US3360094A - Currency operated fuel dispensing pump - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 26,1967 A. F. ROMANOWSKI 3,360,094

I CURRENCY OPERATED FUEL DISPENSING PUMP Filed April 4, 1966 '10 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fla] In ve-zvroza Aweer F EoMMow/sk/ Dec. 26, 1967 Q A. F. ROMANOWSKI 3,3

' H CURRENCY OPERATED FUEL DISPENSING PUMP 7 Filed April 4, 1966 l0 SNeets-Sheet 2 FIQZ JAIL/ENE)? Awe/2r F. PoMAA/owm JFreQs s'f/ouuc- ArroeueP Dec. 26, 1967 A. F. ROMANOWSKI 3,3

CURRENCY OPERATED FUEL DISPENSING PUMP 7 l0 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 4, 1966 OL SKI w 8 NM 5/ nJ. Aww, H m i .v v /w\ a w m Dec. 26 1967 A., F. ROMANOWSKI 3,360,

CURRENCY OPERATED FUEL DISPENSING PUMP Filed April 4, 1966 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 as. 7 148 Y A F. ROMANO-WSKI 3,360,094 CURRENCY OPERATED FUEL DISPENSING PUMP Dec. 26, 1967 AFiled April 4, 1966 10 sheets-sheet 5 Fl 0. 7B 124 114 18 gum 2e. BLockZd 122 BLOC/( 60, 3'4 sac/6b A74 BERT F'Eo MAMOwSKI Dec. 26, 1967 A. RRQMANOWSKI CURRENCY OPERATED FUEL DISPENSING PUMP Filed April 4, 1966 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 FIQB jv VENTOIZ ALBERT F. RoMAnom/sK/ a deFFe-las 1.54 001% ATTORNEYS Dec. 26, 1967 A. F. ROMAN-OWSKI ,3

CURRENCY OPERATED FUEL DISPENSING PUMP 10 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed April 4, 1966 III/I I Dec. 26, 1967 A. F. R-OMANOWSKI 3,360,094

CURRENCY OPERATED FUEL DISPENSING PUMP 1o sheets-sheet 8 Filed April 4, 1966 I U C PH ii fix Mr FQZOY Dec. 26, 1967 .A. F. ROMA NOWSKI 3,360,094

CURRENCY OPERATED FUEL DISPENSING PUMP Filed April 4, 1966 10 Sheets-Sheet v1O f T 45a 1 INVENTOR. ALBERTF POMANOWSK/ v JEFFEPSe'FVOUNQ Arron NE (/5 United States Patent 3,360,094 CURRENCY OPERATED FUEL DISPENSING PUMP Albert F. Romanowski, Greeneville, Tenn, assignor to Bowser Inc., Greeneville, Tenn., a corporation of Indiana Filed Apr. 4, 1966, Ser. No. 540,033 18 Claims. (Cl. 194-13) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates particularly to improved currency and coin controlled liquid dispensing arrangements and is most particularly concerned with improvements in the monetary operated control system and in the feed back of information from the dispensing pump to the control system.

Monetary operated or monetary controlled dispensing pump arrangements are known but heretofore none thereof have been entirely satisfactory. The defects in monetary operated or monetary controlled dispensing arrangements, according to the prior art, have arisen in connection with the control system, which includes an accumulator for storing the information concerning the money value of fluid to be dispensed, and in the feed back of information from the dispensing pump to the control system so as to cancel out the information stored therein. These components, particularly in arrangements according to the prior art, have been defective because of expense and complication and maintenance problems and for the reason that they were not as positive in operation as is to be desired in respect of an arrangement of the nature referred to.

With the foregoing in mind, it is a primary objective of the present invention to provide a monetary operated or monetary controlled dispensing unit or dispensing pump arrangement which overcomes the drawbacks and defects that. have been encountered in connection with prior art arrangements of this nature.

A particular object of the present invention is the provision of a control system adapted for actuation by the insertion of money units therein in which the moving parts are reduced to a minimum and which, therefore, is free relatively of wear and mechanical failure and is substantially positive in operation.

Another particular object of the present invention is the provision of a novel feed back arrangement connecting the dispensing mechanism with the control system for feeding back to the control system information regarding the money value of the fluid dispensed so that the operation of the dispensing system can be interrupted at the proper time.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of a feed back arrangement of the nature referred to above which is extremely simple and compact and inexpensive but which is, nevertheless, extremely certain in operation.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of a money unit operated control system for dispensing units which can be incorporated with more than one dispensing unit in an installation, thereby giving the customer using the installation the option of using either of two or more grades of fuel.

Patented Dec. 26, 1967 It is also an object of the present invention to provide a money unit controlled dispensing pump installation which can readily be converted to manual operation when so desired thereby to permit operation of the fluid dispensing unit in the usual manner.

Still another object of this invention is the provision, in combination, of a single money unit operated control system with two or more dispensing units in which the selection of any one of the units for the dispensing of fluids will prevent operation of the others thereof and which selected unit, during operation, will also prevent the insertion of money units into the control station of the installation.

The foregoing objects of the present invention, as well as still other objects and advantages thereof will become more apparent upon reference to the following detailed specification, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is an elevational view partly broken away, showing the principal components of a typical installation according to the present invention in which one money unit receiver is associated with two independent fluid dispensing units;

FIGURE 2 is a front elevental view of the control unit for the dispensing unit and which embodies the money unit receivers and the components of the control system;

FIGURE 3 is a somewhat schematic perspective view showing the accumulator unit of the control device;

FIGURE 4 is a somewhat schematic perspective view showing a circuit board forming a part of the accumulator;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view indicated by line 5-5 on FIGURE 3 showing how the boards are detaohably mounted in the cabinet for the accumulator;

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary view indicated by lines 66 on FIGURE 5 showing the terminal strip into which the end of a circuit board bearing the contact is plugged in when placed into the cabinet of the accumulator;

FIGURES 7A and 7B are respective parts of the block diagram showing the electric circuitry pertaining to an installation according to the present invention;

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary view showing the computer heat in one of the dispensing units and the fuel quantity and value indicating numbered dials or wheels associated therewith and having the count down or feed back arrangement according to the present invention associated therewith;

FIGURE 9 is a perspective view partly broken away showing one of the number wheels of the value indicating group of wheels of the computer and showing how one portion of the feed back arrangement of the present invention is incorporated with the wheel;

FIGURE 10 is a view looking in from the left side of the wheel of FIGURE 9 with portions of the wheel removed, showing more in detail the mounting in the wheel of the portion of the feed backarrangement which is carried by the wheel; I

FIGURE 11 is a fragmentary elevational view of the computer head of FIGURE 8 and showing the mounting of the stationary or switch portion of the feed back arrangement according to the present invention;

FIGURE 12 is a sectional view indicated by line 12- 12 on FIGURE 11 showing more in detailthe construction and mounting of the switch forming one element of the feed back arrangement according to the present invention;

FIGURE 13 is a sectional view indicated by line 13 13 on FIGURE 12 showing more in detail the construction of the switch;

FIGURE 14 is a schematic view showing certain operative elements of one of the dispensing pumps of the installation;

FIGURE is a sectional view showing in section a flow control valve forming a part of the fluid circuit of the dispensing pump;

FIGURE 16 is a schematic electrical circuit for a two dispenser installation; and

FIGURE 17 ,is a schematic diagram of one type of accumulator that can be used in the present invention.

An installation according to the present invention cornprises what can be referred to as a console unit which will accept money units, such as quarters, half dollars and dollar bills up to a predetermined number and within which console unit the information regarding the amount of money delivered thereto is stored.

Associated with the console unit, in a separate housing, is fluid dispensing means in the form of a dual dispenser for dispensing two grades of fuel, or two single product dispensers each for a different grade of fuel, and each having its own housing.

