Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6394150
-
Patent Number
6,394,150
-
Date Filed
Friday, November 10, 200024 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, May 28, 200222 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
- Blakely, Sokoloff, Taylor & Zafman
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 141 94
- 141 98
- 141 231
- 340 59
- 340 82572
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A computerized fluid supply system including a controller controlling at least supply of a fluid via a fluid fill nozzle to a tank, a fluid tank mounted identifier, a fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly, the fluid fill nozzle reader being in wireless communication with the tank identifier for receiving tank identification information therefrom and with the system controller, the fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly including a conduit portion connected in series with the nozzle and electronic circuitry mounted exteriorly of the conduit portion.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to computerized fluid supply systems generally as well as to components thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various types of computerized fluid supply systems are known in the patent literature. The flowing U.S. Patents, found on search, are believed to represent the state of the art: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,923,572; 5,890,520; 5,857,501; 5,727,608; 5,722,469; 5,249,612; 5,244,017; 5,156,198; 5,605,182; 5,359,522; 5,316,057; 5,204,819; 4,934,419; 4,846,233; 4,469,149; 4,263,945; 3,814,148.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention seeks to provide an improved computerized fluid supply system.
There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a computerized fluid supply system including a controller controlling at least supply of a fluid via a fluid fill nozzle to a tank, a fluid tank mounted identifier, a fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly, the fluid fill nozzle reader being in wireless communication with the tank identifier for receiving tank identification information therefrom and with the system controller, the fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly including a conduit portion connected in series with the nozzle and electronic circuitry mounted exteriorly of the conduit portion.
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the conduit portion is removably connected in series with the nozzle. Preferably the conduit portion is threadably connected in series with the nozzle.
Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic circuitry is removably mounted onto the conduit portion. Furthermore, the electronic circuitry includes at least one battery which is removably mounted onto the conduit portion. Preferably the electronic circuitry is removably mounted onto the conduit portion and includes a switch which prevents electrical arcing upon mounting or removal of the at least one battery.
Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic circuitry is removably mounted onto the conduit portion and includes a switch which prevents electrical arcing upon mounting or removal of the electronic circuitry from the conduit portion.
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic circuitry is powered by electrical energy stored in an electrical energy storage device associated therewith. Preferably the electrical energy storage device receives electrical energy from an external electrical energy source.
Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the external electrical energy source is associated with the tank identifier.
Additionally or alternatively the external electrical energy source is associated with the controller.
Furthermore the external electrical energy source is associated with a storage location at which the nozzle is located when not engaged in fluid supply.
Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electrical energy storage device receives electrical energy from an external electrical energy source in a wireless manner.
Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electrical circuitry is operative in a quiescent mode and in an active mode and wherein the electric circuitry shifts from the quiescent mode to the active mode in response to the orientation of the nozzle.
Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electrical circuitry is coupled to at least one external antenna which is mounted on the nozzle at a location forward of the conduit portion. Preferably the electrical circuitry is coupled to the at least one external antenna in a wireless manner.
There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a device for use in a computerized fluid supply system including a controller controlling at least supply of fluid via a fluid fill nozzle to a fluid receiving tank and a tank identifier, a fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly, the fluid fill nozzle reader being in wireless communication with the tank identifier for receiving tank identification information therefrom and with the system controller, the fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly including a conduit portion connected in series with the nozzle and electronic circuitry mounted exteriorly of the conduit portion.
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the conduit portion is removably connected in series with the nozzle. Preferably the conduit portion is threadably connected in series with the nozzle.
Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic circuitry is removably mounted onto the conduit portion.
Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic circuitry includes at least one battery which is removably mounted onto the conduit portion.
Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic circuitry is removably mounted onto the conduit portion and includes a switch which prevents electrical arcing upon mounting or removal of the electronic circuitry from the conduit portion. Preferably the electronic circuitry is removably mounted onto the conduit portion and includes a switch which prevents electrical arcing upon mounting or removal of the at least one battery.
Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic circuitry is powered by electrical energy stored in an electrical energy storage device associated therewith. Preferably the electrical energy storage device receives electrical energy from an external electrical energy source.
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the external electrical energy source is associated with the tank identifier.
Additionally or alternatively the external electrical energy source is associated with the controller.
Furthermore in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the external electrical energy source is associated with a storage location at which the nozzle is located when not engaged in fluid supply.
Preferably the electrical energy storage device receives electrical energy from an external electrical energy source in a wireless manner.
Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electrical circuitry is operative in a quiescent mode and in an active mode and wherein the electric circuitry shifts from the quiescent mode to the active mode in response to the orientation of the nozzle.
Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electrical circuitry is coupled to at least one external antenna which is mounted on the nozzle at a location forward of the conduit portion. Preferably the electrical circuitry is coupled to the at least one external antenna in a wireless manner.
There is further provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a device for use in a computerized fluid supply system including a controller controlling at least supply of fluid via a fluid fill nozzle to a fluid receiving tank and a tank identifier, a fluid fill nozzle assembly including a fluid fill is nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly, the fluid fill nozzle reader being in wireless communication with the tank identifier for receiving tank identification information therefrom and with the system controller, the fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly including a conduit portion connected in series with the nozzle and electronic circuitry mounted exteriorly of the conduit portion.
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the conduit portion is removably connected in series with the nozzle.
Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the conduit portion is threadably connected in series with the nozzle.
Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic circuitry is removably mounted onto the conduit portion.
Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic circuitry includes at least one battery which is removably mounted onto the conduit portion. Additionally or alternatively the electronic circuitry is removably mounted onto said conduit portion and includes a switch which prevents electrical arcing upon mounting or removal of the electronic circuitry from said conduit portion.
Furthermore in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic circuitry is removably mounted onto the conduit portion and includes a switch which prevents electrical arcing upon mounting or removal of the at least one battery.
Preferably the electronic circuitry is powered by electrical energy stored in an electrical energy storage device associated therewith, and the electrical energy storage device may receive electrical energy from an external electrical energy source.
Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the external electrical energy source is associated with the tank identifier.
Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the external electrical energy source is associated with the controller.
Additionally or alternatively the external electrical energy source is associated with a storage location at which said nozzle is located when not engaged in fluid supply.
Preferably the electrical energy storage device receives electrical energy from an external electrical energy source in a wireless manner.
Furthermore in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electrical circuitry is operative in a quiescent mode and in an active mode and wherein the electric circuitry shifts from said quiescent mode to the active mode in response to the orientation of the nozzle.
Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electrical circuitry is coupled to at least one external antenna which is mounted on the nozzle at a location forward of the conduit portion.
Preferably the electrical circuitry is coupled to the at least one external antenna in a wireless manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:
FIGS. 1A-1E
are simplified illustrations of five embodiments of a fluid supply nozzle assembly constructed and operative in accordance with the present invention;
FIGS. 2A-2E
are simplified illustrations of portions of five embodiments of power supply to a component of a computerized fluid supply system constructed and operative in accordance with the present invention;
FIGS. 3A & 3B
are simplified illustrations of two embodiments of data communication with a component of a computerized fluid supply system constructed and operative in accordance with the present invention;
FIGS. 4A & 4B
are simplified illustrations of respective stationary and mobile embodiments of a computerized fluid supply system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 5A & 5B
are simplified illustrations of one embodiment of a break-before-make power switch arrangement for a component of the computerized fluid supply system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
FIGS. 6A & 6B
are simplified illustrations of an embodiment of a switch arrangement for a component of the computerized fluid supply system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention provides a computerized fluid supply system including a controller controlling supply of a fluid via a fluid fill nozzle to a tank, a fluid tank mounted identifier and a fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly. Preferably, the fluid fill nozzle reader is in wireless communication with the tank identifier for receiving tank identification information therefrom and with the system controller.
Reference is now made to
FIGS. 1A-1E
, which are simplified illustrations of five embodiments of a fluid supply nozzle assembly constructed and operative in accordance with the present invention.
As seen in
FIG. 1A
, there is provided a fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly generally indicated by reference numeral
10
, which is mounted intermediate a conventional fluid supply nozzle
12
conventionally employed in vehicle filling stations and a conventional fluid supply hose fitting
14
.
Assembly
10
preferably includes a fluid conduit portion
16
which provides fluid communication between hose fitting
14
and nozzle
12
and, removably mounted thereon, a fluid fill nozzle reader
18
, including electronic circuitry, which is mounted exteriorly of the conduit portion
16
.
FIG. 1B
illustrates assembly
10
mounted intermediate a supply hose
20
and nozzle
22
, of the type used for supplying fuel oil.
FIG. 1C
illustrates assembly
10
mounted intermediate a supply hose
24
and nozzle
26
, of another type used for supplying fuel to vehicles.
