Abstract: This is concerned with an irrigation system or mechanism which is constructed and arranged and intended to water non-circular fields which may be considered polygonal sided intersecting at the corners. The system and method includes the use or combination of two types of irrigation systems, the first a so-called lateral move or free-standing span system and the second, either a so-called center pivot irrigation unit or a lateral move unit. The free-standing span moves along the outside of the field following the edge or border or fence with turns at intersections and the main irrigation unit moves inside of it and is coordinated and connected to it so that at times they overlap and at times they are distended with water, preferably, being supplied to the free-standing span by the main irrigation unit.

Abstract: A weir suitable for use in an irrigation water supply ditch. The weir controls water flow to create a sufficient pool of water for pick-up by an irrigation machine. The weir has a rigid bulkhead which is generally shaped to match the contour of the ditch. The bulkhead is supported such that it is not in contact with the ditch. A seal member attached to the bulkhead fills the gap between the bulkhead and the ditch surface, to prevent water flow underneath the weir. This arrangement of a rigid piece coupled with a flexible seal allows the weir to move in either direction along the ditch without becoming snagged on obstructions in the ditch.

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: This is concerned with a water drive system for a center pivot irrigation system in which a string of pipe pivots in a circle or oscillates about a center pivot or upright with the pipe supported on towers at intervals and each tower being independently driven by a power mechanism which is operated by the pressure of the water in the string of pipe. It includes a mechanism to prevent one or more towers from rolling ahead on a downhill slope, a diaphragm valve arrangement for controlling the cycling of the drive, and an enlarged bellows or bladder for operating the water drive mechanism.

Abstract: This is concerned with a water drive system for a center pivot irrigation system in which a string of pipe pivots in a circle or oscillates about a center pivot or upright with the pipe supported on towers at intervals and each tower being independently driven by a power mechanism which is operated by the pressure of the water in the string of pipe. It includes a mechanism to prevent one or more towers from rolling ahead on a downhill slope, a diaphragm valve arrangement for controlling the cycling of the drive, and an enlarged bellows or bladder for operating the water drive mechanism.

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.