Patent Publication Number: US-2021185945-A1

Title: Illuminated irrigation system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/951,445, filed Dec. 20, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Crop growth depends on four primary factors. Those factors are light, water, temperature, and nutrients. In the spring and fall, temperatures may still be warm enough to support crop growth. However, the lack of adequate sunlight can prevent crops from growing as well as in the summer months. The short days restrict the crops ability to remain in photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the natural process that occurs when plants use light energy and carbon dioxide to make the food they need to grow. Therefore, increasing the amount of time that the crops are exposed to light will increase the time period for photosynthesis. The more time that a crop is able to be in its photosynthetic stage, the greater the yield will be from that crop. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a center pivot irrigation system. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a lateral move irrigation system. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a light assembly mounted to a center pivot irrigation system. 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of a light assembly. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a light assembly. 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a light assembly extension. 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of a light assembly extension. 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart depicting a logic process for a light assembly. 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of a crop coverage area divided into one or more individual crop areas. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a center pivot irrigation system with varying levels of radiant flux. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED EMBODIMENTS 
     For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. One embodiment of the invention is shown in great detail; although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some features that are not relevant to the present invention may not be shown for the sake of clarity. 
       FIG. 1  shows an example of a center pivot type irrigation system  100 , the center pivot type irrigation system  100  has a pivot point  105 , one or more spans  110 , and one or more drive units  115 . 
     The pivot point  105  has one or more pivot legs  120 , a riser pipe  125 , and a control panel  130 . The pivot legs  120  serve to support the pivot point  105  and provide a solid base for the center point irrigation system  100 . The riser pipe  125  is connected to a first span  135  through a pivot swivel  140 . The riser pipe  125  serves to transport water from a source to the first span  135 . The control panel  130  is mounted to the pivot point  105 . The control panel  130  serves to command the center pivot irrigation system  100  to start, stop, move in reverse, and/or pump water. Optionally, the control panel  130  may command auxiliary equipment, such as lighting, to power on or off. 
     The control panel  130  further includes an irrigation wiring system  145 . The irrigation wiring system  145  runs from the control panel  130  through a J-pipe  150  and into a collector ring  155 . The collector ring  155  includes brass rings with contact brushes that allow for a continuous flow of electricity even as the machine rotates around the pivot point  105 . From the collector ring  155 , the irrigation wiring system  145  runs across the one or more spans  110  to one or more tower boxes  160 . The tower boxes  160  work to support and control the movement of the center pivot irrigation system  100 . The tower boxes  160  are configured to work with the one or more drive units  115  to control movement. 
     The drive units  115  include one or more span supports  165 , a drive motor  170 , a driveshaft  175 , and one or more wheels  180 . The span supports  165  serve to support the spans at or above the crop level. The drive motor  170  is commanded by the tower box  160  to move in a certain direction at a certain speed. The drive motor  170  spins the driveshaft  175  which in turn spins the one or more wheels  180 . The connection between the tower box  160  and the drive motor  170  keeps the irrigation system moving in the proper direction at a consistent speed. 
     The one or more spans  110 , including the first span  135 , have at least one supportive truss  185 . The supportive truss  185  serves to support the spans to reduce drooping as a result of the contained water. Furthermore, the supportive truss  185  works to maintain the integrity of the spans in the event of high winds or inclement weather. The one or more spans  110 , including the first span  135 , further include at least one sprinkler  190 . The sprinkler serves to distribute the water that is pumped through the riser pipe  125  to the spans  110 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a lateral move type irrigation system  200 . The lateral move type irrigation system  200  operates similarly to the center pivot type system discussed in  FIG. 1 . For ease of understanding the similar components will not be discussed in great detail, for reference see  FIG. 1 . 
     The lateral move type irrigation system  200  includes one or more spans  205  supported by one or more support structures  210 . Similar to  FIG. 1 , the spans  205  are supported by a truss system  215 . The truss system  215  serves to distribute the weight of the spans  205  when the system is operating and the spans  205  are full of water. Additionally, the truss system  215  adds durability to the irrigation system. This reduces the cost of maintenance and increases the life of the irrigation system. Located on the spans  205  are one or more sprinklers  220 . The one or more sprinklers  220  serve to distribute the water from inside the spans to the surrounding crops. 