The console unit includes a selector whereby one or the other of the dispensers can be selected for operation. When one dispenser is selected the other dispenser is prevented from operating, and furthermore, during the operation of a dispenser the console unit is prevented from receiving further money units.

The dispensers are equipped with solenoid control valves which are normally closed to prevent delivery of fluid from the pertaining dispensing unit, and which are adapted for being opened when money has been delivered to the console unit and that particular dispenser has been selected for operation. The console unit furthermore includes a selector whereby the dispensers can be freed from the control of the console unit and, therefore, operate manually in a conventional manner.

The aforementioned console unit consists of four major components in the form of a coin receiving unit, a paper money receiving unit, an accumulator in which the value of the monetary unit supplied to the console is stored, and a power supply. Preferably the electrical components of the console unit, particularly with respect to the accumulator, are in the form of circuit boards arranged to be plugged into a supporting member so that these particular components can be easily removed when service thereon is necessary.

The insertion of money units in the form of quarters, half dollars and dollar bills, into the console unit provides an electric pulse for each unit of currency delivered to the console unit. These pulses are counted up or stored in the accumulator. As fluid is dispensed from the selected dispenser, the dispenser feeds similar pulses back to the accumulator and the stored in pulses in the accumulator are thereby counted down. When no more pulses remain in the accumulator the solenoid valve of the dispensing unit then in operation will close and the delivery of fluid therefrom will be interrupted.

The accumulator and associated parts operate entirely electrically and magnetically and no moving parts are involved.

The feed back of pulses from each dispensing unit to the console unit is accomplished by a simple magnetically operated switch arrangement, the switch arrangement being positioned adjacent one of the value indicating wheels of the computer of, the dispensing unit and actuating magnet means for the switch being carried by the particular wheel adjacent which the switch is located.

The installation preferably includes signal lights to indicate the selected dispenser and also to indicate on the console unit when the installation is prepared for receiving money and when the installation is prepared for dispensing.

Referring now to the drawings, somewhat more in detail, FIGURE 1 shows a typical installation according to the present invention. In FIGURE 1 there is provided a console unit 10 in which is housed the accumulator, the money receiving units, and the power supply for the electrical components of the console unit. In FIGURE 1 the console unit 10 is flanked by dispensing units 12 and 14 which are of a substantially conventional construction. Each dispensing unit includes a conduit 16 leading to the fluid supply and located within which conduit is a pump, which may be in the fluid supply tank or externally thereof. Conduit 16 is connected by coupler 18 with the input side of a meter 20. The output side of the meter is connected to a flow control valve 22 and a solenoid controlled valve 24 and is then connected by a length of conduit 26 with the dispensing hose 23 which terminates in a nozzle 30. The nozzle 30 may be of the well known vacuum trip type which automatically closes when the liquid level in the tank or receiver, into which the fluid is being dispense-d, reaches a predetermined level. Furthermore, nozzle 30 may embody elements which prevent delivery of fluid therethrough except when the nozzle is inserted in the fillin opening of a receiver. Nozzles of the vacuum trip type and of the type which will only dispense when inserted in the filling opening of a receiver are, in general, known.

Nozzle 3t} hangs on a hook 32 and adjacent hook 32 is a control lever 34. This control lever has an on and off position, and when it is in its off position no fluid can be dispensed by the dispensing unit, and when the lever is in its on position, fluid can be dispensed from the dispenser unit. The lever is so arranged that it must be moved to its off position before nozzle 30 can be returned to its hook 32. Lever 34, as will be seen hereinafter, controls the energization of the drive motor for the pump which pressurizes the fluid in conduit 16 and also operates certain other electric switches forming a part of the control system according to the present invention. Lever 34 is furthermore connected, in a known manner, with the wheels of the computer forming a part of the dispensing unit so that whenever the lever is moved to initiate a dispensing operation, all of the indicator wheels of the computer are automatically set back to zero.

The indicating wheels or dials of the computer comprise Wheels generally indicated at 36 which indicate the quantity of fuel dispensed and other wheels or dials, generally indicated at 38, which indicate the value of the fuel that isdispense-d. A computer of this nature is conventional in nature so far as its connection to the meter and the arrangement and driving of the wheels or dials thereof is concerned and is, therefore, not disclosed in detail.

Turning now to the console unit, this unit, indicated at 10, has its own housing and is independent of the dispensing units 12 and 14. The console unit comprises a coin receiving unit 40 having a slot 41 into which quarters and half dollars can be fed. The coin receiving unit is of a substantially conventional nature and may include a push button 42 for effecting the return of bent, or otherwise defective, coins to a discharge or coin return pocket 44. The pocket 44 also receives coins which are inserted in slot 41 in excess of what can be counted up in the accumulator of the console unit. To this end, the coin receiving unit comprises a coin block to divert coins from slot 41 to pocket 44 whenever the unit is disabled from receiving coins.

, The console unit also includes a paper money validator unit 46 which, again, is of a conventional type and which is adapted for receiving dollar bills up to a predetermined maximum number. Bills which are not validated or which are in excess of the said maximum number will not be taken into the validator.

The console unit is provided on the front with a selector switch 48 by means of which either of the two dispensers can be selected for operation. As shown, one dispenser is for regular grade gasoline, and the other dispenser is for premium grade gasoline. For example, the regular gasoline dispenser may be the dispenser indicated at 12 while the dispenser indicated at 14 will deliver premium gasoline. When either of the two dispensing units is selected, a signal light 50 thereon will be illuminated showing the particular dispenser which will operate to dispense fuel. Further, signal lights 49 on the console unit will indicate the setting of switch 48, also.

The front of the console unit also includes a signal light 52 which, when illuminated, indicates that the console unit is prepared for receiving money preparatory to a vending operation. When money has been placed into the console unit and a pump is selected for vending purposes, during the vending or dispensing of fuel therefrom, a second light 54 is illuminated. Whenever light 54 is illuminated and a dispensing unit is in operation, .neither coins nor bills can be introduced into the console unit and the other dispenser unit or units are rendered inoperative for dispensing.

FIGURE 2 shows the console unit with the front removed. The coin receiving slot 41 will be seen and the dollar bill validating unit 46 will be seen in elevation together with its receiving slot 56 into which the bills are placed. Within the housing of the console unit is also a smaller housing or cabinet 58 in which the accumulator previously referred to is mounted together with a housing or cabinet 60 in which relays are mounted which are under the control of the accumulator and which, in turn, control the electrical power supply.

A junction box 62 is provided within the housing of the accumulator unit and conduits 64 leading to and from the junction box convey wires to the various components of the unit installation.

FIGURE 2 also shows an attendant-operated selector switch 66 in the console unit which has an OFF position wherein the entire installation is inoperative, an AUTO- MATIC position wherein the console unit has control of the dispensing units, and a MANUAL position wherein the dispensing units are free of the control of the console unit and can, instead, be operate-d manually in a conventional manner.

While the particular storage unit or accumulator of the console unit is subject to variation, it i preferred to employ an arrangement entirely free of moving parts. To this end, the accumulator is entirely electrically and magnetically operated and is responsive solely to electrical pulses from the money receiving units for receiving its input, and to electrical pulses from the dispensing unit in operation for cancelling out the first-mentioned pulses. This is accomplished by the use of bistable relay arrangements or flip flop circuits and either of which adapt themselves to being prepared in the form of boarded circuits or printed circuit boards having components of the electric circuit connected thereto. Reed switches are preferred but transistorized bistable circuits can be employed.

FIGURES 3-6 illustrate somewhat schematically the structural arrangement of the accumulator. In FIGURE 3 the cabinet or housing 58 will be seen to have a plurality of guides 68 therein in which are slidably mounted the circuit boards 70. One such circuit board 70 is shown in FIGURE 4 where it will be seen that at one end of the board there are terminals 72 by means of which electrical connection can be made with the circuitry carried by the board.

