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.

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 .

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.