Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080205312 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ESTABLISHING A SECURE ROUTE IN A WIRELESS NETWORK - A method for establishing a secure route in a wireless network as provided improves network efficiency. According to one aspect, the method includes receiving at a first node in the wireless network a route request message from a second node, where the second node and the first node have not been mutually authenticated. The route request message is then forwarded from the first node to a third node. A route reply message is then received at the first node from the third node. The first node is then mutually authenticated with the second node in response to receiving the route reply message at the first node. | 08-28-2008 |
20090116647 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING FAST SECURE HANDOFF IN A WIRELESS MESH NETWORK - Disclosed is a method for providing fast secure handoff in a wireless mesh network. The method comprises configuring multiple first level key holders (R0KHs) within a radio access network to which supplicants within the multi-hop wireless mesh network are capable of establishing a security association, configuring a common mobility domain identifier within the first level key holders of a mobility domain, and propagating identity of a first level key holder and the mobility domain identifier through the wireless mesh network to enable the supplicants within the mobility domain to perform fast secure handoff. | 05-07-2009 |
20090291704 | Method of Establishing Parallel Group Services Over Disparate Communication Networks - Users affiliated with a first narrowband talk group or participating in a narrowband talk group communication are able to establish a parallel communication group with the same users of the first talk group using alternate communication devices to enable transmission of multimedia over the disparate communication networks. One or more databases store and correlate information regarding the users of the narrowband talk group, as well as information regarding the user's communication devices and access technologies employed by the communication devices to determine the possible broadband groups available and an acceptable access technology to transmit the multimedia to the broadband group/data group users. The disparate network group manager informs the users of the narrowband talk group of the presence or availability of the parallel broadband group and establishes the parallel broadband group session when requested to do so by a user of the narrowband talk group. | 11-26-2009 |
20100023752 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TRANSMITTING GROUPCAST DATA IN A WIRELESS MESH COMMUNICATION NETWORK - A method for transmitting groupcast data in a wireless mesh communication network as provided improves security of groupcast data. The method comprises processing, at a supplicant node, authentication handshake data received from an authenticator node, wherein the supplicant node is a next-hop neighbor of the authenticator node away from a root node. The supplicant node then stores a group transient key (GTK) received from the authenticator node. Next, the supplicant node processes authentication handshake data received from a third node, wherein the third node is a next-hop neighbor of the supplicant node away from the root node. The GTK is then transmitted from the supplicant node to the third node. Encrypted groupcast data are then generated at the supplicant node by using the GTK to encrypt groupcast data received from the authenticator node. Finally, the encrypted groupcast data are transmitted from the supplicant node to the third node. | 01-28-2010 |
20110150219 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF INCREASING ENCRYPTION SYNCHRONIZATION AVAILABILITY - Methods for increasing encryption synchronization availability include collecting encryption synchronization data from a first superframe received at a gateway. The encryption synchronization data is for decrypting media in a second superframe also received at the gateway. The encryption synchronization data from the first superframe is used to form a composite encryption synchronization codeword for decrypting media in a third superframe formed by the gateway, wherein the third superframe includes the composite encryption synchronization codeword and at least a portion of the media from the second superframe. The third superframe is sent to a receiving device so that media in the third superframe can be decrypted by the receiving device using the composite encryption synchronization codeword that is included in the same superframe as the media that is being decrypted. | 06-23-2011 |
20110151917 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BRIDGING CALLS BETWEEN TWO DISPARATE PUSH-TO-TALK SYSTEMS - A PTT bridging gateway between a first PTT system and a second disparate PTT system: receives an invitation to a first client to join a first group call for a first group comprising multiple member clients on the first PTT system, wherein the first client is one of the member clients of the first group; determines that the first client is mapped to a second group comprising multiple member clients on the second PTT system; and initiates a second group call to the multiple member clients on the second PTT system. | 06-23-2011 |