As will be seen in FIGURE 5, the boards are inserted in the guides 68 from the open side of cabinet 58 and are pushed backwardly therein so that the terminal portions 72 of the boards are received in the terminal blocks 74 that carry spring contacts which engage the terminals 72 of the boards and effect electrical connection of the terminals with the circuit wires 76. Broadly, the use of plugin circuit boards is known, and for this reason, no highly detailed disclosure of this portion of the present invention is given in this application. FIGURE 5 does show components such as relays or switches 78 attached to the underside of the circuit boards shown therein.

FIGURE 6 is a view looking in at one of the stationary terminal blocks 74 showing the slot therein which receives the terminal end of the pertaining circuit board. The circuit boards are preferably provided with a first slot 82 which cooperates with a corresponding key in terminal block 74 to prevent the board from being inserted into housing 58 upside down, and a second slot at 84 which cooperates with a second key in the pertaining terminal block to insure that the board can only be inserted in the proper terminal block.

FIGURES 7A and 7B show a block diagram of the control circuit of the present invention. In the circuit of FIGURES 7A and 7B the various components are in dicated by blocks and lines run therebetween indicating the electrical connections of the circuits. Block number 1 represents the attendant-operated switch 66 in the back of the console unit and which can be adjusted only by the attendant to select between automatic operation of the dispensing units under the control of the console unit, manual operation of the dispensing units in the conventional manner, or the turning off of the installation.

Block number 2 in FIGURE 7A corresponds to the selector switch 48 mounted on the face of the console unit and being that switch by means of which the customer selects the particular dispensing unit to be operated and, therefore, the grade of fuel which he desires.

Block number 3 in FIGURE 7A is the coin acceptor unit 40 in which quarters and half dollars are fed. Block number 4 in FIGURE 7A is the one dollar bill validator indicated by reference numeral 46 in FIGURE 2 and is that unit into which dollar bills are fed into the machine.

Block number 5 in FIGURE 7A is the accumulator and has therein the add-subtract counters, for quarters, 92 for half dollars, 93 for one dollar bills, and a group of scalers including a five-to-one scaler 96, a two-to-one scaler 98 and a further two-to-one scaler 100. 7

Referring now to FIGURE 7B, block number 6a is the control for the solenoid valves in the dispensing unit; block 6b is an interlock; block 60 is a disable control that prevents the feeding of more coins or bills into the money receivers than they are designed to take; and block 6d is for resetting the accumulator.

Toward the bottom of FIGURE 7B are two rows of blocks in which block 7a is the dispenser mounted control switch for one of the dispensing units, such as the one which dispenses premium fuel. Block 712 is the counting switch pertaining to the premium fuel dispenser; block 7c is the solenoid for the solenoid valve 24 of the premium dispenser; and block 7d represents the motor for the pump of the premium dispenser. 7

Similarly, block 8a is the dispenser mounted control switch for the dispenser for regular fuel; block 8b is the count switch for the regular dispenser; block 80 is the solenoid for the solenoid valve of the regular dispenser; and block 8d represents the pump motor for the regular dispenser. v

In FIGURE 7B the dispenser mounted control switches, which are multi-bladed, of blocks 7a and 8a carry general reference numeral 31; the count switches carry reference numeral 29; the valve solenoids carry reference numeral 25; and the pump motors carry reference numeral 27. The control switches 31 are those operated by levers 34 on the dispenser.

Returning to FIGURE 7A, whenever a coin of twentyfive cent denomination is placed in coin acceptor 40, a signal is transmitted by wire 102 to counter 94 to be stored therein. As soon as a single pulse is stored in counter 90, a signal is transmitted therefrom via wire 104 to block 6a of FIGURE 7B which, in turn, will enable block 611 to supply signals via wires 106 and 108 to the solenoids 25 of the solenoid valves 24 of the respective dispensers and which valves can thereafter be opened upon selection of a dispenser and the movement of the main control lever thereof to ON position.

Similarly, upon the depositing of a fifty-cent piece in coin acceptor 49, a signal is transmitted via Wire 110 to the counter 92 to be stored therein. If the fifty-cent piece so supplied is the first money unit placed in the console unit, a signal will also be supplied to wire 104 as previously mentioned.

Similarly as described above, the feeding of a dollar bill into the one dollar bill validator 46 will provide a signal via wire 112 to the dollar bill counter 93 to be stored therein and which counter is also operable for supplying a signal 104 if no signal already exists thereon.

Each of the counters 90, 92 and 93 are adapted to store a predetermined number of impulses. More specifically, each of the counters may be designed for storing therein seven impulses. When seven impulses have been stored in counter 90, a signal is transmitted therefrom via wire 114 to block 6c of FIGURE 7B which, in turn, will cause a signal over wire 116 back to the coin acceptor 41 which will operate the coin blade therein to twenty-five cents, prevent the coin acceptor from receiving any more coins of twenty-five cent denomination.

Also, upon counter 92 receiving seven impulses from the supply of fifty-cent pieces to coin acceptor 40, a signal will be sent therefrom via wire 118 to block 6c which in turn will supply a signal via wire 120 to the coin acceptor to operate the fifty coin block therein to prevent the unit from receiving any more fifty-cent coins.

With counter 93, upon the receipt of seven impulses therein, a signal will be transmitted therefrom via wire 122 to block 6c which will, in turn, supply a signal via wire 124 to the one dollar bill validator 46 to disable this component from receiving any more dollar bills.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the arrangement as described will receive coins in the twenty-five cent and fifty-cent denomination and one dollar bills up to a maximum of seven of each thereof. Upon the receipt of any receivable money unit, circuitry is prepared for enabling the solenoid valves of the dispensing units to be opened, and upon the receipt of the maximum number of pulses in any of the counters, the pertaining money receiving unit is disabled and cannot receive further units of money.

When the selector switch 66 is thrown to the automatic position; and which position it will occupy when coins or dollar bills are fed into the coin receiver; a circuit is completed therethrough from the power line 162 to a wire 162a leading to block 6b and within which block circuits are prepared via the aforementioned wires 106 and 108 to the valve solenoids 25. This switch 66 in its automatic position also completes circuits via wire 130 to block 6c and for controlling the money receiver and for controlling the interlock of the dispenser control switches. From block 6b wires 132 and 134 are connected with the dispenser control switches so that these switches are only efiective under the control of the accumulator when switch 66 is in its automatic position.

When switch 66 is in its manual position, circuits are completed therethrough via wires 136 and 128 directly to the dispenser control switches so that the dispensing units can be operated manually.

Each dispenser control switch is in controlling relation to the pertaining pump motor by means of the connections indicated at 149 and 142 so that operation of the switches will be effective for energizing the pertaining pump motors. The circuits for the pump motors are completed via the power lines 144 and 146.

As to selector switch 48, represented by block number 1 in FIGURE 7A, this switch is connected by the connecting lines 148 and 150 with the interlock block 6b so that the relays contained within block 6b can be properly adjusted to direct the solenoid valve controlling signals and the signals for the dispensing control switch to the selected dispensing unit.

It has been mentioned that the value stored in the accumulator is counted down when the dispensing unit operates, and this counting down is accomplished by the supply of subtracting signals to the counters via a wire 152. This connection leads from interlock block 612 and count switch 29 of the premium dispenser or count switch 29 of the regular dispenser by Way of the connections 154 and 156, respectively, which are connected with the aforementioned selector switch 48. Selector switch 48 also has a connection 158 with reset block 6d and a connection 160 with solenoid control block 6a.

