A fuel dispenser system

Abstract: A fuel dispensing system includes a manifold (38) for receiving one or more grades of fuel at individual input ports and a plurality of output ports. The output ports are each connected to individual input ports of selection valves (13, 17 and 21), the latter having output ports connected to inlets of nozzles and hose assemblies (23, 25, 27 and 41). A controller (29) is included that is site programmable for designating a particular hose/nozzle assembly for dispensing a particular straight grade or blend of fuel. The controller (29) is responsive to the selection of a given nozzle (41) by a user for energising and controlling one or more flow control valves (5, 7), and the selection valve (13, 17 or 21) associated with the selected nozzle, for delivering the required grade or grades of fuel to the manifold (33) for dispensing the grade of fuel associated with the selected nozzle, in a desired amount under closed loop control.

Description: This invention relates generally to dispensing systems for delivering at least a high octane fuel, a low octane fuel, and a fixed blend of the two to a user. Certain petrol stations include fuel dispensers for dispensing at least three grades or octane levels of fuel, one of which may be a blend. Typically, a blending dispenser includes alternative dispensing of a high octane fuel, a low octane fuel, and a blend of the two. The blended fuel is a fixed blend predetermined at the fuel site where the fuel dispenser is located. Such dispensers usually include orifice flow technology, that is orifices of fixed size to control the blend ratio of the typically high and low octane fuels for obtaining the intermediate grade or octane fuel. If it is desired to change the intermediate fuel blend ratio at the site, the changing of orifices is time consuming, and awkward. To overcome this problem, recent fuel dispensing systems have been developed to use proportional flow valves with electronic feedback control in place of the orifices. In such a fuel dispenser, the controller is programmed at the site in order to provide the desired fixed blend of the high and low octane fuels at the fuel dispenser island. In such full three grade multiple product fixed blend fuel dispensers, a total of four flow meters would be typically required for each bank of three hoses, with one fuelmeter being required for tracking the volume of fuel dispensed for each one of the low and high octane fuels, and two flow meters being required in the blending operation for the intermediate grade fuel. One known system for providing dispensing of high and low octane fuels, and a third fixed blended fuel, is the Gilbarco "MPD Fixed Blender" product line (manufactured by Gilbarco Inc., Greensboro, N.C.) This system uses orifice flow technology, and meters the blended fuel. Another known system for providing a site selectable blended fuel of high and low octane fuels, in combination with dispensing of each of the latter two, is the "Wayne Series 590 Fixed-Ratio Blending Dispenser" (manufactured by Wayne Pump Division of Dresser Industries, Inc., Salisbury, Md.). This system includes stepper motor operated valves for adjusting the flow rates of the fuels being dispensed, and also for adjusting the blend ratio between the high and low fuels for blending the two to provide an intermediate grade fuel. Many other fuel dispensing apparatus for blending two or more fuels are known in the field of the present invention. One example is Krone et al. US 3,847,302 which teaches the control of a plurality of solenoid operated valves for dispensing a desired blend or grade of fuel. Preset valve openings are used in Krone in order to provide a predetermined intermediate blend. The valves are preset via the use of needle control secondary valves within one solenoid valve of each one of two pairs of solenoid valves included in a digital valving arrangement. A related system is disclosed in Krone et al. US 3,895,738. Kierbow et al. US 4,265,266 discloses a system for blending at least two products together. The system includes proportional flow control valves, and closed loop control for at least one of two products being blended. Microprocessor control is utilized for setting the openings of the proportional flow control valves to in turn control hydraulic motors, for controlling pumps in the pumping of liquids being blended together with dry materials, in the example given. Vetter et at. US 4,440,314 discloses a method and apparatus for blending at least one liquid component, such as a hardener, with a primary lacquer. Closed loop control of the liquids being blended is maintained for controlling the flow rate of one of the liquids to insure maintenance of the desired blend. The speed