Abstract: What is disclosed is an improved sprinkler utilizing a nutation mechanism. The sprinkler utilizes a race having an upper limit and lower limit. The tire is connected to the distributor. Water sprays on the distributor causing the nutation of the device in which the tire moves between the upper race and lower race limits. The sprinkler includes a separate starting mechanism on which a starting bump is positioned on a distributor support.

Abstract: An irrigation pipe and method of fabrication that utilizes a pipe that is made of a durable material, e.g., stainless steel or aluminum. During fabrication, the pipe is equipped with a plurality of components, i.e., a flange assembly, a truss mount, and an outlet, without drilling, welding, or the like. In this manner, a method of fabrication is provided that enables a plurality of components to be assembled to the pipe without compromising the integrity of the pipe material or treated surface so that galvanizing or painting is not required after the plurality of components have been fitted to the pipe.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system that includes a carrier having a storage tank disposed thereon for storing a liquid product. A boom is coupled to the carrier and includes a distribution hose through which the liquid product flows from the storage tank and into a number of liquid placement apparatuses. Each liquid placement apparatus includes a drop assembly coupled to the boom and extending downward. A base assembly is coupled to the lower end of the drop assembly and a hose assembly extends from the distribution hose to the base assembly. A lower hose assembly is protected within the base assembly and includes a pair of dribble hoses extruding from the base assembly. The liquid product is delivered proximate to the ground surface through the dribble hoses.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system that includes a carrier having a storage tank disposed thereon for storing a liquid product. A boom is coupled to the carrier and includes a distribution hose through which the liquid product flows from the storage tank and into a number of liquid placement apparatuses. Each liquid placement apparatus includes a drop assembly coupled to the boom and extending downward. A base assembly is coupled to the lower end of the drop assembly and a hose assembly extends from the distribution hose to the base assembly. A lower hose assembly is protected within the base assembly and includes a pair of dribble hoses extruding from the base assembly. The liquid product is delivered proximate to the ground surface through the dribble hoses.

Abstract: Described are apparatus and methods that automatically generate recommendations to growers. Using various different sets of data relative to a predetermined tract of agricultural land, typically including both imagery as well as electrical usage, they are processed together to make informed decisions regarding the state of the land, particularly with respect to water usage.

Abstract: A hose-fed lateral move irrigation system and method that utilizes a pipe with a plurality of sprinklers attached to a wheeled cart that pulls a flexible-hose assembly therebehind using at least one onboard winch and travels laterally with the pipe and sprinklers relative to a field so that a sufficient amount of hose may be used to enable total automation of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for applying an agricultural material through a standing crop. The apparatus is capable of adjusting the height and width of the frame of the apparatus. A trailer is disclosed that is capable of adjusting trailer width to transport the apparatus.

Abstract: An irrigation assembly has a main pipeline supported at intervals by mobile towers, a plurality of drop tube assemblies at spaced intervals along the pipeline and a collector positioned to receive water from the drop tube assembly. A plurality of targets are positioned on the ground in the paths of motion defined by the movement of the collectors. The targets may be dishes. Each dish preferably has a perforated drain that penetrates beneath the surface of the ground. Interaction between the collector and the target causes the water stored within the collector to be released into the target. The irrigation assembly may provide for underground irrigation without a collector where a dish or trough receives water from the drop tube assembly and underground drains allow for water to be dispersed below the ground.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an irrigation sprinkler head having a removable weighted collar thereon. The sprinkler head has a tapered water inlet for wedging a weighted collar having a matching tapered opening therethrough.

Abstract: An irrigation assembly has a main pipeline supported at intervals by mobile towers, a plurality of drop tube assemblies at spaced intervals along the pipeline and a collector positioned to receive water from the drop tube assembly. A plurality of targets are positioned on the ground in the paths of motion defined by the movement of the collectors. The targets may be dishes. Each dish preferably has a perforated drain that penetrates beneath the surface of the ground. Interaction between the collector and the target causes the water stored within the collector to be released into the target. The irrigation assembly may provide for underground irrigation without a collector where a dish or trough receives water from the drop tube assembly and underground drains allow for water to be dispersed below the ground.

Abstract: A distribution tube assembly for an irrigation system having a main supply line for conveying fluid therein includes a first end, a second end and an internal surface defining at least two fluid passageways, at least one of the fluid passageways being in fluid communication with the main supply line. The other fluid passageway may be in fluid communication with an alternate supply line. Adaptors and regulators may be attached to the distribution tube assembly. The distribution tube assembly permits irrigation to be performed by multiple fluid streams, allows for the incorporation of chemicals within the distribution tube assembly, and provides for selectable flow control.

