Lindsay Corporation Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150298145 | VARIABLE FLOW NOZZLE - A fluid delivery system for use in an irrigation system comprises a pressure regulator, a variable flow nozzle, and a sprinkler. The pressure regulator reduces the fluid pressure of the fluid to a normalized pressure. The variable flow nozzle includes a housing and first and second rollers. The housing defines an inlet, an interior chamber, and an outlet. The rollers are positioned side by side in the interior chamber of the housing and each define a recessed channel extending circumferentially around longitudinal axes of the rollers and gradually increasing in size. The channels cooperatively form an orifice between the rollers for fluid to pass therethrough. The variable flow nozzle increases or decreases the fluid flow rate of the fluid by rotating the rollers so that the orifice increases or decreases in size. | 10-22-2015 |
20150273942 | ADJUSTABLE WHEEL ASSEMBLY FOR AN IRRIGATION SYSTEM - A wheel assembly for a support structure of a movable irrigation system broadly comprising a rotatable drive component, a motor, a gearbox, and a mount. The mount supports the rotatable drive component, the motor, and the gearbox and is shiftable between first and second orientations. In the first orientation of the mount, the rotatable drive component, the motor, and the gearbox are supported in a first position in which the rotatable drive component traverses a first path. In the second orientation of the mount, the rotatable drive component, the motor, and the gearbox are supported in a second position in which the rotatable drive component traverses a second path spaced from the first path. | 10-01-2015 |
20150202926 | WHEEL ASSEMBLY FOR AN IRRIGATION SYSTEM - A wheel assembly for traversing a path along a ground surface having a layer of soil, the wheel assembly comprising a central support and an airless flexible covering mounted on the central support and having a plurality of rigid sections and a plurality of flexible sections. The outwardly protruding spokes urge the rigid sections into the layer of soil when the rigid sections contact the ground surface. The flexible sections include a set of traction lugs for gripping peaks of a corrugated pattern in the ground surface for improved traction. | 07-23-2015 |
20150202917 | WHEEL ASSEMBLY FOR AN IRRIGATION SYSTEM - A wheel assembly for traversing a path along a ground surface having a layer of soil, the wheel assembly comprising a central support and an airless flexible covering mounted on the central support and having a plurality of rigid sections and a plurality of flexible sections. The outwardly protruding spokes urge the rigid sections into the layer of soil when the rigid sections contact the ground surface. The flexible sections flex inwardly when the flexible sections contact the ground surface so that the rigid sections and the flexible sections cooperatively form a corrugated pattern in the ground surface without urging the soil to side margins of the airless flexible covering, the corrugated pattern having a plurality of valleys formed by the rigid sections and a plurality of peaks formed by the flexible sections. | 07-23-2015 |
20150195048 | WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE WITH CIRCUIT ISOLATION - A wireless modem comprises an antenna, modem circuitry, a first galvanic isolation device, and a second galvanic isolation device. The antenna is configured to transmit and receive wireless signals and to communicate electronic transmit and receive signals. The modem circuitry is configured to convert transmit data from a data processing system to the electronic transmit signal for the antenna and to convert the electronic receive signal from the antenna to receive data for the data processing system. The first galvanic isolation device is configured to electrically isolate the electronic transmit and receive signals between the antenna and the modem circuitry. The second galvanic isolation device is configured to receive electrical power from the data processing system and supply isolated electrical power to the modem circuitry and to electrically isolate the transmit and receive data between the modem circuitry and the data processing system. | 07-09-2015 |
20150121770 | IRRIGATION TOWER ANCHOR SYSTEM - An anchor system comprising an anchor set in a ground surface and a brace attached to a movable section of an irrigation system. The anchor includes a base configured to engage the ground surface so as to secure the anchor in the ground surface, a vertical member extending upwards from the base, and a head attached near the top of the vertical member and spaced from the ground surface when the anchor is secured in the ground surface. The brace is operable to engage the anchor and includes an open-ended central channel for receiving the head therein and an open-ended slot along a bottom side for receiving the vertical member therein. The slot is narrower than the head so as to prevent the head from passing vertically therethrough. | 05-07-2015 |
20150060580 | SOLID-STATE SPAN ALIGNMENT AND PIVOT POSITIONING - A center-pivot irrigation system having a plurality of towers interconnected by a plurality of spans actuatable about a center pivot, a plurality of solid-state sensors each mounted in fixed alignment with one of the spans or towers, and a control system communicably coupled with the solid-state sensors. The solid-state sensors may send acceleration, angular acceleration, angular rotation, heading, and/or angle measurements to the control system, which may use these measurements to calculate alignment of the spans relative to each other and/or the center pivot and to calculate locations of the spans or towers using a known location of the center pivot. The solid-state sensors may be solid-state gyroscopes, solid-state accelerometers, digital compass, and/or an inertial measurement unit (IMU). | 03-05-2015 |
