Patents by Inventor Craig S. Malsam
Craig S. Malsam has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10485191Abstract: An irrigation system is disclosed that includes a variable nozzle control assembly disposed or coupled to the outer-most end of the structure of a self-propelled mechanized irrigation system. The variable nozzle control assembly may be configured to control the output water/applicant as a function of the mechanized irrigation system's location in the field. As the mechanized irrigation system travels an irrigation path, the variable nozzle control assembly may dynamically change the angle, trajectory, pressure, gallons per minute (GPM) flow (flow capacity) of the water and/or applicant released from the outer most end of the mechanized irrigation structure to provide sufficient irrigational coverage to the land.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2014Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Craig S. Malsam
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Patent number: 10015938Abstract: An irrigation system is disclosed that includes a control system for determining whether to apply a soil conditioning agent to an agricultural field is disclosed. In an implementation, the control system includes memory operable to store one or more modules and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is operable to execute the one or more modules to cause the processor to receive one or more signals representing a soil moisture characteristic from a soil sensor. The processor is also operable to determine whether to apply a soil conditioning agent to a soil based upon the soil moisture characteristic and to initiate operation of the irrigation assembly to apply the soil conditioning agent to the soil in response when the soil requires the soil conditioning agent.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventors: Craig S. Malsam, Jacob L. LaRue
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Publication number: 20160014982Abstract: An irrigation system is disclosed that includes a variable nozzle control assembly disposed or coupled to the outer-most end of the structure of a self-propelled mechanized irrigation system. The variable nozzle control assembly may be configured to control the output water/applicant as a function of the mechanized irrigation system's location in the field. As the mechanized irrigation system travels an irrigation path, the variable nozzle control assembly may dynamically change the angle, trajectory, pressure, gallons per minute (GPM) flow (flow capacity) of the water and/or applicant released from the outer most end of the mechanized irrigation structure to provide sufficient irrigational coverage to the land.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2014Publication date: January 21, 2016Inventor: Craig S. Malsam
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Patent number: 9119355Abstract: An applicant dispersal assembly is described that couples to an irrigation system. It is contemplated that the irrigation system may be a center pivot irrigation system, a linear move irrigation system, or the like. The applicant dispersal assembly is configured to receive an applicant and selectively adjust a flow rate of the applicant. In an implementation, the applicant dispersal assembly includes a pump assembly configured to couple to an irrigation conduit. The irrigation conduit is configured to provide an applicant to the pump assembly for dispersing over a cultivation area. The pump assembly is configured to pump the applicant and to selectively adjust a flow rate of the applicant. The applicant dispersal assembly also includes an applicant dispersal device that is coupled to the pump assembly. The applicant dispersal device is configured to disperse the applicant.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2012Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventor: Craig S. Malsam
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Patent number: 9101097Abstract: An irrigation system is disclosed that includes a ground-based platform. In an implementation, an irrigation system includes a span of overhead irrigation equipment. The irrigation system also includes a ground-based platform for coupling with the span of overhead irrigation equipment. The ground-based platform includes a drive for moving the ground-based platform. The irrigation system also includes a linkage for coupling the span of overhead irrigation equipment with the ground-based platform. The linkage is communicatively coupled with the drive of the ground-based platform for communicating information regarding a change in at least one of a position, a direction, or a speed of the span of overhead irrigation equipment with respect to the ground-based platform. The drive of the ground-based platform is configured to use the information received from the linkage to coordinate movement of the ground-based platform with movement of the span of overhead irrigation equipment.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2012Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventors: Craig S. Malsam, Dennis R. Theilen
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Patent number: 9022305Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a mechanized irrigation system that includes an electronic controller equipped with a telemetry means configured to read wireless tire pressure monitors and transmit this information up to 2900 feet from the tires being monitored. Based on the ability to remotely monitor the tire pressure of a mechanized irrigation system, the operator can remotely determine when tire pressures are low and take the necessary corrective action to avoid costly down-time.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2011Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventor: Craig S. Malsam
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Publication number: 20150102136Abstract: An irrigation system is disclosed that is configured to maintain a near straight alignment. In an implementation, an irrigation system includes multiple interconnected spans which are supported by multiple tower structures. Each tower structure includes a variable-speed drive unit for selectively driving a tower structure at a selected speed. The irrigation system also includes multiple sensors that are each associated with a corresponding span to determine an alignment of the corresponding span with respect to adjacent spans. Each of the sensors is in communication with a corresponding variable-drive control unit. Each of the variable-drive control units are configured to control the selected speed of a corresponding variable-speed drive unit to maintain the interconnected spans in a substantially linear orientation with respect to adjacent ones of the plurality of interconnected spans along a generally longitudinally oriented axis (e.g., maintain alignment of the spans with respect to each other).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2014Publication date: April 16, 2015Inventor: Craig S. Malsam
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Patent number: 8948979Abstract: An irrigation system is disclosed that is configured to maintain a near straight alignment. In an implementation, an irrigation system includes multiple interconnected spans which are supported by multiple tower structures. Each tower structure includes a variable-speed drive unit for selectively driving a tower structure at a selected speed. The irrigation system also includes multiple sensors that are each associated with a corresponding span to determine an alignment of the corresponding span with respect to adjacent spans. Each of the sensors is in communication with a corresponding variable-drive control unit. Each of the variable-drive control units are configured to control the selected speed of a corresponding variable-speed drive unit to maintain the interconnected spans in a substantially linear orientation with respect to adjacent ones of the plurality of interconnected spans along a generally longitudinally oriented axis (e.g., maintain alignment of the spans with respect to each other).Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2012Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventor: Craig S. Malsam
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Publication number: 20140326808Abstract: An irrigation system is disclosed that is configured to maintain a near straight. In an implementation, an irrigation system includes multiple interconnected spans that are supported by multiple tower structures and an extension arm pivotally connected to the end tower. Each tower structure includes a variable-speed drive unit for selectively driving a tower structure at a selected speed. The irrigation system also includes multiple sensors that are each associated with a corresponding span to determine an alignment of the corresponding span with respect to adjacent spans. Each of the sensors is in communication with a corresponding variable-drive control unit. Each of the variable-drive control units are configured to control the selected speed of a corresponding variable-speed drive unit to maintain the interconnected spans in a substantially linear orientation with respect to adjacent ones of the plurality of interconnected spans along a generally longitudinally oriented axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2014Publication date: November 6, 2014Applicant: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventor: Craig S. Malsam
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Publication number: 20140047766Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a controlled on-demand irrigation system. In an implementation, the on-demand irrigation system includes a control device configured to control supply of an aqueous solution and semi-porous supply lines. The semi-porous supply lines have a porosity characteristic configured to be altered when acted upon by a surfactant root exudates to permit a flow of the aqueous solution therethrough. The control device is configured to cause injection of the aqueous solution upon a determination that an amount of aqueous solution within the semi-porous supply lines is below an aqueous solution threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventors: Jacob L. LaRue, Craig S. Malsam
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Publication number: 20130184877Abstract: A pumping system (1) comprising a pump (2) having an electrical drive motor (4) and a control unit (6) configured to control the speed of the electrical drive motor (4). The control unit (6) is configured to receive position information data (8) and/or to process position information data (8) on the basis of received data (24). The control unit (6) is adapted to control the pump (2) on the basis of the received or processed position in-formation data (8).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2011Publication date: July 18, 2013Inventors: Craig S. Malsam, Peter Busch, Torben S. Poulsen
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Publication number: 20130134240Abstract: A variable pump assembly may be disposed or coupled to a water release point of an irrigation assembly. The variable pump assembly may be configured to control an output water pressure as a function of the irrigation assembly's location or position. As the irrigation assembly travels an irrigation path, the variable pump assembly may dynamically change the output water pressure of the water and/or applicants released from the water release point to provide sufficient irrigational coverage to the land.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2011Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Craig S. Malsam
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Patent number: 8437498Abstract: The present disclosure is a mechanized irrigation system with an ability to provide the operator with the ability to remotely monitor actual crop growth and crop health, remotely determine the appropriate applicants, and remotely control the mechanized irrigation equipment to apply those applicants.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2011Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Valmont Industries Inc.Inventor: Craig S. Malsam
