AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention title: Infrastructure monitoring devices, systems, and methods The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us. arsm A01 32860018-v1 120524463 INFRASTRUCTURE MONITORING DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS This application is divided from Australian patent application No 2010249499, the 5 contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background 1. Field of the Invention The invention is directed to devices, systems, and methods of monitoring and 10 controlling an infrastructure such as, but not limited to the supply and use of commercial, industrial or residential water, gas and/or electric, and, in particular, to devices, methods, and systems for monitoring and controlling a municipality and alerting a user to potential faults and actions required. 2. Background of the Invention 15 Municipalities administer and/or outsource numerous utility and safety systems within each municipality. Such systems are usually complex infrastructures and include but are not limited to water distribution, gas distribution, electricity distribution, waste management, traffic control, fire departments, police departments, and emergency response departments. Each of these systems needs to be monitored for use 20 (authorizsed or unauthorized), faults, tampering, events, leaks, contamination, and/or other issues. Often to obtain an understanding of the state of any one system, or for billing or repair purposes, personnel must be sent into the municipality to manually check for problems with the system. This is slow, labor-intensive process can lead to overlooked 25 problems. Furthermore, preferred aspects of the system may only be evaluated irregularly or infrequently, thereby allowing a problem to go unchecked for long periods of time. For example, a leak in a water main may cost a water company a significant amount of money in lost water, energy usage, and chemical treatment, particularly if the leak is not discovered for a long period of time. Furthermore, a leak can lead to underground 30 structural erosion. Another problem and disadvantage associated with current systems if the lack of property rights sufficient to maintain a network of monitors and device controllers capable of creating a transmission infrastructure that can adapt to multiple monitors arsm A01 32860018-v1 120524463 1 and controllers and fmi anifaomation network for' providing information aboutthe system to the utity rnotnaoring the network For example some works requae neCSSpolls or towers to be erected tor placement of' the eormmeation devices or municipalities ma nave to rent space on a utdity company s poles. 5 northeniore an issc in oce system may cause an issue in another system. or example. a fire reported to the fre department may require the gas company to shut off gas fow to the vicinity Ot he and require the water company tO redirect water or additional water pressure in the viiit however ; current systems ate not ifterNoperahbe Therektre it is desirable to have a siruic system that can monitor 10 different aspects of at Last one rWnipaiy sstem continuously arnd communicate vith several entities at the same tme. Summary of' the lnventilon e present invenion overcondes the roblen and disadvantage associated wiith current strategies and systems and provides new systems and methods of 5 moninoring: m unicpalit' imltucture. One embodiment of theinvenionis direeI to ardnfrastructure monitoring system. he sy stem comprises an opier atitns center and a plurality of cotnni'ations dev ices conmunicativ'ely coupled. to the operations center.. l east one commuonictions device of the plurality af' communications devices is coupled to a 20 components of the infrastructure and atlast two counmicadns devices are monitoring devices. 'The t nst mniioring. device mnonitore g a first aspect of the infrastructure and the second monitoring devie mmitoring a second aspect ofl the infrastructure. In the preferred enbodhno each mnintoring device iscomprised ofat least 2$ one sensor sensing at least one onditiOn w tin : the inftraStructure a data storage device storing data sensed by the at.clast one sensor, a transceiver device adapted to transmit and ceiv e data, and a processor comnmunicatively coupled to ait least one s.ensor. the data storage det ice, and the n'anseel ver devices in a preferred ernbodment, the operations center and the pluralty of 30 coimuninttons denies are wiekcssly com uruanvely coupnd. Prefrably at east one communications device is an output device. he output device comprises a transceiver device adapted receive or transmit data at least one output port. and a processor coinmnicney coupled to at least one of te transceiver device and at least one output port.
In a preferred ecibdint. the operations center and at last one output device are wirelessly emnmunicatively co upieed, Each commuitdauttOns device is preferaby adapted to receive transmissions tor a second communications device and retransmit the transmission to the second carn!rnicatons deue. Lack 3 comfniieadois dev ice is preferably adapted to receive transmnissions tar the operations center andi retransmitl th t ran smissi on to the operations centert, 1n itprcferted embodiment, at east one output device is coupled to t least one of an actuator control de vice; an arm. Radiioreqeny ldentieaton dnexe and a tatmper prevention device. It) In a preferred embodiment. a moniton device and an output deec are comat~ined win the same unit.The nmonitodng device and the output device preerably Sharef t s on ta power source. a transceiver device, and a processor ihe infrastructure can be at least one of a water distribution system an electneit distribution systems a gas distribution system, a trafie control system, and I arn emergency response system the system can monitor tor at least one at'use of gas, waterelectWcityo, tamperng eaks&PSlcation, proxmnittt smoke. temperature rust corrosjon. it flu ow, pressure. watet quality air quality contain nation. pit infrastructure status. and motion. In a preferred ebodimen the system produces an lert when atleast one 2) monitoring device registers an caen. In a preferred embodiment at east one nmnitoiing device is coupled to a visualor acoustialdevice, The operations center compares mul Icperatms centers. Preferaby each operations center is uniquely ocated. The operations center can monitor a pluraliy of infrastructures cone urgently . 