CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application no. 63/232007, filed on August 11, 2021. The disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to fuel dispensers. More particularly, embodiments relate to a calibration device that may be used to calibrate a meter within a fuel dispenser and methods for using such a calibration device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Fuel dispensers typically possess a flow meter to measure the amount of fuel that is being dispensed. Current flow meters are often implemented using a volume displacement methodology that relies on the movement of pistons (normally 2 or 4) located inside an equivalent number of cylinders. Movement is induced by injecting the fluid to be measured into the meter. By introducing this fluid, the pressure is increased to create a sufficient amount of force to cause movement of pistons. This pressure is often generated by various pumping solutions, like suction pumps or submersible turbine pumps (STPs).

[0004] The pistons are connected to a common shaft via cams, and the linear piston movement within the cylinders is transformed into a shaft rotation. The shaft rotation is ultimately transformed into electronic pulses that are proportional to the amount of rotation of the shaft. The pulses are then counted by an electronic processing system. Based on the mechanical parameters of the flow meter, which are previously calibrated, the actual volume flow is calculated.

[0005] Due to the repeated mechanical movement, the pistons, the sealing cups, the cams, and other components of the meter are subject to wear. This wear causes the accuracy of the flow meter to be reduced gradually over time. This wear causes shaft rotation and the generation of the electronic pulses to not accurately reflect the actual volume of fuel flowing through the meter.

[0006] The resulting loss of accuracy will likely cause the measurement instrument to eventually fall outside of an approved accuracy range. This approved accuracy range often falls within a range of +/- 3 cubic inches per gallon or +/- 50 ml per 3.78541 liters. When the accuracy falls outside that range, it is normally necessary to complete a re-calibration procedure, which typically requires a site visit from a Weights and Measures (“W & M”) officer.

[0007] The W & M officer will use a certified calibration “can.” FIG. 1A illustrates a certified calibration can 15. FIG. IB illustrates fuel being dispensed through a nozzle 20 and into the certified calibration can 15. The certified calibration can 15 may often contain five gallons in the United States, but other standard volumes may be used in different regions. The calibration can 15 has an opening at the top of the calibration can 15 into which fuel may be provided. A transparent glass pipe 17 and a measuring scale are provided in the upper portion of the calibration can 15 adjacent to the opening so that the total volume within the calibration can 15 may be readily assessed once the calibration can 15 contains approximately five gallons of fuel. The process also requires temperature compensation. [0008] A W & M officer evaluating a meter will preset an exact five gallon transaction on the dispenser and check visually on the certified calibration can 15 to evaluate the difference between the volume measured by the dispenser’s meter and the actual volume in the calibration can 15. Based on the difference between the two volumes, the W & M officer will change a correction factor for the dispenser’s flow meter. Changing the calibration factor requires the flipping of a W & M physical switch, which implies breaking a W & M “seal.” Changing the calibration factor, if done improperly, could lead to significant inaccuracy problems or even fraud. As a result, the calibration factor is changed by a complex procedure involving a physical seal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In an example embodiment, a calibration device for the calibration of a flow meter is provided. The calibration device includes a piston and a calibration volume, and the piston is located in the calibration volume. The calibration device also includes a first valve and a second valve. The first valve is positioned downstream of the calibration volume and the second valve is positioned adjacent to the calibration volume to permit or prevent the flow of fluids into the calibration volume. The calibration device also includes a sensor, and the sensor is configured to provide an indication of the fluid volume in the calibration volume. Additionally, the calibration device includes at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the calibration device to open and close the first and second valves. [0010] In some embodiments, the sensor may be a position sensor that is configured to detect the position of the piston. In some embodiments, the sensor may be a volumetric sensor.

[0011] In some embodiments, the piston may be sealed to substantially prevent fluid from flowing past the piston within the calibration volume. The piston may be configured to move within the calibration volume when the amount of fluid within the calibration volume is altered. The piston may be configured to move in a first direction or an opposite second direction, and the introduction of additional fluid in the calibration volume may cause an increased pressure on a first side of the piston to cause the piston to move in the first direction. The piston may be urged in the second direction from the force of gravity and/or with the assistance of one or more biasing elements (such as a spring). The spring(s) may be connected to the piston, and the spring may urge the piston in the second direction.

