Abstract: A traveling sprinkler system comprising: a sphere shaped surface; at least one wheel over a circumference of the sphere shaped surface, where the at least one wheel divides the sphere into a first half and a second half; a plurality of holes on both the first half and the second half of the sphere shaped surface; a water hose receptacle, where the water hose receptacle receives a flow of water from a water hose; and wheel gears within the sphere, where the flow of water transfers over the wheel gears to enable the movement of the at least one wheel and the flow of water transfers through the plurality of holes creating a sprinkling action.

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 track assembly for a mobile tower of an irrigation system includes a mounting bracket; a gearbox assembly and a rotatable drive wheel hub attached to the mounting bracket; a drive wheel attached to the drive wheel hub; a rotatable tension wheel hub attached to the mounting bracket and spaced from the drive wheel hub; a tension wheel attached to the tension wheel hub; a track belt trained over the drive wheel and the tension wheel and driven by the drive wheel to propel the mobile tower; and structure for pivotally mounting the mounting bracket to the mobile tower.

Abstract: A track assembly for a mobile tower of an irrigation system includes a mounting bracket; a gearbox assembly and rotatable drive wheel hub attached to the mounting bracket; a drive wheel attached to the drive wheel hub; a rotatable tension wheel hub attached to the mounting bracket and spaced from the drive wheel hub; a tension wheel attached to the tension wheel hub; a track belt trained over the drive wheel and the tension wheel and driven by the drive wheel to propel the mobile tower; and structure for pivotally mounting the mounting bracket to the mobile tower.

Abstract: A system and method to reduce water spray from one or more truck tires of a truck driving through rain on a water covered road. A combination centrifuge and air compressor device collects a mixture of air and rainwater, to separate the air from the rainwater and to compress the air. An air distribution manifold system directs the compressed air from the combination centrifuge and air compressor device onto an area of the water covered road in front of one or more of the truck's tires so that the water from the area rises up from the road. Then a shield barrier channels the water that rises up from the area on the road away from one or more of the truck's tires.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to an adjustable speed irrigation system having a control panel, at least one water conduit, at least one tower, and a position sensor. A user inputs a user-defined end destination at the user-defined arrival time into the control panel. The control panel receives a current position of the irrigation system from the position sensor. The control panel compares the current position to the user-defined end destination and calculates a new optimum ground speed required to reach the user-defined end destination at the user-defined time based on the current position of the irrigation system. The control panel then sends a signal to a speed control unit to adjust the speed of the irrigation system to match the new optimum ground speed.

Abstract: The mobile vehicle detailing system is a system for detailing a motor vehicle adapted for mounting the rear of a truck or van. The mobile vehicle detailing system has a water storage tank that has outlets for filling buckets and water containers and provides a source of water. A surround box, in which is disposed the water storage tank, has an integral front section that extends between the front seats of a van or truck and provides storage for files and receipts. A pressure washer, generator and storage box are mounted on a sliding platform that can be pulled out from the vehicle for easy access.

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 self propelled irrigation system has a drive tower on which a drive wheel is mounted to a rotating member of a drive mechanism with an axis of the wheel obliquely angled relative to a drive axis of the rotating member such that the wheel is tilted out of a plane normal to the drive axis. A hub has its oppositely facing sides arranged to support the wheel in such an orientation, and may therefore be mounted between the drive mechanism and wheel of a conventional irrigation system in which the wheel and drive axes were previously coincident. The tilt of the wheel causes an intentional wobble under rotation of the hub so that the wheel's point of engagement with the ground wanders back and forth during repeated passage of the drive tower over a particular path, thereby reducing a rut forming or deepening tendency of the irrigation system.

Abstract: A fertilizer system is provided using extraction of nitrogen compounds and other plant nutrients from combustion exhaust gases, and which is particularly suited for use with an agricultural irrigation system or engine driven plant care equipment including self-propelled tractors, mowers and the like. The system includes an exhaust chamber in communication with the motor driving a pump of the system for receiving the exhaust gases therethrough. Water is injected into the exhaust chamber for mixing with the exhaust so that the steam being formed absorbs various nitrogen compounds and other plant nutrients from the surrounding hot exhaust gases. The steam is subsequently condensed in a condensing chamber from which condensate is collected and dispensed into the inlet of the pump with water circulated therethrough.

