Importance

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Abstract

A system for monitoring and delivering fuel to vehicles, consisting of at least three levels of control and data storage. Each vehicle using the system has a key that stores transactional data and data concerning the vehicle and its fuel requirements, which key is received by a fuel delivery control device associated with a fuel pump. The control device may independently validate and authorize fuel transactions upon receipt of such key, and may maintain and transfer transactional and key parameter data. A central control unit gathers transactional data from any number of control devices and communicates updated information to the devices to facilitate their independent operation. A fourth level of control and data storage may be provided with a telecommunications link between a number of central control units and a master management system. Operational algorithms within each component of the system permit their independent operation and provide alternative means for transferring data when communication between components fails. Additionally, transfer keys are provided for transferring data from control devices to central control units and vice versa. Finally, fuel storage tank sensors communicate data to the central control unit concerning fuel levels, thereby allowing for fuel inventory management and the detection of environmental leaks.

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First Claim