FIG. 1D
illustrates assembly
10
mounted intermediate a supply hose
28
and nozzle
30
, of the type used for supplying liquefied gas.
FIG. 1E
illustrates assembly
10
mounted intermediate a supply hose
32
and a nozzle
34
of another type used for supplying liquefied gas.
It is seen from the foregoing examples that assembly
10
may be a universal fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly which may be used with a wide variety of nozzles used for various purposes.
Reference is now made to
FIGS. 2A-2E
, which are simplified illustrations of portions of five embodiments of power supply to assembly
10
in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2A
shows an electrical power supply
40
located within a housing
42
of a conventional vehicle fuel supply pump
64
. Electrical power is supplied via electrical contacts
46
to corresponding electrical contacts
48
on a fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly
50
, such as assembly
10
(FIGS.
1
A-
1
E), mounted onto a nozzle
52
.
FIG. 2B
shows an electrical power supply
60
located within a housing
62
of a conventional vehicle fuel supply pump
44
. Electrical power is supplied via an induction coil
66
to a corresponding induction coil
68
on a fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly
70
, such as assembly
10
(FIGS.
1
A-
1
E), mounted onto a nozzle
72
.
FIG. 2C
shows a solar powered electrical power supply
80
located within a housing
82
of a fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly
84
, such as assembly
10
(FIGS.
1
A-
1
E), mounted onto a nozzle
85
.
FIG. 2D
shows an electrical power supply
90
mounted onto a housing
92
of a conventional vehicle fuel supply pump
94
. Electrical power is supplied via a microwave transmitter
96
associated with power supply
90
to a corresponding microwave receiver
98
incorporated in a fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly
100
, such as assembly
10
(FIGS.
1
A-
1
E), mounted onto a nozzle
102
.
FIG. 2E
shows an electrical power supply
110
mounted onto a vehicle
112
adjacent the fuel fill pipe
114
thereof. Electrical power is supplied via an induction coil
116
associated with power supply
110
to a corresponding induction coil
118
on a fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly
120
, such as assembly
10
(FIGS.
1
A-
1
E), mounted onto a nozzle
122
. As an additional alternative, the embodiments of
FIGS. 2D and 2E
may be combined, wherein a microwave transmitter may be mounted on a vehicle, such as at a location adjacent the fuel fill pipe thereof.
It is appreciated that as a further alternative, batteries of either the single use or rechargeable type may be employed to provide electrical power.
Reference is now made to
FIGS. 3A & 3B
, which are simplified illustrations of two alternative embodiments of data communication with a component of a computerized fluid supply system constructed and operative in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 3A
illustrates wireless data communication taking place between a wireless transceiver
150
at a control station
152
and an antenna
154
, which is associated with a wireless transceiver (not shown), and located on a fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly generally indicated by reference numeral
156
, which is mounted intermediate a conventional fluid supply nozzle
158
conventionally employed in vehicle filling stations and a conventional fluid supply hose fitting
160
.
FIG. 3A
also illustrates wireless data communication taking place between the fluid nozzle mounted tank identification assembly
156
and a wireless transceiver
162
associated with a fluid tank mounted identifier
164
. It is appreciated that wireless transceiver
162
may also be an integral part of identifier
1614
.
FIG. 3B
shows an arrangement similar to that of
FIG. 3A
wherein an antenna
172
associated with a fluid tank mounted identifier
174
communicates with a nozzle mounted antenna
176
which is connected via a wired connection
177
to a fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly generally indicated by reference numeral
178
. The wired connection
177
may employ a conventional pin connector
180
, an inductive connector
182
or any other suitable connector. It is appreciated that wired connection
177
may be replaced by a continuous wire without an intermediate connector. In the embodiment of
FIG. 3B
, as distinct from that of
FIG. 3A
, separate antennae
183
and
176
at the fluid fill nozzle are employed for communication with a control station
184
and with fluid tank mounted identifier
174
.
Reference is now made to
FIGS. 4A & 4B
, which are simplified illustrations of respective stationary and mobile embodiments of a computerized fluid supply system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4A
shows a stationary embodiment wherein data communication takes place between a generally stationary wireless transceiver
200
which is associated with a fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly generally indicated by reference numeral
202
and a corresponding wireless transceiver
204
, associated with a control station
206
, typically located at the same premises as assembly
202
.
