US3894658A - Dispensing control system for fluids - Google Patents

Dispensing control system for fluids Download PDF

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Publication number
US3894658A
US3894658A US481107A US48110774A US3894658A US 3894658 A US3894658 A US 3894658A US 481107 A US481107 A US 481107A US 48110774 A US48110774 A US 48110774A US 3894658 A US3894658 A US 3894658A
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United States
Prior art keywords
control means
dispenser
data
central control
identification code
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US481107A
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English (en)
Inventor
Jr John A Buell
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ELECTRONIC MARKETING SYSTEMS Inc A CA CORP
General Atomics Corp
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General Atomics Corp
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Priority to US481107A priority Critical patent/US3894658A/en
Priority to CA75226719A priority patent/CA1048648A/en
Priority to GB21818/75A priority patent/GB1510864A/en
Priority to DE19752522938 priority patent/DE2522938A1/de
Priority to FR7516098A priority patent/FR2275403A1/fr
Priority to JP50061499A priority patent/JPS513670A/ja
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3894658A publication Critical patent/US3894658A/en
Assigned to GA TECHNOLOGIES INC., A CA CORP. reassignment GA TECHNOLOGIES INC., A CA CORP. ASSIGNS ENTIRE INTEREST. SUBJECT TO REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT DATED JUNE 14, 1982 Assignors: GENERAL ATOMIC COMPANY
Assigned to ELECTRONIC MARKETING SYSTEMS, INC., A CA CORP. reassignment ELECTRONIC MARKETING SYSTEMS, INC., A CA CORP. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: GA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
    • B67D7/08—Arrangements of devices for controlling, indicating, metering or registering quantity or price of liquid transferred
    • B67D7/22—Arrangements of indicators or registers
    • B67D7/224—Arrangements of indicators or registers involving price indicators
    • B67D7/227—Arrangements of indicators or registers involving price indicators using electrical or electro-mechanical means
    • B67D7/228—Arrangements of indicators or registers involving price indicators using electrical or electro-mechanical means using digital counting
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q50/00—Information and communication technology [ICT] specially adapted for implementation of business processes of specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
    • G06Q50/06—Energy or water supply

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT A dispensing control and display system for fluid products is disclosed which is adapted to control the operation of a number of dispensers from a remote location and also provide a visual display at the remote location of quantity and cost data for the fluid being dispensed by each of the dispensers.
  • the system utilizes pulse code and multiplexing in a telemetering system that requires little modification of the dispensers themselves, which may be gasoline pumps or the like.
  • the system uses existing power conductors for transmitting information between a dispenser control unit associated with each of the dispensers and a central control unit at the remote location.
  • Each dispenser control unit responds to an individual identification code signal sent by the central control unit and transmits the data to the central control unit which is then received and forwarded to and displayed by a corresponding console control unit.
  • the identification code signals permit the system to operate with a single carrier frequency.
  • the system includes features that insure accurate display of the cost and quantity by saving the data for retransmission in the event the system determines that the data was not properly transmitted.
  • the operation of individual dispensing units may be interrupted and thereafter resumed by an operator at the remote location if desired, without affecting the display of the data.
  • This invention relates generally to multiplexing and telemetering systems, and, more particularly, to a system for remotely controlling the operation of one or more fluid dispensing units and for providing a visual display of the quantity and cost dataof the fluid being dispensed by each of the dispensing units.
  • a self-service station have some means for controlling the operation of each of the dispensing units from a single remote location by an attendant who can visually monitor all of the units as well as provide a visual display at the remote location of quantity and cost data for the gasoline being dispensed.
  • systems have been devised for controlling the individual pumps and for displaying the quantity and cost information data at such remote location, many of the existing systems require extensive modification of the service station, due either to the installation of overhead electrical conductors, the channelling of the hard surface between the dispenser islands and the remote location, or the extensive modification of the dispenser or pump hardware itself during installation of the system.
  • Another object'of the present invention is to provide an improved system as described above that is adapted to monitor and control either a small or large number of dispensing units from the remote location, and which is adapted to have other dispensing units added to the system with virtually no modification of the basic system.
  • FIG. 1 is a front elevation of two fluid dispensing units with parts removed to show portions of the present invention in conjunction with the internal construction of a dispensing unit; 7
  • FIGS. 2a and 2b are enlarged schematic diagrams of portions of the dispensing unit shown in FIG. 1 and respect'ively illustrating fiber optic and mechanical linkages interconnecting the mechanical computer of the dispensing unit with the electronic dispenser control unit of the present invention; a
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the central control unit and two representative console control .units embodying the present invention that are placed at the remote location;
  • FIG. 4 illustrates schematic block diagrams of the central control unit (shown to the left of the dotted line);
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic block diagram of the dispenser control unit that is associated with each of the dispensers being controlled
  • FIGS. 6a, 6b, 60, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 8, 9, 10, 1 la, 1 lb, l2, l3, l4, l5 and 16 are more detailed schematic diagrams of the system of the present invention shown in the block diagrams in FIGS. 4 and 5; and
  • the system of the present invention comprises a dispenser control unit for each of the dispensers that are to be controlled by the system, the dispenser control units being placed in the dispenser enclosures above the 48 inch elevation line.
  • a mechanical or fiber optic linkage connects the dispenser control unit to a mechanical computer that is provided in each dispenser so that the cost and quantity data is supplied to the dispenser control unit for subsequent transmission to the remote location where the attendant is 10- dated.
  • the dispenser control unit is also connected to the solenoid valve or pump motor (depending upon the kind of system that is utilized at the station) so that the attendant can control the operation of the dispensers frorijrthe remote location.
  • the system also includes a central control unit at the remote location as well as a console control unit for each of the dispenser control units, each of the console control units having visual displays and switches for controlling the operation of the individual dispensers.
  • a central control unit at the remote location as well as a console control unit for each of the dispenser control units, each of the console control units having visual displays and switches for controlling the operation of the individual dispensers.
