Abstract: An apparatus for providing control signals to a remotely piloted unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) which includes a pedal input mechanically connected to a base enclosure using a linkage system which allows for the angular movement of the pedal input. The apparatus further includes a potentiometer which provides a first control signal to a central controller indicating a detected angular position of the pedal. The central controller includes circuitry to translate the received first signal into a control signal which the central controller may transmit to one or more UAVs via a transceiver and antenna.

Abstract: The present invention provides the present invention provides a power and data distribution system which includes an adjustable surface for mounting device peripherals such as sensors, lights, solar panels and the like. According to a first preferred embodiment, an exemplary system includes: a distribution cord which includes a power cord and a data cord; and a connection hub which is located along a length of the distribution cord. According to a further preferred embodiment, the connection hub includes a power outlet and a data outlet which are electrically connected to the distribution cord. According to a further preferred embodiment, the present invention further includes a peripheral securing attachment which attaches to an irrigation span and which includes a peripheral rail, a central cord tunnel and a lower securing surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for an improved driveline coupler having a reversible saddle thereon which allows it to be configured to work with different sizes and shapes of shafts. The reversible saddle is configured on one side to work with one size of driveline shaft and configured on the opposite side to work with a different size driveline shaft so that, in the field, an operator can modify the driveline coupler from use with a first size of drive shaft to a second size of drive shaft easily and quickly by turning the saddle upside down.

Abstract: The present invention provides a testing apparatus which allows for the safe and cost-effective testing and evaluation of the heat and flame resistance of distribution pole specimens made of various types of materials such as concrete, steel and composites. According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention includes an enclosure having an outer wall with torch ports to allow attached torches to apply flame and heat to an enclosed specimen. According to a further preferred embodiment, the enclosure includes a raised specimen support pedestal which includes a specimen support surface for supporting the enclosed specimen at a desired height.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for imager calibration and image collection within a field irrigation system. According to a first preferred embodiment, the system of the present invention includes imagers, sensors and controllers for calibrating imagers for use within a field irrigation system and for executing an algorithm for analyzing and storing target crop disease image indicators, insect/pest image indicators and crop health/growth image indicators. According to further preferred embodiments, the system of the present invention preferably may analyze these range of factors to determine one or more test chart parameters for use with testing and calibrating one or more imagers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable tower platform for attachment to a monopole. According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a first, second and third exterior face pipes which are attached together at each end to support one or more corner platforms. According to further preferred embodiments, the present invention includes a first, second and third corner platforms which are attached between each pair of face pipes by angle brackets. According to a further preferred embodiment, each of the corner platforms are preferably undergirded by side arm joists which are further connected to central connection plates. According to a further preferred embodiment, the invention preferably further includes a first, second and third connection plates which are bolted together to form a ring mount which suspends the tower platform on a monopole at a given height.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for monitoring conditions within an electrical distribution system. According to a first preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a sensor module delivery system which uses UAVs to deploy sensor modules within the electrical distribution system. According to a first preferred embodiment, the system includes a drone mounting system and a gripper mechanism for attaching to a sensor module. The system also includes an extended carbon fiber shaft which vertically extends down from the drone mounting system and which supports a controller module, a transceiver, a battery module, a camera and the gripper mechanism. According to a further preferred embodiment, the gripper mechanism includes two or more gripping arms which are movable by the controller module between a first open position and a second closed position.

Abstract: A sensor and spray cable system to provide irrigation and crop treatments to targeted areas beneath and around an irrigation machine. According to a first preferred embodiment, the present invention includes one or more irrigation trolleys which are propelled with and/or along one or more transport cables. The irrigation trolleys include controllers, sensors and irrigation sprayers which work together to apply applicants to discrete areas of a given field.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for monitoring conditions within an electrical distribution system. According to a first preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a sensor module delivery system which uses UAVs to deploy sensor modules within the electrical distribution system. According to a first preferred embodiment, the system includes a drone mounting system and a gripper mechanism for attaching to a sensor module. The system also includes an extended carbon fiber shaft which vertically extends down from the drone mounting system and which supports a controller module, a transceiver, a battery module, a camera and the gripper mechanism. According to a further preferred embodiment, the gripper mechanism includes two or more gripping arms which are movable by the controller module between a first open position and a second closed position.

Abstract: A new pole design for on-route vehicle charging systems. According to preferred embodiments, the improved pole design of the present invention includes a removable hinge to allow the structure to be shipped on standard height flatbed trailers, fully wired, from the manufacturing facility.

