Abstract: An agricultural irrigation system and method for irrigating a field includes a water supply pipe supported by a wheeled support or tower. The irrigation system can move in an oscillating fashion across the field while dispersing water. The irrigation system is advanced in a forward direction a first distance, reversed in a backward direction a second distance that is less than the first distance, then readvanced in a forward direction. The system can include a manifold connected to the water supply pipe. The manifold includes drop lines to supply water to a crop below the manifolds. Existing irrigation systems can be retrofitted with the manifold and drop lines.

Abstract: A center pivot sprinkler system includes a sprinkler arm to be mounted at a pivot point at a first end of the sprinkler arm, the sprinkler arm defining a water conduit. A motive source can move the sprinkler arm in a circular motion about the pivot point. An end nozzle is supported at a second end of the sprinkler arm, and in fluid communication with the water conduit. A control valve is positioned between the water conduit and the end nozzle, and a control valve positioner can position the control valve. A position determining device determines the position of the end nozzle in a circular arc about the pivot point. A processor polls the position determining device to determine a then-current position of the end nozzle and determines a flow of water to be issued from the end nozzle as a function of the then-current position of the end nozzle.

Abstract: A portable vegetation treatment system includes a primary pump, a secondary pump, an intake-port assembly, a distribution assembly, and a control assembly. The primary pump is configured to couple with a diluent source while the secondary pump is configured to couple with a reservoir, containing a chemically-based fluid. The chemically-based fluid may be a concentrate, pre-mixed concentrate or other fluid(s), requiring dilution or combination with another fluid before application. The secondary pump includes components that meter one or more chemically-based fluids, during active operation. These components also substantially restrict migration or inappropriate flow of the chemically-based fluid when the system is inactive or in a passive state.

Abstract: The steps of the irrigation method include: flowing a stream of water having input and output and intermediate location; interposing a feeding device into the stream of water at the intermediate location, the feeding device having input and output ends; inserting a quantity of nutrient fertilizer into the feeding device; converting the nutrient fertilizer from the viscous state to the less viscous state through the flow of water through the feeding device; and intermixing the viscous nutrient fertilizer with the water entering the feeding device whereby the water leaving the device to plants and soil will include a fertilizer.

Abstract: An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous charging of crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock comprised of one or more crop-quality enhancers (fertilizers, soil amendments and the like) to an irrigation system upstream of the agricultural field being irrigated. The crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock is diluted upon so charging to a level within the system solubility limits and the stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution exotherm. A system wherein crop-quality enhancers are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm mixing chamber efficiently implements the method.

Abstract: An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous charging of crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock comprised of one or more crop-quality enhancers (fertilizers, soil amendments and the like) to an irrigation system upstream of the agricultural field being irrigated. The crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock is diluted upon so charging to a level within the system solubility limits and the stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution exotherm. A system wherein crop-quality enhancers are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm mixing chamber efficiently implements the method.

Abstract: An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous charging of crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock comprised of one or more crop-quality enhancers (fertilizers, soil amendments and the like) to an irrigation system upstream of the agricultural field being irrigated. The crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock is diluted upon so charging to a level within the system solubility limits and the stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution exotherm. A system wherein crop-quality enhancers are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm mixing chamber efficiently implements the method.

Abstract: A localized product injection system for use with a product dispensing system includes a product injection reservoir coupled with an injection header. One or more injection boom tubes are coupled with the injection head. A plurality of localized injection interfaces are configured for coupling at corresponding product dispensers of a plurality of product dispensers. The plurality of localized injection interfaces in communication with the one or more injection boom tubes. Each of the localized injection interfaces includes an interface valve and an injection port in communication with the interface valve. The injection port is configured for localized coupling and injection to the corresponding product dispenser. The plurality of localized injection interfaces maintains a controlled pressurized environment of an injection product to the plurality of product dispensers.

Abstract: This application discusses, among other things, agricultural equipment and more particularly agricultural chemical applicators. In an example, an agricultural sprayer system can include a first boom section configured to receive a carrier material and a chemical material and to provide an agricultural chemical mixture, the boom section having a plurality of nozzles for spraying the chemical mixture; and a first rod insert coupled to an end cap of the boom section, the rod insert configured to reduce the volume of the boom section and to provide increased flow velocity of the chemical mixture to each of the plurality of nozzles.