of pumps pumping the liquids is controlled via feedback from tachometers associated with the pump for providing signals indicating the flow rate of liquid being pumped at any given time. Shannon US 4,252,253 teaches a drink dispensing apparatus that includes a microprocessor for controlling the pressurisation and actuation of pumps to dispense a desired blend of products for obtaining a particular beverage. Goodwin et al. US 4,083,473 discloses a liquid blending system for providing three grades of fuel, gasoline in the example given, high and low octane grades of fuel are provided, along with a fixed blend portion of the two. A blend control valve 9 is operated via a first solenoid to one extreme position for dispensing the high grade of fuel, by another solenoid to an opposite extreme position for dispensing a low grade of fuel, and is also operated by an electromagnetic clutch for rotating the mechanical control valve to a predetermined intermediate position for dispensing an intermediate grade of fuel having a fixed blend ratio. A closed loop control system monitors flow meters associated with the high and low octane fuel for maintaining the desired intermediate blend of the two. Lombard US 4,043,300 teaches an apparatus and associated control electronics for comparing the flow rates of air and fuel being delivered to an engine, for controlling a valve setting the flow rate of either the air or the fuel, in order to maintain a desired ratio of air to fuel in mixing the two. Gulbrandsen US 3,717,283 discloses a fuel blending apparatus including a low octane fuel dispenser for dispensing low octane fuel from a storage tank, a premium or high octane fuel dispenser for dispensing high octane fuel from a second storage tank, and an intermediate grade fuel dispenser for dispensing an intermediate grade of fuel that is a blend of the premium and low octane fuels. Two solenoid operated valves are included for permitting high octane fuel to be delivered to a mixing point for mixing with low octane fuel for delivery to the intermediate fuel dispenser whenever such a grade of fuel is selected by a user. The low octane fuel is independently delivered to the low octane dispenser from the storage tank for such fuel. The solenoid operated valves are selectively energised for either permitting only high octane fuel to be delivered to the high octane dispenser, or for permitting high octane fuel to be delivered to a mixing point for mixing with low octane fuel being pumped through to the intermediate dispenser, for providing the intermediate grade of fuel at a given time. Ernyei US 3,410,293 discloses a system for delivering first and second products to a tank 3, for providing a blend of the products when they are mixed within the tank. Digital flow meters are connected in series with each product supply line to monitor the volume of the associated product being delivered to the tank. A control circuit monitors the output from the respective flow meters for controlling a control valve 14 connected in series with one of the product lines for adjusting the flow rate of that product for maintaining the desired blend of the two products within the tank. Gross US 3,229,077 teaches a similar system to Ernyei US 3,410,293, for monitoring the flow rate of two fluids, and adjusting the flow rates of one of the fluids via control of a servo valve in series with the product line for the one fluid, for maintaining a desired blend of the two fluids. This invention seeks to provide an improved multiple product blending system in a fuel dispenser. According to the present invention there is provided a fuel dispenser system comprising: a plurality of fuel flow control means each for supplying a respective different grade of fuel at a known rate, and a plurality of fuel delivery lines each associated with a particular grade, or blend, of fuel, the system being characterised in further comprising: connection means including a plurality of inlets each receiving a respective different grade of fuel from a respective fuel flow control means, and a plurality of outlets each connected to a respective fuel delivery line, at least one of which is capable of providing a blend of fuel received from at least two fuel flow control means, and a plurality of selection valves each for controlling the flow of fuel from a respective outlet of the connection means. By employing the present invention it is possible to reduce the number of flow meters required in a multi-product dispenser for dispensing at least two fuels, each at a given grade, and a third fuel that is a blend of the two. Various embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the drawings, in which like items are indicated by the same reference number, wherein: Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the invention. Fig 2 is a hydraulic/schematic diagram showing in greater detail the embodiment of Fig. 1 applied for use in a fixed blending dispenser with three dispensing hoses on each side of the dispenser for dispensing three different octane levels of fuel per side, respectively. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing pump operating switch locations for the typical fuel dispenser of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a block schematic diagram of the pump operating switch circuit of an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5 is a block diagram of yet another embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6 shows a hydraulic/schematic diagram of the embodiment of Fig. 5 applied for use as a site programmable fixed blender having pump handles configured substantially as shown in the embodiment of Fig. 3. Fig. 7 is an isometric view looking down from the right of a manifold embodiment of the invention for use in the embodiment of Figs. 5 and 6. Fig. 8 is an isometric view of the manifold of Fig. 7 with the manifold turned 180° and rotated 90° clockwise relative to Fig. 7. Referring to Figure 1, a fuel dispenser includes a source of low octane fuel 1, and a source of high octane fuel 3 for delivery under pressure via associated fuel pumps (not shown) to proportional flow control valves 5 and 7, respectively. Flow meters 9 and 11 are connected in series with the proportional valves 5 and 7, respectively. The output port of flow meter 9 is connected in common to the input ports of a selection solenoid valve 13, and a non-return valve 15. Similarly, an output port of flow meter 11 is connected in common to an input port of a selection valve 17, and an input port of a non-return valve 19. Output ports of the non-return valves 15 and 19 are connected in common to an input port of a third selection valve 21. The output ports of the selection valves 13, 17 and 21, are connected to one end of a low octane fuel delivery line 23, a high octane fuel delivery line 25, and a blended or intermediate octane fuel delivery line 27, respectively. The other ends of the fuel deliver lines 23, 25, and 27, are each connected to a dispensing nozzle 41, respectively, as shown. In this example, the selection valves 13, 17 and 21 are solenoid flow control valves, which in an engineering prototype were provided by ASCO 222-763 valves, manufactured by Automatic Switch Company, Florham Park, New Jersey. The proportional flow control valves 5, and 7, and the flow meters 9 and 11, are in this example the same as taught in McSpadden et al. US 4,876,653, issued October 24, 1989. In addition, controller 29 is substantially the same as the controller of US 4,876,653, but the controller 29 of the subject invention is programmed to provide the operation and functions to be illustrated below. All of the teaching of US 4,876,653 are incorporated herein by reference, which teachings include monitoring of flow meters 9 and 11, for controlling proportional valves 5 and 7, for maintaining a particular blend of the low octane fuel 1 and high octane fuel 3. Operation of the embodiment of Fig. 1 will now be described. A user first must select the particular octane level of fuel desired by lifting the appropriate nozzle 41 from a boot 440 (see Fig. 4), and activating a switch 443 to be closed, either manually or automatically, for signalling controller 29 that one of the three octane levels of fuel is to be dispensed. Note that the "pump operating switch" configuration will be described in greater detail below with reference to Fig. 4. If a low octane fuel is selected, controller 29 responds by turning on selection valve 13, and controlling the operating of proportional valve 5 via monitoring of the output signals from flow meter 9, for delivering a desired quantity of low octane fuel via hose or fuel line 23 and the associated nozzle 41. Once a particular octane level of fuel is selected by removal of a nozzle 41 from an associated boot 440, the ones of the selection valves 13, 17, 21, and proportional valves 5, and 7 not associated with the fuel to be delivered are maintained in an inactive state, even if one of the other nozzles 41 happen to be removed from an associated boot 440 during delivery of another octane level of fuel during a particular dispensing cycle. In a similar manner to dispensing low octane fuel 1, if at the initiation of a given dispensing cycle the nozzle 41 associated with the high octane fuel 3 is removed from its boot 440, controller 29 responds by turning on proportional flow valve 7 and selection valve 17, for delivering a desired quantity of high octane fuel 3 via monitoring of output signals from flow