the storage tube 37. This penny pay-out action is repeated until
cam C actuates NPC. In the specific example being utilized, PPC
would be actuated three times, refunding three pennies, and then
NPC would be actuated. Actuation of NPC energizes PNT, opening the
circuit to PPC and preventing further penny refunds. Energizing PNT
also completes a circuit to the nickel pay-out solenoid NPS to
refund a nickel from the storage tube 36. MRU continues to drive
the cams and each time NPC is actuated, NPS is energized to refund
another nickel. The cam rotation continues until the resolution
unit returns to the zero or start position and SZC is actuated,
de-energizing ZPR, MRU and PNP to prevent further refunds. In the
specific example utilized, two nickels were refunded with a total
refund comprising six quarters, three pennies and two nickels for a
sum of $1.63.
Actuation of SZC also energizes the reset timer RST. After a delay
built into the reset timer, typically eight to ten seconds, the
contact sets of the reset timer are actuated to provide the
resetting operation.
Actuation of RST after the delay time interval expires produces a
number of functions which reset the system to the initial or start
condition. The reset relay RSR is energized. The reset motor RSM is
energized through the off zero switch OZ-3 on the monetary display
unit actuated by MDS-1. RSM drives a cam which actuates a reset
motor cam switch RSMS ten times in a revolution to energize MDS-1
and MDS-2 for advancing both monetary display units to the zero or
start position. When the monetary display unit 41 is at the zero
position, the circuit to MDS-1 is opened at off zero switch OZ-1
and when the monetary display unit 44 is at the zero position, the
circuit to MDS-2 is opened by off zero switch OZ-2. The circuit to
RSM is opened by off zero switch OZ-3, but the motor is energized
through a carry-over switch CO-1 which permits the motor to drive
the cam to the zero or start position.
Actuation of RST or RSR also energizes DSB to return DS to the
start position. The bell is energized via RSR to provide an audible
signal indicating that reset has taken place. Lamp 73 for legend 3
is turned off when PCR is de-energized. Lamp 67 for legend 1 is
also energized by the actuation of RST, indicating to a customer
that the system is ready for a new cycle of operation.
This apparatus will accept money or the equivalent in sales units
of one dollar steps up to the maximum of nine dollars. The system
delivers gasoline at a relatively high rate in dispensing units of
25 cents. After dispensing is completed, the system pays out a
refund in dispensing units until they are used up. The system
operates at a slower rate to pay out the remaining change in
pennies and nickels. This arrangement permits accuracy in operation
at the small change level while permitting gasoline delivery at the
normal rates of operation. The magnitudes selected for the sales
unit, dispensing unit and coin payouts are of course arbitrary and
have been selected for use with the monetary system in the United
States. Various alternatives are usable. In one variation, the
dispensing unit can be made the same magnitude as the sales
unit.
While the embodiment illustrated utilizes the deposit of a coin or
token to operate the coin switch CS and initiate the registration
of a sales unit, other mechanisms can be used to register a sales
unit and the electrical function for registering a sales unit can
be produced from a remote position if desired. When dispensing of
gasoline is terminated, the position of the delivery stepper DS and
the cams of the resolution unit provide a direct indication of the
amount of gasoline dispensed. This information is utilized in the
present system to control the pay out of money for a refund. The
positions of these components could also be used to generate
signals indicating the amount of gasoline dispensed for record
purposes and could be used for paying out trading stamps or the
like covering the amount purchased.
TABLE I ______________________________________ Code: Unit
______________________________________ CCS Coin count switch on
MDU. CO-1 Carry over switch on RSM. CO-3 Carry over switch on RFM.
CR Credit relay. CS Coin switch. CTO Credit take off relay. DS
Delivery stepper. DSA Delivery stepper coil A. DSB Delivery stepper
coil B. MDS-1 Monetary display solenoid No. 1. MDS-2 Monetary
display solenoid No. 2. MDU Monetary display unit. MRU Motor
resolution unit. NPC Nickel payout switch (cam C). NPS Nickel
payout solenoid. NTE Nickel tube empty switch. OZ-1 Off zero switch
-- MDS-1. OZ-2 Off zero switch -- MDS-2. OZ-3 Off zero switch --
MDS-1. PCR Pump control relay. PCS-1 Pump control switch No. 1.
PCS-2 Pump control switch No. 2. PM Pump motor. PNP Penny, nickel
pay relay. PNT Penny, nickel transfer relay. POS Payout safety
relay. PPC Penny payout switch (cam D). PPS Penny payout solenoid.
PRM Pump reset motor. PTE Penny tube empty switch. QPS Quarter
payout solenoid. QTE Quarter tube empty switch. RES Coin reject
solenoid. RFM Refund motor. RFMS Refund motor cam switch. RFR
Refund relay. RSM Reset motor. RSMS Reset motor cam switch. RSMS-3
Reset motor zero position switch. RSR Reset relay. RST Reset timer.
