Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for providing drive shaft braking for an irrigation machine. According to an exemplary preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a system for providing drive shaft braking during the operation of an irrigation machine where the irrigation machine includes a drive system having a drive motor and a drive shaft. According to a preferred embodiment, the system in accordance with the present invention preferably includes a cam attached to the drive shaft, an extension arm having a first securing point, a securing arm having a second securing point and a spring attached between the first securing point and the second securing point. According to a further preferred embodiment, the system of the present invention preferably further includes a follower mechanism secured to the extension arm, which applies continual frictional pressure to the drive shaft in response to the force applied by the spring to the follower through the extension arm.

Abstract: A kit for retrofitting a vehicle, such as a lawn mower or tractor, into a lawn care vehicle for distributing liquids for treatment of a lawn, the kit includes a base, a liquid tank, a hose reel, and a fluid flow control system. The fluid flow control system includes a dispensing hose on the hose reel and a hand-held hose. A Y-shape valve fluidically connects the dispensing hose and the hand-held hose to each other and to the liquid tank. The nozzles of the dispensing hose and the hand-held hose have a magnet so as to magnetically mount them anywhere on the vehicle, and the components of the kit may be mounted in various arrangements on the vehicle.

Abstract: An implement has at least a first plow share in front, provided with an anti-rollback mechanism, and at least a second plow share in the rear, with another anti-rollback mechanism. The plow shares are interconnected by alternate approaching and distancing mechanisms. A telematic control unit based on a computer system that is assisted by a global positioning system, autonomously guides movement of the implement. A steering system formed by an oscillating support can rotate in a plane perpendicular to the advancement direction of the implement and lifts one of the plow shares in relation to the ground and moves it laterally. A power supply system using renewable energy or internal or external combustion engines is mounted on the implement.

Abstract: An anchoring apparatus for a mechanized irrigation system wherein remotely controlled augers are mounted on the drive units of the irrigation system which may be driven into the ground to anchor the drive unit to the ground.

Abstract: An irrigation system includes a central pivot and a series of mobile towers connected to the central pivot and to one another by support structure. Each mobile tower has wheels and a motor for driving at least one of the wheels. A control system operates the motors to maintain alignment of the mobile towers and the central pivot while preventing power usage of the system from exceeding a maximum power threshold. The control system determines in which sequence to operate the motors to maintain alignment of the mobile towers while operating no more than a selected number of the motors simultaneously.

Abstract: A flotation drive assembly for mechanized irrigation systems such as a corner pivot irrigation machine, a center pivot irrigation machine or a linear move irrigation machine wherein the flotation drive assembly improves upon the field traction of the mechanized agricultural irrigational systems and which improves the resistance to wheel track rutting that may occur during the normal operation of the systems. The flotation drive assembly of this invention is designed so that the gearbox which drives the wheel/tire assemblies at the opposite ends of the main frame of the drive unit or tower is mounted so as not to support the weight of the tower or the water contained therein.

Abstract: An irrigation system includes a central pivot; a main section pivotally connected to the central pivot; and at least one solar panel supported on the main section. A control system positions the main section relative to the central pivot so that the solar panel faces the sun.

Abstract: A self-propelled irrigation system includes a drive tower configured to cross over a drainage ditch or other watercourse in an irrigated field without the use of a bridge or other support structure to support the load of the drive tower.

Abstract: A track assembly for a mobile tower of an irrigation system includes a mounting bracket; a gearbox assembly and rotatable drive wheel hub attached to the mounting bracket; a drive wheel attached to the drive wheel hub; a rotatable tension wheel hub attached to the mounting bracket and spaced from the drive wheel hub; a tension wheel attached to the tension wheel hub; a track belt trained over the drive wheel and the tension wheel and driven by the drive wheel to propel the mobile tower; and structure for pivotally mounting the mounting bracket to the mobile tower.

Abstract: A track assembly for a mobile tower of an irrigation system includes a mounting bracket; a gearbox assembly and a rotatable drive wheel hub attached to the mounting bracket; a drive wheel attached to the drive wheel hub; a rotatable tension wheel hub attached to the mounting bracket and spaced from the drive wheel hub; a tension wheel attached to the tension wheel hub; a track belt trained over the drive wheel and the tension wheel and driven by the drive wheel to propel the mobile tower; and structure for pivotally mounting the mounting bracket to the mobile tower.

Abstract: A self-propelled irrigation system includes a drive tower configured to cross over a drainage ditch or other watercourse in an irrigated field without the use of a bridge or other support structure to support the load of the drive tower.

