Fluid dispensing system

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6640997
  • Patent Number
    6,640,997
  • Date Filed
    Thursday, September 27, 2001
    23 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, November 4, 2003
    21 years ago
  • Inventors
  • Examiners
    • Mancene; Gene
    • Buechner; Patrick
    Agents
    • Kaardal + Leonard, LLP
  • CPC
  • US Classifications
    Field of Search
    • US
    • 222 2
    • 222 23
    • 222 32
    • 222 66
    • 222 74
    • 222 75
    • 222 174
    • 222 180
    • 222 15303
    • 222 182
    • 222 18911
    • 222 372
    • 222 526
    • 222 538
    • 222 639
    • 222 642
    • 312 100
    • 312 245
    • 248 2184
    • 248 2194
    • 248 300
    • 248 3112
  • International Classifications
    • B67D510
    • B67D512
    • Term Extension
      92
Abstract
A fluid dispensing system includes a housing surrounding a tank holding a vehicle fluid. A control assembly is housed in the housing and operationally coupled to a pump assembly for permitting dispensing of the vehicle fluid upon insertion of a pre-determined amount of currency into a currency collection assembly. Additional features include a cover member coupled to the housing using a spindle lock and a channel, a holster in the cover panel for holding a free end of a dispensing hose, free standing embodiment using a base, a main mounting bracket formed to accommodate coupling to existing surfaces, and a transmitter and associated hardware for monitoring fluid levels and usage from a remote location.
Description




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




1. Field of the Invention




The present invention relates to currency operated fluid vending machines and more particularly pertains to a new fluid dispensing system for permitting the dispensation of vehicle fluids upon a user depositing money.




2. Description of the Prior Art




The use of currency operated fluid vending machines is known in the prior art. More specifically, currency operated fluid vending machines heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.




Known prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,366; U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,329; U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,645; U.S. Pat. No. 4,880,144; U.S. Pat. No. 3,318,732; U.S. Pat. No. 3,570,644; U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,914; U.S. Pat. No. 3,845,848; U.S. Pat. No. Des. 272,628; and U.S. Pat. No. Des. 273,790.




While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose a new fluid dispensing system. The inventive device includes a housing surrounding a tank holding a vehicle fluid. A control assembly is housed in the housing and operationally coupled to a pump assembly for permitting dispensing of the vehicle fluid upon insertion of a pre-determined amount of currency into a currency collection assembly. Additional features include a cover member coupled to the housing using a spindle lock and a channel, a holster in the cover panel for holding a free end of a dispensing hose, free standing embodiment using a base, a main mounting bracket formed to accommodate coupling to existing surfaces, and a transmitter and associated hardware for monitoring fluid levels and usage from a remote location.




In these respects, the fluid dispensing system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of permitting the dispensation of vehicle fluids upon a user depositing money.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of currency operated fluid vending machines now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new fluid dispensing system construction wherein the same can be utilized for permitting the dispensation of vehicle fluids upon a user depositing money.




The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new fluid dispensing system apparatus and method which has many of the advantages of the currency operated fluid vending machines mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new fluid dispensing system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art currency operated fluid vending machines, either alone or in any combination thereof.




To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a housing surrounding a tank holding a vehicle fluid. A control assembly is housed in the housing and operationally coupled to a pump assembly for permitting dispensing of the vehicle fluid upon insertion of a pre-determined amount of currency into a currency collection assembly. Additional features include a cover member coupled to the housing using a spindle lock and a channel, a holster in the cover panel for holding a free end of a dispensing hose, free standing embodiment using a base, a main mounting bracket formed to accommodate coupling to existing surfaces, and a transmitter and associated hardware for monitoring fluid levels and usage from a remote location.




There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.




In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.




As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.




Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.




It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new fluid dispensing system apparatus and method which has many of the advantages of the currency operated fluid vending machines mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new fluid dispensing system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art currency operated fluid vending machines, either alone or in any combination thereof.




It is another object of the present invention to provide a new fluid dispensing system which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.




