Mobile irrigation apparatus

Claim 2

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile supports having wheel means, the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, the improvement comprising: a. drive means connected to said wheel means to power the same to pivot said conduit; b. source of pressurized fluid connected to said drive means; c. first control means at said fixed support for controlling application of pressurized fluid to said drive means whereby system operation can be initiated and terminated at said fixed support; and d. second control means for controlling the speed and relative position of said mobile supports whereby said conduit is curved in form with its outer end trailing in the direction of pivotal movement.

Claim 3

The combination according to claim 1 wherein said drive means includes hydrostatic fluid rotary motors driving the associated wheel means continuously whenever adequately pressurized hydraulic fluid is applied to each motor, and each motor having valve means associated therewith variably metering fluid to the associated motor and means responsive to the location of the associated mobile support relative to the line represented by said conduit and mobile supports operative to variably control said valve means.

Claim 4

The combination according to claim 1 wherein said source of fluid is located at said fixed support, two hydraulic lines extending along said conduit and connected to said source, said drive means being connected to said lines to receive pressurized fluid from one line to power the same and to return fluid to the other line, and said first control means being operative to reverse direction of flow in said lines so that the pressure line becomes the return line and so that the return line becomes the pressure line whereby the direction of motors powering said wheel means can be reversed to thereby reverse the direction of pivotal movement of said conduit.

Claim 5

The combination according to claim 1 wherein each mobile support except the end mobile support most remote from said pivotal support has an adjustable control valve controlling whether hydraulic fluid will be fed to the respective drive means and as to how much fluid will be fed thereby controlling start and stop and speed of the mobile support, the end mobile support having intervening flow regulation means whereby the pivotal speed of the conduit is set by said flow regulation means controlling speed of the end mobile support, each mobile support other than said end support having valve operating means acting upon the respective control valve and turning power on and off and adjusting power to the respective drive means by sensing relative position of mobile support and the conduit at that location.

Claim 6

The combination according to claim 1 wherein the pivotal speed of said conduit is set by the end mobile support most remote from said fixed pivotal support, which end support has hydraulic speed control means selectively set at said end mobile support, and the other mobile supports have drive control means controlling mobile support drive at speeds needed to maintain relative support and conduit positions.

Claim 7

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, the improvement comprising: a. each mobile wheeled support having a motor connected to said wheel means to power the same to pivot saId conduit; b. a common source of pressurized oil hydraulic fluid connected to the motors to power the same; c. control means at said fixed support controlling application of pressurized oil to said motors whereby system operation can be initiated and terminated at said fixed support, said control means including a four-way, three position valve controlling application of fluid to said lines, two positions thereof changing directions of fluid in said lines and the third position shutting off application of pressure to said lines thereby to stop movement of said mobile supports; d. said common source of fluid being located at said fixed support, two hydraulic lines extending along said conduit and connected to said common source, said motors being connected to said lines to receive pressurized fluid from one line to power the same and to return fluid to the other line, and said control means being operative to reverse direction of flow in said lines so that the pressure line becomes the return line and so that the return line becomes the pressure line whereby the direction of motors powering said wheel means can be reversed to thereby reverse the direction of pivotal movement of said conduit.

Claim 8

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, the improvement comprising: a. each mobile wheeled support having a motor connected to said wheel means to power the same to pivot saId conduit; b. a common source of pressurized oil hydraulic fluid connected to the motors to power the same; c. control means at said fixed support controlling application of pressurized oil to said motors whereby system operation can be initiated and terminated at said fixed support, said control means including a four-way, three position valve controlling application of fluid to said lines, two positions thereof changing directions of fluid in said lines and the third position shutting off application of pressure to said lines thereby to stop movement of said mobile supports; d. said common source of fluid being located at said fixed support, two hydraulic lines extending along said conduit and connected to said common source, said motors being connected to said lines to receive pressurized fluid from one line to power the same and to return fluid to the other line, and said control means being operative to reverse direction of flow in said lines so that the pressure line becomes the return line and so that the return line becomes the pressure line whereby the direction of motors powering said wheel means can be reversed to thereby reverse the direction of pivotal movement of said conduit.

Claim 9

The subject matter of claim 6 in which said fixed support includes a tower with a ring concentric with the pivotal axis of said conduit, and adjustable stop means on said ring, and said valve being movable with said conduit and having a control lever in position to be contacted by said stop means on said ring whereby said valve can be moved from one of said positions applying pressure to one of said lines to the third ''''off'''' position by said control level striking said stop means which is set at the radial location where termination of irrigation is desired.

Claim 10

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, the improvement comprising: a. each mobile wheeled support having a motor connected to said wheel means to power the same to pivot said conduit; b. a common source of pressurized oil hydraulic fluid connected to the motors to power the same; c. control means at said fixed support controlling application of pressurized oil to said motors whereby system operation can be initiated and terminated at said fixed support; d. said common source of fluid being located at said fixed support, two hydraulic lines extending along said conduit and connected to said common source, said motors being connected to said lines to receive pressurized fluid from one line to power the same and to return fluid to the other line, each mobile support except the end mobile support most remote from said pivotal support having an adjustable control valve controlling whether hydraulic fluid will be fed to the respective motor and as to how much fluid will be fed thereby controlling start and stop and speed of the mobile support, the end mobile support being continuously connected to said lines and having intervening flow regulation means whereby the pivotal speed of the conduit is set by said flow regulation means controlling speed of the end mobile support, each mobile support other than said end support having valve operating means acting upon the respective control valve and turning power on and off and adjusting power to the respective motor by sensing relative position of mobile support and the conduit at that location; e. each mobile support including a mobile tower and guy wires supporting the conduit from each tower, the support of the guy wires at each mobile tower other than the end mobile support permitting some shifting of relative position between mobile tower and the conduit at that location, each valve operating means including pulley, cable and rotary capstan means whereby said relative position is refLected in the rotary position of the capstan, and the capstan being connected to the respective control valve to determine ''''on,'''' ''''off'''' and ''''speed'''' positioning of said control valve.

Claim 11

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, the improvement comprising: a. each mobile wheeled support having a motor connected to said wheel means to power the same to pivot said conduit; b. a common source of pressurized oil hydraulic fluid connected to the motors to power the same; c. control means at said fixed support controlling application of pressurized oil to said motors whereby system operation can be initiated and terminated at said fixed support; d. said common source of fluid being located at said fixed support, two hydraulic lines extending along said conduit and connected to said common source, said motors being connected to said lines to receive pressurized fluid from one line to power the same and to return fluid to the other line, each mobile support except the end mobile support most remote from said pivotal support having an adjustable control valve controlling whether hydraulic fluid will be fed to the respective motor and as to how much fluid will be fed thereby controlling start and stop and speed of the mobile support, the end mobile support being continuously connected to said lines and having intervening flow regulation means whereby the pivotal speed of the conduit is set by said flow regulation means controlling speed of the end mobile support, each mobile support other than said end support having valve operating means acting upon the respective control valve and turning power on and off and adjusting power to the respective motor by sensing relative position of mobile support and the conduit at that location; e. each mobile support including a mobile tower and guy wires supporting the conduit from each tower, the support of the guy wires at each mobile tower other than the end mobile support permitting some shifting of relative position between mobile tower and the conduit at that location, each valve operating means including pulley, cable and rotary capstan means whereby said relative position is refLected in the rotary position of the capstan, and the capstan being connected to the respective control valve to determine ''''on,'''' ''''off'''' and ''''speed'''' positioning of said control valve.

Claim 12

The subject matter of claim 8 in which each control valve has a ''''dump'''' position connecting said lines without passing through the respective motor, thereby shunting pressure between the lines, and said control means including a switch operative to control operation of said irrigation apparatus, said switch being sensitive to pressure in the hydraulic system and operating to shut off operation of said irrigation apparatus upon ''''dump'''' of pressure between said lines.

Claim 13

The subject matter of claim 9 in which there is a powered water pump for boosting pressure of water and to force water from said water source pipe into said conduit, and said switch controlling power to said pump.

