Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for monitoring and providing maintenance updates for irrigation filters. According to a first preferred embodiment, the present invention includes one or more load cells at one or more of the mounting feet of an in-line filter to actively measure the increased weight of the filter during irrigation operations. According to a further preferred embodiment, the weight sensor of the present invention may transmit its data to a processing unit, where the weight is compared to one or more stored weight values. Preferably, when the detected weight exceeds a threshold level, the system may trigger notices and/or remedial actions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for use with UAVs to allow for mechanical activities at-height on elevated structures. According to a first preferred embodiment, the present invention includes multiple tool types which allow for a wide variety of mechanical activities to be performed. As discussed further herein, the present invention further includes methods for introducing mechanical pressure, similar to a person providing a scrubbing or wiping motion. Additionally, the present invention includes methods to tighten, loosen or gauge the security of hardware and a docking system which allows attachment to structures and surfaces so that opposing forces can be applied.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for energy absorption and vibrational dampening when attached to a vertical or horizontal structure. According to a first preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a closed housing which may preferably include an internal, curved surface. According to a further preferred embodiment, the present invention may include at least one dampening weight or sphere which may preferably be disposed within the closed housing. According to a further preferred embodiment, the dampening sphere may include internal baffling such as particles having resistance to the flow of the particles within the closed housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar power system for use with a mechanized irrigation system. According to a first preferred embodiment, the solar power system of the present includes solar panels which produce DC current which is used to power the irrigation system and to store water in an elevated storage tank. The systems of the present invention selectively use the water stored in the elevated storage tank to provide water pressure to the irrigation system. According to a further preferred embodiment, the system of the present invention preferably converts the power from the solar panels to AC current and uses AC current to power the movement of the irrigation system and other sub-systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system and method for detecting and adjusting the position of an irrigation span. More particularly, the present invention provides a system and method for detecting and removing deflection stresses from irrigation spans caused by corner arm positioning.

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 a system and method for analyzing sensor data related to an irrigation system. According to a preferred embodiment, the system includes algorithms for analyzing real-time, near real-time and historical data acquired from sensors in communication with a mechanized irrigation machine. Further, the algorithms of the present invention system may analyze collected sensor data to determine if an event has occurred or is predicted to occur. Further, the algorithms of the present invention may provide commands to an irrigation machine and notifications to users. According to further aspects of the present invention, the algorithms of the present invention may preferably apply machine learning and other data analysis tools to detect maintenance patterns, geographic trends, environmental trends, and to provide predictive analysis for future events.

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 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 galvanized steel or 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: The present invention provides a system and method for calculating the water flow rates applied by corner arm sprinklers. According to a first embodiment, the present invention provides a system and method for controlling and balancing the flow rates of corner arm sprinklers to provide targeted discrete, controlled uniform and non-uniform water distribution rates across a given field.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an irrigation motor and gearset which include an enveloping worm drive gearbox for use with a mechanized irrigation machine. According to a preferred embodiment, the system of the present invention may include a gearbox which includes a worm drive and a reduction assembly. According to a preferred embodiment, the worm drive preferably includes a worm shaft, a worm, a first gear wheel, and a first wheel shaft. Preferably, the worm shaft and the first wheel shaft are oriented orthogonally to each other. According to a further preferred embodiment, the worm drive of the present invention is preferably a double enveloping worm drive with the worm and the first gear wheel each being throated, mated and fully enveloped gears.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an irrigation motor and gearset which include an enveloping worm drive gearbox for use with a mechanized irrigation machine. According to a preferred embodiment, the system of the present invention may include a gearbox which includes a worm drive and a reduction assembly. According to a preferred embodiment, the worm drive preferably includes a worm shaft, a worm, a first gear wheel, and a first wheel shaft. Preferably, the worm shaft and the first wheel shaft are oriented orthogonally to each other. According to a further preferred embodiment, the worm drive of the present invention is preferably a double enveloping worm drive with the worm and the first gear wheel each being throated, mated and fully enveloped gears.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method which includes a machine learning module which analyzes data collected from one or more sources such as UAVs, satellites, span mounted crop sensors, direct soil sensors and climate sensors. According to a further preferred embodiment, the machine learning module preferably creates sets of field objects from within a given field and uses the received data to create a predictive model for each defined field object based on detected characteristics from each field object within the field.

Abstract: A system and method for determining specific prescriptions for targeted areas/plants within given irrigation areas. According to preferred embodiments, the system may use imaging data in combination with other sensors and analysis modules to identify selected pests and diseases affecting given crops. Preferably, the system may use machine learning/AI modules to analyze the data and to provide targeted prescriptions for targeted groups of identified crops based on identified conditions of infestation and/or disease within the identified crops.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system and method for detecting and adjusting the position of an irrigation span. More particularly, the present invention provides a system and method for detecting and removing deflection stresses from irrigation spans caused by corner arm positioning.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-corner irrigation system having multiple steerable points which can quickly and efficiently irrigated tight corners during irrigation operations. According to an exemplary preferred embodiment, the present invention may preferably include a system for use with a self-propelled irrigation system having at least one span and a drive system for moving the span. According to a further preferred embodiment, the system preferably may include: a main section assembly having one or more interconnected spans supported by one or more drive towers; a first articulated span having an inner end and an outer end; a second articulated span having an inner end and an outer end; and an extension span. According to a further preferred embodiment, the first and second articulating spans are supported by a first drive tower which is steerable and a second drive tower which is steerable.

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: The present invention provides a system and method for analyzing sensor data related to an irrigation system. According to a preferred embodiment, the system includes algorithms for analyzing real-time, near real-time and historical data acquired from sensors in communication with a mechanized irrigation machine. Further, the algorithms of the present invention system may analyze collected sensor data to determine if an event has occurred or is predicted to occur. Further, the algorithms of the present invention may provide commands to an irrigation machine and notifications to users. According to further aspects of the present invention, the algorithms of the present invention may preferably apply machine learning and other data analysis tools to detect maintenance patterns, geographic trends, environmental trends, and to provide predictive analysis for future events.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber-optic communication system that allows high-bandwidth communications between components of an irrigation machine. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the present invention teaches a system and method for providing a two-way communications link between a pivot controller panel and distributed irrigation machine components. According to further preferred embodiments, the two-way communications link of the present invention may also convert optical signals to electrical signals and route those signals to the appropriate connected devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for irrigation control and data management. According to a preferred embodiment, an irrigation control system may include a data collection module which receives and stores system data generated by sensors and supporting systems including irrigation, drive, weather, sensor and electrical systems of a mechanized irrigation system. According to preferred embodiments, the system preferably also includes a system control module which transmits system control instructions to system components. Additionally, the present invention also includes a display module which provides a display of graphical user interfaces embedded with system data and selectable control instructions.