It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new fluid dispensing system which is of a durable and reliable construction.




An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new fluid dispensing system which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such fluid dispensing system economically available to the buying public.




Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new fluid dispensing system which provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith.




Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new fluid dispensing system for permitting the dispensation of vehicle fluids upon a user depositing money.




Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new fluid dispensing system which includes a housing either surrounding or defining a tank holding a vehicle fluid. A control assembly is housed in the housing and operationally coupled to a pump assembly for permitting dispensing of the vehicle fluid upon insertion of a pre-determined amount of currency into a currency collection assembly. Additional features include a cover member coupled to the housing using a spindle lock and a channel, a holster in the cover panel for holding a free end of a dispensing hose, free standing embodiment using an integral base, a main mounting bracket formed to accommodate coupling to existing surfaces, and a transmitter and associated hardware for monitoring fluid levels and usage either from within the unit or from a remote location.




Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new fluid dispensing system that provides a way of dispensing vehicle fluids to user upon the deposit of money.




Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a new fluid dispensing system that provides high capacity storage of vehicle fluids for dispensation by the user.




Still yet even another object of the present invention is to provide a publicly accessible and viewable unit which may incorporate advertising space on an exterior of the housing or tank.




These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS




The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:





FIG. 1

is a side view of a new fluid dispensing system according to the present invention mounted to a pillar.





FIG. 2

is a front view of the present invention with the cover member in an open position.





FIG. 3

is a front view of the present invention with the cover member removed.





FIG. 4

is a side exploded view of the present invention mounted to a pillar.





FIG. 5

is a cross-sectional view of the present invention.





FIG. 6

is an enlarged side view of the cover member of the present invention.





FIG. 7

is a top view of the present invention mounted to a pillar.





FIG. 8

is a top view of the present invention mounted to an alternate pillar.





FIG. 9

is a top view of alternate embodiment of the mounting bracket of the present invention mounted to a pillar.





FIG. 10

is a schematic view of the cover member of the present invention.





FIG. 11

is a schematic view of the control assembly of the present invention.





FIG. 12

is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.





FIG. 13

is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention with the cover member removed.





FIG. 14

is a schematic view of the operation of the present invention.





FIG. 15

is an enlarge view of the spindle lock of the present invention.





FIG. 16

is a top view of the cover member of the present invention.





FIG. 17

is a schematic view of an alternative process of the operation of the present invention.











DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT




With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to

FIGS. 1 through 17

thereof, a new fluid dispensing system embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral


10


will be described.




As best illustrated in

FIGS. 1 through 17

, the fluid dispensing system


10


generally comprises a housing


12


; a tank


14


for holding a vehicle fluid


2


such as windshield washing fluid, hydraulic brake fluid, antifreeze, soap solutions, or power steering fluid; a dispensing hose


16


; and a control assembly


20


. The dispensing system


10


is designed for permitting desired automatic dispensing of the vehicle fluid at a desired location of a fuel filling station. The vehicle solutions could also be any other known fluids typically used in association with automotive, farm or aviation vehicles.




The tank


14


is positioned in the housing and has an interior space designed for holding the vehicle fluid


2


. The housing


12


is structured to have an opening


18


in a forward face


19


of the housing


12


.




The dispensing hose


16


is part of a dispensing hose assembly


30


that is coupled to the tank


14


. The dispensing hose


16


has a first end


14


A in environmental communication with the interior space of the tank


14


. Thus, the dispensing hose


16


is designed for dispensing the vehicle fluid


2


through the dispensing hose


16


.




A pump assembly


40


includes a pump


42


and is coupled to the dispensing hose


16


for pumping the vehicle fluid


2


through the dispensing hose


16


. The pump assembly


40


includes a filter


44


positioned between the tank


14


and the pump


42


for removing debris from the vehicle fluid


2


. Thus, the filter


44


removes debris from the vehicle fluid


2


before the vehicle fluid


2


enters the pump


42


. In an embodiment, the pump assembly


40


also includes a flow meter


46


for monitoring flow of the vehicle fluid


2


through the pump assembly


40


.




