US3340441A

US3340441A - Enclosure for electrical apparatus and systems

Info

Publication number: US3340441A
Application number: US381655A
Authority: US
Inventors: Walter L Probert
Original assignee: AO Smith Corp
Current assignee: Smith Meter Inc
Priority date: 1964-07-10
Filing date: 1964-07-10
Publication date: 1967-09-05
Anticipated expiration: 1984-09-05

Description

, Sept. 5, 1967 w. L. PROBERT 3,340,441

ENCLOSURE FOR ELECTRICAL APPARATU AND SYSTEMS 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 10, 1964 INVENTOR.

mum L PROBE?! BY flfforn .r

Sept. 5, 1967 w. L. PROBERT ENCLOSURE FOR ELECTRICAL APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 10, 1964 I r'\ 'INVENTOR. WALTER L PROBERT Sept. 5, 1967 w. L. PROBERT 3,340,441 ENCLOSURE FOR ELECTRICAL APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS Filed July 10, 1964 4 Sheets-Sheet .S

INVENTOR.

MLTER L PROBERT BY- 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 (/Qn Jrux F Sidhkt.

Jffarzze 5 W. L. PROB ERT ENCLOSURE FOR ELECTRICAL APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS Sept. 5, 1967 Filed'July 10, 1964 United States Patent ork Filed July 10, 1964, Ser. No. 381,655 15 Claims (Cl. 317-120) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An outdoor housing encloses an electrical control system for controlling the operation of gasoline dispensing pumps. The housing is compartmented for the several pumps and includes a main outer door overlying a pair of inner separate access or panel doors for the several pumps. The inner doors include a latch handle for releasing them which in the released position interferes with a projection on the outer door and prevents closing and locking of the outer door with the inner doors released. A separate junction box is an integral part of the bottom wall of the enclosure and is divided into a plurality of separate compartments one of which provides a high voltage lead connection and the others of which provide individual low voltage or signal connections for each of the products. Further, a heating unit is disposed centrally of the control assembly to maintain a selected minimum temperature level.

This invention relates to an enclosure for electrical systems employing high voltage and low voltage components and particularly to such enclosures for outdoor mountings.

In control systems, it often becomes necessary to house both high voltage and relatively low voltage components within a single enclosure with interconnected wiring. For example, in marketing and inventory control systems for gasoline service stations and the like, the operable interconnection of the dispensing pumps to the storage unit may be controlled through an inventory control assembly. Generally, in such systems, a power disconnect switching mechanism is adapted to be preset to close a power switch after a predetermined actuation. A coded input permits presetting operation of the switching mechanism by the station operator who has been given the proper code which is preferably automatically changed with each presetting actuation of the mechanism. A sensing circuit includes a signal means at the dispensing pumps connected in a low voltage transmitting circuit to drive the switching mechanism in a reverse direction and towards the disconnect position in response to withdrawal or dispensing of the gasoline from the pump. Thus, after a preselected amount or prepurchased amount of the gasoline has been dispensed, further coded purchases must be made to again preset the disconnect mechanism if additional gasoline is to be sold. Such devices preferably include a safety circuit interconnected with the sensing circuit to provide maximum reliability against accidental opening of the sensing circuit.

In gasoline dispensing controls and the like, the reliability of the system is of substantial importance both from the standpoint of operation and also from the standpoint of eliminating the danger of explosions. The sensing and safety circuits are low voltage circuits to minimize danger of explosion. However, the control assembly necessarily includes power circuits to drive the various mechanisms and to interconnect the main pump control into the pump power circuit. The high voltage circuits present a source of dangerous explosion in the presence of gasoline fumes and the like. Thus, the control assembly is preferably 3,340,441 Patented Sept. 5, 1967 remotely located in a non-hazardous area. This normally requires outdoor mounting of the control assemblies where it will be subjected particularly in the northern part of the United States and the like.

The outdoor mounting of the control assembly is also particularly desirable to provide ease of servicing the total system. Thus, the bulk operator can deliver gasoline to the storage tanks and insert new code control mechanisms such as a control card without the presence of a service station attendant or owner.

The present invention is particularly directed to an outdoor enclosure for such a control assembly employing high and low voltage components and circuits and which enclosure can be mounted in a remote non-hazardous area and includes internal constructions to minimize any possible danger of cross connection between the power supply and the sensing circuit. This latter feature is of substantial practical importance in order to positively prevent introduction of high voltages into the sensing and safety circuit which would then be transmitted to the dispensing pumps and create a very serious explosion hazard. Additionally, in accordance with the present invention, suitable means are provided to maintain proper operation of the circuit with varying temperatures. A heating means is provided within the enclosure with a thermostatic control to not only maintain the temperature at a minimum level but particularly to prevent accumulation of moisture within the enclosure and thereby insure proper operation of the system.

