VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150336116 | VARIABLE SPRINKLER ORIFICE DEVICE - The present invention includes a variable sprinkler orifice device that can change orifice sizes using a rotating disk with multiple orifices along the circumference of the disk. According to first preferred embodiment, the implement preferably includes a conduit in which water is directed through a series of rotatable plates which preferably include incrementally sized orifices. According to a further preferred embodiment, the variable orifices are automatically and quickly adjusted based on VRI data to change the combination of orifices used. | 11-26-2015 |
20140326808 | VARIABLE-SPEED IRRIGATION SYSTEM HAVING AN EXTENSION ARM - An irrigation system is disclosed that is configured to maintain a near straight. In an implementation, an irrigation system includes multiple interconnected spans that are supported by multiple tower structures and an extension arm pivotally connected to the end tower. Each tower structure includes a variable-speed drive unit for selectively driving a tower structure at a selected speed. The irrigation system also includes multiple sensors that are each associated with a corresponding span to determine an alignment of the corresponding span with respect to adjacent spans. Each of the sensors is in communication with a corresponding variable-drive control unit. Each of the variable-drive control units are configured to control the selected speed of a corresponding variable-speed drive unit to maintain the interconnected spans in a substantially linear orientation with respect to adjacent ones of the plurality of interconnected spans along a generally longitudinally oriented axis. | 11-06-2014 |
20140047766 | CONTROLLED ON-DEMAND IRRIGATION SYSTEM - The present disclosure is directed to a controlled on-demand irrigation system. In an implementation, the on-demand irrigation system includes a control device configured to control supply of an aqueous solution and semi-porous supply lines. The semi-porous supply lines have a porosity characteristic configured to be altered when acted upon by a surfactant root exudates to permit a flow of the aqueous solution therethrough. The control device is configured to cause injection of the aqueous solution upon a determination that an amount of aqueous solution within the semi-porous supply lines is below an aqueous solution threshold. | 02-20-2014 |
20130134240 | WATER DISTRIBUTION ASSEMBLY FOR A SELF-PROPELLED MECHANIZED IRRIGATION SYSTEM - A variable pump assembly may be disposed or coupled to a water release point of an irrigation assembly. The variable pump assembly may be configured to control an output water pressure as a function of the irrigation assembly's location or position. As the irrigation assembly travels an irrigation path, the variable pump assembly may dynamically change the output water pressure of the water and/or applicants released from the water release point to provide sufficient irrigational coverage to the land. | 05-30-2013 |
20130111848 | SUPPORT POLE HAVING A TRACK - A support pole having a support member track portion and a support arm track portion is described that is configured to allow lateral and vertical displacement of the carrier device. In one or more implementations, the support pole includes a support member and a support arm extending outwardly from the support member. The support pole includes a support member track portion connected to the support member and a support arm track portion connected to the support arm. The support pole may also include a transition track portion disposed between the support member portion and the support arm portion. The track portions, collectively, are configured to allow a carrier device to transition between a first position and a second position. | 05-09-2013 |
20130041537 | HARVESTING MACHINE - An irrigation system is disclosed that includes a ground-based platform. In an implementation, an irrigation system includes a span of overhead irrigation equipment. The irrigation system also includes a ground-based platform for coupling with the span of overhead irrigation equipment. The ground-based platform includes a drive for moving the ground-based platform. The irrigation system also includes a linkage for coupling the span of overhead irrigation equipment with the ground-based platform. The linkage is communicatively coupled with the drive of the ground-based platform for communicating information regarding a change in at least one of a position, a direction, or a speed of the span of overhead irrigation equipment with respect to the ground-based platform. The drive of the ground-based platform is configured to use the information received from the linkage to coordinate movement of the ground-based platform with movement of the span of overhead irrigation equipment. | 02-14-2013 |
20130037630 | VARIABLE NOZZLE ASSEMBLY - The present disclosure is directed to a variable nozzle assembly. In one or more implementations, the variable nozzle assembly includes a support structure for connecting to a conduit. The variable nozzle assembly also includes a first plate portion translationally coupled to the support structure and a second plate portion fixedly coupled to the support structure, where the first plate portion and the second plate portion define a nozzle. A deflector is coupled to a mechanical actuator to cause the first plate portion to translate between a first position and a second position with respect to the second plate portion to control an opening characteristic of the nozzle. | 02-14-2013 |
20130018553 | VARIABLE-SPEED IRRIGATION SYSTEM - An irrigation system is disclosed that is configured to maintain a near straight alignment. In an implementation, an irrigation system includes multiple interconnected spans which are supported by multiple tower structures. Each tower structure includes a variable-speed drive unit for selectively driving a tower structure at a selected speed. The irrigation system also includes multiple sensors that are each associated with a corresponding span to determine an alignment of the corresponding span with respect to adjacent spans. Each of the sensors is in communication with a corresponding variable-drive control unit. Each of the variable-drive control units are configured to control the selected speed of a corresponding variable-speed drive unit to maintain the interconnected spans in a substantially linear orientation with respect to adjacent ones of the plurality of interconnected spans along a generally longitudinally oriented axis (e.g., maintain alignment of the spans with respect to each other). | 01-17-2013 |
20120253530 | IRRIGATION SYSTEM HAVING AN APPLICANT DISPERSAL ASSEMBLY - An applicant dispersal assembly is described that couples to an irrigation system. It is contemplated that the irrigation system may be a center pivot irrigation system, a linear move irrigation system, or the like. The applicant dispersal assembly is configured to receive an applicant and selectively adjust a flow rate of the applicant. In an implementation, the applicant dispersal assembly includes a pump assembly configured to couple to an irrigation conduit. The irrigation conduit is configured to provide an applicant to the pump assembly for dispersing over a cultivation area. The pump assembly is configured to pump the applicant and to selectively adjust a flow rate of the applicant. The applicant dispersal assembly also includes an applicant dispersal device that is coupled to the pump assembly. The applicant dispersal device is configured to disperse the applicant. | 10-04-2012 |
20110248104 | MECHANIZED IRRIGATION SYSTEM WITH VARIABLE VALVE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USE - The present disclosure is directed toward a mechanized irrigation system having a variable valve assembly and a corresponding method of use. The variable valve assembly generally includes a valve and an adjustment mechanism. The valve can be any type of valve known in the art that can be configured to variably control the flow rate of a fluid through a delivery conduit. Generally, the adjustment mechanism includes a motor or actuator that can vary the position of the valve through various methods known in the art. The variable valve assembly is generally located on the mechanized irrigation system to control the flow of an applicant that is dispersed by the irrigation system. | 10-13-2011 |