Abstract: The present invention is directed to an irrigation device and irrigation system. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a weep or tear type irrigation device and irrigation system.

Abstract: A freely swinging self-levelling spray boom includes a support structure and a mounting adapted to mount the support structure to a vehicle to swing freely about a pivot axis lying in a direction of travel of the vehicle. A spray boom is supported by the support structure. A tank adapted to hold liquid spray medium is supported by the support structure. The tank is symmetrically mounted to the support structure relative to the pivot axis. The weight provided by the tank and the liquid spray medium it contains serves to maintain the support structure and the spray boom in a substantially horizontal orientation when the vehicle is traversing a slope and dampen oscillations of the spray boom.

Abstract: A gearbox for a drive line irrigation system in which the input and output shafts of the gearbox are sealed with a compressed and sintered silicon and carbide face seal. The face seal is contained within the gearbox and compressed between a gearbox end cap and a shaft bearing, obviating the need for external loading by bellows or similar spring elements.

Abstract: The invention discloses a circle irrigation system providing improved chemical application control within said system by varying the height from the chemical application nozzles to the application area, spacing of the nozzles along the boom, delay switches for movement of the towers relative to turning the nozzles on and off, diaphragms providing quick cycling of the on-off of the nozzles without leakage, pressure valves for varying the nozzle pressure within a boom and means for mixing and monitoring a plurality of chemicals within water and eliminating the possibility of back flushing the chemical mixture into the water supply.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle mounted fan nozzle for use with agricultural vehicles, deicers for roads and airports, and other vehicles which need to spray a swath wider than the width of the vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for application of treating liquids to a field, the apparatus comprising a plurality of irrigation units including nozzles for applying an adjustable amount of liquid over the field, motor devices for moving the irrigation unit over the ground, a system for delivering the liquid to the nozzles and a control circuit for controlling the operation of the nozzles in order to apply varying doses in several nozzle sections of the irrigation unit, the control circuit comprising a computer unit for receiving inputted data and for operating the control circuit, an independent control module in each irrigation unit, a plurality of sensors for detecting several parameters of the unit and an interface module connecting the independent control modules to each other and to the computer unit.

Abstract: A self propelled sprinkler is disclosed. The sprinkler has a support body with a drive unit which drives two rear wheels. The drive unit is powered by water pressure supplied through a hose which is coupled to the drive unit via a hose coupler. The drive unit has a cylindrical drive chamber with circular impeller in fluid communication with the hose coupler. The impeller is rotated by the water pressure and is mechanically connected to a lateral shaft. The shaft is connected to the rear wheels. Reduction gearing from the impeller to the shaft governs the speed of the sprinkler. The reduction gearing is achieved through a series of sun gears, carrier disks and planet gears. The drive unit also has an outlet which has a socket which allows the exit of the pressurized water. The socket allows the insertion of any variety of sprinkler heads. Thus, the sprinkler allows a variety of water distribution patterns. The sprinkler is propelled by water pressure rotating the impeller and eventually the rear wheels.

Abstract: A track drive system for a mobile irrigation system adapts to either centrally pivoted circular or linear mobile systems, as desired. A first embodiment has a single drive wheel with opposed first and second end guide wheels, surrounded by a single narrow track. A single drive motor and gear reduction drive, drives the central wheel. The central wheel is of considerably larger diameter than the two end guide wheels, and simultaneously contacts the track with both its upper and lower peripheries at all times. The mechanism is articulated to allow independent wheel movement relative to one another, thus providing better traction over uneven surfaces. The central drive wheel is always in contact with both the upper and lower track portion to provide continuous drive traction for the device. A second embodiment includes additional idler wheels between the two end wheels and the central drive wheel.

Abstract: A wash apparatus for automotive vehicles includes a plurality of reciprocating wands which are driven by a compact drive/linkage system to move the wands in unitary reciprocating motion as a vehicle is moved adjacent thereto. Each wand has a turbo nozzle that emits a stream of liquid in a circulating conical path which in cooperation with the reciprocating movement of the wands on which the nozzles are rotated creates a desired cleaning action.

Abstract: A mobile drip irrigation system includes an existing mobile irrigation system with the sprinkler heads removed and drip lines connected to the locations of the removed sprinkler heads. Each drip line includes a drop line extending from the irrigation system supply pipe, generally vertically to a lower end spaced slightly above the ground. A drip hose is connected to the lower end of each drop line and has a plurality of drip irrigation emitters along the length thereof. A weight is attached to the lower end of each drop line to maintain the drop line in a generally vertical orientation as the irrigation system moves through the field.

Abstract: An apparatus for watering plants has a movable beam carrying several valves for dispersing water. At least some of the valves include a mechanism for sensing water flow and a regulator for adjusting the degree of opening of the valve until the actual flow corresponds to a selected flow value which is determined by a central control unit.

Abstract: A portable or stationary system which may be used either indoors or outdoors and provides accelerated growth of vegetation regardless of weather conditions as well as provides warmth, lighting, misting, nutrients and cover for such vegetation.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing fluid onto a hydrometallurgy leach field consists of individual modules having structure for operatively coupling the modules to one another to form the apparatus. Each module, which alone can form a fluid distribution apparatus, includes a frame and an elongated reel assembly on which a plurality of individual distributors, such as perforated hoses, are carried at axially spaced positions along the elongated reel assembly. A fluid supply conduit carries fluid from a fixed fluid supply line through the elongate reel assembly to each of the hoses carried on the elongated reel assembly and to an adjacent module. The frame is supported at its ends by frame translating mechanisms, preferably endless track crawler units, which serve to selectively move the apparatus forward and rearward. Adjacent modules are coupled at respective ends thereof to a common frame translating mechanism, thus coupling the adjacent modules to one another.

Abstract: A mobile support device for supporting a concrete spreading hose includes a truncated V-shaped support having a horizontal web position and upwardly diverging legs. Castor wheel assemblies support the V-shaped support for travel over a surface. A hold down mechanism is pivoted to one of the legs and is engaged by a keeper element releasibly locked by a locking element on the other leg. The hold down mechanism clamps and confines a concrete spreading hose seated in the truncated V-shaped support. The concrete spreading hose is secured against movement relative to the support even when subjected to pumping surges.

Abstract: The manual watering boom comprises of a wheeled frame, a water delivery system, and a handle. The wheeled frame comprises of a horizontal beam, at least two support structures, and a wheel assembly. The horizontal beam has a first and a second end and at least two adjustable brackets are connected to it. Each support structure has a front and rear shaft, and attaches to the horizontal beam raising the horizontal beam to an elevated position. The wheel assembly attaches to each shaft and comprises of an axle and a wheel. The water delivery system comprises of a water delivery pipe and multiple irrigation outlets. The water delivery pipe is supported by the adjustable brackets and is in fluid communication with the water inlet. The multiple irrigation outlets are spaced longitudinally along the water pipe for delivering water in overlapping spray patterns. The handle comprises of a handle joint and a steering handle. The handle joint is attached to the horizontal beam.

Abstract: A nozzle mounting and control system for use in sprayers comprising multiple sets of nozzles mounted in the operating position on a sprayer boom. Control valves are operable to select which sets of nozzles are operating at any given time. The valves may be remote controlled and may further incorporate a rate controller to maintain a chosen application rate as speed varies. This application rate may be varied conveniently. The rate controller may be a present rate controller such as measures the speed and total fluid volume delivered and then adjusts the pressure to maintain the application rate, or may be a novel rate controller which measures the speed and fluid pressure and then adjusts the pressure to maintain the application rate. Either rate controller would operate the control valves to select the proper combination of operating nozzles in addition to adjusting the pressure.

Abstract: A pivoting lateral move irrigation system which operates to water in the pivot mode. The irrigation system includes a conduit extending over the field to be irrigated, and a series of support towers which are spaced along the length of the conduit and support the conduit. The power tower is designed for lateral movement and includes a pivoting top according to the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, the irrigation system is a ditch fed system which moves laterally to a canal or ditch, from which water is obtained for irrigation. The power panel includes switches to allow the machine to pivot at the end or corner of the canal. According to the present invention, during pivoting, the irrigation system operates to irrigate, i.e., provide water to the field, during the pivot operation.

