GB1345281A - Fluid dispensers - Google Patents

Abstract

1345281 Fluid dispensing apparatus PANNOVA Inc 21 Jan 1972 [26 July 1971] 3076/72 Heading A4T [Also in Division G4] A fluid dispenser for selectively dispensing first and second fluids, particularly two grades of petrol, includes meter means for measuring the flow of the fluids and generating a corresponding flow signal, first and second valve means for controlling flow of the fluids, price means for generating a unit price signal for each fluid, fluid selection means for selecting one of the fluids for dispensing, computer means for generating a sale price signal and sale volume signal in response to the flow signal and unit price signal, and display means for displaying, unit price, sale price, sale volume and fluid selected. In the embodiment shown, which is coin-freed, there are respective pumps P 1 , P 2 ; flowmeters FM 1 , FM 2 and fast and slow valves VF 1 , VF 2 , VF 2 and VS 2 for the two petrol grades. Alternatively, if permissible, a single pump and flowmeter may be provided downstream of the valves Fig.4(not shown). Two display panels 10 located adjacent the dispensing point include grade selection buttons and a button for terminating dispensation and display areas 26 to 29 for sale volume, sale price, initial credit received and unit price per gallon of the grade selected. A central control panel 12 includes means 33, 34 for generating signals to set the unit price of the two grades, and displays 35 for indicating total sales in volume and dollars of both grades. When a grade selection button is depressed transfer control circuit Fig.2 (not shown) functions to connect the output of the associated flowmeter to the computer together with the associated unit price signal, which is also directed to the display. The grade selection may be changed at any time up to a predetermined minimum flow has occurred. The fast valve is opened at this point and is held open until a predetermined amount of credit remains. When no credit remains the slow valve is closed and the pump de-energized. A modification of the display is shown in Fig. 5 (not reproduced) in which two areas are provided for respectively indicating the unit prices of the two grades. Both prices are displayed when the apparatus is not in use but on depression of a grade selection button only the selected price is displayed.