As to other connections Within the cricuit, reference numeral 162 represents a 110 volt hot line while reference numberal 164 represents 110 volt common ground line, reference numeral 166 indicates a plus 24 volts DC supply, and reference numeral 168 indicates the 24-volt DC negative or ground wire.

Turning now to the counting off of the pulses stored in counters 90, 92 and 93, these counters have stored single pulses from their respective coin receiving units with each pulse corresponding, respectively, to twenty-five cents, fifty-cents, or one dollar. The counting down, however, by the dispenser will be done by sending a pulse for each five cents of gasoline dispensed. Thu-s, five pulses from the dispensing unit will be utilized to cancel one pulse stored in the twenty-five cent counter 90; ten pulses from the dispenser will be required to cancel one pulse from the fifty-cent counter 92; while twenty pulses from the dispenser will be required to cancel a single pulse in the one dollar bill counter 93.

According to this invention, this is accomplished by feeding the pulses from the dispenser through connection 152 to a five-to-one scaler 96. This scaler will emit a single pulse to wire 170 for each five pulses supplied thereto by wire 152 which leads to the counter switch of the selected dispenser. Wire 170 is connected with a terminal of counter 90, the said terminal providing for resetting of counter 96 pulse by pulse. In operation, after five times as many pulses have been supplied to scaler 96 as are stored in counter 90, the counter 90 Will supply a signal to a wire 172. Wire 172 and wire 170 are connected to the input terminals of an And'gate 174 which has an output terminal connected to the input side of a two-toone scaler 98.

When counter 90 has been completely counted off and signals stand on both wires 170 and 172, the signals will open And gate 174 and supply a signal to the input terminal of the tWo-to-one scaler 98.

It will be apparent at this point that for every five pulses supplied to scaler 96, there will be a single pulse supplied to scaler 98 whenever And gate 174 is opened indicating that counter 90 is completely counted down. Two-to-one scaler 98 is arranged so that every two pulses to the input side thereof will supply a single output pulse to wire 176 leading to the terminal of counter 92 to which pulses are supplied to count down this particular counter. It must be seen that for every ten pulses supplied through wire 152 to the accumulator, and whenever counter 90 is counted down, a single reset pulse will be supplied to counter 92, thus cancelling therefrom the input pulses supplied thereto by the delivery of fifty-cent pieces to the corn receiver.

When counter 92 is completely counted down, a circuit is closed through wire 17% to one terminal of another And gate 180, the other input terminal of which is connected with wire 176. The output terminal of And gate 180 is connected with the input terminal of a still further two-to-one scaler 160.

With both counters 90 and 92 counted completely down, for every five input pulses supplied to the input side of scaler 96, a single pulse will be supplied to the input side of scaler 98. For every two pulses supplied to the input side of scaler 98, representing ten input pulses to scaler 96, a single input pulse will be delivered to scaler 109. For every two input pulses to scaler 100 a single output pulse will be delivered to wire 132 leading to the count down terminal of counter 93. At this point it will be apparent that twenty pulses from wire 152 are required to supply a single pulse to counter 93 and that these pulses will be delivered to counter 93 only when counters 90 and 92 are completely counted down.

In the described manner the single pulse fed back from the dispensing unit to the accumulator are operable for counting down the counters until all of the money value stored therein in the form of pulses has been eliminated. When all of the counters are counted down to zero, the circuits pertaining to the valve solenoids are interrupted and whichever valve solenoid is at that time open will close, and delivery of fuel from the pertaining dispenser will be interrupted.

It has been mentioned that as soon as a single input pulse is supplied to any of the counters 90, 92 or 93, a signal is supplied via wire 104 to block 6a which, in turn, prepares circuits for the solenoid valves. When any counter is counted down, the signal therefrom to wire 104 is interrupted. Thus, when all of the counters are counted down, no signal is supplied to wire 104 and the solenoid circuits are disabled, and whichever solenoid valve is open at that time closes and delivery of the dispensing unit is immediately interrupted.

Turning now to an important feature of the present invention, FIGURES 8-13 will show the novel countdown switch by means of which the count-down pulses are supplied from the dispensing units back to the accumulator.

In FIGURE 8, 200 represents the head of the conventional computer to be found in conventional dispensing pumps. The head 200 is driven by shaft 202 from the pertaining meter of the dispensing unit. The wheels 36 previously referred to indicate the volume of fuel being dispensed while the wheels 38 previously referred to indicate the cost of the fuel being dispensed. Known adjusting dials 37 are provided for adjusting the drive ratio within the computer so that the wheels 33 can be accommodated to the particular price per gallon of the fuel being dispensed. Details of the computer and the driving of the wheels thereof are not disclosed herein because this is a conventional and well-known unit. According to the present invention, however, a particularly effective count-down arrangement is provided for supplying pulses back to the accumulator utilizing one of the wheels 38.

Preferably, the cents wheel is employed but it will be evident that any of the wheels could be utilized for this purpose. As will be seen in FIGURES 9 and 10, the cents wheel 204, which is usually a plastic or die cast material, has mounted therein one or more permanent magnets 206. These permanent magnets, of which there can be two as shown in FIGURES 9 and 10, are cemented in place closely adjacent the rim of the wheel and may, thereafter, be secured in their cemented positions by at least partially filling the cup-like wheel with a light plastic foam material 208 which may be, for example, polyurethane foam or the like. Constructing the wheel in this manner will absolutely insure that the magnets remain in position at all times and throughout the life of the wheel.

For cooperation with the magnets there is provided a reed switch 210 mounted on the frame 212 of the computer by a bracket means 214 so that the switch is supported adjacent the cents wheel 204 whereby it will be influenced by the magnet or magnets in the cents wheel as the wheel rotates during operation of the dispenser.

FIGURES 1l13 show the reed switch somewhat more in detail. As will be seen in these figures, the switch comprises reeds 216, each of which is connected to a different one of the wires 218 leading from the count switch. The reeds are supported in normally spaced relation in a sleeve or the like 220 which may be rubber-like material or which may be a glass envelope or the like. The switch comprising the reeds and its envelope is placed in a nonmagnetic tube 222, aluminum, for example, and the end of the tube is capped by cap 224. The space within the tube on opposite sides of the switch is filled with an insulating material 226 so that there is absolutely no chance of the switch creating sparks which might develop a hazardous condition. The switch is permanently and tightly sealed but in such a manner that it is sensitive to the flux from the magnet means carried by wheel 204 which turns adjacent thereto. When the switch comes under the influence of the magnet means,- the reeds will close thereby completing a circuit between wires 218 and supplying a pulse which is delivered back to the accumulator for count-down purposes. When the magnet means moves away from the reed switch, the reeds will open thereby interrupting the pulse.

The reed switch is advantageously mounted on a block 228 by being inserted through a bore in the block and held in place therein by a set screw 230. Block 228 is mounted on one side of an arm 232 forming a part of bracket 214. The arm is slotted at 234 and the bolt which clamps block 228 to arm 232, said bolt being indicated at 236, passes through the slot 234. The provision of the slot enables the switch to be adjusted in the circumferential direction of wheel 204 so as to control the exact instant that the pulse is developed by closing of the switch.

Furthermore, the switch is adjustable radially relative to wheel 204 by providing arm 232 with a slot 238 through which one of the clamp bolts 240 for the arm passes. The other clamp bolt at 242 likewise passes through a slot for ease of assembly of the arm with the computer frame 212. It will be seen at this point that the switch is adjustable both radially and circumferentially of wheel 204 so that the exact instant that the switch closes to supply count-down pulse can be regulated. Closing and opening of the switch is sharp and no bouncing or chattering of the contacts occur.

