U.S. patent application number 15/092574 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-06 for snowmaking automation system and modules.
This patent application is currently assigned to Snow Logic, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Snow Logic, Inc.. Invention is credited to Mitchell Joe Dodson.
Application Number | 20160290699 15/092574 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57017444 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160290699 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dodson; Mitchell Joe |
October 6, 2016 |
SNOWMAKING AUTOMATION SYSTEM AND MODULES
Abstract
The invention is a snowmaking automation system and snowmaking
automation modules for use with snowmaking guns and hydrants.
Embodiments of the snowmaking automation modules described herein
may be battery powered, and thus do not require fixed electrical
infrastructure, but are designed to use such infrastructure if
present on the mountain. In some embodiments, various components of
the snowmaking automation system may be wireless and thus do not
require hard-wired communications, for example between base
stations, servers, databases, repeater nodes and remotely
controlled snowmaking guns and hydrants with their snowmaking
automation modules installed.
Inventors: |
Dodson; Mitchell Joe; (Park
City, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Snow Logic, Inc. |
Park City |
UT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Snow Logic, Inc.
Park City
UT
|
Family ID: |
57017444 |
Appl. No.: |
15/092574 |
Filed: |
April 6, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62143776 |
Apr 6, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25C 2600/04 20130101;
F25C 3/04 20130101; F25C 2303/0481 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25C 3/04 20060101
F25C003/04 |
Claims
1. A snowmaking automation system for remotely controlling the
generation of snow, comprising: a hydrant for selectively receiving
and delivering pressurized water and compressed air; a snowmaking
gun coupled to the hydrant to selectively receive the pressurized
water and the compressed air; at least one automation module
coupled to the hydrant or the snowmaking gun, each of the at least
one automation modules having a means for communication and a motor
for actuating the snowmaking gun or the hydrant to selectively
generate snow using the water and the air; and a base station in
communication with the at least one automation module, the base
station configured to provide a user control of the at least one
automation module and thereby remotely control generation of the
snow.
2. The snowmaking automation system according to claim 1, wherein
the at least one automation module comprises a first automation
module coupled to the hydrant and a second automation module
coupled to the snowmaking gun.
3. The snowmaking automation system according to claim 1, wherein
the means for communication is selected from the group consisting
of: wireless radio communication, hardwired network communication,
optical fiber communication.
4. The snowmaking automation system according to claim 1, further
comprising at least one repeater node linking wireless
communication between the base station and the at least one
automation module.
5. The snowmaking automation system according to claim 4, further
comprising a weather station in communication with the repeater
node, the weather station configured for sensing and transmitting
atmospheric weather conditions.
6. The snowmaking automation system according to claim 1, further
comprising a database in communication with the at least one
automation module for storing data gathered from the at least one
automation module.
7. The snowmaking automation system according to claim 6, further
comprising a server in communication with the at least one
automation module and the database, the server configured for
storing and running a computer software program configured for
remotely interacting with and controlling the at least one
automation module and the database.
8. The snowmaking automation system according to claim 7, the base
station further comprises a computer with a user interface in
communication with the server, the database and the at least one
automation module, the computer with the user interface configured
to remotely interact with and control the at least one automation
module.
9. The snowmaking automation system according to claim 1, wherein
the at least one automation module further comprises: a housing
with an actuator interface for attachment to a snowmaking gun or a
hydrant; a gear motor with encoder mounted inside the housing and
coupled to the actuator interface, the gear motor configured to
selectively drive a snowmaking gun or a hydrant; a radio modem and
antenna mounted inside the housing; and a battery mounted inside
the housing, the battery coupled to, and configured for powering,
the gear motor and the radio modem.
10. A snowmaking automation module, comprising: a housing with an
actuator interface for attachment to a snowmaking gun or a hydrant;
a gear motor mounted inside the housing and coupled to the actuator
interface, the gear motor configured to selectively drive a
snowmaking gun or a hydrant; a radio modem and antenna mounted
inside the housing; and a battery mounted inside the housing, the
battery coupled to, and configured for powering, the gear motor and
the radio modem.
11. The snowmaking automation module according to claim 10, further
comprising a control panel mounted to the outside of the housing,
the control panel configured for a user to manually control the
snowmaking automation module and either a snowmaking gun or a
hydrant to which it is attached and to configure the automation
module for remote operation.
12. The snowmaking automation module according to claim 10, further
comprising a solar panel mechanically coupled to the housing and
electrically coupled to the battery for passively supplementing
life of the battery.
13. The snowmaking automation module according to claim 12, further
comprising a flexible pipe for mechanically coupling the solar
panel to the housing and electrically coupling the solar panel to
the battery, the flexible pipe configured to allow manual aiming of
the solar panel to maximize solar power conversion efficiency.
14. The snowmaking automation module according to claim 10, further
comprising a global positioning system (GPS) module mounted in the
housing and coupled to the radio modem, the GPS module configured
for determining the position of the automation module and providing
position information to the radio modem.
15. The snowmaking automation module according to claim 10, further
comprising a handle formed into the housing, the handle configured
for a user to remove, transport or mount the snowmaking automation
module.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This utility patent application claims benefit and priority
to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/143,776, filed, Apr.
6, 2015, titled: "SNOWMAKING AUTOMATION SYSTEM", the contents of
which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if
fully set forth herein. This application is a counterpart to an
international patent application filed contemporaneously on, Apr.
6, 2016, titled: "SNOWMAKING AUTOMATION SYSTEM AND MODULES".
[0002] This US nonprovisional patent application is also related to
co-pending U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No.
15/069,945, filed, Mar. 14, 2016, titled: "DUAL AUTO HYDRANT FOR
SNOWMAKING EQUIPMENT AND METHOD OF USING SAME", the contents of
which are also hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as
if fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates generally to systems and
methods for making artificial snow. More particularly, this
invention relates to automated systems for controlling the making
of artificial snow. Still more particularly, the snowmaking
automation system of the present invention provides remote
automated control of snowmaking guns, compressed air sources and
water hydrants arbitrarily located at a ski resort.
