Fuel dispenser using infrared technology to facilitate the communication of structured data

• US 6,688,342 B2
• Filed: 02/22/2002
• Issued: 02/10/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 02/22/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Tokheim Holding B.V. (Dover Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Tokheim Sas (Cognetas LLP)
• Inventors: Lewis, Tommy W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Douglas, Steven O.
• Application Number:
  US10/081,341
• Publication Number:
  US 20030159752A1
• Time in Patent Office: 718 Days
• Field of Search: 141/192, 141/94, 141/98, 141/231, 340/10.1, 235/384, 235/361, 700/302
• US Class Current: 141/94
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/145 by wireless communication means, e.g. RF, transponders or the like

Abstract

An apparatus and method is available for transferring data relating to the functioning of a fuel dispenser between a wireless device and the fuel dispenser. The wireless device activates a sensor on the fuel dispenser which in turn initiates the transfer of data between the wireless device and the fuel dispenser. The wireless device can download data from the fuel dispenser for review as well as modifying the data. If the operator of the wireless device modifies the data, the operator can upload the modified data to the fuel dispenser.

Claims

1. An apparatus for transferring data relating to the functioning of a fuel dispenser, comprising:

a fuel dispenser containing data;

a sensor located on said fuel dispenser, said sensor being configured for detecting an activation signal;

a controller connected to said sensor, said controller being configured for being activated upon a detection of the activation signal by said sensor; and

a wireless device configured for selectively emitting the activation signal for activating said sensor, said activated controller configured for transferring said data between said wireless device and said controller.

2. The apparatus in claim 1, wherein said wireless device is a personal digital assistant.

3. The apparatus in claim 1, wherein said wireless device is a portable computer.

4. The apparatus in claim 1, wherein said wireless device emits an infrared beam to activate said sensor.

5. The apparatus in claim 1, wherein said data is a configuration file for said fuel dispenser.

6. The apparatus in claim 1, wherein said data is an event log for said fuel dispenser.

7. The apparatus in claim 1, wherein said data is a maintenance log for said fuel dispenser.

8. A method of transferring data relating to the functioning of a fuel dispenser, comprising:

providing a fuel dispenser with a sensor, a controller and data;

activating said sensor with a signal emitted from a wireless device, the activation of said sensor initiating a connection between said wireless device and said controller; and

utilizing said wireless device to transfer data with said controller connected therewith.

9. The method in claim 8, wherein said sensor is activated by receiving an infrared beam from said wireless device.

10. The method in claim 8, wherein said data is a configuration file for said fuel dispenser.

11. The method in claim 8, wherein said data is an event log for said fuel dispenser.

12. The method in claim 8, wherein said data is a maintenance log for said fuel dispenser.