This disclosure relates to an irrigation system pipe joint or span coupling, which can connect a span of an irrigation system to another structure. In examples, the joint can include various components that attach an end of a first pipe or joint to an end of a second pipe or joint. For example, the end of the first joint can include a receiver plate, which can include a recess with a bushing. In addition, the end of the second joint can include a post, hook, or other elongated member that, in order to connect the first joint to the second joint, is insertable into the bushing.
F16L 37/12 - Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially-overlapping ends is maintained by locking members using hooks, pawls, or other movable or insertable locking members
A01G 25/02 - Watering arrangements located above the soil which make use of perforated pipe-lines or pipe-lines with dispensing fittings, e.g. for drip irrigation
A01G 25/09 - Watering arrangements making use of movable installations on wheels or the like
F16L 37/50 - Couplings of the quick-acting type adjustableCouplings of the quick-acting type allowing movement of the parts joined
3.
IRRIGATION SYSTEM HAVING IMPROVED CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM AND ADJUSTABLE CROWN HEIGHT
An irrigation system having a pipeline supported by one or more towers includes an improved truss connection system having a means for readily adjusting a crown height of the pipeline. A pair of cooperating members define a joint which selectively couples headed ends of adjacent truss rods together to form a truss rail of a truss system that supports the pipeline. A single fastener may fasten the cooperating members, a strut, and a cross-member together at the joint. A length of the truss rail may be decreased by holding the truss rods closer together. In an aspect, the headed ends of the adjacent truss rods are held closer together by inserting a shim in one of the joints. Decreasing the length of the truss rail increases the deflection of the pipeline and raises the crown height.
A01G 25/02 - Watering arrangements located above the soil which make use of perforated pipe-lines or pipe-lines with dispensing fittings, e.g. for drip irrigation
A01G 25/09 - Watering arrangements making use of movable installations on wheels or the like
E04C 3/02 - JoistsGirders, trusses, or truss-like structures, e.g. prefabricatedLintelsTransoms
An irrigation system having a pipeline supported by one or more towers includes an improved truss connection system having a means for readily adjusting a crown height of the pipeline. A pair of cooperating members define a joint which selectively couples headed ends of adjacent truss rods together to form a truss rail of a truss system that supports the pipeline. A single fastener may fasten the cooperating members, a strut, and a cross-member together at the joint. A length of the truss rail may be decreased by holding the truss rods closer together. In an aspect, the headed ends of the adjacent truss rods are held closer together by inserting a shim in one of the joints. Decreasing the length of the truss rail increases the deflection of the pipeline and raises the crown height.
A01G 25/02 - Watering arrangements located above the soil which make use of perforated pipe-lines or pipe-lines with dispensing fittings, e.g. for drip irrigation
A01G 25/09 - Watering arrangements making use of movable installations on wheels or the like
E04C 3/02 - JoistsGirders, trusses, or truss-like structures, e.g. prefabricatedLintelsTransoms
Systems and methods for determining optimal water capacity or distribution for each of a plurality of sections of a field to be irrigated by an ancillary span of an irrigation system are provided. A path is determined for a steering tower of the ancillary span that is comprised of a plurality of position-based coordinates. The position of the ancillary span steering tower (and thus the position of the ancillary span) relative to the determined path is always known and, accordingly, the optimal water capacity or distribution for the needs of its location can be readily determined based upon a calculated area factor percentage.
G01B 21/28 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring areas
A01G 25/09 - Watering arrangements making use of movable installations on wheels or the like
G01C 21/00 - NavigationNavigational instruments not provided for in groups
7.
Irrigation system having improved construction system and adjustable crown height
An irrigation system having a pipeline supported by one or more towers includes an improved truss connection system having a means for readily adjusting a crown height of the pipeline. A pair of cooperating members define a joint which selectively couples headed ends of adjacent truss rods together to form a truss rail of a truss system that supports the pipeline. A single fastener may fasten the cooperating members, a strut, and a cross-member together at the joint. A length of the truss rail may be decreased by holding the truss rods closer together. In an aspect, the headed ends of the adjacent truss rods are held closer together by inserting a shim in one of the joints. Decreasing the length of the truss rail increases the deflection of the pipeline and raises the crown height.
