A smart irrigation system including a mechanized irrigation machine having a main machine controller, a plurality of distributed controllers, and a communications network. The distributed controllers may be located at a plurality of spaced apart locations on the mechanized irrigation machine. The communications network may communicably couple the plurality of distributed controllers, the main machine controller, and local or remote cloud storage. Furthermore, the main machine controller and the plurality of distributed controllers may retrieve or store information from the local or remote cloud storage for maintenance, firmware updates, or troubleshooting of the mechanized irrigation machine. The distributed controllers may perform the following functions: individual tower motor control, span joint control, corner arm control, GPS guidance or positioning of one or more actuatable features of the smart irrigation system, and/or valve control of individual sprinklers for variable rate irrigation.
A01G 25/02 - Systèmes d'arrosage placés au-dessus du sol qui utilisent des canalisations perforées ou des canalisations avec accessoires pour la distribution, p.ex. pour l'irrigation goutte à goutte
An irrigation system includes support towers, pipeline spans, a joint pivotally connecting the pipeline spans, and a truss section. One pipeline span extends between the support towers along a central axis and includes a middle region, and the other is adjacent and coaxial with the first pipeline span when aligned. The truss section supports one of the pipeline spans and includes compression elements, truss structures, and tension elements. The compression elements extend downward from the pipeline span. The truss structures extend longitudinally along the pipeline span and are fixed relative to the compression elements. The tension elements extend diagonally downward from the pipeline span toward the middle region of the pipeline span and are fixed relative to the truss structures.
An irrigation system joint couples first and second adjacent pipe sections that are coaxial along a central axis when aligned. The joint comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is for securing to the first pipe section and comprises an upwardly facing hemispherical surface. The second portion is for securing to the second pipe section and comprises a cavity that receives at least a portion of the hemispherical surface to form a contact line coincident with the central axis when the pipe sections are aligned.
F16L 27/02 - Raccords universels, c. à d. avec une liaison mécanique permettant un mouvement angulaire ou un réglage des axes des parties raccordées dans une direction quelconque
F16L 27/10 - Raccords réglables; Raccords permettant un déplacement des parties raccordées comportant uniquement une connexion flexible
F16L 27/08 - Raccords réglables; Raccords permettant un déplacement des parties raccordées permettant un réglage ou déplacement uniquement autour de l'axe de l'un des tuyaux
A mobile irrigation system including a number of spans, a number of mobile irrigation towers supporting the spans, and a control system. The control system includes a position switch configured to be triggered and transmit a trigger signal and a controller configured to receive the trigger signal from the position switch. Upon receiving the trigger signal, the controller is configured to determine whether a current position of the mobile irrigation system equates to an auto-reverse position. If the current position equates to the auto-reverse position, the controller is configured to transmit a reverse direction signal to a drive motor of one of the mobile irrigation towers to reverse direction so that the drive motor reverses direction.
A mobile irrigation alignment system comprising a base mounted on a first span, a linkage system, and a control system. The linkage system includes a driven arm, drive arm, and control arm. The driven arm is pivotably connected to the base about a vertical axis. The drive arm is pivotably connected to the driven arm about a horizontal axis and includes a distal end configured to rest on an adjacent span. The control arm is linked to the driven arm. The control system determines lateral alignment between the spans based on the control arm as governed by the drive arm and driven arm. The drive arm is configured to retain an upright orientation relative to the driven arm regardless of torsional rotation between the spans so that the position of the control arm and hence the lateral alignment determination is not affected by the torsional rotation between the spans.