20110250922 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ESTABLISHING AN INTER-RADIO FREQUENCY SUBSYSTEM INTERFACE (ISSI) GROUP CALL - A hosted inter-radio frequency subsystem interface (HIF) maintains a list of affiliated radio frequency subsystems (RFSSs), the list identifies at least one serving RFSS. An affiliation request is transmitted from the HIF to the home RFSS, which is a home RFSS of the group. The HIF receives from the serving RFSS a request to initiate an inter-RFSS group call to the group using HIF addressing. The HIF transmits a request to the home RFSS to initiate the inter-RFSS group call using serving RFSS addressing. A data packet from the home RFSS or the serving RFSS is received at the HIF. Upon receipt, the HIF transmits a copy of the data packet to the serving RFSS if the data packet was received from the home RFSS; otherwise, the HIF transmits a copy of the data packet to the home RFSS if the data packet was received from the serving RFSS. | 10-13-2011 |
20110250923 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ESTABLISHING AN INTER-RADIO FREQUENCY SUBSYSTEM INTERFACE (ISSI) UNIT-TO-UNIT CALL - A method and device enable establishing an inter-radio frequency subsystem interface (ISSI) unit-to-unit call between a calling unit of a calling home radio frequency subsystem (RFSS), and a called unit of a called home RFSS, through a hosted ISSI function (HIF). The method includes processing, at the HIF, a first invite message received from the calling home RFSS, wherein the first invite message includes a first request uniform resource identifier (URI) that designates an alias system unit identification (SU-ID). In response to the first invite message, transmitting, from the HIF to the called home RFSS, a second invite message, including a second request URI that designates a real SU-ID, wherein the HIF acts as the calling home RFSS. The unit-to-unit call is thus established between the calling unit and the called unit through the calling home RFSS, the HIF, and the called home RFSS. | 10-13-2011 |
20110263288 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EXTENDING A BROADCAST GROUP SERVICE - A method and apparatus for extending a virtual channel of a communication area to a user equipment is disclosed. A message including a virtual channel identity and an area identity from the user equipment is received at a call controller. The call controller determines that the virtual channel identity is associated with a communication area and the area identity is associated with an area outside the communication area. The call controller then determines whether a virtual channel extension feature is enabled on the user equipment, and if so, receives data from the user equipment and then distributes the data on the virtual channel. | 10-27-2011 |
20120082098 | METHODS FOR REDUCING SET UP TIME FOR COMMUNICATIONS AMONG MULTIPLE USER EQUIPMENT IN A LONG TERM EVOLUTION SYSTEM - Methods for reducing set-up time for communications among multiple user equipment (UE) in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication system are described. In accordance with one method, an LTE subsystem that includes a eNodeB and a Mobility Management Entity (MME): receives a request for an LTE connection from a first UE associated with a virtual channel, and responsive to contents in the request for the LTE connection, generates on behalf of the first UE, a request to transmit media on the virtual channel, which the LTE system sends to an application server to trigger an establishment of a call to deliver a media transmission from the first UE to at least one other UE associated with the virtual channel. | 04-05-2012 |
20120149421 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF PROVIDING SERVICE TO A MOBILE DEVICE IN A COMMUNICATION NETWORK - A mobile device registers with an infrastructure device coupled to a first communication network and then sends a request to activate PTT service in the first communication network. A communication server is adapted to receive the request to activate the PTT service, and to, thereby, activate the PTT service for the mobile device in the first communication network. Responsive to receiving the request to activate the PTT service, the communication server makes a determination to register the mobile device with a second communication network, generates a service registration message, on behalf of the mobile device, to register the mobile device with the second communication network, and sends the service registration message to the second communication network. | 06-14-2012 |
20120163204 | METHODS FOR REDUCING SET-UP SIGNALING IN A LONG TERM EVOLUTION SYSTEM - A method for reducing set-up signaling in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication system is performed by an LTE subsystem. The method includes the LTE subsystem: receiving from a first user equipment (UE) a first message as part of a connection procedure to connect the first UE to the LTE system, the first message having contents that include an identifier for identifying a virtual channel on which the first UE intends to transmit media; determining a status of the virtual channel; and based on the status of the virtual channel, determining whether to send to the first UE a response to the first message that allows the connection procedure to proceed or to send to the first UE a response that terminates the connection procedure. | 06-28-2012 |