Claim 14

The subject matter of claim 8 in which said cable means includes a hydraulic piston and cylinder with a piston rod connected to said cable means, and said lines being connected at opposite sides of said piston whereby reversal of direction of fluid in said lines results in adjusted capstan position via said piston and cylinder and cable means.

Claim 15

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, the improvement, comprising: a. each mobile wheeled support having a motor connected to said wheel means to power the same to pivot said conduit b. a common source of pressurized oil hydraulic fluid connected to the motors to power the same c. control means at said fixed support controlling application of pressurized oil to said motors whereby system operation can be initiated and terminated at said fixed support d. a water turbine in said conduit and a hydraulic fluid pump connected to said turbine whereby the pressurization and flow of hydraulic fluid is accomplished by flow of water through said conduit.

Claim 16

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, the improvement, comprising: a. each mobile wheeled support having a motor connected to said wheel means to power the same to pivot said conduit b. a common source of pressurized oil hydraulic fluid connected to the motors to power the same c. control means at said fixed support controlling application of pressurized oil to said motors whereby system operation can be initiated and terminated at said fixed support d. a water turbine in said conduit and a hydraulic fluid pump connected to said turbine whereby the pressurization and flow of hydraulic fluid is accomplished by flow of water through said conduit.

Claim 17

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, the improvement, comprising: a. each mobile wheeled support having a motor connected to said wheel means to power the same to pivot said conduit b. a common source of pressurized oil hydraulic fluid connected to the motors to power the same c. control means at said fixed support controlling application of pressurized oil to said motors whereby system operation can be initiated and terminated at said fixed support d. pump means pumping hydraulic fluid from said source, and said pump means having excess capacity for fast nonirrigation-cycle pivoting of said conduit, and there being a by-pass line across said common source of fluid and an adjustable flow regulator in said bypass line which can be set to bypass excess gallonage capacity of said pump during normal irrigation-cycle pivotal speeds of said conduit.

Claim 18

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, the improvement, comprising: a. each mobile wheeled support having a motor connected to said wheel means to power the same to pivot said conduit b. a common source of pressurized oil hydraulic fluid connected to the motors to power the same c. control means at said fixed support controlling application of pressurized oil to said motors whereby system operation can be initiated and terminated at said fixed support d. pump means pumping hydraulic fluid from said source, and said pump means having excess capacity for fast nonirrigation-cycle pivoting of said conduit, and there being a by-pass line across said common source of fluid and an adjustable flow regulator in said bypass line which can be set to bypass excess gallonage capacity of said pump during normal irrigation-cycle pivotal speeds of said conduit.

Claim 19

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, the improvement, comprising: a. each mobile wheeled support having a motor connected to said wheel means to power the same to pivot said conduit b. a common source of pressurized oil hydraulic fluid connected to the motors to power the same c. control means at said fixed support controlling application of pressurized oil to said motors whereby system operation can be initiated and terminated aT said fixed support d. the end of said conduit remote from said pivotal support having an end gun sprinkler to be operated at corner areas of a rectangular tract of land being irrigated, an end gun control valve, counterforce means connected to said end gun control valve normally acting to hold said end gun control valve in ''''off'''' position, hydraulic piston and cylinder means having a piston rod connected to said end gun control valve and operative upon sufficient hydraulic pressure to overcome said counterforce means to move said end gun control valve means to ''''on'''' position, said hydraulic piston and cylinder being connected to said common source of hydraulic fluid, and hydraulic pressure level control means operative to change pressure in said common source form a level ineffective to overcome said counterforce to a higher level sufficient to overcome said counterforce to thereby turn on said end gun part-circle sprinkler.