     The support structures  210  serve to maintain the span height needed by supporting the spans  205 . The support structures  210  include one or more span supports  225 , a drive motor  230 , a drive shaft  235 , and one or more wheels  245 . The span supports  225  serve to provide a solid mounting location for the spans  205  and a control panel  250 . The control panel  250  serves as the location to power the irrigation system on or off and also to set the speed and direction of movement. To begin locomotion a command tower  240  sends a movement signal, indicating the speed and direction of movement, to the drive motor  230 . The drive motor  230  then begins to rotate the driveshaft  235 . The rotation of the driveshaft  235  in turn creates a rotation of the one or more wheels  245  which moves the irrigation system. In the lateral move system the command towers  240  communicate with one another in order to maintain consistency in the speed and direction of movement. This allows the irrigation system to move uniformly and avoid putting undue stress on the spans. 
     A distinction between the center pivot type irrigation system discussed in  FIG. 1  and the lateral move type irrigation system  200  is the method for obtaining water. The center pivot system has water pumped through the riser pipe  125  whereas the lateral move system must either drag a hose connected to a water source or have a water channel running parallel with the movement of the lateral move system to draw water from. 
       FIG. 3  shows one example of an illuminated irrigation system  300 . The illuminated irrigation system  300  shown in  FIG. 3  includes the center pivot type irrigation system  100  and a light assembly  305 . For the sake of clarity, the individual aspects of the center pivot irrigation system  100  will not be discussed again in great detail. Instead, see  FIG. 1  for a detailed explanation of the center pivot irrigation system. 
     The light assembly  305  includes one or more brackets  310 , one or more extensions  315 , and a light bar  320 . The bracket  310  is configured to surround the span  110  and attaches via clamping force. Descending from the bracket is the extension  315 . The extension  315  is variable along its length. For example, the extension may be set to allow for the light bar  320  to hang anywhere from 1-10 meters above the ground. In an example embodiment, the light bar  320  is hung approximately 3.5 meters above the ground. In another embodiment, the light bar  320  is hung approximately 3.5 meters above the top of the crop. At the end of the extension  315  opposite of the bracket  310  is the light bar  320 . The light bar  320  is generally connected to the extension  315 . However, the light  320  bar may optionally be connected directly to the brackets  310 . The light bar  320  includes multiple grow lights to aid in crop growth when sun exposure is low. The grow lights may be of the Light Emitting Diode (LED) type, the High Intensity Discharge (HID) type, the fluorescent type, and/or the plasma type. Light bar  320  is generally configured to emit light in a generally downward direction and may optionally include reflectors to divert light emitted in other directions in the generally downward direction. 
     The light assembly  305  is generally powered by the irrigation systems existing power grid. For example, a light assembly wire  325  is attached at one end to the control panel  330  and at the other end to the light bar  320 . This configuration allows for the light assembly  305  to be activated when the irrigation system is active. However, this configuration may be modified by the addition of a light timer  335 . The light timer  335  connects between the control panel  330  and the light assembly  305 . The light timer  335  serves to prevent the flow of power into the light assembly until a certain pre condition is met. For example, the sun sets at 6 PM and rises at 8 AM, the light timer  335  may be set to allow power flow from 6 PM to 8 AM when the sun is down. This increases the crops exposure to light and increases the time of photosynthesis. Additionally, multiple light assemblies  305  and light timers  335  may be connected together in order to cover multiple span lengths. 
     In a different configuration, the light assembly  305  may be powered independent of the irrigation system. For example, the light assembly wire  325  is attached at one end to the light assembly control panel  340  and at the other end to the light bar  320 . In this configuration, the light assembly does not rely on power from the control panel  330 . Additionally, logic may be implemented into the light assembly control panel  340  to monitor the environment for sunlight. When sunlight is not available the logic may command that power be applied to the light assembly  305 . In this configuration the light timers  335  are unnecessary and the process becomes more autonomous. 
     The light assembly of  FIG. 3  is shown in more detail in  FIG. 4 . The light assembly  305  includes the brackets  310 , the extensions  315 , and the light bar  320 . The bracket  310  is operationally coupled to the span  110  of the irrigation system. In another embodiment, the bracket  310  is operationally coupled to the supportive truss system  185 . Enclosed within the span  110  is a water pipe  405 . The water pipe  405  serves to transport and distribute water throughout the irrigation system. The bracket  310  may be in the form of a pipe clamp. Some options for the type of pipe clamp may be rigid clamps, adjustable clamps, cushioned clamps, and/or U-bolt clamps. Attached to the bracket  310  is the extension  315 . The extension  315  is adjustable in terms of length. For example, the extension may be set to allow for the light bar  320  to hang anywhere from 1-10 meters above the ground. In an example embodiment, the light bar is hung approximately 3.5 meters above the ground. Additionally, the extension  315  is able to be operationally coupled to another extension  315  in order to extend the operational length beyond that of a single extension component. 