The reed type, count-down switch and the arrangement thereof adjacent a number wheel, particularly the cents wheel, for actuation by magnet means carried by the cents wheel is of particular merit because not only is the switch inexpensive; it has long trouble-free life, is compact, is easy to adjust, and is quite certain in operation at all times. The switch is not affected by extraneous influences, such as occur with photocell-operated devices and requires a strong magnetic field to effect actuation thereof so that it is not influenced by stray magnetic fields. Furthermore, vibration and the like have no influence on the reed switch, and it will close only when one of the magnets carried by the cents wheel passes in the proximity of the switch.

It will be apparent that with two magnets on the cents wheel, (which carries numbers from 0 through 9 and rotates one revolution per ten cents), the reed switch will supply a pulse for every five cents of gasoline dispensed. However, more or fewer magnets could be supplied to the cents wheel, or the magnets could be mounted on the dime or dollar wheel if so desired.

It is not intended to restrict the application of the novel counting mechanism of the present invention to that arrangement particularly illustrated and which is merely exemplary of many uses to which the counting switch could be put.

FIGURE 14 is a somewhat schematic representation of the dispensing pump unit according to the present invention. In FIGURE 14, 260 represents the supply tank for the fuel and 261 is the conduit leading from a foot valve 262 in the tank to pump 263 which supplies the fluid under pressure to meter 20 and from which meter the fluid flows through flow control valve 22 and solenoid-operated valve 24 to the hose 28 and finally to nozzle 30.

Pump 263 is driven by motor 27, referred to in connection with FIGURE 7B. Nozzle 30, as mentioned before, is adapted for being placed on hose hook 32 and adjacent hose hook 32 is the previously referred to main lever 34. In FIGURE 14 main lever 34 is illustrated in a schematic manner with respect to the functions which it carries out. Movement of main lever 34 to its ON position will, through a connection 264, reset the number Wheels of the computer to Zero in a known manner. Lever 34 also controls a switch 265 in circuit with motor 27 and which switch in turn is connected back to the console unit. A still further switch at 266 is under the control of lever 34 and is in circuit with solenoid 25 of solenoid valve 24 and is also connected back to the console unit.

Finally, a switch 316 is provided on each dispenser which is operated by lever 34 when the latter is moved to its ON position and which operates to disable the receiving unit so that no coins can be received therein while the dispensing unit is in operation.

The switches referred to are connected back to the console unit by wires leading through the conduit 267, which will also be seen in FIGURE 1.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the dispensing unit has the additional switches which are operated when the dispensing unit is put in operation and the fact that the dispensing unit is interlocked with at least one other dispensing unit in a console unit. As mentioned, however, the dispensing units can be operated manually by a suitable adjustment of selector switch 66 in the console unit.

The flow control valve 22 that has been referred to is shown in section in FIGURE 15, and it comprises a body 270 having a flow passage 271 therethrough in which is disposed check valve member 272. Check valve member 272 is biased toward its seat by a spring 273 and is adapted to lift from its seat to permit fluid flow through passage 271 when pump 263 is running and solenoid valve 24 and nozzle 30 are open. The degree of opening of valve member 272 is controlled by adjustable screw 274 so that the flow of fluid in the system can be restricted to a desired amount, say, from five to seven gallons per minute.

Referring back for the moment to the console unit in FIGURE 2, it has mounted therein a heater element 250 which is electrically operated and which is under thermostatic control so that the temperature within the console unit is maintained substantially constant at least during periods of cold weather to provide for reliable operation of all of the components therein, and some of which are solid state components which operate best about a predetermined lower temperature. Also located within the console unit is a signalling device 252 electrically connected to junction box 62 and so arranged that any tilting of the console unit will sound an alarm.

This feature is to prevent theft or tampering with the console unit and has nothing to do with the operation of the accumulator and other electrical components of the installation.

Referring once again to FIGURES 7A and 7B, it will be appreciated that the components in block number are those components making up the accumulator, namely, the twenty-five cent, fifty-cent and dollar bill counters and the sealers by means of which the cancelling signals are fed back to the counters. Blocks 1, 2, 3 and 4 are individual units to be found in the console unit and the group of blocks 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d are those relays which have been referred to as mounted in housing or cabinet 60 within the console unit.

The blocks 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d and 8a,. 8b, 8c and 8d are those elements which are to be found in the individual dispensing units. It will also be understood that the connections shown in FIGURES 7A and 7B might in some cases consist of single wires and in other cases might be pairs of wires. This particular type of illustration has been selected because of its simplicity and because it discloses the functional interrelationship of the several electrically operable components in a convenient manner.

Referring now to FIGURE 16, this is a schematic showing of a preferred type of electrical circuit for controlling the operation of two dispenser units which are under the control of a single coin receiving console unit. The same numerals are employed in FIGURE 16 that have been utilized previously where such numerals are applicable.

In FIGURE 16 the volt hot line is indicated at 162 and the 110 volt common or ground line, is indicated at 164. The 24 volt positive line is indicated at 166 and the 24 volt common or ground is indicated at 168.

The circuit of FIGURE 16 includes detailed showings of the several relays that have previously been referred to as being mounted in the console unit. These relays are indicated by reference characters C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C3 and C9 and the blades thereof are shown connected in the electric circuit in controlling relation thereto.

The previously referred to switches 31 which are located on the dispenser units are also shown in FIGURE 16. The selector switches 48 and 66, the count switches 29, and the various signal lights on the console and on the dispenser units and the flow controlling valve operating solenoids, are also shown in FIGURE 16.

Referring further to the selector switch 66, which is the main circuit control switch mounted in the console for operation by the station attendant, this switch will be seen to comprise three blades, having a neutral position wherein the entire installation is rendered idle and having a left hand position where the pertaining contacts are marked M and in which position of the installation is adapted for manual operation. The blades of switch 66 can also be moved toward the right into engagement with terminals marked A, and in this position the system operates automatically, namely, under the control of the console.

Assuming first that the switch 66 is adusted to the automatic position, it will be evident that the AC line 162 is connected to the continuation 162a thereof by upper blade (60: of switch 66. With switch 66 adjusted to its automatic position, a circuit is completed from wire 162a to wire 30%) through the lower most blade 660 of switch 66, Wire 300 leads to the normally open blade C4a of relay C4. The contact of blade OM is connected to one side of vend light 54 on the console, the other side of the said light being connected to line 164 so that closing of relay C4 will cause light 54- to be illuminated. The contact of blade Ola is also connected with upper blade 48a of selector switch 48 and lower blade 48c thereof. Blade 48a of selector switch 48 selects between the two valve solenoids 25 of the two dispenser units while blade 48c selects between the signal lights 49 on the console which indicate which one of the dispensers has been selected to dispense fuel.

Wire 300 also leads to one side of the coil of relay C3 which has a single normally open blade C311, the function of which will be explained hereinafter. The other side of the coil relay C3 leads to normally open blade 302 forming a part of the dollar bill validator unit. Wire 300 also leads to one contact of a normally closed blade C8a of relay C8, the blade being connected to one side of motor 304 of the dollar bill validator unit, the other side of said motor being connected through a normally open switch 306 with line 164. Switch 306 is operated when a dollar bill is placed in the dollar bill validator, and when, blade C8a is closed, and wire 360 is energized, a dollar bill validating operation will be carried out.

When the middle blade 66b of switch 66 is set to the automatic position, a circuit is completed from wire 164 through the coils of relays C2 and C5 to the said blade 66!; and from there through a wire 368 to one contact of normally open blade GM of relay C7. The blade C'Ia is connected by wire 310 with a contact engaged by blade 266 pertaining to switch 31 of the regular fuel dispensing unit when the dispenser is idle and switch 31 is in oil position. The blade 266 is connected to wire 162a.

