Patents Assigned to Valmont Industries, Inc.
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Patent number: 11451038Abstract: The present invention includes a flexible jumper jig which is reconfigurable to replicate the end positions of a flexible jumper as it would be on an installed substation. According to a further preferred embodiment, an exemplary system of the present invention may include a framework forming three orthogonal axes and repositionable tooling mounts for end fittings. According to another aspect of the present invention, an x-axis oriented rail may preferably hold a tooling mount which is configurable to be rotated about its axis to allow for alternate tooling mount orientations. Further, a y-axis oriented rail may be perpendicular to the x-axis rail and may be fixed. Still further, a z-axis oriented rail may be perpendicular to and slide along the y-axis rail. Additionally, a second tooling mount may be attached to the z-axis rail.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2020Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventors: Charles S. Ambrister, Keven W. Carroll, Shannon R. Eggert, David J. Preston
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Patent number: 11429071Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2018Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventors: Jacob L. Larue, Andrew Carritt, Joshua M. Dixon
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Patent number: 11388868Abstract: The present invention provides an irrigation system that includes a control system for determining whether to apply an applicant to an agricultural field. 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 microbe characteristic from a soil sensor. The processor is also operable to determine whether to apply an applicant (i.e., water having a concentration of a biological or a microbe therein) to a soil based upon the microbe characteristics and to initiate operation of the irrigation assembly to apply the applicant to the soil in response when the soil requires the applicant.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2019Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventor: Jacob L. LaRue
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Patent number: 11382286Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2021Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventors: Ashley E. Anderson, Christopher M. Anderson
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Patent number: 11363766Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for maintaining desired pressure levels in an irrigation system when the flow rate available to the irrigation system is reduced below the system's required flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2019Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventors: Jerry Gerdes, John Kastl
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Patent number: 11368207Abstract: The present invention provides an alternative communication path which uses a buried wired and a buried wire oscillator to transmit data between a centrally located pivot panel and an end tower control panel. According to a first preferred embodiment, a pivot panel of the present invention preferably includes a machine controller, a smart relay board, a modem, a guidance controller and a buried wire oscillator. According to a further preferred embodiment, a tower control panel of the present invention preferably includes a tower board controller, a modem, and a data antenna.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2020Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventors: Tracy A. Thatcher, Mark Moeller
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Publication number: 20220170870Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2021Publication date: June 2, 2022Applicant: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventors: Mark Ackerman, Fouad Hilmy Fouad, Aaron Schapper
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Publication number: 20220111237Abstract: The present invention provides an improved fire resistant distribution pole and a method of installing the fireproof distribution pole. According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a hollow, tapered main body which includes an intumescent veil layer. According to a further preferred embodiment, the intumescent veil layer includes a single layer of 1-2 mm thick intumescent material which extends from substantially 1 foot below grade level to 12-18 feet above grade level.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2021Publication date: April 14, 2022Applicant: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventor: Robert Paulin
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Publication number: 20220090405Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2021Publication date: March 24, 2022Applicant: VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Fouad Hilmy Fouad, Aaron Schapper
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Patent number: 11280105Abstract: A pole base for supporting light poles and the like is provided. In some embodiments, a compression connection is provided to secure a pole in a fixed, stable, and upright position. Pole bases of the present disclosure comprise a recessed pole insertion well and a central pole registration hub, electrical conduit raceways, temporary pole positioning and stabilizing hardware, and pole stabilizing material.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2018Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventors: Jackson D Bishop, III, Andrew Burke
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Patent number: 11274435Abstract: The present invention provides a system which allows users to mount multiple pieces of equipment to a tower and it has the unique capability to adjust a steel frame to level without additional equipment. In accordance with a first preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a duel locking system that includes a taper adjusting bolt to adjustably position the frame level with the earth. According to still further aspects of the present invention, the present invention further includes attachable wall section elements which include at least upper and lower lateral spanning elements having first and securing weldments which preferably may integrally connect to the adjustable frame elements of the present invention. According to still further aspects of the present invention, the present invention preferably further includes upper and lower weldment connecting plates which are preferably connected to and extend from the upper and lower lateral spanning elements.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2020Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventor: Brandon M. Chapman