[0005] 2. Description of Related Art
[0006] Snowmaking equipment is commonly used at ski resorts to
supplement natural snowfall when needed to adequately cover ski
slope terrain otherwise covered with dirt, surface plants, gravel,
rocks and other debris that prevents safe skiing or boarding on
snow. Snowmaking equipment always requires a source of water from
which snow may be created from atomized mists of water droplets
that may, or may not, be seeded with nucleating ice crystals. Some
snowmaking equipment requires electricity to run fans or operate
equipment controls, data logging or other purposes. Still other
snowmaking equipment may require a source of compressed air used to
accelerate atomized mists of water droplets and optionally the
nucleating ice crystals into the atmosphere so that the water
droplets can freeze in the air before falling to the surface
intended for the artificial snow.
[0007] Snowmaking guns, such as those offered by Snow Logic, Inc.,
Park City, Utah, typically require a source of water and a source
of compressed air to operate. The water source may be a physical
pipeline that has been installed to a key location on a ski slope
for the purpose of snowmaking. Alternatively, a well, temporary
pipe, water hose, or any other suitable water source may be used
for snowmaking. Typically, the water source must be pressurized to
deliver it to a particular elevation and for use in pressurizing or
charging the snowmaking gun. Some conventional water sources may be
a creek, reservoir or well from which water may be extracted and
pumped, typically at a pump house, through a fixed, preferably
buried pipeline up along a ski run with periodic hydrants (vertical
pipes) that provide water at the surface for snowmaking.
[0008] Similarly, the compressed air source may be a compressed air
pipeline, air hose, air compressor, or other suitable compressed
air source that has been located adjacent to or near the desired
location for snowmaking. Some conventional snowmaking systems have
compressed air pipelines that may parallel the water pipelines,
e.g., 2-3 feet apart up a ski slope, and again, preferably
underground, e.g., about 4 feet below the surface. Pressurized air
discharged from an air compressor is generally too hot at about,
180-200.degree. F., for use in snowmaking. So, the heated
compressed air may be initially cooled by a primary cooling device
known as an aftercooler. The aftercooler may consist of pipes
surrounded by cold water through which the air passes and cools.
The cooling of the air may also cause condensation of the air's
moisture which must also be removed to prevent frosting of the air
hoses used subsequently to deliver pressurized air to a snow gun.
So, the cooled air with some moisture removed leaves the
aftercooler and may enter a secondary cooling device, known as a
stripping tower. The stripping tower in essence freeze dries the
cooled air and further removes moisture. The colder compressed air
leaving the stripping tower may have dropped in temperature to a
range of about 45-55.degree. F. The compressed air and pressurized
water pipelines may also serve to further reduce the temperature of
both to a temperature range of about 34-35.degree. F., and may
further dry the compressed air, if uninsulated pipes are used.
However, a water droplet passing through a conventional snow gun
may range from 34-44.degree. F. depending on how the water is
sourced.
[0009] The snowmaking gun used to make artificial snow may also be
used in combination with a hydrant for controlling the water source
and for controlling the compressed air source. Snow Logic, Inc.,
offers a dual auto hydrant that can safely control both the water
source and compressed air source feeding a snowmaking gun.
[0010] Conventional snowmaking guns and hydrants are typically
manually operated by snowmaking staff at a ski resort. It is
generally time consuming for ski resort staff to travel to any and
all of the various locations on a given mountain where snowmaking
equipment is located. Additionally, the ideal time to operate
snowmaking equipment may be anytime during the day or night as long
as the ambient temperature and snowmaking conditions are correct.
Consequently, there may be undesirable labor costs associated with
snowmaking. But, these are not the only problems associated with
conventional snowmaking systems and prior attempts at automating
the snowmaking process.
[0011] Another problem with conventional fixed location snowmaking
automation is that it may rely on buried or above ground power to
operate the system and actuators. Such automation is "fixed"
because it is tied to the fixed location of the buried or above
ground power source used to operate the system. The cost of
electrical infrastructure necessary to automate every possible
location where snowmaking is desired on the mountain of a ski
resort is expensive and invasive to the environment. Many
snowmaking guns at ski resorts do not have such electrical
infrastructure. Yet another problem with conventional fixed
location automation used by ski resorts is that it typically only
runs an average of 110-160 hours per season. Depending on the cost
of such fixed automation, this may result in a long duration
(perhaps years) before reaching a return on the investment. Still
another problem with such conventional fixed location automation
systems is that repair and maintenance of such fixed location
automation systems generally must be carried out in the field,
i.e., on the mountain.
[0012] Additionally, resorts may not have trained or experienced
staff to troubleshoot and repair fixed snowmaking automation
systems. There is a significant labor cost associated with hiring,
training and maintaining qualified staff, or hiring outside
technicians to troubleshoot and repair fixed snowmaking automation
systems. There will always be a need to troubleshoot and repair
snowmaking automation over time during actual use. For example, any
kind of snowmaking equipment may be subject to malfunction from
electrical (lightning strikes) during storms or mechanical (frozen
pipes, avalanches, etc.)
[0013] Conventional hydrants and their associate valving, if not
properly drained when not in use, can become dangerous. For
example, on Dec. 7, 1998, Kevin E. Turner, Environmental Manager,
Homewood Ski Resort, Homewood, Calif. (west shore of Lake Tahoe),
was severely injured when a brass ball valve installed between a
hydrant and a snow gun failed because water froze inside the valve
and caused the valve cap to partially separate from the valve body
and ultimately exploded because of unreleased compressed air. Kevin
E. Turner v. Northern Indiana Brass Co. d/b/a NIBCO and Western
Nevada Supply Co., No SCV 9387, 2009 WL 132814 (Cal. Superior).