  • Thesystem sequentially interrogates each of the dispensers or pumps to yield pulses that are a measure of the fluid quantity and price and displays the quantity and price data at the remote location by telemetering the data over existing power conductors that extend from the remote location (which is probably a location in the station building) to the dispenser islands. By conauthorized.
  • the data is-transmitted' over-the existing alternating current power lines using serial pulse coded time division multiplexing, with the pulses being frequency modulated and utilizes a single carrier frequency, notwithstanding the number of dispensers that are controlled by the system.
  • the system has provision for stopping the operation of a dispenser at anytime by operating a switch located on each console'control unit, in-the event inexperienced customersa're violating laws, such as dispensing gasoline while'they are smoking orif they are intoxicated.
  • the present invention enables an attendant to provide surveillance of the operation of all of the dispensers to insure that a'hazardous condition will not arise, 'and permits the' attendant to shut off individual dispensers if a potentially hazardous situation does present itself.
  • Data transactions between the dispenser control units and the central control unit as well as between the central control unit and the console control unit are bidirectional.
  • the data is transmitted and received between the central control unit and the dispenser control units via the ac. power lines that are normally used for the power and lighting circuits for the 1 dispensers, thereby necessitating no additional conduit installation between the dispensers and the station building.
  • dispensers are shown to include a conduit 22 that extends downwardly into a storage tank (not shown) and which terminates at a pump 24 that is driven by a pump motor 26.
  • the outlet of the pump has a conduit 28 extending to a metering device 30 having a mechanical shaft 32 that drives a mechanical computer 34 for providing cost and quantity data that can be viewed bya customer.
  • the outlet of the metering device 30' is connected to-a flexible hose 36 having a nozzle 38 for dispensing the fluid. While the dispenser 20 illustrated in FIG.
  • the dispensers 20 typiclly have lighting circuits so that the cost and quantity information can be read at night and other electrical circuits are provided for energizing amechanical computer resetmotor (not shown) and the pump motor 26. With these existing electrical circuits, very little additional electrical work is required for the installation of the system of the present invention.
  • typical dispensers have an'explosion-proof junction box located near the ground elevation within the dispenser housing and have conduits extending to the pumpmotor and also to the lighting fixtures within the dispenser.
  • a dispenser control unit 40 is installed above the 48 inch line and is connected to the a.c.-. power conductors which lead back to a lighting or power panelboard that is usually located withinthe station house. Relays are provided for controlling the computer reset m otor as well as the motor 26.
  • the system can control the operation of the relay and thereby control the operation of. the dispenser. r i y
  • the di spensercontrol unit 40 is interconnected with the mechanical computer 34 to provide input data to the dispenser control unit of the quantity and cost information that is registered on the r nechanical computer.
  • Theinterconnection can be either by a mechanical linkageshown in FIG. 2b or a fiber optic arrangement as shown in FIG. 2a, both arrangements being more fully described hereinafter,
  • An importantfeature common tov both arrangements is the absence of e le ctrical devices located below theffl8 inch elevation, iwhich alleviatesthe need for explosionproof fittings and the like.
  • Theconductors extending ba ckjto theelectrical panelboard in the station building are used for transmitting the data from the di spenserlcoiitrol unit 40 to a central control unit 42 which is interconnected with console control units 44 that provide a visual display of the quantity and cost data for each of the dispensers and also includes switches which control the operation of the dispenser.
  • console control units 44 that provide a visual display of the quantity and cost data for each of the dispensers and also includes switches which control the operation of the dispenser.
  • he central control unit 42 is merely plugged into ⁇ ! powe outlet within the station building which by virtue of the'electrical continuity between the outlet and the panelboard, and the panelboard and the dispensers, enables data to be transmitted and received.
  • Each of the dispensers has a console control unit 44 associated with it that includes a four digit visual display 48 and three control switches' as shown in FIG. 3.
  • the display 48 automatically indicates the cost of the amount of sale and will display'the quantity (such as gallons) dispensed when'a QUANTITY switch 50 is actuated.
  • a PAID switch 52 an'd' a RUN/STOP switch 54 are also provided to 'control the start of the dispenser as well as stop its operation at a'nytime'When a customer requests service by rotating the reset lever on the dispense'rfthe reset motor is started which resets the mechanical computer atthe' dispenser and allows the amount of s'al e and number of gallons that were previously dispensed to be zeroedl' As soon as it is reset to zero, a signal is -sent to the central'control unit 42 indicating this ic'ondi'tion,'arid the coiisole control 'unit displayfor thatparticular-dispenseris also reset to zero. Once the'co'n sole contr ol'u'iiit display is reset, another signal is automatically is'sue'cl to thedispenser allowing it to'dispe'nse fuel.
  • the attendant depresses the PAID switch 52 at the control module console for that dispenser which terminates the sale and releases the dispenser for use for another sale.
  • the RUN/STOP switch 54 can be used at any time during the dispensing transaction to suspend service in the event such action is dehosev 36 and nozzle 38..
  • the signals IDl, lD2 and ID4 are identification bits with binary weights of l, 2 and 4, respectively, which sired. Operation of the RUN/STOP switch does not change the display and does not cancel any quantity and cost data thatt had been registered.
  • the equipfme nt used to carry out the operations previously described include the dispenser control unit 40, the block diagram of which is shown in FIG. 5, the central control unit 42 shown to the left of the dotted line in FIG. 4, and the console control units 44, one of which is shown to the right of the dotted line in FIG. 4.
  • the system of the present invention employs serial pulse coded time division multiplexing for communicating the data over the alternating current power lines, with the pulses being frequency modulated.
  • the central control unit 42 and dispenser control units 40 each have several elements which perform substantially similar functions and which carry the same designating numbers.
  • an amplifier 60 is connected to the a.c. power lines 62 through a coupling transformer 64 and a line voltage blocking capacitor 66.
  • a choke (not shown) may be included to reduce the effect of the transmitted signal on the power supply voltage if desired.
  • the receiver consists of a coupling transformer 70 connected to the power lines 62 through a line voltage blocking; capacitor 72 and also includes a capacitor 74 and resistor 76 which drives a demodulator 80 which applies the demodulated data to the input of the serial receiver circuitry.
