Patents by Inventor Chad D. Leinweber
Chad D. Leinweber 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: 11885450Abstract: A quick connect coupler includes a female connector having a central bore and a plurality of recesses, and a male connector having a post insertable into the central bore. The male connector has a first tab row with a plurality of first tabs and a second tab row with a plurality of second tabs axially spaced from the plurality of first tabs. The first and second tabs are shaped corresponding to the recesses in the female connector. The first and second tab rows are circumferentially offset to effect a two- or multi-step connection between the female connector and the male connector.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2021Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: NELSON IRRIGATION CORPORATIONInventors: Craig B. Nelson, Chad D. Leinweber, Mathew L. Zimmerman
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Publication number: 20220268385Abstract: A quick connect coupler includes a female connector having a central bore and a plurality of recesses, and a male connector having a post insertable into the central bore. The male connector has a first tab row with a plurality of first tabs and a second tab row with a plurality of second tabs axially spaced from the plurality of first tabs. The first and second tabs are shaped corresponding to the recesses in the female connector. The first and second tab rows are circumferentially offset to effect a two- or multi-step connection between the female connector and the male connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2021Publication date: August 25, 2022Inventors: Craig B. Nelson, Chad D. Leinweber, Mathew L. Zimmerman
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Publication number: 20210346902Abstract: An automatic reversible arc assembly for a sprinkler includes a pair of primary stop members circumferentially spaced from each other by a first amount, and a pair of secondary stop members circumferentially spaced from each other by a second amount, different from the first amount. The primary stop members and the secondary stop members are coupled together and define a pivot assembly pivotable between a first position and a second position. A timer module cooperable with the pivot assembly is configured to hold the pivot assembly in the first position for a selectable period of time, after which the timer module enables the pivot assembly to pivot to the second position. The primary stop members are active in the first position, and the secondary stop members are active in the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2021Publication date: November 11, 2021Inventors: Mathew L. Zimmerman, Craig B. Nelson, Chad D. Leinweber, Joseph Daniel Sinden
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Patent number: 11090671Abstract: An automatic reversible arc assembly for a sprinkler includes a pair of primary stop members circumferentially spaced from each other by a first amount, and a pair of secondary stop members circumferentially spaced from each other by a second amount, different from the first amount. The primary stop members and the secondary stop members are coupled together and define a pivot assembly pivotable between a first position and a second position. A timer module cooperable with the pivot assembly is configured to hold the pivot assembly in the first position for a selectable period of time, after which the timer module enables the pivot assembly to pivot to the second position. The primary stop members are active in the first position, and the secondary stop members are active in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2019Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: NELSON IRRIGATION CORPORATIONInventors: Mathew L. Zimmerman, Craig B. Nelson, Chad D. Leinweber, Joseph Daniel Sinden
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Patent number: 11085568Abstract: A gooseneck pipe includes a first pipe half having a first radiused centerline curve, and a second pipe half fixed to the first pipe half and having a second radiused centerline curve. The first and second pipe halves define a flow path. Cross-sectional diameters of the first and second pipe halves vary along the flow path. The varying diameters of the first and second pipe halves serve to mitigate pressure losses due in part to Dean vortices or secondary flow patterns in the flow path when a fluid is turned in the gooseneck pipe.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2017Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: NELSON IRRIGATION CORPORATIONInventors: Craig B. Nelson, Reid A. Nelson, Riley D. Greenwood, Chad D. Leinweber, Michael R. Townsend
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Patent number: 11002394Abstract: A quick connect joint includes a base with first and second lock receivers on opposite sides of the base, and a connection plate including first and second engagement members engageable with the first and second lock receivers, respectively. The first engagement member is displaceable between a release position and lock position, and the first engagement member is rotatable between an insert position and a connect position. The quick connect joint creates a safe and reliable connection.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2018Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: NELSON IRRIGATION CORPORATIONInventors: Mathew L. Zimmerman, Craig B. Nelson, Chad D. Leinweber, Joseph Daniel Sinden
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Publication number: 20210023578Abstract: An automatic reversible arc assembly for a sprinkler includes a pair of primary stop members circumferentially spaced from each other by a first amount, and a pair of secondary stop members circumferentially spaced from each other by a second amount, different from the first amount. The primary stop members and the secondary stop members are coupled together and define a pivot assembly pivotable between a first position and a second position. A timer module cooperable with the pivot assembly is configured to hold the pivot assembly in the first position for a selectable period of time, after which the timer module enables the pivot assembly to pivot to the second position. The primary stop members are active in the first position, and the secondary stop members are active in the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2019Publication date: January 28, 2021Inventors: Mathew L. Zimmerman, Craig B. Nelson, Chad D. Leinweber, Joseph Daniel Sinden
