Method and system for remote monitoring at a nozzle

• US 20060131038A1
• Filed: 11/05/2004
• Published: 06/22/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/07/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: John F. Lichtig
• Original Assignee: John F. Lichtig
• Inventors: Lichtig, John F.
• Application Number:
  US10/983,210
• Publication Number:
  US 20060131038A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 169/52
• CPC Class Codes: A62C 25/005 Accessories
• CPC Class Codes: A62C 27/00 Fire-fighting land vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: A62C 29/00 Fire-fighting vessels or like floating structures
• CPC Class Codes: A62C 31/28 Accessories for delivery devices, e.g. supports
• CPC Class Codes: A62C 33/06 Hose or pipe bridges
• CPC Class Codes: A62C 37/50 Testing or indicating devices for determining the state of readiness of the equipment

Abstract

A system where a sensor is placed in proximity to the nozzle of a hose to monitor pressure or other quantity. The system includes a communication link between the sensor and a remote station. Normally this is a radio link. Pressure values can be transmitted to a receiver and optional processor located near a pump. An operator can then adjust the pump to produce the desired pressure at the nozzle. Optionally, the processor can directly control the pump through a closed-loop feedback system. The communications link can use frequency or space diversity to combat fading. Radio diversity can be accomplished through the use of two or more channels. Any type of sensor can be mounted at the nozzle location.

Claims

1. A system for remotely monitoring the pressure at a hose nozzle comprising:

a pump providing liquid pressure to a nozzle;

a pressure sensor in proximity to said nozzle monitoring pressure at said nozzle;

a transmitter coupled to said pressure sensor transmitting messages pertaining to said pressure;

a receiver receiving said messages from said transmitter and reporting said pressure.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said transmitter is a wireless transmitter.

3. The system of claim 1 further comprising a closed feedback loop, said closed feedback loop receiving pressure information from said receiver and controlling said pressure.

4. The system of claim 2 further comprising transmitting said messages on at least two different radio frequencies.

5. The system of claim 2 further comprising said radio receiver having at least two separate antennas.

6. The system of claim 1 further comprising additionally monitoring pressure at a discharge.

7. The system of claim 1 further comprising a processor in electrical communication with said receiver.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein said processor reports said pressure on a display.

9. A method of maintaining correct pressure at the nozzle end of a hose comprising the steps of:

providing a pressure sensor in proximity to said nozzle;

providing a means for communication from said nozzle to a remote location;

transmitting current pressure values over said means of communication to said remote location;

using said pressure values at said remote location to maintain a correct pressure at said nozzle.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein said pressure values are received by a receiver apparatus located in proximity to a pump.

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising a processor in electrical communication with said receiver apparatus.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein said processor automatically controls pressure in said hose based on feedback from said pressure sensor.

13. The method of claim 9 wherein said pressure values are transmitted to said remote location over a radio link.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein said radio link uses at least two frequencies.

15. The method of claim 10 wherein said receiver apparatus is a radio receiver with more than one receive antenna location.

16. The method of claim 9 further comprising additionally monitoring pressure at a discharge point.

17. A fire hose water pressure monitoring system for monitoring and controlling water pressure at a fire hose nozzle comprising, in combination:

a pressure sensor for measuring said water pressure, said pressure sensor located near said nozzle;

a radio transmitter coupled to said pressure sensor for transmitting a signal representative of a pressure value to a remote location;

at least one radio receiver remote from said nozzle for receiving a transmission from said radio transmitter, said receiver receiving said signal representative of said pressure value;

a processor in electrical communication with said receiver, said processor presenting said pressure value so that pressure can be controlled.

18. The system of claim 17 wherein said radio transmitter transmits on two radio channels of different frequencies.

19. The system of claim 17 wherein said radio receiver has more than one antenna.

21. The system of claim 17 further comprising at least one additional sensor reporting back a quantity value over said radio transmitter.

20. The system of 17 wherein said processor controls said pressure in a closed loop configuration.