  • the signals that are transmitted from the central control unit to the dispenser control unit are shown in the timing diagram of FIG.
  • the signals T0 and T1 are synchronizing bitsthat allow the serial receive circuitry of the dispenser control unitto recognize that the data for the transmission has been completely shifted into a shift register circuit 82,the
  • the identification code signals are transmitted by the shift register 82 to a dispenser control unit identification decoding logic circuit 98 which" provides an identification MATCH signal in the event the code transmitted from the central control unit matches the code that has been preprograrned into one of the dispenser control units.
  • a dispenser control unit identification decoding logic circuit 98 which" provides an identification MATCH signal in the event the code transmitted from the central control unit matches the code that has been preprograrned into one of the dispenser control units.
  • ID8 FIGL'l'8a
  • the signals transmitted by the dispenser control unit to the central control unit include RESET COM- PLETE, ONE CENT pulse and 0.1 GALLON pulse, in addition to the T0 and T1 pulses, all 'of which are shown in the timing diagram of FIG. 18b.
  • the RESET COMPLETE signal is transmitted to the console con-.
  • trol unit 44 for that particular dispenser to indicate that the mechanical computer has completed its reset cycle and this results in the console control unit also zeroing its display 48.
  • the ONE CENT pulse is used to incr'ement the cost register in the console control unit and the 0.1 GALLON pulse similarly increments the quantity register. It should be realized that although the cost and quantity pulses are for one cent and one-tenth gallons, other amounts can be used as the pulse increments, if desired.
  • the RESET COMPLETE, ONE CENT and 0.1 GALLON pulses are sent from the shift register of the central control unit to cost and quantity registers 99 and 100, respectively, which are connected to the visual display 48 through a display select circuit 102 which automatically displays the cost information, but which can be changed to the quantity display responsive to actuating the QUANTITY switch 50.
  • the console control unit 44 has an identification decoding logic circuit 104 substantially similar to the decoding circuit 98 in the dispenser control unit.
  • the central control unit 44 If the identification code transmitted by the central control unit is a true signal, it sends a signal to the reset complete logic of circuit 106 as well as to the circuits 108, 1 10 and 112 which respectively produce the DIS- PENSER RUN ENABLE, RESET MOTOR ENABLE to be forwarded to the display 48 to zero it.
  • the con-- sole control unit 44 is then ready to accept pulses from the central control unit 42 representing the cost and quantity of the liquid being dispensed.
  • the memory register 106 containsa memory device that stores thesignal information reset complete, while registers 99 and 100 are upcounter multiplexers with binary coded decimal outputs that are used to drive the electronic display 48.
  • the QUAN- TITY display switch 50 is used to selectively display the cost or quantity information.
  • Each of the console control units 44 generate signals responsive to actuation of the PAID switch 52 and the RUN/STOP switch 54.
  • the RUN/STOP switch 54 controls the pump motor 26 (or solenoid valvedepending upon the type of pump system that is used), and allows the operator to stop the flow of fluid at any particular dispenser without altering the state ofthe electronic readout 48.
  • PAID switch 52 prevents a successive sale from being started without the prior customer making payment for his sale; a custorner can also be prevented from dispensing liquid from the dispenser until such time as the attendant depresses the PAID switch which enables the pump reset motor to be'energized to reset the mechanical computer 34.
  • the dispenser control unit 40 receives pulse modulatedsignals from the central control unit 42 which are demodulated by the demodulator 80 and sent to the receive buffer circuit 84. As soon as it detects a logical one signal, it allows the dispenser control unit 40 to go into the receive mode, provided that a transmit cycle was not already in progress, this function being controlled by an interlock circuit 86.
  • a timing chain gating circuit 116 enables a square wave generator 118 having an output preferably of 380 kHz which drives a timing pulse generator circuit 120 which produces the timing diagram shown in FIG. 17a.
  • READ Sl-IIFT pulses bring the received data into the shift register 82 which then generates the signal FRAME' SYNC, which together with signals ID MATCH from circuit 98 and a PARITY signal from circuit 97 produces a TRANSMIT ENABLE signal fromthe data verification circuit 12 2
  • the TRANSMIT ENABLE signal sendsthe dispenser control unit 40 into its transmit mode via the interlock circuit 86 and a shift register 124 is then loaded with the dispenser transmit data by a LOAD SR pulse.
  • the data is then shifted out of the shift register 124 to the central control unit by the signal TRANSMIT SHIFT (from the timing pulse generator 120) and the data goes to a transmit gating circuit 126 where parity and synchronizing bits are added and then to a modulator 128, the modulated signal being amplified by the amplifier 60 and transmitted to the power lines 62 where it is transmitted to the central control unit 42.
  • the tim-- ing generator 120 becomes inactive until it is stimulated by new incoming data or the internal generation of a transmit cycle.
  • the central control unit 42 receives mission to the dispenser control units and also to the console control unit.
  • the central control unit 42 by means of the multiplexing circuit 132 and upcounter 138, transmits ideninto the data registers 99, 100 and 106 of the console control unit associated with that particular dispenser.
  • a NEXT signal is then generated by the multiplex logic circuit 132 to increment the upcounter circuit 138-to effect the generation of a new identification code selecting a different dispenser control unit 40. Since the timing pulse generator 120 and the central control"un it become inactive at the end of each transmit or receive mode cycle, it is also necessary for the multiplex logic console control unit.
  • the central control unit logic 42 alternates between two modes, i.e., transmitting and receiving. In the receiving mode one' of three conditions willexist, the central control unit will be receiving good data, bad data, or no" data.
  • tionally includes a multiplexing circut 132, a time delay generator 134, a time out circuit 136, as .well as an'upt.
  • the time delay generator since the timing pulse generator is' deactivated after the central 'control unit 42 finishes its transmit cycle or" bad datawas, received from the previous transmit cycle, the time delay generator :134.will time out in approximately .5 milliseconds.
  • tion circuit 122 forcing the central control unit 42 to transmit to the next dispenser (see FIG. 170).
