Abstract:
A fuel dispenser comprising fuel flow piping defining a flow path from a source of fuel toward a fueling nozzle. The fuel flow piping further has a filter manifold for mounting a fuel filter thereon. A plurality of fuel handling components are disposed along the fuel flow piping. A sensor device is mounted to the filter manifold, the sensor device having at least one sensor operative to detect a sensed condition related to the fuel dispenser. The sensor device further comprises electronics to transmit a signal related to the sensed condition.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    This application is based upon and claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/316634, filed Apr. 1, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to equipment used in fuel dispensing environments. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to monitoring the health and/or status of fuel dispensing equipment. 
         [0003]    A typical fuel dispensing environment, such as the forecourt of a retail fuel dispensing station, comprises a large number of components both for fuel handling and for conducting fuel dispensing transactions. Examples of such components include fuel dispensers, fuel piping, underground storage tanks, submersible turbine and self-contained pumps, motors, and dispensing nozzles. Further, fuel dispensers themselves typically contain flow meters, pulsers, control electronics, valves, card readers, manifolds, and internal fuel and vapor recovery piping, among many others. Many of these components are subject to regulatory requirements to maintain a high degree of accuracy and safety and to guard against environmental impact. 
         [0004]    As is well known, for a variety of reasons, these components require periodic maintenance or replacement. Some of these components tend to wear over time, which can cause a loss of accuracy or efficiency in a fueling transaction or other operational issues. Component wear can be caused by manufacturing defects, poor fuel quality, or excessive use, among other causes. Eventually, the components may fail leading to downtime while the components are replaced. Further, some of the components may fail to operate properly, leading to customer frustration or the inability to complete a fueling transaction. Moreover, it will be appreciated that there is the potential for fraud with respect to some of these components, such as a fuel flow meter, pulser, and the control electronics. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The present invention recognizes and addresses various considerations of prior art constructions and methods. According to one aspect, the present invention provides a fuel dispenser comprising fuel flow piping defining a flow path from a source of fuel toward a fueling nozzle. The fuel flow piping further has a filter manifold for mounting a fuel filter thereon. A plurality of fuel handling components are disposed along the fuel flow piping. A sensor device is mounted to the filter manifold, the sensor device having at least one sensor operative to detect a sensed condition related to the fuel dispenser. The sensor device further comprises electronics to transmit a signal related to the sensed condition. For example, the at least one sensor may comprise a plurality of different sensors including at least two of a vibration sensor, an acoustic sensor, an ionic sensor, and a temperature sensor. 
         [0006]    In some exemplary embodiments, the sensor device has a body defining inlet and outlet flow passages therethrough. The body in this case may further define a threaded hole for attachment to a first filter mount of the manifold and a second filter mount for attachment of the filter thereto. 
         [0007]    In some exemplary embodiments, the electronics are operative to transmit the signal wirelessly via an associated antenna. The antenna may be covered by an antenna lens. 
         [0008]    The at least one sensor may include one or more pressure sensors operative to detect differential pressure between inflow and outflow of the filter manifold. For example, the one or more pressure sensors may comprises a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) differential pressure sensor positioned to be in fluid communication on a first side thereof with a fuel filter inlet and on a second side thereof with a fluid filter outlet. 
         [0009]    Embodiments are also contemplated in which the sensor device comprises a power generator to produce power for its operation. For example, the power generator may comprise a turbine power generator that creates electrical energy during fuel flow. One or more energy storage components such as at least one capacitor and/or at least one battery may also be provided. 
         [0010]    A further aspect of the present invention provides a multi-mode hydraulic sensor device for use in a fuel dispenser. The sensor device comprises a body mountable along a fuel flow path in the fuel dispenser. A plurality of different sensors are operative to detect a sensed condition related to the fuel dispenser. The sensor device further comprises electronics to transmit a signal related to the sensed condition, the electronics including a radio to transmit the signal wirelessly via an associated antenna. 
