Computerized fluid supply systems

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6394150
  • Patent Number
    6,394,150
  • Date Filed
    Friday, November 10, 2000
    24 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, May 28, 2002
    22 years ago
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
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