Wireless remote monitoring system

• US 20040239523A1
• Filed: 05/29/2004
• Published: 12/02/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/02/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hach Company (Veralto Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Hach Company (Veralto Corp.)
• Inventors: Rick, David L., Higgins, Timothy A., Paoli, Ernie R.
• Granted Patent: US 7,342,506 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/870.02
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 11/24 Housings ; Casings for instruments
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 15/063 using electrical means
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link

Abstract

A remote monitoring system is described which enables monitoring of flow meters or other scientific instruments from a remote location using the GSM cellular phone network. The system includes a wireless modem utilizing the GSM cellular phone network, a central processing unit, connection of a scientific instrument to the central processing unit, power supply (e.g. one or more batteries), and an enclosure for housing the components.

Claims

1. A wireless remote monitoring system comprising:

(a) a wireless modem utilizing the GSM cell phone network;

(b) a central processing unit operatively connected to said modem;

(c) means for connecting a scientific instrument to said central processing unit;

(d) power supply means for providing electrical power to said modem and said central processing unit; and

(e) enclosure means for enclosing said modem and central processing unit.

2. The monitoring system of claim 1, wherein said power supply means comprises at least one battery.

3. The monitoring system of claim 1, further comprising an antenna operatively connected to said modem.

4. The monitoring system of claim 1, wherein said enclosure means comprises first and second housings;

wherein said second housing is adapted to fit within said first housing; and

wherein said modem and said central processing unit are contained within said second housing.

5. The monitoring system of claim 4, wherein said power supply means comprises a plurality of batteries contained within said first housing;

and wherein said batteries are operatively connected to said modem and central processing unit in said second housing.

6. The monitoring system of claim 5, wherein said batteries include upwardly projecting terminals;

and wherein said second housing includes openings enabling said terminals of said batteries to extend through said openings.

7. The monitoring system of claim 4, further comprising an antenna operatively connected to said modem and extending upwardly out of said second housing.

8. A wireless remote monitoring system comprising:

(a) a wireless modem utilizing the GSM cell phone network;

(b) antenna means operatively connected to said modem;

(c) a central processing unit operatively connected to said modem;

(d) means for connecting a scientific instrument to said central processing unit;

(e) power supply means for providing electrical power to said modem and said central processing unit; and

(f) enclosure means for enclosing said modem and said central processing unit.

9. The monitoring system of claim 8, wherein said power supply means comprises at least one battery.

10. The monitoring system of claim 8, wherein said enclosure means comprises first and second housings;

wherein said second housing is adapted to fit within said first housing; and

wherein said modem and said central processing unit are contained within said second housing.

11. The monitoring system of claim 10, wherein said power supply means comprises a plurality of batteries contained within said first housing;

and wherein said batteries are operatively connected to said modem and central processing unit in said second housing.

12. The monitoring system of claim 11, wherein said batteries include upwardly projecting terminals;

and wherein said second housing includes openings enabling said terminals of said batteries to extend through said openings.