Patent classifications
A01G25/162
Decoder systems and methods for irrigation control
An irrigation system comprises an irrigation controller that receives user input and provides a power signal and command and message data to an encoder. The encoder encodes the command and message data onto the power signal to provide a data encoded power waveform that is sent over a two-wire path. The irrigation system further comprises one or more decoders in communication with the two-wire path to receive the data encoded power waveform and one or more irrigation valves in communication with the one or more decoders. The data encoded power waveform provides power to the decoders and the decoders decode the command and message data from the data encoded power waveform to control the irrigation valves according to the user input.
Surge irrigation system and method of use
A surge irrigation system with one or more valve location units configured for location at a flood irrigation valve assembly. Each valve location unit has an elongate linkage with a rod configured to rotatably open and close a flood irrigation valve assembly with a powered actuator. A control unit is connected to the powered actuator and configured to wirelessly receive instructions to operate the powered actuator. Various embodiments also implement a base station to relay information and/or instructions between valve location units and a user. A user may control the system through, for example, a mobile device interface. Embodiments of the invention may also include moisture sensors configured to provide feedback to the system. A method of using the surge irrigation system is also disclosed.
IRRIGATION SYSTEM WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSITIONING ANCILLARY IRRIGATION SPAN
An irrigation system and method are provided and include a primary irrigation system operative to rotate for irrigating an irrigation coverage area. An ancillary irrigation span is hingedly connected to a distal end of the primary irrigation system, the ancillary irrigation span being operative to automatically transition from a first configuration trailing movement of the distal end of the primary irrigation system to a second configuration leading movement of the distal end of the primary irrigation system to allow irrigation in areas outside a path of travel of the irrigation system, for example, corners of a crops field or to allow the irrigation system to irrigate near and around obstacles in the area of irrigation.
IRRIGATION SPRINKLER IDENTIFICATION
A sprinkler includes a base having an interior cavity, a fluid flow path extending through the interior cavity, a valve, a nozzle head, a motorized rotator, memory containing a sprinkler identification code that uniquely identifies the sprinkler, and a transmitter. The valve includes a valve body and a valve element configured to move relative to the valve body to various positions to control a water flow through the fluid flow path. The nozzle head is supported by the base and includes at least one nozzle configured to discharge water received through the fluid flow path. The motorized rotator is configured to rotate the nozzle head about an axis. The transmitter is contained in the interior cavity and configured to wirelessly broadcast the sprinkler identification code.
DECODER SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IRRIGATION CONTROL
An irrigation system comprises an irrigation controller that receives user input and provides a power signal and command and message data to an encoder. The encoder encodes the command and message data onto the power signal to provide a data encoded power waveform that is sent over a two-wire path. The irrigation system further comprises one or more decoders in communication with the two-wire path to receive the data encoded power waveform and one or more irrigation valves in communication with the one or more decoders. The data encoded power waveform provides power to the decoders and the decoders decode the command and message data from the data encoded power waveform to control the irrigation valves according to the user input.