meter 11. If an intermediate octane level or grade of fuel is desired, a nozzle 41 associated with the blended fuel line 27 is removed from its boot 440. Controller 29 responds by turning on the two proportional flow control valves 5 and 7, and selection valve 21. Low octane fuel 1 flow through non-return valve 15 to the input port of selection valve 21, and high octane fuel 3 flows through non-return valve 19 to the selection valve 21. The low and high octane fuels 1, 3, respectively, are mixed in flowing from non-return valves 15 and 19, and through selection valve 21, for delivery from blended fuel line or hose 27 via the associated nozzle 41. The controller 29 is programmed for operating the proportional flow valves 5 and 7 to maintain a predetermined blend of the low octane fuel 1 and high octane fuel 3, for providing a particular intermediate grade or octane level of fuel, as described. In Fig. 2, the embodiment of the invention of Fig. 1 is shown duplicated in a hydraulic diagram for delivering one of three octane levels of fuel at any given time at either side of a fuel dispenser 30, as shown in Fig. 3. As shown, the fuel dispenser 30 has an "A" side, and a "B" side. On the "A" side three pump operating switches (see Fig. 4) are referenced as "A1" and "B1" for low-octane fuel, "A2" and "B2" for a blended or intermediate grade of fuel, and "A3" and "B3" for a high-octane fuel. Note that fuel filters 31 are shown connected in series between the low octane fuel supply 1 and the proportional flow meters 5A1 and 5B1 respectively, and between the high octane fuel supply 3 and the proportional flow valves 7A3 and 7B3. Operation of the dispenser configuration of Fig. 2 is substantially the same for each side of the dispenser 30 (see Fig. 3) as that of Fig. 1. Selection valves 13A1 and 13B1 are associated with the delivery of low octane fuel, 17A3 and 17B3 with the delivery of high octane fuel, and 21A2 and 21B2 with the delivery of a blend of the low octane fuel 1 and high octane fuel 3. Note also that the particular blend of the low octane fuel 1 and high octane fuel 3 for delivery of an intermediate grade of fuel via dispensing or fuel line 27 is in this example site programmable. In other words, controller 29 is capable of being programmed at the site of the fueling station for delivering a predetermined blend of fuel to a user. In operation of the dispenser of Fig. 2, controller 29 is programmed for responding to appropriate boot signals to turn on valves 5A1 and 13A1 for delivering low octane fuel via fuel line 23A1; turning on valves 5B1 and 13B1 for delivering low octane fuel via fuel line 23B1; turning on valves 7A3 and 17A3 for delivering high octane fuel via fuel line 25A3; turning on valves 7B3 and 17B3 for delivering high octane fuel via fuel line 25B3; turning on valves 5B1, 21B2, and 7B3, for delivering a blended fuel via fuel line 27B2; and valves 5A1, 7A3, and 21A2 for delivering a blended fuel via fuel line 27A2. The controller 29 can be programmed at the site for responding to signals from meters 9A1, 9B1, 11A3 and 11B3, for operating the proportional valves 5A1, 5B1, 7A3 and 7B3 to deliver a desired quantity of high, low, or blended or intermediate octane fuel from the associated nozzle 41 at either side "A" or "B" of the dispenser 30, in this example. With reference to Figs. 3 and 4, the pump operating switches "A1" through "A3", and "B1" through "B3", are identically configured pump operating switches 400 as shown in Fig. 4. The reference designations shown in Fig. 4 are identical to the reference designations used in McSpadden et al. US 4,876,653 for the same elements. Each pump switch configuration 400 includes a nozzle boot 440 with a pump handle element 442 that includes an SPST (single-pole-single-throw) switch 443 operated by an associated pump handle lever 42. When the nozzle 41 is inserted into its associated boot 440, the pump handle 442 is moved counter-clockwise, in turn causing the SPST switch 443 to open, for signalling the end of a transaction via a signal line 444. When a new transaction is to be initiated, the associated nozzle 41 for delivering a desired octane level of fuel, is removed from its boot 440. The pump handle 442 must be manually rotated in the direction of arrow 446 (clockwise in this example), for closing the SPST switch 443 for applying a +12.OVDC signal (+V s in this example) along signal line 444. The signal is connected via signal line 444 to a level shifter network 402, and therefrom to controller 29. More specifically, the level shifter network 402 includes an isolation resistor 446 with one end connected to signal line 444, and its other end connect in common to grounding resistor 448 and an input terminal of a CMOS buffer level shifter 