F16L 3/215 - Supports pour tuyaux, pour câbles ou pour conduits de protection, p.ex. potences, pattes de fixation, attaches, brides, colliers avec disposition particulière permettant au tuyau de bouger permettant un mouvement latéral le mouvement étant commandé hydrauliquement ou électriquement
F16L 3/205 - Supports pour tuyaux, pour câbles ou pour conduits de protection, p.ex. potences, pattes de fixation, attaches, brides, colliers avec disposition particulière permettant au tuyau de bouger permettant un mouvement latéral avec des ressorts supportant les tuyaux
F16L 27/02 - Raccords universels, c. à d. avec une liaison mécanique permettant un mouvement angulaire ou un réglage des axes des parties raccordées dans une direction quelconque
A01G 25/02 - Systèmes d'arrosage placés au-dessus du sol qui utilisent des canalisations perforées ou des canalisations avec accessoires pour la distribution, p.ex. pour l'irrigation goutte à goutte
6.
ALIGNMENT GUIDE FOR AN ALIGNMENT SYSTEM OF A MOBILE IRRIGATION SYSTEM
A mobile irrigation alignment system comprising a base mounted on a first span, a linkage system, and a control box. The linkage system includes a driven arm, drive arm, and control arm. The driven arm is pivotably connected to the base about a vertical axis. The drive arm is pivotably connected to the driven arm about a horizontal axis and includes a distal end configured to rest on an adjacent span. The control arm is linked to the driven arm. The control box determines lateral alignment between the spans based on the control arm as governed by the drive arm and driven arm. The drive arm is configured to retain an upright orientation relative to the driven arm regardless of torsional rotation between the spans so that the position of the control arm and hence the lateral alignment determination is not affected by the torsional rotation between the spans.
A01G 25/09 - Agencements pour l'arrosage utilisant des installations mobiles sur roues ou analogues
F16L 3/01 - Supports pour tuyaux, pour câbles ou pour conduits de protection, p.ex. potences, pattes de fixation, attaches, brides, colliers pour supporter ou guider les tuyaux, les câbles ou les conduits de protection entre des points mobiles les uns par rapport aux autres, p.ex. canaux mobiles
F16L 3/215 - Supports pour tuyaux, pour câbles ou pour conduits de protection, p.ex. potences, pattes de fixation, attaches, brides, colliers avec disposition particulière permettant au tuyau de bouger permettant un mouvement latéral le mouvement étant commandé hydrauliquement ou électriquement
F16L 3/205 - Supports pour tuyaux, pour câbles ou pour conduits de protection, p.ex. potences, pattes de fixation, attaches, brides, colliers avec disposition particulière permettant au tuyau de bouger permettant un mouvement latéral avec des ressorts supportant les tuyaux
F16L 27/02 - Raccords universels, c. à d. avec une liaison mécanique permettant un mouvement angulaire ou un réglage des axes des parties raccordées dans une direction quelconque
A01G 25/02 - Systèmes d'arrosage placés au-dessus du sol qui utilisent des canalisations perforées ou des canalisations avec accessoires pour la distribution, p.ex. pour l'irrigation goutte à goutte
7.
TILT MONITORING SYSTEM FOR A MOBILE IRRIGATION SYSTEM
A tilt monitoring system for a mobile irrigation system including a sensor and a controller. The sensor is configured to detect a tilt magnitude of the span and generate a corresponding tilt signal. The controller is configured to receive the tilt signal representing the tilt magnitude, generate a deactivation signal representing an instruction to deactivate the drive motor if the tilt magnitude is greater than a tilt threshold, transmit the deactivation signal to the drive motor, generate a notification signal representing a notification that the drive motor has been deactivated due to the tilt magnitude, transmit the notification signal, receive a follow-up input signal representing a follow-up input, generate a follow-up command signal representing a command for implementing the follow-up input, and transmit the follow-up command signal so that the mobile irrigation system implements the follow-up input.
A mobile tower for use with an irrigation system having horizontally-extending spans, the mobile tower comprising a frame and a number of wheels. The frame includes a crossbeam, first and second diagonal legs, first and second lower gussets, and an upper bracket. The crossbeam, first diagonal leg, and second diagonal leg include tubular members having gusset connectors. The tubular members are interchangeable and adaptable with other tubular members.