[0012] In some embodiments, the memory and the computer program code may be further configured to, with the processor, cause the calibration device to close the first valve and to receive an indication that a specified volume has flowed past a flow meter. In some embodiments, the memory and the computer program code may be further configured to, with the processor, cause the calibration device to receive an indication of the fluid volume from the sensor and to determine a calibration factor for the flow meter based on the indication of the fluid volume and the specified volume.

[0013] In another example embodiment, a method for calibration of a flow meter is provided. The method comprises providing a piston located in a calibration volume. The method also comprises providing a first valve and a second valve. The first valve is positioned downstream of the calibration volume and the second valve is positioned adjacent to the calibration volume to permit or prevent the flow of fluids into the calibration volume. Additionally, the method comprises providing a sensor, with the sensor being configured to provide an indication of the fluid volume in the calibration volume. The method also comprises closing the first valve and receiving an indication that a specified volume has flowed past a flow meter. In some embodiments, the method may also comprise receiving an indication of the fluid volume from the sensor, determining a calibration factor for the flow meter based on the indication of the fluid volume, and providing the calibration factor for calibration of the flow meter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, wherein:

[0015] FIG. 1A is a front view of a certified calibration can that is frequently used by a W & M officer in evaluating a meter within a fuel dispenser in accordance with the prior art;

[0016] FIG. IB is a perspective view of a certified calibration can where fuel is being dispensed into the certified calibration can via a nozzle in accordance with the prior art further having a portion enlarged to show certain additional detail;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a front view of an exemplary fuel dispenser in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an exemplary calibration device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0019] FIG. 4A is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary calibration device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 4B is a diagrammatic view of the calibration device illustrated in FIG. 4A, wherein the fuel dispenser is in normal operation;

[0021] FIG. 4C is a diagrammatic view of the calibration device illustrated in FIG. 4A during a test transaction;

[0022] FIG. 4D is a diagrammatic view of the calibration device illustrated in FIG. 4A after a test transaction has been performed; and

[0023] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating steps of a method of operating a calibration device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The following description of the embodiments of the present invention is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. The following description is provided herein solely by way of example for purposes of providing an enabling disclosure of the invention, but does not limit the scope or substance of the invention.

[0025] Embodiments described herein provide a calibration device that may be used to calibrate a flow meter, such as a flow meter in a fuel dispenser. Using this calibration device, the accuracy of the flow meter may be maintained. The calibration device may be configured so that a calibration volume is provided downstream from the meter. Consequently, after a calibration test has been performed, the calibration device may be configured so that the accumulated volume of fuel that has been collected within a calibration volume may flow to a nozzle rather than flowing back to a storage tank.

[0026] Additionally, providing a calibration device with a calibration volume downstream of a flow meter may facilitate a calibration test to be performed during a normal fueling operation, allowing the test to occur without “stopping” the dispenser. For example, the calibration test may be performed without closing a main valve associated with the flow meter. This may be beneficial to reduce the amount of operational downtime that would otherwise occur.

[0027] Certain embodiments may comprise a second valve that permits or prohibits flow into and out of a calibration volume. The calibration device may comprise a piston in the calibration volume, and one or more sensors may be configured to identify certain characteristics about the calibration volume, such as the position of the piston or the amount of fluid within the calibration volume. By providing the second valve, flow of fuel into the calibration volume may be prohibited during normal operation, limiting wear of the components. By limiting this wear, the accuracy of the calibration device may be maintained.

[0028] Embodiments described herein may be automated so that calibration may be performed with minimal human intervention. This may be accomplished through the use of the calibration volume, the piston, and sensor(s) to reliably determine the volume of fluid within the calibration device. By automating processes for controlling a calibration device, the accuracy of the meter may be assessed more regularly so that the reliability and accuracy may be maintained at a high level. Further, the calibration may be performed without the need for any optical reading by a tester, allowing for greater precision and accuracy in calibration.