In contrast,
FIG. 4B
illustrates a situation wherein data communication takes place between a mobile wireless transceiver
210
which is associated with a vehicle mounted fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly generally indicated by reference numeral
212
and a corresponding wireless transceiver
214
, associated with a control station
216
, typically located remote from vehicle mounted assembly
212
.
Reference is now made to
FIGS. 5A & 5B
, which are simplified illustrations of one embodiment of a break-before-make power switch arrangement for supply of electrical power to reader
18
of assembly
10
(
FIGS. 1A-1E
) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A spring loaded switch actuator
250
is mounted onto reader
18
. When reader
18
is not mounted onto conduit portion
16
, actuator
250
is extended, thus breaking the circuit between a supply of electrical power and reader
18
, as illustrated in FIG.
5
A. When reader
18
is mounted onto conduit portion
16
, as shown in
FIG. 5B
, actuator
250
is retracted, thus closing the circuit.
Reference is now made to
FIGS. 6A & 6B
, which are simplified illustrations of an embodiment of a switch arrangement for a component of the computerized fluid supply system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a tilt switch
270
is provided, opening a circuit when a nozzle
272
onto which assembly
10
(
FIGS. 1A-1E
) is mounted is in a storage orientation, as shown in
FIG. 6A
, and closing a circuit when nozzle
272
is in an operative orientation, as shown in FIG.
6
B.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of various features described hereinabove as well as modifications and variations thereof which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description and which are not in the prior art.
Claims
- 1. A computerized fluid supply system comprising:a controller controlling at least supply of a fluid via a fluid fill nozzle to a tank; a fluid tank mounted identifier, a fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly, said fluid fill nozzle reader assembly being in wireless communication with said tank identifier for receiving tank identification information there from and with said system controller, said fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly including a conduit portion connected in series with said nozzle and electronic circuitry mounted onto said conduit portion exteriorly of said conduit portion.
- 2. A computerized fluid supply system according to claim 1 and wherein said conduit portion is removably connected in series with said nozzle.
- 3. A computerized fluid supply system according to claim 1 and wherein said conduit portion is threadably connected in series with said nozzle.
- 4. A computerized fluid supply system according to claim 1 and wherein said electronic circuitry is removably mounted onto said conduit portion.
- 5. A computerized fluid supply system according to claim 1 and wherein said electronic circuitry includes at least one battery which is removably mounted onto said conduit portion.
- 6. A computerized fluid supply system according to claim 1 and wherein said electronic circuitry is powered by electrical energy stored in an electrical energy storage device associated therewith.
- 7. A computerized fluid supply system according to claim 6 and wherein said electrical energy storage device receives electrical energy from an external electrical energy source.
- 8. A computerized fluid supply system according to claim 7 and wherein said external energy source is associated with said fluid tank mounted identifier.
- 9. A computerized fluid supply system according to claim 7 and wherein said external electrical energy source is associated with said controller.
- 10. A computerized fluid supply system according to claim 7 and wherein said external electrical energy source is associated with a storage location at which said nozzle is located when not engaged in fluid supply.
- 11. A computerized fluid supply system according to claim 7 and wherein said electrical energy storage device receives electrical energy from an external electrical energy source in a wireless manner.
- 12. A fluid fill nozzle assembly according to claim 1 and wherein said electronic circuitry is operative in a quiescent mode and in an active mode and wherein said electronic circuitry shifts from said quiescent mode to said active mode in response to the orientation of said nozzle.
- 13. A computerized fluid supply system comprising:a controller controlling at least supply of a fluid via a fluid fill nozzle to a tank; a fluid tank mounted identifier; a fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly, said fluid fill nozzle reader assembly being in wireless communication with said tank identifier for receiving tank identification information therefrom and with said system controller, said fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly including a conduit portion connected in series with said nozzle and electronic circuitry mounted exteriorly of said conduit portion, wherein said electronic circuitry is removably mounted onto said conduit portion and includes a switch which prevents electrical arcing upon mounting or removal of the electronic circuitry from said conduit portion.
- 14. A computerized fluid supply system comprising:a controller controlling at least supply of a fluid via a fluid fill nozzle to a tank; a fluid tank mounted identifier; a fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly, said fluid fill nozzle reader assembly being in wireless communication with said tank identifier for receiving tank identification information therefrom and with said system controller, said fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly including a conduit portion connected in series with said nozzle and electronic circuitry mounted exteriorly of said conduit portion, wherein said electronic circuitry includes at least one battery which is removably mounted onto said conduit portion and wherein said electronic circuitry is removably mounted onto said conduit portion and includes a switch which prevents electrical arcing upon mounting or removal of the electronic circuitry from said conduit portion.