Abstract: The present invention includes an improved transducer wedge assembly for inspecting welds and other formations. According to a first preferred embodiment, the transducer wedge assembly includes a central spacer wedge fixed between a first transducer wedge and a second transducer wedge. The central spacer wedge is preferably formed from cork or other insulating material. Additionally, the central spacer wedge preferably includes a wave direction side and a back side, with the back side of the spacer wedge producing an offset angle between the first transducer wedge and the second transducer wedge.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved pole assembly. According to a first preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a first pole section which is formed by an inner shell wall surrounding a hollow inner cavity. According to a further preferred embodiment, the inner shell wall is formed as a first column of a given shape, which is formed of fiberglass reinforced polymer, and which is surrounded by a center fill layer. The center fill layer is preferably formed of SSC concrete which surrounds the inner shell wall. According to a further preferred embodiment, the present invention preferably further includes an outer shell wall which is formed as a second column of a given shape, which surrounds the center fill layer.

Abstract: A new pole design for on-route vehicle charging systems. According to preferred embodiments, the improved pole design of the present invention includes a removable hinge to allow the structure to be shipped on standard height flatbed trailers, fully wired, from the manufacturing facility.

Abstract: Cellular base station antenna concealments, such as palm and tree concealments, utilize artificial branches with nonmetallic (e.g., polymeric) interfaces to avoid loose metal-to-metal connections to mitigate the generation of passive intermodulation (PIM) interference by the branches. Representative embodiments include “palm concealments” with low-PIM artificial palm fronds, and “tree concealments” with low-PIM artificial tree branches. That is, “low-PIM fronds” and “low-PIM tree branches” are two representative examples of “low-PIM branches” illustrating representative embodiments of the invention. The low-PIM palm frond includes a nonmetallic (e.g., polymeric) sleeve positioned between a metal frond shaft and a metal frond receiver. A first example of the low-PIM tree branch includes nonmetallic (e.g., polymeric) fastener isolators positioned between metal fasteners and a metal tree branch receiver. A second example of the low-PIM tree branch includes a nonmetallic (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved fire resistant composite pole and a method for producing the same. In accordance with preferred embodiments, the composite utility pole of the present invention includes a composite structure having integrally bonded layers of resin impregnated fiberglass extending along the length of the pole. According to a preferred embodiment, the composite structure of the pole includes an intumescent layer which includes: high temperature mineral fibers, exfoliating graphite, organic binders. and alumina trihydrate (ATH).

Abstract: An improved irrigation system which includes a central angle iron assembly supporting a central hose connected between multiple connection modules. According to a preferred embodiment, the irrigation system includes multiple tower assemblies which support the central angle iron assembly. The central hose preferably runs within the central angle iron and between connecting nozzles which are attached to the central angle iron assembly. According to further preferred embodiments, the first and second connecting nozzles preferably each include multiple arms which extend over the walls of the central angle iron to secure each connecting nozzle to the central angle iron.

Abstract: An improved pipe connection system for attaching truss rods and other irrigation system components to an irrigation pipe. According to a first preferred embodiment, the attachment system of the present invention preferably includes a truss angle bracket assembly, a hitch channel lock assembly and a truss rod bracket assembly which are designed and positioned to attach to a single pipe section. According to a further preferred embodiment, the truss bracket assembly, the hitch channel lock assembly and the truss rod bracket assembly of the present invention are preferably each formed of single part/die surfaces which are laser-cut and bent on a transfer press to provide multiple sections formed from the single part/die surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a gearbox expansion cap that allows a gearbox unit to breathe to atmosphere while preventing the ingress of water or other materials into the gearbox or gearbox oil. According to a first preferred embodiment, the expansion cap of the present invention includes a pressure relief plug to control gearbox pressures. Additionally, the present invention teaches air channels enclosed within a gearbox casting which mate with air channels provided within the expansion cap to channel air from the expansion cap into the atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved fire resistant composite pole and a method for producing the same. In accordance with preferred embodiments, the composite utility pole of the present invention includes a composite structure having integrally bonded layers of resin impregnated fiberglass extending along the length of the pole. According to a preferred embodiment, the composite structure of the pole includes an intumescent layer which includes: high temperature mineral fibers, exfoliating graphite, organic binders. and alumina trihydrate (ATH).