25 Prcerablthe pluraty at infrastruures arc selectedo tm the group consisting water systems electrical systems aas systems, emergency response systems, traft control systemIs and combinaions threat Preferably component o the irastructure iseneofa f ire hydrant, a atilit meter. a manhole cover, a utility. pole, a valve, a pine, a trafie light water tower. water tank. vaive boxvalve box 30 cover.meter bon.meter box cover, and a smoke detector. In preferred embodiments where the component of he infrastructure is a fire hydrant, the eommunteatians device can be coupled to the fire hydrant is a repeater, at least one portion ot'the fire hydrantcan be comprised of a materia that does not interfere 'Aith the communications and/or the communications device coupled to the ire hydran can he positioned within one of the noz:le cap, the aolper no/%le. the hoe nozzle die tire truck hookups and the ennet Another ermbodiment ofthe invention is directed to another irdiasitucture monitoring Systeiem. I system compises an operans center and a plurality f u onmmnications devices comumticatively counted to the operations center. A least one coinuoications device of the phudaty of communcatons dies i coupled to a re hydrant, a valve a valve box. a valve box cover a reter a meter box, a meter box coeo, a water tower, a wate tank, a pumper nz a hose noe. ora manhole COvet 10 Un a preferred enbodiment. thc communication device coupled t the te. hydrantds one ofta ngonitorng devie. an output device, and a repeater. Preferably. at east one portion of the fie hydrant is comprised of a natertat hat does not interfere wih the communications n a preferred embodimentinhe communiations device coupledto the the hydrant IS positioned vntin one of the noe cap the pumper 15 noze the hose nae, there truck hookup. and the bonnet. Another ewbodirenathe invention is directed to a le hydrant The e hydrant comprises a bonnet anid a cormuntetn device coupled to the bonnet he cmnmta ncations dev ice is an element of a infrastructure momitorng system. Other embodiments and advanages of the nvenon are set forth in part in the 20 description which llows. and in ar. may be obvious from this description or may be learned from the price of the il eliOn, Iescription of the Drawings Hye inveotton i described in gtcuter deta by uvay of example only and with reference to the attached dranwings in wich: 25 Agure is a schematIc of one embodiment of the system of the 0veaon. Figure 2 is a schematic of one embodiment of the monitoring device a t the igure 3 is a schematc of one embodnmnt of a control device of the menon. 30 Figures 4a are imnees of one crrbodiment of a device of the inwtoni housed within a lire hydrant, Flres 5a-b are images ofan embodiment of a insulion device for sealng the bonnet of the fire hydrant from the water withi the fire hydrant. Description 1f the Invention 4 As embodied and brad deserved herein the disclosures herein provide detail led embodiments Of the invention. lowever, the disclosed enihdiments are medeiy exemplary ot the invention that may be embodied in various arid alternative forms.herefore. there is no intent that specific structural and funcional details 5 shold be limking hut rather the natenton is that they pmvide a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one kied in the art to varIously employ the presentvemtioni. A problem in the art capable o bein, sod by the embodiments ote present invention is mnonitoring and mnairitaining an mairastrueture,. It has surprisingly 10 been discovered that mntornny devices with one or two way commn ation abilities can he usd to detet faits in thbe municipality s systems and provide Onrmand. real tine or near real time device status mintenance, and control aver the systems, A network 0nontong devices of the invention is capable of providing a system adinistrtor with ail plicture o the currenstate of the system. [he: 15 network preerably incldes an array of different monitoring devies each capatble of seqp caaber.,entn sensing at least one condition. The monitoring devices miav becpbeoIedn and receiving data to and mnezastone aeration center Comuntcation may be fro th reot moitoingdeice to a central rmonitorinrg heility. to one of a number of reional monlitoringo centers, to a user. andor to a research facility, F urthermtore, 20 the system preferabli includes at least one control device, Each control device is adapted to control at different aspect of he system. Thet control devices may he part of the inoitoring devices or inty he sparate units. Comtaication is preferably os er the Internet. but may be over a private network. a local area network. or a wide area networks; Preibrably the cornrmmication involves a wirelesss component. such as 25 fom the remote rmonitoring device and/or onrol device to a regionioi tonng facility. orto distributed monitors Aso preferably, the communication are secured or encrypted such that the cormunicatdons system cannot be monitored by another tnknown i part>, Preferably access to the 'system is granted through user names and passwords, although additional andior alternae encryption methods can be employed. 30 (The embodiment of the invention is directed to water infrastructure systems. In such systems, monitoring denies can be located thioughoutt the system. for example, as attachments to component parts.for feedback to a network that can proside rea~time information to the tinty operating the network, T he network operators can tise the infornation transmitted to activate controlling deices or the 5 network, or to dispatch repair or oter services as directed by the tintrmaitioni provided by the network. [or example, if water pressure monitos on avatr meter tndieate a nance between locatons. a water leak can e reported using the Ietwork and controlling devices can divert water, Pressure meters Ctan be attached to lire ) bydrants to monitor and report pressure bloses throughout the sy-stem. provtding reaL time information to benefit the users of the fire hydrants (ibe departments who need to be assured of adequate prc-ssuret. the users cl the system (water consumers who will be affeted by lower pressure and the operators o(e system (who suffr asset hiss asaresut otack of realtime information about losses) 10 Figu re I depicts a system 100 of the inventtortfor monitoring, nntroling. and communieating with at east one nionitoring device and/or at least one control device. Syvswen 100 includes an operates eter I05 in communication with at least one montorng device 110 and/or one control advice 111 in the preferred embodimnt. there is bdirectional communication between operations center o 1. and devicesit) i5 and 1 Comnications can he simpiex or duple. ToImuniceO cn O cover any cmmnicatns network 15 Lknown in the art including but not Iirnited to wred networks. wireless networks Zigbee networks. luetooth networks. alwave networks. Will networks.WiMa networks. R networks ocal area networks (AN imternet networkswide area networks (WA\) cellular telephone network 20 hardw ired telephone networks, 900 MI-l wireless networkisanmd satellil nezhvorks. in the preferred embodiment he network is a tied network, for example the fixed network can he a mesh network or a starnetwoT .Addition y devices 1 It) and 1I and operations center 10> can be in direct crmnn eatton or can communicate through an intcrnmednary device, such as a relay, a repeater. a gateway, or other devie. 