  • a dispenser control unit 40 will enter a receive mode every time the central control unit 42 transmits data to all dispensers.
  • a dispenser receives its ID code, afnd answers the central control unit 42, it can expect to again enter a receive mode within 0.2 milliseconds after finishing its current transmit cycle. If the central control unit 42 receives data containing an error, itstime delay generator circuit 134 will time out before allowing the central control unit 42 to enter, a new transmit cycle, causing a delay before transmission of about 1.5 milliseconds.
  • the dispenser control unit 40 receive mode is not entered before about 1.0 milliseconds has elapsed (indicating error)
  • a pulse generated to clear the element that stored the quantity and cost pulses for transmission isinhibited and the same cost and quantity data is retransmitted during that dispensers next interrogation by the central control unit 42. Because of this data saving circuitry, the console control units 44 maintain excellent display accuracy.
  • the rotating cost and quantity shafts within the mechanical computer 34 are used to produce pulses in the dispensing control unit 40 which are indicative of the incremental units of cost and quantity of the fluid being dispensed.
  • the cost and quantity shafts of the mechanical computer 34 are each attached to a disk 146 having forty teeth 148 and the outer periphery thereof with the alternating teeth and spaces therebetween being adapted to break and make a light circuit using the arrangement shown in either FIGS. 2a or 2b.
  • a light conducting flexible fiber optic tubing 150 is used to extend from the dispenser control unit 40 to the disk 146.
  • the tubing comprises a number of small fiber optic bundles, one set of which extends from a photosensitive semiconductor such as phototransistor 152, the other extending to a light source such as a light emitting diode 154, with the ends of each bundle being directed toward one another adjacent the teeth 148 of each of the disks 146 so that the light circuit will be interrupted when a tooth comes within the light beam.
  • the phototransistor will be turned on and off responsive to the rotation of the disk 146 and will provide an accurate indication of the amount of rotation of the cost and quantity disks of the mechanical computer 34.
  • fiber optic tubing 150 An advantage of the fiber optic tubing 150 is that a non-electrical pickoff is used which requires no explosion-proof conduits and fittings and the like, the fiber optic bundles extending from above the 48 inch elevation line within the dispenser enclosure, where the dispenser control unit 40 is located, to the disk which is below the 48 inch elevation line. Although only one fiber optic bundle and gear arrangement is shown in FIG. 20, it should be realized that there would be one of these combinations for the cost shaft as well as the quantity shaft of the mechanical computer so as to provide electrical pulses to the dispenser control unit 40 for each of these types of information.
  • FIG. 2b utilizes a mechanical linkage comprising a connector 149 coupled to the cost or quantity shaft of the computer 34 and to a flexible rotatable wire 151 or the like that extends upwardly to the disk 146 which is preferably located above the 48inch elevation line, and an integral phototransistor and light emitting diode are positioned to provide a light circuit that is alternatingly made and broken by the teeth of the disk 146.
  • the disks 146 are driven by the shafts of the computer 34 which typically make I revolution for every 10 cents cost or 1 gallon quantity. Accordingly, four pulses are produced for every one cent and four pulses are also produced for every onetenth gallon dispensed.
  • the teeth break the line beam between the: light emitting diode 154 and the phototransistor 152, the latter is cut off and that signal provides the input to circuit 153 shown in FIG. 13 which ultimately provides the ONE CENT and 0.1 GALLON pulses which are loaded into a shift register 124 of the dispenser control unit for transmission to the central control unit.
  • the integrally packaged light emitting diode 154 and phototransistor 152 operate to alternatingly cut off and turn on phototransistor 152 the output of which is amplified by an amplifier and sent to a Schmitt trigger 172 and another amplifier 174 which is connected to a NOR gate 176 and flip-flop 178, the NOR gate 176 being connected to a flip-flop 180 as well as a NOR gate 182.
  • the elements 176, 178, 180 and 182 are used to remember the last state of the toothed disk 146, i.e., whether it stopped on or off a tooth when it was last used.
  • Inverting gate 184 is connected to a flipflop'l86 which is in turn connected to another flip-flop 188, the two comprising a divide-by-four circuit, having an output which indicates a one cent amount.
  • the output of flip-flop 188 is connected to flip-flop 190 and its output is connected to flip-flop 192, its output providing the ONE CENT pulse that is sent to the shift register 124 of the dispenser control unit.
  • flip-flop 190 goes high when a ONE CENT pulse is present and the transmit signal is not true and thereby insures that flip-flop 192 is not set during a transmit cycle and is cleared after a time delay to insure that the data was received by the central control unit.
  • a CLEAR signal provides this delay function and comes from the output of a NOR gate 194. The normal sequence of events involves the dispenser contr'olunit transmitting the ONE CENT pulse, and the central control unit receiving the pulse.
  • the central control unit time delay generator 134 will time out and cause the central control unit to delay before retransmitting to the next dispenser.
  • all dispensers receive the central control unit transmission but only one will receive it as good d'atasince the identification code requirements provided'by the multiplexer upcounter 138 can be satisfied by only one dispenser control unit at a time.
  • a delayed transmission from the central control unit causes NOR gate 194 not to qualify the CLEAR signal and, accordingly, flip-flop 192 is not cleared which allows the ONE CENT pulse to be retransmitted at the next interrogation of that dispenser. If the central control unit receives the ONE CENT pulse information as good data, the CLEAR pulse will be generated to clear flip-flop 192.
  • FIG. 11a and most of the circuitry in FIG. 11b comprise the timing pulse generator. 120 which generates all of the timing signals used in the central control unit with the signal TC being used to gate the 380kl-lz into the circuit.
  • Shift register 200 divides the input frequency by eight, so that the input signal to the shift register 202 is a 47.5kI-Iz signal. Its outputs are divided by eight yielding signals D5 through D8 which have a frequency of 5.95kHz that is used as the basic bit timing of the system.
  • shift registers 204 and 206 generate time slice signals for every positive transition of signal D5, producing the time slice signals C1 through C8 After 12 transmissions of signal D5 which corresponds to eleven bits of information and one bit of multiplexer timing, C5 goes true, which disables the timing chain.