The control assembly


20


is operationally coupled to the pump assembly


40


for selectively activating the pump


42


. Thus, the pump


42


dispenses the vehicle fluid


2


only upon activation by the control assembly


20


.




A cover member


32


is couplable to the housing


12


for covering the opening


18


in the forward face


19


such that the control assembly


20


is covered to prevent unauthorized access to the control assembly


20


. A currency collection assembly


50


is operationally coupled to the control assembly


20


such that the control assembly


20


dispenses the vehicle fluid only upon reception of a pre-determined initial value of currency collected by the currency collection assembly


50


. Preferably, the currency collected can be in the form of either bills or coins. It is further considered that for purposes of this application that currency includes tokens should a token system be employed to activate the system


10


. Such token systems are well known and commonly employed at golf driving ranges for the purchase of range balls. An additional alternative is use of a pre-paid card system or debit card system using conventional methods for obtaining, utilizing, and replenishing pre-paid credit that may be used to obtain vehicle fluid. It is also contemplated that such a card or credit system could utilize a magnetic strip incorporated into a key fob.




The currency collection assembly


50


includes a currency collection bin


52


coupled to the cover member


32


. The currency collection bin


52


is positionable beneath a main portion


54


of the currency collection assembly


50


when the cover member


32


is engaged to the housing. Thus, currency passing through the main portion


54


of the currency collection assembly


50


is collected in the currency collection bin


52


.




In a most preferred embodiment, the control assembly


20


utilizes a computer controller


59


for crediting a pre-determined number of pulses upon accumulation of a pre-determined amount of currency. Each pulse is associated with a given amount of fluid such that a desired amount of fluid can be purchased by insertion of sufficient currency. As an additional feature, the computer controller


59


is operationally coupled to the currency collection assembly to prevent acceptance of currency when the level of fluid in the tank is below a pre-determined level, thus preventing acceptance of money in excess of an amount available to be dispensed.




Alternately, the control assembly


20


may include an accumulating timer


56


for permitting dispensing of the vehicle fluid


2


for a pre-determined period of time upon reception of the initial value of currency collected by the currency collection assembly


50


. In an embodiment, the currency collection assembly


50


is operationally coupled to the control assembly


20


such that the vehicle fluid


2


is dispensable for an additional pre-determined period of time upon reception of additional currency in excess of the initial value of currency collected by the currency collection assembly


50


.




The opening


18


in the housing


12


has a channel


62


extending along a bottom


64


of the opening


18


for receiving a bottom


66


of the cover member


32


.




In an embodiment, the cover member


32


includes a holster portion


68


for receiving a free end of the dispensing hose


16


. Typically, the free end of the dispensing hose


16


will have a pistol style attachment or other comparable nozzle with a trigger mechanism to permit a user to regulate flow of the vehicle fluid


2


through the dispensing hose


16


. A holster switch


65


is coupled to the cover member


32


and is operationally coupled to the control assembly


20


for preventing dispensing of the vehicle fluid


2


upon return of the free end of the dispensing hose


16


to the holster portion


68


after use. This may be by zeroing the credited pulses when the computer controller


59


is used or by zeroing an amount of time on the accumulating timer


56


.




A display panel


70


is coupled to the cover member


32


and is operationally coupled to the control assembly


20


for displaying either remaining amount of fluid dispensable or remaining time for dispensing the vehicle fluid


2


.




A spindle lock


72


is coupled to the cover member


32


proximate a top


63


of the cover member


32


. The spindle lock


72


has a threaded interior end portion


73


selectively engageable to a brass socket


82


coupled to an interior wall


74


of the housing


12


for locking the cover member


32


to the housing


12


. In use, the spindle lock


72


secures the top portion of the cover member


32


while the bottom


66


of the cover member


32


is held within the channel


62


to prevent the cover member


32


from being removed.