20150048186 | WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A COLLAPSIBLE WHEEL - A wheel assembly includes a collapsible wheel and an airless flexible tire mounted on the wheel. The wheel includes a central portion and a plurality of circumferentially spaced mounting elements attached to the central portion. Each of the mounting elements is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, and may be pivotally attached to the central portion of the wheel and configured to pivot between the retracted position and the extended position. The tire may be positioned on the wheel when one or more of the mounting elements is in the retracted position, and the one or more mounting elements are moved to the extended position wherein the mounting elements engage and support the tire. | 02-19-2015 |
20150032272 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AN IRRIGATION SYSTEM - A control system for a low-volume irrigation system includes a plurality of valve controllers for opening and closing valves; an irrigation system controller for controlling the valve controllers in accordance with an irrigation plan; and a graphical user interface for allowing a user to interact with the irrigation controller and to create the irrigation plan. The graphical user interface displays an irrigation zone list, an irrigation set list, and an irrigation plan field. The user interface has drag and drop functionality that permits an irrigation zone listing from the irrigation zone list to be dragged and dropped into any of the irrigation set listings in the irrigation set list and that permits an irrigation zone listing or an irrigation set listing to be dragged and dropped into the irrigation plan to create irrigation steps within the irrigation plan. | 01-29-2015 |
20140263706 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT - An irrigation management system includes a water pump, at least one mobile irrigation system, and a pump controller. The mobile irrigation system includes a water pressure sensor for generating water pressure data indicating water pressure in the irrigation system. The pump controller is configured to receive the water pressure data generated by the water pressure sensor, to compare a target water pressure with the sensed water pressure data to determine a difference between the target water pressure and the sensed water pressure, and to adjust operation of the water pump to increase or decrease water pressure to the irrigation system in a manner that resolves the difference between the target water pressure and the sensed water pressure. | 09-18-2014 |
20140183287 | HOSE PULL APPARATUS AND METHOD - A hose-fed lateral move irrigation system and method that utilizes a pipe with a plurality of sprinklers attached to a wheeled cart that pulls a flexible-hose assembly therebehind using at least one onboard winch and travels laterally with the pipe and sprinklers relative to a field so that a sufficient amount of hose may be used to enable total automation of the system. | 07-03-2014 |
20140110992 | WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLY - A wheel assembly includes a rigid wheel and an airless flexible tire with certain performance characteristics of a pneumatic tire. The rigid wheel includes a central portion and a plurality of circumferentially spaced mounting elements removably attached to a radially outer margin of the central portion. The tire is mounted on the wheel and engages the mounting elements such that portions of the tire not engaging the mounting elements are separated radially from the wheel by a space. The tire is configured such that portions of the tire not engaging the mounting elements flex inwardly toward the wheel when subject to ground engaging pressure, thereby minimizing ground penetration and soil disruption. The tire may include one or more tension elements embedded in the tire to increase the tire's strength and resilience. | 04-24-2014 |
20140083586 | WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY - A wheel assembly includes a rigid wheel and an airless tire. The wheel includes a cylindrical rim portion that is parallel with an axis of rotation of the wheel and includes a transversely flat outer surface corresponding to at least eighty percent of the total width of the rim portion. The tire is mounted on the rim portion of the wheel and includes a cylindrical tire body presenting a transversely flat inner surface that engages the outer surface of the wheel. A plurality of traction lugs are spaced circumferentially around the tire and extend radially outwardly from the tire body. A plurality of drive lugs are spaced circumferentially around the tire, extend radially inwardly from the tire body and engage corresponding receptacles on the rim portion of the wheel. | 03-27-2014 |
20140083585 | WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLY - A wheel assembly includes a rigid wheel and an airless tire configured to present some performance characteristics of a pneumatic tire. The wheel includes a pair of radially outermost axially spaced rim portions, each rim portion including a transversely flat outer surface extending at least partially around the circumference of the wheel. The tire is mounted on the wheel such that the tire engages the outer surfaces of the rim portions of the wheel. A central portion of the tire is configured to flex inwardly between the rim portions of the wheel in response to ground engaging pressure, thus minimizing ground penetration and soil disturbance during use. | 03-27-2014 |