  • the gatingcircuit shown in FIG. 11b produces the signals shown to the right which are shown in the timing diagrams of FIGS. 17a, 17b and 18a.
  • the timing chain gating circuit 116 shown in FIG. 6c controls the generation of the timing pulses for the cen'-' tral control unit, with-either RECEIVING or TRANS MIT setting a flip-flop 208 which allows signal TC to go true.
  • the TC signal is automatically turned off by the I 5 signal which is generated by the timing pulse generator 120 shown in FIG. Ila; Therefore, once it is started, the timing chain automatically shuts off after an exact length of time, which is when the signal C5 REGISTER OUT (SR OUT) is sent to the transmit gating circuit 126 and the signals IDl, ID2 and ID4 determine which dispenser control unit and associated console control unit is being addressed.
  • the RESET MOTOR ENABLE and RUN MOTOR ENABjLE sig-- nals from the console control unit are also sent tothe, dispenser to allow the reset motor and pump m'otor to;
  • the transmit gating circuit 126 also: shown in ,FIG. 6a gates the output of the parallel to serial shift register "124 with the PARITY bit and the TO bit, The timing is constructed so that the sequence is to first send the TO bit followed by the data from the shift registers, i.e., IDI, ID2 'and- ID4, RESET'MOTOR ENABLE, RUN MOTOR ENABLE, etc., and then the PARITY bit is added to the end of the transmission.
  • the data is then modulated with a 1.90kHz signal by the modular l28'('shown in FIG. 6b) for transmitting the data' to the'dispensers once it has-been amplified by amplifier 60 which is'coupl'ed' to the alternating current power -lines 6 2.
  • v Y the modular l28'('shown in FIG. 6b) for transmitting the data' to the'dispensers once it has-been amplified by amplifier 60 which is'coupl'ed' to the alternating current power -lines 6 2.
  • parity generation circuit 97 shown in 'FIG'. 9,'its outputisusedto'validate the data when the central control unit'isoperatingin the receive mode, i.e., it is forwarded'to tlie'data-verificationcircuit 122 which will be hereinafterdescribed.
  • the PARITY signal When the central control unit is operating in the transmit mode, the PARITY signal 'isgated into'the last transmitted bit position by the timing signal TRANS'MIT PARITY (TR PAR) from the transmit gating circuit 126.
  • TR PAR timing signal TRANS'MIT PARITY
  • the parity generation circuit includes a flip-flop which is initially set by the signalPAR SETat the beginning of 'a receive or transmit cycle.
  • the output of gate .214 causes flip-flop 2l2 to toggle according to the received data RSI input, provided that the input RECEIVE is true and each data bit is read at the proper time which is a function of the RDS signal. If the correct number of true bits has been received, the PARITY signal (PAR) will be true which is one of the inputs for the data verification circuit 122.
  • the PARITY signal is generated in a similar manner using a gate 216.
  • the SR OUT signal is the data being transmitted and the input signal TRANS insures that a transmit cycle lis occurring and the TRANSMIT SHIFT input clocks the SR OUT data at the proper time.
  • the flip-flop 212 toggles to theproper state, and is then sent to the transmit gating circuit 126.
  • the verification circuit 122 shown in FIG. 8 controls the transmit function as well as the reception of data .paritybefore allowing the output of a flip-flop to go false. if the data received is good, theXFER signal en- .ables themultiplexing circuit 132 vto strobe the data into the proper cons'olewithin one bittime from the shift register 82. After the multiplexing circuit 132 runs for one bit time, i.e.', l/ 5950 seconds, a portion of the interlock circuit 86-shown in FIG. 8 sets a flip-flop 222 causingit to go true and set the transmit mode.
  • the signal TOUT With respect to the time out detect circuit 136 shown in FIGS. 11b and 12. the signal TOUT generates the signal END when a time out is encountered as would occur in the event the data transmitted is bad or nonexistent.
  • the END signal is also generated at the end of each multiplex cycle causing the central control unit to transmit to the next dispenser unit.
  • the signal NEXT is also generated at the end of the multiplex cycle for the purpose of incrementing the upcounter to produce a new identification code for addressing the next dispenser.
  • the signal TOTNX is generated during a time 7 out cycle to generate the NEXT signal. 1
  • the upcounter circuit 138 shown in FIG. 12 includes a seven bit binary counter 236 which is incremented by.
  • a gate ,238 resets the counter after all the dispenser control modules for a given dispenser unit.
  • the central control unit is operating in the receive mode, i.e., it is receiving data from one of the dispenser control units responsive to the transmission of the identification code for one of the dispensers and that dispenser control unit is transmittingthe cost and quantity data to the central control unit, the data is transmitted over the ac. power lines 62 to the transformer 70 and the signal is then fed into the inverter 78 and demodulator 80 as shown in FIG. 6b.
  • the demodulator 80 includes an integrated phase-lock-loop circuit which detects the data pulses from the dispenser control unit 40 and the output is then amplified by the receive buffer amplifier 84. Its output is fed to the interlock circuit 86 shown in FIG. 60 which inhibits the receive cycle unless the timing chain is not running and the transmission of data by the central control unit is not taking place.
  • FIG. 8 Another portion of the interlock circuit 86 is also shown in FIG. 8 and is used to enable the transmit mode of the central control unit to turn it on as previously described.
  • an output of the interlock circuit 86 controls a flip-flop 250 in the receive gating circuit 88 and is set by the clock input and a receive data bit from the interlock circuit 86. Once the receive flip-flop 250 is set the 380kI-Iz signal cannot clock it, since the signal RECEIVING goes low and inhibits the output of a gate 252.
  • the signal RS1 i.e., the data being received from the phase-lock-loop of demodulator 80 is fed'to the shift register 82, which comprises shift registers 253, 254, 256 and 258. Eleven data bits are shifted into the shift register 82 via the input lead 260.
