Nonlinear sensor for center pivot drive control system
US4149570A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 27, 1977 |
| Grant date | Apr 17, 1979 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 27, 1997 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01G25/092
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention discloses an improvement in angularity sensors employed in center pivot irrigation systems. A center pivot irrigation system has a plurality of self-propelled articulating span units mounting interconnected sections of water carrying conduit, each span unit has motor means and motor control means for regulating the operation of the associated motor means to maintain the span units in a pre-determined relative alignment in a vertical plane revolving about a vertical line at the center pivot of the system. The control means has angularlity sensor means which is connected between span units for sensing in a substantially horizontal plane changes in angularity between the span units relative to the desired revovling vertical plane. According to the present invention, the angularity sensor means incorporates a flexible control rod connected to an actuator rod of the motor control means allowing linear actuation of the motor control means over a first portion of travel of the control rod and being rotatably stopped at a free end thereof to cause flexure of the control rod and, thereby, non-linear actuation of the motor control means over a second portion of the move…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.