The coil of relay C7 has one side connected to line 164 and its other side connected to a contact engaged by blade 266 of switch 31 pertaining to the premium fuel dispensing unit when the premium unit is idle and its switch 31 is in the 011 position. The blade 266 is connected to wire 162a. It will be evident that, whenever the premium dispensing unit is idle, relay C7 will be energized. Furthermore, whenever C7 is energized, and the regular dispenser is idle, and switch 66 is adusted to auto position, there will be an energizing circuit established from lines 162, 162a via 266, 310, C7a, 30S and 66b to the coils of relays C2 and C5. It will also be evident that, when switch 66 is adjusted for manual operation, the last mentioned connection is interrupted and there is established instead,

through blades 66a and 660 of switch 66 an energizing circuit through wire 162a and 312 to one side of the coil of relay C6, the other side of which is connected With wire 164.

When switch 66 is in either its manual or its automatic position, wire 162a is energized via blade 66a and this, in turn energizes wire 314 continuously connected thereto. Wire 314 is connected, as mentioned, to each of the blades 266 of the switches 31. This wire is also connected to each of the blades 265 of switches 31. Each of the blades 265 has a contact connected with one side of motors 27 of the premium and regular dispensers, the other sides of said motors being connected to wire 164. Blades 265 close whenever switches 31 are in the on position so that the pump motor of the selected dispenser will operate.

Each switch 31 includes third blades 316 which are connected with wire 314. Each of the blades 316 has a contact connected with one side of the coil of relay C9, the other side of which is connected with wire 1'64. Blades 316 closes on their contacts when switches 31 are in on position.

Relay C9, as will be seen hereinafter actuates blades which prevent the coins from being placed in the console whenever either of the dispensers is operating.

With regard to the operation of the circuit of FIGURE 16, whenever relay C8 is deenergized and a dollar bill is supplied to the dollar bill validator, switch 396 is closed to actuate motor 304. The operation or the dollar bill validator, when it accepts a valid bill now will close switch 302. The closing of switch 302 will energize relay C3 to close its blade C3a and this will supply a signal from the wire 166 to wire 320 leading to the dollar bill section of the accumulator as will be seen hereinafter.

' Whenever the console is set for automatic operation, blade C2a of relay C2 is closed and this is in series with the coil of relay C8 and three normally open blades marked 322. Blades 322 are associated with the dollar bill section of the accumulator and will close when the maximum number of dollar bills have been fed into the dollar bill validator. It will be evident that when the dollar bill validator has accumulated the maximum number of dollar bills and has caused all of blades 322 to close, the coil of relay C8 will be energized and open its blades CSa and disable the dollar bill validator from receiving any further money units. The blades C2a and 322 are bypassed by blade C9a of relay C9 which closes whenever either dispenser is placed in operation so that the dollar bill validator is also disabled whenever a dispensing operation is being carried out.

The signals developed by the insertion of 25 cent pieces and 50 cent pieces into the coin acceptor portion of the console supply signals to the accumulator as will be seen hereinafter and pertaining to each of the 25 cent storage and 50 cent storage section of the accumlulator are normally open blades which, when closed, disable the coin receiving portion of the console. Blades 324 are those pertaining to the 25 cent storage and blades 326 are those pertaining to the 50 cent storage. Whenever all three blades of either of these storage units are closed, they complete a circuit through one or the other of the blades C2b or C20 to coin block solenoids 328. The coin block solenoids, when energized, operate blocks that prevent the coins of the designated denomination from being fed into the coin acceptor unit. The 25 cent blocking blades 324 and the blades C2a of relay C2 are bypassed by blade 0% of relay C9 and the 50 cent block blades 326 and blade C21 of relay C2 are bypassed by blade C9c of relay C9. It will be evident that energization of relay C9 by the placing in operation of either dispenser, will operate all of the disabling devices so that no money units whatsoever can be fed into the console of the installation.

\Vhenever the 25 cent accumulator section contains any storage a blade 330 pertaining to the accumulator is closed. Similarly, any storage in the 50 cent accumulator section will close blade 332 pertaining thereto. Also, whenever there is any storage in the dollar bill section of the accumulator a blade 334 pertaining thereto is closed. Blades 330, 332, and 334 are connected in parallel and in series between lines '164 and 162a with the coil of relay C4. Thus, whenever there is any storage in the accumulator, relay C4 closes its blade C4a and vend light 54 on the console is illuminated indicating that either dispenser is prepared for dispensing fuel.

A connection is also made from wire 300 through blade C4a to wire 336 leading to the upper blade 48a and the lower blade 480 of selector switch 48. With blade C4a closed, whenever switch 48 is placed in either of its selecting positions, one of lights 49 onthe console will be illuminated to indicate the particular dispenser which has been selected for dispensing. Similarly, upper blade 48a will close similar circuits to the lights 50 on the dispensing units themselves so that there is not only a light illuminated on the console unit to indicate the dispenser to be used, but a light on the dispenser itself will also light up. The middle blade 48b of switch 48, when the switch is adjusted to select a dispenser, will connect count switch 29 of the selected dispenser to a wire 338 leading through normally closed blade C511 to a wire 340 which represents the subtract input to the accumulator as will be seen hereinafter.

As to the circuits to the valve operating solenoids 25, the circuit from the premium dispenser solenoid 25 extends through a normally closed blade C5b of relay C5 and a normally closed blade C6a of relay C6 to the terminal on one side of blade 48a. Similarly, the circuit for solenoid 25 of the regular dispenser extends through normally closed blade C5c of relay C5 and a normally closed blade C6b of relay C6 to the terminal on the other side of blade 48a. Thus, whenever relay C4 is closed (which it is if there is money represented in the accumulator), movement of blade 48a in one direction or the other will establish an energizing circuit for one of the other of the valve solenoids 25 through contacts C4a, wire 300, and blade-s 66c and 66a. These circuits will be completed when relay C5 is deenergized.

It has been mentioned that relay C6 is energized only when switch 66 is adjusted to manual position. When switch 66 is so adjusted to manual position it is necessary, for operation of the dispensers, to provide energizing circuits to the valve solenoids 25. These circuits lead through wire 314 and the blades 266 of the switches 31. When either of the switches 31 is closed the blade 266 pertaining thereto will close on a lower contact. With the premium dispenser, which is the upper most switch 31, blade 266 closes on a contact connected to wire 342 which leads to one side of a blade C6c of relay C6. Relay C6 is at this time energized because the switch 66 is adjusted to manual position. The said circuit will lead through blade C6c to blade C6a which is now closed on its upper contact and thence through blade C5!) to solenoid 25 for the premium dispenser.

For the regular dispenser, when its switch 31 is actuated, blade 266 completes a circuit to a wire 344 which is connected to one side of a blade 06d, the other side of which is connected with a terminal on which blade C611 15 closes When the relay C6 is energized. The circuit then extends through blade CS to the solenoid 25 pertaining to the regular dispenser. At this point it will be seen that circuits are provided for the solenoids 25 when the system is adjusted for either manual or for automatic operation.

Turning now to FIGURE 17, this shows schematically the accumulator and count down system.

Whenever a 25 cent piece is introduced into the money receiver, a switch 400 is closed to complete a circuit from wire 166, the positive side of the 24 volt. supply, to a wire 4G2. Wire 4G2 leads to one terminal of a bistable relay 404. Relay 404 controls a plurality of blades and in one condition, which may be referred to as its reset condition, it closes blades 464a and 4434!). When a pulse is supplied to the relay, as by closing switch 401), and the relay is in its reset condition it flips over into what may be referred to as its set condition and at this time the said blades 464a and 4041) open, and, instead, blades 404a and 4044 close. From the circuitry illustrated in FIGURE 17 it will be evident that the first closing of switch 4% supplies a pulse through blade 4414a and its serially connected diode to relay 494 to flip it over into its set condition and that the next closing of switch 400 will supply a pulse through the now closed blades 404a and its serially connected diode to relay 404 to flip it back into its reset condition while simultaneously supplying a pulse to the next bistable relay 406 to turn it from its reset condition to set condition.