  • the timing pulse generator 120 generates a read shift signal RDS that clocks the received data into the shift registers 253258 and the output of these individual shift registers include the PARITY, 0.1 GALLON pulses and the ONE CENT pulses as well as the RESET COMPLETE pulses.
  • the outputs of the individual shift registers are then forwarded to the console control units together with the proper identification code for selecting unit.
  • gate 274 is satisfied and provides the identification MATCH signal that is forwarded to the data verification circuit 122.
  • the output of gate 274 is one of the inputs to a gate 276, the other of which is IDO signal which is provided by the central control unit for the purpose of sending the incoming data to the A side or B side console control module in the event that two nozzles are present in the dispenser.
  • the latch includes a flip-flop 280 which receives the RESET MOTOR ENABLE signal from the shift register 82 as 'well as a TRANSFER signal which latches flip-flop 280 and causes the reset motor to run.
  • RESET COMPLETE, (RESCOM) is sent back to the central control unit so that when the RES- COM signal is received at the particular console control unit, the console control unit automatically zeros its display and issues a signal to enable the solenoid (or pump motor) to operate when the transfer signal strobes flip-flop 282 controlling the solid state relay 96.
  • FIG. 16 illustrates the circuitry for one of the console control units 44, including the identification decoding circuit 104 previously described, other inputs to the console control unit that are received from the central control unit are shown (to the left) and include the quantity and cost inputs, the STROBE signal, and the RESET COMPLETE signal.
  • gate 276 When the identification signals compare to satisfy gate 274 and the correct side of the dispenser is satisfied from the signal IDO, gate 276 is enabled and its output is inverted and fed to gate 280.
  • gate 280 is enabled to produce a READ signal which allows the ONE CENT and 0.1 GALLON pulses to be'strobed through gates 282 and 284 to their respective counters 99 and 100.
  • the READ pulse also strobes memory register 106 which is a flip-flop that produces a dispenser reset pulse which clears the counters 99 and 100.
  • the RUN/STOP switch 54 may be used at any time to temporarily stop the operation of a dispenser without affecting the display.
  • the switch must be in the closed position to enable the solenoid to run, since it is one of the inputs to a NOR gate 286 and its output generates the RUN SOLENOID ENABLE signal that controls the operation of the dispenser.
  • the counters 99 and 100 are divided by 10,000 counters and are used to count the ONE CENT and 0.] GALLON pulses as they are transmitted from the corresponding dispenser control unit.
  • the counters also multiplex the four decimal digits using a scan oscillator 288 to turn on one of four digits in the display at a time.
  • the scan frequency is preferably about 500 Hz.
  • the outputs of the counters provide the four digits that are eventually displayed and these outputs are connected to the display select circuit 102 which comprises gating circuits which allow the cost data to be displayed under normal conditions, but which can be switched to the gallon display when the QUANTITY display switch 50 is depressed.
  • the display circuit 48 comprises a display driver 290 which includes a transistor pair for each of the digits wherein a low voltage signal switches a 180 VDC potential and causes the display digit to illuminate for those segments that have a conducting path from a display decoder 292. Each digit has seven segments which are selectively illuminated to provide the proper digit and the segments are selectively driven by the decoder 292 which receives signals from the display select circuit 102 which are provided by the binary codled decimal output of the counters 99 and 100.
  • the display also includes two decimal points positioned to indicate dollars and cents when the cost data is displayed and gallons and tenths of gallons when the quantity is being displayed.
  • the display is adapted to blink when a customer has completed the dispensing of the fluid and the blinking alerts the controlling attendant of that fact and that the customer should then pay for the fluid.
  • an oscillator 294 is provided and is connected to the decoder 292 for the purpose of blinking the illuminated display, preferably at a frequency of about one Hz.
  • the attendant may depress the PAID switch 52 to cause the display blink command to turn off, the closing of the switch 52 applying a l2VOC signal to set a flip-flop 296 and disqualify a gate 298 causing its output to go low.
  • the low output causes the display oscillator 294 to stop which in turn disables the blink command of the dispenser decoder 292.
  • Memory register 106 latches up the signal RESET COMPLETE signal which originates at the dispenser control unit from the reset motor mechanism that is used to reset the mechanical computer.
  • a fluid dispensing system for controlling and dispensing cost and quantity data relating to the dispensing of liquid from one or more dispensers, such as gasoline dispensers or the like, which are of the type that have a mechanical computer therein for displaying the cost and quantity data during dispensing of the liquid, said dispenser having a reset motor for zeroing themechanical computer and an electrically actuated flow control means for enabling liquid to flow therethrough, said system comprising:
  • a dispenser control means for each of said dispensers and adapted to transmit and receive data by modulated serial pulse coded time division multiplexing for communicating information concerning the operation of the dispenser and including means for controlling the mechanical computer reset motor and the dispenser flow control means, optomechanical means for producing pulses indicative of the cost and quantity of the liquid being dispensed, identification decoding means for comparing identification code signals with internally generated precoded signals and producing an output in response to an identical comparison of said identification code and precoded signals, and means for transmitting said cost and quantity data responsive to said decoding means producing said predetermined output;
  • central control means adapted to selectively transmit and receive said data and including means for generating said identification code signals and for sequentially changing said signals so that said central control means can sequentially communicate with each of said dispenser control means;
  • console control means for each of said dispenser control means, and including data registers adapted to receive said cost and quantity data from said central control means as it is received thereby and including visual display means for providing a visual readout of said data as it is registered, said console control means having identification decoding means with internally generated precoded signals identical to those of the dispenser control means with which it is associated, so that said cost and quantity data sent by the dispenser control means is displayed by the proper console control means.
  • dispenser control means and said central control means are adapted .to operate in transmit and receive modes, said central control means operating in transmit mode for interrogating said dispenser control means and for transmitting said identification codes thereto, one of said dispenser control means responding to said predetermined identification code signals when it is in its receive mode and switching to its transmit mode for transmitting information to the central control unit, including pulse coded signals indicative of the cost and quantity data of the fluid being dispensed.