         [0011]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate the scope of the present invention and realize additional aspects thereof after reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments in association with the accompanying drawing figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof directed to one skilled in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended drawings, in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary fuel dispenser in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic representation of internal components of the fuel dispenser of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic representation of certain components that may be used in a sensor arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic representation showing additional detail of an exemplary cloud connection processor and sensor gateway according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic cutaway of a multi-mode hydraulic sensor in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5A  is a diagrammatic representation of a multi-mode hydraulic sensor body in accordance with another embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic representation showing components of the multi-mode hydraulic sensor of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic cutaway showing an exemplary fuel flow stop valve that may be used in the multi-mode hydraulic sensor of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a diagrammatic cutaway showing an exemplary differential pressure sensor that may be used in the multi-mode hydraulic sensor of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a diagrammatic cutaway showing exemplary ionic and temperature sensors that may be used in the multi-mode hydraulic sensor of  FIG. 5 . 
       
    
    
       [0023]    Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0024]    Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the present disclosure including the appended claims and their equivalents. 
         [0025]    Some embodiments of the present invention may be particularly suitable for use with a fuel dispenser in a retail service station environment, and the below discussion will describe some preferred embodiments in that context. However, those of skill in the art will understand that the present invention is not so limited. In fact, it is contemplated that embodiments of the present invention may be used with any fluid dispensing environment and with other fluid dispensers. For example, embodiments of the present invention may also be used with diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) dispensers, compressed natural gas (CNG) dispensers, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquid natural gas (LNG) applications, among others. 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary fuel dispenser  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fuel dispenser  10  includes a housing  12  with a flexible fuel hose  14  extending therefrom. Fuel hose  14  terminates in a manually-operated nozzle  16  adapted to be inserted into a fill neck of a vehicle&#39;s fuel tank. Nozzle  16  includes a fuel valve. Various fuel handling components, such as valves and meters, are also located inside of housing  12 . These fuel handling components allow fuel to be received from underground piping and delivered through hose  14  and nozzle  16  to a vehicle&#39;s tank, as is well understood. 
         [0027]    Fuel dispenser  10  has a customer interface  18 . Customer interface  18  may include an information display  20  relating to an ongoing fueling transaction that includes the amount of fuel dispensed and the price of the dispensed fuel. Further, customer interface  18  may include a display  22  that provides instructions to the customer regarding the fueling transaction. Display  22  may also provide advertising, merchandising, and multimedia presentations to a customer, and may allow the customer to purchase goods and services other than fuel at the dispenser. 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  is a schematic illustration of internal fuel flow components of fuel dispenser  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention. In general, fuel may travel from an underground storage tank (UST) via main fuel piping  24 , which may be a double-walled pipe having secondary containment as is well known, to fuel dispenser  10  and nozzle  16  for delivery. An exemplary underground fuel delivery system is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,435,204, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. More specifically, a submersible turbine pump (STP) associated with the UST is used to pump fuel to the fuel dispenser  10 . However, some fuel dispensers may be self-contained, meaning fuel is drawn to the fuel dispenser  10  by a pump unit positioned within housing  12 . 
         [0029]    Main fuel piping  24  passes into housing  12  through a shear valve  26 . As is well known, shear valve  26  is designed to close the fuel flow path in the event of an impact to fuel dispenser  10 . U.S. Pat. No. 8,291,928, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes, discloses an exemplary secondarily-contained shear valve adapted for use in service station environments. Shear valve  26  contains an internal fuel flow path to carry fuel from main fuel piping  24  to internal fuel piping  28 . 
         [0030]    After fuel exits the outlet of shear valve  26  and enters into internal fuel piping  28 , it may encounter a replaceable fuel filter  30  mounted via a filter manifold  32 . As one skilled in the art will appreciate, fuel filter  30  functions to remove debris entrained in the flowing fuel before it reaches other fluid handling components in the fuel dispenser. Fuel filter  30  may also be designed to remove some water that may be present in the fuel. In this case, a multi-mode hydraulic sensor (MHS)  34  is positioned between filter  30  and manifold  32 . MHS  34  advantageously uses the filter mount of manifold  32  as a convenient and effective manner of locating MHS  34  along the fuel flow path. 
