Remotely Controlled Hydrant System

Abstract

A remotely controlled hydrant system which may be quickly and efficiently connected to or disconnected from a hydrant to allow remote control of the hydrant by a remote controller such as a mobile phone. The remotely controlled hydrant system generally includes a frame which may be removably connected to a hydrant, such as a frost-free hydrant commonly used in agriculture. A pair of mount supports are removably secured against the shaft of the hydrant, such as via first and second connectors. An actuator is connected between the frame and the hydrant such that movement of the actuator in a first direction activates the hydrant and movement of the actuator in a second direction deactivates the hydrant. A control unit is adapted to receive activation or deactivation signals from a remote controller and direct operation of the actuator.

Claims

1. A remotely controlled hydrant system, comprising: a frame adapted to be connected to a hydrant; an actuator adapted to be connected between the frame and a handle of the hydrant; and a controller communicatively interconnected with the actuator to remotely extend or retract the actuator, wherein extension of the actuator moves the handle of the hydrant in a first direction to activate the hydrant, wherein retraction of the actuator moves the handle of the hydrant in a second direction to deactivate the hydrant.

2. The remotely controlled hydrant system of claim 1, further comprising a flow sensor adapted to sense a flow rate of a fluid through the hydrant.

3. The remotely controlled hydrant system of claim 2, wherein the flow sensor is communicatively interconnected with the controller.

4. The remotely controlled hydrant system of claim 2, wherein the flow sensor is positioned in an outlet of the hydrant.

5. The remotely controlled hydrant system of claim 1, further comprising a motion sensor adapted to detect motion in an area surrounding the frame.

6. The remotely controlled hydrant system of claim 5, further comprising a control unit connected to the actuator, wherein the control unit is adapted to extend or retract the actuator.

7. The remotely controlled hydrant system of claim 6, wherein the motion sensor is communicatively interconnected with the control unit.

8. The remotely controlled hydrant system of claim 7, wherein the control unit is adapted to extend the actuator to activate the hydrant when motion is detected by the motion sensor, wherein the control unit is adapted to retract the actuator to deactivate the hydrant when motion is not detected by the motion sensor.

9. The remotely controlled hydrant system of claim 1, further comprising a housing having an internal cavity.

10. The remotely controlled hydrant system of claim 9, wherein the frame and actuator are positioned within the internal cavity of the housing.

11. The remotely controlled hydrant system of claim 10, wherein an outlet of the hydrant extends out of the housing.

12. The remotely controlled hydrant system of claim 10, wherein the housing includes a hinged cover.

13. A remotely controlled hydrant system, comprising: a frame adapted to be connected to a hydrant; an actuator adapted to be connected between the frame and a handle of the hydrant; a housing including an internal cavity, wherein the frame and the actuator are positioned within the internal cavity of the housing; a control unit connected to the actuator, wherein the control unit is adapted to extend or retract the actuator; and a controller communicatively interconnected with the control unit to remotely extend or retract the actuator, wherein extension of the actuator moves the handle of the hydrant in a first direction to activate the hydrant, wherein retraction of the actuator moves the handle of the hydrant in a second direction to deactivate the hydrant.

14. The remotely controlled hydrant system of claim 13, further comprising a motion sensor adapted to detect motion in an area surrounding the housing.

15. The remotely controlled hydrant system of claim 14, wherein the motion sensor is communicatively interconnected with the control unit.

16. The remotely controlled hydrant system of claim 15, wherein the control unit is adapted to extend the actuator to activate the hydrant for a duration of time when motion is detected by the motion sensor.

17. The remotely controlled hydrant system of claim 15, wherein the control unit is adapted to extend the actuator to activate the hydrant when motion is detected by the motion sensor, wherein the control unit is adapted to retract the actuator to deactivate the hydrant when motion is not detected by the motion sensor

18. The remotely controlled hydrant system of claim 15, wherein the motion sensor is positioned on the housing.

19. The remotely controlled hydrant system of claim 15, further comprising a flow sensor adapted to sense a flow rate of a fluid through the hydrant.