Abstract: A nozzle fluid supply system for use in sprayers that combines the modular advantages of a dry boom system with the high capacity of a wet boom system. Pressurized fluid is carried by rigid tubes connecting adjacent nozzle holding members attached to the sprayer. A two-part nozzle holding member is disclosed for attachment to a dry boom bracket through a hole therein. The combination of the short rigid tubes and two-part nozzle holding member provide a modular system with interchangeable parts.

Abstract: An outlet for connecting spray nozzles, drop tubes or the like to an irrigation pipe comprising a generally cylindrical-shaped member having an inner end, an outer end, an annular shoulder protruding outwardly therefrom between the inner and outer ends, and an internally threaded bore extending therethrough. When the outlet is positioned in an opening formed in an irrigation pipe, the annular shoulder of the outlet is in engagement with the exterior surface of the pipe. A machine is also disclosed for creating a plurality of horizontally spaced-apart bulged areas in the pipe with each of the bulged areas having a flat surface thereon. The machine includes a bulging punch which creates the bulged areas in the pipe. The machine further includes a punch for creating an outlet opening in the flat surface of the bulged area.

Abstract: A wheel supported irrigation system is provided with a locking assembly to immobilize the system against travel resulting from high winds or other causes. A system water pipe carries positionable leg members which, when deployed, are in ground contact. Wheel engaging arms carried by each leg member are adapted for engagement with wheel segments to stabilize the associated leg member when operatively deployed. The leg members include extensions to facilitate ground contact. The system water pipe is provided with leg engageable retainers to allow stowage of the leg members when retracted and stowed lengthwise along the water pipe. The retainers are of I cross-section with flanges confining the retracted leg members in place.

Abstract: A system and method for operating various farming devices at a location remote from the device. A hand-held radio transmitter is programmed to transmit Dual Tone Multiple Frequency tones in specific patterns so as to communicate directions to a controller located at the power plant of the farming device. The controller is formed by a companion microprocessor which is used to receive and decode and also encode and transmit Dual Tone Multiple Frequency tones, and a primary microprocessor which is used to monitor decoded Dual Tone Multiple Frequency tones and then control the power plant and transmission of the farming device. Directions transmitted from the hand-held radio transceiver to the controller can, in various embodiments of the present invention, direct such functions as, for example, moving of an irrigation wheel-line, turning off and on the engine of the wheel-line, starting and stopping pumps of a pump system, monitoring the moisture levels in soils.

Abstract: An irrigation system tower support wheel for use in combination with an irrigation system having one or more tower supports, irrigation means and drive means, the support wheel including a generally cylindrical wheel rim having outer and inner surfaces, first and second edges and a center longitudinal axis, the wheel rim having a generally flat cross-section. The wheel rim further includes first and second inwardly extending peripheral side flanges connected to the first and second edges respectively such that additional rigidity may be imparted to the cylindrical wheel rim. Support struts extend inward towards the center longitudinal axis of the wheel rim, the support struts mounted on the inner surface of the wheel rim. The outer surface of the wheel rim includes a plurality of lugs for improving traction of the wheel. Each of the lugs consists of a longitudinally extended channel having a V-shaped cross-section.

Abstract: The wheel tracks of a center pivot irrigation system are changed by expanding or contracting a telescoping joint located between the center pivot and the first vehicle from the center pivot. The power to expand or contract the telescoping joint is obtained from the first vehicle so that all of the vehicles are in motion at the time the change is made. The telescoping joint has a removable sleeve so that sand may be washed from the telescoping joint.

Abstract: Coverings, canopies, or housing each having a removable bottom wall which collectively substantially encapsulates each drive chain of an irrigation mover is disclosed, which prevent or substantially alleviate drive chain link corrosion and which statically extend fore and aft of an engine of the irrigation mover along the frame thereof.

Abstract: A mobile support device for supporting a concrete-spreading hose includes a single piece support structure formed of rigid metal and including a pair of wheel attachment members and a central U-shaped hose supporting member. Longitudinally offset caster wheel assemblies are secured to the wheel support members. The U-shaped hose supporting member supports a concrete-spreading hose therein and extends downwardly below the rotational axes of the caster wheel assemblies thereby imparting a stabilizing low center of gravity to the mobile support device. A keeper element releasably locks the supported concrete-spreading hose in the U-shaped hose supporting member, and handle engaging elements on the mobile support device facilitates manual movement thereof by a worker manipulated hand tool.

