Abstract: A hose-pull apparatus for mounting to an irrigation system mobile tower supporting a fluid-carrying conduit. The hose-pull apparatus includes a swivel, a first pipe section, a joint, and a second pipe section. The swivel is configured to be in fluid communication with the conduit and rotate about a vertical axis. The first pipe section has a first end connected to the swivel and a second end extending outwardly from the swivel so that the first pipe section can pivot horizontally. The joint is connected to the second end of the first pipe section. The second pipe section has a first end connected to the joint so that the second pipe section can articulate relative to the first pipe section. The joint also has a second end configured to be in fluid communication with a supply hose.

Abstract: An irrigation system is composed of a mobile sprinkler cart; a system water supply pipe supporting a plurality of hydrants adapted to be engaged by the mobile sprinkler cart and to supply water to a sprinkler supported on the cart; and an addressable electronic ID tag mounted on each hydrant. A main controller is programmed to control operation of the mobile sprinkler cart, and the ID tag is adapted to send at least hydrant identifying data to the main controller to thereby enable the main controller to move the mobile sprinkler cart to the hydrant.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods, systems, or apparatuses relating to applying a fluid to at least a portion of a floor surface of a covered area via a moveable fluid application structure.

Abstract: A method of operating a mobile irrigation system includes receiving water application amount and application pattern information from a user, automatically determining an irrigation plan using the amount information and the pattern information, and using an automated controller to operate the mobile irrigation system according to the irrigation plan. The irrigation system is operated by applying water at progressively decreasing levels as the irrigation system moves from a first position to a second position, and applying water at the same or similar progressively decreasing levels as the irrigation system is moved in a reverse direction from the second position back to the first position.

Abstract: Directional spray heads on each side of each tower over the wheels spray water behind the trailing wheel and not in front of the wheels. A control box activates the direction of travel of the wheels at the towers through a tower box at each tower. Solenoids wired to the tower box for switching power alternately to each wheel, switch the water flow via the solenoids to directional spray sprinklers spraying behind the trailing wheel.

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 drags a flexible hose assembly therebehind while traveling laterally with the pipe and sprinklers relative to a field so that alternating the flexible hose assembly from one side of the cart to another as the cart traverses back and forth along a cart path is facilitated while kinking in the flexible hose assembly is avoided.

Abstract: A system that based on changes in agricultural crop or plant characteristics or dynamics, e.g. heat stress, water deficit stress, stem growth, leaf thickness, plant color, nutrient composition, etc., or changes in environmental conditions, e.g., temperature, wind, pressure, relative humidity, dew point, precipitation, soil moisture, solar radiation, etc. or a combination of both, e.g., evapotranspiration, either automatically increases or decreases the speed or rate of movement or rotation of a mechanized irrigation system, e.g. center pivot, corner, linear, or lateral move irrigation system or similar, or reports a recommended increased or decreased speed or rate of movement or rotation of a mechanized irrigation system either directly or indirectly to the end user. The system responds directly or indirectly to data outputted from monitoring systems that gather and compile environmental (non-biotic), biotic or similar information from agricultural fields and crops.

Abstract: An irrigation hose guide is provided, including a ground engaging portion; and a revolvable device rotatably mounted on the ground engaging portion about a vertical rotation axis, wherein the revolvable device is configured to accommodate irrigation nodes on an irrigation hose line.

Abstract: A self-propelled irrigation system has an elongated pipeline supported above a field by a plurality of drive towers. The drive towers each have a base beam assembly, a tower structure extending above the base beam assembly for supporting the elongated pipeline, and a plurality of drive wheel assemblies for moving the base beam assembly over a field. The drive assemblies include first and second drive assemblies mounted to respective ends of the base beam assembly. At least one of the drive towers also has a third drive assembly mounted to the base beam assembly between the first and second drive assemblies. The base beam assembly supporting the third drive assembly is articulated between its first and second ends and pivotally connected to the lower ends of the tower structure to allow the third drive assembly to move vertically relative to the first and second drive assemblies when traversing uneven terrain.