  • said identification decoding means includes a precoded switching means having at least an equal number of outputs as identification code bits transmitted in the identification code signal and means for comparing the outputs of said precoded switching means with said transmitted identification code signal from said central control means, the comparing means producing an output in response to said switching means outputs comparing with the transmitted identification code signal, each of said switching means in the dispenser control means being differently precoded from other of the switching means, so that only one of said dispenser control means responds to a particular identification code signal.
  • said comparing means comprises a number of EXCLUSIVE-OR gates, each of which has an input from the identification code signalbeing transmitted from the central control means as well as from the precoded switching means located within the dispenser control means.
  • console control means includes means for generating signals for transmission to the dispenser control unit associated therewith enabling said dispenser electrically actuated flow control means to be actuated so that said dispenser may be run, and for enabling a motor for resetting the mechanical computer in said dispenser.
  • said dispenser control means includes a plurality of one bit memory devices that are responsive to said reset enable and flow control enable signals generated by said associated console control means, said memory devices driving solid state relays which control the operation of said mechanical computer reset motor and said electrically actuated flow control means.
  • console control means includes means for generating a signal for transmission to the associated dispenser control means for temporarily interrupting the operation of said dispenser by controlling the electrically actuated flow control means, said dispenser being interrupted without affecting the visual display related to the cost and quantity of the fluid being dispensed.
  • console control means includes data registers adapted to receive and register said cost and quantity data of the fluid being dispensed, including a switch for alternatively changing the visual display between the cost and quantity of the fluid being dispensed.
  • console control means includes-means for blinking said visual display when the dispenser is manually shut off at the termination of dispensing of fluid at the dispenser.
  • said optomechanical means for providing pulses indicative of the cost and quantity of the fluid being dispensed comprises a light sensitive semiconductor and light producing means positioned to provide a light circuit therebetween, and a rotating disk having a predetermined number of teeth therein adapted to open and close said light circuit to thereby switch said light sensitive semiconductor off and one, said disk being mechanically coupled to said mechanical computer and rotatable responsive to the operation of the mechanical computer.
  • said dispenser control unit is located within said dispenser near the top thereof and said mechanical linkage of said optomechanical means comprises a flexible rotatable link, one end of which is connected to the shaft of said mechanical computer, the other end of which is connected to said rotatable disk, said disk being positioned immediately adjacent said dispenser control means, said light sensitive semiconductor and light emitting means being positioned adjacent said disk.
  • said dispenser control means is located within said dispenser near'the top thereof, said light sensitive semiconductor and light emitting means being located within said dispenser control means, said rotatable disk being attached to the shaft of said mechanical computer and including a fiber optic bundle extending from said light sensitive semiconductor and light emitting means to a location adjacent said rotatable disk so that rotation of said disk causes the teeth thereof to make and break said light circuit.
  • said opto-mechanical means further includes a dividing counter connected to said light sensitive semiconductor and adapted to divide the number of pulses produced by the switching of said light sensitive semiconductor, a memory device for buffering said data pulses, and a second memory device for saving said data for retransmission in the event the previous data transmis sion containing said data pulse was received with error by said central control means.
  • dispenser control means includes means for inhibiting a clearing pulse for clearing a memory device in which said cost and quantity data is stored, in the event the data is not properly received by the central control means; said pulse being inhibited in the event the dispens'er control means fails to switch into the receive mode within said predetermined time, thereby enabling retransmission of said data at the next interrogation of that dispenser control means by said central control means.
  • said central control means includes means for generating said external identification code signals, including a binary upcounter having a plurality of binary outputs which are sequentially changed to generate new identification code signals for interrogating other of the dispenser control means.
  • said central control means includes multiplexing means for producing a signal incrementing the upcounter upon receiving said cost and quantity data from an interrogated dispenser control means within said predetermined time, and thereby enabling a new interrogation

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US481107A 1974-06-20 1974-06-20 Dispensing control system for fluids Expired - Lifetime US3894658A (en)

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US481107A US3894658A (en) 1974-06-20 1974-06-20 Dispensing control system for fluids
CA75226719A CA1048648A (en) 1974-06-20 1975-05-12 Dispensing control system for fluids
GB21818/75A GB1510864A (en) 1974-06-20 1975-05-21 Data transfer and control system for liquid dispensers
FR7516098A FR2275403A1 (fr) 1974-06-20 1975-05-23 Systeme de controle-commande de distribution de fluides, notamment pour postes d'essence a libre-service
DE19752522938 DE2522938A1 (de) 1974-06-20 1975-05-23 Stroemungsmittelausgabesystem
JP50061499A JPS513670A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1974-06-20 1975-05-24

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Cited By (19)

