US 12,480,790 B2
Method for installing a sensor conduit support in an internal structure
Justin Pearson Smith, Gaylord, MI (US); John P. Smith, Gaylord, MI (US); Kevin Janka, Gaylord, MI (US); Michael Rose, Beaumont (CA); and Mark Hopkins, Gaylord, MI (US)
Assigned to SILVERSMITH, INC., Gaylord, MI (US)
Filed by SILVERSMITH, INC., Gaylord, MI (US)
Filed on Jun. 10, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/738,864.
Application 18/738,864 is a division of application No. 17/883,740, filed on Aug. 9, 2022, granted, now 12,038,306.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/232,332, filed on Aug. 12, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2024/0328837 A1, Oct. 3, 2024
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. G01D 11/24 (2006.01); E03B 9/02 (2006.01)
CPC G01D 11/245 (2013.01) [E03B 9/02 (2013.01)] 14 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for installing a sensor assembly in a fire hydrant, comprising:
removing a bonnet portion of the fire hydrant to access an interior of the fire hydrant;
inserting a sensor assembly, including a sensor unit having at least one electronic sensor component and a conduit coupled with the sensor and extending away from the sensor unit, into the interior of the fire hydrant;
connecting the conduit with a fitting received in an aperture through a portion of the fire hydrant; and
supporting a portion of at least one of the conduit or the sensor unit with a rigid support structure at a first end adjacent the sensor unit and extending away from the sensor unit to a length of at least about 6 feet, the rigid support structure configured to maintain the sensor unit within the interior of the fire hydrant, between a valve seat flange and an operating nut of the fire hydrant, for monitoring using the electronic sensor component.