Systems and methods for irrigating agricultural fields
AssigneePrecision Planting LLC
InventorJason J. Stoller
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system for irrigating an agricultural field includes a high-clearance vehicle (e.g., a sprayer vehicle) and a hose configured to connect an external water source to the high-clearance vehicle while the high-clearance vehicle traverses the agricultural field. A method for irrigating an agricultural field includes connecting an external water source to a high-clearance vehicle by a hose, and dispensing water from the nozzles of the high-clearance vehicle while the external water source remains connected thereto and while the high-clearance vehicle traverses the agricultural field.
Claims20
A system for irrigating an agricultural field, comprising:
- a high-clearance vehicle, the high-clearance vehicle comprising:
- a chassis supported by at least extendible one axle;
- a first wheel carried by a first height-adjustable wheel support structure, the first wheel support structure comprising a first hub, at least one strut bar connecting the first hub to the at least one axle, and an actuator configured to change a height of the chassis relative to the first wheel;
- a second wheel carried by a second height-adjustable wheel support structure, the second wheel support structure comprising a second hub, at least one strut bar connecting the second hub to the at least one axle, and an actuator configured to change a height of the chassis relative to the second wheel;
- wherein the at least one axle is configured to define an adjustable track width between the first wheel and the second wheel;
- an operator cab carried by the chassis;
- a liquid tank carried by the chassis;
- at least one boom carried by the chassis, the at least one boom comprising a plurality of nozzles in fluid communication with the liquid tank;
- a prime mover carried by the chassis and configured to drive rotation of the first wheel and the second wheel;
- a steering system comprising a steering wheel coupled to the first and second wheel support structures, the steering system configured to change a direction of the first and second wheel support structures;
- at least one sensor configured to detect a property of the agricultural field or vegetation therein;
- and
- wherein the first and second wheel support structures are configured to change a height of the chassis relative to the first and second wheels;
- and
- a hose configured to connect an external water source to the high-clearance vehicle while the high-clearance vehicle traverses the agricultural field.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.