[0029] Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention may only require a small calibration volume during tests, reducing the space required for the calibration device. Additionally, the reduced calibration volume may desirably reduce the quantity of fuel that accumulates in the fuel dispenser.

[0030] An automated calibration device and processes for operating such an automated calibration device would be highly beneficial for retailers, reducing their total cost of ownership resulting from direct and indirect costs. An automated system may ensure that a fuel dispenser is in compliance with relevant rules for the accuracy of the meter. By complying with these rules, the number of visits from a W & M officer may be reduced and the amount of time that a fuel dispenser is out of order may be reduced. Automated systems may be less prone to wear and less prone to the potential inaccuracies that may be present as a result of non-automated “people” based systems (e.g., in nonautomated systems, the systems are prone to user error and may be prone to a greater lag in detecting inaccuracies). These inaccuracies may result in a fuel dispenser inadvertently providing more fuel than what was charged to a consumer.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a fuel dispenser 34 that may operate in association with a site controller 26. Dispenser 34 includes a control system 42, which may be a processor, microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, or other suitable electronics with associated memory and software programs running thereon. (As used herein, the foregoing terms, e.g., processor, etc., are all intended to be synonymous.) In a preferred embodiment, control system 42 is comparable to the microprocessor-based control systems used in CRIND and TRIND type units sold by Gilbarco Inc. Control system 42 further controls various aspects of the fuel dispenser 34 as described in more detail below. The memory of control system 42 may be any suitable memory or computer-readable medium as long as it is capable of being accessed by the control system, including random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), or electrically EPROM (EEPROM), CD-ROM, DVD, or other optical disk storage, solid-state drive (SSD), magnetic disc storage, including floppy or hard drives, any type of suitable non-volatile memories, such as secure digital (SD), flash memory, memory stick, or any other medium that may be used to carry or store computer program code in the form of computerexecutable programs, instructions, or data. Control system 42 may also include a portion of memory accessible only to control system 42.

[0032] Control system 42 is in operative communication with site controller 26. In an exemplary embodiment, site controller 26 may comprise the PASSPORT® Point of Sale system, sold by Gilbarco Inc. of Greensboro, N.C., although third party site controllers may be used. As one skilled in the art will recognize, site controller 26 may control the authorization of fueling transactions and other activities.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, fuel dispenser 34 has a base 44 and a top 46, with a canopy 48 supported by two side panels 50. Fuel dispenser 34 is subdivided into multiple compartments. In this regard, a hydraulic area 52 encloses hydraulic components and an electronics area 54 encloses electronic components. A vapor barrier may be used to separate the hydraulic area 52 from the electronics area 54.

[0034] Several components used to control fuel flow may be housed within the hydraulic area 52. Fuel from underground storage tanks (USTs) may be pumped through a piping network into inlet pipe 56. Fuel being dispensed passes through a meter, which is responsive to flow rate or volume. The meter 64 may also comprise a displacement sensor (e.g., a pulser) employed to generate a signal in response to fuel flow though the meter. Signals indicative of the flow of fuel being dispensed are provided to control system 42 via control/data lines 62. Control/data lines 62 may also provide control signaling to one or more valves that may be opened and closed to permit or not permit dispensing of fuel. For example, fuel dispenser 34 may have a main valve downstream of the meter 64 which is opened at the initiation of a fueling transaction to allow fuel to flow and closed at the conclusion of the fueling transaction to prevent further flow of fuel.

[0035] Meter flow measurements from the one or more sensors may be collected by control system 42. Control system 42 also typically performs calculations such as cost associated with a fuel dispensing transaction. Additionally, control system 42 may control transactional processing at fuel dispenser 34.

[0036] As a dispensing transaction progresses, fuel is delivered to a hose 66 and through a nozzle 68 into the customer’s vehicle. Dispenser 34 includes a nozzle boot 70, which may be used to hold and retain nozzle 68 when not in use. Nozzle boot 70 may include a mechanical or electronic switch to indicate when nozzle 68 has been removed for a fuel dispensing request and when nozzle 68 has been replaced, signifying the end of a fueling transaction. A control line provides a signaling path from the electronic switch to control system 42. Control system 42 may use signaling received via the control line in order to make a determination as to when a transaction has been initiated or completed.