Abstract: An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous charging of crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock comprised of one or more crop-quality enhancers (fertilizers, soil amendments and the like) to an irrigation system upstream of the agricultural field being irrigated. The crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock is diluted upon so charging to a level within the system solubility limits and the stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution exotherm. A system wherein crop-quality enhancers are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm mixing chamber efficiently implements the method.

Abstract: An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous introduction of concentrated raw materials into a high-dilution irrigation-water environment whereby the stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution and reaction exotherms. A system wherein raw materials are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm reactor efficiently implements the method.

Abstract: An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous introduction of concentrated raw materials into a high-dilution irrigation-water environment whereby the stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution and reaction exotherms. A system wherein raw materials are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm reactor efficiently implements the method.

Abstract: An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous introduction of concentrated raw materials into a high-dilution irrigation-water environment whereby the stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution and reaction exotherms. A system wherein raw materials are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm reactor efficiently implements the method.

Abstract: An irrigation machine is selectively converted into a sprayer for applying chemicals that have been approved for use only by spraying equipment. A method is disclosed for irrigating and spraying crops using the same conduit connected to either an irrigation ground water source or a sprayer-approved chemical source, but at no time is the conduit connected to both sources simultaneously. The method includes connecting the input of a conduit to a ground water source, irrigating the crops with water from the ground water source, disconnecting the input of the conduit from the ground water source, connecting the input of the same conduit to a sprayer-approved chemical source, and spraying the crops with chemical from the chemical source.

Abstract: An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous in situ manufacture of one or more fertilizers within the irrigation system upstream of the agricultural field being irrigated. Co-reactant raw materials, namely sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, potassium hydroxide, urea, ammonium hydroxide, ammonia, calcium nitrate and/or magnesium nitrate, are intermixed with each other and with the stream of the flowing irrigation water. The stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution and reaction exotherms. A system wherein raw materials are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm reactor efficiently implements the method.

Abstract: An agricultural fertigation method includes the in situ manufacture of one or more fertilizers within the irrigation upstream of the agricultural field being irrigated. Co-reactant raw materials, namely sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, potassium hydroxide, urea, ammonium hydroxide, ammonia, calcium nitrate and/or magnesium nitrate, are intermixed with each other and with the stream of the flowing irrigation water. The stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution and reaction exotherms. A system wherein raw materials are efficiently fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm reactor efficiently implements the method.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a position of a center pivot irrigation system includes positioning a tower unit on the rotatable arm of the irrigation system, determining a distance between the arm's rotation center and the tower unit, calculating coordinates of the tower unit along a path of the tower unit as the arm rotates, and associating an action of the irrigation system with coordinates of the tower unit location that correspond to the position of the arm where the action is to occur. Optionally, the action of the irrigation system and the coordinates of the location of the tower unit are downloaded to a remote unit located adjacent to the irrigation system. Optionally, current location coordinates of the tower unit are determined using a GPS receiver at the tower unit. Optionally, the current location coordinates are transmitted from the tower unit to the remote unit. Optionally, the current location coordinates are compared to the coordinates of the location of the action.

Abstract: A universal remote monitoring system and method for irrigation systems having a self-contained remote terminal unit mounted at an outer portion of the irrigation system which is independent of the irrigation system control. The unit includes a global positioning system for producing coordinate data, a computer for processing the coordinate data into operational data, and a transmitter for delivering the operational data to a communications satellite. The satellite relays the operational data through a communications network into a remote service computer which generates information messages to mobile operator devices informing the operator of movement status and other operational information.

Abstract: A roll-sprinkler system comprises with horizontal water conducting pipe portions as the supporting means for multiple wheels. The pipes conducting liquid to the sprinkler heads for irrigations have an opening adaptor allowing the system to connect with standard garden hose. The multi head sprinklers are mounted vertically to the horizontal pipes which are linked with wheels for easy displacing of the system during irrigation. The system may further comprise chemical tanks and valves controlling the tanks for adding chemicals into the irrigating water. The system may also be foldable or separable in two or three sections for shipping and storage. The system may further comprise a directional driving wheel, which is powered and can be programmed by an IC chip or controlled by a remote controller.