20. The remotely controlled hydrant system of claim 19, wherein the flow sensor is communicatively interconnected with the controller, wherein the controller is adapted to display the flow rate detected by the flow sensor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are represented by like reference characters, which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of the example embodiments herein.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a remotely controlled hydrant system in accordance with a first example embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a remotely controlled hydrant system activating a hydrant in accordance with a first example embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a remotely controlled hydrant system disconnected from a hydrant handle in accordance with a first example embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a remotely controlled hydrant system disconnected from a hydrant in accordance with a first example embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the control unit and its interconnection with the antenna, solar panel, and actuator.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating installation of a first example embodiment to a hydrant.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating activation of the hydrant in a first example embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating deactivation of the hydrant in a first example embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a remotely controlled hydrant system in accordance with a second example embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a remotely controlled hydrant system with the housing cover open in accordance with a second example embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a frontal view of a remotely controlled hydrant system in accordance with a second example embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a frontal view of a remotely controlled hydrant system with the hydrant activated in accordance with a second example embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 13 is a front sectional view of a remotely controlled hydrant system with the hydrant deactivated in accordance with a second example embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 14 is a front sectional view of a remotely controlled hydrant system with the hydrant activated in accordance with a second example embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 15 is an upper perspective view of a remotely controlled hydrant system with a housing in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 16 is an exploded upper perspective view of a remotely controlled hydrant system with a housing in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 17 is an upper perspective view of a remotely controlled hydrant system with a housing in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 18 is an upper perspective view of a remotely controlled hydrant system in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 19 is an upper perspective view of a remotely controlled hydrant system dispensing fluid in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a remotely controlled hydrant system in accordance with an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A. Overview.

[0032] An example remotely controlled hydrant system generally comprises a frame 20 which may be removably connected to a hydrant 12, such as a frost-free hydrant 12 commonly used in agriculture. A pair of mount supports 30, 35 are removably secured against the shaft 13 of the hydrant 12, such as via first and second connectors 33, 38. An actuator 60 is connected between the frame 20 and the hydrant 12 such that movement of the actuator 60 in a first direction activates the hydrant 12 and movement of the actuator 60 in a second direction deactivates the hydrant 12. A control unit 40 is adapted to receive activation or deactivation signals from a remote controller 46 and direct operation of the actuator 60. Through use of a bracket 66 and pin 67, the actuator 60 may be quickly and easily disconnected from the hydrant 12 to allow manual operation when needed.

B. Frame.

[0033] FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a frame 20 which is adapted to be connected to a hydrant 12. In a preferred embodiment, the frame 20 is adapted to be quickly and efficiently connected to or disconnected from the hydrant 12. The frame 20 generally comprises an upper end 21 and a lower end 22. While the figures illustrate that the lower end 22 of the frame 20 is connected to the hydrant 12, it should be appreciated that various other locations along the frame 20 may be connected to various locations on a hydrant 12 in various embodiments.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the frame 20 comprises a main support 23 from which extends a pair of mount supports 30, 35 which are utilized to removably connect the main support 23 and the rest of the frame 20 with the hydrant 12. The main support 23 may extend vertically with the mount supports 30, 35 extending horizontally therefrom at a right angle, or other configurations may be utilized. It should be appreciated that the number of mount supports 30, 35 and the configuration of the frame 20 described herein is merely exemplary, and should not be construed as limiting on the scope of the present invention.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the main support 23 may be reinforced with additional supports 24, 25, 26 to accommodate the weight of attached equipment such as the control unit 40, solar panel 50, antenna 52, actuator 60, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the reinforcement structure comprises a first diagonal support 24 connected near an upper end of the main support 23 and a second diagonal support 25 connected between a lower end of the main support 23 and the first diagonal support 24 to form a triangular structure as shown in FIG. 1. A cross support 26 may also extend between the main support 23 and a junction between the first and second diagonal supports 24, 25; both to provide additional reinforcement and to provide a potential mounting point for the control unit 40.

