Center pivot irrigation system diagnostic tool

{
  "publication_number": "US2009309693A1",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "A1",
  "title": "Center pivot irrigation system diagnostic tool",
  "abstract": "A diagnostic tool for an agricultural field irrigation system that has a control panel including at least depressible operating switches for controlling the operation of the system includes a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver and an actuator. The wireless transmitter is configured to selectively encode and transmit an encoded signal, and the wireless receiver is configured to receive and decode the encoded signal, and provide an output signal to activate the actuator. The actuator is operatively connected to the wireless receiver, and is configured to be removably secured to the control panel. The actuator activates at least one of the system operating switches in response to receipt of the output signal from the receiver.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A diagnostic tool for an agricultural field irrigation system that has a control panel including at least depressible operating switches for controlling the operation of the system, said tool comprising: a wireless transmitter, said transmitter being configured to selectively encode and transmit an encoded signal; a wireless receiver configured to receive said encoded signal, decode said signal and provide an output signal; and an actuator operatively connected to said wireless receiver and being configured to be removably secured to the control panel and actuate at least one of the system operating switches, wherein said wireless receiver provides said output signal to said actuator upon receipt of said encoded signal, and said actuator activates the irrigation system in response to receipt of said output from said receiver.",
    "2. The diagnostic tool of claim 1, wherein said actuator comprises a solenoid with a ferromagnetic plunger.",
    "3. The diagnostic tool of claim 2, wherein said plunger has a predetermined throw distance.",
    "4. The diagnostic tool of claim 1, wherein said actuator is removably mounted on a control panel of the irrigation system.",
    "5. The diagnostic tool of claim 4, wherein said actuator is mounted on the control panel using one or more magnets.",
    "6. The diagnostic tool of claim 5, wherein the tool is mounted to the control panel using two magnets located on opposite sides of said actuator.",
    "7. The diagnostic tool of claim 4, wherein said actuator is mounted on the control panel using releasable adhesive.",
    "8. The diagnostic tool of claim 4, wherein said actuator is mounted on the control panel using one or more suction cups.",
    "9. The diagnostic tool of claim 1, wherein said transmitter comprises a radio frequency transmitter.",
    "10. The diagnostic tool of claim 1, further comprising a direct current power source providing power to said wireless receiver and said actuator.",
    "11. A method of remotely operating an irrigation system having a control panel that includes at least depressible operating switches for controlling the operation of the system using a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver, and an actuator, the method comprising the steps of: the wireless transmitter encoding a signal using a predetermined code in response to a button press from a user and transmitting said encoded signal; the wireless receiver receiving said encoded signal and decoding said signal using said predetermined code; the wireless receiver transmitting an output signal to the actuator; and the actuator actuating at least one of the system operating switches in response to receiving said output signal.",
    "12. The method of claim 10, wherein said actuating step causes the irrigation system to begin operation.",
    "13. The method of claim 10, wherein said actuating step causes the irrigation system to halt operation."
  ],
  "cpc": [
    "G08C 17/02"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "LOEFFLER JUSTIN MICHAEL",
    "VANDERWEY CLINT JAMES"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2008-06-11",
  "publication_date": "2009-12-17",
  "priority_date": "2008-06-11",
  "application_number": "US-15747408-A",
  "family_id": "41414208",
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}