US5956259A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Intelligent fueling
Assignee: Gilbarco Inc
•
Filing: 1996-12-06
•
Granted: 1999-09-21
•
Expires: 2016-12-06
Abstract
Abstract The present invention provides a fuel dispenser system capable of receiving a signal from a vehicle transponder. Upon receiving the transponder's signal, the dispenser determines the proximity of the vehicle relative to the dispenser, and preferably, a particular fueling position associated with that dispenser. Proximity is determined by measuring one or more characteristics of the signal received at an antenna associated with the dispenser. Generally, the strength or magnitude of the signal received at the antenna is the characteristic used to determine vehicle proximity. Multiple directionally sensitive antennas are used to correlate a vehicle at a unique fueling position. The controller is configured to receive a signal from the transponder indicative of the presence of an ORVR system on the vehicle. Depending on the sophistication of the communication link between the transponder and dispenser, the dispenser will control its vapor recovery system accordingly. If an ORVR equipped vehicle is detected, the dispenser may deactivate the dispenser's vapor recovery system or modify the vapor recovery system performance to maximize vapor recovery or retrieve a sufficient amount of air to reduce breathing of the underground storage tank.
Inventors
- 👤 Hal C. Hartsell, Jr.
- 👤 Edward A. Payne
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 22:19
CPC Classifications
B; B67; B67D; B67D7/00; B67D7/04; B67D7/0401; B67D7/0476; B67D7/0478; G; G01; G01S; G01S13/00; G01S13/87; G01S13/878; G07; G07C; G07C5/00; G07C5/008; B67D2007/0444; B67D2007/0455; B67D2007/0457; B67D2007/0459; B67D2007/0465; G01S5/00; G01S5/0009; G01S5/0018; G01S5/0027
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 112
Claim 1
Independent Claim
141 words
A fuel delivery system capable of determining a vehicle's position relative to a unique fueling position comprising: a fuel dispenser having two opposite sides and a fueling position at each of said opposite sides said fueling positions being approachable by a vehicle to be fueled when the vehicle reaches the fueling position; a controller operatively associated with said fuel dispenser; communication electronics having two receivers associated with said controller and configured to receive a signal emitted from a transmitter on the vehicle; said controller adapted to determine a relative proximity of the vehicle to both of said fueling positions by measuring a characteristic of the signal emitted from the transmitter received at each said receiver and to determine the particular fueling position at which the vehicle is located based on the relative proximity of the vehicle to the two fueling positions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
141 words
A fuel delivery system capable of determining a vehicle's position relative to a unique fueling position comprising: a fuel dispenser having two opposite sides and a fueling position at each of said opposite sides said fueling positions being approachable by a vehicle to be fueled when the vehicle reaches the fueling position; a controller operatively associated with said fuel dispenser; communication electronics having two receivers associated with said controller and configured to receive a signal emitted from a transmitter on the vehicle; said controller adapted to determine a relative proximity of the vehicle to both of said fueling positions by measuring a characteristic of the signal emitted from the transmitter received at each said receiver and to determine the particular fueling position at which the vehicle is located based on the relative proximity of the vehicle to the two fueling positions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 1 wherein said controller triangulates the vehicle location using the characteristics of the signal emitted from the transmitter received at each said receiver.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 1 wherein each said fueling position has at least two said receivers associated therewith.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 1 wherein said receivers are located within said dispenser.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 1 wherein said receivers located outside of dispenser.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 1 wherein said controller measures the magnitude of the signal from the transmitter at each said receiver.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 1 wherein said controller measures the phase of the signal from the transmitter at each said receiver to compute vehicle location.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
78 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 1 further including a plurality of fuel dispensers wherein each dispenser includes two receivers wherein each said receiver is associated with communication electronics in each said dispenser, said communication electronics being operatively associated with said controller to determine a relative location of the vehicle to a fueling position at one said dispenser by measuring a characteristic of the signal emitted from the transmitter received at each said receiver at each said dispenser.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 1 wherein said controller is further adapted to determine if the vehicle is equipped with an on-board vapor recovery system upon reception of the signal from the transmitter.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
37 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 1 further comprising a system transmitter operatively associated with said controller and said sensor for transmitting signals to the vehicle transmitter to facilitate bi-directional communications between the vehicle and said dispenser.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein said system transmitter and receiver are integrated in one transceiver.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein information relating to the vehicle fuel type is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein information relating to certain available fueling options is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein information relating to identification of onboard recovery vapor recovery type vehicle communicated between the vehicle and said controller at start of a fueling operation.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein information relating to restriction of unauthorized fueling of non-vehicular containers is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein information relating to fueling above a certain fueling rate is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein information relating to meeting spillage requirements is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