A01G 25/02 - Watering arrangements located above the soil which make use of perforated pipe-lines or pipe-lines with dispensing fittings, e.g. for drip irrigation
E04C 3/02 - JoistsGirders, trusses, or truss-like structures, e.g. prefabricatedLintelsTransoms
A01G 25/09 - Watering arrangements making use of movable installations on wheels or the like
A polymer-lined fluid transmission line includes various structures, including a first polymer-lined pipe, a second polymer-lined pipe, and one or more sleeve retainers installed at a pipe junction between the polymer-lined pipes. Among other things, the sleeve retainers may include one or more protuberances to frictionally engage the polymer-lined pipes or a one or more portions that protrude into a space between the polymer-lined pipes to help retain and protect polymer sleeves.
F16L 17/04 - Joints with packing adapted to sealing by fluid pressure with sealing rings arranged between outer surface of pipe and inner surface of sleeve or socket with longitudinally split or divided sleeve
F16L 58/18 - Protection of pipes or pipe fittings against corrosion or incrustation specially adapted for pipe fittings
F16L 23/16 - Flanged joints characterised by the sealing means
F16L 3/233 - Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals for a bundle of pipes or a plurality of pipes placed side by side in contact with each other by means of a flexible band
F16L 19/12 - Joints in which sealing surfaces are pressed together by means of a member, e.g. a swivel nut, screwed on, or into, one of the joint parts with metal rings which bite into the wall of the pipe the profile of the ring being altered with additional sealing means
The technology described herein provides a dual machine irrigation system. The first machine is primarily an irrigation machine and the second machine is primarily a sensor machine, though it may also distribute liquids. The irrigation machine includes an irrigation span and can include multiple irrigation spans. The sensor machine includes a sensor span and can include multiple sensor spans. The sensor span gathers data that is used to optimize the liquid deployment from the irrigation span. In an aspect, both the irrigation span and the sensor span follow the same path of travel through a field, but at different times. The sensor span is separate from the irrigation span and includes a plurality of environmental sensors that gather data on the field, the field environment, and any crops that may be in the field. The ability of the sensor span to provide real-time data allows for optimization of liquid deployments.
Aspects of the disclosure provide systems and methods for controlling the flow of water through zones of an ancillary span of an irrigation system to achieve optimal water distribution for each of a plurality of sections of a field-of-interest to be irrigated by the ancillary span. The disclosed systems and methods optimally turn control zones on and off to minimize the flow variability of water supplied to the ancillary span. The technology described herein runs a series of simulations to determine an optimal irrigation plan for the ancillary span. The instantaneous average flow at different points within a simulation may be calculated. The plurality of instantaneous average flows are used to determine a variance statistic for the plurality, which is used to determine the optimal plan.
G01B 21/28 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring areas
A polymer-lined fluid transmission line includes various structures, including a first polymer-lined pipe, a second polymer-lined pipe, and one or more sleeve retainers installed at a pipe junction between the polymer-lined pipes. Among other things, the sleeve retainers may include one or more protuberances to frictionally engage the polymer-lined pipes or a one or more portions that protrude into a space between the polymer-lined pipes to help retain and protect polymer sleeves.
F16L 23/16 - Flanged joints characterised by the sealing means
F16L 58/18 - Protection of pipes or pipe fittings against corrosion or incrustation specially adapted for pipe fittings
F16L 17/04 - Joints with packing adapted to sealing by fluid pressure with sealing rings arranged between outer surface of pipe and inner surface of sleeve or socket with longitudinally split or divided sleeve
F16L 3/233 - Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals for a bundle of pipes or a plurality of pipes placed side by side in contact with each other by means of a flexible band
F16L 19/12 - Joints in which sealing surfaces are pressed together by means of a member, e.g. a swivel nut, screwed on, or into, one of the joint parts with metal rings which bite into the wall of the pipe the profile of the ring being altered with additional sealing means
A speed-control system for an irrigation system may detect when an actual speed of the irrigation system is faster or slower than a target speed of the irrigation system. In some instances, the speed-control system may detect when the actual speed is faster or slower at discrete virtual points of interest and execute compensatory measures.