[0036] As best shown in FIG. 4, a first mount support 30 and a second mount support 35 extend outwardly from the main support 23 at or near the lower end 22 of the frame 20. It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, only one mount support 30 may be necessary to firmly connect the frame 20 to a hydrant 12. The number of mount supports 30, 35 shown and described herein should not be construed as limiting.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, the first end 31 of the first mount support 30 includes a first connector 33 and the first end 36 of the second mount support 35 includes a second connector 38. The first and second connectors 33, 38 are adapted to quickly connect to or disconnect from a hydrant 12, such as via its outer shaft 13. In the figures, the connectors 33, 38 are shown as being comprised of brackets which connect around the hydrant 12 and are secured to the mount supports 30, 35 via fasteners 18 and nuts 19. Other configurations, such as a splint-ring or various other bracket configurations, could be utilized to removably connect the mount supports 30, 35 with the hydrant 12.

C. Control Unit.

[0038] As best shown in FIG. 5, a control unit 40 may be provided to receive signals from a remote controller 46 such as a mobile phone and to control operation of the actuator 60 to activating or deactivating the hydrant 12. The control unit 40 may include an outer casing to protect it from the surrounding environs as shown in FIGS. 1-4. The control unit 40 may be connected to the frame 20 at various locations thereon, and thus the positioning of the control unit 40 on the frame 20 shown in the exemplary figures should not be construed as limiting.

[0039] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 40 comprises a switch 42, a battery 43, and a circuit board 44. The switch 42 is utilized to direct operation of the actuator 60, which may be connected to the control unit 40 remotely or via cords 54 as shown in FIGS. 1-4. In a preferred embodiment, the switch 42 may comprise a GSM switch 42, which is configured to utilize the common GSM cellular phone networks prevalent throughout the world. However, other types of switches 42 based on other communications protocols may be utilized in different embodiments.

[0040] The circuit board 44 may comprise integrated circuitry comprising circuitry adapted to perform the various functions of the present invention. The circuit board 44 may act as an interface between the actuator 60, the switch 42, the battery 43, the antenna 52, and/or the solar panel 50 in different embodiments. In some embodiments, a discrete circuit board 44 may not be necessary, with the switch 42, battery 43, and actuator 60 being directly connected to each other. In some embodiments, the frame 20 may include an attached camera; with the camera's images or videos being transmitted via the control unit 40 to a remote location to be viewed.

[0041] The battery 43 may be utilized to provide primary or back-up power to the actuator 60, depending on the type of actuator 60 used. Various types of batteries 43 may be utilized. Preferably, the battery 43 will comprise a battery-type which is efficient, long-lasting, and rechargeable via a solar panel 50 connected to the frame 20. The solar panel 50 may be utilized to provide charge to the battery 43, or to provide direct charge to the actuator 60 in some embodiments. The type, size, placement, and configuration of the solar panel 50 may vary in different embodiments and should not be construed as limited by the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, an antenna 52 may also be provided to provide remote communication with the controller 46. In some embodiments such as the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the antenna 52 may be connected to or extent from the frame 20. The antenna 52 may be connected to the switch 42 directly as shown in FIG. 5 or may be indirectly connected to the switch 42, such as via a circuit board 44, in other embodiments. The switch 42 may, in some embodiments, include its own antenna 52. The type, size, placement, and configuration of the antenna 52 may vary in different embodiments and should not be construed as limited by the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures.

D. Actuator.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, an actuator 60 may be utilized to lift or lower the handle 16 of the hydrant 12, thus activating or deactivating the hydrant 12. The actuator 60 will generally extend to lift the handle 16 of the hydrant 12 to activate the hydrant 12 and retract to lower the handle 16 of the hydrant 12 to deactivate the hydrant 12. Various types of actuators 60 may be utilized, including but not limited to the electric actuator 60 shown in the figures. The actuator 60 may be diagonally oriented between the frame 20 and the handle 16 of the hydrant 12, or may be otherwise oriented. In some embodiments, a separate cover or casing may be provided to partially or fully enclose the actuator 60.

