Antitheft mechanism for gasoline pump

• US 4,367,827 A
• Filed: 12/08/1980
• Issued: 01/11/1983
• Est. Priority Date: 12/08/1980
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company Incorporated (BP PLC)
• Original Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company Incorporated (BP PLC)
• Inventors: Senese, Frank J., Keller, Gerald H., Vlasic, John G.
• Primary Examiner(s): SKAGGS JR, H GRANT
• Application Number:
  US06/214,186
• Time in Patent Office: 764 Days
• Field of Search: 222/153, 222/23, 222/52, 222/76, 222/2, 307/115, 307/116, 307/139, 307/140, 307/142, 70/389, 361/189, 340/568, 340/542, 194/4 R, 194/4 C, 194/4 G, 194/13, 194/5
• US Class Current: 222/2
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/064 Drive-off preventing means, e.g. in case of non-payment
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7768 Key-removal preventing

Abstract

An improved self-service gasoline pump is designed to insure payment for the fuel which has been delivered by the pump. The pump includes a switch mechanism which must be operated by the ignition key of an automobile prior to operation of the pump. Upon insertion of the ignition key into the switch mechanism, the mechanism automatically clamps and retains the key until the key is released by operation of a remote switch at the cash collection station. The switch mechanism includes a key actuated switch in the key slot. Upon actuation of the switch, a fuel pump circuit is closed and a solenoid locking circuit is also closed which causes the key to be clamped. A remote unlocking switch may be operated to release the solenoid locking circuit.

Claims

1. In a pump apparatus for dispensing gasoline or other fuel, the improvement of security means to inhibit theft of fuel, said means including a remote control switch and also including a key operated relay connected in series with a power supply for the pump apparatus and the pump apparatus, said relay comprising, in combination:

a barrel having a slot for receipt of a key, said slot defining an axis;

a contact switch to be contacted by a key after insertion of that key into the slot;

a key gripping member aligned generally transverse to the axis and translatable in a passage in the barrel into and out of a position of engagement with the key positioned in the slot, said key gripping member comprising bifurcated arms projecting on opposite sides of the axis and slot for engagement with a bit of the key in the slot; and

solenoid means attached to the key gripping member to drive the member into and out of engagement with the key in the slot, said solenoid means in series with the contact switch to effect operation of the solenoid means for movement to engage the key and also in series with said remote control switch for release of the solenoid means upon operation of the remote switch.

2. The improvement of claim 1 wherein said contact switch comprises a switch mechanism at one end of the slot in the barrel positioned on the axis for engagement only by a key fully inserted into the slot.

3. The improvement of claim 2 wherein the switch mechanism is normally open.

4. In a pump apparatus for dispensing gasoline or other fuel, the improvement of security means to inhibit theft of fuel comprising, in combination:

a key operated relay connected in series with a power supply for the fuel pump apparatus and the fuel pump apparatus, said relay including barrel means defining a slot for receiving a key and having an axis, a key gripping member aligned generally transverse to the axis and translatable into and out of a position of engagement with the key comprising separate jaw members,

a contact switch located so as to be contacted by a key after insertion of that key into the slot, and a means for closing and opening the jaw members into engagement with a key in the slot, and

a remote switch means in series with said contact switch for causing said means to open the jaw members from the key.

5. The improvement of claim 4 wherein the means for closing and opening the jaw members comprises a solenoid attached to at least one jaw member.

6. The improvement of claim 4 wherein said contact switch comprises a switch mechanism at one end of the slot in the barrel positioned on the axis for engagement only by a key fully inserted into the slot.

7. The improvement of claim 6 wherein the switch mechanism is normally open.