Hydrant monitoring system and method

Abstract

A method for transferring adverse event information from a plurality of remote hydrants to a municipal monitoring server comprises detecting an adverse event in a hydrant that relates to an adverse hydrant condition; transferring data representative of the adverse condition to a host server by routing the data along a predefined hopping path; and transferring the data from the host monitor to the municipal monitoring server. A system for detecting adverse events at a hydrant and event information to a municipal monitoring sever is also disclosed.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 825,797, filed May 21, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention relates to remote monitoring and data collection of municipal infrastructure such as hydrants. In one of its aspects, the invention relates to a system and method of sensing and gathering data from hydrants. In another of its aspects, the invention relates to a radio frequency communications system that communicates sensed data relating to monitoring hydrants by transferring data packets along a predetermined route. In another of its aspects, the invention relates to monitoring and communication systems, such as for monitoring and reporting various parameters associated with remote data sensing of municipal infrastructure. In another of its aspects, the invention relates to a wireless radio frequency communication system for tra...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a system for collecting data about adverse conditions in fire hydrants and transferring it to a municipal monitoring server. The system includes a host server, a plurality of transmission communication units, and a hydrant monitor. The hydrant monitor detects an adverse condition and sends a signal to the host server. The host server then sends the data about the adverse condition to the municipal monitoring server through a predefined hopping path. The system allows for the remote monitoring of hydrants and the timely detection and reporting of adverse conditions.

Problems solved by technology

For example, the adverse event may be the removal of a nozzle cap from the hydrant, the presence of a predetermined level of fluid in the hydrant and tampering of the hydrant or tampering with the hydrant.

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