An overcurrent protection system for a mobile irrigation system. The overcurrent protection system includes a number of control panels each including a controller configured to generate a motor control signal for activating one of the motors of the mobile irrigation system, transmit the motor control signal to the motor, determine a current magnitude of electrical current passing through a motor power branch line electrically connected to the motor, and restrict current to the motor if the current magnitude is above a current magnitude threshold. The controller is further configured to set the current magnitude threshold according to one of a plurality of motor operation stages. The current magnitude threshold can also be set remotely.
H02H 9/02 - Circuits de protection de sécurité pour limiter l'excès de courant ou de tension sans déconnexion sensibles à un excès de courant
H02H 7/08 - Circuits de protection de sécurité spécialement adaptés pour des machines ou appareils électriques de types particuliers ou pour la protection sectionnelle de systèmes de câble ou ligne, et effectuant une commutation automatique dans le cas d'un chan pour moteurs dynamo-électriques
10.
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REMOTE IRRIGATION SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
A computer-implemented method of relaying data of an irrigation system comprises establishing, via a mobile device communication element, a connection with a component associated with the irrigation system; requesting, via the mobile device communication element, current operational data representing real-time measurements associated with operations of the irrigation system; receiving, via the mobile device communication element, signals representative of a first data stream comprising the current operational data of the irrigation system; and transmitting, via the mobile device communication element, a second data stream comprising at least a portion of the first data stream to a remote computing device.
An irrigation control panel, an irrigation system, and a method of monitoring operations of the irrigation system are provided. The irrigation control panel comprises a display and a processing element. The display comprises an electrophoretic portion. The processing element is configured to determine an operating condition of the irrigation system, and display an indication representative of the operating condition on the electrophoretic portion so that the indication representative of the operating condition displayed on the electrophoretic portion persists after disconnecting power.
G05B 19/409 - Commande numérique (CN), c.à d. machines fonctionnant automatiquement, en particulier machines-outils, p.ex. dans un milieu de fabrication industriel, afin d'effectuer un positionnement, un mouvement ou des actions coordonnées au moyen de données d'u - caractérisée par les détails du panneau de commande, par la fixation de paramètres
G02F 1/167 - Dispositifs ou dispositions pour la commande de l'intensité, de la couleur, de la phase, de la polarisation ou de la direction de la lumière arrivant d'une source lumineuse indépendante, p.ex. commutation, ouverture de porte ou modulation; Optique non linéaire pour la commande de l'intensité, de la phase, de la polarisation ou de la couleur basés sur le mouvement de translation des particules dans un fluide sous l’influence de l’application d’un champ caractérisés par l’effet électro-optique ou magnéto-optique par électrophorèse
A mobile irrigation system configured to support an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the mobile irrigation system comprising a number of irrigation spans, a control system, and a UAV support system. Each irrigation span includes a conduit section connected to conduit sections of adjacent irrigation spans for transporting an irrigation fluid from a fluid source to a field, a truss configured to support the conduit section, a number of fluid emitters, and a mobile tower connected to the truss for moving the truss, conduit section, and fluid emitters across the field. The UAV support system includes a docking station configured to receive the UAV and deploy the UAV to collect agricultural data or to carry out agricultural tasks and a data transfer module for transferring agricultural data from the UAV to a remote data storage system or edge processing devices.
A data management system for an irrigation system and methods of controlling operations thereof are provided. The data management system directs data captured at a plurality of sensors on the irrigation system to a remote device, The data management system comprises a communication bus and a plurality of communications. The communication bus extends along the irrigation system. The plurality of communication systems are positioned on the irrigation system and are connected to the communication bus. Each of the communication systems is configured to receive signals representative of the data from one of the sensors and to transmit signals representative of the data, via wireless communication, to the remote device.
Systems and method for coordinating movements of agricultural machines and irrigation systems on irrigated fields to avoid collisions and other interferences between the equipment may be implemented with a mobile irrigation system, a number of agricultural machines, and a processing system. The processing system receives and analyzes data from an irrigation schedule for the irrigation system and location data from the agricultural machines to detect possible interferences between the equipment and takes corrective action if likely interferences are detected.
