The present invention provides a system and method for using a small, wireless gyroscopic sensor to monitor end gun operations. Further, the present invention provides a system and method for using an accelerometer to detect vibrations at the end gun. According to further preferred embodiments, the present invention includes a diagnostic application which receives gyroscopic sensor data and accelerometer data. The diagnostic applications of the present invention preferably include logic and threshold limits which are applied to the received data. The present system preferably provides notifications and warnings based on detected changes in rotational motion, orientation changes and vibration levels in and around the end gun.

A yoke assembly for receiving a shaft, the yoke assembly including a main section including a pair of planar surfaces and a shoulder portion; and a subsidiary section with a pair of planar surfaces extending between a proximal wall and a distal wall. The subsidiary section is configured and arranged to be seated and securely attached to the first main section such that the proximal wall of the subsidiary section opposes the shoulder portion of the main section, and the pair of planar surfaces of the main section oppose the pair of planar surfaces of the subsidiary section. The main section and the subsidiary section are configured and arranged to be joined together to form a receiving aperture therebetween.

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.

A wheel assembly includes a collapsible wheel and an airless flexible tire mounted on the wheel. The wheel includes a central portion and a plurality of circumferentially spaced mounting elements attached to the central portion. Each of the mounting elements is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, and may be pivotally attached to the central portion of the wheel and configured to pivot between the retracted position and the extended position. The tire may be positioned on the wheel when one or more of the mounting elements is in the retracted position, and the one or more mounting elements are moved to the extended position wherein the mounting elements engage and support the tire.

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. According to a further preferred embodiment, the application of the DC current is applied immediately after the motive power is removed from the drive motor and the application of non-motive power brakes and prevents the drive shaft from turning until the DC current is removed.

An irrigation system grounding strap including an adjustable lap-joint band clamp attachable to a wheel support lateral member of an irrigation system end tower with a flat braided copper wire strap having one end attached to the band clamp and an opposite end having a ground body, such as a flat washer, attached thereto that makes ground contact when the irrigation system is operating to dissipate electrical charges produced by a short circuit in the electric drive motor on a lateral wheel support member of an end tower of the irrigation system.

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.

Crop input application systems, methods and apparatus are provided. In some embodiments, an irrigation system is provided with a reel in fluid communication with a liquid source. In some embodiments, a drop assembly is incorporated in an irrigation system. In some embodiments, a crop applicator system includes a reel positioned between adjacent rows of crop.

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.

A pipe liner for lining a fluid-carrying pipe, the pipe liner comprising an elongated flexible conduit and a flexible flange. The flexible conduit includes an outer wall forming an open-ended central channel for allowing fluids to be pumped therethrough. The flexible flange extends radially from one end of the elongated conduit and includes a number of fastener holes. The flexible conduit and the flexible flange are configured to be collapsed and pulled through the pipe such that the flexible flange can be connected to a rigid flange of the pipe via the fastener holes. The pipe liner is less prone to leak and is easier to transport and install.