In an embodiment, the cover member


32


has orthogonal side portions


60


for seating in a recessed lip


61


of the housing


12


to prevent prying of the cover member


32


from the housing


12


when the cover member


32


is secured to the housing


12


. The orthogonal side portions


60


can be provided by bending edges of the cover member


32


forwardly to a 90 degree angle with respect to an interior portion of the cover member


32


.




In an embodiment, the channel


62


in the opening


18


of the housing


12


has a protrusion


75


. The bottom


66


of the cover member


32


has a notch


76


for receiving the protrusion


75


when the cover member


32


is coupled to the housing


12


. The notch


76


extends upwardly into the cover member


32


such that an upper portion


77


of the notch


76


receives the dispensing hose


16


therethrough when the cover member


32


is coupled to the housing


12


.




In an embodiment, a transmitter


78


is operationally coupled to the control assembly


20


for transmitting status data to a remote location for monitoring use of the fluid dispensing system


10


.




A tank fluid level sensor


23


is coupled to the tank


14


for monitoring a level of the vehicle fluid


2


in the tank


14


. The tank level sensor


23


is operationally coupled to the control assembly


20


such that the transmitter


78


transmits a refilling signal to the remote location upon detection of a pre-determined level of fluid in the tank


14


.




The tank


14


has a fill opening


15


positioned on a top surface


17


of the tank


14


. A perimeter edge of the fill opening


15


is molded to engage a cap member


25


that is selectively engageable to the fill opening


15


for covering the fill opening


15


. In an embodiment, the cap member


25


has a locking mechanism


27


for preventing removal of the cap member


25


for facilitating access to the tank


14


only by authorized persons for maintenance of the fluid dispensing system


10


.




In an embodiment, the control assembly


20


includes an electronic connection port


53


. A wire


55


is coupled between the pump assembly


40


and the control assembly


20


. Thus, the pump


42


is activatable by the control assembly


20


. The wire


55


has a first end


57


removably insertable into the electronic connection port


53


for facilitating replacement of the control assembly


20


in the event the control assembly


20


breaks down. Most preferably parts as shown in

FIG. 4

are coupled to the cover member


32


to permit replacement these parts as a single unit to facilitate replacement of these parts. Typically, other parts or combinations of parts may also be coupled to the cover member to permit easy replacement.




In a free standing embodiment, a base portion


13


is integrally coupled to the housing


12


for supporting the housing


12


above a surface on which the base portion


13


rests. The base portion


13


includes a channeled rib


29


extends upward from a bottom of the base portion


13


. An electrical wire conduit


35


for enclosing electrical wiring is positioned substantially within the channeled rib


29


and has an upper end


29


A extending into the housing


12


. The base portion


13


may also be an integral portion of the tank to provide additional fluid holding capacity.




In an embodiment attachable to an existing support surface, a main mounting bracket


43


is designed for coupling to the existing surface. The housing


12


is coupled to the main mounting bracket


43


. The main mounting bracket


43


includes a medial portion


45


designed for coupling to an outer surface of a structure. The main mounting bracket


43


further includes a pair of outer portions


47


extending from the medial portion


45


. The outer portions


47


are coupled to the housing


12


.




In an embodiment, the medial portion


45


of the main mounting bracket


43


includes a pair of planar outside portions


49


and a recessed central portion


51


between the planar outside portions


49


. The central recessed portion


51


includes a pair of spaced vertical parallel structure bracket walls


79


extending from the planar outside portions


49


. Thus, the central recessed portion


51


is designed for receiving a generally rectangular shaped structure. In an another embodiment, the recessed central portion


51


has an arcuate curvature. Thus, the central recessed portion


51


is designed for receiving a generally arcuately shaped outer face of the structure.




Although a spray can be provided, a flow restrictor or other conventional means may be provided to limit the flow of fluid through the dispensing hose to prevent overspray or other misuse resulting from forceful spraying of the vehicle fluid.




