Abstract: A pipeline having a plurality of outlets spaced along its length is connected to a controllable supply of liquid under pressure. A transversely expandable and collapsible bladder is fixed in position within the pipeline interior and extends along its length to overlap the locations of the outlets. Air or other compressible gaseous material is provided within the bladder at a pressure less than the supply liquid pressure, causing the bladder to be expanded to substantially fill the interior of the pipeline when it is emptied of liquid. When the connection between the liquid supply and lateral pipeline is open, the bladder is collapsed within the pipeline to permit passage of liquid to the outlets. When the connection is closed, the pressurized bladder is permitted to expand and thereby expel liquid remaining within the pipeline through the outlets. Longitudinally spaced compressible plugs are located between the outlets to prevent gravitational flow of liquid during draining of the pipeline.

Abstract: A sprinkling apparatus powered for movement along a row of spaced risers. It is guided along a path parallel to the risers without any physical guidance being provided in the spaces between them. A coupler engages each successive riser and selectively completes a hydraulic circuit between the riser and the sprinkling apparatus. Mechanical indexing and engagement of the coupler relative to the riser is used as a guide for modifying the direction of movement of the sprinkling apparatus in order to permit engagement of the next successive riser by the coupler. All functions of the sprinkling apparatus are automatically sequenced upon engagement of selected risers. Alternate risers can be skipped. Reversal of the sprinkling apparatus can be achieved by placement of stop mechanisms along the row of risers.

Abstract: A water discharge valve designed to be coupled by means of an automated irrigation system. The water discharge valve comprises an enlargement having spherical surfaces at the upper end of a vertical riser and housing a ball that opens or closes the valve in response to the water or in response to an actuating member mounted on the movable irrigation system.

Abstract: A sprinkling apparatus powered for movement along a row of spaced risers. It is guided along a path parallel to the risers without any physical guidance being provided in the spaces between them. A coupler engages each successive riser and selectively completes a hydraulic circuit between the riser and the sprinkling apparatus. Mechanical indexing and engagement of the coupler relative to the riser is used as a guide for modifying the direction of movement of the sprinkling apparatus in order to permit engagement of the next successive riser by the coupler. All functions of the sprinkling apparatus are automatically sequenced upon engagement of selected risers. Alternate risers can be skipped. Reversal of the sprinkling apparatus can be achieved by placement of stop mechanisms along the row of risers.

Abstract: A self-propelled linear irrigation system including an elongated line move having a plurality of sprinkler outlets along its length, a plurality of mobile supports spaced along a line move and a main tractor having water pipe outlet engaging member and a fluid powered prime mover is disclosed. The propulsion system comprises a pneumatic system involving a main compressed air line and compressed air storage tank on the main tractor and each mobile support. The tractor of the irrigation system has automatic coupling members for coupling to the water supply and compressed air supply and automatically propels itself from one compressed air and water station to the next compressed air and water station along a main supply line. The main tractor has a main rigid central section having connecting members for connecting the tractor with the elongated line move and a first and second valve car, each having extensible propulsion members connecting each valve car to the main section.

Abstract: An automated wheel move irrigation system. A structural fluid connection is mounted between a lateral pipeline and a carriage guided for movement along the length of a stationary water supply line in unison with field movement imparted to the lateral pipeline as it moves sequentially from one field setting to the next. The structural fluid connection provides a fluid conduit which selectively couples to water discharge valves along the supply line. An indexing assembly on the carriage properly locates the carriage with respect to a selected valve. Automatic controls located on the carriage are utilized to operate the carriage elements and the prime mover for the lateral pipeline in a repeatable sequence to automatically operate the sprinkler system. The water discharge valve comprises a spherical enlargement at the upper end of a vertical riser, housing a ball that opens or closes the valve in response to the water or in response to an actuating rod mounted on the carriage.

Abstract: A self-propelled linear irrigation system including an elongated line move having a plurality of sprinkler outlets along its length, a plurality of mobile supports spaced along said line move and a main tractor having water pipe outlet engaging member and a fluid powered prime mover is disclosed. The propulsion system comprises a pneumatic system involving a main compressed air line and compressed air storage tank on the main tractor and each mobile support. The tractor of the irrigation system has automatic coupling members for coupling to the water supply and compressed air supply and automatically propels itself from one compressed air and water station to the next compressed air and water station along a main supply line. The main tractor has a main rigid central section having connecting members for connecting the tractor with the elongated line move and a first and second valve car, each having extensible propulsion members connecting each valve car to the main section.