Apparatus for providing convenience services to stationary vehicles
First Claim
1. A method of activating a service apparatus which provides at least one of HVAC and electrical power to a truck parked at a parking site, said method comprising:
- providing a supply panel adapted to be attached to the truck, said supply panel providing the at least one of HVAC and electrical power to the truck;
displaying information on a display to a user of said service apparatus;
communicating the identification of the user to a control system;
said control system recording the identification of the user, activating said service apparatus and recording usage of said service apparatus;
generating a signal, initiated by the user, to terminate usage of said service apparatus; and
providing for electronic payment for prior use of said service apparatus based on time of usage of said service apparatus.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for providing convenience services to a stationary vehicle independent of the vehicle'"'"'s electrical system. At least one conduit is attached to a housing for transferring the services to a supply panel. The supply panel includes a face on which the various controls and connectors associated with the supplied convenience services, such as heating, cooling, electrical power, compressed air, computer network communications, telephone, video, and television, are disposed. The supply panel is dimensioned to interface with the stationary vehicle through an opening in the vehicle, such as a window or service door, and includes means for providing a substantially airtight seal for climate control.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method of activating a service apparatus which provides at least one of HVAC and electrical power to a truck parked at a parking site, said method comprising:
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providing a supply panel adapted to be attached to the truck, said supply panel providing the at least one of HVAC and electrical power to the truck; displaying information on a display to a user of said service apparatus; communicating the identification of the user to a control system; said control system recording the identification of the user, activating said service apparatus and recording usage of said service apparatus; generating a signal, initiated by the user, to terminate usage of said service apparatus; and providing for electronic payment for prior use of said service apparatus based on time of usage of said service apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of providing conditioned air to a cab of a truck parked at a parking site, said method comprising:
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providing a supply panel adapted to be attached to the truck, said supply panel providing conditioned air to the cab of the truck; displaying information on a display to a user of said conditioned air; communicating the identification of the user to a control system; said control system recording the identification of the user, activating said conditioned air and recording usage of said conditioned air; directing said conditioned air to said cab; generating a signal, initiated by the user, to terminate usage of said conditioned air; and providing for electronic payment for prior use of said conditioned air based on time of usage of said conditioned air. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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19. A method of activating a service apparatus which provides at least one of HVAC and electrical power to a cab of a truck parked at a parking site, said method comprising:
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providing a supply panel adapted to be attached to the truck, said supply panel providing the at least one of HVAC and electrical power to the cab of the truck; displaying information on a display to a user of said service apparatus; communicating from within the cab the identification of the user to a control system; said control system recording the identification of the user, activating said service apparatus and recording usage of said service apparatus; generating a signal, initiated by the user, to terminate usage of said service apparatus; and providing for electronic payment for prior use of said service apparatus based on time of usage of said service apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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21. A method of providing conditioned air to a cab of a truck parked at a parking site, said method comprising:
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providing a supply panel adapted to be attached to the truck, said supply panel providing conditioned air to the cab of the truck; displaying information on a display to a user of said conditioned air; communicating the identification of the user to a control system; said control system recording the identification of the user, activating said conditioned air and recording usage of said conditioned air; directing said conditioned air to said cab; generating a signal, initiated by the user, to terminate usage of said conditioned air; and providing for electronic payment for prior use of said conditioned air from within the cab based on time of usage of said conditioned air. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24)
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Specification