Patent ID: 6725106
Filing Date: 2004-04-20
Classification: B67D,G07F

Abstract:
A system for controlling, through a data network, an automated fuel-distribution site having fuel-dispensing equipment, said system comprising:a site control system located at the site, comprising: a site controller in communication with the fuel-dispensing equipment, the site controller being configured to manage operations of the fuel-dispensing equipment; and a site hub for routing communications between the site equipment and the site controller, and for routing communications to and from the data network; a site-configuration database populated with information regarding the configuration of the site controller; a central control system remotely located from the site comprising: a spare controller reconfigurable to at least partially match the configuration of the site controller and manage the operations of the fuel-dispensing equipment; a central controller that reconfigures the at least one spare controller when required with information from the site-configuration database; and a central hub for routing communications between the central controller, the spare controller, and the site-configuration database, and for routing communications to and from the data network; and means for determining when configuration of the spare controller is required for managing the operations of the fuel-dispensing equipment.