DEVICES AND METHODS USEFUL FOR AUTHORIZING PURCHASES ASSOCIATED WITH A VEHICLE

• US 20100141403A1
• Filed: 12/19/2007
• Published: 06/10/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 01/25/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Petratec International Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Petratec International Ltd.
• Inventors: Weitzhandler, Shimon, Vilnai, Yoav
• Application Number:
  US12/524,189
• Publication Number:
  US 20100141403A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/10.420
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/145 by wireless communication means, e.g. RF, transponders or the like
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/348 by interrogating an information transmitter, e.g. a transponder B67D7/145 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/425 including components powered by electricity or light

Abstract

Disclosed are various devices useful as components of a system for authorizing purchases associated with a vehicle that are generally simple to install, operate and maintain and are generally resistant to abuse. Devices disclosed include an identification vehicle identification tag reader with a loop-shaped antenna.

Claims

1. A vehicle identification tag reader, comprising:

a) a casing configured for attachment to a fuel-dispensing nozzle;

b) an identification tag reading transceiver sealed within said casing;

c) a power storage unit for supplying energy to said identification tag reading transceiver; and

d) an identification tag reading antenna functionally associated with said identification tag reading transceiver.

2. The vehicle identification tag reader of claim 1 wherein said identification tag reading antenna is a loop-shaped antenna.

3. The vehicle identification tag reader of claim 2, wherein said identification tag reading antenna is configured so that when said casing is attached to a fuel-dispensing nozzle, said identification tag reading antenna encircles at least part of a said fuel-dispensing nozzle.

4. The vehicle identification tag reader of claim 2, wherein said identification tag reading antenna is associated with a loop-shaped portion of said casing, configured so that when said casing is attached to a fuel-dispensing nozzle, said identification tag reading antenna and said loop-shaped portion of said casing encircle at least part of a said fuel-dispensing nozzle.

5. The vehicle identification tag reader of claim 3, wherein said identification tag reading antenna is embedded within a loop-shaped portion of said casing, configured so that when said casing is attached to a fuel-dispensing nozzle, said identification tag reading antenna and said loop-shaped portion of said casing encircle at least part of a said fuel-dispensing nozzle.

6. The vehicle identification tag reader of claim 4, wherein said casing including said loop-shaped portion of said casing, is monolithic.

7. The vehicle identification tag reader of claim 4, wherein said identification tag reading antenna is embedded within said loop-shaped portion of said casing.

8. The vehicle identification tag reader of claim 1, wherein said power storage unit is sealed within said casing.

9. The vehicle identification tag reader of claim 1, wherein said power storage unit is rechargeable.

10. The vehicle identification tag reader of claim 1, further comprising a station communication transceiver configured for two-way communication with a service station controller.

11. The vehicle identification tag reader of claim 1, wherein said configuration for attachment to a fuel-dispensing nozzle comprises a clamping unit having at least two clamping components moveable relative one to the other.

12. The vehicle identification tag reader of claim 1, wherein said configuration for attachment to a fuel-dispensing nozzle comprises a constricting band.