20140039696 | IRRIGATION SYSTEM INCLUDING A GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE - A system for managing irrigation equipment comprises a first irrigation system for applying water in a first irrigated area, a second irrigation system for applying water in a second irrigated area, a control system for controlling the irrigation systems, and a user interface for enabling a user to configure the control system. The user interface presents a map view of a geographic area including the irrigated areas and includes a first graphical element corresponding to the first irrigation system and a second graphical element corresponding to the second irrigation system. The user interface further presents a first interactive control panel for controlling the first irrigation system concurrently with the map view when the user selects the first graphical element, and presents a second interactive control panel for controlling the second irrigation system concurrently with the map view when the user selects the second graphical element. | 02-06-2014 |
20140039695 | IRRIGATION SYSTEM WITH A USER INTERFACE INCLUDING STATUS ICONS - An irrigation management system includes a monitoring system, a controller and a user interface. The monitoring system monitors an operational status of the irrigation system, including a current position, a travel status, a direction of travel, and a fault status. The user interface displays a map view of a geographic area including an irrigated area corresponding to the irrigation system. A graphical element in the map view provides a visual indication of the operational status of the irrigation system. The controller receives monitoring information from the monitoring system and continuously updates the user interface to reflect changes in the operational status of the irrigation system, such that the graphical element reflects a current status of the irrigation system. | 02-06-2014 |
20140035277 | BEARING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AN IRRIGATION PIVOT STRUCTURE - A bearing structure for a pivoting irrigation system apparatus having a rotatable vertical section with a plurality of annular assemblies mounted thereon. The assemblies include a plurality of components that are rotatable and non-rotatable with the rotatable vertical section so as to facilitate movement with decreased friction therebetween. | 02-06-2014 |
20130341419 | IRRIGATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method of operating a mobile irrigation system includes receiving water application amount and application pattern information from a user, automatically determining an irrigation plan using the amount information and the pattern information, and using an automated controller to operate the mobile irrigation system according to the irrigation plan. The irrigation system is operated by applying water at progressively decreasing levels as the irrigation system moves from a first position to a second position, and applying water at the same or similar progressively decreasing levels as the irrigation system is moved in a reverse direction from the second position back to the first position. | 12-26-2013 |
20130313015 | GROUNDING ADAPTER FOR SHIELDED CABLE - A grounding adapter to be used with a cable comprises a central band, a plurality of upper extensions, and a plurality of lower extensions. The central band may include an upper side, an opposing lower side, a left side, and an opposing right side to form a rectangle. The upper extensions may be spaced apart and coupled to the upper side of the central band. The lower extensions may be spaced apart and coupled to the lower side of the central band. Each upper extension and lower extension may have an isosceles triangle shape with a first side and a second side of equal length and a rounded corner therebetween. The lower extensions may be offset from the upper extensions such that a space between any two lower extensions aligns with an upper extension. | 11-28-2013 |
20130284861 | WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLY - A wheel assembly is disclosed, the wheel assembly including a rigid wheel including a radially outer rim wall presenting a polygonal shape with a plurality of outermost vertices connecting a plurality of planar faces, and a flexible tire mounted on the outer rim wall. The tire is supported by the vertices of the rim wall and is separated from the rim faces by a space, portions of the tire located between the vertices being configured to flex inwardly when subject to ground engaging pressure. | 10-31-2013 |
20130284860 | WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLY - A wheel assembly includes a rigid wheel with a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially outermost mounting elements and a flexible tire mounted on the wheel. The tire engages the mounting elements such that portions of the tire not engaging the mounting elements are separated radially from the wheel by a space, the portions of the tire not engaging the mounting elements being configured to flex inwardly toward the wheel when subject to ground engaging pressure. | 10-31-2013 |