450. In this example, +V volts is connected to the level shifter 450, for changing the voltage level of the +12VDC signal to the logic level of +5VDC, in this example. As shown in Fig. 4, in association with pump handle A1, a signal line 452 is connected from the output of the level shifter 402 (output of level shifter 450) to the controller 29. When controller 29 receives this signal, indicating the initiation of a dispensing operation, controller 29 responds by turning on selection valve 13A1 and proportional valve 5A1, for delivering low octane fuel via fuel line 23A, as shown in the embodiment of Fig. 2. Otherwise the operation of the dispensing cycle is substantially the same as that of McSpadden et al. US 4,867,653. As shown in Fig. 4, each pump handle or pump handle station A1 through A3, and B1 through B3 operate in substantially the same manner as that for pump handle A1. The associated initiation of operation signals are provided over signal lines 452-457, for pump handles A1-A3, and B1 through B3, respectively. In the embodiment of the invention of Fig. 1, the associated fuel dispenser is fixed at the factory relative to the positioning of the low, high, and intermediate grades or octane levels of fuel associated with fuel lines or fuel hoses 23, 25, and 27 respectively. One site programming of controller 29 can only be made of changing the blend ratio of the low octane fuel 1 and high octane fuel 3 delivered via fuel hose 27. As will be described, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, controller 29 is site programmable for selectively designating which ones of the fuel lines or fuel hoses 23, 25 and 27 are to be used for dispensing low, high, or intermediate octane levels or grades of fuel, in addition to providing for programming of the octane level for the intermediate grade of fuel via adjustment of the blend ratio between the low and high octane fuels 1, 3, respectively. In the alternative embodiment of the invention of Fig. 5, the basic configuration is substantially the same as that of Fig. 1, but with the addition of the manifold 33. Note that up to a practical limit, the manifold 33 can be provided to have more than three output ports for delivering fuel to more than three selection valves 13, 17, and 21, up to a higher number of selection valves S n , as shown. However, for purposes of illustration, the alternative embodiment will be described for a manifold having three output ports for connection to the selection valves 13, 17, and 21, respectively. Also, the number of series connected non-return valves, flow meters, flow control valves, and sources of different grades of fuel can be extended within practical limits to Cn, Mn, Vn and Fn, respectively. The number of input ports of manifold 33 would also be extended to some number n, when "n" is an integer number. In the alternative embodiment, the non-return valves 15 and 19 receive at their input ports low octane fuel 1 and high octane fuel 3, respectively. The output ports of non-return valve 15 and 19 are connected to input ports of manifold 33. As will be described in greater detail below, the manifold included in the preferred embodiment of the invention is of a relatively compact minimum volume design, for reducing the contamination of one grade of fuel delivered at the initiation of the dispensing cycle from fuel remaining of another octane level within the manifold from a last completed dispensing cycle. Controller 29 is site programmable for selecting the one of the selection valves 13, 17, and 21 to be turned on with proportional valve 5 for delivering low octane fuel into the associated fuel line or hose 23, 25, 27, respectively. Similarly, controller 29 is site programmable for selecting which one of the selection valves 13, 17, and 21 is to be turned on in combination with proportional valve 7 for delivering high octane fuel to the associated one of the fuel hoses 23, 25, 27, respectively. Lastly, controller 29 is site programmable for selecting which one of the selection valves 13, 17, and 21 is to be turned on in combination with each one of the proportional valves 5 and 7 for delivering a programmed blend of the low and high octane fuels 1, 3 to an associated one of the fuel hoses 23, 25, and 27, respectively. In this manner, a fueling station is given the flexibility of programming controller 29 to select which ones of the fuel hoses 23, 25, and 27 are to be associated with either a low octane fuel 1, high octane fuel 3, or a particular blend of the two for offering an intermediate grade of fuel. The alternative embodiment of the invention of Fig. 5 can be duplicated as shown in Fig. 6 for providing the functions thereof in a dispenser 30, as shown in Fig. 3. As shown, non-return valves 