As is known in connection with flip-flop circuits of bistable relays connected as illustrated, it is possible to supply pulses to the system by sequential closing of switch 400 to the point that all of the three bistable relays are in their set condition. Seven pulses are required for this purpose so that it is possible for the three bistable relays 404, 406, and 468 to store a maximum seven pulses in the 25 cent portion of the accumulator. Each of the relays 4&4, 496, 408 is operable for closing one of blades 324 when the particular bistable relay is in its set condition so that as soon as all three of the relays have been turned into the set condition, indicating that seven pulses have been supplied to the bank of relays, the switches 324 will all close and this will energize the 25 cent coin block solenoid so that no more 25 cent pieces can be supplied to the coin accepter.

Each of the relays also controls a blade in its set position from which a signal is supplied through a pertaining diode to a wire 410 leading to a relay coil 412. This relay controls blade 330 so that whenever any of bistable relays 404, 406, 468 are in set condition, coil 412 is energized and its pertaining blade 339 is closed. Similarly, when all of the pulses have been removed from the 25 cent accumulator section and all the bistable relays 404, 486, 4fl8 are returned to their reset condition, no signal is supplied to coil 412 and its pertaining blade 330 drops open.

The accumulator also includes a bank of bistable relays 414, 416, 418 pertaining to the 50 cent section which are interconnected and operate in exactly the same manner as relays 404, 406, and 408. The input to the 50 cent relays is by way of a switch 426 which closes each time a 50 cent piece is fed into the coin accepter unit. When any of relays 414, 416, and 418 are in set condition, a coil 422 is energized and its blade 332 is closed. Blade 332 in FIGURE 16 is connected in parallel with blade 330.

A third bank of bistable relays 424, 426, and 428 make up the dollar bill accumulator section and the input signals thereto are supplied from wire 320 referred to in connection with FIGURE 16 as connected to blade C311 of relay C3. When any of the relays of the dollar bill section are in set condition, coil 430 is energized to close its pertaining blade 334 which is in parallel with blades 330 and 332.

Each of the banks of bistable relays referred to are operable for receiving seven input signals or pulses which are subsequently counted off by signals from which every one of count switches 25% is connected in the circuit. At

the bottom of FIGURE 17 is the unit which supplies count down signals back to the banks of bistable relays. The input signal comes from wire 340 referred to in FIGURE 16 as connected to blade 48b. The count down section comprises a plurality of bistable relays 432, 434, 436, 438, and 449. These bistable relays however, are interconnected to act as sealers so that by the input of pulses, each corresponding to 5 cents worth of fuel dispensed, the 25 cent, 50 cent and dollar pulses stored in the accumulator can be successively removed therefrom.

Considering the input of subtract pulses, the first pulse supplied by wire 340 will set relay 432. The next pulse sup-plied will set relay 434 and reset relay 432. The next pulse supplied will set relay 432. The next pulse supplied will set relay 436 and reset relays 434 and 432. When relay 436 is set it opens its blades 436a and closes its blades 4361). With relay 436 set, the next impulse on wire 34%), and which is the fifth one supplied, is conveyed to a junction point 442'. The pulse from this point operates to reset relay 436 and also supplies a subtract pulse through blades 412a, which are closed whenever coil 412 is energized, to the wire leading to the subtract side of relays 404, 4%, and 408. The subtracting of pulses from the bank of bistable relays is accomplished in the same manner as the supplying of pulses thereto for storage except that it is only every fifth pulse supplied to wire 340 that supplies a pulse to junction 442. This pulse is supplied through blade 412a in the 25 cent bank of bistable relays whenever coil 412 is energized and when the bank of relays pertaining to the 25 cent accumulator section has had all the pulses counted therefrom and all of the relays are again in their reset condition the coil 412 is deenergized and blade 412a thereof will open while blade 412i) thereof will close. Thereafter, the fifth pulse to wire 340 will set relay 438. The tenth pulse will then supply a signal to junction point 444 and. this signal will reset relay 438 and will also supply a signal through blades 422a pertaining to coil 422a to the subtract side of the bank of bistable relays making up the 50 cent storage section of the accumulator. When this bank of bistable relays is completely counted down and all thereof are in their reset conditions, coil 422 is deenergized and its blades 422 open while its blades 422i: close. Thereafter, the tenth pulse supplied to wire 340 will set relay 440 and the twentieth pulse will supply a signal to junction 446 which signal will reset relay 440 and will also supply a subtract impulse to the subtract side of the bank of relays 424, 426, and 428 making up the dollar bill section of the accumulator.

In addition to the foregoing basic components of the accumulator circuit illustrated, the 25 cent section may include a manual switch 459 under the control of the station attendant for feeding impulses into the 25 cent section, a switch 452 of a similar nature pertaining to the 50 cent section and a switch 454 of the same nature pertaining to the dollar bill section.

Also, a connection is made to the reset terminal of each of the bistable relays pertaining to the accumulator sections and to the countdown sections and a single reset switch 456 is provided. Whenever this switch is actuated, ail bistable relays which are then in their set condition will be tripped over to reset condition and clear the entire circuit. As will also be seen the common reset wire, marked 458 leads to a normally open blade Cla of relay C1 of FIGURE 16. Whenever blade Cla is closed, reset wire 458 is connected with wire 166 which is the positive side of the 24 volt supply to supply a reset signal.

Means are provided for elfecting momentary closing of blade Cla in the form of circuitry illustrated in FIGURE 16. The coil of relay C1 is connected to a terminal 460 pertaining to blade C2-b of relay C2 on which the said blade closes when relay C2 is energized. When relay C2 is deenergized blade C2a' closes on wire 166 which is the plus 24 volt supply. The blade (22d, when relay C2 is deenergized completes a circuit to a condenser 462 which becomes charged. Whenever relay C2 is energized, which occurs when the selector switch 66 is adjusted to automatic position and both switches 31 are closed to indicate that the dispensers are idle blade C2d closes on terminal 460 and condenser 462 will discharge through the coil of relay C1 and effect closing of its blade Cla and thereby supply a reset pulse to the accumulator and subtract network.

It will be understood that this invention is susceptible to modification in order to adapt it to diiferent usages and conditions; and accordingly, it is desired to comprehend such modifications within this invention as may fall within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination: Fluid dispensing pump means having a computer including a fluid meter, indicating wheel means connected to said meter so as to be driven in rotation thereby during dispensing of fluid from said dispensing pump means at a rate proportional to the rate of delivery of said dispensing pump means, receiver means adapted for receiving units of money and operable to generate first signals in accordance with the value of the respective money units supplied therein, accumulator means, first circuit means operatively connecting said receiver means to said accumulator means for delivering said first signals to said accumulator means for storage therein, counting means operatively associated with said indicating wheel means and operable in response to rotation thereof to generate second signals, second circuit means operatively connecting said counting means to said accumulator means to supply said second signals thereto, said second signals when so supplied to said accumulator being operable to cancel said first signals therefrom sequentially, fluid flow controlling means in said dispensing pump means normally preventing the dispensing of fluid, and control means for said fluid flow controlling means adapted for connection to said accumulator means, said control means being operable when connected to said accumulator means for actuating said flow controlling means to permit dispensing of fluid only when a first signal is stored in said accumulator means.

2. The combination according to claim 1 in which said wheel means of said computer includes quantity indicating wheels for indicating the quantity and value indicating wheels for indicating the money value of the fluid dispensed by said dispensing pump means, and said counting means comprising cooperating elements, one of said elements being mounted on one of said value indicating wheels for movement therewith and the other of said elements being mounted stationarily adjacent said one value indicating wheel, said second element being sensitive to the movement of said one element relative thereto for developing a said second signal.

