Abstract: A repair assembly for broken or leaking risers in underground irrigation systems is provided. The repair assembly is adapted to be inserted into a hole through the wall of a buried water distribution line and is held in place by locking tangs engaging the interior surface of the distribution line and by a locking ring flange disposed about the exterior of the assembly and bearing on the exterior wall of the distribution line.

Abstract: This is a coupling arrangement which is usable in an overhead irrigation system of the traveling or moving type more commonly known as center pivot and laterally moving irrigation systems. The present coupling arrangement is connected between the slightly spaced ends of two pipes which are generally aligned. A flexible coupling in the nature of a mechanical interlock is positioned within and between the ends of the pipes and a sealing arrangement is disposed around the coupling with the coupling itself being constructed and arranged to provide for and accept misalignment to some degree between the pipes and also for some swiveling. This is also an alignment arrangement for irrigation systems.

Abstract: A flowable concrete delivery apparatus is provided in which both rigid and flexible pipe is connected in an end-to-end relationship to provide a high pressure conduit. These lengths of pipe are connected by clamps, each clamp being fixedly secured to a skid that provides a sliding protector for the clamp and prevents unwanted opening and damage to the clamp. The pipe lengths are carried by freely rotating wheels, each having a sleeve that provides a free fit on the outer diameter of a pipe length. The conduit is moved by a hook tool, this tool having one end formed with a handle and the other end with a bifurcated hook that is contoured to releaseably engage the outer diameter of a pipe. An attendant manipulates and moves this hook tool to position and arrange the conduit pipe in the desired delivery position. Although a great convenience, the hook tool is not required by the attendant in every instance as the wheels enable the attendant to grasp and move the pipe conduit when the occasion arises.

Abstract: A coupling for flexible conduit of irregular configuration having an inner member adapted to be at least partially received within the flexible conduit. The inner member has a first conical surface. A locking member is retained on the inner member and is provided with a second conical surface which tapers radially inwardly and terminates in substantially a knife edge. When the inner member is received within the flexible conduit, the locking member may be moved such that the flexible conduit is squeezed between the knife edge and the first conical surface to seal the coupling to the conduit.

Abstract: A land irrigation system is illustrated in which an elongated sprinkler line continuously travels in a direction transverse to its length along the length dimension of a stationary water main and is continuously supplied with water from upstanding hydrants spaced along the length of the water main. Driven tractor means moves along the water main at substantially the same rate as the sprinkler line and supports one end of each of a pair of elongated water carrying pipe connector devices which extend outwardly from the tractor in generally opposite directions for automatic connection to and disconnection from successive hydrants along the main, the tractor supported ends being mounted for movement relative to one another on the tractor support to permit continuous movement of the tractor along the water main and intermittent, independent movement of the respective water carrying connecting pipes. Separate drive means are provided for the respective water carrying connecting pipes.

Abstract: An irrigation system, such as of the self-propelled type with a series of self-propelled support towers for supporting and moving an irrigation conduit over a field to be irrigated, the conduit comprised of a series of conduit sections supported by the towers. The system is for use on sloping or uneven terrain causing tension or compression loads in the system, and includes a control for sensing such a load and for controlling the movement of selective support towers to relieve the load. Included is a coupling for joining adjacent conduit sections which senses the relative displacement of said sections caused by said load. Also included is a steerable support tower which is steered in response to the coupler sensing said displacement to relieve said load.

Abstract: A land irrigation system is illustrated in which an elongated sprinkler line continuously travels in a direction transverse to its length along the length dimension of a stationary water main and is continuously supplied with water from upstanding hydrants spaced along the length of the water main. A driven tractor moves along the water main at substantially the same rate as the sprinkler line and a plurality of elongated water carrying pipe connector devices each have one end portion connected to the sprinkler line and their other end portions movable into position for automatic connection to and disconnection from successive hydrants along the main, to permit substantially continuous movement of the tractor along the water main and movement of the respective water carrying connecting size devices into position for connection to the hydrants.

