AU699456B2 - A travelling irrigator monitoring alert system - Google Patents

Description

P100/0 11 f~t~ A I P AUSTRALIA I.M.IN Patents Act 1990 Original Complete Specification Standard Patent Invention Title K 1 rTCA\ 'Cj -LC\cv'r+f -or V\o0^j r Cv P/o00/011 Regulation 3.2 jn The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing known to me:i This invention relates to improvements and a unique adaptation in electronic and nechanical devices to alert farmers/mnnagers of difficulties or stoppages in travelling irrigators.

1 It is desirable to maintain efficient management of water, prevention of soil erosion a a ate 'a C prevention of soil wash and to maintain critical timetables to ensure entire paddocks receive even amounts of water while reducing the stress and time pressures on the farmer/manager in monitoring travelling irrigation systems.

This invention monitors the continuing operation of the travelling irrigator to a preset timetable enabling the farner/manager without the physical presence of that person, to ensure the travelling irrigator is functioning properly, i.e. that the irrigator has not bogged in mud or ceased movement resulting in overwatering of a portion of the paddock with resulting soil erosion and wash problems or preventing insufficient time to water the entire paddock in a consistent and prescribed manner.

This invention monitors the lack of progress of the travelling irrigator without the physical presence of the farner/manager, initiates a signal to alert the farmer/manager of interruptions and may have an optional feature which shuts off a diesel or electric pump as well as alerting the farmer/nanager.

The alert signal has a range of 1500 hectares allowing the farmer/nanager to supervise an irrigation program while being a sufficient distance away and/or undertaking other uties.

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w FF I I ,i -i.iin,- 1n .*rij.t i 11 a i- I- m Invention Title rc~~or(oit,*or-CjIr 41,9r+ S S~ STATEMENT OF FULL DESCRIPTION OF ZNVENTION Page 2 The invention can send signals to be received by telephone installation, UHF base stations and installations in motor vehicles as well as pager programmed to pick up the signal allowing the system to be tailored to the needs of the farmer/manager.

The invention, comprising magnetic sensors mounted on a backing plate and an adapted protective drum which breaks signals with the rotation of the wheel as the magnetic sensor passes a stationary electronic sensor connected to a circuit board which includes a timing device, capable of being preset to a time limit of 1-10 minutes. If the signal break is not received within the pre-determined time period a further signal is sent from the timer to a transmitter or telephone dialler to alert the farmer/manager by telephone, UHF bast station or pagers programmed to pick up th signal, the Y-a ray also be used to shut off a diesel or electric water .Jp device. The invention also includes the arrangement of e.Lect-. i c transmitters, battery and charger components mounteA Irto a waterproof plastic housing which can be mounted on the _velling irrigator.

To assist with u'iderstanding the invenion, reference will now *be made to the accompanying drawings.

Diagram 1 shows part of the sta o a-.Al unit including the magnetic sensr.s ioucrted on the protective drum the backing plate and the sensor mounts which are mounted to the stub e>zi.

Diagram 2 shows the stub axel mounts.

STATEMENT OF FULL DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION Page 3 Diagram 3 shows the circuit board marked Pulse Sensor PCB which includes the timing device within the integrated circuit Diagram 4 shows the industrial casing and the component parts contained within the waterproof unit. This unit is sealed with rubber seals and mounted to the travelling irrigator.

As Diagram 1 represents the magnetic sensors are mounted on a protective drum and a backing plate connected to the stub axle.

The magnetic sensors short circuit the electronic sensor which breaks the signal to ground with the rotation of the wheel, instead of maintaining the continuous signal to the Pulse PCB/NE555 shown in Diagram 3 and housed in a waterproof plastic unit shown in Diagram 4.

The circuit board includes a timing device shown in detail in Diagram 3 which is pre-set to send a further signal if a break signal from the electronic sensor is not received within a predetermined time limit of 1 to 10 minutes. If a further signal is received from the magnetic sensor within the time limit, no :9:warning is sent and the timer is reset.

If the break signal is not given within predetermined time limits it means that the travelling irrigator has ceased moving and a :signal is sent from the timer to the transmitter (commercially available) through the alarm input.

Each transmitter is individually tuned to a base unit, mobile unit or pager.

In the case where a telecom dialler is installed in the unit (in place of a transmitter) it dials a predetermined number connecting it to the installation of choice.

rt STATEMENT OF FULL DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION Page 4 The unit's power source is D.C. derived from a 12 volt battery built into unit as shown in Diagram 4. It is coupled with a battery monitor (comtmercially available) to warn of low power levels or complete charge. The battery and a charger connects to a mains supply when the unit is not in use.

An alternate solar power supply is also available to charge the battery when the unit is not in use.

The unit is water proofed using an industrial plastic housing, (300mm x 200mm x 150mm) utilising rubber seals to protect the electronic components see Diagram 4.