20120170501 | METHODS FOR TRANPORTING A PLURALITY OF MEDIA STREAMS OVER A SHARED MBMS BEARER IN A 3GPP COMPLIANT COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - An infrastructure device in a 3GPP compliant system performs a method transporting a plurality of media streams over a shared MBMS bearer. The 3GPP compliant system includes a RAN partitioned into a plurality MBMS services areas, wherein each MBMS service area has at least one already existing shared MBMS bearers for transporting the media streams. The infrastructure device: receives a first request to transmit a first media stream to a first communication group; identifies a shared MBMS bearer in a first 3GPP MBMS service area that is already transporting a second media stream to a second communication group; and determines whether the shared MBMS bearer has sufficient capacity to transport both the first media stream and the second media stream simultaneously. When the shared MBMS bearer has sufficient capacity, the infrastructure device simultaneously sends both the first media stream and the second media stream on the shared MBMS bearer. | 07-05-2012 |
20120170502 | METHODS FOR BINDING AND UNBINDING A MBMS BEARER TO A COMMUNICATION GROUP IN A 3GPP COMPLIANT SYSTEM - A 3GPP compliant system includes a radio access network (RAN) partitioned into a plurality MBMS services areas, wherein each MBMS service area has a plurality of MBMS bearers established a priori for transporting media streams. An infrastructure device: receives a request to transmit a media stream to a communication group, wherein the request to transmit is received after the MBMS bearers were established; determines a MBMS bearer in a MBMS service area to assign to transport the media stream; generates a MBMS connect message that binds the communication group to the assigned MBMS bearer, wherein the MBMS connect message includes an identifier for the communication group and an identifier for the assigned MBMS bearer; and sends the MBMS connect message to members of the communication group. | 07-05-2012 |
20120170547 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SELECTING A TARGET CELL FOR HANDOVER OF USER EQUIPMENT IN A LONG TERM EVOLUTION SYSTEM - A method and system for selecting a target cell for handover of user equipment in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication system are described. In accordance with the method, a serving cell: determines virtual channels supported by each of a plurality of neighboring cells; determines a set of virtual channels of interest to a UE; selects a subset of the neighboring cells, which supports at least one virtual channel in the set of virtual channels of interest to the UE; modifies handover behavior, and uses results of the modified handover behavior to select one of the neighboring cells, from the subset, as a target cell for handover of the UE. | 07-05-2012 |
20120170552 | METHODS FOR MANAGING RESOURCE UTILIZATION IN A LONG TERM EVOLUTION COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - Methods for managing resource utilization in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication system are described. In one method, an application server: receives signaling indicating resource utilization in the LTE system; determines, based on this signaling, a set of control parameters for a user equipment (UE) receiving service from the LTE system; and sends the set of control parameters to the UE, wherein the set of control parameters indicates behavior for the UE toward at least one of maintaining LTE system resources or modifying standard handover procedures. The signaling indicating resource utilization in the LTE system is sent from UE, the LTE system, or both. | 07-05-2012 |
20120170571 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMIC TEMPLATE UPDATING FOR COMPRESSED MESSAGES - A method for updating a message template based on receiving a plurality of common deltas. At a first device, the method detects a first compressed message that includes a first delta and that references a first message template and stores an indication of having received the first delta. The first delta is combinable with the first message template to reconstruct a decompressed message. The first device receives at least one subsequent compressed message that includes the first delta and that references the first message template, and stores an indication of each subsequent time the first delta is received. Based on the stored indications, the first device determines that the first delta was received in accordance with at least one predetermined threshold factor, and in response thereto, initiating a procedure to generate a superseding message template, which updates the first message template by including the first delta. | 07-05-2012 |
20120172028 | METHODS FOR ASSIGNING A PLETHORA OF GROUP COMMUNICATIONS AMONG A LIMITED NUMBER OF PRE-ESTABLISHED MBMS BEARERS IN A COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - An infrastructure device in a 3GPP compliant system performs a method to allocate MBMS bearers. The 3GPP compliant system includes a RAN partitioned into a plurality MBMS services areas, wherein each MBMS service area has a plurality of pre-established MBMS bearers for transporting media streams. The infrastructure device: receives a request to transmit a media stream to a communication group; selects a set of the MBMS service areas for transporting the media stream; determines an available MBMS bearer in each selected MBMS service area to assign to transport the media stream; and identifies the assigned MBMS bearers to members of the communication group. In addition, a UE performs a method for MBMS service area location update in the 3GPP compliant system. Accordingly, the UE: determines a 3GPP MBMS service area in which the UE is currently located; and identifies the 3GPP MBMS service area to an infrastructure device. | 07-05-2012 |