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: A center pivot irrigation system is provided with longitudinally spaced drop tubes including flexible lower end portions for dragging upon the ground and an elongated low height tension member is tensioned between adjacent towers with structure by which the lower end portions of the drops may be clamped to the tension member.

Abstract: A portable soil drenching apparatus and method employing any of a number of water soluble biocidal materials for pre-plant soil treatment in order to eliminate pests and disease agents. The apparatus includes a series of hoses each having drip irrigation emitters in place thereon at spaced intervals. The hoses may be attached to the underside of a tarp. Each hose is sealed at one end and attached at the other end to a manifold delivery system. The hoses are deployed onto the field which is to be treated, and the manifold is connected to a water supply and material mixing source. The selected materials are mixed with the water and introduced into the hose and manifold system by one of three alternative methods (uniform delivery, wave delivery or stacking) resulting in drenching of the field and elimination of pests and/or disease agents. Alternative embodiments allow for connection to existing linear, wheel line, and center-pivot irrigation systems and for the use of low atomizing sprinklers instead of hoses.

Abstract: A portable soil drenching apparatus and method employing any of a number of water soluble biocidal materials for pre-plant soil treatment in order to eliminate pests and disease agents. The apparatus includes a series of hoses each having drip irrigation emitters in place thereon at spaced intervals. The hoses may be attached to the underside of a tarp. Each hose is sealed at one end and attached at the other end to a manifold delivery system. The hoses are deployed onto the field which is to be treated, and the manifold is connected to a water supply and material mixing source. The selected materials are mixed with the water and introduced into the hose and manifold system by one of three alternative methods (uniform delivery, wave delivery or stacking) resulting in drenching of the field and elimination of pests and/or disease agents. Alternative embodiments allow for connection to existing linear, wheel line, and center-pivot irrigation systems and for the use of low atomizing sprinklers instead of hoses.

Abstract: A wobbling irrigation sprinkler head is provided for use on a self-propelled mechanically moving irrigation system, such as a center pivot field irrigation system having the wobbling sprinkler head facing downward from the water supply conduit. The sprinkler head has a base for attaching to a pipe or to the central water supply conduit which base has nozzle mounted therein for directing water against a wobbling water deflecting head which is movably attached to the base and supports a deflector pad. The deflector pad has a deflection surface of predetermined shape with water deflecting grooves formed therein for rotating and wobbling the water deflecting head. The deflecting head has a loose fitting sleeve portion surrounding a support arm on the base and the base has a removable nozzle insert holder having a flange to loosely hold the deflecting head thereto.

Abstract: A high vibration sprinkler is hung from a movable, elongated pipe by a flexible hose. The connection of the hose to the sprinkler is by rigid, poly-vinyl chloride plastic hose barbs, tubes and fittings. The PVC connections dampen and tolerate the vibration of the sprinkler.

Abstract: An up-spray deflector cup for use in an irrigation device of the type suspended from an overhead traveling irrigation system for discharging water from a downwardly directed nozzle in close proximity to the ground, the deflector cup being positioned centrally below the nozzle and serving to deflect water from the nozzle upwardly and radially outwardly as diametrically opposed from choped sprays. The deflector cup includes two concentric sets of deflecting surfaces for deflecting water from different size nozzles risible with the irrigation device.

Abstract: A low pressure vibrator sprinkler is suspended by a flexible hose below an elongated horizontal elevated pipe. The pipe is mounted for movement upon a plurality of vehicles. The flexible hose is telescoped within a U-tube at the bottom so that the sprinkler is in a vertically upright position. The height of the sprinkler is adjusted by forming a loop in the tube. A band holds the loop to any given circumference.

Abstract: An irrigation spray nozzle apparatus has a base member for attachment to a water line, which has a passageway therethrough. A nozzle is attached to the base member to control water flow and to direct water from the outlet of the passageway through the base towards a water deflector pad removably attached to a water deflector pad support to spray water passing from the nozzle. At least one arm is attached to the base and to the water deflector pad in position in line with the outlet of the nozzle. The water deflector pad can be removed and a hose attached through a passageway through the pad support or to an extension on the pad support itself, to convert the spray nozzle to an irrigation hose discharge device.