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.

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.

An electro-anti deposit device is coupled to an irrigation pipe for removing mineral deposit from drippers of the pipe. The electro-anti deposit device includes an engine configured to move the electro-anti deposit device along the pipe. The electro-anti deposit device also includes a mineral deposit removal module. The mineral deposit removal module includes a water container, a battery, and two electrodes. The water container may be configured to create an ionic environment at a dripper. The dripper may be covered with the mineral deposit. The battery may be configured to generate electric current. The two electrodes may be connected to two poles of the battery with a space separating tips of the two electrodes.

An electro-anti deposit device is coupled to an irrigation pipe for removing mineral deposit from drippers of the pipe. The electro-anti deposit device includes an engine configured to move the electro-anti deposit device along the pipe. The electro-anti deposit device also includes a mineral deposit removal module. The mineral deposit removal module includes a water container, a battery, and two electrodes. The water container may be configured to create an ionic environment at a dripper. The dripper may be covered with the mineral deposit. The battery may be configured to generate electric current. The two electrodes may be connected to two poles of the battery with a space separating tips of the two electrodes.

A device for suppressing fire inside a container includes a support structure configured to be mounted inside a vehicle at a position associated with at least one location configured to receive a container. The device further includes a deployment structure coupled to the support structure and a penetrator assembly coupled to the deployment structure. The penetrator assembly includes a nozzle having a tip configured to pierce a container and an actuator associated with the nozzle. The actuator is configured to extend the tip of the nozzle such that it pierces a container. The support structure and the deployment structure are configured such that the penetrator assembly is movable in at least one plane with respect to the support structure, and the penetrator assembly is configured to receive fire suppressant and direct the fire suppressant into the container.

An irrigation system comprises one or more waterlines coupled to one or more watering mechanisms for watering one or more areas. The watering mechanisms are fixed in place at the desired area by an adapter which removably couples the one or more watering systems in place. Water is supplied to each of the one or more watering mechanisms by traveling from the one or more waterlines and through one or more pressure compensators. The one or more pressure compensators regulate the water flow through the one or more watering mechanisms enabling the irrigation system to uniformly distribute water at a set and constant pressure value. The water is distributed by one or more valves which are used to control one or more zones of the irrigation system. In some embodiments, a controller controls the system based upon a signal received from one or more sensors of the system.

A drip emitter for subsurface irrigation includes a valve chamber defining a hollow interior, an entry port and at least one exit port. A flexible diaphragm is mounted in the hollow interior of the valve chamber for movement in response to pressurized water being supplied to the hollow interior through the entry port. The drip emitter further includes a tortuous path water flow channel that limits the flow of water from the hollow interior of the valve chamber to the at least one exit port. A closure member is moved by the flexible diaphragm to open the at least one exit port when pressurized water enters the hollow interior to allow water to be discharged through the at least one exit port. A spring moves the closure member to close the at least one exit port when the supply of pressurized water is shut OFF.

A modular irrigation controller has a robust ground path with high conductivity that can accommodate lightning induced power surges on field valve wires and common wires that are connected to a plurality of station modules. Sensitive electronic components in the station modules are thereby protected from damage. The robust ground path extends from conductors on circuit boards within the station modules through captive mounting screws to a metallic backplane and then through metallic grounding brackets within a pedestal enclosing the modules and the backplane. The grounding brackets are in turn grounded to both an earth ground stake and to a ground wire associated with the incoming one hundred and ten volt AC power.

A hybrid emitter of low discharge for water or solutions is inserted and welded into a pipe during the production phase. The hybrid emitter bears at its convex and cylindrical surface local protrusions that are covered completely from the pipe which is swelled locally. The water exits preferably from two nozzles that are created within the protrusions by the cutting-off of the tips, which protrusions protrude and after cutting-off, said nozzles eject the water almost cross-wise to two opposite directions and at short discrete distances left and right of the pipe. A method for welding of emitters and accessories into a pipe where the emitter or the hybrid one with or without protrusions on the outer surface, are inserted into the pipe during its production phase.

An irrigation management system which allows for modulation of the watering gradient along crop rows. The system may include dual drip lines which allow for selection of gradients based upon the time each of the dual lines is active. The system may utilize pressure sensitive valves which select drip lines based upon the inlet feed water pressure. The system may include drip emitters which modify flow rates based upon inlet feed water pressure.