25 capable of receivire and etransnmitng a nessaguc Each monitoring device 10 of the inventon preferably montrs at least one aspect of the infraiuciu re Tihe mo ored aspect can be one or more of the components of the inkrastructure (e.g. pipe conditions, valve condinion, lre hyd rant conditinss, service line conditions. meter conditions, power line conditions, arid 30 battery conditions) commodity conditions (eg fluid or gas flow, fluid or ias pressed fuid or gas temperature, and flid or gas contaminants) or combnations thereof. A ddihanaly, the monitors can be sell monitoring. I or examrpie the monitors preferably determine if there is a loss f communicationow battry levels and/or internal. dnage eg snorcircuits due to water damage). Additionaly. each 6 monioman device? i can be structurallstahyc g fixedto a vae, pipe. utility pole. a hydrant. a valve box. a valve box coven a meter a meter box, a meter box coverawatr tower a water tank. a pumper nozie. a hose nozle or an manhoe ove or movable (e allowed to move With or wihin dhe LOw of water o ns in the wryest For example. a device 10 or 111 can he coupled to a fire hydratt see I retres 4aK I he devices or 1I can he beaten withinthe note cap(ise.in the pumper nolethe hose nozza or in the fhe truck hookup) within the body of the tire hydrant within the bormet attached to the outside of the fie hydrant n at another 0 location o or a hhin the Ne hydrant. Preerably the housing for the dev ice. 10 or 1 i i made of plast. nylon otter synthetic or natural manAs o any other naiterial that does not bok transssions to and oi the device 1 i or 1 1 , The bonnet or the fire hydrantcan be isolated from the fQow of water within the fire hydrantsee Figures a. ior example there can he a plistic.netlr other 15 material dis that seals off a portion i the fire hdrant to prevent water brom reaching the interior reoun of tie honiet Each node in the network of the invention preirably detects errors in transmission irror detection can use eyehe redundancv codes usine a table based on a defined polynormial or any other method of error detection. In pefe'ed 20 embodiments. transmssions can be rerouted i he primary moute is blocked or oihenvse unavailable. IFrthern e. devices 110and aran confirm receipt ofa message. e g. Sia a hand shake protect instances wkherceconiiiationt is not received the message can be resent along the sanme rotor rerouted. In preferred embhodinients, each monitors device 110 and each. control 25 device Iis assigned a oique identifier The unique identifier can he related to the devices geographical acat ionsstreet addresses order of hnstalathin or any other method of identifying the devices. Furthermore, different tvpes of devies I I0 ari 11ean have identicfiers theatre unique to that type of dvice. [or example, the identifier for allvater meters can start vith a WM. while the identifier for al leak 10 detectorscan start wth a Each con1nnoiation to and fron a device I1t and Ill can include the unique identfier so that the message is received by the correct device 0 or i or operations enter 15 can determine where the message as sent m Each rmonitoringt device 110 and each control device 111 can be retrofitted to an eisting systeinor devce, can le coupled to a new sysem or deviceor can he 74 integrated into a lew system or device Por example. the systern can be connected to work with,or work independently of a uperv isory controland data acquisition tS( VDA) network inefered embodincs each monitori n device I 0 and each cotrrl devicc 1 1 has a set of adapters to faciitate coupling the monitoring devtce 5 I 0 or control device ! 1 1 to a new or existing ss stern or device. In preed einhodhinents system 10 i s divided into sectors wOith each sector kaving at least one montong device if0 ad/or at least one control device iI bach sector can commicate directly with operations center i0 or each sector can hase at least one inrefnred;arv communications device that is in cotmunication with I 0 the mnonng device 10 and/or control device 1I and operations center 1 .In the preferred embodiment. he sectors tire divided up by gerapbical tocatior ior example. all ofte devices n one neighborhood can be in a single sector and tere is. one sectaoro each neighborhood. In preferred enmbodi merits one intermediary communication device cart service nuitnle sectors 5 in preerred em bodiments each n nitoring device 10 and/or control device Ill1 can cforunicate with adjacent monitoring devices 10 and/or control dev ices I I . In such enbodiments, each device WA 0 and/r l I can act as a tnsceiver or relay by receiving messagestrended tor another device or for the operations center 105 and forwarding the message in embodiments where the system 101s dWvided 20 into sectors. monitoring devices 110 and control devices I11 can ordy communicate within their ector. In other cmabodimientsmtniontoring device 10 and conurol device 1 can communicate with devices 1 10 and/ori I in other sectors Each remote monitoring device 110 and/orn the operations center vs may he able to determine it a transmitted message was received by the intended des ee and, if riot. may be able to 25 reroutethe message until the message is properly received. Additional reay devices can he implemented iM e syten m rather extend the rane of communications. For example.relay devices can be placed on utility poles.an municipal buidings, withind(he hydrants, and/or under rnanhole covers, In preferred embodimentts, devitees 110 and ii communicate over a mesh network. In the mesh 30 network, devices 10 and il an coinmeae sw ith other devices 1 and 11 within the meshnetwork. Operations center 0can set specified commneatioins parhsways derived fromrouting tables. Operations center 105 can be located at a municipality oflie. a private or public company a lire statio. a polce station, or any other entity that monitors 8.
operations center 10$5 In other em bodinients. operatlons center 10$ can be a remotely hosted operations center acrcesibe by a devi e capable of accessing the Internet In such enmbodiments. operations center 105 canl take advantage ol ud comtputmg (Cgt a network of reotey hosted com peters servers, and data storage devices k 5 (Xmpared to nnnenmtlyose tas onputer networks. cloud comlptaingl canO inreaLse case of use. increase access, increase securitv, decrease costs. be custom tailored, and provide an unrestricted expansion of storage space Additionaly, in preferred embodinments, there is a pluialiy of operations centers (03 One or monre operatons centers can be located at different entitles and each control center can monohor a It difie:cnt aspect of sy stenm 10. For example, in enbodients where one monitoring device monitors waitereusage and another mognors gas leaks. the water usage aspect can be monitred byawater nyt company and the gas leaks can be monitored K the gas utility comnpuny andio the lire department. In preferred embodiments, there are redundant operations centers 10$. where atleast two operations centers 1 05 1h5 monitor the same aspect of system 10th Oerations center 105 in preferred embodimentcan send transnissons to update the irmware of devices 10 and 111, Rgture 2 is a semaie ofa nniring device uni20 Monitoring device unit 20)incdes a processor20 Processor 205 is coupled to at least one input port 2 10 for receiving data fKom sensors 21 3 Processor 205 is also coupled to a 20 transceiver 220 for sending and reedving signals I preferred embodiments processor205 is could to a data storage unit 230 Data storage unit 230 can hod predetermined amount of data received o n the sensors 21 5. For example, data storage unit 230 can hold data for a predetermined amount of time (e.gone day. we week, or one month), can hold a predetermined itnmberof eadings (eg. 10 readings. 