27 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein information relating to activating the dispenser earlier to minimize fueling time is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein information relating to billing for fuel purchased is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein information relating to charge/debit account information is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
27 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein information relating to personal identification numbers associated with a charge/debit account is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
24 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein information relating to identification of the vehicle operator is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
23 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein information relating to identification of the vehicle is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
24 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein information relating to merchandising to a vehicle operator is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
28 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein information relating to merchandising to a vehicle operator on an individual basis is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
26 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein information relating to merchandising to a vehicle operator by name is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
28 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein information relating to merchandising to a vehicle operator and their commercial history is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein information relating to vehicle diagnostics is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein information relating to vehicle identification is communicated from said system to a regulatory agency.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein information relating to owner information is communicated from said system to a regulatory agency.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
23 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein information relating to vehicle diagnostic information is communicated from said system to a regulatory agency..
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein information from a regulatory agency is communicated through said system to the vehicle.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein information from a regulatory agency is communicated through said system to a vehicle operator.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein information relating to correcting a vehicle's environmental control system is communicated to the vehicle.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
23 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein said system determines if corrective action to previously identified environmental control problems have been corrected.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein information relating to vehicle maintenance is communicated between the vehicle and said system.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein information relating to vehicle maintenance history is communicated between the vehicle and said system.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
24 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein information relating to intelligent vehicle highway system functions is communicated between the vehicle and said system.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
20 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein information relating to maps is communicated between the vehicle and said system.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 10 wherein information relating to navigation data is communicated between the vehicle and said system.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
43 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 1 wherein said sensors are directionally sensitive and said controller is adapted to determine when the vehicle is at one of said multiple fueling positions by determining a direction and proximity of the vehicle to said dispenser.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
66 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 1 wherein said fuel dispenser further includes a vapor recovery system controlled by said controller and adapted to retrieve fuel vapor expelled from a fuel tank of the vehicle, said controller adapted to determine the presence an on-board vapor recovery system on the vehicle based on the signal received from the transmitter, said controller controlling said vapor recovery system accordingly.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
60 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 42 wherein said fuel dispenser includes dispenser electronics associated with each fueling position and said controller activates corresponding of said associated electronics once a vehicle is determined to be in a certain of said fueling positions and controls said vapor recovery system accordingly if the on-board vapor recovery system is present on the vehicle.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
24 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 42 wherein said vapor recovery system is fully activated if an on-board vapor recovery system is not detected.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 42 wherein said vapor recovery system is deactivated if the on-board vapor recovery system is detected.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 42 wherein said vapor recovery system is modified if the on-board vapor recovery system is detected.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
75 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 1 wherein said fuel dispenser includes a) at least two said fueling positions and b) an underground sensor associated with each said fueling position, each said sensor positioned so that the vehicle is above one said sensor when in one said fueling position, said controller adapted to monitor the signal from the transmitter at both said sensors to determine which said fueling position at which said vehicle is located.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
131 words
A fuel delivery system capable of determining a vehicle's position relative to a unique fueling position comprising: a fuel dispenser having opposite sides and a fueling position at each of said opposite sides, each said fueling position adapted to fuel a vehicle when the vehicle reaches the fueling position; a controller operatively associated with said fuel dispenser; and communication means operatively associated with said controller and adapted to receive a signal emitted from the vehicle at locations corresponding to each said side of said dispenser; said controller adapted to determine a relative location of the vehicle to each said side of said dispenser by measuring a characteristic of the signal emitted from the vehicle and received at each said location corresponding to each side of said dispenser via said communication means.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