G05D 1/02 - Commande de la position ou du cap par référence à un système à deux dimensions
H04W 4/12 - Messagerie; Boîtes aux lettres; Annonces
G05D 1/00 - Commande de la position, du cap, de l'altitude ou de l'attitude des véhicules terrestres, aquatiques, aériens ou spatiaux, p.ex. pilote automatique
Systems and methods for scheduling and coordinating applications of fertilizers, pesticides, and water to fields while avoiding interferences between vehicles and other equipment may be implemented with a mobile irrigation system, a fertilizer applicator, a pesticide applicator, and a processing system. The processing system schedules and coordinates applications of fertilizers, pesticides, and water and prevents interferences between the machines primarily with data received from an irrigation schedule implemented by the irrigation system and data received from the fertilizer and pesticide applicators.
A01G 25/09 - Agencements pour l'arrosage utilisant des installations mobiles sur roues ou analogues
A01C 23/00 - Dispositifs distributeurs spécialement adaptés pour répandre le purin ou d'autres engrais liquides, y compris l'ammoniaque, p.ex. réservoirs de transport ou voitures arroseuses
16.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING IRRIGATION SYSTEM SCHEDULING
An irrigation system and method of controlling operations of the irrigation system are provided. The irrigation system comprises a plurality of mobile support towers, a plurality of structural supports, a fluid-carrying conduit, water emitters, a sensor, and a control system. The plurality of mobile support towers are configured to move across a field. The plurality of structural supports extend between the mobile support towers, and the fluid-carrying conduit is supported above the field by the plurality of structural supports. The water emitters are coupled with the fluid-carrying conduit and emit water from the conduit onto the field. The sensor is supported on one of the structural supports or mobile support towers and is configured to capture data associated with a residue cover of a portion of the field. The control system is in communication with the sensor and is configured to receive the data associated with the residue cover of the portion of the field and determine a residue cover percentage for the portion of the field based on the data.
A computing device for processing geospatial data associated with an irrigation system comprises a processing element in electronic communication with a memory element. The processing element is configured or programmed to receive sensor data over time from a plurality of sensors associated with the irrigation system, receive or determine geolocation data, link data from each sensor with geolocation data to form geospatial data, determine trends in the geospatial data for each sensor or a group of sensors, determine changes or adjustments in an operation of components of the irrigation system based on trends determined in the geospatial data, and output an electronic signal whose analog level or digital data value varies according to the changes or adjustments in the operation of components of the irrigation system.
A system and method for calibrating an irrigation system to account for variations in flow rates, motor operating parameters, and other parameters caused by field elevation changes, pipe friction losses, water emitter nozzle wear, pressure-regulator inaccuracies, and other factors. A calibration map is created to account for the flow rate variations or other parameters and then consulted to control operation of the irrigation system.
A01G 25/09 - Agencements pour l'arrosage utilisant des installations mobiles sur roues ou analogues
B05B 12/08 - Aménagements de commande de la distribution; Aménagements de réglage de l’aire de pulvérisation sensibles à l'état du liquide ou d'un autre matériau fluide expulsé, du milieu ambiant ou de la cible
B05B 12/12 - Aménagements de commande de la distribution; Aménagements de réglage de l’aire de pulvérisation sensibles à l'état du liquide ou d'un autre matériau fluide expulsé, du milieu ambiant ou de la cible sensibles à l'état du milieu ambiant ou de la cible, p.ex. à l'humidité, à la température
An alignment control system for controlling an alignment of a plurality of mobile towers, each mobile tower supporting a section of conduit in an irrigation system comprises a plurality of tower angle measurement devices and a control processing element. Each tower angle measurement device is associated with a successive one of the mobile towers and is configured to measure an angle value which varies according to a rotation angle of the associated mobile tower relative to one or more of the other mobile towers. The control processing element is configured or programmed to receive the angle value from each tower angle measurement device, compare the angle value to a threshold angle value, and generate and transmit control signals, data, or both that include an activation hysteresis value to a drive motor associated with each mobile tower that has an angle value greater than the threshold angle value.