- 15. A computerized fluid supply system comprising:a controller controlling at least supply of a fluid via a fluid fill nozzle to a tank; a fluid tank mounted identifier; a fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly, said fluid fill nozzle reader assembly being in wireless communication with said tank identifier for receiving tank identification information therefrom and with said system controller, said fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly including a conduit portion connected in series with said nozzle and electronic circuitry mounted exteriorly of said conduit portion, wherein said electronic circuitry is coupled to at least one external antenna which is mounted on said nozzle at a location forward of said conduit portion.
- 16. A computerized fluid supply system according to claim 15 and wherein said electronic circuitry is coupled to said at least one external antenna in a wireless manner.
- 17. For use in a computerized fluid supply system including a controller controlling at least supply of a fluid via a fluid fill nozzle to a tank and a tank identifier,a fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly, said fluid flu nozzle reader assembly being in wireless communication with said tank identifier for receiving tank identification information therefrom and with said system controller, said fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly including a conduit portion connected in series with said nozzle and electronic circuitry mounted onto said conduit portion exteriorly of said conduit portion.
- 18. A fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly according to claim 17 and wherein said conduit portion is removably connected in series with said nozzle.
- 19. A fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly according to claim 17 and wherein said conduit portion is threadably connected in series with said nozzle.
- 20. A fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly according to claim 17 and wherein said electronic circuitry is removably mounted onto said conduit portion.
- 21. A fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly according to claim 17 and wherein said electronic circuitry includes at least one battery which is removably mounted onto said conduit portion.
- 22. A fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly according to claim 17 and wherein said electronic circuitry is powered by electrical energy stored in an electrical energy storage device associated therewith.
- 23. A fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly according to claim 22 and wherein said electrical energy storage device receives electrical energy from an external electrical energy source.
- 24. A computerized fluid supply system according to claim 23 and wherein said external energy source is associated with said fluid tank mounted identifier.
- 25. A fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly according to claim 23 and wherein said external electrical energy source is associated with said controller.
- 26. A fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly according to claim 23 and wherein said external electrical energy source is associated with a storage location at which said nozzle is located when not engaged in fluid supply.
- 27. A fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly according to claim 23 and wherein said electrical energy storage device receives electrical energy from an external electrical energy source in a wireless manner.
- 28. A fluid fill nozzle assembly according to claim 17 and wherein said electronic circuitry is operative in a quiescent mode and in an active mode and wherein said electronic circuitry shifts from said quiescent mode to said active mode in response to the orientation of said nozzle.
- 29. For use in a computerized fluid supply system including a controller controlling at least supply of a fluid via a fluid fill nozzle to a tank and a tank identifier,a fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly, said fluid fill nozzle reader assembly being in wireless communication with said tank identifier for receiving tank identification information therefrom and with said system controller, said fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly including a conduit portion connected in series with said nozzle and electronic circuitry mounted exteriorly of said conduit portion wherein said electronic circuitry is removably mounted onto said conduit portion and includes a switch which prevents electrical arcing upon mounting or removal of the electronic circuitry from said conduit portion.
- 30. For use in a computerized fluid supply system including a controller controlling at least supply of a fluid via a fluid fill nozzle to a tank and a tank identifier,a fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly, said fluid fill nozzle reader assembly being in wireless communication with said tank identifier for receiving tank identification information therefrom and with said system controller, said fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly including a conduit portion connected in series with said nozzle and electronic circuitry mounted exteriorly of said conduit portion wherein said electronic circuitry includes at least one battery which is removably mounted onto said conduit portion and said electronic circuitry is removably mounted onto said conduit portion and includes a switch which prevents electrical arcing upon mounting or removal of the at least one battery.
- 31. A fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly for use in a computerized fluid supply system including a controller controlling at least supply of a fluid via a fluid fill nozzle to a tank and a tank identifier, said fluid fill nozzle reader assembly being in wireless communication with said tank identifier for receiving tank identification information therefrom and with said system controller, said fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly including a conduit portion connected in series with said nozzle and electronic circuitry mounted exteriorly of said conduit portion, and wherein said electronic circuitry is coupled to at least one external antenna which is mounted on said nozzle at a location forward of said conduit portion.