131 words
A fuel delivery system capable of determining a vehicle's position relative to a unique fueling position comprising: a fuel dispenser having opposite sides and a fueling position at each of said opposite sides, each said fueling position adapted to fuel a vehicle when the vehicle reaches the fueling position; a controller operatively associated with said fuel dispenser; and communication means operatively associated with said controller and adapted to receive a signal emitted from the vehicle at locations corresponding to each said side of said dispenser; said controller adapted to determine a relative location of the vehicle to each said side of said dispenser by measuring a characteristic of the signal emitted from the vehicle and received at each said location corresponding to each side of said dispenser via said communication means.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
19 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 1 wherein said controller measures the phase of the signal from the transmitter.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
38 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of dispensers wherein each said dispenser includes two said receivers, said controller adapted to multiplex the signal received at each said receiver to determine the vehicle location.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
70 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein said fuel dispenser further includes multiple fueling positions and a vapor recovery system controlled by said controller and adapted to retrieve fuel vapor expelled from a fuel tank of the vehicle, said controller adapted to determine the presence an on-board vapor recovery system on the vehicle based on the signal received from the transmitter, said controller controlling said vapor recovery system accordingly.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
60 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 51 wherein said fuel dispenser includes dispenser electronics associated with each fueling position and said controller activates corresponding of said associated electronics once a vehicle is determined to be in a certain of said fueling positions and controls said vapor recovery system accordingly if the on-board vapor recovery system is present on the vehicle.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
24 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 51 wherein said vapor recovery system is fully activated if an on-board vapor recovery system is not detected.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 51 wherein said vapor recovery system is deactivated if the on-board vapor recovery system is detected.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 51 wherein said vapor recovery system is modified if the on-board vapor recovery system is detected.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
32 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein said communication means are configured to receive a global positioning signal from a satellite to determine a vehicles location within a service station environment.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
23 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein information relating to the vehicle fuel type is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
23 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein information relating to certain available fueling options is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
34 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein information relating to identification of onboard recovery vapor recovery type vehicle is communicated between the vehicle and said controller as vehicle arrives at a fueling position.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
32 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein information relating to identification of onboard recovery vapor recovery type vehicle communicated between the vehicle and said controller at start of a fueling operation.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
26 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein information relating to restriction of unauthorized fueling of non-vehicular containers is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
25 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein information relating to fueling above a certain fueling rate is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein information relating to meeting spillage requirements is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
27 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein information relating to activating the dispenser earlier to minimize fueling time is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
23 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein information relating to billing for fuel purchased is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein information relating to charge/debit account information is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
27 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein information relating to personal identification numbers associated with a charge/debit account is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
24 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein information relating to identification of the vehicle operator is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
23 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein information relating to identification of the vehicle is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
24 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein information relating to merchandising to a vehicle operator is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
28 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein information relating to merchandising to a vehicle operator on an individual basis is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
26 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein information relating to merchandising to a vehicle operator by name is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
28 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein information relating to merchandising to a vehicle operator and their commercial history is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein information relating to vehicle diagnostics is communicated between the vehicle and said controller.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein information relating to vehicle identification is communicated from said system to a regulatory agency.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein information relating to owner information is communicated from said system to a regulatory agency.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