[0014] Finally, conventional snowmaking automation tends to be
proprietary as it is made for a particular type (gun or fan) and
brand of snowmaking gun. Thus, implementing snowmaking automation
at a given resort becomes costly and difficult because the
conventional snowmaking automation systems are generally tied to
the particular guns already installed. Snowmaking automation is
also expensive when replacing existing equipment with new equipment
that supports the desired automation.
[0015] Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for automated
snowmaking equipment for automatically generating artificial snow
using hydrants and snowmaking guns, that reduces ski resort labor
costs, solves at least some of the above identified problems with
conventional fixed automation systems, and provides greater control
over the snowmaking process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] An embodiment of a snowmaking automation system for remotely
controlling the generation of snow is disclosed. The system may
include a hydrant for selectively receiving and delivering
pressurized water and compressed air. The system may further
include a snowmaking gun coupled to the hydrant to selectively
receive the pressurized water and the compressed air. The system
may further include at least one automation module coupled to the
hydrant or the snowmaking gun, each of the at least one automation
modules having a means for communication and a motor for actuating
the snowmaking gun or the hydrant to selectively generate snow
using the water and the air. The system may further include a base
station in communication with the at least one automation module,
the base station configured to provide a user control of the at
least one automation module and thereby remotely control generation
of the snow.
[0017] An embodiment of a snowmaking automation module is
disclosed. The module may include a housing with an actuator
interface for attachment to a snowmaking gun or a hydrant. The
module may further include a gear motor mounted inside the housing
and coupled to the actuator interface, the gear motor configured to
selectively drive a snowmaking gun or a hydrant. The module may
further include a radio modem and antenna mounted inside the
housing. The module may further include a battery mounted inside
the housing, the battery coupled to, and configure for powering,
the gear motor and the radio modem.
[0018] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together
illustrate, by way of example, features of embodiments of the
present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The following drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments for
carrying out the invention. Like reference numerals refer to like
parts in different views or embodiments of the present invention in
the drawings.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a system level block diagram of a snowmaking
automation system according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a base station according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a snowmaking gun automation
module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a repeater according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a hydrant automation module
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIGS. 6A-6C are perspective, front and top views,
respectively, of a snowmaking gun automation module attached to a
snowmaking gun according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0026] FIGS. 7A-7E are perspective, bottom, front, top and left
side views, respectively, of a hydrant automation module attached
to a dual auto hydrant according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an automated
snowmaking system according to the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an automated
snow gun with manual hydrant according to the present
invention.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a manual snow
gun with automated hydrant according to the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an automated
snow gun with automated hydrant according to the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 12 is a diagram of another embodiment of an automated
snowmaking system according to the present invention.
[0032] FIGS. 13A-13C are left side, front and right side views of
an embodiment of a snowmaking automation module according to the
present invention.
[0033] FIGS. 14A-14F are left side, top, front-right perspective,
front, right side and rear views of an embodiment of a snowmaking
gun with a snowmaking automation module installed according to the
present invention.
[0034] FIGS. 15A-15F are rear perspective, top, front, right side,
rear and left-side view of an embodiment of a hydrant with a
snowmaking automation module installed according to the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] Embodiments of the invention include a snowmaking automation
system for use with snowmaking guns and hydrants. Embodiments of
the snowmaking automation system described herein may be battery
powered, and thus do not require fixed electrical infrastructure,
but are designed to use such infrastructure if present on the
mountain. The battery life is designed to operate the actuator for
150-200 hours before recharging according to embodiments of a
snowmaking automation system of the present invention disclosed
herein. This range of time is typically required to complete a
batch of snowmaking on a given run at a resort. Some embodiments of
the snowmaking automation system are also wireless, and thus, do
not require hard-wired communications between base stations and
remotely controlled snowmaking guns and hydrants. Another
advantageous feature is the anticipated lower cost of operation of
the various embodiments of a snowmaking automation systems of the
present invention.
[0036] Another advantageous feature of the snowmaking automation
system is that the actuators employed are modular and can be
exchanged between embodiments of the snowmaking gun and embodiments
of the hydrant. This level of actuator modularity makes for simpler
maintenance, because the actuators are both identical, thus two
different actuators, and the associated duplication of inventory,
are unnecessary. The embodiments of actuators of the present
invention may be swapped out on the mountain and brought back to a
workshop for repairs and maintenance. Alternatively, the actuators
may be sent back to the manufacturer for repairs eliminating the
need for an in-house technician at the resort. The automation
modules may be swapped out based on battery charge (need for
recharging) or repairs (malfunctions) or scheduled maintenance. For
example, damaged automation modules may be swapped out in the field
with a replacement. The state and condition of the individual
actuators can be tracked in real-time via the snowmaking automation
system of the present invention.
[0037] According to one embodiment, the actuator on a Snow Logic
snowmaking gun is capable of supplying power (24v) and control
signals to a Snow Logic dual auto hydrant, thereby eliminating the
need for a radio modem and battery associated with the dual auto
hydrant actuator.
[0038] Still another advantageous feature of embodiments of the
snowmaking automation system of the present invention is that it
communicates via a radio network. However, embodiments are also
capable of communication by a "hard-wired" link, e.g., Ethernet,
optical fiber, twisted pair or any other suitable network cabling
if already present at a fixed location on the mountain.
[0039] According to another embodiment, each actuator may have an
onboard Global Positioning System (GPS) module so that each
automation module may be physically tracked by the snowmaking
automation system of the present invention, for example by a master
control computer. This feature is particularly useful, e.g., in
determining the location of a module that needs servicing or
recharging.
[0040] Yet another advantageous feature of embodiments of the
snowmaking automation system employing GPS modules of the present
invention is that water pressure sensors may become unnecessary for
each snowmaking gun at each individual location. This is because
the water pressure may be obtained by measurement from the pump
house (original water source) only and then extrapolating pressure
by using GPS altitude. This can reduce overall system cost by
eliminating water pressure sensors.