35 through 38 are included for preventing fuel delivering to the manifolds 40 and 42 (each being substantially identical to manifold 33) from returning fuel from the manifolds 40, 42 back to associated feed lines 44 through 47, respectively. In comparing the alternative embodiment of Fig. 6 to that of Fig. 2, the alternative embodiment includes the addition of two manifolds 40 and 42, and a different arrangement for the associated non-return valves 35 through 38. As shown, in the illustrated example, low octane fuel is delivered via a feed line 44, through non-return valve 35, to one input port of manifold 40, and high octane fuel is delivered via feedline 45, through non-return valve 36 to another input port of manifold 40. The output ports of manifold 40 are connected to input ports of selection valves 13A1, 21A2, and 17A3, respectively. Similarly, low octane fuel is delivered via feedline 46, through non-return valve 37 to one input port of manifold 42, and high octane fuel is delivered via feedline 47 through non-return valve 38 to the other input port of manifold 42. The output ports of manifold 42 are connected to input ports of selection valves 17B3, 21B2, and 13B1. Controller 29 is site programmable for selecting (1) which individual one of selection valves 13A1, 21A2, and 17A3 are to be individually turned on at the same time as proportional valves 5A1, for delivering low octane fuel to an associated one of the dispensing hoses 23A1, 27A2, and 25A3; (2) which other one of the selection valves 13A1, 21A2, and 17A3 are to be turned on in combination with proportional valve 7A3 for delivering high octane fuel; and (3) which remaining one of the three valves 13A1, 21A2 and 17A3 is to be turned on in combination with proportional valves 5A1 and 7A3, for delivering an intermediate grade of fuel provided by a mixture of the low and high octane fuels 1, and 3 that are initially mixed in manifold 40 for delivering to a user. Similarly, controller 29 is programmed for selecting the one of selection valves 17B3, 21B2, and 13B1, associated with manifold 42, are to be turned on in combination with proportional valve 5B1 for delivering low octane fuel; which one is to be turned on in combination with proportional valve 7B3 for delivering high octane fuel; and which one is to be turned on in combination with proportional valve 7B3 for delivering high octane fuel; and which one is to be turned on in combination with proportional valves 5B1 and 7B3 for delivering or dispensing an intermediate grade of fuel to an associated one of fuel lines or hoses 25B3, 27B2, and 23B1. Accordingly, the alternative embodiment provides a site manager with greater flexibility in programming controller 29 to dispense fuel of a particular octane level through a particular one of the dispensing hoses located on either side of a fuel dispenser 30, as previously described for the example given. Also as previously indicated, the manifolds 40 and 42, for providing a greater number of intermediate blends of fuel between the high and low octane grades, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. As previously indicated, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the manifold 33 is designed to be as compact and of minimal volume as possible. Figs. 7 and 8 illustrate such a manifold 33 used in an engineering prototype for the alternative embodiment. In the pictorials shown for the manifold 33, for purposed of illustration, assume that port 49 is an input of port for low octane fuel, port 51 is an input port for high octane fuel, and that ports 53, 55, 57 are output ports. For purposes of simplicity, mounting holes and/or mounting studs are not shown. Note that the design of the manifold 33 is made compact with a centrally located distribution chamber 59 providing very short flow passageways between any given two of the various ports. In this manner, contamination of a fuel dispensed in one cycle from fuel remaining in the just previous dispensing cycle is substantially reduced. The manifold 33 as applied for use in an engineering prototype was approximately 14cm long and 6.25cm square at each end, with the flanges associated at each port being about 5.5cm square. Many other advantages and variations of the present embodiments in the invention may be apparent to those of skill in the art, wherein such variations or alternative embodiments are meant to be covered by the scope of the appended claims. Certain of these variations have been mentioned in the above description of the invention. Also, with further reference to Fig. 6, valves 13A1 and 17A3 can be programmed to open with different blend combinations of flow valves 5A1 and 7A3, in a manner similar to that previously described for line 27A2 and valve 21A2.