25 100 readings. i readings or can hol data unti directed to purge the data by the operations center. Additionally data stae ru t 230 can hOdd instructions 1Or pmeesso 20$ to exeute upon prompting from the operations center to the preferred embodiments, processor 205 compiles at least sonme of he data stored in data storage tni 230 for transmmtt!ng to ihe isperations Cener. 31 Bach remote monmtorini device 200 may collect data and/or transmit data conitinuiously, at speci Pc intervals or randomisv In embodiments where the monitoring deuce 200 collects and transmits data in a non-continuous configuration. monitoring device 2.00 may tur oT or reduce ower consumption during the non-data ollecting periods to suave energy In preferred embodiments, prcesor 20$ is 9 coupled to a power source 23.5 Pwer source 235 can be a deviee capable of powering processor 205 and devices attached to processor 205. For example. power source 235 can he a battery, solar panel array. wind turbine water turbine electrical lnes, or combinations thereof In preferred enbodhments, there is alo a backup 5 power soure, such as a hattery li rmer red emnbodrrments. the power tmay derive rom he operaton i the infrastructure 1s. In the preterred embodiment processor 205 is coupled to at least one sensor 21f that monitors ast one condition assoCie with the monitoring device. In preferred embodimnts sensors 215 can determine the status ofA de ee. Sensors 10 215 can be direev wired to prcessor 205 or ca Use wireless commiurcaton o send and receive signals from processor 205. Sesors 215 can be positioned within the mnoorna device or be externalto the mhOting~f device. In preferred embodiments, sensors 21 5 are positioned remote fromthe rnonitortnu device. Fr example A sensor can be positioned in a fire hydrant, or a nearby buildingor on a utility pole. in the 15 embodiments where sensors 215 and professor 205 communicate wvrelessly the same communications protocol can e usedinhe sensor/processor communication as in the proeessr/operations center eamnntcation. or d Irent cmmuneations protocols can be used i the sensor/poeessor commuraation as inte processor/control center eonmmnicattorn For example. the sensoriprocessor 20 conuinizaions can use R protocols w hie the processoreontrol enter comamnications can he over a wired networkK In preferred embodiments. sensor 21 $ is a use moonitor. n such embodimnents. the. use monitor records the amount of water, gas, electricityor other commodity thN is used b a customer over a speed Ad period of time. he use monitor can 25 continuously record the amount ot the canunodet used or the use nmornitor can pmovide a signal to processor 205 that the cormmodity is in use. Processor 205 can tranismit a simgna o the operations control to alert the operations center ihat the monitoring device is being used and./or hbows much .of the ommodity is~ flowing through the sensor. In preldrred embodinmenis the operations center can request a 301 read ing from he use mnontor on demand. In preferred embodiments. the processor or the operations center can determine based oni the use. if there is unauthorized use of the comnmoditv. Upon detection of unautorized use. at least onei of processor 2i)5 or the operatins center can1 generate an alarm that there unauthorized use. Fon example, in embodiments where the use mnitor is coupled to a Oe hydranto i th 10 use mootor indicates that the fire hydrantis in use. h5Ower no ire is reported the operations center can dissenin:e an alertat there is potential misuse of the fire hydrant. :n;renrd embrdPumn.arast one sensor 2 is a tamper sensor Ibhe 5 xampcr sensor can be a motion detector, a contact sensor. a roitationi sensor, a touch sensor. a proxnnuv sensor. a bofeedback sensor. a temperature sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, or any other sensor that is abie to detect the presee of an object [be tamper sensor can send a message to processor 2S when the tamper sensor detects an event. [he processor 295 will then e aluate the aent to determine 10 if a device being monitored is being tampered with or will relay the message to the operationeenter forealuation. nI e monitored device can be a fire hydrant atlitys meter. alve, manhole cover, pmnp, or any other device that may be tamipered with. Upon detection of a tamper event, at least one eilpmeoessor 205. and the operations center can generate an alarm that the device is being tampered with. In preferred 1$ embodiments. the monitoring device nmay aeate a tamper prevention device (described below). In preferred embodiments, the operations center will send a transmission to p ecessor 29$ tellnig processor 205 to disregard messagesifrom the tamper senrsr fbr a predetermined period of time or untl another messaa is received naheopraencenter .ngp .esor 20$ to resume monitoring for tamper from Te operations telu ooe 20 evens. For example i I a lire department needs to use a lire hydrat.the operations center i1 send a message to processor 205 to temporarily disregard any tamper events. Once the tire department is finished usingu the fire hydranr the operations center wxill send a message to processor 20$ to start monitoring for tamper events 25 i preered ebodimnents at least two of sensors 215 are leak detectors. Each leak detector can include an inmpipe leak detector and/or an exterior leak detector. in gas applicationsthe leak detectors are preierabl yvapor sensors. While in liquid applications, prefrably theleak detectors use acoustic monitorirm to detemne presence andlocation of a leak. le cnegygenerated fim aleak is transmitted :30 va thin a pipe through the eommodity ais wellas throtugh the pipe wall. Each leak detector carn detect the vibrations niade by the leak in the commodity or the pipe wall. joint or service line To detmine the location of a leak at least two detectors must dctecr the sameeak. Based on the velocity othe sound traelng aonf the pipe (V) the distance between the two detectorsD and the delay between the times each detectordetects the ond t the location of the leak (Lcan be determined by the fOOWing equiation; V~ (-tixt/2 When msing the ahove equation, the typical veloCity of sound in Water is about 1500 5 ins wie the typicalspeed of sound through an iron pine 1i500 m/s The velocA can) be m:eatsured Cnpeamyl. or eampe itthe leak is eacy midway between the two detectors the sound would reach both detectors at the same n. eh detector miy monnor continuously or at predeteniined periods of time. he leak detectors cult send a message to processor 205 when the leak detectors detect arieent Ti 0 processor 205 can then evaluate the event to determine if there is aleak and how severe theleakis oi can ay the message to the operation center or evaluai ion Upon detection o a leak event at leastione of p essor 205 or the operatios center can generate an alert that there s a leakf the eak is determined to he severe enogh to warrant attento in, I5 n pre feared embodiments, latest one sensor 2 is a smoke detectors hhe smioke detector can he a photoeletric detector, an ionnation detector or aim other device tht can detect the presence of smoke ie smoke detector can be coated wtini the. monitoring device or exterior tothe mnonltongo deIice. In the preferred embodiment. de smonke detector montar continuously for smoke; [he smoke 20 detector can send a message to processor 205 when the smoke detector detects an event [he processor 205 can then evaluate the event to determine i f there is smoke or can relay the message to the operations center for evaluation. tupon deetion o smoke, at last one of pmocessor 205 or the operations center can generate an alert that there is smoke. 