[0041] Another advantageous feature of embodiments of the
snowmaking automation system of the present invention is that there
is virtually no limit on the number of adjustments of snowmaking
parameters that may be made during a given snowmaking production
run. In contrast, manual adjustment by a technician on location at
the snowmaking equipment on a mountain typically only occurs 2-5
times per night. By removing the adjustment limitations inherent in
manual systems, snowmaking production may be optimized and
maximized, while reducing costs. This feature improves snow making
production capabilities and snow quality. According to one
embodiment, the snowmaking automation system of the present
invention is capable of making adjustments to the snowmaking
parameters every 15 minutes as ambient conditions change.
[0042] Embodiments of the snowmaking automation system of the
present invention in combination with a Snow Logic dual auto
hydrant provide the capability to automate any conventional type or
brand of air water snowmaking gun. This feature is believed to be a
first in the industry. Thus, embodiments of the snowmaking
automation system of the present invention used in conjunction with
a Snow Logic dual auto hydrant can be used to retrofit existing
conventional air and water snowmaking systems with automation. This
allows for a master control computer (base station) within the
snowmaking automation system of the present invention to control
different brands and types of snowmaking technology.
[0043] It will be apparent that various configurations of the
snowmaking automation system of the present invention can be made
to suit particular needs of a given resort. For example, the
automation may be used to automate the hydrant and leave the gun in
a manual configuration, or the reverse, where the gun is automated
and the hydrant is manually operated. Of course, the most flexible
control occurs when both the gun and hydrant are automated.
[0044] Finally, because of the modularity of the snowmaking
automation system of the present invention, there are various
business models that could be employed with the deployment of such
snowmaking equipment, e.g., direct sales to the resort, rental or
leasing of the equipment to the resorts. This feature gives ski
resorts great flexibility in how they choose to implement
snowmaking automation and control over their direct labor
costs.
[0045] The terms "snowmaking gun" and "snow gun" are used
interchangeably herein and are understood to be a device configured
to convert water to snow under the appropriate atmospheric
conditions. Exemplary snow guns are available from Snow Logic,
Inc., Park City, Utah, and may be as described in U.S. Pat. No.
9,170,041 to Dodson. The terms "automated actuator", "snowmaking
automation module" and "black box" are also used interchangeably
and synonymously herein and are understood to be a device that may
be interchangeably attached to either a snowmaking gun or a hydrant
through a common actuator interface according to the embodiments of
the invention disclosed herein. This interchangeable feature of the
automated actuator or snowmaking automation module is believed to
be a unique and useful feature that provides greater flexibility in
implementing, servicing and maintaining a given snowmaking
automation system.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a system level
block diagram of a snowmaking automation system 100 is shown,
according to present invention. System 100 may include one or more
(one shown) snowmaking guns 102 in communication 106 with a hydrant
104. Typically at each location where snowmaking takes place, a
snowmaking gun 102 may be physically connected (not shown) to the
hydrant 104 via water and optionally compressed air hoses (also not
shown). The hydrant 104 is further connected to a pressurized water
source 108. A compressed air source 110 may be physically connected
with a compressed air hose to the snowmaking gun as shown in the
embodiment of FIG. 1. Alternatively, the compressed air source 110
may be connected to valving in the hydrant 104, where the hydrant
104 is a dual auto hydrant, such as the one disclosed in co-pending
U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/133,289, filed, Mar. 13,
2015, titled: "DUAL AUTO HYDRANT FOR SNOWMAKING EQUIPMENT". In this
alternative configuration, the snowmaking gun 102 is physically
connected (not shown) to the hydrant 104 via a water hose (also not
shown) and compressed air hose (also not shown).
[0047] System 100 may further include a base station 112 that is in
communication 116 with one or more (one shown) repeater nodes 114
and is also in communication 118 with the one or more snowmaking
guns 102. The communications 116 and 118 may be wireless or wired
depending on the particular embodiment. Of course, the wireless
communication (106, 116, 118) embodiments offer the greatest
flexibility in terms of locating the gun 102 and hydrant 104 on a
given mountain location (not shown).
[0048] The repeater nodes 114 are used to provide wireless
connectivity between the base station 112 and each snowmaking gun
102 and hydrant 104 in the varied topography that one might
encounter on a mountain resort ski slope. Each repeater node 114
operates much like a cellphone tower to provide geographic coverage
of the wireless network. The repeater nodes 114 may be located
anywhere on the mountain and used to provide full coverage of
terrain that is subject to snowmaking. The repeater nodes 114 may
operate at any suitable radio frequency (RF) or band of frequencies
and use any suitable communications protocol. The repeater nodes
114 may be portable or fixed in physical location according to
other embodiments of the present invention.
[0049] Another advantageous feature of embodiments of the
snowmaking automation system of the present invention is that the
RF repeater nodes 114 may be employed to cover any mountainous
terrain with a wireless network for use by the snowmaking
automation system. Dead spots and optimal placement of repeater
nodes 114 may be determined by any suitable RF signal detector (not
shown). Such an RF signal detector may be designed and used to
audit the locations of snowmaking equipment, e.g., snowmaking gun
102 and hydrant 104, to easily determine dead spots (no wireless
network signal) and preferred placement of portable RF repeater
stations for complete network coverage on the mountain. For
example, the RF signal detector may be backpack mounted or hand
carried for skiing or snowshoeing over ski trails to snowmaking
locations, or otherwise mounted on a vehicle, snowmobile or snow
cat to perform such a network audit as well as for initial repeater
node 114 placement.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram of a particular
embodiment of a base station 200 is shown, according to the present
invention. The base station 200 may include a general purpose
computer or personal computer (PC) 212, having memory 202 for
storing software, namely a web application 204 that is configured
and programmed to control and operate the snowmaking automation
system 100 (FIG. 1) of the present invention. Computer 212 may have
a connection 206 to the Internet 208. The connection 206 may be a
wireless or wired connection using routers, wireless or otherwise,
using hardware that is well known to those of ordinary skill in the
art. The web application 204 may be used at the base station 200 to
remotely monitor and control all aspects of snowmaking production.