A monitoring system for a mobile irrigation system that monitors the conditions or states of various electrical and/or mechanical components of the irrigation system and alerts an operator or automatically takes corrective action when conditions that may adversely affect operation of the irrigation system are detected. The monitoring system also monitors and records the locations of the irrigation system as it monitors the conditions or states of the electrical and/or mechanical components.
A wheel track monitoring system for an irrigation system monitors the condition of a wheel track and alerts an operator and/or automatically takes corrective action when a wheel track develops ruts or other conditions that may adversely affect operation of the irrigation system. The wheel track monitoring system includes a wheel track condition sensor, a location sensor, and a processing system. The processing system receives and stores wheel track condition data and location data from the sensors as the irrigation system travels across a field and creates a log of wheel track condition data for multiple locations in the field. The processing system also analyzes the wheel track condition data to determine if the condition of the wheel track is unacceptable at any locations in the irrigated field and generates a corrective action signal if the condition is unacceptable.
G01S 19/01 - Systèmes de positionnement par satellite à radiophares émettant des messages horodatés, p.ex. GPS [Système de positionnement global], GLONASS [Système global de navigation par satellite] ou GALILEO
22.
FAULT NOTIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USE WITH AN IRRIGATION SYSTEM
A fault notification system comprises a plurality of tower sensor units and a central processing element. Each tower sensor unit includes a tower safety sensor and a tower processing element. The tower safety sensor monitors a rotation angle of a mobile tower and output a signal that varies according to the rotation angle. The tower processing element is configured to receive the signal, compare a signal level of the signal with a range of signal levels indicating a normal rotation angle, and transmit a message that a fault has occurred and request that each drive motor shut down if the level of the signal is out of the range indicating a normal rotation angle. The central processing element is configured to receive the message from the tower processing element and transmit a signal to each tower processing element to output a signal to instruct each drive motor to shut down.
A01G 25/09 - Agencements pour l'arrosage utilisant des installations mobiles sur roues ou analogues
G08B 5/22 - Systèmes de signalisation optique, p.ex. systèmes d'appel de personnes, indication à distance de l'occupation de sièges utilisant une transmission électromécanique
G08B 21/02 - Alarmes pour assurer la sécurité des personnes
23.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING PONDING IN IRRIGATED FIELDS
A ponding monitoring and detection system monitors, detects, and predicts ponding in an irrigated field in essentially real-time. The ponding monitoring and detection system also monitors and records locations of detected and predicted ponding.
An irrigation system and method of controlling operations of the irrigation system are provided. The method includes determining, via a control system, a soil water depletion at a first location based on soil data captured via a sensor; determining, via the control system, a difference in irrigation amounts at the first location and a second location; determining, via the control system, a difference in precipitation amounts at the first location and the second location; determining, via the control system, a difference in evapotranspiration values of crops at the first location and the second location; calculating an estimated soil water depletion at the second location based, at least in part, on the soil water depletion at the first location, the difference in irrigation amounts at the first location and the second location, the difference in precipitation amounts at the first location and the second location, and the difference in evapotranspiration values of crops at the first location and the second location; and directing, via the control system, the irrigation system to apply an amount of water at the second location based, at least in part, on the estimated soil water depletion at the second location. The irrigation system may comprise a fluid-carrying conduit, a plurality of support towers with one or more controllable motors, water emitters, a controllable valve, and a control system that performs one or more of the aforementioned method steps.
An irrigation system broadly comprising a number of irrigation spans and a control system configured to operate single speed drive motors of the irrigation spans in a start-up mode, full speed mode, and wind-down mode. In the start-up mode, the motor controller gradually increases the drive motor speed from 0 rpms to a full speed by ramping a voltage applied to the drive motor from a starting voltage to a full speed voltage according to a start up voltage profile over a start-up time interval. In the full speed mode, the motor controller operates the drive motor at a full speed voltage. In the wind-down mode, the motor controller gradually decreases the drive motor speed from full speed to 0 rpms by ramping the voltage applied to the drive motor from the full speed voltage to an ending voltage according to a wind-down voltage profile over a wind-down time interval.