Abstract: A wheel apparatus includes a hub that is configured to be received by an axle of an irrigation system. The wheel apparatus also includes a rim assembly that includes a plurality of substantially flat feet that form a faceted circular arrangement. A support structure is disposed between the hub and the rim assembly to at least partially support the rim assembly. At least one of the substantially flat feet is coupled to at least one of the plurality of spoke structures. The wheel apparatus also includes at least one cleat disposed on an outside surface of at least one of the plurality of substantially flat feet to provide traction to the rim assembly.

Abstract: Irrigation systems, irrigation components and related methods are provided. In one example, an irrigation system includes at least one irrigation span configured for fluid communication with a water source, where the irrigation span includes a pipe and at least one sprinkler nozzle in fluid communication with the pipe. One or more drive units are associated with irrigation span or spans for selectively displacing the span or spans. A separator is in fluid communication with the pipe. The separator includes a housing defining an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet. A screen divides an interior space of the housing into a first zone and a second zone, wherein the first outlet is associated with the first zone and the second outlet is associated with the second zone. A valve is in fluid communication with the first outlet and a dispersing structure is in fluid communication with the second outlet.

Abstract: A variable pump assembly may be disposed or coupled to a water release point of an irrigation assembly. The variable pump assembly may be configured to control an output water pressure as a function of the irrigation assembly's location or position. As the irrigation assembly travels an irrigation path, the variable pump assembly may dynamically change the output water pressure of the water and/or applicants released from the water release point to provide sufficient irrigational coverage to the land.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of moving a mobile tower using solar power are disclosed for use with an irrigation system. The disclosed improvement includes a solar panel with a collecting surface to convert light energy to electrical energy, an electrical charge source in communication with the solar panel to receive electrical energy, and a motor to drive a ground-engaging wheel in communication with the electrical charge source. The improvement also includes a direction control system for regulating rotation of the solar panel and a tilt assembly for adjusting the angle of the solar panel to maintain the disposition of the collecting surface in alignment with the direction of incoming sunlight. The method of moving the mobile tower includes collecting light energy with a solar panel, converting the light energy into electrical energy, and driving a wheel of the mobile tower with a motor powered by the converted electrical energy.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a wheel for an agricultural irrigation system that permits movement of the irrigation system through muddy, slippery fields without leaving significant wheel ruts in the field and without requiring regular tire maintenance. In a first aspect, the present invention provides a regular polygonal wheel for use in an agricultural irrigation system. The wheel can include a central hub defining a central bore that is configured to mate with a wheel stud of the agricultural irrigation system. The wheel can include an outer circumferential portion that is configured to contact a surface on which the wheel is rolling. The circumferential portion can include a plurality of flat rectangular plates connected together to form a regular polygon. Each plate can have inner and outer opposed major surfaces, along with first and second opposed edges and third and fourth opposed edges.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of moving a mobile tower using solar power are disclosed for use with an irrigation system. The disclosed improvement includes a solar panel with a collecting surface to convert light energy to electrical energy, an electrical charge source in communication with the solar panel to receive electrical energy, and a motor to drive a ground-engaging wheel in communication with the electrical charge source. The improvement also includes a direction control system for regulating rotation of the solar panel and a tilt assembly for adjusting the angle of the solar panel to maintain the disposition of the collecting surface in alignment with the direction of incoming sunlight. The method of moving the mobile tower includes collecting light energy with a solar panel, converting the light energy into electrical energy, and driving a wheel of the mobile tower with a motor powered by the converted electrical energy.

Abstract: A swing arm support system for automated irrigation systems has a support hub and a means to attach and operate two wheels to opposite sides of the support hub. The support hub provides greater ground flotation to prevent the forming of ruts in a field and traction to prevent an automated swing arm from becoming stuck. The swing arm support system provides for the use of common automated irrigation components so that fabrication, repair and operation are most efficient. The support hub in pivotally attached to an existing swing arm support tower. The support hub is carried by two pneumatic tires in one embodiment, four tires in another embodiment, six tires in another embodiment, and movable tracks in another embodiment.

Abstract: An irrigation assembly has a main pipeline supported at intervals by mobile towers, a plurality of drop tube assemblies at spaced intervals along the pipeline and a collector positioned to receive water from the drop tube assembly. A plurality of targets are positioned on the ground in the paths of motion defined by the movement of the collectors. The targets may be dishes. Each dish preferably has a perforated drain that penetrates beneath the surface of the ground. Interaction between the collector and the target causes the water stored within the collector to be released into the target. The irrigation assembly may provide for underground irrigation without a collector where a dish or trough receives water from the drop tube assembly and underground drains allow for water to be dispersed below the ground.