20130284328 | WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLY WITH ADJUSTABLE SPACER SYSTEM - A wheel assembly is disclosed, the wheel assembly including a rigid wheel and an airless tire mounted on the wheel. A portion of the tire is separated radially from the wheel by a space and is configured to flex inwardly toward the wheel when subject to ground engaging pressure. A spacer is interposed between the wheel and the portion of the tire separated radially from the wheel by a space and is configured to limit the inward flexing of the tire. The spacer may be permanently affixed to the wheel assembly or may be removably attached to the wheel assembly. The spacer may be adjustable between a first size and a second size. | 10-31-2013 |
20130253752 | CONTINUOUS-MOVE IRRIGATION CONTROL SYSTEM - A control system of an irrigation system to continuously drive a plurality of towers supporting an elevated pipeline along a path while maintaining the pipeline in an aligned configuration. The system includes an antenna, a receiver, a controller, and a variable-speed drive motor. The antenna receives signals from at least one external positional information source. The receiver is in communication with the antenna and operable to process the signals to produce positional data corresponding to an alignment of the elevated pipeline. The controller is in communication with the receiver and programmed to adjust a speed of the motor based on the alignment data. | 09-26-2013 |
20130226356 | SAFETY MONITOR FOR AN IRRIGATION SYSTEM - The method determines an actual position of the end tower while the irrigation system is in operation; determines an actual angular orientation of the extension arm relative to the end tower; accesses memory and determines the desired angular orientation of the extension arm; and compares the actual angular orientation to the desired angular orientation. If the actual angular orientation deviates from the desired angular orientation by more than a threshold amount, the method shuts down the irrigation system. | 08-29-2013 |
20130221663 | BEARING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AN IRRIGATION PIVOT STRUCTURE - A bearing structure for a pivoting irrigation system apparatus having a rotatable vertical section with a plurality of annular assemblies mounted thereon. The assemblies include a plurality of components that are rotatable and non-rotatable with the rotatable vertical section so as to facilitate movement with decreased friction therebetween. | 08-29-2013 |
20130199427 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PLANTING AND IRRIGATION - A planting and irrigation apparatus and method for planting seeds in and irrigating a field. The apparatus may comprise a plurality of spray nozzles configured with a pressure setting sufficient for forming a plurality of holes into soil of the field and a seed dispenser configured for dispensing one or more seeds into one or more of the holes. Once the seeds are dispensed throughout the field, the apparatus may irrigate the field, thereby washing soil displaced when the holes were formed back into the holes, thereby covering the seeds. | 08-08-2013 |
20130192502 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PLANTING AND IRRIGATION - A planting and irrigation apparatus and method for planting seeds in and irrigating a field. The apparatus may comprise a plurality of spray nozzles configured with a pressure setting sufficient for forming a plurality of holes into soil of the field and a seed dispenser configured for dispensing one or more seeds into one or more of the holes. Once the seeds are dispensed throughout the field, the apparatus may irrigate the field, thereby washing soil displaced when the holes were formed back into the holes, thereby covering the seeds. | 08-01-2013 |
20130090772 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ORIENTING AN IRRIGATION SYSTEM TO MINIMIZE WIND DAMAGE - An irrigation system comprises a central pivot; a main section pivotally connected to the central pivot; and a control system for positioning the main section to minimize wind damage. The control system comprises a location-determining component for determining a current position or bearing of the main section; a wind sensor for determining wind direction; and a computing device coupled with the wind sensor and the location-determining component for determining an optimal orientation of the main section based on an output of the wind sensor and the current position or bearing of the main section and for directing the motors to drive the wheels of the mobile towers to orient the main section in the optimal orientation. | 04-11-2013 |
20130090766 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING IRRIGATION SYSTEMS MOTORS - An irrigation system includes a central pivot and a series of mobile towers connected to the central pivot and to one another by support structure. Each mobile tower has wheels and a motor for driving at least one of the wheels. A control system operates the motors to maintain alignment of the mobile towers and the central pivot while preventing power usage of the system from exceeding a maximum power threshold. The control system determines in which sequence to operate the motors to maintain alignment of the mobile towers while operating no more than a selected number of the motors simultaneously. | 04-11-2013 |
20130087640 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ORIENTING SOLAR POWERED IRRIGATION SYSTEMS - An irrigation system includes a central pivot; a main section pivotally connected to the central pivot; and at least one solar panel supported on the main section. A control system positions the main section relative to the central pivot so that the solar panel faces the sun. | 04-11-2013 |