         [0031]    After fuel passes through filter  30 , it flows toward a flow control valve  36  positioned upstream of a flow meter  38 . Alternatively, valve  36  may be positioned downstream of the flow meter  38 . In one embodiment, valve  36  may be a proportional solenoid controlled valve, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,080, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
         [0032]    Flow control valve  36  is under control of a control system  40 . In this manner, control system  40  can control the opening and closing of flow control valve  36  to either allow fuel to flow or not flow through meter  38  and on to the hose  14  and nozzle  16 . Control system  40  may be any suitable electronics with associated memory and software programs running thereon whether referred to as a processor, microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, or the like. In a preferred embodiment, control system  40  may be comparable to the microprocessor-based control systems used in CRIND type units sold by Gilbarco Inc. Control system  40  typically controls other aspects of fuel dispenser  10 , such as valves, displays, and the like as is well understood. For example, control system  40  typically instructs flow control valve  36  to open when a fueling transaction is authorized. In addition, control system  40  may be in electronic communication with a point-of sale system (site controller) located at the fueling site. The site controller communicates with control system  40  to control authorization of fueling transactions and other conventional activities. The memory of control system  40  may be any suitable memory or computer-readable medium as long as it is capable of being accessed by the control system. 
         [0033]    A vapor barrier  42  delimits hydraulics compartment  44  of fuel dispenser  10 , and control system  40  is located in electronics compartment  46  above vapor barrier  42 . Fluid handling components, such as flow meter  38 , are located in hydraulics compartment  44 . In this regard, flow meter  38  may be any suitable flow meter known to those of skill in the art, including positive displacement, inferential, and Coriolis mass flow meters, among others. Meter  38  typically comprises electronics  48  that communicates information representative of the flow rate or volume to control system  40 . For example, electronics  48  may typically include a pulser as known to those skilled in the art. In this manner, control system  40  can update the total gallons (or liters) dispensed and the price of the fuel dispensed on information display  20 . 
         [0034]    As fuel leaves flow meter  38  it enters a flow switch  50 , which preferably comprises a one-way check valve that prevents rearward flow through fuel dispenser  10 . Flow switch  50  provides a flow switch communication signal to control system  40  when fuel is flowing through flow meter  38 . The flow switch communication signal indicates to control system  40  that fuel is actually flowing in the fuel delivery path and that subsequent signals from flow meter  38  are due to actual fuel flow. Fuel from flow switch  50  exits through internal fuel piping  52  to fuel hose  14  and nozzle  16  for delivery to the customer&#39;s vehicle. 
         [0035]    A blend manifold may also be provided downstream of flow switch  50 . The blend manifold receives fuels of varying octane levels from the various USTs and ensures that fuel of the octane level selected by the customer is delivered. In addition, fuel dispenser  10  may comprises a vapor recovery system to recover fuel vapors through nozzle  16  and hose  14  to return to the UST. An example of a vapor recovery assist equipped fuel dispenser is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,577, incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. 
         [0036]    In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, fuel dispenser  10  may be equipped with a plurality of sensors which monitor the health and/or status of various components in the dispenser. For example, one or more sensors may be utilized to provide “open door” fraud detection and prevention, as well as hydraulic component performance and failure monitoring (including indications of impending failure). As an “open door” system, embodiments of the present invention preferably remain functional to mitigate fraud even if panels of the dispenser housing are removed and components of the dispenser have been subjected to physical tampering (such as wires cut). Detection and monitoring may occur remotely, such as via an Internet cloud-based service. 
         [0037]    Referring now particularly to  FIG. 3 , certain additional aspects can be explained in greater detail. As shown, a sensor gateway  54  in this case communicates with a plurality of sensors located in both the hydraulics compartment  44  and the electronics compartment  46 . The sensors may be wired sensors (e.g., sensor  56 ) or wireless sensors (e.g., sensor  58 ) as necessary or desirable. Preferably, however, sensors located in hydraulics compartment  44  may be wireless to reduce the number of wires that need to be passed through vapor barrier  42 . For example, a single pickup antenna  60  can be passed through vapor barrier  42  to communicate with all sensors in the hydraulics compartment. Because, as explained below, MHS  34  preferably has several different sensors incorporated into one unit, some or all of the other discrete sensors shown in  FIG. 3  may often be unnecessary. 