Abstract: A fertilizer system is provided using extraction of nitrogen compounds and other plant nutrients from combustion exhaust gases, and which is particularly suited for use with an agricultural irrigation system or engine driven plant care equipment including self-propelled tractors, mowers and the like. The system includes an exhaust chamber in communication with the motor driving a pump of the system for receiving the exhaust gases therethrough. Water is injected into the exhaust chamber for mixing with the exhaust so that the steam being formed absorbs various nitrogen compounds and other plant nutrients from the surrounding hot exhaust gases. The steam is subsequently condensed in a condensing chamber from which condensate is collected and dispensed into the inlet of the pump with water circulated therethrough.

Abstract: A tie-down anchor for a self-propelled irrigation machine comprising an anchor embedded in the ground adjacent one or more of the drive units on the irrigation machine with the anchors being connected to the main frame of the drive unit by means of a chain and chain tightener connector. If the machine is subjected to high winds, the tie-down anchors securely hold or tie down the drive units to the ground, thereby preventing the overturning of the machine.

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: Mobile towers of an irrigation system have drive wheel assemblies that propel the towers along the ground. At least certain of the wheel assemblies may comprise dual wheels that share a common axis of rotation but are separately driven by their own drive motor. By driving the two separate wheels in unison but with their own individual drive shafts, increased ground-engaging surface area can be obtained without a consequential increase in load for any one motor.

Abstract: A docking station module for fluidly connecting a mobile irrigation apparatus to a stationary hydrant water supply valve mounted on a water supply pipe, the module comprising a hydrant valve actuator resiliently suspended from a frame for floating movement in at least three mutually substantially perpendicular directions relative to the hydrant water supply valve.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the center and radius based on a least squares approach is disclosed. In one embodiment, a farmer drives through a given arc of a circular field in question and periodically takes position measurements. In another embodiment, a Least-Squares Algorithm is used to estimate the best-fitting center and radius given the set of position measurements input by the farmer.

Abstract: A gearbox for a drive line irrigation system in which the input and output shafts of the gearbox are sealed with a compressed and sintered silicon and carbide face seal. The face seal is contained within the gearbox and compressed between a gearbox end cap and a shaft bearing, obviating the need for external loading by bellows or similar spring elements.

Abstract: A high torque driveline coupler is provided for use in the driveline between a drive motor and a wheel drive of a sprinkler irrigation system. The coupler has first and second yoke assemblies with intermeshed pairs of legs, and a floating rubber member with radially extending arms positioned between the intermeshed legs of the yoke assemblies. The legs of the yoke assemblies and the floating rubber member are arranged to allow the coupler to be quickly and easily coupled and decoupled without the use of separate means for securing the yoke assemblies together. The coupler has a unique alignment system for aligning the floating member with the yoke assemblies. The alignment system includes first and second recesses formed in opposite sides of a center portion of the floating rubber member, and first and second projections extending from the first and second yoke assemblies, respectively.

Abstract: A self propelled sprinkler is disclosed. The sprinkler has a support body with a drive unit which drives two rear wheels. The drive unit is powered by water pressure supplied through a hose which is coupled to the drive unit via a hose coupler. The drive unit has a cylindrical drive chamber with circular impeller in fluid communication with the hose coupler. The impeller is rotated by the water pressure and is mechanically connected to a lateral shaft. The shaft is connected to the rear wheels. Reduction gearing from the impeller to the shaft governs the speed of the sprinkler. The reduction gearing is achieved through a series of sun gears, carrier disks and planet gears. The drive unit also has an outlet which has a socket which allows the exit of the pressurized water. The socket allows the insertion of any variety of sprinkler heads. Thus, the sprinkler allows a variety of water distribution patterns. The sprinkler is propelled by water pressure rotating the impeller and eventually the rear wheels.

Abstract: A wheel drive assembly for sprinkler irrigation systems includes an input shaft having a first bevel gear, a wheel gear, and a reduction gear assembly interconnecting the first bevel gear and the wheel gear. The reduction gear assembly has a first spur gear and a second bevel gear mounted on a common shaft. First and second input openings are disposed on respective sides of a housing of the wheel drive assembly. An input shaft extends through one of the input openings, and the other input opening is covered by a cover member. The housing has threaded bolt holes for attaching the housing to a support tower in selected positions. The wheel drive assembly is convertible between left-hand and right-hand operation by reversing the mounting position of the second bevel gear on the common shaft, interchanging the input shaft and cover member, and rotating the housing to a different mounting position.

Abstract: A portable or stationary system which may be used either indoors or outdoors and provides accelerated growth of vegetation regardless of weather conditions as well as provides warmth, lighting, misting, nutrients and cover for such vegetation.