Abstract: A chemical dispenser which is selectively removably mounted on a travelling lawn sprinkler. The chemical dispenser dispenses liquid chemical into the water being sprinkled onto the lawn by the water distributor as the self-propelled travelling lawn sprinkler propels itself across a lawn.

Abstract: A liquid manure spreading tool bar for use on a manure spreader, wherein the manure spreader has a tank and a pump, and wherein the spreading tool bar has a supporting frame externally mounted onto the tank, a manure distributor mounted onto the supporting frame, a vertically extending telescopic conduit made of a rigid material, and at least one manure discharging pipes connected to a corresponding outlet of the manure distributor. The supporting frame is movable in an up and down position with respect to the tank. Each of the manure discharging pipes is made of a rigid material and is vertically movable together with the frame and the manure distributor. The telescopic conduit has one end connected to the manure distributor while the other end is connected to the pump so as to feed the manure pumped from the tank to the manure distributor. In as much as the telescopic conduit and discharging pipes are not flexible, they cannot break.

Abstract: The method of controlling the speed of the last regular drive unit of a center pivot irrigation system having a corner irrigation system pivotally connected thereto is disclosed comprising the steps of: placing a pressure transducer at the downstream side of the main water line for monitoring the changes in main water line pressure as the sprinklers on the extension water line are sequenced; driving the last regular drive unit at a predetermined speed; recording the output of the pressure transducer at predetermined intervals; comparing the recorded output at the predetermined intervals to the pressure recorded when all the sprinklers on the extension line are turned off; and varying the speed of the last regular drive unit according to the formula NEW SPEED=(END PRESSURE/RETRACTED END PRESSURE).sup.1/2 .times.L.R.D.U. SPEED SETTING.

Abstract: Large crop areas are irrigated, for instance by pivot irrigation, by being sprayed with water into which a substantially stable dispersion in a liquid of water soluble polymer particles has been metered at a predetermined low rate.

Abstract: An outlet for connecting spray nozzles, drop tubes or the like to an irrigation pipe comprising a generally cylindrical-shaped member having an inner end, an outer end, an annular shoulder protruding outwardly therefrom between the inner and outer ends, and an internally threaded bore extending therethrough. When the outlet is positioned in an opening formed in an irrigation pipe, the annular shoulder of the outlet is in engagement with the exterior surface of the pipe. A machine is also disclosed for creating a plurality of horizontally spaced-apart bulged areas in the pipe with each of the bulged areas having a flat surface thereon. The machine includes a bulging punch which creates the bulged areas in the pipe. The machine further includes a punch for creating an outlet opening in the flat surface of the bulged area.

Abstract: A method of farming comprises collecting waste material such as manure from animal farming, or effluent from food processing plants or the like in a closed container, stirring and aerating the material within the container and adding yeast and phosphoric acid to increase aerobic bacterial activity while reducing anaerobic bacteria and rendering the material into a pumpable liquid. The material is then spread across the ground by a spreading action by pumping the material through a pipe carried on the reel of a vehicle having a boom of the order of 100 feet in width so that the material is sprayed onto the ground in an even spreading action at a rate of the order of 1000 to 5000 gallons per acre. Simultaneously an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide is sprayed onto the material, preferably immediately before the material.

Abstract: A chemical distribution system for use with a mobile irrigation system comprising a liquid chemical supply line vertically adjustably supported on the irrigation system and which is in operative communication with a pressurized source of liquid chemical. A liquid chemical distribution line is positioned beneath the chemical supply line between each pair of the drive towers for the irrigation system and which is in fluid communication with a remotely controlled, electrically operated solenoid valve which is in fluid communication with a chemical supply line. A plurality of spaced-apart emitter valves, having a sprinkler associated therewith, are provided on each of the distribution lines with the associated solenoid valve being operated by a control for activating selective distribution lines whereby liquid chemical may be applied to preselected portions of the area over which the irrigation system moves.