[0037] Control/data lines 72 provide electronic communication between control system 42 and a user interface 74. User interface 74 includes various combinations of subsystems to facilitate customer interaction with dispenser 34 and acceptance of payment for dispensed fuel. A bezel 76 acts as a lip around the various subsystems of interface 74. In most cases, bezel 76 is flush with the face of the fuel dispenser; however, in some embodiments it may extend outwardly from the face, in effect forming a raised lip. Bezel 76 may also comprise a plurality of sections that frame or house various subsystems or components.

[0038] As shown, user interface 74 includes several input devices with which embodiments of the present invention may be used. For example, user interface 74 may include a keypad 78. Keypad 78 is typically used for entry of a PIN if the customer is using a debit card for payment of fuel or other goods or services. In a preferred embodiment, keypad 78 may be the FlexPay™ encrypting PIN pad offered by Gilbarco Inc. User interface 74 may also include a secure card reader 80 for accepting credit, debit, or other chip or magnetic stripe cards for payment. Additionally, secure card reader 80 may accept loyalty or program- specific cards.

[0039] User interface 74 may also include other input devices such as a contactless card reader 82 (e.g., for integrated circuit or “smart” cards). Further, user interface 74 may include other payment or transactional devices such as a bill acceptor 84, a receipt printer 86, and a change delivery device 88. Receipt printer 86 may provide a customer with a receipt of the transaction carried out at fuel dispenser 34. Change delivery device 88 may deliver change to a customer for overpayment. Other input devices, such as an optical reader and a biometric reader, are also contemplated.

[0040] A display 90 may be used to display information, such as transaction- related prompts and advertising, to the customer. In some embodiments, a touch screen may be used for display 90. In this case, display 90 may be configured to display a virtual keypad for receiving payment data such as a PIN of a debit card or the billing zip code of a credit card, for instance. Display 90 may also be used to receive a selection from the customer regarding the displayed information.

[0041] The customer may use soft keys 92 to respond to information requests presented to the user via the display 90. An intercom 94 may be provided to generate audible cues for the customer and to allow the customer to interact with an attendant. In addition, dispenser 34 may include a transaction price total display 96 that presents the customer with the price for fuel that is dispensed. A transaction gallon total display 98 may be used to present the customer with the measurement of fuel dispensed in units of gallons or liters. Octane selection buttons 100 may be provided for the customer to select which grade of fuel is to be dispensed before dispensing is initiated. Finally, price per unit (PPU) displays 102 may be provided to show the price per unit of fuel dispensed in either gallons or liters, depending on the programming of dispenser 34.

[0042] Further information on and examples of fuel dispensers and retail fueling environments are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 5,689,071 (entitled “Wide Range, High Accuracy Flow Meter”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,734,851 (entitled “Multimedia Video/Graphics in Fuel Dispensers”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,956,259 (entitled “Intelligent Fueling”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,052,629 (entitled “Internet Capable Browser Dispenser Architecture”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,435,204 (entitled “Fuel Dispensing System”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,935,191 (entitled “Fuel Dispenser Fuel Flow Meter Device, System and Method”); and U.S. Pat. No. 7,289,877 (entitled “Fuel Dispensing System for Cash Customers”), all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes. [0043] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an exemplary calibration device 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention the may be incorporated into fuel dispenser 34. Fuel flows through pipe 202 into a meter 204 configured to measure the amount of fuel. This meter 204, which may be equivalent to meter 64, may be in communication with the control system 42 within the fuel dispenser 34. Inaccuracy within the meter 204 may result, for example, from gradual wear. Ensuring the accuracy of the meter 204 is important to comply with W & M requirements.