23 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein information relating to vehicle diagnostic information is communicated from said system to a regulatory agency.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein information from a regulatory agency is communicated through said system to the vehicle.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein information from a regulatory agency is communicated through said system to a vehicle operator.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein information relating to correcting a vehicle's environmental control system is communicated to the vehicle.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
23 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein said system determines if corrective action to previously identified environmental control problems have been corrected.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein information relating to vehicle maintenance is communicated between the vehicle and said system.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein information relating to vehicle maintenance history is communicated between the vehicle and said system.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
24 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein information relating to intelligent vehicle highway system functions is communicated between the vehicle and said system.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
20 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein information relating to maps is communicated between the vehicle and said system.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 48 wherein information relating to navigation data is communicated between the vehicle and said system.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
81 words
A fuel dispenser capable of determining a vehicle's position relative to a unique fueling position comprising: multiple fueling positions; a controller; a receiver operatively associated with said controller; and at least one antenna operatively associated with said receiver to receive a signal emitted from a transmitter on the vehicle; said controller adapted to determine a relative proximity of the vehicle to one said fueling position by measuring a characteristic of the signal emitted from the transmitter and received at said antenna.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
81 words
A fuel dispenser capable of determining a vehicle's position relative to a unique fueling position comprising: multiple fueling positions; a controller; a receiver operatively associated with said controller; and at least one antenna operatively associated with said receiver to receive a signal emitted from a transmitter on the vehicle; said controller adapted to determine a relative proximity of the vehicle to one said fueling position by measuring a characteristic of the signal emitted from the transmitter and received at said antenna.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
157 words
A fuel delivery system capable of controlling a fuel dispenser's vapor recovers system based on the presence of an on-board vapor recovery system on a vehicle comprising: a fuel dispenser having a vapor recovery system for retrieving fuel vapor expelled from a fuel tank of the vehicle; a controller operatively associated with said fuel dispenser and adapted to control operation of the vapor recovery system; a receiver operatively associated with said controller; and an antenna operatively associated with said receiver to receive a signal emitted from a transmitter on the vehicle; said controller adapted to determine the presence of the on-board vapor recovery system of the vehicle upon receiving the signal emitted from the transmitter and control the vapor recovery system accordingly, wherein said controller is adapted to determine a relative proximity of the vehicle to a fueling position of said dispenser by measuring a characteristic of the signal emitted from the transmitter received at said receiver.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
157 words
A fuel delivery system capable of controlling a fuel dispenser's vapor recovers system based on the presence of an on-board vapor recovery system on a vehicle comprising: a fuel dispenser having a vapor recovery system for retrieving fuel vapor expelled from a fuel tank of the vehicle; a controller operatively associated with said fuel dispenser and adapted to control operation of the vapor recovery system; a receiver operatively associated with said controller; and an antenna operatively associated with said receiver to receive a signal emitted from a transmitter on the vehicle; said controller adapted to determine the presence of the on-board vapor recovery system of the vehicle upon receiving the signal emitted from the transmitter and control the vapor recovery system accordingly, wherein said controller is adapted to determine a relative proximity of the vehicle to a fueling position of said dispenser by measuring a characteristic of the signal emitted from the transmitter received at said receiver.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
161 words
A fuel delivery system capable of controlling a fuel dispenser's vapor recovery system based on the presence of an on-board vapor recovery system on a vehicle comprising: a fuel dispenser having a vapor recovery system for retrieving fuel vapor expelled from a fuel tank of the vehicle; a controller operatively associated with said fuel dispenser and adapted to control operation of the vapor recovery system; a receiver operatively associated with said controller; and an antenna operatively associated with said receiver to receive a signal emitted from a transmitter on the vehicle; said controller adapted to determine the presence of the on-board vapor recovery system of the vehicle upon receiving the signal emitted from the transmitter and control the vapor recovery system accordingly, wherein said controller is adapted to determine a relative location of the vehicle to a fueling position of said dispenser by measuring a characteristic of the signal emitted from the transmitter received at two or more of said receivers.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
161 words
A fuel delivery system capable of controlling a fuel dispenser's vapor recovery system based on the presence of an on-board vapor recovery system on a vehicle comprising: a fuel dispenser having a vapor recovery system for retrieving fuel vapor expelled from a fuel tank of the vehicle; a controller operatively associated with said fuel dispenser and adapted to control operation of the vapor recovery system; a receiver operatively associated with said controller; and an antenna operatively associated with said receiver to receive a signal emitted from a transmitter on the vehicle; said controller adapted to determine the presence of the on-board vapor recovery system of the vehicle upon receiving the signal emitted from the transmitter and control the vapor recovery system accordingly, wherein said controller is adapted to determine a relative location of the vehicle to a fueling position of said dispenser by measuring a characteristic of the signal emitted from the transmitter received at two or more of said receivers.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