20130087631 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR POSITIONING AN EXTENSION ARM OF A CENTER PIVOT IRRIGATION SYSTEM - A system and method for controlling the positioning of an extension arm of a center pivot irrigation system. The method determines at least some boundaries of a field to be irrigated; determines positions for the end tower along a path in the field; determines a desired angular orientation of the extension arm relative to the end tower for each of the positions of the end tower along the path based at least partially on the boundaries; and stores in memory desired angular orientations of the extension arm associated with positions of the end tower along the path. The method determines an actual position of the end tower while the irrigation system is in operation; determines an actual angular orientation of the extension arm relative to the end tower; accesses the memory and determines the desired angular orientation of the extension arm; and compares the actual angular orientation to the desired angular orientation. | 04-11-2013 |
20130048747 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ALIGNING IRRIGATION SYSTEMS - An irrigation system includes a central pivot and a series of mobile towers connected to the central pivot and to one another by support structure. Each mobile tower has wheels and a motor for driving at least one of the wheels. A control system for maintaining alignment of the mobile towers includes a location-determining component for determining a position or orientation of each of the mobile towers and a computing device operable to detect mis-alignment of the mobile towers based on the position or orientation of each of the mobile towers, determine a control sequence to re-align the mobile towers, and send commands to at least one of the motors for implementing the control sequence. | 02-28-2013 |
20130043332 | TRACK ASSEMBLY FOR IRRIGATION SYSTEMS - A track assembly for a mobile tower of an irrigation system includes: a mounting bracket configured to be attached to the mobile tower; a gearbox assembly and rotatable drive wheel hub attached to the mounting bracket; a drive wheel attached to the drive hub; rotatable tension wheel hub attached to the mounting bracket and spaced from the drive hub; a tension wheel attached to the tension wheel hub; and a track trained over the drive wheel and the tension wheel and driven by the drive wheel to propel the mobile tower. | 02-21-2013 |
20130043084 | IRRIGATION SYSTEM TRACK ASSEMBLY WITH ADJUSTABLE TOW - A track assembly for a mobile tower of an irrigation system includes a mounting bracket; a gearbox assembly and rotatable drive wheel hub attached to the mounting bracket; a drive wheel attached to the drive hub; a rotatable tension wheel hub attached to the mounting bracket and spaced from the drive hub; a tension wheel attached to the tension wheel hub; a track belt trained over the drive wheel and the tension wheel and driven by the drive wheel to propel the mobile tower; and structure for pivotally mounting the mounting bracket to the mobile tower. | 02-21-2013 |
20130042676 | TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR MOUNTING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A tire-pressure mount apparatus having a compartment in communication with a wheel and tire assembly. The compartment has a removable closure with a tire-pressure sensor and a valve stem mounted thereon so as to permit simultaneous removal of the tire-pressure sensor and valve stem when the closure is removed from the compartment, thus providing access thereto without requiring disassembly of the wheel and tire assembly. | 02-21-2013 |
20130034320 | BEARING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AN IRRIGATION PIVOT STRUCTURE - A bearing structure for a pivoting irrigation system apparatus having a rotatable vertical section with a plurality of annular assemblies mounted thereon. The assemblies include a plurality of components that are rotatable and non-rotatable with the rotatable vertical section so as to facilitate movement with decreased friction therebetween. | 02-07-2013 |
20130026261 | LATERAL IRRIGATION SYSTEM WITH PIVOTING AND Z-FOLD SPANS - A lateral move irrigation system comprising a main section having a first end and a second end, a first end section pivotally joined at the first end of the main section, a second end section pivotally joined at the second end of the main section, and a fluid delivery system. The main section may comprise a plurality of main towers configured to travel across a field in a lateral direction and a plurality of main support structures fixedly connected to and extending between adjacent ones of the main towers. The main support structures may be laterally aligned from the first end to the second end of the main section. The fluid delivery system may extend through the main section, first section, and second section. The first section may be pivoted into a Z-shaped configuration and the second section may be pivoted about a single joint. | 01-31-2013 |
20130026260 | LATERAL IRRIGATION SYSTEM WITH Z-FOLD SPANS - A lateral irrigation system comprising a plurality of towers and a plurality of lateral structures extending between and connected to the towers. The support structures may comprise a first support structure, a second support structure pivotable relative to the first support structure, and a third support structure pivotable relative to the second support structure. The irrigation system may also comprise a fluid delivery system having conduits attached to or extending through the support structures and configured to output water from orifices formed therein. The irrigation system may further comprise joints at which the second and third support structures may pivot. The second and third support structures may be configured to pivot into a substantially zig-zag or “Z”-shaped configuration relative to the first support structure. | 01-31-2013 |