Abstract: A mobile irrigation apparatus includes a frame assembly supporting at least one sprinkler and adapted for movement in a first direction along a path in a field to be irrigated; a docking station suspended from the frame assembly and adapted to engage and open one or more supply valves in a hydrant located in or adjacent the path for movement in a second direction substantially transverse to the first direction, and at least one power actuator arranged to move the docking station in the second direction in response to at least one sensor to thereby facilitate lateral alignment of the docking station with the hydrant.

Abstract: A system that based on changes in agricultural crop or plant characteristics or dynamics, e.g., heat stress, water deficit stress, stem growth, leaf thickness, plant turgidity, plant color, nutrient composition, etc., or changes in environmental conditions, e.g., temperature, wind, pressure, relative humidity, dew point, precipitation, soil moisture, solar radiation, etc. or a combination of both, e.g., evapotranspiration, either automatically increases or decreases the speed or rate of movement or rotation of a mechanized irrigation system, e.g., center pivot, corner, linear, or lateral move irrigation system or similar, or reports a recommended increased or decreased speed or rate of movement or rotation of a mechanized irrigation system either directly or indirectly to the end user. The system responds directly or indirectly to data outputted from monitoring systems that gather and compile environmental (non-biotic), biotic or similar information from agricultural fields and crops.

Abstract: An irrigation system is composed of a mobile sprinkler cart; a system water supply pipe supporting a plurality of hydrants adapted to be engaged by the mobile sprinkler cart and to supply water to a sprinkler supported on the cart; and an addressable electronic ID tag mounted on each hydrant. A main controller is programmed to control operation of the mobile sprinkler cart, and the ID tag is adapted to send at least hydrant identifying data to the main controller to thereby enable the main controller to move the mobile sprinkler cart to the hydrant.

Abstract: Mobile towers of an irrigation system have drive wheel assemblies that propel the towers along the ground. At least certain of the wheel assemblies may comprise dual wheels that share a common axis of rotation but are separately driven by their own drive motor. By driving the two separate wheels in unison but with their own individual drive shafts, increased ground-engaging surface area can be obtained without a consequential increase in load for any one motor.

Abstract: A flow-through joint in an irrigation machine between the main pipeline section and a swing span, such as a corner span, permits a limited amount of generally linear displacement of the swing span within the joint for speed control or other purposes. A turret that rotates freely on the upright outlet port of the main pipeline section has a pair of coupling assemblies on opposite sides of the upright pivot axis through the outlet port, one of such coupling assemblies having a ball joint and the other being provided with relatively displaceable components. The arms of a connecting yoke on the inner end of the swing span are coupled with the ball joint on the one hand and the displaceable components on the other so as to provide the necessary swinging and pivoting motions while at the same time allowing displacing movement as necessary for control purposes.

Abstract: A docking station module for fluidly connecting a mobile irrigation apparatus to a stationary hydrant water supply valve mounted on a water supply pipe, the module comprising a hydrant valve actuator resiliently suspended from a frame for floating movement in at least three mutually substantially perpendicular directions relative to the hydrant water supply valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for scarifying the interior surface of a sewer pipe. The apparatus consists of a chassis, with an outer frame coupled to the chassis and an inner frame slidably coupled to the outer frame. Two extendible arms are attached to opposite sides of the inner frame. Each arm has a nozzle assembly mounted on the end, each nozzle assembly having a plurality of fluid jets for spray water onto the interior surface of the pipeline. The nozzle assembly may be pivotally mounted to allow for greater control of the fluid jets. The apparatus further includes a propulsion system for movement of the apparatus along the pipeline.

Abstract: An overhead livestock enclosure washing system for cleaning the pens of a livestock confinement building. The overhead livestock enclosure washing system includes a track member coupled to the ceiling of the building. A mobile unit operationally engages the track member and selectively advances along the track member. The mobile unit is for being in fluid communication with a fluid source to spray fluid into the interior space of the livestock confinement building to clean the interior space of the building when the mobile unit advances along the track member. A base unit is positioned on the floor of the livestock confinement building. The base unit is in fluid communication with the mobile unit whereby the base unit controls the flow of the fluid from the fluid source to provide the mobile unit with pressurized fluid when the mobile unit is cleaning the interior space of the building.