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 drive unit for a self-propelled irrigation system including an elongated pipeline supported upon a plurality of spaced-apart drive units. Each of the drive units includes a generally transversely extending base beam having first and second ends. A first drive assembly is pivotally connected to the base beam adjacent the first end thereof and a second drive assembly is pivotally connected to the base beam adjacent the second end thereof. Each of the first and second drive assemblies includes an elongated support member pivotally connected, about a generally horizontal axis, which is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the base beam, to the base beam adjacent the first end thereof. First and second driven wheels are rotatably mounted on the elongated support member adjacent the ends thereof. The driven wheels are driven by an electric motor and gearbox arrangement.

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: 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 forward roll agricultural irrigation line includes an irrigation unit having a plenum pipe, a plurality of water delivery orifices in the plenum pipe, a water supply line in communication with the plenum pipe, and at least one drive wheel supporting the plenum pipe. Typically, there are a plurality of drive wheels supporting the plenum pipe. A drive unit includes a DC electrical motor mounted to the irrigation unit and engaged to controllably rotate the drive wheels, preferably by rotating the plenum pipe. A control/power unit includes a battery power supply, a control unit having as an input power from the battery power supply and as an output a control and power signal to the DC motor, and a photovoltaic battery charger providing recharging power to the battery power supply.

Abstract: An irrigation system for conveying a fluid is provided. The irrigation system comprises a first irrigator span having a first end and extending to a distal end. A first drive system moves the first irrigator span. A second irrigator span extends from the distal end of the first irrigator span. A second drive system moves the second irrigator span. An alignment mechanism interconnects the first irrigator span and the second irrigator span to maintain alignment between the first and second irrigator spans within a predetermined limit. One of the drive systems is variable speed and the alignment mechanism includes a potentiometer for measuring the magnitude of misalignment between the first and second irrigator spans. The potentiometer is used to vary the speed of one of the drive systems to realign the first and second irrigator spans to maintain the predetermined limit.

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 corner pivot irrigation machine comprising a main arm extending outwardly from a center pivot structure supported upon and driven by a plurality of non-steerable drive towers. An elongated corner arm is pivotally secured to the outer end of the main arm and is supported by a steerable drive tower including an elongated beam positioned beneath the water line of the corner arm and having a pair of drive wheel supports positioned at the opposite ends thereof which are rotatable with respect thereto about vertical axes. A steering motor, driven by a conventional guidance system, is mounted on the main beam and is connected to the rotatable drive wheel supports by an adjustable linkage to enable the linkage to be selectively adjusted when the machine is to be operated in a reverse direction.

Abstract: An irrigation system is disclosed which includes a center pivot support having an elongated main water boom pivotally connected thereto which extends outwardly therefrom. A corner span is pivotally connected at its inner end to the outer end of the main boom and is supported by a steerable drive tower. An angle sensor is provided at the pivotal connector of said main boom and said corner span. A span sensor is positioned on the corner boom for sensing shape changes in the corner span. A control connects the span sensor and angle sensor with the drive and steering for driving and steering the steerable drive tower.

Abstract: A universal coupler for use on a tower leg assembly of an irrigation system for joining an outboard drive shaft of a drive wheel gear box of circular cross-section and known size to a motor-driven square drive shaft of unknown size. The universal coupler includes, along a first longitudinal end thereof, a shaft receiving structure for fixedly containing the outboard drive shaft, and along the opposite longitudinal end, a V-shaped cradle dimensioned to accommodate therein adjacent flat wall surfaces of the square drive shaft. A flexible, shock absorbing disk joins the V-shaped cradle and the outboard drive shaft receiving structure in a manner whereby each shaft is rotated at the same speed in response to a rotational force imparted on the other. L-shaped bolts are provided to facilitate clamping the square drive shaft to the V-shaped cradle using fasteners.

Abstract: A new and improved rotatable and oscillatable sprinkler apparatus is provided for use on a trolley pulled across a field to be sprayed with water. A rotation direction control assembly controls direction of rotation of a rotatable portion of a rotatable sprinkler head assembly. The rotation direction control assembly includes a revolving control element connected to the rotatable portion of the rotatable sprinkler head assembly. The rotation direction control assembly also includes a remotely controlled spray pattern selection assembly which controls a water spray pattern on the field by the remotely controlled spray pattern selection assembly contacting the revolving control element. The remotely controlled spray pattern selection assembly includes a first portion located adjacent to the stationary portion of the rotatable sprinkler head assembly. A second portion of the first remotely controlled spray pattern selection assembly is attached to the trolley.