More particularly, in accordance with the present invention, a box-like housing is provided having an outer door and separate access or panel doors for the several controls. The access doors to the resettable code portion are key locked with an interlocking latch mechanism to positively prevent closing of the outer door without closing and locking of the inner access doors. Within the housing or enclosure, a heating unit is disposed generally centrally of the unit to maintain the temperature at a selected minimum level. A low voltage control circuit is provided with a separate mounting terminal system secured within the enclosure and provided with an outer protective cover. The power connections or leads are interconnected to the necessary components and maintained outside of the protective plate to positively prevent possible interconnection through bared wires at the terminal block. Additionally, a separate junction box is provided as an integral part of the enclosure preferably secured to the bottom wall of the enclosure. The junction box is divided into a plurality of separate compartments which sepawell as others which will be clear to those skilled in the art from the following description.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic simplified view of a service station installation including an inventory control sys: tem;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the enclosure shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged side elevational view with internal components removed for clarity of illustration;

to inclement weather conditionsv FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view of a portion of an enclosure showing a lock handle for an outer door or cover;

FIG. is an enlarged side elevational view more clearly illustrating the integrated junction box of the present enclosure;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the outdoor enclosure shown in FIGS. 1-5 with the front cover open, with the access door means open, and with the control panels broken away to show inner details of construction;

vFIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary front elevational view illustrating the separate code input door and code device door;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view taken on line 8-8 of FIG. 7 to more clearly show the latch assemblies for the inner covers shown; and

FIG. 9 is another view of the assemblies.

Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, a service station is diagrammatically illustrated including a service station building 1 spaced from a plurality of dispensing pumps 2 and 3. Each of the dispensing pumps 2 and 3 is interconnected to dispense a different product and normally more than one pump may be provided for dispensing each of the products. The interconnection of the several pumps into the control system may be basically the same and consequently the interconnection of the dispensing pump 2 is hereinafter described in detail with the interconnection of pump 3 similarly described with corresponding primed numbers.

The dispensing pump 2 is connected to a central or common storage unit 4 disposed beneath the ground in spaced relation to the service station building and the dispensing pump 2. A main power control box 5 is mounted within the service station building 1 and connected to the main power distribution panel, not shown, for providing a source of power to a switch unit 6 which is interconnected to provide a main control for the operation of dispensing pumps 2 and 3. A motor power line conduit 7 and nozzle actuated switch conduit 8 extend from the switch unit 6 to dispensing pump 2 and are respectively interconnected to actuate a motor pump unit 9. Such systems are well known in the art and consequently no further illustration or description thereof is deemed necessary.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, a remote inventory control system is incorporated into the power circuit and generally includes 'a control system enclosure 10 mounted to the exterior of the building 1 and generally in maximum spaced relation to the dispensing pumps 2 and 3 and the storage tank 4. A main power conduit 11 interconnects the system within the enclosure 10 to the switch unit 6. A sensing circuit conduit 12 and a safety circuit conduit 13 interconnects the low voltage and intrinsically safe circuit components within the enclosure 10 to the pump 2. The connection at the pump 2 is made through a conventional junction box 14 having a single electrical conduit 15 interconnecting the sensing circuit 12 to a transmitter 16. The transmitter 16 is actuated through the usual computer section to produce pulse signals or the like in accordance with the flow of gasoline from the pump 2. Thus, transmitter 16' may include a switch, not shown, to open and break the sensing circuit 12 and thereby provide a pulsed actuation of a counter mechanism within the control system enclosure 10. This actuates or controls a switch mechanism interconnected through the power conduit 11 to the switch unit 6 for controlling the power connection of the motorpump unit 9.

Generally, the operation of the system is summarized as follows. The control system enclosure 10 includes a counter 17, shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, for actuating the control switch, not shown. The dispensing of the gasoline actuates the transmitter 16 which in turn is interconnected through the sensing circuit 12 to the control system within the enclosure 10 to drive the counter 17 to a null position at which the'control switch opens. A suitable coded input means allows selective presetting of the counter 17 such that as the service station owner approaches the terminal portion of the released gasoline in storage tank 4, he can again actuate the control system to release a further 7 amount of gasoline. In this manner, the bulk supplier of gasoline may arbitrarily fill the tank 4 to a maximum capacity while the service station operator can purchase the stored gasoline in smaller increments as he desires and necessary.