SFC Slow flow switch (cam B). ST Stop relay. SZC Subtract &
zero position switch (cam A). V1 Valve solenoid No. 1. V2 Valve
solenoid No. 2. ZPR Zero position relay. 1.00 AR $1.00 and relay.
______________________________________
TABLE II ______________________________________ Step: Legend
______________________________________ 1 Deposit coins. 2 Remove
nozzle; turn red handle. 3 Return nozzle.
______________________________________
The legends of Table II may be modified so that the legend for step
1 reads "Pay at booth" when the dispensers of FIGS. 1-9 is used
with the control unit of FIGS. 11 and 12.
A plurality of dispensers 80 are mounted at islands 81 in the
service station of FIG. 10. Typically, twelve dispensers will be
utilized, with three dispensers per island, the dispensers being of
the type described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-9 hereof. The
attendant for the station is positioned in a booth 82 with a
console or control unit for controlling the dispensers 80. The
traffic pattern through the station is shown by the dashed lines,
with customers first stopping at the booth to pay the attendant and
then driving to an island to obtain the gasoline and change.
Alternatively, the control unit may be located at one of the
islands and the customer makes payment after stopping at a selected
dispenser, and may even remove the nozzle from the dispenser and
insert it in the vehicle before paying the attendant. The location
and time of payment are not critical.
The control console at the booth 82 is shown in FIG. 11 and the
electrical circuitry is shown in FIG. 12. A number of lights and
switches are mounted on a panel 85 for viewing and operation by the
attendant. Thirteen switches 86 are mounted on the panel 85. The
switches numbered 1 through 12 provide the main electric power to
the corresponding dispenser 80, and the switch marked console
provides the main electric power to the control unit. These
switches 86 preferably are rocker-type switches with a light 87
mounted in the switch to indicate when the switch is in the closed
or on position. A circuit breaker 88 is provided in series with
each of the switches 86, with the manual reset button available at
the face of the panel 85.
A multiple push button switch 90 provides for selection of one of
the twelve dispensers. This dispenser selection switch is referred
to as SSD switch and includes first and second contact sets 91, 92
for each dispenser. The SSD switch 90 also includes a reset 93.
Another multiple position switch 96 provides for entering a number
of units to be dispensed, typically in dollars or gallons. In the
embodiment illustrated the value switch 96 has a capacity of 8
units, but is readily understood that the system of the invention
can be utilized for any number of dispensers and any number of
value units. The value switch 96, which is referred to as SSC
switch, has first and second contact sets 97, 98. It also includes
an enter position 99 and a cancel position 100. Each of the push
buttons of the SSD dispenser selection switch 90 has a lamp for
illuminating the push button under appropriate conditions.
Similarly, each of the push buttons of the SSC dispenser value
switch 96 has a lamp for illuminating the push button under
appropriate conditions.
Each of the dispenser power switches 86 is connected to terminal 58
(FIG. 4a) of the corresponding dispenser via a line 103, with
terminal 59 connected via line 104. A DC return is provided from
each dispenser to the control unit via line 105. The contact sets
91 of the SSD selection switch 90 are connected to the
corresponding dispensers via credit entry line 106. Contact sets 92
are connected to the corresponding dispensers via reset line 107.
The lamps 108 in the selection switch 91 are connected to the
corresponding dispensers via status line 109, the status line for
each dispenser being connected to the zero or home position of MDU
of the dispenser.
The control unit includes a stepping switch DT having three sets of
contacts DT1, DT2, DT3, with at least one more position than there
are value buttons on the switch 96. The contact sets 97 are
connected to DT1, the value lamps 110 are connected to DT2, and DT3
provides the homing function. The stepping switch DT also includes
an interrupt contact DTI, which is actuated by movement of the
switch at each step. The switch DT is stepped on the release of the
DT coil.
Credit entry is accomplished by pressing the desired "dispenser
selection" button and the desired "dispenser value" button,
followed by the "enter" button. The dispenser selection buttons are
interlocked so that only one button may be down at one time.
Pressing a second button will release the button previously
selected. The dispenser value buttons 1 through 8 may be
interlocked so that only one may be operated at a given time but
trying to operate a second button will not release the first. To
release the first button the "cancel" button must be pressed.
Alternatively, the value buttons may be operated in the same manner
as the selection buttons. All buttons will hold down except the
cancel and reset buttons. The enter button when pressed will hold
down until credit entry is complete at which time it and all other
buttons held down will release.
The dispenser selection buttons are illuminated when the dispenser
has completed its reset cycle and is again ready for use. As soon
as a credit is entered on the selected dispenser at MDU, the
corresponding button light 108 will extinguish indicating not
available for use.
The enter button is illuminated only when the console is clear for
a new transaction. The cancel button is not illuminated. The reset
button is used to reset a selected dispenser in the event of a
malfunction or if credits were inadvertently entered into the wrong
dispenser. Resetting a dispenser is accomplished by first pressing
the desired dispenser selection button followed by the reset
button. The reset button does not hold down, but will illuminate
during the time the reset signal is being transmitted to the
dispenser. The selected dispenser button will release and
illuminate when the reset cycle has been completed.