[0044] The actuator 60 will generally be connected between the frame 20 and the hydrant 12 such that movement of the actuator 60 in a first direction activates the hydrant 12 and movement of the actuator 60 in a second direction deactivates the hydrant 12. Generally, the first end 61 of the actuator 60 is connected to the frame 20 while the second end 62 of the actuator 60 is connected to the hydrant 12. The figures illustrate that extension of the actuator 60 activates the hydrant 12 and retraction of the actuator 60 deactivates the hydrant; it should be appreciated that the reverse configuration could be utilized in some embodiments. The direction of movement of the actuator 60 to turn on or turn off the hydrant 12 should not be limited by the exemplary embodiment of the figures.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1-4, the actuator 60 comprises a base 64 and a shaft 65 which movably extends into and out of the base 64. The base 64 of the actuator 60 is preferably connected to the frame 20 and the shaft 65 is preferably connected to the hydrant 12, such as the handle 16 of the hydrant 12 as shown in FIGS. 1-2. It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the base 64 may be connected to the hydrant 12 and the shaft 65 connected to the frame 20.

[0046] The actuator 60 will preferably be easily and quickly removable from connection with the hydrant 12. This feature ensures that the hydrant 12 may be operated in the event of actuator 60 failure, such as loss of power or communications with the controller 46. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the shaft 65 of the actuator 60 includes a bracket 66 which is adapted to removably receive a pin 67. The pin 67 may be extended through both the bracket 66 and an opening 11 on the handle 16 of the hydrant 12 to quickly and easily connect the actuator 60 to the hydrant 12. By removing the pin 67 from the bracket 66, the actuator 60 may be easily disconnected from the hydrant 12 so that the hydrant 12 may be operated as normal.

E. Operation of Preferred Embodiment.

[0047] In use, the frame 20 is first connected to the hydrant 12. FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary method of connecting the present invention to a hydrant 12, though other steps or order of steps could be utilized in alternate embodiments. In the preferred embodiment shown, the mount supports 30, 35 are first connected to the outer shaft 13 of the hydrant 12.

[0048] As best shown in FIG. 4, the mount supports 30, 35 may be connected to the outer shaft 13 by positioning the mount supports 30, 35 against the outer shaft 13 and then securing the first connector 33 around the outer shaft 13 to be connected to the first mount support 30 and securing the second connector 38 around the outer shaft 13 to be connected to the second mount support 35. With the frame 20 connected to the hydrant 12 via the mount supports 30, 35, the actuator 60 may be connected.

[0049] The actuator 60 is installed by connecting the actuator's 60 base 64 to the frame 20 as shown in FIGS. 1-4. Preferably, the actuator's 60 base 64 is pivotally connected to the frame 20 so that the actuator 60 may pivot about its base 64 when the shaft 65 is not engaged with the hydrant 12. With the base 64 so attached to the frame 20, the shaft 65 of the actuator 60 may be connected to the hydrant 12.

[0050] Preferably, the shaft 65 of the actuator 60 is connected to a portion of the hydrant 12 which may be lifted or lowered to activate or deactivate the hydrant 12, such as its handle 16. Most handles 16 used on hydrant's 12 have at least one opening 11 to which the shaft 65 of the actuator 60 may be connected, such as with a bracket 66 and pin 67. In the event such an opening 11 is not available, the shaft 65 may be connected by other means such as various clasps, brackets, or fasteners. Alternatively, an opening 11 could be created in the hydrant 12 suited particularly for receiving the shaft 65 of the actuator 60.

[0051] With the frame 20 and actuator 60 connected to the hydrant 12, the invention is ready for use. A controller 46 may be utilized to activate or deactivate the hydrant 12 through control of the actuator 60. The controller 46 may comprise any type of device capable of remotely communicating with the control unit 40 of the present invention, such as but not limited to a computer, a laptop, a tablet, a mobile phone, or the like.