However, as a result of the severe explosion hazard associated with gasoline and other explosive fluid dispensing systems, it is of primary importance both as a matter of practical safety and obtaining governmental approval of the system, that all hazards be essentially elimi-' nated. In the control systems as heretofore disclosed, the sensing and safety circuits are generally a low voltage circuit having means to provide intrinsic safety such that the danger of explosion even in the presence of gasoline fumes is practically non-existent. However, in order to maintain such safety levels, the safety and sensing circuits 12 and 13 must be isolated from the power conduit 11.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 1-3, the illustrated control system enclosure 10 includes a rectangular metal box or housing 18 having mounting lugs 19 integrally secured one at each of the back corners for walls and projecting upwardly and downwardly therefrom with suitable mounting bolts or the like interconnecting the box 18 to the adjacent exterior wall. The side and top walls of the housing 18 are insulated by a suitable layer of thermal insulation 20 secured to the inner surfaces in any suitable manner. A front cover 21 is provided with shallow flanges or sides 22 which telescope over the metal box 18 with a relatively snug fit therebetween to provide a weatherproof enclosure or covering of the box opening. A suitable sealing gasket 23 is secured to the inner face of the cover in alignment with the side edges of the K 18 to provide a weathertight seal.

A key lock handle 24 is secured to the front bottom portion of the cover and includes an internal locking plate 25 which is adapted to project downwardly behind the upstanding leg of an L-shaped latch plate 26 secured to the front edge of the bottom wall of the box 18, as shown most clearly in FIGS. 3 and 4. The key, not shown, for lock handle 24 is preferably removable only in the lock position of the handle to prevent accidental closure of the door cover 21 without locking thereof. Handle 24 thus provides limited access; for example, to the service station personnel and bulk truck drivers who deliver the gasoline. An extensible link 27 is connected between the inside of the front cover 21 and a recessed front panel 28 for holding of the main or front cover 21 in an opened position.

Additionally, the front cover 21 is provided with central dimple or concave portion 29 within which a lamp 30 is mounted by a suitable bracket 31 secured to the inside of cover 21. A dished cover plate 32 is secured to the inside of cover 21 and includes a central glass covered opening 33 aligned with lamp 30. A power cable 34 extends between the top of cover 21 and housing 18 to provide power to lamp 30. A door actuated switch 35 of the push-button type is connected in the circuit to cable 34 and is mounted in panel 28 in alignment with link 27 which holds the switch open and lamp 30' off. When cover 21 is opened, the link 27 moves from switch 35 which then closes and lamp 30 is energized.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 2 and 3, the front panel 28 is secured spaced inwardly of the front edge of the metal box or housing 18 and includes a pair of laterally spaced

openings

36 and 37 for control assemblies for the respective pumps 2 and 3.

A control assembly panel 38 for pump 2 is pivotally secured to the left edge of the opening 36 by vertically spaced hinges or the like and bolted or releasably secured to the opposite edge. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the several internal operating controls are shown in schematic block fashion in FIG. 6 and include power or high voltage components 39 and sensing or low voltage components 40 such as a low voltage pulsing circuit. One of the high voltage components 39 may be a transformer to provide a suitable operating voltage for the other components and also a suitable low voltage for components 40. The control panel 38 includes code input units 41 in the upper portion for actuating the release mechanism and a code card unit 42, as well as other components. The details do not affect the present invention other than as the illustrated control panel includes low voltage control circuits as well as high voltage operating circuits and no detailed description thereof is given.

A lower access door or cover 43 and an upper access door or cover 44 are hingedly mounted adjacent the interior of the housing 18 for selective positioning overlying the control panel 38 and in particular the code card unit 42 and the input units 41. A key lock 45 is provided on the upper access cover 44 to restrict access to the related input units 41 to the station operator and other authorized personnel.

The lower access covers 43 and 43' are releasably locked in the closed position such that the outer cover 21 may not be closed and locked with covers 43 and 43' released. In the illustrated embodiment, a single key lock 46 releases both covers through an interlock mechanism 47 to permit authorized access to the code card unit 42 by personnel of the supplier, as shown most clearly in FIGS. 6-9, inclusive. The key lock 46 may be a conventional tumbler variety to be actuated by a specially formed key 48, shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, and having the key removable only in the locked position. An interlock lever 49 is attached to the innermost end of the key lock, as shown most clearly in FIG. 9, for selective positioning with respect to mechanism 47. In the full line position, the lever 49 projects upwardly into locking position preventing operation of mechanism 47. Turning of key 48 rotates lever 49 from the locking position to a release position, shown in phantom at right angles to the locking position.