Abstract: A lawn irrigation system including a frame, a motor, a sprinkler arm, at least one drive wheel, and a cover. The motor is operably attached to the frame. The at least one drive wheel is operably connected to the motor. The sprinkler arm is operably connected to the motor for dispersing water in a selected pattern. The cover is attached to the frame so that the cover at least partially covers the frame, the motor, and the at least one drive wheel so that the lawn irrigation system resembles an object other than a sprinkler.

Abstract: A washout system for cleaning concrete and other materials from the inside surface of a concrete mixer drum with a fluid is provided. The concrete mixer drum mounted to a concrete truck or the like with the fluid stored in a predetermined fluid source with the fluid source activatable to release fluid. The washout system comprises a telescoping pipe assembly extendible into the mixer drum with the telescoping pipe assembly having a first end and a second end and the first end fluidly connected to the fluid source. A spray bar is fluidly connected to the second end of the telescoping pipe assembly and a plurality of nozzles positioned circumferentially about and longitudinally along the spray bar wherein upon activation of the fluid source, thereby introducing fluid into the telescoping pipe assembly, the second end of the telescoping pipe assembly extends into the mixer drum.

Abstract: A high torque driveline coupler is provided for use in the driveline between a drive motor and a wheel drive of a sprinkler irrigation system. The coupler has first and second yoke assemblies with intermeshed pairs of legs, and a floating rubber member with radially extending arms positioned between the intermeshed legs of the yoke assemblies. The legs of the yoke assemblies and the floating rubber member are arranged to allow the coupler to be quickly and easily coupled and decoupled without the use of separate means for securing the yoke assemblies together. The coupler has a unique alignment system for aligning the floating member with the yoke assemblies. The alignment system includes first and second recesses formed in opposite sides of a center portion of the floating rubber member, and first and second projections extending from the first and second yoke assemblies, respectively.

Abstract: A lawn irrigation system including a frame, a motor, a sprinkler arm, at least one drive wheel, and a cover. The motor is operably attached to the frame. The at least one drive wheel is operably connected to the motor. The sprinkler arm is operably connected to the motor for dispersing water in a selected pattern. The cover is attached to the frame so that the cover at least partially covers the frame, the motor, and the at least one drive wheel so that the lawn irrigation system resembles an object other than a sprinkler.

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 wheel drive assembly for sprinkler irrigation systems includes an input shaft having a first bevel gear, a wheel gear, and a reduction gear assembly interconnecting the first bevel gear and the wheel gear. The reduction gear assembly has a first spur gear and a second bevel gear mounted on a common shaft. First and second input openings are disposed on respective sides of a housing of the wheel drive assembly. An input shaft extends through one of the input openings, and the other input opening is covered by a cover member. The housing has threaded bolt holes for attaching the housing to a support tower in selected positions. The wheel drive assembly is convertible between left-hand and right-hand operation by reversing the mounting position of the second bevel gear on the common shaft, interchanging the input shaft and cover member, and rotating the housing to a different mounting position.

Abstract: An irrigator (A) for distributing a constant depth of fluid as the irrigator (A) moves over an area. The irrigator (A) has a moveable nozzle boom arm (9), a winch (15) with cable (15a) and a governor (B). The governor (B) is connected to the moveable nozzle boom arm (9) and to the winch (15). In use the governor (B) controls the speed of winch (15) and the speed and movement of the moveable nozzle boom arm 9, so that application depth of liquid being applied by the irrigator (A) can be kept substantially constant.

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: Apparatus for scarifying an interior surface of a pipe both of round and non-round cross section. The apparatus, which has a nozzle for discharging fluid under pressure against the interior surface of the pipe, also has a vehicle moveable along an interior of the pipe in a direction substantially parallel to an axis of the pipe, a principal arm coupled to the vehicle and a scarifying assembly rotatably coupled to the principal arm having a fluid nozzle assembly with at least one fluid nozzle. The fluid nozzle assembly is operative to one of rotate and oscillate, one of the scarifying assembly and the principal arm being extendible to place the fluid nozzle at a location adjacent the interior surface of the pipe and operative, as the vehicle moves along the interior of said pipe, to remove contaminants and corrosion along a selected region along the interior surface of pipe.