'3. The combination according to claim 2 in which said other element comprises a switch having a movable contact and first magnetic means carried by the contact,

said one element comprising second magnetic means carried by said one value indicating wheel and moved thereby through the region adjacent said first magnetic means, at least one of said magnetic means being in the form of a permanent magnet.

4. The combination according to claim 2 in which said other element is a magnetically operable reed switch and said one element is in the form of at least one permanent magnet carried by said one value indicating wheel in the region of the rim thereof.

5. The combination according to claim 1 in which said wheel means include value indicating wheels for indicating the value of the fluid dispensed by said dispensing pump means, said counting means comprising at least one permanent magnet fixed to one of said wheels at the rim thereof, a magnetically operated reed switch adjacent the rim of said one wheel and bracket means supporting said reed switch for adjustment radially and circumferentially of said one wheel.

6. The combination according to claim 1 in which said fluid flow controlling means comprises a normally closed valve in series with said meter and said control means comprises a solenoid operator for said valve energizable for opening said valve, and an energizing circuit for said solenoid including means under the control of said accumulator means for preparing the said energizing circuit whenever a said first signal is stored in the accumulator means, said energizing circuit also including switch means on said dispensing pump means operable into closed position prior to a dispensing operation for completing said energizing circuit when it is prepared by said means under the control of said accumulator means.

7. The combination according to claim 6 in which selector switch means is provided connected to said energizing circuit and having one position wherein the said means under the control of said accumulator means is eifective and another position in which said energizing circuit is prepared independently of signals stored in said accumulator means to permit manual generation of said dispensing pump means.

8. The combination according to claim 7 in which said dispensing pump means includes a fluid pump and a drive motor therefor, a motor switch in circuit with said motor, a lever on the dispensing pump means having on and off positions and arranged to close said motor switch when in the said on position; said lever also being arranged to close the said switch means in said energizing circuit when in its on position.

9. The combination according to claim 6 in which said receiver means includes disabling means operable into effective position to prevent the depositing of money units in said receiver means, and means operated by said switch means on said dispensing ipuimp means for actuating said disabling means into effective position in response to either of said said switch means being operated into closed position.

10. The combination according to claim 9 in which said receiver means includes means responsive to the depositing therein of a predetermined number of money units for actuating said disabling means into effective position.

11. The combination according to claim 6 which includes means operable in response to the positioning of said switch means in open position following a dispensing operation for removing any first signals remaining in said accumulator means.

12. The combination according to claim 6 which includes means for resetting said wheels to zero prior to a dispensing operation, and means for preventing the supply of second signals to said accumulator means during the said resetting of said wheels.

13. The combination according to claim 1 in which said accumulator means comprises a counter for each denomination of money unit to be supplied to said receiver and each counter storing a first signal in the form of a single pulse for each money unit pertaining thereto that is fed into said receiver, said second signals being in the form of second pulses each corresponding to a money unit smaller than the denomination of any deposited money unit, and scalar means conected to receive said second pulses and to integrate said second pulses to form single pulses corresponding to the money value of the pulses stored in the respective counters, and means for directing said single integrated pulses to the counter corresponding in value to the value of the particular integrated pulse.

14. The combination according to claim 13 in which said money units bear the ratio of 1:2:4 to each other and said second pulses each bear the ratio of 1:5 to the lowest denomination of money unit, and said scalars include a first scalar with a 5:1 ratio, and two further serially arranged scalars each with a 2:1 ratio.

15. The combination according to claim 14 in which an and gate is provided with its terminal connected to the input of each of said 2:1 scalars, one and gate having one input terminal connected to the output terminal of said 5:1 scalar and the other and gate having one input terminal connected to the output terminal of the preceding 2:1 scalar, each counter having a countdown terminal connected to the output terminal of a pertaining scalar, and each counter having a terminal connected to the other input terminal of the and gate on the output side of the pertaining scalar which transmits a signal to the said and gate when the counter is counting down whereby further countdown pulses are directed to the input of the next following scalar.

16. The combination according to claim 1 in which said dispensing pump means is arranged in first housing means and said receiver means and accumulator means is arranged in second housing means independent of said first housing means, said second circuit means and said energizing circuit extending between said first and second housing means.

17. The combination according to claim 16 in which said dispensing pump means comprises a pair of dispensing pump units having respective meters and computers and counting means and second circuits, selector means in said second housing means for selecting a respective one of said dispensing pump units, said selector means being operable for connecting the said second 20 circuit of the selected unit to said accumulator means while disconnecting the said second circuit of the other of said units therefrom, said selector means also connecting the said control means of the selected unit to said accumulator means while disconnecting the said control means of the other unit therefrom, whereby only the selected unit can dispense fluid, and signalling means on said units responsive to said selector means and operable for indicating the selected unit.

18. The combination according to claim 16 in which thermostatically controlled heater means is provided in said second housing means operable to maintain a substantially constant temperature therein.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,573,112 10/1951 Schneckenburger 225 2 X 2,610,722 9/1952 \Vest 19413 2,754,950 7/1956 Harris 194-13 3,114,478 12/1963 Hilkemeier 222-21 X 3,221,860 12/1965 Klaifky 222-2 X 3,260,409 7/ 1966 Benham 222-20 3,285,381 11/1966 Robbins 222-2 X SAMUEL F COLEMAN, Primary Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. IN COMBINATION: FLUID DISPENSING PUMP MEANS HAVING A COMPUTER INCLUDING A FLUID METER, INDICATING WHEEL MEANS CONNECTED TO SAID METER SO AS TO BE DRIVEN IN ROTATION THEREBY DURING DISPENSING OF FLUID FROM SAID DISPENSING PUMP MEANS AT A RATE PROPORTIONAL TO THE RATE OF DELIVERY OF SAID DISPENSING PUMP MEANS, RECEIVER MEANS ADAPTED FOR RECEIVING UNITS OF MONEY AND OPERABLE TO GENERATE FIRST SIGNALS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VALUE OF THE RESPECTIVE MONEY UNITS SUPPLIE THEREIN, ACCUMULATOR MEANS, FIRST CIRCUIT MEANS OPERATIVELY CONNECTING SAID RECEIVER MEANS TO SAID ACCUMULATOR MEANS FOR STORAGE SAID FIRST SIGNALS TO SAID ACCUMULATOR MEANS FOR STORAGE THEREIN, COUNTING MEANS OPERATIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH SAID INDICATING WHEEL MEANS AND OPERABLE IN RESPONSE TO ROTATION THEREOF TO GENERATE SECOND SIGNALS, SECOND CIRCUIT MEANS OPERATIVELY CONNECTING SAID COUNTING MEANS TO SAID ACCUMULATOR MEANS TO SUPPLY SAID SECOND SIGNALS THERETO, SAID SECOND SIGNALS WHEN SO SUPPLIED TO SAID ACCUMULATOR BEING OPERABLE TOCANCEL SAID FIRST SIGNALS THEREFROM SEQUENTIALLY, FLUID FLOW CONTROLLING MEANS IN SAID DISPENSING PUMP MEANS NORMALLY PREVENTING THE DISPENSING OF FLUID, AND CONTROL MEANS FOR SAID FLUID FLOW CONTROLLING MEANS ADAPTED FOR CONNECTION TO SAID ACCUMULATOR MEANS, SAID CONTROL MEANS BEING OPERABLE WHEN CONNECTED TO SAID ACCUMULATOR MEANS FOR ACTUATING SAID FLOW CONTROLLING MEANS TO PERMIT DISPENSING OF FLUID ONLY WHEN A FIRST SIGNAL IS STORED IN SAID ACCUMULATOR MEANS.

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