Mechanism 47 includes a shaft 50 rotatably mounted within the central portion of panel 28. A latch plate 51 is secured to the outermost ends and extends laterally into latching engagement with both

covers

43 and 43, as most clearly shown in FIG. 8. Locking brackets 52 and 52' are secured to the edges of

covers

43 and 43 and project laterally inwardly beneath the plate 51. Covers 43 and 43' can therefore only be opened by turning of plate 51 to a vertically extending position between brackets 52 and 52'.

As shown in FIG. 9, an interlock arm 53 is fixed to the inner end of shaft 50 and projects tangentially there from to one side of lever 49. A bias spring 54 is secured at one end to arm 53 and at the opposite end to an anchor 55 on the back side of panel 28. Spring 54 resiliently disposes the shaft 50 to locate handle plate 51 in the horizontal locking position and the arm 53 from the vertical locking position of lever 49. With lever 49 in the locking position, rotation of shaft 50 is prevented by interference between arm 53 and lever 49 and

doors

43 and 43 cannot therefore be opened. Consequently, key lock 46 must be turned to the unlocked position to position lever 49 in the horizontal position and thereby permit rotation of the interlock arm 53.

Further, the outer cover 21 cannot be closed, unless the covers 43 and 43' are latched closed and the operating key '48 removed. Thus, if the operator attempts to close cover 21 without closing door 43 or 43', the door engages the plate 51 and prevents closing cover 21. Even though covers 43 and 43' are closed, if key 48 is not turned to the locked position and removed, it interferes with the closing of cover 21 and thus draws the attention of the operator to his error. The interlock thus prevents accident-a1 free access to the mechanism behind cover 43 attachment units or 43 to the station operator who has a key to key lock handle 24 for access to cover key lock 45 for upper access covers 44.

Thus, the key 48 to the key lock 46 of the lower access covers 43 will normally be accessible only to the tank truck driver for replacement of a code means such as a card and the like to be inserted within the code card unit 42 in the panel 38. The key to lock 45 of the upper access cover 44 will generally be accessible to the station operator or other personnel authorized to actuate the input controls 41.

An opening 56 in the door 43 provides a visual indication of the dealer balance as shown by counter 17, as well as a totalizing of the total gasoline which has been dispensed through the related pumps of the control.

A junction box 57 is welded or integrally secured to the exterior surface of the bottom wall of the enclosure 18. The illustrated junction box 57, as most clearly shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 6, has an L-shaped cross section with a protruding front wall portion. A junction box cover 58 has side edges which fit snugly over the front wall portion and includes top and bottom depending attachment lips 59 and 60 abutting corresponding attachment lips or flanges 61 and 62 on the top and bottom of the junction box 57. Bolt and nut units 63 pass through the aligned openings in the respective lips and flanges to interconnect the cover 58 to box 57. A wire and lead seal unit 64 is passed through each of the outer ends of the 63 to detect unauthorized tampering with the connections within the junction box.

As most clearly shown in FIG. 6, the junction box is provided with a pair of laterally spaced dividing walls 65 and 66 defining respectively a lead compartment 67 for pump 2 for example and all other related pumps for dispensing of the corresponding product, a lead compartment 68 for pump 3, and all other related pumps for dispensing of the corresponding product, and a right-hand power lead compartment 69 for all pumps. The particular arrangement of the compartments can, of course, be varied although it is preferred that the power lead compartment be at one end or the other. i