[0052] The controller 46 may be set up with a timer to allow automatic activation/deactivation of the hydrant 12. Some embodiments of the present invention may be activated or deactivated through SMS messages received from the controller 46. The controller 46 may in some embodiments run specialized software programs for operating various embodiments of the present invention. Such a specialized software program may provide additional functionality, such as monitoring of water level, flow rates, battery charge, and the like.

[0053] FIG. 7 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating one exemplary method for activating the hydrant 12 remotely. Using the controller 46, the operator may press a button or perform another task which instructs the controller 46 to send an activation signal to the present invention. This activation signal will generally be received by the antenna 52. Upon receipt of the activation signal, the control unit 40 will direct power to the actuator 60 so that the actuator 60 extends. Extension of the actuator 60 will lift the handle 16 of the hydrant 12, which will cause the hydrant 12 to activate and dispense its fluids.

[0054] FIG. 8 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating one exemplary method for deactivating the hydrant 12 remotely. Using the controller 46, the operator may press a button or perform another task which instructs the controller 46 to send a deactivation signal to the present invention. This deactivation signal will generally be received by the antenna 52. Upon receipt of the deactivation signal, the control unit 40 will direct power to the actuator 60 so that the actuator 60 retracts. Retraction of the actuator 60 will lower the handle 16 of the hydrant 12, which will cause the hydrant 12 to deactivate and stop dispensing fluids.

[0055] It should be noted that the controller 46 or control unit 40 could be set on a timer, such that the hydrant 12 automatically activates or deactivates at certain times or under certain conditions. In the event of failure of any components of the present invention, the actuator 60 is adapted to be easily and quickly removed from the hydrant 12. One would simply remove the pin 67 from the bracket 66, which will allow the shaft 65 of the actuator 60 to disconnect and fall away from the hydrant 12. The hydrant 12 may then be operated manually until the present invention is functional again, at which time the actuator 60 may be easily reconnected.

[0056] F. Alternate Embodiments.

[0057] An alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 9-14. This embodiment utilizes a housing 70 which surrounds the control unit 77 and the actuator 60. The housing 70 may be attached to the hydrant 12 via a mounting bracket 78 of various configurations; an exemplary configuration being shown in FIGS. 9-10. A cover 71 may be connected to the housing 70 so that the housing 70 may be opened for access and use and closed for protection of its internal components when not being accessed or used.

[0058] In this alternate embodiment, the hydrant head 15 is removed so that the inner shaft 14 of the hydrant 12 is exposed. The inner shaft 14 extends into the housing 70, where it is connected via a linkage 79 to the actuator 60. A control unit 72, receiver 76, and battery 77 are positioned within the housing 70. The receiver 76 is connected to an antenna 52 for receiving signals from the controller 46. The battery 77 may be connected to a solar panel 50 for charging purposes.

[0059] The control unit 72 of this alternate embodiment may include a power button 73, manual override 74, and amp breaker 75. The power button 73 allows the invention to be deactivated during long periods of non-use. The manual override 74 is provided to shut down the control unit 72 or actuator 60 in emergency situations. The amp breaker 75 protects against power strikes and the like.

[0060] A separate outlet 80 and hose 82 may be provided with this alternate embodiment as shown in FIGS. 9-14. The outlet 80 may extend from the hydrant's 12 outer shaft 13 to dispense fluids therefrom. In use, activation of the actuator 60 will draw the inner shaft 14 of the hydrant 12 upwardly, thus releasing the plunger 17 and allowing fluids to flow. Deactivation of the actuator 60 will push the inner shaft 14 of the hydrant 12 downwardly, re-engaging the plunger 17 and stopping fluid flow.