     At the end of the extension  315  opposite the bracket  310  is the light bar  320 . The light bar  320  is generally connected to the extension  315 . However, the light  320  bar may optionally be connected directly to the brackets  310 . The light bar  320  includes one or more grow lights  410  to aid in crop growth when sun exposure is low. The grow lights  410  may be of the Light Emitting Diode (LED) type, the High Intensity Discharge (HID) type, the fluorescent type, and/or the plasma type. The grow lights  410  are contained inside of a light housing  415 . The light housing  415  serves to protect the grow lights  410  from inclement weather, debris, and to focus the emitted light in the intended direction. The light housing  415  may be made of a metallic or polymeric material and sized according to the individual needs of the user. For example, the light bar may be anywhere from 1-20 meters long depending on the application. 
     The light assembly of  FIG. 4  is shown in more detail in  FIG. 5 . The bracket  310  is secured around the span  110  by one or more fasteners  505 . The fasteners  505  serve to secure the bracket  310  on the span  110  by creating a clamping force. The fasteners  505  may be of any type. For example, the fasteners may be screws, bolts, welds, glues, magnets, clamps, and/or rivets. 
     Attached to the bracket  310  is the extension  315 . The extension  315  is adjustable in terms of length. For example, the extension may be set to allow for the light bar  320  to hang anywhere from 1-10 meters above the ground. In an example embodiment, the light bar is hung approximately 3.5 meters above the ground. Additionally, the extension  315  is able to be operationally coupled to another extension  315  in order to extend the operational length beyond that of a single extension component. The adjustability of the extension  315  is accomplished by one or more adjustment holes  510 . The adjustment holes  510  allow for the light bar  320  to be placed higher up towards the span  110  or lower down towards the crops. The adjustment of the light bar  320  allows for the optimal light exposure for the particular crops being grown. For example, placing the light bar  320  close to the top of the crops results in a very narrow coverage area. As a result, this creates an inefficient lighting system. However, placing the light bar  320  far from the top of the crops allows the light to disperse and lose strength. As a result, there is less light absorption by the crops and therefore less photosynthesis and growth. Therefore, adjusting the light bar  320  allows for the distance from the top of the crops to the light bar to be variable. This variability allows for ideal light exposure conditions to be created where the light bar  320  is close enough to the crops to supply additional light, but, also far enough from the crops to cover a broad area and remain efficient. 
     Moving to  FIG. 6  the extension  315  is shown in connection with a second extension  315  in order to increase the operational length. To combine multiple extensions, a process is completed as follows. A first extension  605  and a second extension  610  are adjusted to the intended operational length. The extensions are then further adjusted until the holes  510  of the first extension  605  and the second extension  610  are in alignment. Following the alignment of the holes  510 , one or more fasteners  615  are inserted through the holes  510  in order to secure the first extension  605  and the second extension  610  together. The fasteners  615  may be of any type. For example, the fasteners may be screws, bolts, welds, glues, magnets, clamps, and/or rivets. 
       FIG. 7  shows the extensions of  FIG. 6  from a front view. As shown in  FIG. 7  the first extension  605  and the second extension  610  are connected together by the fastener  615  in a sandwich configuration. The sandwich configuration allows the fastener  615  to exert a clamping force on the first extension  605  and the second extension  610 . This clamping force maintains the positioning of the extensions in the event of strong winds or other inclement weather. 
     An example of a logic flowchart  800  is shown in  FIG. 8 . The logic flowchart  800  gives an example of the operational logic behind the intended light assembly usage. The logic flowchart  800  has separate pathways for grow light applications and sprinkler applications. The individual pathways allow the grow lights and the sprinkler system to run independently of each other. For example, the logic begins with a step  805 . Step  805  tests power flow to see if the breaker is closed and allowing power into the irrigation system. If no power is entering the irrigation system then a step  810  commences. 
     If power is available, the irrigation system moves on to a step  815  and a step  820 . In step  815  the irrigation system tests for available sunlight. Testing for light may be done by using a light sensor. For example, photo-conductive cells may be used to determine if sunlight is available. Additionally, other types of light sensors may be used such as photo-emissive cells, photo-junction devices, and/or photo-voltaic cells. 
     If natural light is not available, the logic moves to a step  825 . Step  825  instructs the irrigation system power supply to apply power to the grow lights. The addition of the grow lights results in more light exposure for crops. The longer light exposure creates a longer period for photosynthesis and crop growth. 
     If natural light is available, the logic moves to a step  830 . Step  830  instructs the irrigation system power supply to withhold power from the grow lights. Withholding power from the grow lights during times where natural light is available prevents wasted electricity. Additionally, withholding power saves costs in electricity and wear and tear on the light assembly equipment. 
     In step  820 , the irrigation system tests for proper soil moisture levels. Testing soil moisture levels may be done using tensiometers and resistance or neutron probe methods. Additionally, some irrigation systems are set on a timer. The timer starts the water flow and irrigation based on a constant time of day or week. 
     If the soil is not moist, the logic moves to a step  835 . Step  835  instructs the water pump to begin working to force water through the spans of the irrigation system and out of the sprinklers. The sprinklers then move over the crop area and moisten the ground to the proper levels. The added moisture gives the crops the water needed for growth and increases yield. 
     If the soil is moist, the logic moves to a step  840 . Step  840  instructs the water pump power supply to withhold power from the water pump. Withholding power from the water pump, during times where the crops have already been watered by rain or other means, prevents over watering. Additionally, withholding power from the water pump, when not needed, creates a more efficient system. The more efficient system saves money in operation costs, electricity, and wear and tear on the pump and associated equipment. 
     The separation of the logic for the operation of the grow lights and the sprinklers allows for the independent operation of each. For example, the sprinkler system may not be running, but, the grow lights may be on. In another example, the sprinkler system may be running, but, the grow lights may be off. In yet another example, both the sprinkler system and the grow light may be operating. This flexibility allows for the systems to operate in the most efficient manner possible in order to maximize the crops growth potential. 
       FIG. 9  depicts a crop coverage area  900  that is broken up into sections. In this example, the crop coverage area  900  is broken into sections based on the span locations. However, in other embodiments the crop coverage area  900  may be broken into sections based on crop type, section area, and/or natural environmental factors. 
     The crop areas can be calculated using a simple equation. For a first crop area  905 , the equation used is A=pi*r 2  where A is area, pi is a constant, and r is radius. However, when calculating the areas surrounding the first crop area  905 , a different equation should be used. The equation for a second crop area  915  and subsequent areas is A=pi*(r 2   2 −r 1   2 ) where A is area, pi is a constant, r 2  is the radius from the center to the outer rim of the second crop area  915 , and r 1  is the radius from the center to the outer rim of the first crop area  905 . 
     In this example, each crop area is covered by a corresponding span. For example, the first crop area  905  is covered by a first span  910 , the second crop area  915  is covered by a second span  920 , a third crop area  925  is covered by a third span, and a fourth crop area  935  is covered by a fourth span  940 . It should be appreciated that any number of spans may be connected to achieve the length needed to cover the crop area. For example, anywhere from 1-100 spans may be connected together to reach the required length. 
     As a result of the difference in crop areas, due to different distances from a pivot point, different levels of radiant flux (light intensity/radiant energy emitted per unit time) may be necessary in order to provide consistent growth conditions in each crop area. In the illustrated example, the first crop area  905  is smaller than the fourth crop area  935 . As should be appreciated, a smaller crop area will not require as much radiant flux as will a larger crop area. To create different levels of radiant flux, one or more light assemblies and/or light assemblies with different radiant flux output may be mounted to individual spans. 
       FIG. 10  shows an example of an irrigation system with varying levels of radiant flux  1000 . As discussed previously in  FIG. 9 , different crop areas may have a need for different light intensities to achieve optimal growth conditions. Generally, as the length of the irrigation system grows longer the area covered by each span section grows larger. The result is a need for greater radiant flux with each span distance away from the pivot point  105  to obtain similar radian flux compared to closer span sections. Shown in  FIG. 10  is a method of maintaining the optimal radiant flux by adding or subtracting light assemblies  305 . For example, the first span  135  has a first radiant flux  1005  that corresponds to the area covered by the first span  135 . The span  110  that follows the first span  135  has a second radiant flux  1010  that is greater than the first radiant flux  1005 . The larger radiant flux corresponds to the larger area and maintains the optimal grow conditions. The subsequent span  110  has a third radiant flux  1015  that corresponds to the greater area and continues to maintain the optimal grow conditions. It should be appreciated that the light assemblies  305  are removable and may be added or removed as the situation warrants in order to maintain the optimal grow conditions. 
     In another example, the radiant flux may optionally be controlled by regulating the power flow into the light assembly  305 . Modulating the radiant flux by regulating the power flow would allow for a uniform number of light assemblies  305  while still controlling the light output. In a further example, the radiant flux may be regulated by using different light sources. For example, one light bar  320  may be of the LED type while another light bar  320  may be of the HID type. In yet another example, the radiant flux may be regulated by using light sources with different radiant flux output (power). 
     It should be noted that the methods described in  FIGS. 9 and 10  generally pertain only to center pivot type irrigation systems. With the lateral move type irrigation system the area covered is uniform and as a result a uniform radiant flux is generally preferred.