Credit entry to the dispenser is in the form of electrical pulses,
one pulse for each unit of credit entered. Relays A and B and their
associated electronic components control the pulse duration and
repetition frequency of the pulses to the selected dispenser.
Operation of a dispenser value button and the enter button applies
24 volts to the junction of R1 and R2. C1 will now commence
charging and when charged to a voltage of approximately 0.8 volts,
SCR1 will gate on and operate relay A. Relay A operating discharges
C1 via R3 and applies 24 volts to the relay B timing circuit and
commences to charge C2. When C2 charges to approximately 0.8 volts,
SCR2 will gate on and operate relay B. Relay B operating releases
relay A and A releases B. Relay A being released, discharges C2 via
R5 and enables its own timing circuit at Cl. The sequence now
repeats itself and will continue to do so until the enter or
dispenser value buttons are released by relay K or relay T1.
For the purposes of description let us assume that the console is
ready for use will all buttons released and two credits are to be
entered by the attendant on dispenser number 6. If dispenser number
6 is not in use and has completed its reset cycle, the dispenser
select SSD lamp number six will be illuminated by a 24 volt
positive voltage on line 109 of dispenser 6. The console operator
seeing the lamps are lit will press the number 6 dispenser select
push button which will hold down and remain illuminated. The
circuit for credit entry and reset is now prepared by the closing
of the two SSD number 6 contacts. The operator now prepares the
credit entry by pressing the dispenser value SSC number 2 button
which operates and holds down closing the SSC number 2 switches
preparing a circuit to DT1 wiper position 3 and to the relay A
timing circuit.
Credit entry is initiated by pressing the enter button which is
illuminated and holds down, completing the 24 volt circuit to the
relay A timing circuit. When Cl charges, relay A operates and
applies 24 volts DC to the number 6 dispenser line 106 through SSD
contact set 91 and applies a ground to the DT coil pin a. When B
relay operates, relay A releases and the 24 volts and ground are
removed. One credit has now been added on the dispenser and the DT
wipers have moved one position forward. The enter button lamp now
extinguishes since the ground has been removed from DT2 wiper pin 1
and relay H releases since there is now no ground on DT1 wiper pin
1. The dispenser value lamp 110 number 1 now illuminates showing
that one credit has been added. The relay A and B timing circuits
continue to cycle and relay A operates and releases stepping the DT
wipers to position 3 and adding another credit to the
dispenser.
When in position 3 the DT2 wiper illuminates the dispenser value
number 2 lamp and the DT1 wiper at position number 3 applies a
ground via the SSC number 2 switch 97 to relay K causing it to
operate. Relay K operating locks via its own contact and the
released contact of relay H. Relay K operating operates the SSC and
SSD solenoids which mechanically release all the pushbuttons. Relay
K also applies a ground to the DTI interrupt contacts through DT3
causing DT to continually step. Stepping ceases when the DT3 wiper
reaches position l.H relay operates at home position 1 which in
turn releases relay K. The enter button now illuminates and the
console is ready for the next transaction. Lamp 108 for dispenser 6
remains off until the customer completes the transaction at the
dispenser.
The reset cycle is controlled by relays R, T1 and T2. To reset a
dispenser the console operator first presses the appropriate
dispenser select button preparing the circuit to the dispenser
reset line 107. The operator then presses the reset button which
causes relay R to operate and lock via its own contact and the
closed T2 contact. A 24 volt signal is now applied to the reset
line via R14 and CR1 starting the dispenser reset cycle. The T1
relay operates when C3 charges to the gating voltage of SCR3, and
T1 operating operates the SSD solenoid causing the dispenser
selection button to release. T1 operating enables the T2 timing
circuit which when T2 operates releases the R relay and
extinguishes the reset lamps.
Dispenser value cancellation is accomplished by pressing the cancel
button. This operates the SSC and SSD solenoids to release any
pushbuttons that may be operated by the operation of relay K which
also causes the DT stepping switch to home to position 1.
In summary, a customer asks for and pays for the amount of fuel
desired. The attendant receives the payment, identifies the
dispenser and pushes the corresponding dispenser selection button,
and pushes the dispenser value button for the amount of fuel paid
for. The customer positions the nozzle 17 in the fuel tank of the
vehicle, turns the lever 18, and opens the nozzle valve. When fuel
dispensing is completed, either due to using all of the fuel paid
for or a full tank or otherwise, the customer turns the lever 18 to
the vertical position and replaces the nozzle 17 on the dispenser.
If the customer is entitled to any change, the dispenser
automatically pays out the change, and the customer drives
away.
The system of the invention permits handling a plurality of
customers from a single attendant operated console. In the
embodiment illustrated, all twelve dispensers could be in operation
at the same time after the attendant has sequentially selected and
entered a value for each dispenser .
* * * * *