20130026259 | LATERAL IRRIGATION SYSTEM WITH PIVOTING SPAN - A lateral move irrigation system may comprise a plurality of towers configured to laterally travel across a field and a plurality of support structures each attached to and spanning a distance between two of the towers. The irrigation system may further comprise a fluid delivery system comprising conduits attached to or extending through the support structures and configured to output water from orifices formed therein. The irrigation system may also comprise a first joint at which one of the support structures may pivot relative to another of the support structures and a control system configured to pivot one of the support structures toward another of the support structures at a location of a field that is not passable when all of the support structures are laterally aligned with each other. | 01-31-2013 |
20130018509 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR STOPPING OR REVERSING MOVEMENT OF AN IRRIGATION SYSTEMAANM Korus; Thomas J.AACI LindsayAAST NEAACO USAAGP Korus; Thomas J. Lindsay NE US - A control system for stopping or reversing movement of an irrigation system comprises an electronic proximity sensor and a control device. The electronic proximity sensor is configured for mounting to the irrigation system and operable to detect a target. The control device is responsive to the electronic proximity sensor for stopping or reversing movement of the irrigation system when the electronic proximity sensor detects the target. | 01-17-2013 |
20130008977 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING OPERATION OF AN IRRIGATION SYSTEM END GUN - A control system for controlling operation of an irrigation system end gun includes memory for storing end gun operating parameters for a plurality of locations in an area to be irrigated; a location determining component for determining a current location of the end gun in the area to be irrigated; a computing device in communication with the location determining component and operable to access an end gun operating parameter from the memory that corresponds to the current location of the end gun; and an end gun control mechanism responsive to the computing device for controlling operation of the end gun in accordance with the end gun operating parameter. | 01-10-2013 |
20120305682 | TOWER ALIGNMENT SYSTEM AND MECHANISM THAT ALLOWS PROGRAMMED CHANGES TO THE ALIGNMENT AUTOMATICALLY - An alignment unit for use with an irrigation system comprises a housing, an alignment sensor, an alignment controller, and an actuator. The irrigation system may include a plurality of spans, each including a drive tower and a drive unit. The housing may house at least a portion of the alignment unit. The alignment sensor may measure a real-time alignment of the drive tower. The alignment controller may be in communication with the alignment sensor and may be operable to receive the real-time alignment of the drive tower and energize the drive unit based on a first range of real-time alignment values. The actuator may couple with the alignment controller and may reorient at least a portion of the alignment controller in relation to the alignment sensor. | 12-06-2012 |
20120286076 | FLEXIBLE HOSE ASSEMBLY APPARATUS AND METHOD - A hose-fed lateral move irrigation system and method that utilizes a pipe with a plurality of sprinklers attached to a wheeled cart that drags a flexible hose assembly therebehind while traveling laterally with the pipe and sprinklers relative to a field so that alternating the flexible hose assembly from one side of the cart to another as the cart traverses back and forth along a cart path is facilitated while kinking in the flexible hose assembly is avoided. | 11-15-2012 |
20120227835 | HOSE PULL APPARATUS AND METHOD - A hose-fed lateral move irrigation system and method that utilizes a pipe with a plurality of sprinklers attached to a wheeled cart that pulls a flexible-hose assembly therebehind using at least one onboard winch and travels laterally with the pipe and sprinklers relative to a field so that a sufficient amount of hose may be used to enable total automation of the system. | 09-13-2012 |
20120080545 | TRUSS-TYPE SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR IRRIGATION SYSTEMS - A truss-type support system for a water-carrying conduit of an irrigation system includes a plurality of elongated truss braces and at least one truss rod for interconnecting the truss braces. The truss braces each have a pair of interconnected legs separated by an angle of approximately 40°-70°. | 04-05-2012 |
20120067441 | IRRIGATION PIPE AND METHOD OF FABRICATION - An irrigation pipe and method of fabrication that utilizes a pipe that is made of a durable material, e.g., stainless steel or aluminum. During fabrication, the pipe is equipped with a plurality of components, i.e., a flange assembly, a truss mount, and an outlet, without drilling, welding, or the like. In this manner, a method of fabrication is provided that enables a plurality of components to be assembled to the pipe without compromising the integrity of the pipe material or treated surface so that galvanizing or painting is not required after the plurality of components have been fitted to the pipe. | 03-22-2012 |