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Patent number: 11246273Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for providing an irrigation scheduling module including a graphical user interface for providing irrigation scheduling data for a given field location. According to a preferred embodiment, the irrigation scheduling module is configured to calculate and display an irrigation recommendation for a given set of forecast data. According to a further preferred embodiment, the irrigation recommendation includes a representative shape in the form of a circle which changes from a full circle to a crescent-shaped percentage of the full circle based on the field moisture status.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2020Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventors: Daniel J. Burgard, Jacob L. LaRue, Hiran Medeiros Moreira
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Patent number: 11251725Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic braking system for an irrigation machine. According to an exemplary preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a drive controller which includes a power supplying circuit which signals an ON condition when a motive power request is input into the drive controller and an OFF condition when motive power is not input into the system. According to a further preferred embodiment, the present invention further includes a 3-phase induction motor connected to apply torque to a drive shaft which is connected to a least one drive wheel. According to a further preferred embodiment, the power supplying circuit supplies 480V AC of motive power to the drive motor when the drive controller signals the ON condition and 10-80V DC of non-motive power to at least one phase of the motor when the drive controller signals the OFF condition.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2018Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventors: Keating Dyas, Tracy A. Thatcher
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Publication number: 20220042570Abstract: The present invention provides a vibration mitigation device which includes a vertically extending housing and a reciprocating assembly coupled with and fully enclosed inside of the vertically extending housing. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the vibration mitigation device may utilize a tension spring as the biasing member while operating in a pneumatic process, an eddy current dampening process or a hybrid combination of the two dampening processes. For low amplitude, the eddy current dampening process may provide improved vibration mitigation results and for higher amplitudes, the pneumatic process may provide improved vibration mitigation results. Other exemplary embodiments include a vibration damping element that utilizes a compression spring as a biasing member for mitigating vibrations. Further exemplary embodiments provide a vibration damping element that utilizes a compression spring and a tension spring as biasing members for mitigating vibrations.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2021Publication date: February 10, 2022Applicant: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventors: Carl J. Macchietto, Richard E. Christenson, Darren E. Ingram
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Publication number: 20210378189Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2020Publication date: December 9, 2021Applicant: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventor: Theodore George Santiesteban
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Publication number: 20210363709Abstract: Improved tub girders and related manufacturing methods are provided, such as for example for use in road construction in connection with concrete bridges. Disclosed improved tub girders may include upper flanges that extending inwardly or outwardly. Disclosed improved tub girders may be provided with camber along the length of the girders. Ends of the disclosed improved tub girders may be provided with diaphragms. Disclosed improved tub girders may include a base section including one more access ports for enabling inspection of the interior of the girders after installation. Disclosed improved tub girders may include a plurality of stud members extending upwardly from upper flanges for engaging with a concrete bridge deck. Disclosed tub girders may be providing with a coating, such as galvanized, aluminized or metalized, to fight corrosion and extend life and limit need for inspection.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2021Publication date: November 25, 2021Applicant: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventor: Guy C. Nelson
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Patent number: 11181165Abstract: The present invention provides a vibration mitigation device which includes a vertically extending housing and a reciprocating assembly coupled with and fully enclosed inside of the vertically extending housing. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the vibration mitigation device may utilize a tension spring as the biasing member while operating in a pneumatic process, an eddy current dampening process or a hybrid combination of the two dampening processes. For low amplitude, the eddy current dampening process may provide improved vibration mitigation results and for higher amplitudes, the pneumatic process may provide improved vibration mitigation results. Other exemplary embodiments include a vibration damping element that utilizes a compression spring as a biasing member for mitigating vibrations. Further exemplary embodiments provide a vibration damping element that utilizes a compression spring and a tension spring as biasing members for mitigating vibrations.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2018Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventors: Carl J. Macchietto, Richard E. Christenson, Darren E. Ingram
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Publication number: 20210348667Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2021Publication date: November 11, 2021Applicant: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventor: Carl J. Macchietto
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Publication number: 20210345566Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2021Publication date: November 11, 2021Applicant: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventors: Ashley E. Anderson, Christopher M. Anderson
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Patent number: D954743Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2019Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventors: Hiran Medeiros Moreira, Dan Burgard, Jacob L. LaRue