The compartments 67-69 are generally similarly constructed with suitable conduit openings 70 in the bottom or base wall of the junction box 57 with the respective conduits 11, 12 and 13 secured thereto. Similarly, knockout lead openings 71 are formed in the lower wall of the housing 18 in alignment with each of the compartments with the proper leads passed therethrough. Within the housing 18 there are three groups of leads labeled respectively as sensing and safety circuit leads 72 for pumps 2, sensing and safety circuit leads 73 for pumps 3 and power circuit leads 74. Leads 72 are connected in circuit within compartment 67, leads 73 within com partment 68 and leads 74 within compartment 69.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, a safety circuit and sensing circuit terminal block 75 is provided to the left side of housing 18 and at which the sensing and safety circuit leads 72 and 73 are connected to corresponding leads from certain related control components 40 and 40' by suitable terminal strip elements 76. For example, the flow sensing circuit may include pulse separating modules employing signal storage means for separating the several signals from the various related pumps and the safety circuit would be interconnected with the sensing circuit at the terminal block 75 to open the main circuit if the sensing circuit is cut, broken or otherwise opened. The terminal ends of the respective circuit leads72 and 73 are, of course, exposed at the terminal strip elements 76. As such low voltage leads are intrinsically safe, generally there would be no concern in connection with the exposure thereof. However, in accordance with the present invention, a guard or protective plate 76a is secured overlying the terminal block 75 and is spaced forwardly towards the front of the housing 18 a short distance to provide a protective covering over the terminal connections. Plate 76a is shown as a U-shaped member secured to housing 18 by a pair of attachment bolts 77 passing through the plate adjacent the ends and into the back wall, thereby securely mounting the plate 76a overlying the terminal block.

The power leads 74 are connected to the several power components through a similarly protected terminal block 78. The power leads 74 adjacent the sensing and safety lead terminal block 75 are generally disposed forwardly of the plate 76a and thus more positively insure complete separation of the two circuits to minimize the possible danger of impressing a high voltage upon the low voltage sensing and safety circuit.

Further, as the enclosure is to be exteriorly mounted, the illustrated embodiment of the present invention includes a heating unit 79 secured to the lower or bottom Wall within housing 18 by a suitable rear mounting bracket 80, as shown most clearly in FIGS. 3 and 6. The heating unit 79 is preferably centrally mounted to distribute the heating effect throughout the housing 18. The heating unit 79 is connected in circuit through the power lead compartment 69 to provide for the high voltage heating desired. A thermostat 81 is mounted adjacent a side wall within the housing 18, shown to the right in FIG. 6, to sense the temperature and control the power connections to heating unit 79. The heating unit 79 not only maintains a minimum temperature but serves to prevent moisture accumulation which would adversely affect the operation and life of the components.

In operation, the automatic inventory control is actuated as previously summarized with the station operator actuating the input controls 41 in accordance with a received code to preset the counter 17 by a selected increment for releasing of gasoline from the tank 4. He can check on the balance at any time by merely opening the main cover 21 which exposes the dealer balance and the totalizing reading through the window or opening 56 in the lower access cover 43.

When the main storage tanks 4 are filled, the truck driver may replace code cards in units 42 by opening of cover 21 and the lower access covers 43 and 43. The key 46 for controlling opening of covers 43 and 43' must be in the locked position for removal and closing of cover 21 and the

covers

43 and 43 must also be latched closed for closing of cover 21. Thus, cover 21 cannot be closed with covers 43 and 43' accidentally left open and accessible to the station operator.

The housing 18 provides a weatherproof enclosure for all of the control assembly and readily permits controlled access to the station operator as well as the main gasoline supplier.

The compartmented junction box 57 secured as a part of the enclosure 10 provides complete separation of the high and low voltage circuits while preventing unauthorized tampering of the system without disclosure of such tampering. This aspect of the invention is of substantial importance in providing maximum safety in gasoline and similar dispensing control systems. The interal construction of the housing 18 and particularly the shielding of the terminal blocks 75 and 78 further contributes to maximum separation of the high and low voltage circuit and therefore safety of the total system. The heating unit 79 further insures the operation of the various operating components in the system in a very simple and reliable manner, which not only reduces maintenance and service expenses but also maintains good customer relations.

In summary, the weatherproof enclosure of the present invention provides a highly satisfactory exterior mounting unit for a controlsystem having high and low voltage circuit components and is particularly adapted for interconnection of such a circuit in a system employing or controlling non-explosive fluids or other products.

Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.

I claim:

1. A control assembly for controlling operation of dispensing means for dispensing a plurality of explosive products and forming a part of a service station and connected to high voltage power leads and low voltage signal leads,

an enclosure for mounting in an area of minimum hazard from explosion and having an outer releasably locked door,

a pair of control assemblies arranged in side-by-side relation within the enclosure, each including high voltage power components and low voltage signal components, a resettable code device and a spaced code input means for actuating a control means for connection to the dispensing means,

separate terminal block means, one for connecting high voltage power leads to said high voltage power components and constituting a high voltage terminal block means and one for connecting low voltage signal leads to said low voltage signal components and defining a signal lead terminal block means mounted within the enclosure,

junction box means permanently connected to form a part of the enclosure and including separate compart-ments aligned with the high voltage terminal block means and the signal lead terminal block means and including a common power lead compartment and individual signal lead compartments for each product,

a plurality of releasably mounted covers separately overlying each code device and each input means,

a common latch mounted Within the enclosure and disposed in releasable holding engagement with the covers overlying the resettable code device and having an interlock arm forming a part of the latch and movable therewith, and

a key actuated unit mounted within the enclosure and having alever with a standby position in the path of the interlock arm and movable therefrom in response to actuation of the unit by a selected key therefor, said unit being located adjacent the outer door to dispose the key in the path of the outer door and thereby requiring removal of the key prior to closure of the outer door.