- 32. A fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly according to claim 31 and wherein said electronic circuitry is coupled to said at least one external antenna in a wireless manner.
- 33. For use in a computerized fluid supply system including a controller controlling at least supply of fluid via a fluid fill nozzle to a fluid receiving tank d a tank identifier,a fluid fill nozzle assembly including a fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly, said fluid fill nozzle reader assembly being in wireless communication with said tank identifier for receiving tank identification information therefrom and with said system controller, said fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly including a conduit portion connected in series with said nozzle and electronic circuitry mounted onto said conduit portion exteriorly of said conduit portion.
- 34. A fluid fill nozzle assembly according to claim 33 and wherein said conduit portion is removably connected in series with said nozzle.
- 35. A fluid fill nozzle assembly according to claim 33 and wherein said conduit portion is threadably connected in series with said nozzle.
- 36. A fluid fill nozzle assembly according to claim 33 and wherein said electronic circuitry is removably mounted onto said conduit portion.
- 37. A fluid fill nozzle assembly according to claim 33 and wherein said electronic circuitry includes at least one battery which is removably mounted onto said conduit portion.
- 38. A fluid fill nozzle assembly according to claim 33 and wherein said electronic circuitry is powered by electrical energy stored in an electrical energy storage device associated therewith.
- 39. A fluid fill nozzle assembly according to claim 38 and wherein said electrical energy storage device receives electrical energy from an external electrical energy source.
- 40. A computerized fluid supply system according to claim 39 and wherein said external energy source is associated with said fluid tank mounted identifier.
- 41. A fluid fill nozzle assembly according to claim 39 and wherein said external electrical energy source is associated with said controller.
- 42. A fluid fill nozzle assembly according to claim 39 and wherein said external electrical energy source is associated with a storage location at which said nozzle is located when not engaged in fluid supply.
- 43. A fluid fill nozzle assembly according to claim 39 and wherein said electrical energy storage device receives electrical energy from an external electrical energy source in a wireless manner.
- 44. A fluid fill nozzle assembly according to claim 33 and wherein said electronic circuitry is operative in a quiescent mode and in an active mode and wherein said electronic circuitry shifts from said quiescent mode to said active mode in response to the orientation of said nozzle.
- 45. A fluid fill nozzle assembly according to claim 42 and wherein said electronic circuitry is coupled to said at least one external antenna in a wireless manner.
- 46. For use in a computerized fluid supply system including a controller controlling at least supply of fluid via a fluid fill nozzle to a fluid receiving tank and a tank identifier,a fluid fill nozzle assembly including a fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly, said fluid fill nozzle reader assembly being in wireless communication with said tank identifier for receiving tank identification information therefrom and with said system controller, said fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly including a conduit portion connected in series with said nozzle and electronic circuitry mounted exteriorly of said conduit portion, and wherein said electronic circuitry is removably mounted onto said conduit portion and includes a switch which prevents electrical arcing upon mounting or removal of the electronic circuitry from said conduit portion.
- 47. For use in a computerized fluid supply system including a controller controlling at least supply of fluid via a fluid fill nozzle to a fluid receiving tank and a tank identifier,a fluid fill nozzle assembly including a fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly, said fluid fill nozzle reader assembly being in wireless communication with said tank identifier for receiving tank identification information therefrom and with said system controller, said fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly including a conduit portion connected in series with said nozzle and electronic circuitry mounted exteriorly of said conduit portion, and wherein said electronic circuitry includes at least one battery which is removably mounted onto said conduit portion and wherein said electronic circuitry is removably mounted onto said conduit portion and includes a switch which prevents electrical arcing upon mounting or removal of the at least one battery.
- 48. For use in a computerized fluid supply system including a controller controlling at least supply of fluid via a fluid fill nozzle to a fluid receiving tank and a tank identifier,a fluid fill nozzle assembly including a fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly, said fluid fill nozzle reader assembly being in wireless communication with said tank identifier for receiving tail identification information therefrom and with said system controller, said fluid fill nozzle mounted tank identification reader assembly including a conduit portion connected in series with said nozzle and electronic circuitry mounted exteriorly of said conduit potion, and wherein said, electronic circuitry is coupled to said at least one external antenna in a wireless manner.
Priority Claims (1)
Number |
Date |
Country |
Kind |
132858 |
Nov 1999 |
IL |
|
US Referenced Citations (18)