167 words
A fuel delivery system capable of determining the presence of a vehicle relative to a unique fueling position and controlling a fuel dispenser's vapor recovery system based on the presence of an on-board vapor recovery system on a vehicle comprising: a fuel dispenser having multiple fueling positions and a vapor recovery system for retrieving fuel vapor expelled from a fuel tank of the vehicle; a controller operatively associated with said fuel dispenser and adapted to control operation of the vapor recovery system; a receiver operatively associated with said controller; and at least two antennas operatively associated with said receiver to receive a signal emitted from a transmitter on the vehicle; said controller adapted to determine: a) the location of a vehicle relative to one said fueling position by measuring a characteristic of the signal received at each said antenna and b) the presence of the on-board vapor recovery system of the vehicle upon receiving the signal emitted from the transmitter and control the vapor recovery system accordingly.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
167 words
A fuel delivery system capable of determining the presence of a vehicle relative to a unique fueling position and controlling a fuel dispenser's vapor recovery system based on the presence of an on-board vapor recovery system on a vehicle comprising: a fuel dispenser having multiple fueling positions and a vapor recovery system for retrieving fuel vapor expelled from a fuel tank of the vehicle; a controller operatively associated with said fuel dispenser and adapted to control operation of the vapor recovery system; a receiver operatively associated with said controller; and at least two antennas operatively associated with said receiver to receive a signal emitted from a transmitter on the vehicle; said controller adapted to determine: a) the location of a vehicle relative to one said fueling position by measuring a characteristic of the signal received at each said antenna and b) the presence of the on-board vapor recovery system of the vehicle upon receiving the signal emitted from the transmitter and control the vapor recovery system accordingly.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
66 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 90 wherein said fuel dispenser further includes a vapor recovery system controlled by said controller and adapted to retrieve fuel vapor expelled from a fuel tank of the vehicle, said controller adapted to determine the presence an on-board vapor recovery system on the vehicle based on the signal received from the transmitter, said controller controlling said vapor recovery system accordingly.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
60 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 91 wherein said fuel dispenser includes dispenser electronics associated with each fueling position and said controller activates corresponding of said associated electronics once a vehicle is determined to be in a certain of said fueling positions and controls said vapor recovery system accordingly if the on-board vapor recovery system is present on the vehicle.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
24 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 91 wherein said vapor recovery system is fully activated if an on-board vapor recovery system is not detected.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 91 wherein said vapor recovery system is deactivated if the on-board vapor recovery system is detected.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fuel delivery system of claim 91 wherein said vapor recovery system is modified if the on-board vapor recovery system is detected.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
28 words
A fuel delivery system as claimed in claim 91 wherein said controller is configured to adjust said vapor recovery system according to the signal emitted from the transmitter.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
40 words
A fuel delivery system as claimed in claim 91 wherein said controller is configured to turn off said vapor recovery system when the signal emitted from the transmitter indicates the presence of a vehicle vapor recovery system on the vehicle.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
36 words
A fuel delivery system as claimed in claim 97 wherein said vapor recovery system resumes substantial vapor recovery if the signal emitted from the transmitter indicates a malfunction of the vapor recovery system of the vehicle.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
59 words
A fuel delivery system as claimed in claim 91 wherein said vapor recovery system is adjusted by said controller in a manner to assist vapor recovery during the fueling operation upon the determination of the presence of a vehicle vapor recovery system on the vehicle, whereby the respective vapor recovery systems operate in conjunction to maximize fuel vapor recovery.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
35 words
A fuel delivery system as claimed in claim 91 wherein said controller is adapted to direct air flow in the vapor recovery path to atmosphere upon detection of a vehicle having a vapor recovery system.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
34 words
A fuel delivery system as claimed in claim 91 wherein said controller is adapted to deactivate the vapor recovery system of the fuel dispenser upon detection of a vehicle having a vapor recovery system.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
35 words
A fuel delivery system as claimed in claim 91 wherein said controller is adapted to adjust said vapor recovery system to pull in an amount of air or hydrocarbon vapor mixture to reduce breathing losses.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
24 words
A fuel delivery system as claimed in claim 91 wherein said receiver and sensor are adapted to receive an electromagnetic signal from the transmitter.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
24 words
A fuel delivery system as claimed in claim 91 wherein said receiver and sensor are adapted to receive an acoustic signal from the transmitter.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
24 words
A fuel delivery system as claimed in claim 91 wherein said receiver and sensor are adapted to receive an infrared signal from the transmitter.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
24 words
A fuel delivery system as claimed in claim 91 wherein said receiver and sensor are adapted to receive an optic signal from the transmitter.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-09-20 | 2003-03-22 | 2003-09-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-09-20 | 2007-03-22 | 2007-09-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-09-20 | 2011-03-22 | 2011-09-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |