Abstract: A system for actively managing the implementation of locally and remotely entered speed or application rate commands for an irrigation system. The irrigation system includes drive motors, local and remote speed controllers, and a speed manager. The local speed controller allows for entering a first speed of the irrigation system in terms of a first duty cycle for powering a distal motor. The remote speed controller allows for entering a second speed in terms of a second duty cycle for powering the distal motor. The speed manager determines whether the most recent speed command originated from the local speed controller, in which case the distal motor is run in accordance with the first duty cycle and the second duty cycle is ignored, or from the remote speed controller, in which case the distal motor is run in accordance with the second duty cycle and the first duty cycle is ignored.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and computer program for designing and cost-estimating irrigation systems according to weather data, soil data, topography data, aerial imagery, and past yield data. Irrigation metrics such as evapotranspiration, irrigation system flow rate requirements, expected annual total water requirements, expected annual irrigation water requirements, supply point required pressure, end point required pressure, maximum irrigation acreage and crop yield and/or market value of lost yield under limited flow rate conditions, electric power generator size, pump size, pipeline supply system size, annual irrigation system usage, related equipment usage, operating costs, a sprinkler configuration, and other aspects of the irrigation systems may be optimized via an interactive user interface.

Abstract: A system and method for overriding an alignment circuit of an electric center pivot irrigation system. The system may include a local controller wired to the alignment circuit and a remote control wirelessly communicating with the local controller. The remote control may receive an alignment fault alert from the local controller indicating that the alignment circuit has switched to the open circuit configuration. Next, the remote control may send an auto-alignment signal to the local controller. The auto-alignment signal may instruct the local controller to command a relay to switch to a bypass mode. In the bypass mode, signals between the local controller and operational elements of the electric center pivot irrigation system bypass the alignment circuit. The auto-alignment circuit may also command the operational elements to reverse travel directions of the electric center pivot irrigation system simultaneously while the alignment circuit is bypassed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A wheel assembly comprising a rigid wheel including a radially outer rim wall presenting a polygonal shape with a plurality of outermost vertices connecting a plurality of planar faces, and a flexible tire mounted on the outer rim wall. The tire is supported by the vertices of the rim wall and is separated from the rim faces by a space, portions of the tire located between the vertices being configured to flex inwardly when subject to ground engaging pressure.

Abstract: An outlet fitting broadly comprises a coupler, a plug, and a gasket. The coupler engages a conduit opening of a conduit and includes an aft section, a forward section, and a radially extending flange bisecting the aft and forward sections. The aft section includes a narrowing inner surface forming a fluid passageway. The flange includes an upper surface for abutting the conduit near the conduit opening. The plug has a laterally elongated longitudinally extending central aperture. The aft section is inserted into the conduit opening and a tool inserted into the central aperture draws the plug towards the forward section and expands the aft section into secure engagement with the conduit. The gasket is also urged against the periphery of the conduit opening and forms a seal between the coupler and the conduit.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A system and method for retrofitting an electric center irrigation pivot to have a standardized user interface and remote control functionality. A local control element having a standardized local user interface is installed at a pivoting point of the pivot by bypassing an existing control logic of an original control system while using an existing transformer of the original control system. A remote control element having a standardized remote user interface is also installed at the pivoting point of the pivot, and is functionally integrated with the local control element. A position-determining element is mounted on a movable portion of the electric pivot. Retrofitting multiple pivots provides each with the same standardized user interfaces. Because existing elements of the original control system are either bypassed or used, uninstalling the system and reverting to the original control system can be quickly and easily accomplished.

Abstract: An irrigation system for providing irrigation to a crop comprising a plurality of mobile support towers, a conduit, a plurality of drive motors, a plurality of sensors, and a control system. The conduit carries fluid and is supported by the mobile support towers. The conduit includes a valve which can be opened to allow fluid flow through the conduit and closed to prevent fluid flow through the conduit. The drive motors propel the mobile support towers. The sensors generate data regarding the amount of fluid used to irrigate the crop. The control system controls the operation of the valve and the drive motors and is configured to calculate a price of forecasted yield loss, calculate a cost of irrigation, and terminate irrigation if the cost of irrigation is greater than the price of the forecasted yield loss.

Abstract: A nozzle height adjustment subsystem for use with an irrigation system comprises a spool, a rotation device, and a control device. The spool includes a central hub and is configured to retain a drop hose to which a nozzle is attached. The rotation device is coupled to the spool and rotates the spool in a first direction or a second, opposite direction when it is activated. The control device includes electronic circuitry that is configured to generate a signal that activates the rotation device.

Abstract: A wheel assembly comprising a rigid wheel including a radially outer rim wall presenting a polygonal shape with a plurality of outermost vertices connecting a plurality of planar faces, and a flexible tire mounted on the outer rim wall. The tire is supported by the vertices of the rim wall and is separated from the rim faces by a space, portions of the tire located between the vertices being configured to flex inwardly when subject to ground engaging pressure.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A suspended pipe assembly comprising a first suspended pipe, a second suspended pipe, a third suspended pipe, and a number of suspenders for suspending the pipes from an elevated pipe or pipes of a mobile irrigation system or other fluid distribution system. The first suspended pipe and second suspended pipe are connected together via a fixed joint. The second suspended pipe and third suspended pipe are connected together via a live joint such that the second suspended pipe and third suspended pipe can expand longitudinally relative to each other. Additional suspended pipes can be connected to each other via alternating fixed and live joints. The suspenders allow the suspended pipes to expand longitudinally relative to the elevated pipe and prevents the suspended pipes from warping side-to-side.

Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a rigid wheel and an airless flexible tire with certain performance characteristics of a pneumatic tire. The rigid wheel includes a central portion and a plurality of circumferentially spaced mounting elements removably attached to a radially outer margin of the central portion. The tire is mounted on the wheel and engages the mounting elements such that portions of the tire not engaging the mounting elements are separated radially from the wheel by a space. The tire is configured such that portions of the tire not engaging the mounting elements flex inwardly toward the wheel when subject to ground engaging pressure, thereby minimizing ground penetration and soil disruption. The tire may include one or more tension elements embedded in the tire to increase the tire's strength and resilience.

Abstract: A pipe liner for lining a fluid-carrying pipe, the pipe liner comprising an elongated flexible conduit and a flexible flange. The flexible conduit includes an outer wall forming an open-ended central channel for allowing fluids to be pumped therethrough. The flexible flange extends radially from one end of the elongated conduit and includes a number of fastener holes. The flexible conduit and the flexible flange are configured to be collapsed and pulled through the pipe such that the flexible flange can be connected to a rigid flange of the pipe via the fastener holes. The pipe liner is less prone to leak and is easier to transport and install.

Abstract: A nozzle height adjustment subsystem for use with an irrigation system comprises a spool, a rotation device, and a control device. The spool includes a central hub and is configured to retain a drop hose to which a nozzle is attached. The rotation device is coupled to the spool and rotates the spool in a first direction or a second, opposite direction when it is activated. The control device includes electronic circuitry that is configured to generate a signal that activates the rotation device.

Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a rigid wheel and an airless flexible tire with certain performance characteristics of a pneumatic tire. The rigid wheel includes a central portion and a plurality of circumferentially spaced mounting elements removably attached to a radially outer margin of the central portion. The tire is mounted on the wheel and engages the mounting elements such that portions of the tire not engaging the mounting elements are separated radially from the wheel by a space. The tire is configured such that portions of the tire not engaging the mounting elements flex inwardly toward the wheel when subject to ground engaging pressure, thereby minimizing ground penetration and soil disruption. The tire may include one or more tension elements embedded in the tire to increase the tire's strength and resilience.

Abstract: A suspended pipe assembly comprising a first suspended pipe, a second suspended pipe, a third suspended pipe, and a number of suspenders for suspending the pipes from an elevated pipe or pipes of a mobile irrigation system or other fluid distribution system. The first suspended pipe and second suspended pipe are connected together via a fixed joint. The second suspended pipe and third suspended pipe are connected together via a live joint such that the second suspended pipe and third suspended pipe can expand longitudinally relative to each other. Additional suspended pipes can be connected to each other via alternating fixed and live joints. The suspenders allow the suspended pipes to expand longitudinally relative to the elevated pipe and prevents the suspended pipes from warping side-to-side.

Abstract: An irrigation system having mobile towers interconnected by spans, a plurality of fluid conduits supported on or formed through the spans and connectable to a source of water, and a drive system for actuating movement or travel of the spans or towers. The fluid conduits may include orifices or sprinkler heads for dispersing water onto a field. The drive system may include a gearbox with gears and lubricant therein. The irrigation system may also include heat exchanger conduits fluidly coupled at one or both ends with the fluid conduits and extending through one or more of the gearboxes, such that irrigation fluid flowing through the heat exchanger conduit from the fluid conduits cools the temperature of the lubricant therein, thus cooling components of the drive system. The irrigation system may also include thermostat-controlled valves for allowing water into the heat exchanger conduits once a threshold temperature is reached.

Abstract: A wheel assembly is disclosed, the wheel assembly including a rigid wheel and an airless tire mounted on the wheel. A portion of the tire is separated radially from the wheel by a space and is configured to flex inwardly toward the wheel when subject to ground engaging pressure. A spacer is interposed between the wheel and the portion of the tire separated radially from the wheel by a space and is configured to limit the inward flexing of the tire. The spacer may be permanently affixed to the wheel assembly or may be removably attached to the wheel assembly. The spacer may be adjustable between a first size and a second size.