Abstract: A high-volume sprinkler head includes a barrel with a nozzle; a fixed portion and a relatively movable portion adapted for pivoting movement relative to the fixed portion. The barrel is mounted on an upper support base rotatable on a lower stationary base in opposite directions through an arc about a vertical axis. A fluid-operated actuator pivots the relatively movable portion of the barrel relative to the fixed portion of the barrel between first and second reaction angles that cause the barrel and the annular upper support base to rotate in opposite directions, about the substantially vertical axis, respectively, when a stream is emitted from the nozzle. A three-way valve in combination with adjustable stops on the stationary base may be used to pilot the actuator, with the adjustable stops determining the arcuate extent of the rotational movement of the sprinkler head.

Abstract: A high-volume sprinkler head includes a barrel with a nozzle; a fixed portion and a relatively movable portion adapted for pivoting movement relative to the fixed portion. The barrel is mounted on an upper support base rotatable on a lower stationary base in opposite directions through an arc about a vertical axis. A fluid-operated actuator pivots the relatively movable portion of the barrel relative to the fixed portion of the barrel between first and second reaction angles that cause the barrel and the annular upper support base to rotate in opposite directions, about the substantially vertical axis, respectively, when a stream is emitted from the nozzle. A three-way valve in combination with adjustable stops on the stationary base may be used to pilot the actuator, with the adjustable stops determining the arcuate extent of the rotational movement of the sprinkler head.

Abstract: A linear water feed apparatus for use in agricultural irrigation includes a linear-move machine with a mobile truss assembly supporting a plurality of individual sprinklers and adapted for movement in a specified direction across a field to be irrigated. The truss assembly is oriented transverse to the specified direction, and a supply pipe is arranged in the specified direction along or within the field to be irrigated. The supply pipe mounts a plurality of water supply hydrants at spaced locations along the pipe, each of the hydrants enclosing a water supply valve. A docking station is supported at one end of the truss assembly closest to the supply pipe, and is adapted to engage and open successive ones of the water supply valves in the plurality of hydrants. The docking station assembly includes a docking station that is suspended from a frame for floating movement about at least three mutually perpendicular axes.

Abstract: A mobile irrigation apparatus includes a frame assembly supporting at least one sprinkler and adapted for movement in a first direction along a path in a field to be irrigated; a docking station suspended from the frame assembly and adapted to engage and open one or more supply valves in a hydrant located in or adjacent the path for movement in a second direction substantially transverse to the first direction, and at least one power actuator arranged to move the docking station in the second direction in response to at least one sensor to thereby facilitate lateral alignment of the docking station with the hydrant.

Abstract: A linear water feed apparatus for use in agricultural irrigation includes a linear-move machine with a mobile truss assembly supporting a plurality of individual sprinklers and adapted for movement in a specified direction across a field to be irrigated. The truss assembly is oriented transverse to the specified direction, and a supply pipe is arranged in the specified direction along or within the field to be irrigated. The supply pipe mounts a plurality of water supply hydrants at spaced locations along the pipe, each of the hydrants enclosing a water supply valve. A docking station is supported at one end of the truss assembly closest to the supply pipe, and is adapted to engage and open successive ones of the water supply valves in the plurality of hydrants. The docking station assembly includes a docking station that is suspended from a frame for floating movement about at least three mutually perpendicular axes.

Abstract: A docking station module for fluidly connecting a mobile irrigation apparatus to a stationary hydrant water supply valve mounted on a water supply pipe, the module comprising a hydrant valve actuator resiliently suspended from a frame for floating movement in at least three mutually substantially perpendicular directions relative to the hydrant water supply valve.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for a rotatable sprinkler head includes a base supported for rotation on a stationary platform assembly, a hub mounted for rotation on a shaft supported in the base; a lever arm pivotally mounted at one end to the hub and extending downwardly toward a stop plate assembly on the platform assembly, the lever arm having a free end extending toward the stop plate assembly. The stop plate assembly is configured to define two or more distinct arcuate paths of travel for the lever arm, and the lever arm is adjustable to locate the free end in any of the three arcuate paths of travel.