A01G 25/02 - Watering arrangements located above the soil which make use of perforated pipe-lines or pipe-lines with dispensing fittings, e.g. for drip irrigation
14.
Maintenance-free swing arm swivel and bearing device
A novel steering tube assembly is provided having a steering tube with a first end and a second end. An upper plate assembly is coupled to the first end of the steering tube and a drive gear plate is coupled to the second end of the steering tube. A bearing steering tube plate is coupled to the steering tube at a location between the first end and the second end. The bearing steering tube plate has a first surface and a second surface. A bearing support is coupled to the first surface of the bearing steering tube plate and includes a cylindrical portion and a flange portion. A bearing block is coupled to the bearing support and the bearing block comprises a low-friction, non-metallic material.
B62D 7/10 - Steering linkageStub axles or their mountings for individually-pivoted wheels, e.g. on king-pins the pivotal axes being situated in a single plane transverse to the longitudinal centre line of the vehicle with single-output steering gear
F16C 17/02 - Sliding-contact bearings for exclusively rotary movement for radial load only
A01G 25/09 - Watering arrangements making use of movable installations on wheels or the like
A polymer-lined fluid transmission line includes various structures, including a first polymer-lined pipe, a second polymer-lined pipe, and one or more sleeve retainers installed at a pipe junction between the polymer-lined pipes. Among other things, the sleeve retainers may include one or more protuberances to frictionally engage the polymer-lined pipes or a one or more portions that protrude into a space between the polymer-lined pipes to help retain and protect polymer sleeves.
F16L 58/18 - Protection of pipes or pipe fittings against corrosion or incrustation specially adapted for pipe fittings
F16L 23/16 - Flanged joints characterised by the sealing means
F16L 17/04 - Joints with packing adapted to sealing by fluid pressure with sealing rings arranged between outer surface of pipe and inner surface of sleeve or socket with longitudinally split or divided sleeve
F16L 3/233 - Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals for a bundle of pipes or a plurality of pipes placed side by side in contact with each other by means of a flexible band
F16L 19/12 - Joints in which sealing surfaces are pressed together by means of a member, e.g. a swivel nut, screwed on, or into, one of the joint parts with metal rings which bite into the wall of the pipe the profile of the ring being altered with additional sealing means
16.
MONITORING AND CONTROL OF A MOVABLE TOWER IN AN IRRIGATION SYSTEM
A system for improved control and monitoring of a movable tower in an irrigation system is provided. A computer controller associated with a tower receives an indication of parameter modification. The system is then able to change parameters at a component of the tower control system based on the received parameters. The system stores the current angle sensed between two adjacent span members. If the stored angle is between two threshold levels, a drive signal is provided to a motor. The system is operable to selectively apply a drive signal at a tower in an align mode and provides the ability to digitally modify a threshold that is used in a machine run-mode to operate the motor at a tower. Embodiments provide enhanced machine control that achieves faster recovery from faults, new operating modes, the ability to repair remotely, and to coordinate and automate multiple moves in a recovery.
B05B 3/18 - Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with elements moving in a straight line, e.g. along a trackMobile sprinklers
B05B 15/70 - Arrangements for moving spray heads automatically to or from the working position
G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
17.
Monitoring and control of a movable tower in an irrigation system
Aspects of the technology described herein provide a system for improved control and monitoring of a movable tower in an irrigation system. A computer controller associated with a tower of an irrigation system receives an indication of parameter modification. The system is then able to change parameters at a component of the tower control system based on the received parameters. The system stores the current angle sensed between two adjacent span members. If the stored angle is between two threshold levels, a drive signal is provided to a motor. The system is operable to selectively apply a drive signal at a tower in an align mode. The system provides the ability to digitally modify a threshold that is used in a machine run-mode to operate the motor at a tower.