It is further contemplated that a suitable mobile application (app)
could provide mobile remote control of snowmaking production from a
mobile smartphone in much the same way a computer 212 would control
production.
[0051] Computer 212 may further be connected 210 to a radio 214
which may be further connected to an antenna 218 via an optional
arrestor 216 through suitable RF cabling 220, 222. Arrestor 216
provides electrical surge protection from lightning strikes for
example. The radio 214 is used to wirelessly connect to each of the
snowmaking guns 102 (see FIG. 1) and hydrants 104 (see FIG. 1) that
are located on the mountain resort via the repeater nodes 114 (see
FIG. 1) if necessary. Power for the computer 212, radio 214 and any
of the other components (Internet modem or router neither shown,
computer peripherals, i.e., monitor, printer, etc., also not shown)
that require power, may be sourced from the building (not shown) or
location where the base station 200 is located, e.g., the power
block 224 shown in FIG. 2.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 3, a block diagram of a snowmaking gun
automation module 300 is shown, according to an embodiment of the
present invention. Module 300 may include a processor 302 for
controlling module 300. Processor 302 may be in communication 308
with a radio 304. Radio 304 may be connected 310 to an antenna 306.
Connection 310 may comprise an RF cable. Processor 302 may be in
communication 312 with a GPS module 314. The GPS module 314
provides accurate location information relating to the snowmaking
gun 102 (see FIG. 1) that it is attached to.
[0053] Module 300 may further include an actuator, see dashed line
enclosure 316, that is physically connected to the snowmaking gun
102 (not shown, but see FIG. 1). Actuator 316 is in communication
334, 336 with the processor 302. The actuator 316 drives the
mechanical valving within the snowmaking gun 102 under processor
302 control. The actuator 316 may include a motor driver 318, which
is in communication with a motor 320, which is in turn in
communication with an encoder 322.
[0054] Processor 302 may further be in communication 324 with a
hydrant 326. Communication 324 may be wireless or hard-wired
according to various embodiments of the present invention.
According to a hard-wired communication 324 embodiment, power,
optional data and control signals may be transmitted between
processor 302 and hydrant 326 via a waterproof connector 328.
Processor 302 may further be in communication 332 with a
temperature and humidity sensor 330. The temperature and humidity
information from sensor 330 may be transmitted back to the base
station 112, 200 for adjusting snowmaking parameters of the guns
102 and hydrant 104
[0055] Processor 302 may further be in communication 338 with a
user interface 340. The user interface 340 may be a dedicated
weather-proofed panel configured with LED indicators, buttons,
switches, test points and anything else used to control the module
300. The buttons may be used to manually open, or advance, the
valve, manually close the valve, test the communications link, and
to obtain battery status. LED indicators may indicate gun valve
positioning (1-4 for a 4-step gun), communications signal
connection and signal strength, GPS communications, etc.
Alternatively, user interface 340 may be a touch panel configured
appropriately to manually control the snowmaking gun 102, according
to another embodiment. The configuring and programming of a touch
panel is within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art,
and thus, will not be further elaborated herein.
[0056] A particularly useful and novel feature of one embodiment of
module 300 is that it can be battery operated for between 150-200
hours on a single charge. As shown in FIG. 3, processor 302 may be
connected to power circuitry 352 which forms an interface to
battery 350. Power circuitry 352 converts the stored battery power
for use by the processor 302, actuator 316 and radio 304 and any
other component that needs power. Battery 350 may be of any
suitable battery technology. The presently preferred battery
technology for module 300 is lithium iron battery technology
because of its ability to operate in extreme cold weather
conditions.
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 4, a block diagram of a repeater 400
is shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Repeater 400 may include a processor 402 in communication 408 with
a radio 404. Radio 404 may be in communication 406, 408 with
antenna 410 via an arrestor 412 for lightening and electrical surge
protection. Processor 402 may further be in communication 414 with
a GPS module 416.
[0058] Processor 402 may be further connected 420 to a user
interface 418. The user interface 418 may be a dedicated
weather-proofed panel configured with LED indicators, buttons,
switches, test points and anything else used to manually control
the repeater 400. For example buttons may include a button for
testing the communication link. LED indicators may include
communications OK, power indicator, RX LED and TX LED for
indications regarding the receiving and transmission of data.
Alternatively, user interface 418 may be a touch panel configured
appropriately to control repeater 400. Again the configuring and
programming of a touch panel is within the knowledge of one of
ordinary skill in the art, and thus, will not be further elaborated
herein.
[0059] Power to drive the repeater 400 may come from power mains
422 available at the location on the hill where the repeater 400 is
installed. Alternatively, power may be supplied by a battery (not
shown), according to another embodiment. Thus, repeater 400 may
also be located anywhere and moved if necessary. Power circuitry
424 may be used to condition the power from the power mains 422, or
battery (not shown) prior to distribution to the processor 402,
radio 404, and anything else that needs powering within repeater
400.
[0060] Referring now to FIG. 5 a block diagram of a hydrant
automation module 500 is shown, according to an embodiment of the
present invention. Module 500 may further include an actuator, see
dashed line box shown at 504. Actuator 504 is physically connected
to the hydrant 104 (not shown, but see FIG. 1). Actuator 504 is in
communication 512, 514 with the processor 502. The actuator 504
drives the mechanical valving within the hydrant 104 under
processor 502 control. The actuator 504 may include a motor driver
506, which is in communication with a motor 508, which is in turn
in communication with an encoder 510. Processor 502 may further be
in communication 516 with a user interface 520 similar to the user
interfaces 340 and 418 provided for module 300 and repeater 400,
respectively.
[0061] According to the embodiment of hydrant automation module 500
shown in FIG. 5, the module 500 obtains power from module 300 via
waterproof connector 328. Of course, the embodiment of module 500
illustrated is a hard-wired configuration. A wireless embodiment of
module 500 would be similar to the module 300 shown in FIG. 3.