In use, the user inserts currency into the currency collection assembly which activates the timer for a time remaining or the computer controller for a number of pulses associated with an amount of vehicle fluid. The time remaining or amount remaining is displayed so that the user is aware of amount of time or fluid left for dispensing. The control assembly also activates the pump assembly upon the insertion of currency. The user then uses the dispensing hose to dispense the vehicle fluid, for example filling the windshield washer fluid reservoir. The user can then add more currency to the currency collection assembly for additional time or replace the dispensing hose in the holster portion of the cover member, thus deactivating the system.




As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.




With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.




Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.



Claims
  • 1. A fluid dispensing system comprising:a housing; a tank positioned in said housing, said tank having an interior space adapted for holding a vehicle fluid; said housing being structured to have an opening in a forward face of said housing; a dispensing hose assembly coupled to said tank, said dispensing hose assembly including a dispensing hose having a first end in environmental communication with said interior space of said tank whereby said dispensing hose is adapted for dispensing the vehicle fluid through said dispensing hose; a pump assembly coupled to said dispensing hose for pumping the vehicle fluid through said dispensing hose; a control assembly operationally coupled to said pump assembly for selectively activating said pump whereby said pump dispenses the vehicle fluid only upon activation by said control assembly; a cover member couplable to said housing for covering said opening in said forward face such that said control assembly is covered; and said opening in said housing having a channel extending along a bottom of said opening for receiving a bottom of said cover member.
  • 2. The fluid dispensing system of claim 1 further comprising:a display panel coupled to said cover member, said display panel being operationally coupled to said control assembly for displaying a remaining time for dispensing said vehicle fluid.
  • 3. The fluid dispensing system of claim 1, further comprising:a spindle lock coupled to said cover member proximate a top of said cover member, said spindle lock having an interior end portion selectively engageable to a socket fixedly coupled to an interior wall of said housing for locking said cover member to said housing.
  • 4. The fluid dispensing system of claim 1, further comprising:said pump assembly including a pump; said pump assembly including a filter for removing debris from said vehicle fluid, said filter being positioned between said tank and said pump whereby said filter removes debris from said vehicle fluid before said vehicle fluid enters said pump.
  • 5. The fluid dispensing system of claim 1, further comprising:said pump assembly including a flow meter for monitoring flow through said pump assembly.
  • 6. The fluid dispensing system of claim 1, further comprising:said control assembly including an electronic connection port; and a wire coupled between said pump assembly and said control assembly whereby said pump is activatable by said control assembly, said wire having a first end removably insertable into said electronic connection port for facilitating replacement of said control assembly.
  • 7. The fluid dispensing system of claim 1, further comprising:a base portion coupled to said housing for supporting said housing above a surface on which said base portion rests; said base portion being integrally coupled to said housing; and said tank extending into said base portion.
  • 8. The fluid dispensing system of claim 1, further comprising:said channel in said opening of said housing having a protrusion; said bottom of said cover member having a notch for receiving said protrusion when said cover member is coupled to said housing.
  • 9. The fluid dispensing system of claim 1, further comprising:a transmitter operationally coupled to said control assembly for transmitting status data to a remote location for monitoring use of said fluid dispensing system.
  • 10. The fluid dispensing system of claim 9, further comprising:a tank fluid level sensor coupled to said tank for monitoring a level of said vehicle fluid in said tank, said tank level sensor being operationally coupled to said control assembly such that said transmitter transmits a refilling signal to said remote location upon detection of a pre-determined level of fluid in said tank.
  • 11. The fluid dispensing system of claim 1, further comprising:said cover member including a holster portion for receiving a free end of said dispensing hose.
  • 12. The fluid dispensing system of claim 11, further comprising:a holster switch coupled to said cover member, said holster switch being operationally coupled to said control assembly for preventing dispensing of said vehicle fluid upon return of said free end of said dispensing hose to said holster portion after use.
  • 13. The fluid dispensing system of claim 1, further comprising:a main mounting bracket adapted for coupling to a surface, said housing being coupled to said main mounting bracket.