Abstract: A drive tower for a self-propelled irrigation system is described which is of the track type. The drive tower includes an elongated frame having opposite ends. A drive pulley is mounted at one end of the frame while a tail pulley is mounted at the other end of the frame. The drive pulley comprises a pair of spaced-apart, disc-shaped plates having spaced-apart rods secured thereto and extending therebetween at the periphery thereof for engagement with the interior surface of the belt. The interior surface of the traction belt is provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart lugs which are received between the rods on the drive wheel. The tail pulley and the idler pulleys have peripheries which receive the lugs on the inner surface of the belt. The exterior surface of the belt is also provided with a plurality of transversely extending traction lugs. The belt is driven by means of a double reduction gear drive.

Abstract: A pivoting lateral move irrigation system which operates to water in the pivot mode. The irrigation system includes a conduit extending over the field to be irrigated, and a series of support towers which are spaced along the length of the conduit and support the conduit. The power tower is designed for lateral movement and includes a pivoting top according to the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, the irrigation system is a ditch fed system which moves laterally to a canal or ditch, from which water is obtained for irrigation. The power panel includes switches to allow the machine to pivot at the end or corner of the canal. According to the present invention, during pivoting, the irrigation system operates to irrigate, i.e., provide water to the field, during the pivot operation.

Abstract: A corner pivot irrigation machine comprising a main arm extending outwardly from a center pivot structure supported upon and driven by a plurality of non-steerable drive towers. An elongated corner arm is pivotally secured to the outer end of the main arm and is supported by a steerable drive tower including an elongated beam positioned beneath the water line of the corner arm and having a pair of drive wheel supports positioned at the opposite ends thereof which are rotatable with respect thereto about vertical axes. A steering motor, driven by a conventional guidance system, is mounted on the main beam and is connected to the rotatable drive wheel supports by an adjustable linkage to enable the linkage to be selectively adjusted when the machine is to be operated in a reverse direction.

Abstract: Mobile irrigation equipment includes a water delivery tube, a support frame mounting the tube, and a belt traction apparatus movably mounted to the support frame and operable for moving the support frame over the ground. The belt traction apparatus includes drive wheels rotatably mounted to the support frame and an endless traction belt entrained over the drive wheels for engaging the ground and moving the support frame when the wheels are rotated. Each drive wheel has an annular plate, a central hub rotatably mounted to support frame about an axis, spokes supporting the annular plate on the hub in concentric relation with the rotational axis of the hub, and a plurality of lugs attached to the periphery of the annular plate in circumferentially spaced relation to one another and extending in transverse relation to the annular plate and in radial relation to the rotational axis of the hub.

Abstract: This invention is an irrigation system which is mounted on parallel tracks and spans the distance therebetween. The main frame is of the truss type and includes a drive means on each end thereof. Also, a tensioning means is provided to assure perpendicular travel of the irrigation system relative to the support track to prevent any twisting tendency. The system can be operated either automatically or manually, and when on automatic, it will cycle back and forth over the designated area.

Abstract: An improved irrigation boom assembly is provided for relatively rapid and easy mounting onto the main water distribution pipe of a traveling irrigation system, particularly such as a center pivot or linear travel system. The improved boom assembly includes a water supply drop pipe adapted for rapid and secure mounting onto the main distribution pipe by an improved clamp assembly and for receiving water from the distribution pipe via a flexible feed hose. The drop pipe has a manifold at its lower end designed for facilitated connection to a lightweight boom comprising a pair of elongated wing tubes cantilevered outwardly therefrom in opposite directions, wherein the wing tubes are each supported in an adjustably selected geometry by a respective pair of support cables anchored between the drop pipe and the wing tube and threaded through support struts mounted at spaced intervals along the wing tube spans. The outboard end of each wing tube includes an easily removable end fitting to permit periodic flushing.

Abstract: This is concerned with a drive for a movable irrigation system and the like and is more specifically concerned with a gear drive arrangement between an electric drive motor and one or more of the wheels of a tower of a movable irrigation system with two gear assemblies between the electric motor and the ground engaging wheel, one of the gear assemblies being constructed and arranged for maximum speed reduction and minimum torque capacity and the other being driven by the first and constructed and arranged for minimum speed reduction and maximum torque capacity and driving the output shaft to the ground engaging wheel.

Abstract: A linear irrigation system has the wheels on each end angled outward to stretch the entire pipe. Some of the vehicles in the middle of the pipe are steered responsive to the distance the elongated pipe is from a guide line. Steering is controlled by the movement of a cable. Bridges upon a tube on the cable are used to activate a microswitch. The microswitch itself is on a carriage which is responsive to the distance of the elongated pipe from a guide line. Therefore when any correction is needed, a predetermined correction is applied and no additional correction is applied until the carriage carrying the microswitch is again moved. The wheels are individually steered. The correction is almost instantaneous and is not dependent upon changing the angle of the entire moving pipe.