[0044] Calibration device 200 includes a housing structure (in this case a cylinder) that defines a calibration volume 206 to assist with the calibration of meter 204. A piston 208 is movable within the calibration volume 206 (e.g., in reciprocating fashion). A biasing element, e.g., a spring 210, is provided to urge the piston 208 in a return direction (downwardly in this example).

[0045] Additionally, one or more valves may also be provided. In this embodiment, a main valve 212, a first valve 214, and a second valve 216 are provided. These valves may be opened and closed to allow fuel to flow or not flow through the pipe 202 and to a nozzle 68 (FIG. 2). In addition, the valves may be manipulated as described below to allow flow to enter and exit the calibration volume 206. Main valve 212 may, for example, correspond to the main valve of fuel dispenser 34 described above.

[0046] Control of the calibration device 200 and the valves therein may be automated, with instructions for operating the calibration device 200 being stored within a memory. This memory may be provided within the control system 42 (FIG. 2) or may be separate from control system 42. Calibration may be performed at regular time intervals or after a certain number of uses. For example, calibration may occur once every week, after a certain number of uses, after a certain number of gallons are dispensed, etc.

[0047] The meter 204 may be provided upstream of the remaining components within the calibration device 200 so that the calibration volume 206 and the other components are positioned between the meter 204 and the nozzle 68. By doing this, a calibration test may be performed during a fueling transaction, and the supply of fuel does not need to be stopped for a test to occur.

[0048] FIG. 4A is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary calibration device 300 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Fuel may flow through pipe 302 through a meter 304 that measures fuel flow. This meter 304 and the main valve 312 associated with this meter 304 may be in communication with pump control electronics 342, which may be located within the fuel dispenser 34 (FIG. 2).

[0049] A calibration volume 306 may be provided to assist with the calibration of the meter 304. A piston 308 and a spring 210 (FIG. 3) may be provided within the calibration volume 306. The spring 210 (FIG. 3) may be configured to bias the piston 308 downwardly.

[0050] The piston 308 may comprise a first face 309 and a second face 311. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, the first face 309 is the bottom face of the piston 308 and the second face 311 is the top face of the piston. To ensure accuracy within the calibration device 300, maintaining an effective seal to prevent leakage into the volume adjacent to the second face 311 may be important. Thus, O-rings or other appropriate sealing mechanisms may be used on piston 308 to maintain an effective seal. [0051] A second sensor 324 may also be provided to detect leakage in the volume adjacent to the second face 311. This second sensor 324 may be a hydrocarbon or liquid sensor in some embodiments. If for some reason the sensor 324 detects fuel or some other unwanted material in the volume adjacent to the second face 311 of the piston 308, then the fuel dispenser may be temporarily disabled, an alarm signal may be generated, and/or the autocalibration feature may be temporarily suspended.

[0052] Additionally, one or more valves may also be provided. In this embodiment, a first valve 314 and a second valve 316 are provided. Valves may be opened and closed, and the valves may be controlled to manipulate the flow of fuel within the calibration device 300. In this case, valve 312 comprises the dispenser’s main valve which is controlled by pump control electronics 342.

[0053] FIGS. 4B-4D illustrate various modes in which the calibration device 300 may operate. FIG. 4B illustrates the calibration device 300 in normal (non-testing) operation of the fuel dispenser. FIG. 4C illustrates the calibration device 300 during a calibration test, and FIG. 4D illustrates the calibration device 300 after a calibration test.

[0054] During normal operation illustrated in FIG. 4B, the main valve 312 is in an open state, the first valve 314 is in an open state, and the second valve 316 is in a closed state. Thus, fuel may flow through the meter 304, allowing the meter 304 to detect the amount of fuel that has flowed through it. This fuel may flow through the pipe 302 and pass the closed second valve 316. When this second valve 316 is in a closed state, the flow of fuel into the calibration volume 306 may be prevented. Fuel may flow through the open first valve 314 towards the nozzle 320, allowing the fuel to reach the vehicle of a customer. [0055] The volume control in the reference cylinder is based on a very accurate measurement of the displacement for the piston 308. The first sensor 322 may be configured to measure the position or displacement of the piston 308. For example, the first sensor 322 may be an ultrasound distance measuring device, a linear displacement sensor, or any other technology able to measure the displacement with great accuracy. This distance accuracy may be within the order of microns, allowing the size of the calibration volume 306 to be reduced. The first sensor 322 will preferably possess a higher degree of accuracy than the meter 304 itself. The first sensor 322 will preferably be configured so that the amount of wear acting on the first sensor 322 is limited, and this may be accomplished by maintaining the second valve 316 in a closed state during normal operation.