20120010782 | CORNER UNIT GUIDANCE CONTROL SYSTEM USING ONE ANTENNA - A corner unit guidance control system for use with a corner unit that is part of a center pivot irrigation system includes an antenna, a receiver, and a controller. The antenna may be located along a vertical axis through the center of a wheel of the corner unit and may be operable to receive signals from at least one external positional information source. The receiver may be in communication with the antenna and operable to process the signals to produce position data corresponding to a current position of the wheel. The controller may be in communication with the receiver and may be programmed to steer the wheel to a heading corresponding to a difference between the current position of the wheel and a point along the path. | 01-12-2012 |
20110304222 | LOW-POWER START-UP AND DIRECTION CONTROL CIRCUITRY FOR AN IRRIGATION SYSTEM - An electric circuit for remotely starting and controlling the direction of a center pivot irrigation system comprises a first transformer, a second transformer, a first relay, a second relay, a third relay, and a fourth relay. The first transformer is coupled to a voltage source with a first voltage and may step the first voltage down to a second voltage. The second transformer is coupled to the first transformer, receiving a third voltage and stepping the third voltage up to a fourth voltage. The first relay may include contacts that are open when the irrigation system is started remotely. The second relay may include contacts that are closed when the irrigation system is started remotely. The third relay may include contacts that are closed momentarily to drive the system in a first direction. The fourth relay may include contacts that are closed momentarily to drive the system in a second direction. | 12-15-2011 |
20110204156 | IRRIGATION AND SPRAYING METHOD - An irrigation machine is selectively converted into a sprayer for applying chemicals that have been approved for use only by spraying equipment. A method is disclosed for irrigating and spraying crops using the same conduit connected to either an irrigation ground water source or a sprayer-approved chemical source, but at no time is the conduit connected to both sources simultaneously. The method includes connecting the input of a conduit to a ground water source, irrigating the crops with water from the ground water source, disconnecting the input of the conduit from the ground water source, connecting the input of the same conduit to a sprayer-approved chemical source, and spraying the crops with chemical from the chemical source. | 08-25-2011 |
20110153161 | CORNER UNIT GUIDANCE CONTROL SYSTEM USING TWO ANTENNAS - A corner unit guidance control system for use with a corner unit that is part of a center pivot irrigation system includes a primary antenna, a secondary antenna, a receiver, and a controller. The primary antenna and the secondary antenna may receive signals from at least one external positional information source. The receiver may be in communication with the antennas and operable to process the signals to produce position data corresponding to a current position of a wheel and altitude data about the height of the antennas. The controller may be in communication with the receiver and may be programmed to steer the wheel to a heading corresponding to a difference between the current position of the wheel and a point along the path and further programmed to calculate a tilt angle from the altitude data and adjust the heading based on the tilt angle. | 06-23-2011 |
20110127344 | IRRIGATION SYSTEM FOR SMALL FIELDS - An irrigation system and method for irrigating a field including a plurality of towers linked together by at least one rotatable torque tube. Each of the towers may comprise a frame, one or more wheels on which the frame may travel, a rotatable reel, and a line configured to be spooled onto the reel. A motor may be configured to rotate the torque tube, which may in turn actuate each of the reels to rotate simultaneously. One end of each of the lines may be anchored at a first location and the towers may be located at a second location. Rotation of the reels spools the lines onto the reels and thereby actuates the towers to travel from the second location to the first location. The irrigation system also comprises hoses to link one or more fluid-emitting devices positioned on each of the towers with a water source. | 06-02-2011 |
20110121111 | Solar Powered Irrigation Machine - An apparatus and method of moving a mobile tower using solar power are disclosed for use with an irrigation system. The disclosed improvement includes a solar panel with a collecting surface to convert light energy to electrical energy, an electrical charge source in communication with the solar panel to receive electrical energy, and a motor to drive a ground-engaging wheel in communication with the electrical charge source. The improvement also includes a direction control system for regulating rotation of the solar panel and a tilt assembly for adjusting the angle of the solar panel to maintain the disposition of the collecting surface in alignment with the direction of incoming sunlight. The method of moving the mobile tower includes collecting light energy with a solar panel, converting the light energy into electrical energy, and driving a wheel of the mobile tower with a motor powered by the converted electrical energy. | 05-26-2011 |
20110113995 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PLANTING AND IRRIGATION - A planting and irrigation apparatus and method for planting seeds in and irrigating a field. The apparatus may comprise a plurality of spray nozzles configured with a pressure setting sufficient for forming a plurality of holes into soil of the field and a seed dispenser configured for dispensing one or more seeds into one or more of the holes. Once the seeds are dispensed throughout the field, the apparatus may irrigate the field, thereby washing soil displaced when the holes were formed back into the holes, thereby covering the seeds. | 05-19-2011 |
