Apparatuses and methods for providing visual indication of dynamic process fuel quality delivery conditions with use of multiple colored indicator lights
First Claim
1. A fuel dispensing apparatus for delivering fuel from a fuel source, comprising:
- a flow conduit defining a fluid flow path from a fuel source to an outlet where fuel is dispensed;
a fuel filter located along the fluid flow path;
an electrically-controlled valve located along the fluid flow path;
at least one fuel quality sensor device configured to detect at least one fuel quality characteristic as the fuel passes through the flow conduit;
at least one visual indication device for providing a visual indication to a user of the fuel dispensing apparatus; and
an electronic control system in communication with each of the at least one fuel quality sensor device and the at least one visual indication device, the electronic control system being configured to;
receive fuel quality sensor information corresponding to at least one detected fuel quality characteristic; and
provide at least one visual indication at the visual indication device corresponding to the fuel quality sensor information, each visual indication indicative of a fuel quality state corresponding to a predetermined fuel quality characteristic range for each of the at least one detected fuel quality characteristic, each visual indication comprising a unique combination of a color component selected from a plurality of unique color components and a flashing frequency component selected from a plurality of unique flashing frequency components.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a fuel dispensing apparatus for delivering fuel from a fuel source, and related components, systems, and methods. As fuel is delivered from the fuel source, fuel quality is monitored using one or more fuel quality sensor devices, which detect one or more corresponding fuel quality characteristics. In response to the detected fuel quality characteristics, a visual indication of fuel quality is provided at a visual indication device. The visual indication includes a unique combination of a color component and a frequency component, thereby allowing a user of the fuel dispensing apparatus to quickly determine fuel quality status as the fuel is delivered from the fuel source.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A fuel dispensing apparatus for delivering fuel from a fuel source, comprising:
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a flow conduit defining a fluid flow path from a fuel source to an outlet where fuel is dispensed; a fuel filter located along the fluid flow path; an electrically-controlled valve located along the fluid flow path; at least one fuel quality sensor device configured to detect at least one fuel quality characteristic as the fuel passes through the flow conduit; at least one visual indication device for providing a visual indication to a user of the fuel dispensing apparatus; and an electronic control system in communication with each of the at least one fuel quality sensor device and the at least one visual indication device, the electronic control system being configured to; receive fuel quality sensor information corresponding to at least one detected fuel quality characteristic; and provide at least one visual indication at the visual indication device corresponding to the fuel quality sensor information, each visual indication indicative of a fuel quality state corresponding to a predetermined fuel quality characteristic range for each of the at least one detected fuel quality characteristic, each visual indication comprising a unique combination of a color component selected from a plurality of unique color components and a flashing frequency component selected from a plurality of unique flashing frequency components. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. An electronic control system configured to communicate with at least one fuel quality sensor device of a fuel dispensing apparatus and at least one visual indication device, the electronic control system being further configured to:
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receive fuel quality sensor information corresponding to at least one detected fuel quality characteristic; and provide at least one visual indication at the visual indication device corresponding to the fuel quality sensor information, each visual indication indicative of a fuel quality state corresponding to a predetermined fuel quality characteristic range for each of the at least one detected fuel quality characteristic, each visual indication comprising a unique combination of a color component selected from a plurality of unique color components and a flashing frequency component selected from a plurality of unique flashing frequency components. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of providing a visual indication of an operating status of a fuel dispensing apparatus for delivering fuel from a fuel source, the method comprising:
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detecting at least one fuel quality characteristic at at least one fuel quality sensor device as the fuel passes through a flow conduit; receiving fuel quality sensor information corresponding to at least one detected fuel quality characteristic from the at least one fuel quality sensor device; and providing at least one visual indication at a visual indication device corresponding to the fuel quality sensor information, each visual indication indicative of a fuel quality state corresponding to a predetermined fuel quality characteristic range for each of the at least one detected fuel quality characteristic, each visual indication comprising a unique combination of a color component selected from a plurality of unique color components and a flashing frequency component selected from a plurality of unique flashing frequency components. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification