Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three-sided culvert includes prestressing tendons in the culvert form. A series of prestressing tendons are secured within a form adapted for casting a concrete culvert having three orthogonal sides. The prestressing tendons are utilized in the top slab of the three-sided culvert and are positioned within the form prior to the pouring of concrete therein. Reinforcing steel can be eliminated along with the costs associated therewith and a culvert configuration can be provided with enhanced strength and improved material properties. Such culverts may thus be provided in modular form for placement upon foundations at remote locations for the creation of bridges, drainage areas and the like.

Abstract: Method of producing a calcium nitrate composition, and the resulting composition, for use as a accelerator for time of set for portland cement in concrete and mortars comprising the steps of reacting a calcium ammonium nitrate hydrate composition with a tri- or tetramethylolglycoluril (TMGU) to crosslink with and convert the ammonia present therein into non-reactive, water-soluble components which exist in an aqueous medium at selected conditions of time, temperature, and pH.

Abstract: A conveyor frame and conveyor roll assembly comprising spaced conveyor frame elements defining opposed, noncircular axle receiver slots or openings, as the case may be. A conveyor roll and axle assembly includes a conveyor axle formed of cylindrical stock, such as tubing, and having the extremities thereof formed to a noncircular configuration adapted to be received in nonrotatable relation by the axle receiver slots or openings and defining a cylindrical intermediate portion having stop surfaces at each extremity thereof. Bearings are provided having inner and outer bearing races and rotatable bearings therebetween. The inner race of each of the bearings is received in nonrotatable relation with the noncircular extremities of the conveyor roll axle and is adapted to be engaged by the stop surfaces of the axle to limit axle movement relative thereto.

Abstract: A linearly movable irrigation system, according to the present invention, may include a plurality of interconnected power driven irrigation spans supporting a water supply conduit, which sections are capable of moving over a land area and depositing a controlled amount of water thereon. At one extremity of the irrigation system may be provided a steerable and powered mover unit that accepts water from a water supply system and conducts it to the overhead irrigation pipe under sufficient pressure to cause proper distribution of water through sprinkler devices located along the length of the irrigation conduit. A power driven pump may be supported by the steerable mover unit in order to pressurize or provide boosting pressure for the water received from the water supply. The steerable mover unit is adapted to steerably move in proximity to an elongated reference which may be straight or curved as desired.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, irrigation pipe couplings for movable irrigation systems may include a spherical coupling structure that allows articulation of sections of the irrigation pipe during operation of the irrigation system. A sealing element is provided that maintains a positive seal when the various sections of irrigation pipe of the irrigation system are static or are moving. The internal and external components of the coupling structure and the sealing element of each of the couplings cooperate in such manner that the sealing elements are easily and quickly replaceable should they become worn or damaged. It is not necessary to cause longitudinal separation of the sections of irrigation pipe to which the coupling structures are affixed in order to achieve replacement of the sealing element.

Abstract: Irrigation sprinkling apparatus according to the present invention may include structural means for supporting at least a portion of a mobile sprinkling apparatus that is adapted in use for rotation about a fixed point for irrigating a generally circular ground area. Each of the mobile base structures for the irrigation apparatus will include ground contacting elements such as wheels, tracks or other devices that serve to propel the respective mobile base over the land area during irrigation operations. Each of the ground contacting elements is supported for rotation relative to the respective portion of the mobile base to which it is connected and is positionable in an operating position that substantially establishes an arcuate track about said fixed point during irrigation operations and is rotatable substantially 90.degree. from said operating position for allowing substantially linear movement of said irrigation sprinkling apparatus.

Abstract: A universal coupling for irrigation pipes that are incorporated into continuously movable land surface irrigation systems may incorporate pipe sections having extremities that are adapted to be positioned one within the other. A connector projection extends from one of the pipe sections and is adapted to be received within a connection aperture defined in the opposite one of the pipe sections upon assembly of the pipe sections. The coupling has a load bearing capability which is promoted by one of the extremities of each one of the pipe sections being supported directly by a mobile tower which the opposite extremity thereof bears upon the supported extremity of the adjacent pipe section, thereby causing both of the pipe sections to be supported one relative to the other. At least one of the extremities of one of the pipe sections is formed to allow substantially vertical movement of the opposite pipe section during assembly and disassembly thereof.

Abstract: A linearly movable irrigation system, according to the present invention, may include a plurality of interconnected power driven irrigation sections supporting a water supply conduit which sections are capable of moving over a land area and depositing a controlled amount of water thereon. At one extremity of the irrigation system may be provided a mobile power and control unit that accepts water from a water supply system and conducts it to the overhead irrigation pipe under sufficient pressure to cause proper distribution of water through sprinkler devices located along the length of the irrigation conduit. A power driven pump may be supported by the power and control unit in order to pressurize or provide boosting pressure for the water received from the water supply. The power and control unit is adapted to move in proximity to an elongated reference which may be straight or curved as desired.

Abstract: Self propelled sprinkling irrigation apparatus according to the present invention includes an elongated pipe line for transporting water which pipe line includes a plurality of interconnected pipe spans each having sprinkler mechanisms carried thereby for distribution of the water. A pair of tension elements is provided for each pipe span, the tension elements being connected adjacent the extremities of each pipe span. A plurality of pair of load supporting elements are spaced along each of the pipe spans, the load supporting elements being interposed between the pipe and the tension elements and additionally are disposed in substantially normal relation to the respective pipe span and tension element. A transverse brace is interposed between each of the pairs of load supporting elements and maintains the load supporting elements in stabilized diverging relation.