[0062] FIGS. 6A-6C are perspective, front and top views,
respectively, of an automated snowmaking gun 600. The automated
snowmaking gun 600 may include a snowmaking gun automation module
300 attached to a snowmaking gun 602 according to an embodiment of
the present invention. The actuator 316 within module 300 is
coupled to the gun 600 and can remotely control the gun 600 from a
base station 200 (not shown, but see FIG. 200). The module 300 is
shown with an externally mounted antenna 306 (FIGS. 6A and 6B).
[0063] FIGS. 7A-7E are perspective, bottom, front, top and left
side views, respectively, of an automated dual auto hydrant 700.
The automated dual auto hydrant 700 may include a wireless hydrant
automation module 770 attached to a dual auto hydrant 750 according
to an embodiment of the present invention. The wireless hydrant
automation module 770 is essentially identical to the snowmaking
gun automation module 300 discussed herein, but configured to drive
the dual auto hydrant 750. A presently preferred embodiment of a
dual auto hydrant 750 may be as described in co-pending U.S.
nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/069,945, filed, Mar.
14, 2016, titled: "DUAL AUTO HYDRANT FOR SNOWMAKING EQUIPMENT AND
METHOD OF USING SAME", the contents of which are incorporated by
reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. Note that
module 770 may include an externally mounted antenna 706
[0064] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an automated
snowmaking system 800 according to the present invention. System
800 may include a plurality of snow guns with hydrants 850, 852 and
854 located at select locations on a ski slope (not shown). Each
snow gun with hydrant 850, 852 and 854 may include an antenna 820
for wireless communication to a base station 840 which in turn has
its own antenna 820. Depending on the range of the wireless
communications technology employed, system 800 may further include
one or more repeater nodes 830 with an antenna 820 for extending
the range of communications to each snow gun with hydrant 850, 852
and 854, regardless of how far from the base station 840 they may
be.
[0065] The snow guns with hydrants 850, 852 and 854, may be
configured in three ways. The first configuration is an automated
snow gun with manual hydrant 850. In this first configuration, the
snow gun can be controlled remotely from the base station 840, but
the hydrant remains manually operated. The second configuration is
a manual snow gun with automated hydrant 852. In this second
configuration, the snow gun requires manual operation, but the
hydrant can be controlled remotely from the base station 840. The
third configuration is a fully automated snow gun with automated
hydrant 854. In this third configuration both the snow gun and the
hydrant can be remotely controlled from the base station 840. FIGS.
9-11 provide additional detail and description of the snow guns
with hydrants 850, 852 and 854.
[0066] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an automated
snow gun with manual hydrant 850 according to the present
invention. The first configuration of an automated snow gun with
manual hydrant 850 may include a snowmaking gun 802 with an
automated actuator 806 installed. For example and not by way of
limitation, snowmaking gun 802 may be as described in U.S. Pat. No.
9,170,041 to Dodson, the contents of which are incorporated by
reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. The
automated actuator 806 may include an antenna 820 for wireless
communication with a base station 840 (see FIG. 8) directly, or
indirectly through a repeater node 830.
[0067] The first configuration of an automated snow gun with manual
hydrant 850 may further include a hydrant 804 having a manual
actuator 808. For example and not by way of limitation, hydrant 804
may be a dual auto hydrant as described in co-pending U.S.
nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/069,945, filed, Mar.
14, 2016, titled: "DUAL AUTO HYDRANT FOR SNOWMAKING EQUIPMENT AND
METHOD OF USING SAME", the contents of which are incorporated by
reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. For
example and not by way of limitation, the manual actuator 808
contemplated herein may be a hydrant control lever, such as
described in application Ser. No. 15/069,945 at reference number
174, which controls a rack and pinion mechanism 302 within the dual
auto hydrant 100. However, it will be understood that any hydrant
from any manufacturer could be adapted for use with the automated
actuators 806 described herein.
[0068] The first configuration of an automated snow gun with manual
hydrant 850 may further include a pressurized water source 810 and
a compressed air source 812, both feeding the hydrant 804. An
exemplary pressurized water source 810 and compressed air source
812 have both been described in detail above. In this first
configuration of an automated snow gun with manual hydrant 850,
both the water source 810 and air source 812 are manually
controlled by the hydrant 804, which in turn supplies the
snowmaking gun 802.
[0069] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a manual snow
gun with automated hydrant 852 according to the present invention.
The second configuration of a manual snow gun with automated
hydrant 852 may include a snowmaking gun 802 with a manual actuator
808 installed. For example and not by way of limitation, snowmaking
gun 802 may be as described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,170,041 to Dodson,
with a manual actuator 808 shown as a pinion handle 116 (U.S. Pat.
No. 9,170,041 to Dodson).
[0070] The second configuration of a manual snow gun with automated
hydrant 852 may further include a hydrant 804 with an automated
actuator 806 installed. The automated actuator 806 may include an
antenna 820 for wireless communication with a base station 840 (see
FIG. 8) directly, or indirectly through a repeater node 830. The
second configuration of a manual snow gun with automated hydrant
852 may further include a pressurized water source 810 and a
compressed air source 812 feeding into hydrant 804. In this second
configuration a manual snow gun with automated hydrant 852, both
the water source 810 and air source 812 may be remotely controlled
by the hydrant 804, which in turn supplies the snowmaking gun
802.
[0071] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an automated
snow gun with automated hydrant 854 according to the present
invention. The third configuration of an automated snow gun with
automated hydrant 854 may include a snowmaking gun 802 with an
automated actuator 806 installed. The third configuration of an
automated snow gun with automated hydrant 854 may further include a
hydrant 804 with an automated actuator 806 installed. In this third
configuration, the water source 810 and air source 812 feed the
hydrant 804 which are remotely controlled to selectively pass
through to the snowmaking gun 802 which in turn is remotely
controlled to generate snow in the appropriate atmospheric
conditions. This third configuration of an automated snow gun with
automated hydrant 854 is believed to be the most labor cost
effective as it does not need manual attendance from an operator at
its actual location for long periods of time.