Aspects of the technology described herein provide a system for improved control and monitoring of a movable tower in an irrigation system. A computer controller associated with a tower of an irrigation system receives an indication of parameter modification. The system is then able to change parameters at a component of the tower control system based on the received parameters. The system stores the current drive value at a station to control drive. If the stored drive value is above a threshold level, a drive signal is provided to a motor. The system is operable to selectively apply a drive signal at a tower. The system provides the ability to digitally modify a threshold that is used in a machine run-mode to operate the motor at a tower.
Systems and methods for determining optimal water capacity or distribution for each of a plurality of sections of a field to be irrigated by an ancillary span of an irrigation system are provided. A path is determined for a steering tower of the ancillary span that is comprised of a plurality of position-based coordinates. The position of the ancillary span steering tower (and thus the position of the ancillary span) relative to the determined path is always known and, accordingly, the optimal water capacity or distribution for the needs of its location can be readily determined based upon a calculated area factor percentage.
G01B 21/28 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring areas
A01G 25/09 - Watering arrangements making use of movable installations on wheels or the like
G01C 21/00 - NavigationNavigational instruments not provided for in groups
A greaseless pivot center swivel and bearing device includes an outer housing having a sidewall with top and bottom portions, a top plate coupled with the top portion that includes an opening therein, and a bottom plate coupled with the bottom portion that includes an opening therein. The sidewall cooperates with the top and bottom plates to define an interior volume. A single, unitary bushing member formed of a low-friction material is positioned within the interior volume and includes a surface cylindrically curved about an axis extending between the top and bottom plates of the housing. The cylindrically curved surface cooperates with the openings in the top and bottom plates to define a cylindrical passage through the interior volume sized and shaped for receiving a cylindrical tube that rotates therein, e.g., a tube configured to connect with a water supply column of a mechanized irrigation system.
An irrigation system having a pipeline supported by one or more towers includes an improved truss connection system having a means for readily adjusting a crown height of the pipeline. A pair of cooperating members define a joint which selectively couples headed ends of adjacent truss rods together to form a truss rail of a truss system that supports the pipeline. A single fastener may fasten the cooperating members, a strut, and a cross-member together at the joint. A length of the truss rail may be decreased by holding the truss rods closer together. In an aspect, the headed ends of the adjacent truss rods are held closer together by inserting a shim in one of the joints. Decreasing the length of the truss rail increases the deflection of the pipeline and raises the crown height.
A01G 25/02 - Watering arrangements located above the soil which make use of perforated pipe-lines or pipe-lines with dispensing fittings, e.g. for drip irrigation
E04C 3/02 - JoistsGirders, trusses, or truss-like structures, e.g. prefabricatedLintelsTransoms
A01G 25/09 - Watering arrangements making use of movable installations on wheels or the like
A greaseless pivot center swivel and bearing device includes an outer housing having a sidewall with top and bottom portions, a top plate coupled with the top portion that includes an opening therein, and a bottom plate coupled with the bottom portion that includes an opening therein. The sidewall cooperates with the top and bottom plates to define an interior volume. A single, unitary bushing member formed of a low-friction material is positioned within the interior volume and includes a surface cylindrically curved about an axis extending between the top and bottom plates of the housing. The cylindrically curved surface cooperates with the openings in the top and bottom plates to define a cylindrical passage through the interior volume sized and shaped for receiving a cylindrical tube that rotates therein, e.g., a tube configured to connect with a water supply column of a mechanized irrigation system.
Aspects of the disclosure provide a non-welded, clevis-type coupling assembly that provides two sheer planes and, accordingly, increases the load bearing capacity thereof. The assembly includes a coupling plate having a first section, a second section, and a third section. The second section is intermediate the first section and the third section and the first and third sections are oriented at an angle of 90° with respect to one another. The coupling plate includes a contiguous opening extending there through having a first part and a second part. The first part has a first dimension and the second part has a second dimension that is larger than the first dimension.