Abstract: A fluid pressure activated mechanism in a rollable side wheel irrigating device allows gravity to maintain the sprinkler head portion of the device perpendicular or level to the ground as the device is rolled in position, and prevents nozzle pressure from moving the sprinkler head once fluid has entered the irrigation device after it has been positioned. The side wheel irrigating device includes an irrigation conduit within a horizontally-disposed axle member attached to two wheels. The conduit extends through the axle at its mid-point and routes irrigating fluid to a gravity-biased sprinkler conduit supporting a sprinkler head. The mechanism is attached between the two conduits, with the mechanism being rigidly attached to the irrigation conduit. The sprinkler conduit is attached to an annular hub and allowed rotative and translative movement in the mechanism housing. Prior to fluid of sufficient pressure entering the mechanism housing, the sprinkler conduit is free to rotate under the force of gravity.

Abstract: Disclosed are flexible coupling devices for strings of elongate irrigation pipes, and especially suited for overland traveling sprinkler irrigation apparatuses. The pronounced flexure coupling devices comprise insert and casing members of novel structural and spatial inter-relationship which are held together with resinous elastic material that annularly surrounds the longitudinal reference-axis for the insert member, together with means to prevent abrading between the insert and casing members. Also disclosed are preferred chemical identifications for the annular elastic connector and fabrication processes for securing the connector to the structurally novel and specially spaced insert and casing members.

Abstract: A flexible plastic nipple for coupling a sprinkler head to a sprinkler system pipeline. The nipple includes an elongated plastic tube having a resilient center section and a pair of end sections. The center section has a uniform set of annular undulations which provides both rigidity and flexibility to the nipple. Each end section includes a rigid portion, a flexible threaded section, and a snub portion for mating the nipple with a connector fitting on the sprinkler head or pipeline. The threaded portions have sufficient flexibility to prevent rupturing or stripping when a force is transmitted to the nipple. In addition, the center section will bend before the force transmitted to the threaded portions becomes excessive and will rebound to its original position when the excessive force is removed.

Abstract: An in-line junction member for tubes comprising an open-ended longitudinally slitted tubular socket member through which slit a portion of a flexible tube can be moved by flattening the tube either having a hollow spike with a sprinkler-engaging hollow takeoff, or alternatively a takeoff for a normal tube junction whereby a tube can be fitted into the hollow of the slitted tubular socket and engaged on a nipple and optionally with a keeper.

Abstract: An external hose coupling member is adapted with a pair of pulling ears which when subjected to forces exceeding a predetermined threshold for the particular hose, will disengage the pulling chains and save the hose from damage. The ears are adapted to rotate from a pull engaging position to a disengaging position by means of shear pins that will hold the engaging position until the predetermined threshold for the hose is reached whereupon the pins will shear and rotate to their disengaging positions.

Abstract: A rim shield is disclosed for use in conjunction with a porous mold in molding ceramic articles using a slip casting process. Use of the rim shield prevents the deposit of excess clay to the lip or rim of a molded article.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, irrigation pipe couplings for movable irrigation systems may include a spherical coupling structure that allows articulation of sections of the irrigation pipe during operation of the irrigation system. A sealing element is provided that maintains a positive seal when the various sections of irrigation pipe of the irrigation system are static or are moving. The internal and external components of the coupling structure and the sealing element of each of the couplings cooperate in such manner that the sealing elements are easily and quickly replaceable should they become worn or damaged. It is not necessary to cause longitudinal separation of the sections of irrigation pipe to which the coupling structures are affixed in order to achieve replacement of the sealing element.

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: Trail line irrigation moves have split swivel couplers of which each has two identical halves rotatable on split bearing rings on an axle having seals thereon and coupled to pipe lengths by press-on or clamp-on connector portion. The axle has holes connecting the pipe lengths to the interior of the swivel halves, and the bottom half has a check valve drain and the top half has a cross connector with a sprinkler mounted on the top, a quick connect coupler cross-arms, a plug in one cross-arm and a trail line coupled to one cross arm. The trail line is connected by a quick connection coupler to a reversible skid shoe having a sprinkler riser and a drain plug.

