Valmont Industries, Inc.

The present invention provides a system and method which includes a machine learning module which analyzes data collected from one or more sources such as UAVs, satellites, span mounted crop sensors, direct soil sensors and climate sensors. According to a further preferred embodiment, the machine learning module preferably creates sets of field objects from within a given field and uses the received data to create a predictive model for each defined field object based on detected characteristics from each field object within the field.

An adjustable height irrigation span system to improve water distribution across diverse terrains and crop heights. This system includes a flexible joint assembly connecting at least a first and second irrigation span. The flexible joint assembly preferably allows at least one degree of freedom and preferably further includes an adjustable turnbuckle assembly for height modification.

An improved irrigation system includes a central roll form beam assembly supporting a central hose connected between multiple connection modules. According to a preferred embodiment, the irrigation system includes multiple tower assemblies that support the central roll form beam assembly. The central hose preferably runs within a central channel and between connecting nozzles. According to further preferred embodiments, the first and second connecting nozzles preferably each include multiple arms that extend over the walls of the beam assembly to secure each connecting nozzle to the beam assembly.

Cellular base station antenna concealments, such as palm and tree concealments, utilize artificial branches with nonmetallic (e.g., polymeric) fasteners to avoid loose metal-to-metal connections to mitigate the generation of passive intermodulation (PIM) interference by the branches. Representative embodiments include “palm concealments” with low-PIM artificial palm fronds, and “tree concealments” with low-PIM artificial tree branches. That is, “low-PIM fronds” and “low-PIM tree branches” are two representative examples of “low-PIM branches” illustrating representative embodiments of the invention. The low-PIM palm frond includes a nonmetallic (e.g., polymeric) fasteners and sleeve positioned between a metal frond shaft and a metal frond receiver. The low-PIM tree branch includes nonmetallic (e.g., polymeric) fasteners as the only low-PIM isolators added to conventional tree branch assemblies to avoid PIM generation by the tree branch assembly.

A sensor and spray cable system to provide irrigation and crop treatments to targeted areas beneath and around an irrigation machine. According to a first preferred embodiment, the present invention includes one or more irrigation trolleys which are propelled with and/or along one or more transport cables. The irrigation trolleys include controllers, sensors and irrigation sprayers which work together to apply applicants to discrete areas of a given field.

An exterior-installable poly coupler system for use in irrigation systems. According to a first preferred embodiment, the poly-coupler system of the present invention includes a main coupler body and a coupler insert which are engineered to allow installation from the exterior of the pipe. According to a further preferred embodiment, the main coupler body of the present invention preferably includes a head with internal ratchet teeth and a lower section with tapered segments. According to a further preferred embodiment, the coupler insert of the present invention preferably may include an insert head, an insertion stem, and a flange with ratchet pawls for secure engagement.

The present invention provides a system and method for analyzing sensor data related to an irrigation system. According to a preferred embodiment, the system includes algorithms for analyzing real-time, near real-time and historical data acquired from sensors in communication with a mechanized irrigation machine. Further, the algorithms of the present invention system may analyze collected sensor data to determine if an event has occurred or is predicted to occur. Further, the algorithms of the present invention may provide commands to an irrigation machine and notifications to users. According to further aspects of the present invention, the algorithms of the present invention may preferably apply machine learning and other data analysis tools to detect maintenance patterns, geographic trends, environmental trends, and to provide predictive analysis for future events.

The present invention provides a system and method for controlling oscillations within an irrigation span assembly. According to a preferred embodiment, a preferred method may include the steps of: detecting a start/stop event input for a first drive tower within a first time period at a first span location; detecting accelerometer data at the first span location within the first time period; processing accelerometer data to identify any oscillations at the first span location by the first span during the first time period; determining whether a detected oscillation is within a predetermined threshold; and programming a solid state relay timer to add an incremented delay to additional start/stop event inputs.

A gearbox case which includes a gear cavity breather device contained within the gearbox case to allow pressure equalization between the interior gearbox cavity and the external environment, while ensuring lubricant is kept in the gearbox. According to a preferred embodiment, the breather device contained within gearbox case may be formed as a spring-loaded ball valve to ensure external contaminants are kept out of the gearbox while allowing air to pass.