20130128796 | DISTRIBUTING CONTENT TO A PLURALITY OF MOBILE STATIONS USING A DOWNLINK POINT-TO-MULTIPOINT (PTM) BEARERS AND DOWNLINK POINT-TO-POINT (PTP) BEARERS - A method and apparatus is provided for distributing content to a plurality of mobile stations using a downlink point-to-multipoint (PTM) bearers and downlink point-to-point (PTP) bearers. A controller can process events, to determine whether a current modulation-and-coding scheme (MCS) level applied to downlink transmissions over the downlink PTM bearer is to be changed or maintained, and to communicate a change message whenever the current MCS level is to be changed. An actuator can adjust, in response to receiving a change message, a MCS level that is applied to downlink transmissions over the downlink PTM bearer. | 05-23-2013 |
20130128797 | DYNAMICALLY SWITCHING MOBILE STATIONS BETWEEN POINT-TO-POINT AND POINT-TO-MULTIPOINT OPERATING MODES - A method and apparatus is provided for dynamically switching mobile stations between point-to-point (PTP) and point-to-multipoint (PTM) operating modes. For example, a particular mobile station can determine whether reception of information over a downlink PTM bearer is inadequate or adequate. Upon determining that the reception of the information over the downlink PTM bearer is inadequate, the particular mobile station can generate and transmit a complaint message to a controller. It can then be determined whether the particular mobile station is to switch between the PTP operating mode and the PTM operating mode. A signal can be processed at the particular mobile station. When the signal is to switch to the PTP operating mode, the particular mobile station can switch from the PTM operating mode to the PTP operating mode and start receiving downlink transmissions over a PTP bearer. | 05-23-2013 |
20130279375 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENABLING INTEROPERABILITY BETWEEN A BROADBAND NETWORK AND A NARROWBAND NETWORK - A method and apparatus for enabling interoperability between a broadband network and a narrowband network includes an interworking server maintaining at least one virtual narrowband site, each comprising a plurality of virtual narrowband channels known by a controlling server within the narrowband network, wherein each virtual narrowband channel, when assigned by the controlling server, represents a corresponding set of broadband resources. A first broadband device coupled to the broadband network is associated with a first virtual narrowband site. The interworking server further exchanges signaling with the controlling server to enable communications by the first broadband device using a set of broadband resources corresponding to a first virtual narrowband channel of the first virtual narrowband site, wherein the first virtual narrowband channel is assigned by the controlling server for use by a virtual narrowband device which represents the first broadband device. | 10-24-2013 |
20140120973 | ENHANCED NETWORK-NETWORK INTERFACE SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MULTIMEDIA BROADCAST MULTICAST SERVICES - A method between a controlling server and a participating server, a network, and a server include enhanced signaling via a Multicast-Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) report allowing User Equipment (UE) to communicate MBSFN areas to a controlling server. Thus, the enhanced controlling server's Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services (MBMS) decisions can count all visiting devices in addition to its own in its MBSFN areas. The method, network, and server include new signaling and additional info to provide a participating server with MBSFN areas that will have MBMS activated for a group session. This enhances the participating server's determination of which its visiting devices need unicast bearers. The participating server can add information related to the current MBSFN area of its UE to a message to the controlling server indicating joining the UE to a group. | 05-01-2014 |
20140177436 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MULTIMEDIA BROADCAST MULTICAST SERVICE - A method and apparatus for assigning Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (E-MBMS) bearers in at least two Multimedia Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) areas in a 3GPP compliant wireless communication system is provided. An infrastructure device receives identifiers of a primary preferred MBSFN area and a secondary preferred MBSFN area from a User Equipment (UE). The infrastructure device assigns a first E-MBMS bearer in a first MBSFN and a second E-MBMS bearer in a second MBSFN, to support a call to the UE, the first and second E-MBMS bearers providing the same media transmission to the UE as part of a group call. The infrastructure device may receive an attribute parameter comprising a request for Make Before Break service or a request for a boost to coverage, from the UE. | 06-26-2014 |