2. The control assembly of claim 1 having a heating unit mounted centrally of the two control assemblies and a control thermostat mounted to one side of the enclosure.

3. A control assembly for controlling operation of dispensing units and the like for dispensing a plurality of explosive products and forming a part of a service station having an operating building spaced from the dispensing units, the improvement therein comprising:

an enclosure mounted in an area of minimum hazard from explosion, said enclosures including a rectangular metal box open on one side and a main cover having side lips telescoped over the box and pivotally secured to an edge thereof,

a lock handle secured to the cover opposite the pivotal attachment thereof and having a lock means carried by the handle and enclosure,

a recessed front panel secured Within the box parallel to and spaced from the cover, said panel having a plurality of laterally spaced openings,

control assemblies mounted within the enclosure and having high voltage components and low voltage sensing components and including supporting panels corresponding to said laterally spaced openings and releasably mounted within the openings, said panels supporting a code input means and a code control means in spaced relation,

a pair of separate access cover means for each assembly mounted within the housing between the main cover and the panels for providing controlled access to the code input means and the code control means,

key actuated means for the access cover for said code input means,

key actuated means for the access cover for said code control means,

an interlock mechanism disposed between the lastnamed key actuated means and the access cover to prevent closing of the main cover without positively closing the access covers,

a low voltage control lead terminal block secured to the back wall of the enclosure and being spaced rearwardly of the cover assemblies,

a protective cover plate releasably mounted to the back wall and overlying said terminal block,

control leads from the control assemblies having exposed ends interconnected to the terminal block and divided into two groups for each assembly including a first group of sensing and safety circuit leads and a second group of sensing and safety circuit leads,

power leads from the control assemblies disposed forwardly of the protective plate,

a junction box integrally carried by the lower Wall of the enclosure and a front cover releasably sealed to an open side of the junction box, and

partitions dividing the box into three laterally spaced compartments having top and bottom lead openings, one end compartment constituting a power lead compartment and the other compartments each constituting sensing and safety lead compartments, one for each product, with the power leads and control leads extending solely into the respective compartments for connection into an external circuit.

4. The control assembly of claim 3 wherein said interlock mechanism includes:

a rotatable latch member rotatably mounted by a shaft to the panel and extending laterally into latching engagement with the doors,

an arm secured to the inner end of the shaft and biased to a standby latching position, and

the second-named key actuated means including an interlocking lever disposed in the path of the arm and movable therefrom by the key actuated means, said key actuated means further including a removable key removable only in a lock position and projecting forwardly to interfere with closing of the main cover.

5. An outdoor enclosure assembly for an electrical control system including high voltage power circuits and low voltage control circuits, comprising:

a releasably sealed enclosure,

a junction box secured to form a part of the sealed enclosure and having at least two separate compartments each having an opening communicating with the enclosure,

power components mounted within the enclosure and having power leads connected thereto, the leads forming a part of the power circuit extending solely through the opening from one compartment, and

control components mounted within the enclosure and having low voltage control leads connected thereto, the leads forming a part of the control circuit and extending solely through the opening in the second compartment.

6. The outdoor enclosure assembly of claim 7, having a plurality of temperature sensitive components mounted within the enclosure and connected in said circuits,

a heating unit within the enclosure having power leads connected in circuit through the first of said compartments, and

a thermostat mounted to one side of the enclosure in laterally spaced relation to the heating unit.

7. An outdoor enclosure assembly for an electrical control system for controlling dispensing of a pair of volatile liquids including high voltage power circuits for pumping means, low voltage sensing circuits for sensing flow and low voltage safety circuits to insure continuity of the sensing circuit, comprising:

a releasably sealed enclosure,

a junction box integrally secured to the sealed enclosure and having three separated compartments, each hav: ing an opening communicating with the enclosure and a separate exterior incoming opening,

high voltage power leads forming a part of the power circuits extending solely through the openings in a first of said compartments, sensing and safety circuit leads forming a part of the sensing and safety circuits for one liquid and extending solely through the openings in a second of said compartments, and

sensing and safety circuit leads forming a part of the sensing and safety circuit for the other liquid and extending solely through the openings in a third of said compartments.