25 in rpreerred embodiments.at least one sensor 21 5 is a temoperatare sensor, Te temperature Senlsor c2an be ai contat senlsor (e g thernmocouple5s thermiistors, Iquidar inglass thermometers, resrstancee ter'np~erature detectors, filled systeml thermometers; bimetallic thermometers, semiconductor temperature sensors, and phase change indieatos) or a non-contact sensor ieg. radiation thermometers. thermal 30 imagers. ratio thermometers. Optical pyrometers, and fiber optic thermomneterst. 1he temperature sensor can he located within the monitoring device or exterior to the monitoring~ device e, In ihe preferred embodei ment the temperature sensor mfonitors continuously for the temperature to rise above or drop~ below a predetermilned threshold. '[he temperature sensor can send a message to processor 205 hen the hu unv %vdun12oli temperature sensor detects a temperature beyndie thresholds. T[he rmcessor 205 can thenevuate the even1tc determne if there he temperature is a problem (such as free ng pipes or rA tor can reay the nmessaeothe operatins center fr evaluation. Upon detection of undesitable tecmperature* at least one of processor 20> or the S operations eter an generate an alert tat there is an undesirable temperatute conditions n preferred Anbod iments at least one sensr 21$ is a ruand/or cotmsson sensor. [he sector can deteect rustand/or corrosion using any method known in the artieluidingIt not iitcd toQuid penetratio inspection magnec partict 10 inspection. radiographic inspeetdoni.isual inpctoedycrrenit inspection. ultrasonic inspect, and thermogmaphie inspection he sensor can send a message to processor 205 when the sernsor detects a rust or corrosion beyond a threshold vadte. Ihe processor 205 can then evaate the rustor orrOSion to determine if there is a problem or can relay the message to rte operations center for evaluation, Upon 15 detection of underable rust or corrosin, aleatone of processor 205or the operations center canP generate an alert thatthere is an urtdesirable amount of rust or In preferred emhodimtents, t least. ne sensor 215$ is a fluid flow senisolX Huid how sensor can he used eiter in gas systems or liquid systems. T Aeluid fow sensor 201 can detect direction of the flow. turbidiu ofthe flow, scoci. of the fow densityof theflow. isosi he flow".and/or any other aspect ofb te flow. The fuid flow sensor rnay he aelocinmeter, alaser-based interferometer, a vane a rotary pote rmieter. a laeffect sensor. a device to meas hear transfer caused by he lowingfuid or any other device know in he arto measure the flow of fud. The 25 sensor can send a message te processor 205 when the sensor detects a flow anormaly. [he processor 20 can hen evaituate the evetit to determine if the anais a problem rr can rely the wessage to the operations eem er for evaluation. Ipon detection of an anoaliy, at least one of processor 205 and the operations center can generate an alert th1tat there is art an~~oaa' 30 in preferred embodiments, at leas. one sensor 215 is a pressure sensor in the preferred emtbodimtent. the pressure sensor is positioned within the flow ol'fluid or area in which the pressure is being sensed. doo example, the pressure sensor car he positioned at the base of a ore hy drant and in the water to determine the water pressure within water stemt., in a pipe to determine gas or water prere w tlthin a 13 gais or swater system, or in a room to dersne air pressure within the room. The pressure senst4 arn be a pievoressivstrain gatuge, a capacitive gauge.an eleeromagrictie gauge a piezoefeetrie devie. or ary other device know' inheO art to measure pressure. 'Ihe sensor Can send a messages to processor 205 when the sensor S detects a pressure anomaly. The processor2105 can then evaluate the ceen to determine iithe anom~aly is a problem or can eaytemsgeothoperations center tot evaluation. Upon detection of an anomaly, at least onetf processor 25 or the operations center can generatean alert that there is an ainonmaly. In preferred embodiments, at least one sensor 215 is a water quality monitor, 10 'the water quiatys monitor Can monitor a single aspcet of water flowviog through the sy'stemn or multiple aspectsrof the water. For example. the water quality monitor cati monitor one or more of the water's bacteria levels, pharmaceutical evels alkalinity. ehiorine and/or chloramine levels. hardnes.nl lev els peroxide content.iron levels. nitrate leveLs mu ite levelsarseniclevels. poliumion levels, oxy gen leve biomass IS levels, and/or any of the otder cosntamnamnts regmtated by the Environmental Pm'tection Agency (FPA). In embodimients where there arc multple monitoring devics, all the devices can monitor the same aspects. each deviee en monitor a dtifferent aspect. or a eomht nation thereof In the preferred emibod imert. the vsjter quality monitors test the water continuously. however, n preferred enthodiments, the 20 water quality onitors tt the water at predetermhncd tie intervals ta.once a hour. once a day. once a week. etc. ) Eacht water quality ernomitor relays data to processor 2O5. Pin eessor 205 can sutore the data on database 230 or transmit the data to the operations center hther processor 205 or the operations center can mnitor .'e data recei ved frm inthe water quality monitors to determine it there is a change in the tevels 25 of the contaminants or if the levels of the contarminants rise above a threshold lesel Upon detection of unsafe contamination levels, at least one ot processor 205 or the operations center can generate an alert that there 1s contamn'inaoom in thme water system. In the embodiments where ai last tswo moniioringz devicees aire m'araitor'ing the same aspect oftue water, the operations center Can determine if there is a change ini 30 the aspect of te water fmon the location of one monitoring device to the location otf the other. IIthere is a change. the operations center an generate an alert that there is a change in the water system and output the approximate location of the chrang~e in the aspect of the water. i 4 In preferted emobodimenits, at least one sensor 15z is an air gualty nmotr ihe air qaty monitor can monitor a sinle apt4 of their or multiple aspects of the air. lurthermore. the ar gnadits monitor can minortt the air withiin a facility or anmbiern air. For exarnple te air quabr itomottor Can monitor one or more of the air s 5 onzcne evels carbon disulfideees. urethane levels Iornmaldehydc level phosphorus levels.raphthalenc levels parathion leveliqu41incn 1ev els triflurrdin Wcvcls. and/or any of the other contaminants whose