20140177437 | METHOD AND APPARATUS MULTIMEDIA BROADCAST/MULTICAST SERVICE COVERAGE BOOST - A method of assigning Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (E-MBMS) bearers in a Multimedia Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) area in a 3GPP compliant wireless communication system is provided. An infrastructure device is operably coupled to a radio access network comprising one or more MBSFN areas, wherein each MBSFN area supports a plurality of E-MBMS bearers for transporting media streams to user equipments (UE). The infrastructure device receives, from a UE, an identifier of a preferred MBSFN area and a request for a boost to the quality of the transmissions. The infrastructure device assigns first and second E-MBMS bearers in an MBSFN area to support a call to the UE, the first and second E-MBMS bearers providing the same information to the UE in their media content streams. The UE may employ application layer time-diversity reception of the media content. | 06-26-2014 |
20140177506 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFYING A MULTIMEDIA BROADCAST/MULTICAST SERVICE (MBMS) AREA IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A method and eMBMS-enabled infrastructure device are disclosed that provide an updated mechanism for a client, or user equipment (UE), to report its location such that an eMBMS-enabled application desiring eMBMS location information can uniquely identify the MBSFN in which the UE is located. The method and eMBMS-enabled infrastructure device identify an eMBMS area associated with a user equipment UE by receiving, from the UE, a Multicast Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) Area update message from a user equipment, wherein the MBSFN Area update message uniquely identifies an MBSFN Area and includes an extension identifier derived from one or more of a cell identifier, an eNodeB identifier, an identifier of a group of cells, a service identifier, a tracking area identifier, and a paging area identifier, and optionally further may include an MBSFN AreaID, and determining an MBSFN Area serving the user equipment based on the received eMBMS area identifier. | 06-26-2014 |
20140301196 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DYNAMICALLY CONTROLLING QUALITY OF SERVICE - A method and apparatus for dynamically controlling quality of service (QoS) is provided herein. During operation, a QoS manager will determine if a device is currently being used by an individual. The QoS of the device will then be tailored based on whether or not the device is currently being used by the individual. Devices that may be running applications, yet unused by anyone may have their QoS reduced. This will allow the QoS to be increased for devices that are currently being used. | 10-09-2014 |
20150039438 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING RECALL NOTIFICATIONS TO CUSTOMERS - A method and apparatus for providing targeted recall notifications are provided herein. During operation the system will determine a probability of a customer actually having purchased a recalled product. A notification of the recall will then be sent to the customer based on this probability, even if no direct evidence exists that the customer actually purchased the product. Because recall notifications will be provided to customers based on their probability of purchasing a recalled product, customers will be more likely to receive a recall notification on a product that they purchased. | 02-05-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
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 |
20110101135 | Apparatus for Converting a Wheeled Vehicle to a Tracked Vehicle - The invention relates to a self-propelled, wheeled irrigation vehicles ( | 05-05-2011 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20130292194 | 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. | 11-07-2013 |
20130297083 | 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. | 11-07-2013 |
20130299614 | 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. | 11-14-2013 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20140175865 | Apparatus for Converting a Wheeled Vehicle to a Tracked Vehicle - A track assembly having a carriage with frames that support a plurality of idler and bogey wheels. A portion of one of the frames is telescopically received within a portion of the other frame. A tensioning apparatus is connected to the frames so that they are adjustable relative to each other. Each carriage may include an offset hub support frame that includes an aperture that rotatably receives a spindle of an adaptor. The adaptor includes a peripheral flange to which a segmented sprocket may be connected, and a ring extension that may be connected to a wheel hub of an irrigation vehicle. A flexible endless track, that is entrained about the wheels and the sprocket may be provided with one or more cleats that are removably connected to the flexible, endless track, with each cleat including a ground engaging member that serves to increase the traction of the endless track. | 06-26-2014 |
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 |
20150014451 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR STOPPING OR REVERSING MOVEMENT OF AN IRRIGATION SYSTEM - 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. | 01-15-2015 |
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 |
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 |
20150158337 | 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. | 06-11-2015 |
20150191157 | 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. | 07-09-2015 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20150283856 | 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. | 10-08-2015 |
20150336425 | 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. | 11-26-2015 |
20160066520 | 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. | 03-10-2016 |
20160066521 | 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. | 03-10-2016 |