Claim 20

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, the improvement, comprising: a. each mobile wheeled support having a motor connected to said wheel means to power the same to pivot said conduit b. a common source of pressurized oil hydraulic fluid connected to the motors to power the same c. control means at said fixed support controlling application of pressurized oil to said motors whereby system operation can be initiated and terminated aT said fixed support d. the end of said conduit remote from said pivotal support having an end gun sprinkler to be operated at corner areas of a rectangular tract of land being irrigated, an end gun control valve, counterforce means connected to said end gun control valve normally acting to hold said end gun control valve in ''''off'''' position, hydraulic piston and cylinder means having a piston rod connected to said end gun control valve and operative upon sufficient hydraulic pressure to overcome said counterforce means to move said end gun control valve means to ''''on'''' position, said hydraulic piston and cylinder being connected to said common source of hydraulic fluid, and hydraulic pressure level control means operative to change pressure in said common source form a level ineffective to overcome said counterforce to a higher level sufficient to overcome said counterforce to thereby turn on said end gun part-circle sprinkler.

Claim 21

The subject matter of claim 14 in which there is a tower at said fixed support and a ring on said tower concentric about the axis of pivoting of said conduit, and adjustable cam means on said ring, said common source of fluid including a pilot controlled relief valve having a vent line with a remote control valve, the remote control valve being set at a pressure lower than that required to operate the end gun control valve and the pilot controlled relief valve being set at a pressure high enough to operate said end gun control valve, and a plunger controlled valve operative to block said vent line, and said plunger being positioned to be acted upon by said cam means, whereby depending on the radial location of said cam means on said ring which corresponds to a corner area of said tract of land, said end gun part-circle sprinkler is operated.

Claim 22

The subject matter of claim 14 in which said counterforce means is a counterweight.

Claim 23

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, the improvement comprising: a. each mobile wheeled support having a motor connected to said wheel means to power the same to pivot said conduit; b. a common source of pressurized oil hydraulic fluid connected to the motors to power the same; c. control means at said fixed support controlling application of pressurized oil to said motors whereby system operation can be initiated and terminated at said fixed support; d. each motor being a hydrostatic fluid rotary motor driving the associated wheel means continuously whenever adequately pressurized oil hydraulic fluid is applied to each motor, and each motor having valve means associated therewith variably metering fluid to the associated motor and means responsive to the location of the associated mobile support relative to the line represented by said conduit and mobile supports operative to variably control said valve means; e. said conduit having an end gun nozzle and means hydraulically operating said nozzle at clocked positions set at said fixed support.

Claim 24

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, the improvement comprising: a. each mobile wheeled support having a motor connected to said wheel means to power the same to pivot said conduit; b. a common source of pressurized oil hydraulic fluid connected to the motors to power the same; c. control means at said fixed support controlling application of pressurized oil to said motors whereby system operation can be initiated and terminated at said fixed support; d. each motor being a hydrostatic fluid rotary motor driving the associated wheel means continuously whenever adequately pressurized oil hydraulic fluid is applied to each motor, and each motor having valve means associated therewith variably metering fluid to the associated motor and means responsive to the location of the associated mobile support relative to the line represented by said conduit and mobile supports operative to variably control said valve means; e. said conduit having an end gun nozzle and means hydraulically operating said nozzle at clocked positions set at said fixed support.

Claim 25

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, the improvement comprising; a. each mobile wheeled support having a motor connected to said wheel means to power the same to pivot said conduit; b. a common source of pressurized oil hydraulic fluid connected to the motors to power same; c. control means at said fixed support controlling application of pressurized oil to said motors whereby system operation can be initiated and terminated at said fixed support; d. each motor being a hydrostatic fluid rotary motor dRiving the associated wheel means continuously whenever adequately pressurized oil hydraulic fluid is applied to each motor, and each motor having valve means associated therewith variably metering fluid to the associated motor and means responsive to the location of the associated mobile support relative to the line represented by said conduit and mobile supports operative to variably control said valve means; e. wheel drive control means at mobile supports including means to dump hydraulic pressure at the location of the mobile support if relative conduit and mobile support positions get out of line beyond preset limits, and said control means being operative to terminate apparatus operation upon hydraulic dump.