Aspects of the present invention provide a theft-resistant cable clamp that increases the time and effort required to remove the cable from the irrigation equipment, thereby deterring thieves As the extensions that protrude from the cable-reception loop are forced together, the walls of the cable-reception loop compress against the cable. Openings in the extensions on the cable clamp allow the cable clamp to fit over a component of the irrigation equipment. A plurality of teeth can protrude from the perimeter of an opening to grip the exterior of the component. A coupler or other component may have a groove into which the teeth engage when the cable clamp is in a final location on the component.
F16B 39/24 - Locking of screws, bolts, or nuts in which the locking takes place during screwing down or tightening by means of washers, spring washers, or resilient plates that lock against the object
H02G 3/32 - Installations of cables or lines on walls, floors or ceilings using mounting clamps
A01G 25/09 - Watering arrangements making use of movable installations on wheels or the like
Aspects of the present invention provide a theft-resistant cable clamp that increases the time and effort required to remove the cable from the irrigation equipment, thereby deterring thieves As the extensions that protrude from the cable-reception loop are forced together, the walls of the cable-reception loop compress against the cable. Openings in the extensions on the cable clamp allow the cable clamp to fit over a component of the irrigation equipment. A plurality of teeth can protrude from the perimeter of an opening to grip the exterior of the component. A coupler or other component may have a groove into which the teeth engage when the cable clamp is in a final location on the component.
F16B 39/24 - Locking of screws, bolts, or nuts in which the locking takes place during screwing down or tightening by means of washers, spring washers, or resilient plates that lock against the object
H02G 3/32 - Installations of cables or lines on walls, floors or ceilings using mounting clamps
A01G 25/09 - Watering arrangements making use of movable installations on wheels or the like
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Providing virtual computer systems and virtual computer environments through cloud computing; Providing temporary use of on-line non-downloadable cloud computing software for use in database management and electronic storage in the field of agricultural irrigation; Application service provider, namely, hosting, managing, developing, and maintaining applications, software, and web sites, of others, in the field of agricultural irrigation; Cloud computing featuring software for use in the collection and analysis of data and actions upon that data for use in agricultural irrigation; Providing use of non-downloadable cloud computing software for databasing, access, visualization, manipulation, and integration of agricultural irrigation information; Computer services, namely, providing an online data services platform that enables users to collect, aggregate, communicate, store, visualize, and process information on field and machine data and control mechanized irrigation equipment all in the field of agricultural irrigation
An improved suspension that may be used in any dynamically loaded beam structure, such as a trailer chassis. Specifically, an improved spring hanger and method for attachment are discussed, in which the improved spring hanger is welded to the web of a support beam, where stresses are lower, as opposed to the bottom flange thereof. Methods are provided for welding the spring hanger to said beam alongside as well as in contact with existing, transverse support members.
A self-propelled irrigation system has an elongated pipeline supported above a field by a plurality of drive towers. The drive towers each have a base beam assembly, a tower structure extending above the base beam assembly for supporting the elongated pipeline, and a plurality of drive wheel assemblies for moving the base beam assembly over a field. The drive assemblies include first and second drive assemblies mounted to respective ends of the base beam assembly. At least one of the drive towers also has a third drive assembly mounted to the base beam assembly between the first and second drive assemblies. The base beam assembly supporting the third drive assembly is articulated between its first and second ends and pivotally connected to the lower ends of the tower structure to allow the third drive assembly to move vertically relative to the first and second drive assemblies when traversing uneven terrain.
B05B 3/00 - Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements
B05B 3/18 - Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with elements moving in a straight line, e.g. along a trackMobile sprinklers
E21F 17/02 - Suspension devices for tubes or the like, e.g. for ventilating ducts
F16L 3/00 - Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
38 - Telecommunications services
Goods & Services
Equipment, namely, apparatus for transmitting and receiving satellite radio signals for monitoring and controlling remote field equipment and agricultural irrigation units Monitoring and controlling remote field equipment and agricultural irrigation units for others; providing real-time information, alerts and advisories regarding remote field equipment and agricultural irrigation units to owners and operators thereof via wired and wireless telecommunications networks