Abstract: An irrigation line gate is adapted to be connected between an upstream irrigation line and a downstream irrigation line of a mobile irrigation system to allow lateral movement of the irrigation line past a stationary obstacle in a direction perpendicular to the length of the line. The irrigation line gate comprises longitudinally-spaced upstream and downstream manifolds connected between upstream and downstream movable irrigation lines. Laterally-spaced retractable gate pipes extending between the manifolds are sequentially opened to clear an obstacle as the irrigation line passes the obstacle. Each gate pipe is supported adjacent one of the manifolds by a longitudinally-spaced pair of pipe support collars. Each pair of support collars receives one of the gate pipes therethrough for slidable movement between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A field planting system for use in conjunction with large span and wheel tower irrigation apparatus to place seed in a field across a number of rows simultaneously. Seed is suspended uniformly in a gel solution and injected into a stream of carrier water. The seeds, suspended in water, travel in piping separate from irrigation piping to a manifold suspended from the overhead span section. Each manifold distributes seed and carrier water to a plurality of drop tubes. A tube valve locate in each drop tube is closed to permit the manifold to be charged with seeds and water under pressure. Once the manifold is charged, the tube valves open simultaneously and the water and seed discharges from the manifold through drop tubes to a planting shoe. The planting shoe includes a forward nozzle to emit a high pressure stream of water to excavate a small trench or furrow into which the seed is dispensed.

Abstract: A water sprinkling system for greenhouse comprises two horizontal rails and a carriage movably mounted to the rails. A fluid outlet disposed at a substantially midway point along the rails is connected to the carriage by a fluid transfer hose for guiding fluid to the carriage from the fluid outlet. The hose has a first end portion extending from the fluid outlet along the first rail, a second end portion extending to the carriage along the second rail, and a middle portion connecting the end portions to one another. Support elements, preferably in the form of hook members, are spaced from one another along the first rail for supporting the first end portion of the hose, while a plurality of roller members are spaced from one another along the second rail for rollably supporting the second end portion of the hose. A hosecar is movably mounted to the rails for carrying the middle portion of the hose.

Abstract: This invention is an irrigation system which is mounted on parallel tracks and spans the distance therebetween. The main frame is of the truss type and includes a drive means on each end thereof. Also, a tensioning means is provided to assure perpendicular travel of the irrigation system relative to the support track to prevent any twisting tendency. The system can be operated either automatically or manually, and when on automatic, it will cycle back and forth over the designated area.

Abstract: An assembly for irrigating at water pressure below 10 psi comprising a sprinkler head for discharging water at a desired discharge pressure below 10 psi onto a site to be irrigated, a pressure chamber for delivering a supply of water at a supply flow rate and at a supply pressure greater than the discharge flow rate and the discharge pressure, a container structure for containing a volume of water in communication with the sprinkler head having a free surface communicating with atmosphere disposed at a level above the sprinkler head a height generally corresponding to the desired discharge pressure, and a float valve mechanism for introducing water from the pressure chamber into the container structure sufficient to maintain the free surface of the volume of water contained therein generally at the aforesaid level.

Abstract: Gated pipe is mounted upon trucks. A chain is provided at each end so that the gated pipe may be towed from one position to another. Tubes are connected to necks on the gated pipe to convey the water from a dry turn row upon the field to be watered. The gate valves are located in the tubes so that the tubes with the gate valves and other flexible material may be removed to be stored in a sheltered place. A surge valve and supply connection are placed upon a center truck for surge irrigation.

Abstract: An assembly as used with a drop tube of a moving irrigation system which allows the operator to convert from conventional spray mode operation to furrow bubbler operation. The assembly includes a pressure regulator for regulating the pressure of water to a relatively low value and having an upper end adapted to be connected in water communicating relation to the drop tube and a spray head connected at its upper end in water communicating relation to the lower end of the pressure regulator. The spray head includes a nozzle for directing a water stream downwardly in a direction to be normally interrupted by a removable splash plate into a spray pattern. A tubular structure is connected at its upper end portion with the spray head in a position to receive all of the water stream directed from the nozzle so as to transmit the same downwardly to the lower end thereof.