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US3994419A (en) * 1975-10-30 1976-11-30 Epsco, Incorporated Remote control fluid dispensing system
US4064555A (en) * 1976-09-27 1977-12-20 Research Fuels, Inc. Gasoline pump modification apparatus
US4107777A (en) * 1975-10-03 1978-08-15 Anthes Imperial Limited Dispensing system
US4209712A (en) * 1977-06-16 1980-06-24 Auto Tank Ab Arrangement for installing electric or electronic equipment in apparatuses for dispensing fuel
US4216529A (en) * 1978-01-17 1980-08-05 General Atomic Company Fluid dispensing control system
US4247899A (en) * 1979-01-10 1981-01-27 Veeder Industries Inc. Fuel delivery control and registration system
US4290538A (en) * 1975-10-15 1981-09-22 Dresser Europe S.A. Fuel-dispensing system with self-checking means
US4461401A (en) * 1981-07-20 1984-07-24 Sasnett Jr Bolling H Liquid dispenser assembly
US4490798A (en) * 1981-12-16 1984-12-25 Art Systems, Inc. Fuel dispensing and vehicle maintenance system
WO1998022917A1 (en) * 1996-11-18 1998-05-28 Computer Interface Corp. Modular unit for automating a fuel dispensing system
US5831861A (en) * 1996-07-12 1998-11-03 Progressive International Electronics Point-of-sales interface for mechanical pumps
US6470288B1 (en) 1999-06-18 2002-10-22 Tokheim Corporation Dispenser with updatable diagnostic system
EP1302438A1 (en) * 1998-07-10 2003-04-16 Tokheim Corporation Flexible conduit tubing system within dispenser
US20110022223A1 (en) * 2009-07-21 2011-01-27 Verifone, Inc. Retrofit data communication at filling stations
CN103196510A (zh) * 2013-04-12 2013-07-10 南通航海仪表有限公司 计数器及其字轮识别的原理
EP2740709A1 (de) * 2012-12-06 2014-06-11 Scheidt & Bachmann GmbH Verfahren zum Betrieb einer Zapfsäule einer Tankstelle
US11020767B2 (en) * 2016-03-28 2021-06-01 Graco Minnesota Inc. Operator interface device for a plural component dispensing system
US11750954B2 (en) 2013-02-11 2023-09-05 Graco Minnesota Inc. Remote monitoring for fluid applicator system
US11815919B2 (en) 2013-02-11 2023-11-14 Graco Minnesota Inc. Operator interface device and distributed control for fluid dispensing systems

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US4495596A (en) * 1982-06-10 1985-01-22 Rockwell International Corporation Data accumulator and transponder with power back-up for time of day clock
GB2172725B (en) * 1985-03-09 1989-02-15 Controls Ltd K Control systems
JPH03119725U (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) * 1990-03-19 1991-12-10
GB9521057D0 (en) * 1995-10-14 1995-12-20 Rover Group Vehicle electrical systems

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US3221934A (en) * 1963-07-01 1965-12-07 Socony Mobil Oil Co Inc Remote price setting system
US3498501A (en) * 1968-03-01 1970-03-03 Tokheim Corp Dispensing control system
US3510630A (en) * 1966-03-11 1970-05-05 Veeder Industries Inc Accounting system for fuel dispensing equipment
US3641536A (en) * 1970-04-14 1972-02-08 Veeder Industries Inc Gasoline pump multiplexer system for remote indicators for self-service gasoline pumps
US3731777A (en) * 1971-07-26 1973-05-08 Pan Nova Coin operated fluid dispenser
US3765567A (en) * 1971-07-23 1973-10-16 H Jelinek Fluid dispensing data processing system
US3813527A (en) * 1972-10-24 1974-05-28 Takeim Corp Liquid dispenser with electronic computing and display system

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US3221934A (en) * 1963-07-01 1965-12-07 Socony Mobil Oil Co Inc Remote price setting system
US3510630A (en) * 1966-03-11 1970-05-05 Veeder Industries Inc Accounting system for fuel dispensing equipment
US3498501A (en) * 1968-03-01 1970-03-03 Tokheim Corp Dispensing control system
US3641536A (en) * 1970-04-14 1972-02-08 Veeder Industries Inc Gasoline pump multiplexer system for remote indicators for self-service gasoline pumps
US3765567A (en) * 1971-07-23 1973-10-16 H Jelinek Fluid dispensing data processing system
US3731777A (en) * 1971-07-26 1973-05-08 Pan Nova Coin operated fluid dispenser
US3813527A (en) * 1972-10-24 1974-05-28 Takeim Corp Liquid dispenser with electronic computing and display system

Cited By (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4107777A (en) * 1975-10-03 1978-08-15 Anthes Imperial Limited Dispensing system
US4290538A (en) * 1975-10-15 1981-09-22 Dresser Europe S.A. Fuel-dispensing system with self-checking means
US3994419A (en) * 1975-10-30 1976-11-30 Epsco, Incorporated Remote control fluid dispensing system
US4064555A (en) * 1976-09-27 1977-12-20 Research Fuels, Inc. Gasoline pump modification apparatus
US4209712A (en) * 1977-06-16 1980-06-24 Auto Tank Ab Arrangement for installing electric or electronic equipment in apparatuses for dispensing fuel
US4216529A (en) * 1978-01-17 1980-08-05 General Atomic Company Fluid dispensing control system
US4247899A (en) * 1979-01-10 1981-01-27 Veeder Industries Inc. Fuel delivery control and registration system
US4461401A (en) * 1981-07-20 1984-07-24 Sasnett Jr Bolling H Liquid dispenser assembly
US4490798A (en) * 1981-12-16 1984-12-25 Art Systems, Inc. Fuel dispensing and vehicle maintenance system
US5831861A (en) * 1996-07-12 1998-11-03 Progressive International Electronics Point-of-sales interface for mechanical pumps
WO1998022917A1 (en) * 1996-11-18 1998-05-28 Computer Interface Corp. Modular unit for automating a fuel dispensing system
EP1302438A1 (en) * 1998-07-10 2003-04-16 Tokheim Corporation Flexible conduit tubing system within dispenser
US6470288B1 (en) 1999-06-18 2002-10-22 Tokheim Corporation Dispenser with updatable diagnostic system
US20110022223A1 (en) * 2009-07-21 2011-01-27 Verifone, Inc. Retrofit data communication at filling stations
EP2740709A1 (de) * 2012-12-06 2014-06-11 Scheidt & Bachmann GmbH Verfahren zum Betrieb einer Zapfsäule einer Tankstelle
US11750954B2 (en) 2013-02-11 2023-09-05 Graco Minnesota Inc. Remote monitoring for fluid applicator system
US11815919B2 (en) 2013-02-11 2023-11-14 Graco Minnesota Inc. Operator interface device and distributed control for fluid dispensing systems
CN103196510A (zh) * 2013-04-12 2013-07-10 南通航海仪表有限公司 计数器及其字轮识别的原理
CN103196510B (zh) * 2013-04-12 2015-04-08 南通航海仪表有限公司 计数器及其字轮识别的原理
US11020767B2 (en) * 2016-03-28 2021-06-01 Graco Minnesota Inc. Operator interface device for a plural component dispensing system

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GB1510864A (en) 1978-05-17
FR2275403A1 (fr) 1976-01-16
DE2522938A1 (de) 1976-01-08
CA1048648A (en) 1979-02-13
JPS513670A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1976-01-13

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