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 ground based remote sensing system for use in conjunction with agricultural irrigation systems. The ground based remote sensing system includes a sensor package mounted to a carriage for movement along a track attached to the agricultural irrigation system. The track is triangular in cross section and includes springs between abutting sections so that travel of the carriage along the track will not be compromised by misalignment between the abutting sections. The sensor package is mounted to the carriage by a mount which acts to ensure that the sensor package remains in a predetermined orientation with respect to the agricultural crop from which data is being gathered. The mount also includes an inclinometer to permit correction of agricultural data gathering errors due to misalignment of the sensor package with respect to the agricultural crop. The ground based remote sensing system also includes conducting rails to transmit energy from a speed control circuit to the carriage motor.

Abstract: This application discloses an automated apparatus for cleaning the interior surface of a pipe. The device includes a vehicle which propels itself down the inside of the pipe. A cleaning system is fixed to the vehicle and uses arms to reach the walls of the pipe. At the end of each arm sits a spray nozzle assembly equipped with spray nozzles. The spray nozzle assembly rotates or oscillates to spray clean the pipe surface. The arms and spray nozzle assembly interchange with other such cleaning systems depending on the shape or type of pipe and the desired cleaning technique. The apparatus is tethered to a source of fluid under pressure and a power source both of which are located off-board the apparatus at a remote location. An operator supervises the device's operation, controlling the speed and direction of travel of the vehicle, the speed and direction of oscillation and rotation of the cleaning system, and the fluid pressure delivered by the spray nozzles.

Abstract: An assembly for spraying a poultry house or the like with liquid biocide having a frame on which there is a spray manifold connectable to a biocide supply hose, the frame having a single front support in the form of a wheel or a skid and two rear supports in the form of skids, the frame being triangular and having lateral deflector plates mounted on its periphery.

Abstract: An automatic washing and sterilizing device for a stable comprising a crane moving on a steel cable at various speeds and a nozzle mounted on the crane for spraying water for washing or sterilizing solution for sterilization all over in a stable.

Abstract: A robotic tank cleaning system is provided, comprising a light-weight, collapsible, and robotically controllable frame having an articulatable washing nozzle for spraying a petroleum-based solvent on a surface to be cleaned. Hydraulic power and control units are also provided which allow an operator to control the motion of the frame and washing nozzle from outside the tank, as well as a solvent supply system for delivering solvent to the washing nozzle. A hoisting mechanism is included to allow placement and retrieval of a waste removal pump, and a clearing blade is attached to the frame to assist movement of waste material to the waste removal pump. Waste material comprising dislodged oil sludge and expended solvent is collected in waste fractioning tanks where the collected oil sludge is allowed to settle below the expended solvent. The separated solvent in the waste fractioning tanks is redirected through the solvent supply system and is reused for further spraying of the tank interior.

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: A computer controlled concrete injector pump and process for lining pipe comprises a pump chamber having an outlet connected to a spray lance through a first check valve and having first and second inlets, one inlet being connected through a second check valve to a hopper, and the second inlet being connected to an injector tube having a piston moveable therein by a hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder is controlled by a programmable logic controller in a control system which has provisions for operator input of lining process parameters. The volume and flow rate of material from the pump may be controlled accurately by controlling the movement of the piston within the injector tube. The valve housing of the second check valve between the chamber and the hopper is split into two portions which are connected by a quick-disconnect coupling. The valve housing may be separated for access to its interior for maintenance and cleaning.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing concrete from a ceiling surface by hydrodemolition which includes a mobile truck unit adapted for movement along a floor surface or the like and which supports a pair of upstanding telescoping support arms having an elongated boom mounted at their upper ends in a manner to enable selective orientation of the boom relative to a ceiling surface. A carriage is mounted for reciprocating movement along the boom and carries an upwardly directed lance and discharge nozzle operative to discharge high pressure fluid, such as water, against a ceiling surface such that selective movement of the nozzle and mobile truck during high pressure fluid discharge are operative to remove concrete from the ceiling surface.

Abstract: An automatic pipeline testing and sealing system and method to operate the functions of an inflatable packer device from a remote location. The automatically operated packer device has inflatable end elements, an exterior sleeve member and a chemical dispensing mechanism and is in operative communication with a cable assembly, a compressed air source, a pressurized test fluid source, a sealing chemical component source, and a catalyst component source.