Claims: A fuel dispenser system comprising: a plurality of fuel flow control means (5, 9 and 7, 11) each for supplying a respective different grade of fuel at a known rate, and a plurality of fuel delivery lines (23, 25, 27) each associated with a particular grade, or blend, of fuel, the system being characterised in further comprising: connection means including a plurality of inlets each receiving a respective different grade of fuel from a respective fuel flow control means, and a plurality of outlets each connected to a respective fuel delivery line, at least one (27) of which is capable of providing a blend of fuel received from at least two fuel flow control means, and a plurality of selection valves (13, 17, 21) each for controlling the flow of fuel from a respective outlet of the connection means. A fuel dispensing system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein each fuel delivery line comprises a hose connected to a respective nozzle (41). A fuel dispensing system as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 for dispensing low and high grades of fuel, and a blended combination thereof providing an intermediate grade of fuel wherein in operation: the selection valves (13, 17, 21) are each responsive to an individual selection signal for opening to permit the flow of fuel therethrough; a plurality of pump operating switch means (443) associated with individual ones of a plurality of nozzles (41), respectively, generate individual pump handle signals, indicative of the selection of a particular one of the nozzles (41) for dispensing an associated grade or blend of fuel; a first (5, 7) and a second fuel flow control means (9, 11) are each responsive during a given dispensing cycle to individual fuel distribution signals for delivering to respective inlet ports of the connection means, either low grade fuel, or high grade fuel respectively, or a desired mixture of the two fuels; and a controller means (29) is programmable for responding to the individual pump handle signals, for generating a combination of particular ones of the selection and fuel distribution signals, for delivering a grade of fuel preprogrammed to be associated with the selected one of the nozzles (41) for dispensing the fuel. The fuel dispensing system as claimed in Claim 3, wherein each fuel flow control means (5, 9 and 7, 11) include: a flow control valve (5, 7) having a inlet port for receiving a respective grade of fuel, and an outlet port connected to an inlet port of respective selection valves (13, 17, 21), wherein: the flow control valve of the first flow control means (the first flow control valve(5)), is responsive to a first fuel distribution signal for opening to permit the low grade of fuel to flow to a first selection valve (13); the flow control valve of the second flow control means, (the second flow control valve(7)), is responsive to a second fuel distribution signal for opening to permit the high grade of fuel to a second selection valve (17); the first and second flow control valves (5, 7)are responsive to a third fuel distribution signal, for permitting respective high and low grades of fuel to flow to a third selection valve (21) for dispensing a blend of the two from an associated one of the plurality of nozzles (41); and the controller means (29) is responsive (a) to a low grade pump handle signal for producing first selection and fuel distribution signals for opening the first selection valve (13) and first flow control valve (5); (b)to a high grade pump handle signal for producing second selection and fuel distribution signals for opening second selection valve (17) and second flow control valve (7); and (c) to an intermediate grade pump handle signal for producing third selection and fuel distribution signals for opening the third selection valve (21), first flow control valve (5), and second flow control valve (7). The fuel dispensing system of Claim 4, wherein the first and second flow control valves (5, 7) are each proportional flow control valves, and the first and second fluid flow control means (5, 9 and 7, 11) further includes first and second fuel flow meter (9, 11) respectively connected in series with the first and second flow control valves respectively, the flow control means (5, 9 and 7, 11) being responsive to flow rate signals from the first (9) and second (11) flow meters, for controlling the operation of the first (5) and second (7) flow control valves in a closed-loop manner. The