         [0038]    As noted above, some preferred embodiments of the present invention utilize a MHS  34  mounted between filter  30  and manifold  32 . This single device presents a non-descript profile and provides the ability to communicate securely to control system  40 , as well as to remote command and control centers via Internet cloud connectivity. In this regard, sensor gateway  54  functionally interposes the various sensors and a cloud connection processor  62 . Cloud connection processor  62 , in turn, communicates with control system  40  and a remote cloud server (either directly or via a router located in the convenience store). Embodiments are also contemplated in which one or more of the sensors are able to communicate securely to the cloud without the need of cloud connection processor  62 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 4  illustrates preferred components of sensor gateway  54  and cloud connection processor  62  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, sensor gateway  54  preferably has a microprocessor  64  for data relay, housekeeping functions, and optionally some initial processing of sensor data. In this regard, for example, microprocessor  64  may comprise a suitable peripheral interface controller (PIC). In this case, sensor gateway  54  further includes one or more interface circuits  66  for communication with any wired sensors, as well as a radio  68  that communicates with the wireless sensors (e.g., MHS  34 ) via antenna  60 . 
         [0040]    Cloud connection processor  62  preferably has a secure system-on-module (SSOM)  70  that provides some processing of sensor data as well as access to control system  40  and the cloud server. In this regard, SSOM  70  includes a secure processor  72 , such as those available from Maxim Integrated of San Jose, Calif. Secure processor  72  contains cryptographic keys to decipher incoming information (from sensors and the cloud), and to encrypt outgoing communications when necessary. Preferably, secure processor  72  is tamper resistant such that tampering attempts will cause erasure of the data it contains. Communication between microprocessor  64  and secure processor  72  may be via serial peripheral interface (SPI). In addition, cloud connection processor  62  may include an Ethernet switch  74  to handle the incoming and outgoing flow of data. It is expected that, in most embodiments, the cloud server will provide the most powerful processing and analysis of sensor data. 
         [0041]    One skilled in the art will appreciate that the use of a gateway device is optional depending on the embodiment. For example, the MHS may be able to communicate to the cloud directly without a gateway to interpret or aggregate for it. Regardless of using a gateway or self-contained model, embodiments are contemplated that use wireless transmission to send out events to the cloud or the gateway or a controlling system. In a system where the MHS communicates directly to the cloud, the cloud may process the data and send control messages from the cloud to the dispenser to stop a transaction or prevent transactions. Embodiments are also contemplated in which the MHS is not cloud-connected, but is connected directly to a controlling device (e.g., control system  40 ) and the dispenser can send messages to the cloud as a gateway as well as act on the events directly. Various modes of wireless and wired communication are contemplated, including Zigbee, wifi, Bluetooth, RS485, RS422, RS232, CAN, LON, PWM, etc. 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a preferred embodiment of MHS  34  will be explained in more detail. As noted above, MHS  34  is configured in this case to fit between the filter manifold and fuel filter. As a result, MHS  34  can be easily installed into existing fuel dispensers already deployed, or installed into new dispensers at the time of manufacture. Preferably, MHS  34  is equipped with cryptographic keys for communication with sensor gateway  54  and cloud connection processor  62 . The keys can be injected as MHS  34  is put into operation, or when the battery is replaced in the case of embodiments having optional replaceable batteries. 
         [0043]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , MHS  34  includes a body  76  that mounts to a threaded filter mount (post) of manifold  32 . Similarly, body  76  includes its own filter mount to which filter  30  is attached. The interfaces between MHS  34  and manifold  32 , and between MHS  34  and filter  30 , replicate the manifold-filter interface. Flow paths are defined in body  76  for flow of fuel to and from the filter. Various portions of MHS  34  are labeled in  FIG. 5  as follows: (1) area for MHS controller circuit board and battery; (2) implementation area for hydraulic sensors and turbine generator; (3) gasket area; (4) antenna lens; (5) antenna circuit board; (6) threaded interface to manifold; (7) dismount switch; (8) embedded vibration sensor; and (9) embedded acoustic sensor. When MHS  34  is fitted to the filter manifold, a locking chemical is preferably utilized to secure it once seated, in order to make removal extremely difficult. 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIG. 5A , an alternative MHS  34 ′ having a body  76 ′ is shown. Body  76 ′ is configured to receive a strainer which is intended to catch large debris (with the filter catching smaller debris). The body  34 ′ has a main portion (labeled “M”) in which a plurality of sensors as described above in relation to  FIG. 5  may be located. A strainer fits in the area designated  78 . A secondary portion (labeled “S”) containing a pressure sensor defines a threaded bore that is attached to the manifold. In particular, when the filter is screwed on, it extends through the secondary portion, through the strainer, and into the main portion. The metal flexes, clamping down to make a seal on the strainer and compress to prevent leaks. This allows a pressure of fluid to be read pre-strainer/pre-filter, and post strainer/post filter to give a full picture of pressure drop through the device. 
