US3608827A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Linearly movable irrigation system
Assignee: W R AMES CO
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Filing: 1969-07-10
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Granted: 1971-09-28
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Expires: 1989-07-10
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for irrigating a field from a stationary supply pipe on the field supplied at one end with water under pressure and having a series of valves located at predetermined spaced-apart intervals along its length. Each valve is operable by an actuating means for releasing water from the supply pipe in an open position and for preventing the release of water in a closed position. A mobile, self-powered main drive unit movable in a direction generally parallel to the supply pipe has an open receiving tank with an outlet connected to a distribution pipe that extends generally perpendicular to said supply pipe and has a series of outlets spaced apart along its length. Means are provided on said main drive unit for opening said valves when they are positioned over the tank of said drive unit as it moves along and thereafter for closing each open valve just before the tank moves away from the open valve, thereby maintaining the tank in a filled condition as the apparatus moves along with the water being pumped through and sprayed from the distribution pipe in a predetermined manner.
Inventors
- 👤 Alan Kinkead
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 13:39
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01G; A01G25/00; A01G25/09; A01G25/097
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
198 words
Apparatus for irrigating a field comprising: a stationary supply pipe located along the field and supplied with water under pressure; a series of hydrants located at predetermined spaced-apart intervals along said supply pipe and a valve for each said hydrant, each said valve being operable to an open position for releasing water from the supply pipe through its hydrant and for preventing the release of water from the supply pipe in a closed position; a mobile main drive unit including power means for moving it generally parallel to said supply pipe, a receiving tank on the drive unit having an open upper end an outlet and a pump at said outlet; a distribution pipe connected to said pump and extending from said supply pipe; means for supporting said distribution pipe generally horizontally as it moves along above the ground; a series of sprinkler outlets connected to and spaced-apart along said distribution pipe; and means on said main drive unit for opening each said valve when its hydrant is positioned to discharge onto said tank as said drive unit moves along and thereafter for closing each said open valve as said receiving tank moves away from the open hydrant.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
198 words
Apparatus for irrigating a field comprising: a stationary supply pipe located along the field and supplied with water under pressure; a series of hydrants located at predetermined spaced-apart intervals along said supply pipe and a valve for each said hydrant, each said valve being operable to an open position for releasing water from the supply pipe through its hydrant and for preventing the release of water from the supply pipe in a closed position; a mobile main drive unit including power means for moving it generally parallel to said supply pipe, a receiving tank on the drive unit having an open upper end an outlet and a pump at said outlet; a distribution pipe connected to said pump and extending from said supply pipe; means for supporting said distribution pipe generally horizontally as it moves along above the ground; a series of sprinkler outlets connected to and spaced-apart along said distribution pipe; and means on said main drive unit for opening each said valve when its hydrant is positioned to discharge onto said tank as said drive unit moves along and thereafter for closing each said open valve as said receiving tank moves away from the open hydrant.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
63 words
The apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein each said valve on said supply pipe comprises a closure member movable from an open to a closed position, a cam means, means engaged by said cam means for moving said closure member, and actuator means attached to said cam means for activating said cam means in response to movement of said main drive unit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus as described in claim 1 including steerable wheels on said main drive unit; means interconnecting said supply pipe and said steerable wheels for moving them automatically to correct any deviation of said main drive unit away from a line parallel to said supply pipe.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
103 words
The apparatus as described in claim 1 including a trolley assembly providing a moving interconnection between said main drive unit and said supply pipe, said trolley assembly including a beam member, a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted on said beam member for constantly engaging said supply pipe as the apparatus moves along and a pair of spaced-apart guide beams attached to and extending from said longitudinal beam member, and guide support means on said main drive unit for supporting the outer free ends of said guide beams while allowing a range of lateral movement between said main drive unit and said supply pipe.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus as described in claim 1 including a control means in said tank for increasing the output of said pump when the water in the tank rises to a predetermined level and for decreasing the pump output when the water goes below a predetermined level.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said means for supporting said distribution pipe comprises a plurality of elongated truss sections including an innermost truss section pivotally connected at one end to said main drive unit, and an auxiliary drive unit pivotally connected to one end of each said truss section.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus as described in claim 6 wherein each said auxiliary drive unit comprises a frame, a pair of wheels mounted on said frame and spaced apart along a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the distribution pipe, power means on said frame and a power-drive train interconnecting said power means and said wheels.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus as described in claim 7 wherein said power means on said main drive unit and said auxiliary drive units include electrical drivE motors.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-09-27 | 1975-03-29 | 1975-09-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-27 | 1979-03-29 | 1979-09-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-27 | 1983-03-29 | 1983-09-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |