US 12,290,065 B2
Systems and methods for irrigating agricultural fields
Jason J. Stoller, Eureka, IL (US)
Assigned to Precision Planting LLC, Tremont, IL (US)
Filed by Precision Planting LLC, Tremont, IL (US)
Filed on Feb. 23, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/652,214.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/153,127, filed on Feb. 24, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2022/0264860 A1, Aug. 25, 2022
Int. Cl. A01M 7/00 (2006.01); A01B 51/02 (2006.01); A01B 63/00 (2006.01); A01C 23/00 (2006.01)
CPC A01M 7/0085 (2013.01) [A01B 51/026 (2013.01); A01B 63/006 (2013.01); A01C 23/008 (2013.01); A01M 7/0014 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. 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.