         [0045]      FIG. 6  shows a common equipment subsystem contained in MHS  34 . As can be seen, this subsystem may include a turbine power generator  80  that creates energy during fuel flow. In this embodiment, a replaceable backup battery  82  is situated within an intrinsically safe compartment  84  defined in body  76 , for housekeeping processing when fuel is not flowing. As shown, MHS  34  further includes an industrial internet of things (IloT) microprocessor  86  and communications interface for sensor interfacing, housekeeping processing, and cryptographic communications to the cloud connection processor. The communications interface utilizes an RF transceiver  88  and built-in antenna  90 , or alternatively, a wired interface  92 . In embodiments where antenna  90  is utilized, a lens  94  transparent to the frequencies of antenna  90  is preferably located on body  76 . Antenna  90  may take the form of an inductive loop that radiates primarily a magnetic field, or a monopole/dipole antenna which primarily radiates an electric field. A wired interface can be an intrinsically safe channel with energy limiting components, or passed through a conduit which meets the applicable safety rules, or passed through an encapsulated interface. MHS  34  also preferably includes a fuel flow stop valve  96  that is actuated as described herein for fraud prevention. A dismount switch  98  detects when removal of the MHS from the filter manifold is attempted. 
         [0046]    As noted above, turbine power generator  80  spins when fuel is flowing to generate energy at a level that preferably corresponds to the maximum power load required for operation of MHS  34 . In this regard, flowing fuel rotates a magnet relative to a stationary coil to generate a current flow. This current can be harvested by a rectifier circuit (part of power management circuitry  100 ) located on the MHS controller circuit board. 
         [0047]    The rectifier charges a capacitor  102  (e.g., a supercapacitor) to a voltage level related to the speed of rotation. The energy in the capacitor  102  could be used to charge the battery used for memory backup, and for system operation. In particular, the capacitor  102  may be employed for one or more of the following functions: (1) To extend battery life by providing start up energy for the time period when fuel begins to flow, before the turbine is up to speed, (2) Supply energy to operate the fuel flow stop valve, and (3) Supply energy to provide for sensor operation during battery replacement of in lieu of a battery in some embodiments. 
         [0048]    Dismount switch  98  is located outside the gasket sealing area (as shown in  FIG. 5 ) and is closed once MHS  34  is seated. Closing the switch sets an anti-fraud switch flag in the software. If this flag is ever reset via removal of the MHS (thereby opening the switch), a major alarm is generated and transmitted to the gateway. 
         [0049]      FIG. 7  shows an exemplary embodiment of fuel flow stop valve  96  in greater detail. Various components of valve  96  are labeled in the drawing as follows: (1) butterfly valve (open); (2) spring; (3) low-power solenoid; (4) plunger moved by the solenoid to lock the valve closed; and (5) butterfly valve (open). Various anti-fraud events can cause the fuel flow stop valve  96  to close. These can include fuel flowing when not authorized by the pump controller, sensing of unauthorized opening of the hydraulic cabinet doors, etc. Furthermore, other sensed conditions can also close this valve, such as excessive debris in the fuel sensed by the ionic sensor (described below). 
         [0050]    Preferably, software algorithms may be provided to recognize anomalies that would give false indications of flow issues. For instance, nozzle snaps can cause a tremendous, instant rise and drop of pressure throughout a system (on a dispenser level or site level) as a nozzle is snapped on one dispenser and causes a hydraulic hammer type effect throughout the system. Algorithms can be provided to smooth out these and other false positives of rises and drops in hydraulic performance. 