[0056] Within FIG. 4C, a calibration test is in the initial stages. The main valve 312 is in an open state, the first valve 314 is in a closed state, and the second valve 316 is in an open state. A volume of fuel may be allowed to flow through the meter 304 and through the main valve 312. This volume of fuel may be measured by the meter 304, which advantageously allows for the calibration of the meter 304. In some embodiments, this volume may be a preset volume as measured by meter 304. For example, a volume of 0.5 gallons as measured by meter 304 may be provided.

[0057] During the phases depicted in FIG. 4C, the first valve 314 is closed. Thus, fuel that has flowed through the main valve 312 may fill the pipe 302, and this fuel may flow past the open second valve 316 and accumulate within the calibration volume 306. As more fuel is introduced into the calibration volume 306, the introduced fuel will increase the pressure acting on the first side 309 of the piston 308. This increased pressure will generate a force that will cause the piston 308 to move in a first direction. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4C, for example, the piston 308 will move upward in response to the increased pressure. A biasing element may be secured, directly or indirectly, to the second side 311 of the piston 308 to exert a counteracting force on the piston 308. In the figures shown, the spring force will be directed downwardly to urge the piston 308 in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first sensor 322 detects the position or height of the piston 308 or otherwise detects displacement of the piston 308. This detection may occur substantially instantly after a predetermined amount of fuel has flowed through the meter 304. The actual volume may be the total of the measured volume in calibration volume 306 plus the known volume in the piping structure between the meter and the second valve.

[0058] The microcontroller 330 may calculate the actual volume using data received from the first sensor 322. The microcontroller 330 may compare the actual volume calculated using data from the first sensor 322 with the meter-determined volume (e.g., 0.5 gallons). The microcontroller 330 may provide a correction factor to the meter 304 or store this correction factor to a memory associated with the meter 304. The microcontroller 330 may be configured to communicate with each of the valves, sensors, and the meter 304 (directly and/or via pump control electronics 342). In some embodiments, microcontroller 330 may be part of pump control electronics 342.

[0059] After the data has been obtained at the first sensor 322, the first valve 314 may be opened as shown in FIG. 4D. Thus, in FIG. 4D, the main valve 312 remains in an open state, the first valve 314 is in an open state, and the second valve 316 is in an open state. Consequently, fuel may flow out of the calibration volume 306 and out of the pipe 302 through the first valve 314. As fuel flows out of the calibration volume 306, the amount of pressure acting on the piston 308 will be reduced, causing the spring 210 (FIG. 3) to push the piston 308 toward its initial position. Accordingly, the spring 210 (FIG. 3) and the piston 308 will assist in forcing the fuel within the calibration volume 306 out into the pipe 302 and through the first valve 314.

[0060] While FIGS. 4A through 4D illustrate a specific approach for operating a calibration device and the valves therein, this approach may be modified in other embodiments. For example, after a calibration test has been completed and fuel has flowed out of the calibration volume 306 and past the second valve 316, the second valve 316 may be closed. This may be beneficial to prevent excess wear to the piston 308, the first sensor 322, and the second sensor 324. In embodiments where the piston 308 and the other components are not subject to significant wear, the second valve 316 may be eliminated.