[0061] FIG. 15 is another alternate embodiment of the present invention in which a housing 90 is positioned around the remotely controlled hydrant system 10 embodiment shown in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the remotely controlled hydrant system 10 includes a housing 90 which fits over the frame 20, the mount supports 30, 35, the control unit 40, the outlet 80, and the actuator 60. The upper end 21 of the frame 20, such as a portion of the main support 23, may extend upwardly out of the housing 90 as shown in FIG. 16. Similarly, the hydrant head 15 may extend outwardly from the housing 90. In some embodiments, the frame 20 may comprise pipe and pipe fittings; though other configurations may be utilized in different embodiments.

[0062] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the housing 90 protects various components of the remotely controlled hydrant system 10 from exposure to outside elements such as weather, animals, or the like. The housing 90 may comprise various shapes and should not be construed as limited by the exemplary configuration shown in the figures. The housing 90 includes an internal cavity 91 in which the frame 20, mount supports 30, 35, control unit 40, hydrant 12, and actuator 60 are positioned. The outlet 80 of the hydrant 12, solar panel 50, and antenna 52 are shown as being exterior of the housing 90. Cords 54 may extend from the solar panel 50 and antenna 52 into the housing 90 to connect with the control unit 40 as shown in FIG. 16.

[0063] Continuing to reference FIGS. 15 and 16, the housing 90 may include a cover 94 which is hingedly connected to the housing 90 by a hinge 93. The cover 94 may be opened such as by swinging the cover 94 to provide access to the cavity 91 of the housing 90. The cover 94 may include a lock 95 which selectively engages with a lock anchor 92 on the housing 90 to prevent unauthorized access to the cavity 91 of the housing 90 and its internal components. The functionality of the remotely controlled hydrant system 10 remains the same except that the cover 94 must be opened to provide access to the internal components within the cavity 91.

[0064] FIGS. 17-20 illustrate yet another alternate embodiment of the remotely controlled hydrant system 10. As shown in FIG. 17, this embodiment utilizes a housing 90 but positions the control unit 40 exterior of the housing 90 on its own lower support 96. FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate this embodiment without the housing 90 installed. It should be appreciated that the housing 90 may be omitted in some embodiments such as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 or may be included as shown in FIG. 17.

[0065] In either case, the remotely controlled hydrant system 10 will generally comprise a frame 20 including a first mount support 30 and a second mount support 35. A lower support 96 extends outwardly from the second mount support 35; with the control unit 40 being positioned on the lower support 96. It should be appreciated that the control unit 40 may be positioned at various other locations, and thus the scope should not be construed as limited by these exemplary figures. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17-19, the control unit 40 is secured to the lower support 96. The control unit 40 may be removably connected to the lower support 96 in some embodiments.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, an actuator 60 is connected between the second mount support 35 and the handle 16 of the hydrant 12. The first end 61 of the actuator 60 is illustrated as being connected to the second mount support 35 and the second end 62 is illustrated as being connected to the handle 16 of the hydrant 12. It should be appreciated that the first end 61 of the actuator 60 may be connected at various other locations so long as its second end 62 having its movable shaft 65 is connected to the handle 16 of the hydrant 12.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 17, a housing 90 is positioned around the frame 20, hydrant 12, and actuator 60. While the housing 90 illustrated in FIG. 17 does not include a cover 94, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments the housing 90 may include a cover 94 which is hingedly or otherwise movably connected to the housing 90 to allow access to its cavity 91 and the components stored therein.

[0068] Continuing to reference FIG. 17, the first and second mount supports 30, 35 are illustrated as being positioned underneath the housing 90; with the housing 90 being connected to or positioned near the first mount support 30. Various other embodiments may be utilized; such as an embodiment in which the housing 90 extends to cover both the first and second mount supports 30, 35. The lower support 96 extends horizontally outward from the second mount support 35; with the control unit 40 being positioned on and secured by the lower support 96.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 17-19, the remotely controlled hydrant system 10 may include a pair of solar panels 50 which extend upwardly from the housing 90. In the exemplary figures, the solar panels 50 are interconnected with the control unit 40 by cords 54. While a pair of solar panels 50 are shown, it should be appreciated that more or less solar panels 50 may be utilized in different embodiments. The solar panels 50 may be utilized to power various components of the remotely controlled hydrant system 10. If the control unit 40 includes a battery 43, power from the solar panels 50 may be stored in the battery 43 for use by the control unit 40 in controlling various aspects of the present invention.