         [0051]    MHS  34  preferably includes a suitable pressure sensing arrangement that can detect differential pressure across the filter. Referring now to  FIG. 8 , exemplary embodiments utilize a differential pressure sensor  104  inside of body  76 . In this case, for example, sensor  104  comprises an IC-based micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) differential pressure sensor that is not exposed to the atmosphere. Rather, sensor  104  is positioned between two cavities within the MHS, where one cavity is in fluid communication with the fuel filter inlet, and the other in fluid communication with the outlet. In this way the sensor is sensing differential pressure across the fuel filter. Such differential pressure sensing allows detection of one or more of the following: (1) Filter clogs (DC signal component), (2) Installation of “cheater filter” (no filtration) or ruptured filter (DC signal component), and/or (3) Internal meter or valve leaks (AC signal component). 
         [0052]    A diagrammatic representation of exemplary fuel temperature sensor  106  and ionic sensor  108  is provided in  FIG. 9 . As shown, temperature sensor  106  is located within the fuel filter outlet cavity to enable real time measurement of fuel temperature for use in automatic temperature compensation (ATC) systems or for other fuel temperature measurement requirements. The sensing element of the ATC probe may be encased in a relatively thin protective housing, such as steel that allows sensing of the fuel temperature with high accuracy. The probe preferably comprises a platinum-based resistance temperature detector (RTD) for highest long term stability, but other suitable sensors can be used. Associated with the ATC is a test well for the authorities to verify the accuracy of the temperature reading system. 
         [0053]    Fuel temperature can be used for determining fraud and flow direction of a dispensing system. Fuel at rest will have a normalized temperature rise or drop based on ambient temperature of the device (internal to the dispenser) or ambient temperature on site. Fuel at rest will have a normalized rise in temperature at rest (and the same applies for temperature drop). Moving fluid has a more erratic nature of temperature measurement based on the heating and cooling of the fluid as it moves through the system and mixes and interacts with metal and fluid of differing temperatures. Utilizing an algorithm, gradual rise or drop based on current conditions (both internal and external to the dispenser) can be easily measured to determine what is a “gradual rise or drop” versus erratic rise or drop. This can provide flow and fraud detection potentially without the need for some of the other sensors discussed herein. Temperature in the static state (not flowing) should have a common prediction of heating and cooling where fluid that is flowing will have a fairly variable measurement in temperature due to the turbulent nature of flow. 
         [0054]    In this embodiment, ionic sensor  108  utilizes a coil pickup around a “pipe” that is internal to the MHS, to sense debris in the fuel filter inlet flow. Ionic level threshold detection can be utilized for setting notification and alarm points for fuel quality. 
         [0055]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , MHS  34  preferably also includes embedded vibration and acoustic sensors. Preferably, the vibration sensor comprises an acoustic pickup that is directly mounted to the body of the MHS. The acoustic sensor is mounted such that the “microphone” part of the sensor is submerged in the fuel filter inlet cavity. The outputs of the vibration sensor and of the fuel acoustic sensor may be correlated to enable detection of one or more of the following issues: (1) Meter bearing wear or failure, (2) Valve bearing wear or failure, (3) Valve actuator wear or failure, or of associated control signaling faults, (4) Motor mount wear or failure, (5) Motor bearing wear or failure, (6) STP flow problems, (7) Cabinet door removal, and/or (8) STP flow problems. Additional information regarding suitable acoustic and vibration sensors, and their operation, can be discerned from U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2015/0346163, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
         [0056]    It can thus be seen that embodiments of the present invention provide novel systems and methods for monitoring the health and/or status of one or more components in a fuel dispensing environment. Notably, embodiments of the present invention may provide advance notice of potential security breaches, component wear or damage, and other operational issues with components in a fuel dispensing environment. Further, embodiments of the present invention provide “behavioral” analysis of a fuel dispenser or fuel dispensing environment, including internal events, customer-originated events, and potential fraud attacks. 
         [0057]    While one or more preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, it should be understood that any and all equivalent realizations of the present invention are included within the scope and spirit thereof. The embodiments depicted are presented by way of example only and are not intended as limitations upon the present invention. Thus, it should be understood by those of ordinary skill in this art that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments since modifications can be made. Therefore, it is contemplated that any and all such embodiments are included in the present invention as may fall within the scope and spirit thereof.