Remote control for valve and hose reel system

摘要

An apparatus includes a handheld element and a remote control. The handheld element has a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal flow conduit. The internal flow conduit extends between the proximal and distal ends. The internal flow conduit is configured to be in fluid communication with a hose. The remote control is integrated with the handheld element. The remote control is configured to transmit wireless data signals for controlling a device associated with the hose. The device may include a reel, a valve system, a valve unit, and/or a plurality of valves.

主权项

1. A method of operating a hose reel, the method comprising:
providing a hose reel comprising:
a rotatable element;a hose configured to be spooled around the rotatable element;a motor configured to rotate the rotatable element, the hose having a distal end having an axially slidable collar;a hose configured to be spooled around the rotatable element;a motor controller configured to activate the motor, thereby rotating the rotatable element and spooling the hose around the rotatable element;a flow controller in fluid communication with the hose;a programmable electronics unit in electrical communication with the motor controller and the flow controller; and a programming device in communication with the electronics unit, wherein the programming device comprises:
a handheld element having a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal flow conduit extending between the proximal and distal ends, the internal flow conduit configured to be in fluid communication with the hose; anda remote control integrated directly with the handheld element, the remote control configured to transmit wireless data signals to the electronics unit;wherein the proximal end of the handheld element is configured to be removably fluidly attached to the distal end of the hose by sliding the hose's collar proximally, inserting the proximal end of the handheld element into the distal end of the hose, and sliding the collar distally after said inserting; using the programming device to program the electronics unit to automatically cause the flow controller to start a flow of a fluid through the hose for a first duration; using the programming device to program the electronics unit to automatically cause the flow controller to stop the flow of the fluid after the first duration; using the programming device to program the electronics unit to automatically cause the motor controller to activate the motor to rotate the rotatable element after the first duration; and executing a program stored in a memory of the electronics unit, the program produced by said programming steps.