[0070] As best shown in FIG. 17, the remotely controlled hydrant system 10 may include a motion sensor 97 adapted to detect motion around the remotely controlled hydrant system 10. The motion sensor 97 may be positioned at various locations on the remotely controlled hydrant system 10. In FIG. 17, the motion sensor 97 is illustrated as being positioned on top of the housing 90. Various types of motion sensors 97 known in the art to detect motion may be utilized. The motion sensor 97 will generally be communicatively interconnected with the control unit 40 as shown in FIG. 20.

[0071] The motion sensor 97 may be utilized to automatically activate or deactivate the hydrant 12. In one embodiment, the control unit 40 may be configured to activate the hydrant 12 by extending the actuator 60 when motion is detected by the motion sensor 97, such as by passing livestock or the like. The control unit 40 may be configured to activate the hydrant 12 for a set period of time upon detection of motion by the motion sensor 97 or may be configured to maintain the hydrant 12 in an activated state as long as motion is continuously detected. The motion sensor 97 may include sensitivity controls to ensure that the motion sensor 97 does not activate from grass being moved by the wind or passing leaves and the like.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 20, the remotely controlled hydrant system 10 may also include a flow sensor 98 which is communicatively interconnected with the control unit 40. The flow sensor 98 may be utilized to detect flow of fluids at any point in the remotely controlled hydrant system 10 to help identify potential problems such as well pump failure, hydrant 12 problems, power outages, battery 43 failure, and the like.

[0073] Various types of flow sensors 98 known in the art to detect and sense flow of a fluid may be utilized. The positioning of the flow sensor 98 may vary in different embodiments, but will preferably be inline so that fluids flow past the flow sensor 98. For example, the flow sensor 98 could be positioned within the inner shaft 14 through which fluids flow before entering the hydrant 12. The flow sensor 98 may alternatively be positioned in the hydrant 12 itself or within the outlet 80 of the hydrant 12. In some embodiments, multiple flow sensors 98 may be utilized at various locations to detect the overall operation of the system.

[0074] The flow sensor 98 may communicate with the controller 46 through the switch 42 of the control unit 40. For example, if the controller 46 is a mobile device such as a smart phone, the flow sensor 98 may be communicatively interconnected with the controller 46 so that an operator may be notified via the controller 46 of the status of flow detected by the flow sensor 98. In this manner, problems with the system may be quickly communicated to the operator even when the operator is not on-location by communicating the problems directly to the controller 46, such as through the switch 42.

[0075] Additionally, the flow sensor 98 may be utilized to control the amount of fluids dispensed by the remotely controlled hydrant system 10. For example, the flow sensor 98 could be positioned at the connection between the hose 82 and the outlet 80 of the hydrant 12 and be configured to detect the amount of fluids passing from the hydrant 12 through the hose 82. The controller 46 may be utilized to set a specific volume of fluids to be dispensed through the hose 82 before automatically deactivating the hydrant 12 by use of the control unit 40. For example, an operator could utilize the controller 46 to set a specific number of gallons of fluid to be dispensed. The control unit 40 would activate the hydrant 12 by extending the actuator 60 and continually monitor the amount of fluid dispensed through the flow sensor 97. Upon the present number of gallons having been dispensed, the control unit 40 would retract the actuator 60 and thus deactivate the hydrant 12. In some embodiments, a timer (not shown) may also be included to allow for an operator to preset a specific time for the hydrant 12 to be activated to dispense fluids with the controller 46.

[0076] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the remotely controlled hydrant system, suitable methods and materials are described above. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The remotely controlled hydrant system may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.