acceptable levls haie been set by toe lnvironmiental Protection Agency In enihodhients we~re there are multiple monitorng devicesal the dcecvics monitor the same assets or each device can 10 monitor a different aspector a cobnation there. Inrhe preferred embodiment the air quality monitors test the air continuously, however, in preferred embhodirnents. the air quality monitorsttest the ai at predetem ined tnoe toevals eg.once a houroce a day, once a week. etc.l Each air quality monitor relays data io processor 20$. Processor 205 can stwe the data on database 2130 or transm the data to the operates S5 center. ther processor 205 or the opcratons centeaorn mnit the data received frnm the air quality mmoo to determine if there is a change in the ievcls of the contanants or if the levels of the contanminants rise above a threshold leel Upon detect on ot mnate contamiunation levels, at least one of processor 205 or the operations center can genermte an alert that there s contamination in the air, 20 In the embodinments where at least two raonitoring devices are rnintring the same aisp'ct the air. the operations cente can determine there is a change in the aspect of the air tronm the location of orne monitoring device to te locations tthe olier. iI there is a change the operations center can generate an alert that there is a change in the air and output the approximate location of the change in the aspect of 25 the air Futhermore in embodiments where there is a tme stamp assockted with 01ch readne. the control eeer can determine the appnoxiinate direction and speed at which the commaninant is ov ing. In preferred embodimentsat least one sensor 215 is a radiation detector Ihe radiation detector can disngish between natural sources of radiation and artificial 30 sourCes of radiation or can disdtnish between normal levels oftradiation and abnormal levels of radiate 'O Preferabily the radiation detector detets ionizig radiation. Ionizing radiationconsis> of' subatomic particles o electromagnetie waves that are ener getic enough to deach electrons from atoms or moleules. ioniings them. Examples of monizing particles are energetic alpha parties. beta parties. and nietrions5 he ability of an electromnagnetic wave rphotcmts) to iontize an atom or molecude depends on its frequtenicy Radiation on the shorowavelength end of ihe elet ronmagnetic spetrun high frequcncy uiraviei. x-rays, and gramma rays is ioninngt Preferably, the Sradation detector is onec of a dosimeter. a (seiger counters, or a seiillanon caoters. Dosimeters measure an absolate dose received over a pei od ofrtime. on-chamber dosinreters resemble pens. and can be clipped to0O onloething Filmhadget dosimeters enclose a piece of photograph~c film, dich will become exposed as radiation passes through jt.Ion-camber dosimeters must be periodically recharged. I i and thc result lougged Fi m-badge dosimetersnnBat be desedoped as photographic emulsion so the exposures can he counted arid logged once developed, they are discarded. Anotherty pe of dosimeter is the ftD 1 etmoluminescent Dosineter) these dosieters contain crystals thai emt isible hihwhen heaned. in direct proportion to their total radiation exposure. i.ke ion-chamber dosimeitcrs. TIDs can 1I h? e re-used rttaerthes have be ecadt (.etger counters and scintillation counters measure the dose nate of onizing radiation directi y Preferabixy the radiation detector is a solid-tate dise. Upon detecting radiation, the radiation detector can relay the detection to processor 205, Processor 205can save the detection on database 230 Or transmit at 20 message regarding the detection to the operations center Processor 205 or the operations center can cevalugadve die detection and act in accordance with the purpose of the radiation detector. F or example ifi the radiation detector detects radiation over a threshold level, processor 205 or the operations center can generate a alertthat there are unsafe radiation levels. 25 In preferred enmbodi ments. at leastone sensor 2 5 is a motion detector. I e msotioin detector can be a radar-based motion deteetoraa photo-sensor motion detector. a passuve infrared motion detector a nagneoc motion detector. a pressure sensittve motion detector. or any other devioe capab l e of detection the motin of objects. '[he motion detector can be used. for example, to count the number of ears passing through 30 an intersection to control a traffic Iight foirtamper prevention as described above, or security purposes. aod/or o control street lighi. f'he motion detector can be placed within the moitoring device or exterior to the mionfimring device. tUpon detecting. motion, the m.'otion detector can rel ahen detection to processor 205. Processor 20> can saxe Che detecdon on database 230 or transmit a message regadgtedtce 16" to the operations center. Proc~essor 205 or the operations center can evaluative the detection and act in accordance with the purpose of themoton detector For example. ifthe moon detector detects a predetermined nuinherof svehices have passed the momtoringt device. pocessor 205 or the operations Center cI cause~r a traffeicIght to 5 switch fmm greenAto red. As a second example it the motion detector Ietects a modton after a predeternned time; cjs.after sunset. processor 205 or the operations center can cause the street lights near the monitoring device to iluminate tot a predetermined period of imne. in preferred embodiments. at last Cone sensor25 is a tiltmeter. The tilimeter 10 can he a pendulum a watet tube. a bubble-level mete.Iand/Of a Selectronic meter te tilmeter can be located on devices within the sysnemsuch as, hut tot tited to pipes.tire hydrants. meters. halves. utility poles. manhole covers, and lighi posts, Thbe sensor can send a. message tor processor 205 when the sensor detects a tilt beyond a threhold value 1 he processor 205 can then evaluate the tilt to determine it 15 there is a problem or can rea dte message to the opations center lot evaluatnon. [pon detection of undesirable tilt at last one ot processor 205 or the operations center can generate an alet that there is an undesirable tl For example. if a utility pole is struck by a car. the rilmeter willindicate that the utility pole is tihing at an undestrableleel anid the operation center can alet the municipality to send out a 20 repair cre to assess the sition and repairtheutiy poleW in preferred embodiments. at least one senor215 is a proiitv sensor. The proximity sensor can use eetronmagnet i technology. electrostati technology, infrared technology, or a touch swritch. he proximity sensor ecan detect if devices arc property edosed or if devices are improperly touching. thre sensor can send a message 25 to processor 205 when the sensor detects proximity beyond a threshold alte. The processor 205can then evalate the proximity to determine ifthere is a probm or anrelay the tnessage to the operations center for evaluation. U. poni detection of undesirable proinrity> at east one of processor 205 or the operations center carn generate an aert that there is an undesirable proxrndty, [or example. f a valve is 30 improperly cosed the prnMty sensor wi indicate that the vle is not closed