[0072] FIG. 12 is a diagram of another embodiment of an automated
snowmaking system 1200 according to the present invention. A
plurality (six shown) of automated snow gun and automated hydrants
1254 are located at designated positions on a mountain 1260 where
snowmaking is desired. One or more repeater nodes 1230 (only one
shown) may be strategically located on the mountain 1260 to provide
a wireless radio connection to all of the automated snow gun and
automated hydrants 1254. One or more weather stations 1270 (only
one shown) may be placed on the mountain at or near locations where
snowmaking is desired. Such weather stations 1270 may include a
variety of sensors for temperature, humidity, wind speed,
barometric pressure and the like that are useful for determining
atmospheric conditions for snowmaking. The weather stations 1270
may also communicate wirelessly with the repeater nodes 1230 to
provide this real time weather information for use in fine tuning
the snowmaking process and determining whether conditions are
sufficient for making snow in the first place.
[0073] Data of interest, e.g., water flow rate, water pressure,
compressed air pressure, temperature, operational duration, battery
life, sensed at the snowmaking automation module may be gathered
from each of the various snowmaking automation modules attached to
the snowmaking guns and hydrants 1254 and transmitted back to a
database 1280 for use by a server 1290 which may store a computer
program (not shown) for controlling the snowmaking automation
system 1200, according to various embodiments of the present
invention. A user (not shown) would interact with the snowmaking
automation system 1200 using a computer 1210 with access to the
server 1290 through a direct network connection or through the
Internet if the database 1280 and/or server 1290 are located in the
cloud, according to various embodiments of the present invention.
The computer 1210 may or may not be located in a base station (840,
FIG. 8), according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0074] FIGS. 13A-13C are left side, front and right side views of
an embodiment of a snowmaking automation module 1300 according to
the present invention. Module 1300 may include a housing 1302 for
holding a gear motor 1304, battery 1306 (shown in transparent view,
FIGS. 13A and 13C), radio modem 1308 (shown in transparent view,
FIGS. 13A and 13C) and GPS module 1310 (also shown in transparent
view, FIGS. 13A and 13C). Housing 1302 may further include an
actuator interface 1312 that is coupled to the gear motor 1304. The
actuator interface 1312 allows the snowmaking automation module
1300 to replace a user manually turning a handle or lever used to
actuate the snow gun or hydrant.
[0075] Housing 1302 may further include a control panel 1318 and a
battery box cover 1326 mounted along a front face panel 1320 of the
housing 1302 and a handle 1322. Control panel 1320 may be used to
manually configure the snowmaking automation module 1300 for
automatic operation based on the snowmaking gun or hydrant to which
it is attached. The control panel 1320 may also be used to manually
operate the gun or hydrant to which it is attached. The handle 1322
may be used to remove, transport and install the snowmaking
automation module 1300 to and from snowmaking sites. Module 1300
may further include a flexible pipe 1314 which supports a solar
panel 1316. The solar panel 1316 provides passive recharging of the
battery 1306. Flexible pipe 1314 further houses electrical conduit
from the solar panel 1316 to the battery. The embodiment of a radio
antenna 1324 coupled to the radio modem 1308 is located within the
housing 1302 as shown in FIG. 13C. However, it will be understood
that an antenna for radio communications could be located external
to the housing 1302 in other embodiments of the present
invention.
[0076] FIGS. 14A-14F are left side, top, front-right perspective,
front, right side and rear views of an embodiment of a snowmaking
gun 1400 with a snowmaking automation module 1300 installed
according to the present invention. Note that the snowmaking gun
1400 is not shown connected to pressurized water or compressed air
sources that would be needed for snowmaking, in order to simplify
illustrating the different views.
[0077] FIGS. 15A-15F are rear perspective, top, front, right side,
rear and left-side view of an embodiment of a hydrant 1500 with a
snowmaking automation module 1300 installed according to the
present invention. Note that the hydrant 1500 is not shown
connected to pressurized water or compressed air sources for ease
of illustrating the different views.
[0078] It will be understood that various combinations of hardware,
firmware and software may be used to implement the command,
control, raw data storage (database) and control program storage
and execution (server) for controlling and monitoring all of the
snowmaking automation modules 1300 or "black boxes" and repeater
nodes 1230 dispersed about a mountainside at a ski resort, as well
as, databases, servers and computers shown, for example in FIG. 12.
According to one embodiment, the software or code resident in the
black boxes 1300, may be firmware that sends status of the current
state of the snow gun or hydrant to which it is attached and
receives commands via a repeater node 1230. According to one
embodiment, the software in the black box is coded in the C
language.
[0079] According to another embodiment, the computer code in a
repeater node 1230 receives statuses from the black boxes 1300 and
from transmitting weather stations 1270 and may convert bytes of
data into JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) to transmit to the
database 1280 for storage. The computer code in the repeater nodes
may also be configured for receiving JSON coded data from the
database 1280 and translating it into bytes sent to the black boxes
1300. According to one embodiment, the software code of the
repeater node 1230 and its radio modem 1308 may be coded in the
Python scripting language.
[0080] According to still another embodiment, the computer code
used in the database 1280 may be used to store data received from
the repeater node 1230 and from the web interface input by a user
of the system. According to an embodiment, the software code of the
database 1280 may be coded in the Python scripting language and
JavaScript and the database itself may be implemented using
RethinkDB.TM., 32-bit. RethinkDB.TM. is an open-source, scalable
JSON database used for real time web applications available at
https://rethinkdb.com. However, it will be understood that other
databases could be used to implement database 1280 as described
herein.
[0081] According to yet another embodiment, the computer code in
the server 1290 may be used to process data from the database for
sending to the web interface and vice versa. According to a
particular embodiment, the server 1290 may be implemented in
Node.js.TM. available at https://nodejes.org. Node.js.TM. is an
open-source, cross-platform runtime environment for developing
server-side Web applications. According to one embodiment,
JavaScript is the programming language used to implement modules
within the Node.js development platform.