fuel dispensing system as claimed in any one of Claims 3 to 5, wherein the connection means includes a manifold (33) having a first inlet port for receiving a low grade of fuel, a second inlet port for receiving a high grade of fuel, a plurality of outlet ports individually connected to a respective inlet port of the plurality of selection valves (13, 17, 21), and a fuel chamber common to the first and second inlet ports, and the plurality of outlet ports. The fuel dispensing system of Claim 6, further including a first non-return valve (15) between the first inlet port of the manifold and an outlet port of a first fuel control means (5, 9) for the low grade of fuel, and a second non-return valve (19) between the second inlet port of the manifold and an outlet port of a second fuel flow control means (7, 11) for the high grade fuel, the first and second non-return valves (15, 19) preventing the flow of fuel from the manifold back towards the fuel flow supply means. The fuel dispensing system as claimed in any one of Claims 3 to 7, further including: first (23A1), second (25A2) and third (27A3) ones of associated pairs of hoses and nozzles on one side of a housing of the dispensing system; fourth (23B1), fifth (25B2) and sixth (27B3) ones of associated pairs of hoses and nozzles on an opposite side of the housing; a first connection means having first and second inlet ports for receiving the low and high grades of fuel, respectively, and first, second and third outlet ports connected to individual inlet ports of first (13A1), second (17A2) and third (21A3) ones of the plurality of selection valves, respectively, for providing the same grade of fuel thereto during a given dispensing cycle; a second connection means having first and second inlet ports for receiving the low and high grades of fuel, respectively, and first, second and third outlet ports connected to individual inlet ports of fourth (13B1), fifth (17B2) and sixth (21B3) ones of the plurality of selection valves, for providing the same grade of fuel thereto during a given dispensing cycle; and the controller means (29) further including site programmable means for selecting the grade of fuel to be dispensed by each one of first through sixth nozzles, respectively. A fuel dispensing system as claimed in any one of Claims 3 to 8 comprising: site programmable means for designating each one of the hose and nozzle assemblies for dispensing a given grade of fuel, including means for sensing the selected one of the nozzles for producing a selection signal to activate the associated one of the selection valves, and means for delivering the appropriate grade(s) of fuel to a manifold means in the required volume for completing a given dispensing cycle. The fuel dispensing system of Claim 9, wherein the site programmable means further includes microprocessor means responsive to signals from the sensing means, and to flow rate signals, for producing appropriate ones of selection signals, and for operating the flow control means for dispensing a desired amount of the programmed grade of fuel associated with a selected nozzle in a closed loop manner during a given dispensing cycle. The fuel dispensing system of Claim 4 or Claim 8 when dependent on Claim 4, wherein the connecting means includes a first non-return valve (15) between the inlet ports of the first (13) and third (21) selection valves, and a second non-return valve (19), between the inlet ports of the second and third selection valves, for preventing fuel at the inlet port of the third selection valve (21)from flowing back towards the outlet port of the first and second flow control valves (5, 7), respectively, the third selection valve (21) being located between the first and second non-return valves. The fuel dispensing system as claimed in any claim dependent on Claim 4, wherein each one of the plurality of fuel flow control valves (5, 7)includes a proportional flow valve. The fuel dispensing system of any one of Claims 3 to 12, wherein the controller means (29) includes a microprocessor for monitoring and controlling the operation of the fuel dispensing system. The fuel dispensing system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of selection valves (13, 17, 21) each include a solenoid actuated valve.

Inventors: RONCHETTI JOHN J, YOUNG HAROLD R, RONCHETTI, JOHN J., YOUNG, HAROLD R.
Applicants: GILBARCO INC, GILBARCO INC.
Application year: 1990
Main classification: B67D5
IPC codes: G05D11, B67D7