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Publication number: 20190316716Abstract: A quick connect joint includes a base with first and second lock receivers on opposite sides of the base, and a connection plate including first and second engagement members engageable with the first and second lock receivers, respectively. The first engagement member is displaceable between a release position and lock position, and the first engagement member is rotatable between an insert position and a connect position. The quick connect joint creates a safe and reliable connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2018Publication date: October 17, 2019Inventors: Mathew L. Zimmerman, Craig B. Nelson, Chad D. Leinweber, Joseph Daniel Sinden
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Publication number: 20190154181Abstract: A gooseneck pipe includes a first pipe half having a first radiused centerline curve, and a second pipe half fixed to the first pipe half and having a second radiused centerline curve. The first and second pipe halves define a flow path. Cross-sectional diameters of the first and second pipe halves vary along the flow path. The varying diameters of the first and second pipe halves serve to mitigate pressure losses due in part to Dean vortices or secondary flow patterns in the flow path when a fluid is turned in the gooseneck pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2017Publication date: May 23, 2019Inventors: Craig B. Nelson, Reid A. Nelson, Riley D. Greenwood, Chad D. Leinweber, Michael R. Townsend
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Patent number: 9128489Abstract: A distributed control system is provided wherein a master controller inductively delivers power and data to a plurality of remote slave modules or controllers via a plurality of coupling loops formed along a length of transmission line. Each of the remote slave modules, in turn, inductively delivers return data to the master controller via the plurality of coupling loops. The use of inductive coupling provides an advantage over the state of the art because no direct galvanic electrical connection is required between the transmission line and the remote slave modules which promise to simplify installation and enhance long-term reliability. Example applications for the control system described herein include agricultural irrigation systems where individual sprinkler and valve components may be controlled collectively, individually, or in groups or subsets, to vary application rates according to prescribed irrigation parameters.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2011Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: Nelson Irrigation CorporationInventors: Mark A. Bauman, Tom J. Young, Craig B. Nelson, Chad D. Leinweber
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Patent number: 8998117Abstract: An irrigation system is composed of a mobile sprinkler cart; a system water supply pipe supporting a plurality of hydrants adapted to be engaged by the mobile sprinkler cart and to supply water to a sprinkler supported on the cart; and an addressable electronic ID tag mounted on each hydrant. A main controller is programmed to control operation of the mobile sprinkler cart, and the ID tag is adapted to send at least hydrant identifying data to the main controller to thereby enable the main controller to move the mobile sprinkler cart to the hydrant.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Nelson Irrigation CorporationInventors: Mark A. Bauman, Chad D. Leinweber, Craig B. Nelson, Robert L. Rupar
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Patent number: 8353470Abstract: A mobile irrigation apparatus includes a frame assembly supporting at least one sprinkler and adapted for movement in a first direction along a path in a field to be irrigated; a docking station suspended from the frame assembly and adapted to engage and open one or more supply valves in a hydrant located in or adjacent the path for movement in a second direction substantially transverse to the first direction, and at least one power actuator arranged to move the docking station in the second direction in response to at least one sensor to thereby facilitate lateral alignment of the docking station with the hydrant.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2010Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Nelson Irrigation CorporationInventors: Joseph D. Sinden, Rex D. Ness, Chad D. Leinweber, Craig B. Nelson
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Publication number: 20110196541Abstract: A distributed control system is provided wherein a master controller inductively delivers power and data to a plurality of remote slave modules or controllers via a plurality of coupling loops formed along a length of transmission line. Each of the remote slave modules, in turn, inductively delivers return data to the master controller via the plurality of coupling loops. The use of inductive coupling provides an advantage over the state of the art because no direct galvanic electrical connection is required between the transmission line and the remote slave modules which promise to simplify installation and enhance long-term reliability. Example applications for the control system described herein include agricultural irrigation systems where individual sprinkler and valve components may be controlled collectively, individually, or in groups or subsets, to vary application rates according to prescribed irrigation parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2011Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: NELSON IRRIGATION CORPORATIONInventors: Mark A. BAUMAN, Tom J. Young, Craig B. NELSON, Chad D. Leinweber