20100274398 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR IRRIGATING A FIELD SPACE WTIH A CENTER PIVOT IRRIGATION MACHINE - To allow for optimal uniform application of irrigation fluid in a field space outfitted with a center pivot irrigation machine having a main pipeline and an auxiliary or corner pipeline, the auxiliary pipeline is operable to both lead and lag the main pipeline as the main pipeline makes a progressive rotation in a single direction through the field space. In one embodiment a control system for the irrigation machine comprises a buried cable control system. In another embodiment a control system comprises a global positioning satellite control system. In a third embodiment a control system comprises at least two position sensing devices, a first device for sensing an angle of the main pipeline with respect to a center tower and a second device for sensing an angle between the main pipeline and the auxiliary pipeline, and a speed controlling device for controlling a speed of rotation of the main and auxiliary pipelines. | 10-28-2010 |
20100096476 | Distribution tube assembly for irrigation - A distribution tube assembly for an irrigation system having a main supply line for conveying fluid therein includes a first end, a second end and an internal surface defining at least two fluid passageways, at least one of the fluid passageways being in fluid communication with the main supply line. The other fluid passageway may be in fluid communication with an alternate supply line. Adaptors and regulators may be attached to the distribution tube assembly. The distribution tube assembly permits irrigation to be performed by multiple fluid streams, allows for the incorporation of chemicals within the distribution tube assembly, and provides for selectable flow control. | 04-22-2010 |
20090166451 | Wind-Powered Irrigation Machine - An apparatus and method of moving a mobile tower using wind energy are disclosed for use with an irrigation system. The disclosed improvement includes a rotor assembly operable to be rotated by the movement of passing air, a generator of electrical energy driven by the rotation of the rotor assembly, an electrical charge source in communication with the generator, and a motor to drive a ground-engaging wheel in communication with the electrical charge source. The method of moving the mobile tower includes rotating wind-receiving elements of a rotor assembly with wind energy in passing air, generating electrical energy from the wind energy, and driving a wheel of the mobile tower with a motor powered by the generated electrical energy. | 07-02-2009 |
20090087260 | Method and Apparatus for Preventing the Drive Wheels of an Irrigation Machine from Becoming Stuck in the Mud - To prevent the rut-like wheel tracks of an irrigation machine from becoming so deep that the wheels of an irrigation tower can become stuck in mud and water accumulating in the track, a foundation member is inserted into select, potentially troublesome portions of the wheel track to provide support for the wheels during subsequent passes of the machine. In one embodiment the foundation member comprises a generally rectangular pad constructed from synthetic resinous material and designed to be hooked together with other such pads in a chain-like series to provide the length of foundation required. In another embodiment, the foundation member comprises a thinner web or ribbon of preferably synthetic resinous material that may be wound into a coil for storage and cut to length as required. A third embodiment comprises a series of end-to-end pads hingedly interconnected by thinner lines of weakness that may be severed to provide a desired length of foundation member. | 04-02-2009 |
20090084615 | Solar Powered Irrigation Machine - An apparatus and method of moving a mobile tower using solar power are disclosed for use with an irrigation system. The disclosed improvement includes a solar panel with a collecting surface to convert light energy to electrical energy, an electrical charge source in communication with the solar panel to receive electrical energy, and a motor to drive a ground-engaging wheel in communication with the electrical charge source. The improvement also includes a direction control system for regulating rotation of the solar panel and a tilt assembly for adjusting the angle of the solar panel to maintain the disposition of the collecting surface in alignment with the direction of incoming sunlight. The method of moving the mobile tower includes collecting light energy with a solar panel, converting the light energy into electrical energy, and driving a wheel of the mobile tower with a motor powered by the converted electrical energy. | 04-02-2009 |
20080313992 | Irrigation Machine Truss System Connector Assembly - An apparatus is disclosed for connecting truss rods and other rigid braces of an irrigation system, wherein the rods include shaft sections with enlarged cylindrical heads at the ends thereof and form part of a truss-type framework supporting a conduit. A coupling assembly for holding a pair of such truss rods together in axial alignment is disclosed and includes a top plate and a bottom plate clamped together with a connecting bolt having a non-circular collar. The collar on the bolt cooperates with similarly shaped holes in the plates of the coupling assembly to prevent relative rotation between the plates and also between the bolt and the coupling assembly. The bolt includes a head with a hexagonal drive recess for use with an appropriate driving tool. | 12-25-2008 |