  • 14. The fluid dispensing system of claim 13 wherein said main mounting bracket includes a medial portion adapted for coupling to an outer surface of a structure, said main mounting bracket further including a pair of outer portions extending from said medial portion, said outer portions being coupled to said housing.
  • 15. The fluid dispensing system of claim 14 wherein said medial portion of said main mounting bracket includes a pair of planar outside portions and a recessed central portion between said planar outside portions.
  • 16. The fluid dispensing system of claim 15, further comprising:said central recessed portion including a pair of spaced vertical parallel structure bracket walls extending said planar outside portions whereby said central recessed portion is adapted for receiving a generally rectangular shaped structure.
  • 17. The fluid dispensing system of claim 16, further comprising:said central recessed portion having an arcuate curvature whereby said central recessed portion is adapted for receiving a generally arcuately shaped outer face of said structure.
  • 18. The fluid dispensing system of claim 1, further comprising:a currency collection assembly operationally coupled to said control assembly whereby said control assembly dispenses said vehicle fluid only upon reception of a pre-determined initial value of currency collected by said currency collection assembly.
  • 19. The fluid dispensing system of claim 18, further comprising:said currency collection assembly including a currency collection bin coupled to said cover member, said currency collection bin being positionable beneath a main portion of said currency collection assembly when said cover member is engaged to said housing whereby currency passing through said main portion of said currency collection assembly is collected in said currency collection bin.
  • 20. The fluid dispensing system of claim 19, further comprising:said control assembly including computer controller utilizing pulses associated with a pre-determined amount of said vehicle fluid for permitting dispensing of said vehicle fluid for a pre-determines number of pulses upon reception of said initial value of currency collected by said currency collection assembly.
  • 21. The fluid dispensing system of claim 20, further comprising:said control assembly including an amount display operationally coupled to said computer controller for showing an amount of vehicle fluid remaining to be dispensed.
  • 22. The fluid dispensing system of claim 19, further comprising:said control assembly including an accumulating timer for permitting dispensing of said vehicle fluid for a pre-determined period of time upon reception of said initial value of currency collected by said currency collection assembly.
  • 23. The fluid dispensing system of claim 22, further comprising:said currency collection assembly being operationally coupled to said control assembly whereby said vehicle fluid is dispensable for an additional pre-determined period of time upon reception of an additional currency in excess of said initial value of currency collected by said currency collection assembly.
  • 24. The fluid dispensing system of claim 22, further comprising:said control assembly including a time display operationally coupled to said accumulating timer for showing an amount of time remaining for dispensing said vehicle fluid.
  • 25. A fluid dispensing system comprising:a housing; a tank positioned in said housing, said tank having an interior space adapted for holding a vehicle fluid; said housing being structured to have an opening in a forward face of said housing; a dispensing hose assembly coupled to said tank, said dispensing hose assembly including a dispensing hose having a first end in environmental communication with said interior space of said tank whereby said dispensing hose is adapted for dispensing the vehicle fluid through said dispensing hose; a pump assembly coupled to said dispensing hose for pumping the vehicle fluid through said dispensing hose; a control assembly operationally coupled to said pump assembly for selectively activating said pump whereby said pump dispenses the vehicle fluid only upon activation by said control assembly; a cover member couplable to said housing for covering said opening in said forward face such that said control assembly is covered; a currency collection assembly operationally coupled to said control assembly whereby said control assembly dispenses said vehicle fluid only upon reception of a pre-determined initial value of currency collected by said currency collection assembly; said currency collection assembly including a currency collection bin coupled to said cover member, said currency collection bin being positionable beneath a main portion of said currency collection assembly when said cover member is engaged to said housing whereby currency passing through said main portion of said currency collection assembly is collected in said currency collection bin; said control assembly including computer controller utilizing pulses associated with a pre-determined amount of said vehicle fluid for permitting dispensing of said vehicle fluid for a pre-determined number of pulses upon reception of said initial value of currency collected by said currency collection assembly; and a notch extending upwardly into said cover member such that an upper portion of said notch receives said dispensing hose therethrough when said cover member is coupled to said housing.