8. An outdoor assembly for an'electrical control system including high voltage power circuits by an explosive proof circuit connection means, and low voltage control circuits connected to electrical components within a highly explosive area within explosive means, comprising:

a releasably sealed enclosure for mounting in spaced relation to the explosive area,

a junction box integrally secure-d to the sealed enclosure and having at least two separated compartments each having an opening communicating with the enclosure,

high voltage leads forming a part of the power circuit extending from the enclosure solely through one compartment,

low voltage leads forming a part of the control circuit and extending from the enclosure solely through the second compartment,

a terminal strip mounted in insulated relation within the enclosure and including connecting means for inter connection of said low voltage leads, and

a protective shield disposed over the terminal strip to prevent movement of the high voltage leads into engagement with the connecting means.

9. The outdoor enclosure assembly of claim 8, having said terminal strip and shield disposed to one side of the enclosure,

a power terminal strip disposed to the opposite side of the enclosure, and

a similar protective shield disposed thereover.

10. A control assembly in combination with dispensing units and the like forming a part of a service station having an operating building spaced from the dispensing units, the improvement comprising:

an enclosure mounted in the area of minimum hazard from explosion, said enclosure including an opening on one side and a main cover releasably seated over the opening,

. a control lead terminal block secured to the back wall of the enclosure,

a protective platereleasably mounted to the back wall and overlying said terminal block,

electrical components within the enclosure including low voltage control members and high voltage operating members,

control leads from the control members having exposed ends interconnected to input control leads at the terminal block, said control leads being divided into two groups for each assembly including one group of safety circuit leads and a second group of sensing circuit leads,

power leads from the operating members disposed forwardly of the protective plate,

partitions dividing the box into laterally spaced compartments having top and bottom lead openings and constituting separate high voltage and low voltage compartments for connection to the respective input control lead and the power leads.

11. The improvement in the control assembly of claim fora plurality of products, wherein:

ing units and the like forming a part of a service station having an operating building spaced from the units,

dispensing an enclosure mounted in an area of minimum hazard from explosion, said enclosure including an outer front cover and lock handle for releasable closing of the cover,

control assemblies mounted within the enclosure,

separate access cover means for each assembly mounted within the enclosure adjacent the front cover,

a control lead terminal block secured to the back wall of the enclosure and being spaced rearwardly of the access cover means,

a protective plate releasably mounted to the back wall and overlying said terminal block,

low voltage control leads from the control assemblies having exposed ends interconnected to the terminal block to said input control leads,

partitions dividing the box into laterally spaced compartments for receiving and separately receiving the control leads and the power leads to minimize the possible transfer of power voltages to said low voltage leads.

13. A control assembly in combination with dispensing units and the like forming a part of a service station having an operating building spaced from the dispensing units, said improvement therein comprising:

an enclosure mounted in an area of minimum hazard from explosion, said enclosure including a rectangular metal box open on one side and a main cover having side lips telescoped over the box and pivotally secured to an edge thereof,

control assemblies mounted within the enclosure and having high voltage components and low voltage sensing componens and including supporting panels corresponding to said laterally spaced openings and releasably mounted within the openings,

separate access cover means for each assembly mounted within the housing between the main cover and the panels,

a low voltage control lead terminal block secured to the 1 12 back wall of the enclosureand being spaced rearwardly of the cover assemblies,

control leads from the control assemblies having exposed ends interconnected to the terminal block and divided into two groups for each assembly including a first group of safety circuit leads and a second group of sensing circuit leads,

a junction box integrally carried by the lower wall of the enclosure and a front cover releasably sealed to an open side or the junction box, and

partitions dividing the box into three laterally spaced compartments having top and bottom lead openings, one end compartment constituting a power lead compartment and the other compartments constituting a safety lead compartment and a sensing lead compartment, respectively, the power leads and input control leads extending solely into the respective compartments for connection into an external circuit.

14. The control assembly of claim 13 having:

a plurality of temperature sensitive components within the enclosure,

a heating unit centrally mounted within the enclosure,

a thermostat to control the operation of the heating unit to maintain a selected minimum temperature therein, and

leads for said heating unit connected through the power lead compartment.