and processor 205 can alert the municipality otake proper tiors to close the va ve lo pre ferred enmbodrnrents. at least one sensor 215is a visual or audio device. The device can be an infrared camera. a video Aernea. ta camera a digital camera, ahn camera, a mobe visin de ice, a nrerophone, a vibration detector; 17 combinations ttereoh or any other device capable of acquiring an image or sound. In1 a preferred nhodimnent the device is a digital deo eaner a a t takes video inages continuously. In anther preferred embodiment. the dev ice s a dgtlstill camera that takes si Imges at regular inte rval or upon comqmand Irom processor 205. In 5 oprefrrd enibodinttns the dIWO! can he, a tizfe aeand tae apicure when istruted to by processor' far example upon determnation that a vehicle is running a red light In other enbditMents, the device is be use to person visual iispectionis ot he sy stems mntastructure For example; thefield of Vi ofe ihe device can include a device within the Ostem thats apt to corrode andte camera can prode an easy method t m vcsuamly inspe Qa deradation of e device, the device can send image data tc processor 20 where the data is stored on database 230 or is transmitted to the operations center. in preferred embodirments, unage or sound data is streamed condnuously from the device to procesO205 and from processor 205 to the operations center. The data stream can either be live or delayed, 'he device can 15 he located on the mnoniring device. near the mnoniting device or within the monitoring deWie with a portion of the device extending outside the monitoring device or with a hole in the mootoingdevice through ich the device can obtain irmages or sounds. In preferred embodiments, de devtee is positioned oni an actuator. I le actuator can move to reposition the held of viewx of the device Phe actuator can 20 move upon demnd from processor 205 or can move autonomousy in the embodiments where the actuator moves auto w~noously the movement can be continuous orsordc Spreeed enbodunentsat least ee sensor 2 5 is a Global Positiorn g System PS receiver In the prefered embodiment. the uPS receiver S located on 25 devices within the system such as bun not O cited t 0 pipes hie hydran meters, valves utity poles manhole coversaid ight posts. The sensor can send a message to procssor 205 indicating the sensorlcation, he processor 205 can then relay the mnessag~e to the operations center for cendutation, conforniation. and docuening Upon detectin ot unexpected location, at least one of processor 20$ or the operations .30 center can generate an aler that the sensor hs movted. possibly indicating that the device has been dislodged, tarnptered with, or stoeni Additionally the UPS location can he used, for example, by emiergiency responders toclocate lre hydtrants. or repair crews to determine the location of buried device. a such embodiments, the operations center can di ssem inate information to the enreincy responders or repair 1&S crews to easily locatethe device. The dissemination can occur by any method. including but not lirAted to verbaly. over a telecomrWnicauons network (e g to a smart phone or potbl omuer). or over a shortw ave radio. In mbodinients where the monitongt device is movung wrt the how of. fuid. the sensor can prove ide 5 updated locations of the mionitortag dievice to track, for example, the fow or otaminatnono levels wA ithinw the flow Other poible senses 215 cornected to rmonrorng device 200 can include but are not hioited to ow rate meters bckfkw meters. sysm status monitors, and powerdeved monitors. 10 Figure 3 is schemtd of a control devicea00. ( control d ic 00 includes a processor 305 Processor 305 is coupled to at least one output port 310 for controlling an outpu devie 340. Processor 305 is aso coupled a transceiver20 kr sending and rc"i ving sinavin Prcesor 305 is communicativey coupled t output port 31 Output prt 3 10 is connectedto at least one output ev ice 340 Each output device 15 can 340 have te same purpose or eah output do, e 340 can have a difHrent purpose i conmations there. Output devices 340 can be located within control device 30or external to conuo deVe 30 as shown Furthermore, output devmes 340 can be attached to control device 300 or can be remote tromn control device :300. Output devices 4) conmmunicate wIb output port 310 through wired or wireless 20 cornmunnicationchands In prerred embodimentsotutput dees 340 arc capable of bidirectional commnmication, In prelerre'd embodiments, control device 300 isnm integral pal of a mnitorng deice. in such embodiments the control device and the monitoring device can share the same processor aim/or nansceiser. in preferred embodtments processor 305 is coupled to a data storage unit 330 25 Data storage unit 330 ma store instructions for orocesor 30S ofhowve control outpudevices 340 Inpeferred embodiments processor 305 is coupled io a power source 33 Power source 335 can be any device capable of powering processor 305 and any devices attached to processor 305. [or example power source 335 can be a battery solar panel arraywind turbine, water turbieelectrcalines, or cotinaions 30 thereof In prefeied em bodirments' thereis also a backup power source such as a battery. In prefered embodiments, at least one output device 340 is an actuator conio device &he actuator conmo deV ice can control" ny txpc of actuator, meluding lt not minted to, a tamper prevention dev ice. a locking device, a camera monon devtic. a 19 fire nydrant nut opeCfingC device. or a valve. I he ;actttitor control device ean control the actuator a utonom uoas upon dcerand from process 305. Fr example upon receiving a signal thur a particular event has been sensed, processor 31)5.may send a command to the actuator control de qice to act in a particular annner. likewise. ? ptreferred ernibodiments the control sigtmay 0 ceme iom the opertionscente. I he acuator cat be t ec aicaM . eletnial. or a conination therOF Ipreierred embodim~es. latest one output device 340 is an alarn Ine alarm can be aisuA a aa.an audible alarmOa tactile ie vibration alarm or a eomhrnation thcrct Ihe alarm can be located w thin the monitoring device exterior 0 to die monitring device, at the Cpraton s center. remote ram the systm.V ar any other location to aleri people, l'urithermOre, there can he morc than one alarm at different locations, For example. n the emboiniets where there is a smoke detector. there can lie an audible alarmdocated within the fire deei r to alert people around the monitoriOg device of a poientialirehere can he an audible alarm at rhe ire 15 station to alert the tire departmereofi he potential fire, and there can he a visual alarm at the gas urtiuitv company to indieate that the flow gas in the viciity at the potential re shold be shut ofE In prefednO embodrments the alarm is conoted by the processor 305 while in otheremnodWments the alan is controlled by the operations center. npreerred embodiment the alarm has an on/off switch corrouahi elcally. Qt) in preferrcd emibdimnentN, at t(ealt oneo out device 340 is a tamper prevention device. he tamper prevention device can he a mechanical lockn larm, alght an electric shock generator a retaining device. aneetrical lock, or an other drevice capable of preventing tamipering. 