A01G 25/02 - Systèmes d'arrosage placés au-dessus du sol qui utilisent des canalisations perforées ou des canalisations avec accessoires pour la distribution, p.ex. pour l'irrigation goutte à goutte
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.
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.
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.
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.
A01G 25/02 - Systèmes d'arrosage placés au-dessus du sol qui utilisent des canalisations perforées ou des canalisations avec accessoires pour la distribution, p.ex. pour l'irrigation goutte à goutte
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.
A01G 25/09 - Agencements pour l'arrosage utilisant des installations mobiles sur roues ou analogues
B05B 3/12 - Appareillages de pulvérisation ou d'arrosage avec des éléments de sortie mobiles ou des éléments déflecteurs mobiles avec des éléments rotatifs avec rampes de pulvérisation ou éléments analogues entraînés en rotation autour d'un axe par des moyens indépendants du liquide ou d'autre matériau fluide refoulé
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.
B05B 3/12 - Appareillages de pulvérisation ou d'arrosage avec des éléments de sortie mobiles ou des éléments déflecteurs mobiles avec des éléments rotatifs avec rampes de pulvérisation ou éléments analogues entraînés en rotation autour d'un axe par des moyens indépendants du liquide ou d'autre matériau fluide refoulé
An inflatable tube having multiple chambers that are independently inflatable and deflatable so that loss of air pressure in one chamber does not result in loss of air pressure in another chamber, the tube being particularly suitable for use with a wheel and tire assembly of an agricultural implement.
B60C 5/04 - Forme ou structure des éléments intérieurs gonflables
B60C 5/02 - Pneumatiques ou chambres intérieures gonflables avec éléments intérieurs gonflables distincts, p.ex. avec chambre intérieure; Moyens de lubrification, de purge, pour prévenir les mouvements relatifs entre le pneumatique et la chambre à air
33.
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.
A01G 25/09 - Agencements pour l'arrosage utilisant des installations mobiles sur roues ou analogues
A01B 76/00 - TRAVAIL DE LA TERRE EN AGRICULTURE OU EN SYLVICULTURE; PARTIES CONSTITUTIVES OU ACCESSOIRES DES MACHINES OU INSTRUMENTS AGRICOLES, EN GÉNÉRAL - Parties constitutives ou accessoires des machines ou instruments agricoles non prévus dans les groupes
B05B 3/12 - Appareillages de pulvérisation ou d'arrosage avec des éléments de sortie mobiles ou des éléments déflecteurs mobiles avec des éléments rotatifs avec rampes de pulvérisation ou éléments analogues entraînés en rotation autour d'un axe par des moyens indépendants du liquide ou d'autre matériau fluide refoulé
A01M 7/00 - Adaptations ou aménagements particuliers des appareils de pulvérisation de liquides aux fins couvertes dans la présente sous-classe
[0056] 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.
A01G 25/09 - Agencements pour l'arrosage utilisant des installations mobiles sur roues ou analogues
B05B 3/12 - Appareillages de pulvérisation ou d'arrosage avec des éléments de sortie mobiles ou des éléments déflecteurs mobiles avec des éléments rotatifs avec rampes de pulvérisation ou éléments analogues entraînés en rotation autour d'un axe par des moyens indépendants du liquide ou d'autre matériau fluide refoulé
A01M 7/00 - Adaptations ou aménagements particuliers des appareils de pulvérisation de liquides aux fins couvertes dans la présente sous-classe
35.
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.
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.