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Publication number: 20130041537Abstract: An irrigation system is disclosed that includes a ground-based platform. In an implementation, an irrigation system includes a span of overhead irrigation equipment. The irrigation system also includes a ground-based platform for coupling with the span of overhead irrigation equipment. The ground-based platform includes a drive for moving the ground-based platform. The irrigation system also includes a linkage for coupling the span of overhead irrigation equipment with the ground-based platform. The linkage is communicatively coupled with the drive of the ground-based platform for communicating information regarding a change in at least one of a position, a direction, or a speed of the span of overhead irrigation equipment with respect to the ground-based platform. The drive of the ground-based platform is configured to use the information received from the linkage to coordinate movement of the ground-based platform with movement of the span of overhead irrigation equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2012Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventors: Craig S. Malsam, Dennis R. Theilen
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Publication number: 20130018553Abstract: An irrigation system is disclosed that is configured to maintain a near straight alignment. In an implementation, an irrigation system includes multiple interconnected spans which are supported by multiple tower structures. Each tower structure includes a variable-speed drive unit for selectively driving a tower structure at a selected speed. The irrigation system also includes multiple sensors that are each associated with a corresponding span to determine an alignment of the corresponding span with respect to adjacent spans. Each of the sensors is in communication with a corresponding variable-drive control unit. Each of the variable-drive control units are configured to control the selected speed of a corresponding variable-speed drive unit to maintain the interconnected spans in a substantially linear orientation with respect to adjacent ones of the plurality of interconnected spans along a generally longitudinally oriented axis (e.g., maintain alignment of the spans with respect to each other).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2012Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Craig S. Malsam
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Patent number: 8317114Abstract: A dual span center pivot irrigation system comprising first and second center pivot span structures pivotally secured at their inner ends to a fixed center pivot structure. Each of the center pivot span structures are independently operable with the movements thereof being coordinated by suitable controls. The center pivot span structures may be operated in at least three different modes, namely: (1) independent wiper; (2) follow the leader; and (3) independent full circle.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventors: Craig S. Malsam, Ron Flakus
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Publication number: 20120253530Abstract: An applicant dispersal assembly is described that couples to an irrigation system. It is contemplated that the irrigation system may be a center pivot irrigation system, a linear move irrigation system, or the like. The applicant dispersal assembly is configured to receive an applicant and selectively adjust a flow rate of the applicant. In an implementation, the applicant dispersal assembly includes a pump assembly configured to couple to an irrigation conduit. The irrigation conduit is configured to provide an applicant to the pump assembly for dispersing over a cultivation area. The pump assembly is configured to pump the applicant and to selectively adjust a flow rate of the applicant. The applicant dispersal assembly also includes an applicant dispersal device that is coupled to the pump assembly. The applicant dispersal device is configured to disperse the applicant.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Craig S. Malsam
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Publication number: 20120048960Abstract: The present disclosure is a mechanized irrigation system with an ability to provide the operator with the ability to remotely monitor actual crop growth and crop health, remotely determine the appropriate applicants, and remotely control the mechanized irrigation equipment to apply those applicants.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventor: Craig S. Malsam
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Publication number: 20120048965Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a mechanized irrigation system that includes an electronic controller equipped with a telemetry means configured to read wireless tire pressure monitors and transmit this information up to 2900 feet from the tires being monitored. Based on the ability to remotely monitor the tire pressure of a mechanized irrigation system, the operator can remotely determine when tire pressures are low and take the necessary corrective action to avoid costly down-time.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventor: Craig S. Malsam
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Publication number: 20110248104Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward a mechanized irrigation system having a variable valve assembly and a corresponding method of use. The variable valve assembly generally includes a valve and an adjustment mechanism. The valve can be any type of valve known in the art that can be configured to variably control the flow rate of a fluid through a delivery conduit. Generally, the adjustment mechanism includes a motor or actuator that can vary the position of the valve through various methods known in the art. The variable valve assembly is generally located on the mechanized irrigation system to control the flow of an applicant that is dispersed by the irrigation system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2011Publication date: October 13, 2011Applicant: VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Craig S. Malsam