Abstract: An irrigation system includes support towers, pipeline spans, a joint pivotally connecting the pipeline spans, and a truss section. One pipeline span extends between the support towers along a central axis and includes a middle region, and the other is adjacent and coaxial with the first pipeline span when aligned. The truss section supports one of the pipeline spans and includes compression elements, truss structures, and tension elements. The compression elements extend downward from the pipeline span. The truss structures extend longitudinally along the pipeline span and are fixed relative to the compression elements. The tension elements extend diagonally downward from the pipeline span toward the middle region of the pipeline span and are fixed relative to the truss structures.

Abstract: An irrigation system joint couples first and second adjacent pipe sections that are coaxial along a central axis when aligned. The joint comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is for securing to the first pipe section and comprises an upwardly facing hemispherical surface. The second portion is for securing to the second pipe section and comprises a cavity that receives at least a portion of the hemispherical surface to form a contact line coincident with the central axis when the pipe sections are aligned.

Abstract: An irrigation system includes support towers, pipeline spans, a joint pivotally connecting the pipeline spans, and a truss section. One pipeline span extends between the support towers along a central axis and includes a middle region, and the other is adjacent and coaxial with the first pipeline span when aligned. The truss section supports one of the pipeline spans and includes compression elements, truss structures, and tension elements. The compression elements extend downward from the pipeline span. The truss structures extend longitudinally along the pipeline span and are fixed relative to the compression elements. The tension elements extend diagonally downward from the pipeline span toward the middle region of the pipeline span and are fixed relative to the truss structures.

Abstract: A mobile irrigation alignment system comprising a base mounted on a first span, a linkage system, and a control system. The linkage system includes a driven arm, drive arm, and control arm. The driven arm is pivotably connected to the base about a vertical axis. The drive arm is pivotably connected to the driven arm about a horizontal axis and includes a distal end configured to rest on an adjacent span. The control arm is linked to the driven arm. The control system determines lateral alignment between the spans based on the control arm as governed by the drive arm and driven arm. The drive arm is configured to retain an upright orientation relative to the driven arm regardless of torsional rotation between the spans so that the position of the control arm and hence the lateral alignment determination is not affected by the torsional rotation between the spans.

Abstract: A mobile irrigation alignment system comprising a base mounted on a first span, a linkage system, and a control box. The linkage system includes a driven arm, drive arm, and control arm. The driven arm is pivotably connected to the base about a vertical axis. The drive arm is pivotably connected to the driven arm about a horizontal axis and includes a distal end configured to rest on an adjacent span. The control arm is linked to the driven arm. The control box determines lateral alignment between the spans based on the control arm as governed by the drive arm and driven arm. The drive arm is configured to retain an upright orientation relative to the driven arm regardless of torsional rotation between the spans so that the position of the control arm and hence the lateral alignment determination is not affected by the torsional rotation between the spans.