[0061] The microcontroller 330 may also be configured to communicate with the pump control electronics 342 (such as control system 42). The microcontroller 330 may communicate messages about the status of the calibration device 300 to the pump control electronics 342 so that a user or an operator may be notified about the status. For example, where the second sensor 324 detects that fuel has leaked to the volume adjacent to the second side 311 of the piston 308, the microcontroller 330 may be configured to receive information from the second sensor 324 and may send this information or an alert to the pump control electronics 342. The microcontroller 330 may also communicate messages about issues with the valves and about the calculated correction factor being very large. The pump control electronics 342 or some other suitable component may cause a warning notification or temporarily deactivate a fuel dispenser where the calibration factor exceeds a specified threshold to prevent fraud or other accuracy issues. The microcontroller 330 may also send and receive other information to the pump control electronics 342.

[0062] While only one microcontroller 330 is illustrated, additional microcontrollers may also be provided. In this way, a dedicated microcontroller may be provided for certain tasks, such as for the electronic control of the valves 314, 316, the first sensor 322, and the second sensor 324.

[0063] FIG. 5 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating steps of method 400 of operating a calibration device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] At operation 402, a calibration device is provided. This calibration device may be similar to the calibration assemblies illustrated in the previously discussed figures. This calibration device may comprise a first valve and a second valve. The first valve may be positioned downstream of the calibration volume, and this first valve may be configured to permit or inhibit the flow of fuel through pipes towards a nozzle. The second valve may be positioned adjacent to the calibration volume and may be configured to be permit or inhibit the flow of fuel into the calibration volume. The calibration device may be normally provided with the first valve in an open state and with the second valve in a closed state. Thus, fuel may flow into one or more pipes, past the closed second valve and through the opened first valve so that the fuel may be dispensed at the nozzle.

[0065] At operation 404, the first valve is closed. Thus, the closed first valve may prevent the flow of fuel to the nozzle. At operation 406, the second valve is opened, allowing fuel to flow into the calibration volume. At operation 408, a specified amount of fuel may be allowed to flow through meter. This specified amount of fuel may, for example, be 0.5 gallons of fuel as measured by the meter. While FIG. 5 illustrates operations 404, 406, and 408 as being performed in a specific order, it should be understood that these operations may be performed simultaneously or in other orders as well.

[0066] At operation 412, an indication of the fuel volume may be obtained. This indication may come from a first sensor that may detect the height of a piston within the calibration volume. This height may be detected substantially instantaneously after the specified amount of fuel has flown through the meter. This height may be provided to a microcontroller that may calculate the fuel volume within the calibration volume and the pipes. However, other indications of the fuel volume may also be obtained.

[0067] At operation 414, the first valve may be opened. Thus, fuel that has accumulated within the calibration volume may be drained. The fuel may beneficially flow through the first valve and towards the nozzle. Consequently, fuel may be provided directly to the nozzle without having to recycle the fuel from the calibration test to a storage tank. By doing so, the amount of wear on components within the calibration device and within the fuel dispenser may be reduced, and the rate at which fuel is provided to a customer may be increased.

[0068] At operation 416, the second valve is closed. This may be done after fuel has drained from the calibration volume and into the pipes. A spring that acts on the piston may assist with draining the fuel as the spring will gradually push the piston downward as the pressure from the fuel reduces. By closing the second valve, the amount of exposure to the piston and the first sensor may be reduced, which may help maintain the accuracy and reliability of the calibration device.

[0069] At operation 418, a calibration factor may be determined. Upon obtaining the calculated fuel volume using the indication of the fuel volume, the calculated fuel volume (which was determined through the calibration process) may be compared with the fuel volume determined by the meter. Based on this comparison, a calibration factor may be obtained. This calibration factor may be communicated to the meter and applied at the meter during subsequent uses.

[0070] FIG. 5 is only intended to provide an exemplary flow chart. Additional steps may be implemented, steps included within FIG. 5 may be omitted, the order of the steps may be altered in other embodiments, or certain operations may be performed simultaneously.

[0071] While the embodiments described above largely focus on the use of the calibration device in a fuel dispenser and for the volumetric flow rate of fuel, the calibration device may be provided for calibration of other volumetric flow meters used in other contexts. Additionally, while the meter is described as being part of the calibration device in some embodiments, the meter may be a separate component from the calibration device in other embodiments.

[0072] It will therefore be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing description thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended or to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements.