Pivot monitor and controller
View Patent ↗An improved pivot monitor is described that allows for adjusting the speed of a center pivot at a field edge without requiring the use of multiple speed tables. Specifically, an improved pivot monitor is described that utilizes a distance from edge and adjustment factor to implement different approach and exit speeds of a center pivot at a field edge. Additionally, the improved pivot monitor is capable of limiting the adjustments within a specified speed limit.
1. A pivot controller for implementing an approach speed and an exit speed at a field edge of a center pivot, said pivot controller comprising:
a specified speed setting;
a field adjustment settings for determining the approach speed and the exit speed at the field edge; and
an application processor with memory for storing said specified speed and said field adjustment settings.
2. The pivot controller of claim 1 , wherein said field adjustment settings comprise:
a distance from edge setting; and
an adjustment factor.
3. The pivot controller of claim 2 , wherein said field adjustment settings further comprise:
a minimum speed setting; and
a maximum speed setting.
4. The pivot controller of claim 1 , wherein said application processor comprises:
instructions for determining if said center pivot is located within an adjustment zone;
instructions for determining said approach speed; and
instructions for determining said exit speed.
5. The pivot controller of claim 4 , wherein instructions for determining said approach speed comprise:
instructions for determining a maximum adjustment factor based on said specified speed;
instructions for limiting said field adjustment settings based on the maximum adjustment factor.
6. The pivot controller of claim 1 , wherein the specified speed setting is a constant speed for an entire field.
7. The pivot controller of claim 1 , wherein the specified speed setting is from a speed table comprising two or more speed settings for different areas of a field.
8. The pivot controller of claim 2 , wherein said adjustment factor represents a percentage for a total amount of water to be applied that is distributed between said approach speed and said exit speed.