[0082] According to another embodiment, the web interface viewed in
a browser on computer 1210 provides the user with an interface to
control the black boxes 1300 from any computer/or smartphone with
internet access. According to a particular embodiment, the software
code used to implement the web interface may be JavaScript and
HyperText Markup Language (HTML).
[0083] Having described a number of embodiments of the inventive
snowmaking automation system and its associated snowmaking
automation modules with reference to the drawing figures,
additional more general embodiments of the system and modules will
now be described.
[0084] An embodiment of a snowmaking automation system for remotely
controlling the generation of snow is disclosed. The system may
include a hydrant for selectively receiving and delivering
pressurized water and compressed air. The system may further
include a snowmaking gun coupled to the hydrant to selectively
receive the pressurized water and the compressed air. The system
may further include at least one automation module coupled to the
hydrant or the snowmaking gun, each of the at least one automation
modules having a means for communication and a motor for actuating
the snowmaking gun or the hydrant to selectively generate snow
using the water and the air. The system may further include a base
station in communication with the at least one automation module,
the base station configured to provide a user control of the at
least one automation module and thereby remotely control generation
of the snow.
[0085] According to another embodiment of the snowmaking automation
system, the at least one automation module may include a first
automation module coupled to the hydrant and a second automation
module coupled to the snowmaking gun. According to yet another
embodiment of the snowmaking automation system, the means for
communication may be wireless radio communication, hardwired
network communication, or optical fiber communication. According to
still another embodiment, the snowmaking automation system may
further include at least one repeater node linking wireless
communication between the base station and the at least one
automation module. According to still another embodiment, the
snowmaking automation system may further include a weather station
in communication with the repeater node. The weather station may be
configured for sensing and transmitting atmospheric weather
conditions back to a database for use by a server.
[0086] According to another embodiment, the snowmaking automation
system may further include a database in communication with the at
least one automation module for storing data gathered from the at
least one automation module. According to another embodiment, the
snowmaking automation system may further include a server in
communication with the at least one automation module and the
database. The server may be configured for storing and running a
computer software program configured for remotely interacting with
and controlling the at least one automation module and the database
according to one embodiment. According to another embodiment, the
snowmaking automation system may further include a computer with a
user interface or web interface in communication with the server,
the database and the at least one automation module. The computer
with the user interface may be configured to remotely interact with
and control the at least one automation module according to one
embodiment.
[0087] According to a particular embodiment of a snowmaking
automation system, the at least one automation module further
include a housing with an actuator interface for attachment to a
snowmaking gun or a hydrant. The at least one automation module may
further include a gear motor with encoder mounted inside the
housing and coupled to the actuator interface, the gear motor
configured to selectively drive a snowmaking gun or a hydrant
according to this embodiment. The at least one automation module
may further include a radio modem and antenna mounted inside the
housing. The at least one automation module may further include a
battery mounted inside the housing, the battery coupled to, and
configure for powering, the gear motor and the radio modem.
[0088] An embodiment of a snowmaking automation module is
disclosed. The module may include a housing with an actuator
interface for attachment to a snowmaking gun or a hydrant. The
module may further include a gear motor mounted inside the housing
and coupled to the actuator interface, the gear motor configured to
selectively drive a snowmaking gun or a hydrant. The module may
further include a radio modem and antenna mounted inside the
housing. The module may further include a battery mounted inside
the housing, the battery coupled to, and configure for powering,
the gear motor and the radio modem.
[0089] Another embodiment of the snowmaking automation module may
further include a control panel mounted to the outside of the
housing. The control panel may be configured for a user to manually
control the snowmaking automation module and either a snowmaking
gun or a hydrant to which it is attached and to configure the
automation module for remote operation. Still another embodiment of
the snowmaking automation module may further include a solar panel
mechanically coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the
battery for passively supplementing life of the battery. Yet
another embodiment of the snowmaking automation module may further
include a flexible pipe for mechanically coupling the solar panel
to the housing and electrically coupling the solar panel to the
battery. The flexible pipe may be configured to allow manual aiming
of the solar panel to maximize solar power conversion efficiency
according to one embodiment. Another embodiment of the snowmaking
automation module may further include a global positioning system
(GPS) module mounted in the housing and coupled to the radio modem.
The GPS module may be configured for determining the position of
the automation module and providing position information to the
radio modem, which in turn may be relayed to the database, server
and user at a web interface located anywhere, including in a base
station. Still another embodiment of the snowmaking automation
module may further include a handle formed into the housing. The
handle may be configured for a user to remove, transport or mount
the snowmaking automation module on the equipment (snow gun or
hydrant) to which it is attached.
[0090] In understanding the scope of the present invention, the
term "configured" as used herein to describe a component, section
or part of a device includes hardware and/or software that is
constructed and/or programmed to carry out the desired function. In
understanding the scope of the present invention, the term
"comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to
be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated
features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but
do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements,
components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also
applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms,
"including", "having" and their derivatives. Also, the terms
"part," "section," "portion," "member" or "element" when used in
the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a
plurality of parts. As used herein to describe the present
invention, the following directional terms "forward, rearward,
above, downward, vertical, horizontal, below and transverse" as
well as any other similar directional terms refer to those
directions of a snowmaking gun or snowmaking automation module
attached to a snowmaking gun as appropriate and according to the
present invention. Finally, terms of degree such as
"substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean a
reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the
end result is not significantly changed.
[0091] It will further be understood that the present invention may
suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the
component parts, method steps and limitations disclosed herein.
However, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may
be practiced in the absence of any element which is not
specifically disclosed herein.
[0092] While the foregoing advantages of the present invention are
manifested in the illustrated embodiments of the invention, a
variety of changes can be made to the configuration, design and
construction of the invention to achieve those advantages. Hence,
reference herein to specific details of the structure and function
of the present invention is by way of example only and not by way
of limitation.
* * * * *
References