'Ihe tamper prevention device may merely deter tampering or may tneapacirate a person who Ls trying to tampcer with the 25 device, depending on the level at security. in pteferred embodiments the tamper prevention device is contmoded by the processor 30,5; while in oher embodinments the tamper prevention device is centroiled by the operations center. n preferred embodiment, at least one output deve 340 is a Radiolequency identifcation (RID) deice. T he REILD device can broadcast information about the 30 device it is attached to bar example, the RF ID device may broadcast manufaetmrer ionnaton location informatonast service date 6 device intrination (eg. make, model. and/or y ear. current stms (ega vatsve ean broadcast itf it is open or closed). etc In preferred embodiments the RO tWI device is upd:teahle by the pcsor 305 or iVthe operations center. Ihe RAI D deDe can be either an active teg battery 20 powered) or passiye (e p. req u ir an external sure to provoke signal transmissiom~ de vice E~xamiplest 5 he system is used to atomaticaly contA the water pressure within the system Such a system includes a number of after meters disbursed tronuhout the infrastructure relaying real time use informatn to a coutroi center. t Upon a determination by the operaqns center that there is lo wusage of the system (eg i night) bused on information received by a predetermined number ol the water meters. 10 the operations enter causes pumps supping~j pressure w itdn the sytem to reduce or cease pumping Thereby cutting down on the electricity used by thepumps while nmatuatuig enough pressure throughout theirastructure to satisfy anyW water needs. T he determination to reduce or cease mymping can he also based on information received fmmn pressure sensors disbursed throughout the infirastructure. For example, 15 if the pressure withn the infrastructure exceeds a threshold vahue the operaniori center causes the pumps to tduce or eean ming. In another example the system is used to assist in maintaining the infrastrutureW Water pipes ind vakes arc oten bttried underground making it diffiieuit to locate. assess the status of the devices, and repair them if necessary. (sing 20 an example of the abna dsriA sse each device is equippedwth a monitoring the device. Ihe nmatorne device. for example, may monitor for corrosion tsin a corrosion monitor, geographiclocatioan using a { I S receiver, and leaks using a leak detector. Upon detection of eorrosion andt/cea leakthe monitoring device sends a message to the operations enter where the ihratn inadzed. The operations 25 center is able to make a determination if the conosion and/or leak is severe enugh to warrant fxmng if he cgrrosion and/or leak sbotud be watched to determine if it worsens. or if the corroson idKorleak can he ignored. The operations center wiH atlso alert a person of te situation far further assessment. Ifit is determined that the corrosion and/or leak shotdd be tted. the 30 operations center dsseminates intormation to a repair crewt and redirects water flow away I ram the device. Such informration can include ocation of the device, ased on data received thePS teciver, problem associated with the device, deice information (egmake, model and/or yeary etc. The monitoring device cat aMo be equipped with a RiD transnmitebr. vhh unmts at least some o the above 21 ifrmation. 3The repair crew receives the infog nation on a smart phone. a portable computer or other deice capable of recev ig such information Upon completion of the repair the operation center updates the system to indicate a new last repaTred date for the device 5 In another example. the system is monitored by severaI entities thiMn a municipialuy at the same time o r example a fire department gas unlity a water utiy, an electricity. and trawe control cener alirmonitor the system COnc urent>. Uon detection smoke by a u ng device; te control center alerts each entiy of ai potenttallire, the locaton of the potenttial lire is deterinared by 10 erossoreferencingt he Ii nmnher of the mnintoring device with a lookup table or based on infmamion received om a GPS receiver ihe ire department uses the location inftornation to send out emergency response personnel to the vicinity of the potential fre. le gas utility useshe loation information o divert or shutOf eas low to thevcnty of the potential re. he water utility uses the bcation 15 information to divert water to r increase water pressure in the vicinity o he potential lie as wel a determines if anr.lire hydrants tn the vieinity of the potential fire arc potentially damaged (egM are tiwe at an unusual angle, are receiving no brittle watet pressure, or have been tampered with) hased on information received from monitoring. devices attached to the fire hydrants ihe icatice of the lire hydrants is determined 20 by crosserefereneing the ID) number of the mnonitori.ng device with a lookup table or based on information reeled from a dPSreceiverhe water utilityautomatical alerts the lire department as to which lire hydrants to use he water utility also disables any tamper prevention devices associated withthe tire hydrants. he electric otilyv receive a signalthat additionl pressure may he needed HO m e water 25 systen and pro ides an inccased eicctrica load to the water ptumps AdditioOal the trafic control center adjusts iralt t lights en route fom the lie staton to the vici nity' of the potential tie to asst the tire tueks to arriviog quickly and safely i another example, the system is used to mintr contamnaton tfithe uid flowing thmtugh the system. Ae syten includes presure sensors. eak detectors and 30 contamination detectors. leaks within the system can cae a pressure drop throughout the system which can lead to contaminants being drawn nto the system. [o example if'a pips u nder water and the pressureinside the pipe drops beloxv the pressure outside the pipe; the exterior water wi e ikw into the pipe: [herefore, the 'aystem has several monitoring devices to cheek finsuch potential or actual ciontaintoan The pressure sensorsi wil i dieae if the yressure withinrthe systemi drops below a threshold level at which conitamn ants Cant be drawn into the system ihe leak detecInr il indWcate that there is a iek through vhic contaminants can enter the sysetem While the contamination dereetors will indicate if there ts )1c30inflan thine system indicating a possole breach of the infrastructure of Odier e mbodments and uses of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromn cnsderaton ofthe speination and practice of the irt eAtion disclosed herein, Al references cited herein including all publicationsVS and It ioreign patents and patent applications, are specinheany and entirely incorporated by reference. It is intended Ihat the snecification and examples he considered exempary onl with thetrue scope and spirit of the invention indicated by ibe following claims lfurthemren~c the term "cornprisltin includes dhe icrms "'consisting of' and "consisting essentially of" All examples illustrate embodiments of the mtvention. but 15 should nor be 0ie a inmitrng the co neu himnennm.