Abstract: A pipe coupling, e.g. for use in irrigation pipelines, having releasably connectable male and female coupling coupling elements which are connected so as to be able to swing relative to each other about either or both of two axes extending transversely of the coupling elements and perpendicular to each other, whereby the elements are free to undergo universal relative angular movement when attached together. For this purpose one element is encircled by a loosely fitting ring, pivotally connected to that element by lugs at two diametrically opposite positions, and the other element has a pair of hooks, at diametrically opposite positions, which releasably engage sockets on the ring which lie on a diameter of the ring perpendicular to a diameter on which the lugs lie. The lugs may engage a pair of diametrically opposite seats on the one element, or an annular track in which case the couple elements are free to undergo relative rotation as well as relative angular movement.

Abstract: A U-lock has a pair of hinged channel-like arms with flared free ends and a U-shaped spring strap handle connected to the arms and adapted to push them onto and hold them in clamping positions on flanges of irrigation pipe sections.

Abstract: A fastener for joining a connecting tube and an expansible tube telescoped on the end of the connecting tube. The fastener comprises a compressible ring on the end of the connecting tube and a tubular sheath telescoped on the connecting tube, the expansible tube and the ring. The sheath has an inner surface tapered to a circumference less than the normal circumference of the ring.

Abstract: A connector for use with flexible tubing comprising first and second coupling sections. The first coupling section has a head and a shank with the head being adapted to be forced through an opening in the wall of the tubing. The second coupling section has a shoulder and can be attached to the first coupling section so that the head and the shoulder clamp a region of the wall of the tubing to provide a strong mechanical connection and a substantially fluid tight connection between the connector and the tubing.

Abstract: A universal coupling for irrigation pipes that are incorporated into continuously movable land surface irrigation systems may incorporate pipe sections having extremities that are adapted to be positioned one within the other. A connector projection extends from one of the pipe sections and is adapted to be received within a connection aperture defined in the opposite one of the pipe sections upon assembly of the pipe sections. The coupling has a load bearing capability which is promoted by one of the extremities of each one of the pipe sections being supported directly by a mobile tower which the opposite extremity thereof bears upon the supported extremity of the adjacent pipe section, thereby causing both of the pipe sections to be supported one relative to the other. At least one of the extremities of one of the pipe sections is formed to allow substantially vertical movement of the opposite pipe section during assembly and disassembly thereof.

Abstract: The adjacent extremities of two lengths of irrigation pipe are axially aligned in a spaced relationship within a longitudinally split, bolt closed coupler sleeve. The coupler sleeve has a diameter greater than that of the pipes and contains a one-piece sealing boot therein which sealably embraces the ends of the irrigation pipe. An open gimbal ring medially surrounds the coupler sleeve in a diametrically spaced relationship with respect thereto. Bracket members are mounted on the opposite sides of each pipe extremity in a longitudinally spaced relationship with respect to the coupler sleeve and a pair of arms extend from each bracket member to opposite pivotal connections with the gimbal ring, the axes of the pivotal connections of one pair being circumferentially spaced on said gimbal ring at 90.degree. from the pivotal connections of the other pair to enable the pipe lengths to freely, relatively and arcuately swing in any desired direction.

Abstract: Quick-connect fittings for a trickle-type irrigation system wherein the fittings include gripping means thereon for quickly and easily joining the fittings to plastic pipes and the like without requiring the use of tools. In one form of the invention, the fitting has piercing means thereon for penetrating the wall of a plastic pipe to make a secure and leak-tight connection thereto without requiring the use of tools; and in another form of the invention, adjustable resilient orifice means is in the fitting.

Abstract: Trail line irrigation moves have split swivel couplers of which each has two identical halves rotatable on split bearing rings on an axle having seals thereon and coupled to pipe lengths by press-on or clamp-on connector portion. The axle has holes connecting the pipe lengths to the interior of the swivel halves, and the bottom half has a check valve drain and the top half has a cross connector with a sprinkler mounted on the top, a quick connect coupler cross-arms, a plug in one cross-arm and a trail line coupled to one cross-arm. The trail line is connected by a quick connection coupler to a reversible skid shoe having a sprinkler riser and a drain plug.

Abstract: The irrigation apparatus includes a quick-connect, self-piercing drip emitter insertable in a plastic pipe to effect a controlled, localized trickle of irrigating water. The apparatus is usable either above the surface of the ground or below the surface and may include a protective wrap to keep dirt from clogging the emitter and to spread the flow of irrigating water over a larger area.