15. An outdoor enclosure for a coded control system having a pair of similar control assemblies to be mounted in side-by-side relation within the enclosure and each assembly including a resettable code device and a code input means spaced therefrom,

a housing having means adapted to support the assemblies therein with the code devices and input means accessible through a housing opening,

a main cover releasably secured to the housing to overlie the opening in spaced relation to the assemblies,

inner access covers releasably secured within the housing between the assemblies and the main cover and when open preventing closure of the main cover, a separate access cover being provided for overlying each code device and for each input means,

a common latch for the access covers overlying the code devices and having an inaccessible interlock arm movable therewith, and

a key lock unit having an interlock lever disposed in the path of the arm to prevent unlatching of the corresponding access covers and movable to an inoperative position with actuation of the lock unit, said key lock unit being operated by a selected key which is removable therefrom in only the locked position, said lock unit being disposed to locate the key in the position of the main cover'to prevent closing of the main cover until the key is removed.

in circuit References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,942,783 6/1960 Dyer et al 219-209 3,041,548 6/1962 Keen et al 219-210 3,122,681 2/1964 Pusch 317- 3,170,091 2/1965 Hudson 317--120 X ROBERT K. SCHAEFER, Primary Examiner. W. C. GARVERT, H. O. JONES, Assistant Examiners.

Claims

1. A CONTROL ASSEMBLY FOR CONTROLLING OPERATION OF DISPENSING MEANS FOR DISPENSING A PLURALITY OF EXPLOSIVE PRODUCTS AND FORMING A PART OF A SERVICE STATION AND CONNECTED TO HIGH VOLTAGE POWER LEADS AND LOW VOLTAGE SIGNAL LEADS, AN ENCLOSURE FOR MOUNTING IN AN AREA OF MINIMUM HAZARD FROM EXPLOSION AND HAVING AN OUTER RELEASABLY LOCKED DOOR, A PAIR OF CONTROL ASSEMBLIES ARRANGED IN SIDE-BY-SIDE RELATION WITHIN THE ENCLOSURE, EACH INCLUDING HIGH VOLTAGE POWER COMPONENTS AND LOW VOLTAGE SIGNAL COMPONENTS, A RESETTABLE CODE DEVICE AND A SPACED CODE INPUT MEANS FOR ACTUATING A CONTROL MEANS FOR CONNECTION TO THE DISPENSING MEANS, SEPARATE TERMINAL BLOCK MEANS, ONE FOR CONNECTING HIGH VOLTAGE POWER LEADS TO SAID HIGH VOLTAGE POWER COMPONENTS AND CONSTITUTING A HIGH VOLTAGE TERMINAL BLOCK MEANS AND ONE FOR CONNECTING LOW VOLTAGE SIGNAL LEADS TO SAID LOW VOLTAGE COMPONENTS AND DEFINING A SIGNAL LEAD TERMINAL BLOCK MEANS MOUNTED WITHIN THE ENCLOSURE, JUNCTION BOX MEANS PERMANENTLY CONNECTED TO FORM A PART OF THE ENCLOSURE AND INCLUDING SEPARATE COMPARTMENTS ALIGNED WITH THE HIGH VOLTAGE TERMINAL BLOCK MEANS AND THE SIGNAL LEAD TERMINAL BLOCK MEANS AND INCLUDING A COMMON POWER LEAD COMPARTMENT AND INDIVIDUAL SIGNAL LEAD COMPARTMENTS FOR EACH PRODUCT, A PLURALITY OF RELEASABLY MOUNTED COVERS SEPARATELY OVERLYING EACH CODE DEVICE AND EACH INPUT MEANS, A COMMON LATCH MOUNTED WITHIN THE ENCLOSURE AND DISPOSED IN RELEASABLE HOLDING ENGAGEMENT WITH THE COVERS OVERLYING THE RESETTABLE CODE DEVICE AND HAVING AN INTERLOCK ARM FORMING A PART OF THE LATCH AND MOVABLE THEREWITH, AND A KEY ACTUATED UNIT MOUNTED WITHIN THE ENCLOSURE AND HAVING A LEVER WITH A STANBY POSITION IN THE PATH OF THE INTERLOCK ARM AND MOVABLE THEREFROM IN RESPONSE TO ACTUATION OF THE UNIT BY A SELECTED KEY THEREFOR, SAID UNIT BEING LOCATED ADJACENT THE OUTER DOOR TO DISPOSE THE KEY IN THE PATH OF THE OUTER DOOR AND THEREBY REQUIRING REMOVAL OF THE KEY PRIOR TO CLOSURE OF THE OUTER DOOR.