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: A programmable sprinkler system ideally suited for use in an enclosure such as a nursery and/or arboretum includes a first overhead rail and a water pipe connected to a pressurized source of water. The water pipe is provided with a plurality of water valves placed at discreet intervals along its length and extend outwardly therefrom and is positioned alongside and close to the first overhead rail and parallel thereto. A source of electrical power is positioned close to and generally parallel with the first rail on the other side thereof and extends essentially its entire length. A plurality of second overhead rails have one end of each positioned near the valves and the first rail and extends outwardly therefrom, preferably at right angles thereto, defining a path along which the water is to be dispensed. A carrier mechanism rests on the first rail. Nested upon the carrier mechanism is a detachable car that includes a second coupling device to bring electrical power to it.

Abstract: This is concerned with an irrigation system or mechanism which is constructed and arranged and intended to water non-circular fields which may be considered polygonal sided intersecting at the corners. The system and method includes the use or combination of two types of irrigation systems, the first a so-called lateral move or free-standing span system and the second, either a so-called center pivot irrigation unit or a lateral move unit. The free-standing span moves along the outside of the field following the edge or border or fence with turns at intersections and the main irrigation unit moves inside of it and is coordinated and connected to it so that at times they overlap and at times they are distended with water, preferably, being supplied to the free-standing span by the main irrigation unit.

Abstract: A method for spraying pesticides, herbicides or the like in a moving path from above includes extending a support cable across and over the area to be sprayed and tensioning the cable between two vehicles, one on each side of the area to be sprayed. One or more material spraying nozzles or outlets are supported on the cable and fed by a material-delivering conduit also supported on the cable and connected to a source of material supply on one of the vehicles. The cable is tensioned to a preselected tension sufficient to limit sag in the cable, and tension in maintained substantially constant as the two vehicles are advanced forward with the cable and spray nozzle over the path to be sprayed, irrespective of convergence and divergence of the two vehicles. Constant tension is maintained by a hydraulic motor driving a cable storage reel at constant force.

Abstract: A linear irrigation system has the wheels on each end angled outward to stretch the entire pipe. Some of the vehicles in the middle of the pipe are steered responsive to the distance the elongated pipe is from a guide line. Steering is controlled by the movement of a cable. Bridges upon a tube on the cable are used to activate a microswitch. The microswitch itself is on a carriage which is responsive to the distance of the elongated pipe from a guide line. Therefore when any correction is needed, a predetermined correction is applied and no additional correction is applied until the carriage carrying the microswitch is again moved. The wheels are individually steered. The correction is almost instantaneous and is not dependent upon changing the angle of the entire moving pipe.

Abstract: A self-propelled, linear-forwardly, relatively slow-moving irrigating apparatus has a main frame and master drive unit carrying a rotating, water-supplying, pipe-like, axle shaft that provides a side-extending wheel-line along which are spaced what may be termed power, booster and wheeled spray units that enable a large area of ground crop to be irrigated at one time. Longitudinally spaced-apart hydrants are provided along the length of the field that is to be irrigated to detachably receive a flexible water-supplying hose that is also detachably carried by the main frame. The apparatus has automatic means for maintaining the main frame and the wheel-line in an aligned forwardly advancing relation, for stopping forward movement when a serious obstruction is encountered and when the desired full extent of its advance along a side-extending anchored guide cable has been attained.

Abstract: A programmable sprinkler system ideally suited for use in an enclosure such as a nursery and/or arboretum includes a first overhead rail and a water pipe connected to a pressurized source of water. The water pipe is provided with a plurality of water valves placed at discreet intervals along its length and extend outwardly therefrom and is positioned alongside and close to the first overhead rail and parallel thereto. A source of electrical power is positioned close to and generally parallel with the first rail on the other side thereof and extends essentially its entire length. A plurality of second overhead rails have one end of each positioned near the valves and the first rail and extends outwardly therefrom, preferably at right angles thereto, defining a path along which the water is to be dispensed. A carrier mechanism rests on the first rail. Nested upon the carrier mechanism is a detachable car that includes a second coupling device to bring electrical power to it.