  • 26. A fluid dispensing system comprising:a housing; a tank positioned in said housing, said tank having an interior space adapted for holding a vehicle fluid; said housing being structured to have an opening in a forward face of said housing; a dispensing hose assembly coupled to said tank, said dispensing hose assembly including a dispensing hose having a first end in environmental communication with said interior space of said tank whereby said dispensing hose is adapted for dispensing the vehicle fluid through said dispensing hose; a pump assembly coupled to said dispensing hose for pumping the vehicle fluid through said dispensing hose; a control assembly operationally coupled to said pump assembly for selectively activating said pump whereby said pump dispenses the vehicle fluid only upon activation by said control assembly; a cover member couplable to said housing for covering said opening in said forward face such that said control assembly is covered; a base portion coupled to said housing for supporting said housing above a surface on which said base portion rests; said base portion being integrally coupled to said housing; and said tank extending into said base portion; said base portion including a channeled rib extending upward from a bottom of said base portion; and an electrical wire conduit for enclosing electrical wiring, said electrical wire conduit being positioned substantially within said channeled rib, said electrical wire conduit having an upper end extending into said housing.
  • 27. A fluid dispensing system comprising:a housing; a tank positioned in said housing, said tank having an interior space adapted for holding a vehicle fluid; said housing being structured to have an opening in a forward face of said housing; a dispensing hose assembly coupled to said tank, said dispensing hose assembly including a dispensing hose having a first end in environmental communication with said interior space of said tank whereby said dispensing hose is adapted for dispensing the vehicle fluid through said dispensing hose; a pump assembly coupled to said dispensing hose for pumping the vehicle fluid through said dispensing hose; a control assembly operationally coupled to said pump assembly for selectively activating said pump whereby said pump dispenses the vehicle fluid only upon activation by said control assembly; a cover member couplable to said housing for covering said opening in said forward face such that said control assembly is covered; said cover member having a pair of orthogonally positioned outer portions; said housing having a recessed lip, said cover member being positionable into said recessed lip; and said outer portions of said cover member being positioned adjacent to sides of said recessed lip when said cover member is coupled to said housing whereby said outer portions facilitate prevention of removal of said cover member from said housing.
  • 28. A fluid dispensing system comprising:a housing; a tank positioned in said housing, said tank having an interior space adapted for holding a vehicle fluid; said housing being structured to have an opening in a forward face of said housing; a dispensing hose assembly coupled to said tank, said dispensing hose assembly including a dispensing hose having a first end in environmental communication with said interior space of said tank whereby said dispensing hose is adapted for dispensing the vehicle fluid through said dispensing hose; a pump assembly coupled to said dispensing hose for pumping the vehicle fluid through said dispensing hose; a control assembly operationally coupled to said pump assembly for selectively activating said pump whereby said pump dispenses the vehicle fluid only upon activation by said control assembly; a cover member couplable to said housing for covering said opening in said forward face such that said control assembly is covered; said tank having a fill opening positioned on a top surface of said tank; and a cap member selectively engageable to said fill opening for covering said fill opening.
  • 29. The fluid dispensing system of claim 28, further comprising:said cap member having a locking mechanism for preventing removal of said cap member for facilitating access to said tank only by authorized persons for maintenance of said fluid dispensing system.
  • 30. A fluid dispensing system comprising:a housing; a tank positioned in said housing, said tank having an interior space adapted for holding a vehicle fluid; said housing being structured to have an opening in a forward face of said housing; a dispensing hose assembly coupled to said tank, said dispensing hose assembly including a dispensing hose having a first end in environmental communication with said interior space of said tank whereby said dispensing hose is adapted for dispensing the vehicle fluid through said dispensing hose; a pump assembly coupled to said dispensing hose for pumping the vehicle fluid through said dispensing hose; a control assembly operationally coupled to said pump assembly for selectively activating said pump whereby said pump dispenses the vehicle fluid only upon activation by said control assembly; and a cover member couplable to said housing for covering said opening in said forward face such that said control assembly is covered; a currency collection assembly operationally coupled to said control assembly whereby said control assembly dispenses said vehicle fluid only upon reception of a pre-determined initial value of currency collected by said currency collection assembly; said currency collection assembly including a currency collection bin coupled to said cover member, said