초록 ▼

Embodiments of the invention relate to a gas fire pit delivery and pay-station system for providing a gas service on a pay-per-use basis. The system provides a multi pay-station or a single pay-station configuration connected to a main gas supply of pressurized gas whereby a control signal is provid

Embodiments of the invention relate to a gas fire pit delivery and pay-station system for providing a gas service on a pay-per-use basis. The system provides a multi pay-station or a single pay-station configuration connected to a main gas supply of pressurized gas whereby a control signal is provided by the pay-station to a plurality of electronically controlled gas valves for disabling or enabling the pressurized gas to flow to one or more fire pit stations.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A gas delivery and payment system comprising: a payment station for receiving a form of payment and generating a signal to enable delivery of a pressurized gas;a plurality of fire pit stations remotely coupled to the payment station;a gas supply pipeline carrying the pressurized gas from a storag

1. A gas delivery and payment system comprising: a payment station for receiving a form of payment and generating a signal to enable delivery of a pressurized gas;a plurality of fire pit stations remotely coupled to the payment station;a gas supply pipeline carrying the pressurized gas from a storage site to a distribution end, wherein the distribution end is coupled to a plurality of electronically-actuated gas valves, wherein each fire pit station is remotely coupled to each of the plurality of electronically-actuated gas valves through a gas coupling pipeline; anda controller cable having a first end coupled to the payment station and a second end coupled to each of the plurality of electronically-actuated gas valves, the payment station including a multi-channel valve controller in communication with each of the plurality of electronically-actuated gas valves, wherein the multi-channel valve controller generates a control signal to actuate at least one of the plurality of electronically-actuated gas valves for a pre-determined time period upon receipt of payment. 2. The gas delivery and payment system of claim 1, wherein the payment station further comprises a control panel having a touchscreen display. 3. The gas delivery and payment system of claim 2, wherein the control panel provides a user a list of selectable options to enable the pressurized gas to flow to a selected fire pit station. 4. The gas delivery and payment system of claim 3, wherein the list of selectable options includes fire pit station numbers, run-time duration periods, and payment options. 5. The gas delivery and payment system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of digital timers remotely coupled to the payment station. 6. The gas delivery and payment system of claim 5, wherein each digital timer is in proximity to each fire pit station. 7. The gas delivery and payment system of claim 1, further comprising a solar panel array coupled to the payment station through a rechargeable battery, charge controller, and inverter thereby providing a backup power supply to the payment station. 8. A gas delivery and payment system comprising: a payment station for receiving a form of payment and generating a signal to enable delivery of a pressurized gas;a fire pit station coupled to the payment station, the payment station located in proximity to the fire pit station;a gas supply pipeline carrying the pressurized gas from a storage site to a distribution end, wherein the distribution end is coupled to an electronically-actuated gas valve, wherein the fire pit station is coupled to the electronically-actuated gas valve through a gas coupling pipeline; anda controller cable having a first end coupled to the payment station and a second end coupled to the electronically-actuated gas valve, the payment station including a single-channel valve controller in communication with the electronically-actuated gas valve, wherein the single-channel valve controller generates a control signal to actuate the electronically-actuated gas valve for a pre-determined time period upon receipt of payment. 9. The gas delivery and payment system of claim 8, wherein the payment station further comprises a control panel having an LCD display. 10. The gas delivery and payment system of claim 9, wherein the control panel provides a user a list of selectable options to enable the pressurized gas to flow to the fire pit station. 11. The gas delivery and payment system of claim 10, wherein the list of selectable options includes run-time duration periods and payment options. 12. The gas delivery and payment system of claim 11, further comprising a motion detector coupled to the control panel, the motion detector triggering a shut-off signal to the electronically-actuated gas valve when no movement is detected at the fire pit station. 13. The gas delivery and payment system of claim 12, wherein the motion detector includes a first trigger setting and a second trigger setting. 14. The gas delivery and payment system of claim 13, wherein the first trigger setting generates a first shutoff signal for reducing the flow of the pressurized gas to the fire pit station, and wherein the second trigger setting generates a second shutoff signal for disabling the flow of the pressurized gas to the fire pit station.