Abstract: An overhead irrigation system and a method of controlling it whereby a main irrigation pipe, supported on towers, is moved laterally across a field. The towers at the extremities of the pipe are independently driven while the remaining towers move in response to misalignment between pipe segments caused by the motion of the outside towers. Proper overall direction of the system is maintained by a path sensor which detects deviation from the designated path and corrects it by slowing down the tower at the end toward which the correction is required, thereby causing the entire unit to pivot about a point on or beyond and in line with the end of the unit. Two-way misalignment sensors are capable of propagating a path correction signal along the entire length of the unit and in either direction. An engine, generator and pump are mounted in a sling support hung from the pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying water or other fluids from a stationary pipe to a moving pipe. The stationary supply conduit has a seam which can be opened and closed somewhat in the fashion of a zipper. An extractor is located inside the supply conduit and has a riser portion which protrudes through an opening in the seam. The extractor is moveable along the length of the supply conduit. Seam opening means create an aperture as the riser approaches while closing means are provided to refasten the seam after the riser has passed. Fluid seals isolate the seam opening from the fluid being carried. The extractor rides on spherical rollers and can include an evacuator tube which removes any water seeping through the seals.

Abstract: A center pivot irrigation system and a method of operating it whereby noncircular areas outside of the circle described by the center pivot, for example the corners of a square field, may be irrigated. An extension is connected to the outermost tower of the main pipeline by an offset so that sprinkler units on the extension may be operated to irrigate the corners of the field when the extension is rotated.

Abstract: The adjacent extremities of two lengths of irrigation pipe are axially aligned in a spaced relationship within a longitudinally split, bolt closed coupler sleeve. The coupler sleeve has a diameter greater than that of the pipes and contains a one-piece sealing boot therein which sealably embraces the ends of the irrigation pipe. An open gimbal ring medially surrounds the coupler sleeve in a diametrically spaced relationship with respect thereto. Bracket members are mounted on the opposite sides of each pipe extremity in a longitudinally spaced relationship with respect to the coupler sleeve and a pair of arms extend from each bracket member to opposite pivotal connections with the gimbal ring, the axes of the pivotal connections of one pair being circumferentially spaced on said gimbal ring at 90.degree. from the pivotal connections of the other pair to enable the pipe lengths to freely, relatively and arcuately swing in any desired direction.

Abstract: This is concerned with a center pivot irrigation system made up of a series of pipe units flexibly interconnected end to end and supported by a series of towers which may be self-propelled with a coupling between adjacent sections which allows each section to rotate freely about its own axis relative to the other sections with substantial angulation between adjacent pipe sections in both a vertical direction and a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A gear box having an extended hub or nose is disclosed herein which is adapted for use on a self-propelled, center pivot irrigation system. The gear box includes a housing, an input shaft extending thereinto, and an output shaft extending outwardly therefrom at a right angle to the input shaft. A gear means in the housing connects the input and output shafts. The housing is mounted on the drive frame of the system with the outer end of the output shaft being connected to a drive wheel which is mounted on the drive frame. The output shaft has a sufficient length so that clearance is provided between the input shaft and the tire on the drive wheel. An extended hub is secured to the housing and extends outwardly therefrom to support the outer end of the output shaft closely adjacent the center of the load imposed on the drive wheel.Generally speaking, center pivot irrigation systems employ a plurality of wheeled support towers which are secured to and spaced along the length of the water distribution pipe.