currency collection bin being positionable beneath a main portion of said currency collection assembly when said cover member is engaged to said housing whereby currency passing through said main portion of said currency collection assembly is collected in said currency collection bin; said control assembly including an accumulating timer for permitting dispensing of said vehicle fluid for a pre-determined period of time upon reception of said initial value of currency collected by said currency collection assembly; said currency collection assembly being operationally coupled to said control assembly whereby said vehicle fluid is dispensable for an additional pre-determined period of time upon reception of an additional currency in excess of said initial value of currency collected by said currency collection assembly; said opening in said housing having a channel extending along a bottom of said opening for receiving a bottom of said cover member; said cover member including a holster portion for receiving a free end of said dispensing hose; a holster switch coupled to said cover member, said holster switch being operationally coupled to said control assembly for preventing dispensing of said vehicle fluid upon return of said free end of said dispensing hose to said holster portion after use; a display panel coupled to said cover member, said display panel being operationally coupled to said control assembly for displaying a remaining time for dispensing said vehicle fluid; a spindle lock coupled to said cover member proximate a top of said cover member, said spindle lock having an interior end portion selectively engageable to an interior wall of said housing for locking said cover member to said housing; said channel in said opening of said housing having a protrusion; said bottom of said cover member having a notch for receiving said protrusion when said cover member is coupled to said housing; said notch extending upwardly into said cover member such that an upper portion of said notch receives said dispensing hose therethrough when said cover member is coupled to said housing; a transmitter operationally coupled to said control assembly for transmitting status data to a remote location for monitoring use of said fluid dispensing system; a tank fluid level sensor coupled to said tank for monitoring a level of said vehicle fluid in said tank, said tank level sensor being operationally coupled to said control assembly such that said transmitter transmits a refilling signal to said remote location upon detection of a pre-determined level of fluid in said tank; said pump assembly including a pump; said pump assembly including a filter for removing debris from said vehicle fluid, said filter being positioned between said tank and said pump whereby said filter removes debris from said vehicle fluid before said vehicle fluid enters said pump; said pump assembly including a flow meter for monitoring flow through said pump assembly; said tank having a fill opening positioned on a top surface of said tank; a cap member selectively engageable to said fill opening for covering said fill opening; said cap member having a locking mechanism for preventing removal of said cap member for facilitating access to said tank only by authorized persons for maintenance of said fluid dispensing system; said control assembly including a time display operationally coupled to said accumulating timer for showing an amount of time remaining for dispensing said vehicle fluid; said control assembly including an electronic connection port; and a wire coupled between said pump assembly and said control assembly whereby said pump is activatable by said control assembly, said wire having a first end removably insertable into said electronic connection port for facilitating replacement of said control assembly.
  • 31. The fluid dispensing system of claim 30, further comprising:a base portion coupled to said housing for supporting said housing above a surface on which said base portion rests; said base portion including a channeled rib extending upward from a bottom of said base portion; an electrical wire conduit for enclosing electrical wiring, said electrical wire conduit being positioned substantially within said channeled rib, said electrical wire conduit having an upper end extending into said housing.
  • 32. The fluid dispensing system of claim 30, further comprising:a main mounting bracket adapted for coupling to a surface, said housing being coupled to said main mounting bracket; wherein said main mounting bracket includes a medial portion adapted for coupling to an outer surface of a structure, said main mounting bracket further including a pair of outer portions extending from said medial portion, said outer portions being coupled to said housing; wherein said medial portion of said main mounting bracket includes a pair of planar outside portions and a recessed central portion between said planar outside portions; said central recessed portion including a pair of spaced vertical parallel structure bracket walls extending said planar outside portions whereby said central recessed portion is adapted for receiving a generally rectangular shaped structure; said central recessed portion having an arcuate curvature whereby said central recessed portion is adapted for receiving a generally arcuately shaped outer face of said structure.
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Foreign Referenced Citations (1)
Number Date Country
WO 0071464 Nov 2000 WO