A01G 25/02 - Systèmes d'arrosage placés au-dessus du sol qui utilisent des canalisations perforées ou des canalisations avec accessoires pour la distribution, p.ex. pour l'irrigation goutte à goutte
A01G 25/09 - Agencements pour l'arrosage utilisant des installations mobiles sur roues ou analogues
B05B 3/18 - Appareillages de pulvérisation ou d'arrosage avec des éléments de sortie mobiles ou des éléments déflecteurs mobiles avec éléments à mouvement rectiligne, p.ex. le long d'une voie; Dispositifs d'arrosage mobiles
37.
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.
A01G 25/02 - Systèmes d'arrosage placés au-dessus du sol qui utilisent des canalisations perforées ou des canalisations avec accessoires pour la distribution, p.ex. pour l'irrigation goutte à goutte
38.
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.
A01G 25/09 - Agencements pour l'arrosage utilisant des installations mobiles sur roues ou analogues
B05B 3/12 - Appareillages de pulvérisation ou d'arrosage avec des éléments de sortie mobiles ou des éléments déflecteurs mobiles avec des éléments rotatifs avec rampes de pulvérisation ou éléments analogues entraînés en rotation autour d'un axe par des moyens indépendants du liquide ou d'autre matériau fluide refoulé
39.
LOW-POWER STARTUP 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.
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.
A01G 25/09 - Agencements pour l'arrosage utilisant des installations mobiles sur roues ou analogues
A01G 25/02 - Systèmes d'arrosage placés au-dessus du sol qui utilisent des canalisations perforées ou des canalisations avec accessoires pour la distribution, p.ex. pour l'irrigation goutte à goutte
F16L 19/00 - Raccords dans lesquels les surfaces d'étanchéité sont maintenues en contact par un organe, p.ex. un écrou à oreilles vissé dans, ou vissé sur une des parties du raccord
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.
A01G 25/09 - Agencements pour l'arrosage utilisant des installations mobiles sur roues ou analogues
A01G 25/02 - Systèmes d'arrosage placés au-dessus du sol qui utilisent des canalisations perforées ou des canalisations avec accessoires pour la distribution, p.ex. pour l'irrigation goutte à goutte
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.
A01G 25/02 - Systèmes d'arrosage placés au-dessus du sol qui utilisent des canalisations perforées ou des canalisations avec accessoires pour la distribution, p.ex. pour l'irrigation goutte à goutte
A01G 25/09 - Agencements pour l'arrosage utilisant des installations mobiles sur roues ou analogues
43.
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.
B05B 3/12 - Appareillages de pulvérisation ou d'arrosage avec des éléments de sortie mobiles ou des éléments déflecteurs mobiles avec des éléments rotatifs avec rampes de pulvérisation ou éléments analogues entraînés en rotation autour d'un axe par des moyens indépendants du liquide ou d'autre matériau fluide refoulé
An MLP assembly and method for supporting and providing access to railroad signals. The MLP assembly may comprise a mast, one or more platform assemblies attached to the mast, and one or more ladders attachable to the mast and/or the platform assemblies. The MLP assembly may also comprise F-brackets and ladder supports for supporting the ladders relative to the mast. The MLP assembly may be placed in a folded configuration for transport thereof or an unfolded configuration for installation. The ladder supports and/or elements of the platform assemblies may rotate toward the mast into the folded configuration and may rotate away from the mast into the unfolded configuration. The MLP assembly may also comprise a plurality of stacking brackets configured for stacking a plurality of MLP assemblies on top of each other for transport to an installation site.
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.
A compression safety for a span of an agricultural irrigation system detects changes in the condition of truss rods associated with the framework of the span. When one portion of the truss rod assembly goes slack relative to another, such condition is detected by the safety to shut down the entire system. In a preferred embodiment, the safety is mounted at one of the V-braces forming part of the truss framework below the water conduit of the span. Truss rods are connected to and extend in opposite directions from the V-brace, one of such rods supporting a switch of the safety and the other supporting the switch actuator of the safety. The actuator comprises a long tubular member that is supported intermediate its ends by a fulcrum mount at the apex of the V-brace so that the operating lever of the switch is actuated by the actuator when it rocks about the fulcrum in response to a predetermined level of tension changes in the two truss rods.
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