Abstract: An interseeder apparatus and method for dry broadcast distribution of seeds in conjunction with a center-pivot irrigation system. The interseeder apparatus comprises a storage container for storing a quantity of dry seed to be interseeded. The storage container is adapted to be mounted on a center-pivot irrigation system. A seed conveying device is employed for conveying the seed in a dry condition from the storage container outwardly from the storage container. A plurality of dispensing stations are positioned along the main water pipe.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus (10) for cataloging or dividing a given field, under irrigation by an irrigation system (100), into a plurality of zones which can be monitored for irrigation water and chemical requirements and then, delivering by way of the irrigation system, the appropriate amount of irrigation water and/or chemicals to each zone as so defined. Each of the sprinkler assemblies (105) is independently controlled by a solenoid operated valve (16), responsive to a control module (15). The control modules (15), in turn, are electronically interconnected with a data acquisition and control unit (12) which is capable of sending to the control modules (15) coded signals for either activating the sprinkler head (105) or deactivating each individual sprinkler head (105).

Abstract: A system for programming and controlling the rate at which an agricultural chemcial (e.g., fertilizer) is supplied to the water in an agricultural irrigation system. In one embodiment the system is combined with a center pivot irrigation system having a vertical water feed pipe, a horizontal boom, and a chemical supply connected to the feed pipe. A rotation sensor determines the degree of rotation of the boom and a controller controls the amount of chemical supplied to the feed pipe. The system enables the amount of chemical applied to be varied from one section of a field to another.

Abstract: A field planting system for use in conjunction with large span and wheel tower irrigation apparatus to place seed in a field across a number of rows simultaneously. Seed is suspended uniformly in a gel solution and injected into a stream of carrier water. The seeds, suspended in water, travel in piping separate from irrigation piping to a manifold suspended from the overhead span section. Each manifold distributes seed and carrier water to a plurality of drop tubes. A tube valve located in each drop tube is closed to permit the manifold to be charged with seeds and water under pressure. Once the manifold is charged, the tube valves open simultaneously and the water and seed discharges from the manifold through drop tubes to a planting shoe. The planting shoe includes a forward nozzle to emit a high pressure stream of water to excavate a small trench or furrow into which the seed is dispensed.

Abstract: An injection control system selectively to activate circuitry for controlling injection of additive chemicals into an existing automatically timed irrigation system having an irrigation timer. This control system includes a plurality of storage reservoirs for storing one or more additives. Conduits deliver these additives to the existing irrigation system. The control system includes a central processor programmed for intended operation, and sensors sensing the flow condition valves in the existing irrigation system. The control system thereby controls supply of additives during the operation of the existing system.

Abstract: A system for programming and controlling the rate at which an agricultural chemical (e.g. fertilizer) is supplied to the water in an agricultural irrigation system. In one embodiment the system is combined with a center pivot irrigation system having a vertical water feed pipe, a horizontal boom, and a chemical supply connected to the feed pipe. A rotation sensor determines the degree of rotation of the boom and a controller controls the amount of chemical supplied to the feed pipe. The system enables the amount of chemical applied to be varied from one section of a field to another.

Abstract: Apparatus for precise water and liquid chemical application to agricultural fields is provided comprising a control platform with two motors, each motor driving a separate set of drive wheels. The speed of the first platform motor being selectable, the speed of the second motor being controlled by a variable frequency AC motor controller which receives a signal from a linear position transducer which senses the positional relationship of the control platform to a pre-determined path so as to maintain the platform on a pre-determined path. A second variable frequency AC motor controller receives a signal from a second linear position transducer between the control platform and a plurality of span sections supported by a plurality of motorized, wheeled towers which is operable to maintain alignment between the towers and the control platform, and the span sections are provided with switches operable to switch the motors of the towers on and off momentarily as required to keep them in alignment with each other.

Abstract: In this invention, a means is described for seeding through a self-propelled irrigation system. In one form of the invention, the seeds are metered into an auxiliary water line, supported on the main water line, and are sprinkled onto the ground by way of sequentially operated sprinklers. In another form of the invention, the seeds are metered directly into the main water line and are broadcast onto the ground by sequentially operated sprinklers.

Abstract: In this invention, a device is described for seeding through a self-propelled irrigation system. In one form of the invention, the seeds are metered into an auxiliary water line, supported on the main water line, and are sprinkled onto the ground by way of sequentially operated sprinklers. In another form of the invention, the seeds are metered directly into the main water line and are broadcast onto the ground by sequentially operated sprinklers.

Abstract: Large crop areas are irrigated, for instance by pivot irrigation, by being sprayed with water into which a substantially stable dispersion in a liquid of water soluble polymer particles has been metered at a predetermined low rate.