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Patent number: 7802738Abstract: A mobile irrigation apparatus includes a frame assembly supporting at least one sprinkler and adapted for movement in a first direction along a path in a field to be irrigated; a docking station suspended from the frame assembly and adapted to engage and open one or more supply valves in a hydrant located in or adjacent the path for movement in a second direction substantially transverse to the first direction, and at least one power actuator arranged to move the docking station in the second direction in response to at least one sensor to thereby facilitate lateral alignment of the docking station with the hydrant.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2006Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Nelson Irrigation CorporationInventors: Joseph D. Sinden, Rex D. Ness, Chad D. Leinweber, Craig Nelson
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Publication number: 20100147979Abstract: A mobile irrigation apparatus includes a frame assembly supporting at least one sprinkler and adapted for movement in a first direction along a path in a field to be irrigated; a docking station suspended from the frame assembly and adapted to engage and open one or more supply valves in a hydrant located in or adjacent the path for movement in a second direction substantially transverse to the first direction, and at least one power actuator arranged to move the docking station in the second direction in response to at least one sensor to thereby facilitate lateral alignment of the docking station with the hydrant.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2010Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: NELSON IRRIGATION CORPORATIONInventors: Joseph D. SINDEN, Rex D. NESS, Chad D. LEINWEBER, Craig NELSON
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Publication number: 20090314862Abstract: An irrigation system is composed of a mobile sprinkler cart; a system water supply pipe supporting a plurality of hydrants adapted to be engaged by the mobile sprinkler cart and to supply water to a sprinkler supported on the cart; and an addressable electronic ID tag mounted on each hydrant. A main controller is programmed to control operation of the mobile sprinkler cart, and the ID tag is adapted to send at least hydrant identifying data to the main controller to thereby enable the main controller to move the mobile sprinkler cart to the hydrant.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2008Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: Nelson Irrigation CorporationInventors: Mark A. Bauman, Chad D. Leinweber, Craig B. Nelson, Robert L. Rupar
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Patent number: 7510132Abstract: A linear water feed apparatus for use in agricultural irrigation includes a linear-move machine with a mobile truss assembly supporting a plurality of individual sprinklers and adapted for movement in a specified direction across a field to be irrigated. The truss assembly is oriented transverse to the specified direction, and a supply pipe is arranged in the specified direction along or within the field to be irrigated. The supply pipe mounts a plurality of water supply hydrants at spaced locations along the pipe, each of the hydrants enclosing a water supply valve. A docking station is supported at one end of the truss assembly closest to the supply pipe, and is adapted to engage and open successive ones of the water supply valves in the plurality of hydrants. The docking station assembly includes a docking station that is suspended from a frame for floating movement about at least three mutually perpendicular axes.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2006Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Nelson Irrigation CorporationInventors: Joseph D. Sinden, Rex D. Ness, Chad D. Leinweber, Richard J. Berrier, Craig Nelson, Robert Rupar
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Patent number: 7140563Abstract: A linear water feed apparatus for use in agricultural irrigation includes a linear-move machine with a mobile truss assembly supporting a plurality of individual sprinklers and adapted for movement in a specified direction across a field to be irrigated. The truss assembly is oriented transverse to the specified direction, and a supply pipe is arranged in the specified direction along or within the field to be irrigated. The supply pipe mounts a plurality of water supply hydrants at spaced locations along the pipe, each of the hydrants enclosing a water supply valve. A docking station is supported at one end of the truss assembly closest to the supply pipe, and is adapted to engage and open successive ones of the water supply valves in the plurality of hydrants. The docking station assembly includes a docking station that is suspended from a frame for floating movement about at least three mutually perpendicular axes.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2004Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Nelson Irrigation CorporationInventors: Joseph D. Sinden, Rex D. Ness, Chad D. Leinweber, Richard J. Berrier, Craig Nelson, Robert Rupar
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Publication number: 20020158145Abstract: An actuator assembly for a rotatable sprinkler head includes a base supported for rotation on a stationary platform assembly, the actuator assembly comprising a hub mounted for rotation on a shaft supported in the base; a lever arm pivotally mounted at one end to the hub and extending downwardly toward a stop plate assembly on the platform assembly, the lever arm having a free end extending toward the stop plate assembly; the stop plate assembly configured to define two or more arcuate paths of travel for the lever arm, the paths being radially offset relative to the hub; and wherein the lever arm is adjustable to locate the free end in any of the two or more arcuate paths of travel.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2002Publication date: October 31, 2002Inventors: Greg V. Schneider, Chad D. Leinweber
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Patent number: D879258Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2018Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: NELSON IRRIGATION CORPORATIONInventors: Mathew L. Zimmerman, Craig B. Nelson, Chad D. Leinweber, Joseph Daniel Sinden