Claim 26

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, the improvement comprising; a. each mobile wheeled support having a motor connected to said wheel means to power the same to pivot said conduit; b. a common source of pressurized oil hydraulic fluid connected to the motors to power same; c. control means at said fixed support controlling application of pressurized oil to said motors whereby system operation can be initiated and terminated at said fixed support; d. each motor being a hydrostatic fluid rotary motor dRiving the associated wheel means continuously whenever adequately pressurized oil hydraulic fluid is applied to each motor, and each motor having valve means associated therewith variably metering fluid to the associated motor and means responsive to the location of the associated mobile support relative to the line represented by said conduit and mobile supports operative to variably control said valve means; e. wheel drive control means at mobile supports including means to dump hydraulic pressure at the location of the mobile support if relative conduit and mobile support positions get out of line beyond preset limits, and said control means being operative to terminate apparatus operation upon hydraulic dump.

Claim 27

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, the improvement, comprising: a. each mobile wheeled support having a motor connected to said wheel means to power the same to pivot said conduit b. a common source of pressurized oil hydraulic fluid connected to the motors to power the same c. control means at said fixed support controlling application of pressurized oil to said motors whereby system operation can be initiated and terminated at said fixed support d. said common source of hydraulic fluid being continuously connected to the motor of the end mobile support most remote from said fixed pivotal support when the apparatus is operated so that pivotal speed of said conduit is set by the speed of the end mobile support, and drive control means at the other mobile supports controlling mobile support drive at speeds needed to maintain relative support and conduit positions, and operating means for said drive control means including pulley, cable and rotary capstan means connected to mobile supports and conduit to reflect relative support and conduit positions by rotary capstan means position.

Claim 28

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, the improvement, comprising: a. each mobile wheeled support having a motor connected to said wheel means to power the same to pivot said conduit b. a common source of pressurized oil hydraulic fluid connected to the motors to power the same c. control means at said fixed support controlling application of pressurized oil to said motors whereby system operation can be initiated and terminated at said fixed support d. said common source of hydraulic fluid being continuously connected to the motor of the end mobile support most remote from said fixed pivotal support when the apparatus is operated so that pivotal speed of said conduit is set by the speed of the end mobile support, and drive control means at the other mobile supports controlling mobile support drive at speeds needed to maintain relative support and conduit positions, and operating means for said drive control means including pulley, cable and rotary capstan means connected to mobile supports and conduit to reflect relative support and conduit positions by rotary capstan means position.

Claim 29

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, the improvement, comprising: a. each mobile wheeled support having a motor connected to said wheel means to power the same to pivot said conduit b. a common source of pressurized oil hydraulic fluid connected to the motors to power the same c. control means at said fixed support controlling application of pressurized oil to said motors whereby system operation can be initiated and terminated at said fixed support d. each mobile support including a tower, said conduit having between adjacent towers a plurality of crossarms extending laterally to each side of said conduit, generally horizontally extending flexible tension members partly parallel to said conduit and partly extending in an ''''X'''' bracing manner connecting the ends of said crossarms and connecting to each tower at points spaced laterally of said conduit as to flexible tension members between adjacent crossarms and the outermost tower but not connecting to the innermost tower of adjacent towers, and said flexible tension members extending in an inner direction from said crossarms adjacent to said innermost tower to connect to said conduit close to the plane of the innermost tower, whereby bending of said conduit occurs more in the area from a tower to the next adjacent crossarm in an inner direction than in other areas and whereby motion is transferred from a tower to the next innermost tower.

Claim 30

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, the improvement, comprising: a. each mobile wheeled support having a motor connected to said wheel means to power the same to pivot said conduit b. a common source of pressurized oil hydraulic fluid connected to the motors to power the same c. control means at said fixed support controlling application of pressurized oil to said motors whereby system operation can be initiated and terminated at said fixed support d. each mobile support including a tower, said conduit having between adjacent towers a plurality of crossarms extending laterally to each side of said conduit, generally horizontally extending flexible tension members partly parallel to said conduit and partly extending in an ''''X'''' bracing manner connecting the ends of said crossarms and connecting to each tower at points spaced laterally of said conduit as to flexible tension members between adjacent crossarms and the outermost tower but not connecting to the innermost tower of adjacent towers, and said flexible tension members extending in an inner direction from said crossarms adjacent to said innermost tower to connect to said conduit close to the plane of the innermost tower, whereby bending of said conduit occurs more in the area from a tower to the next adjacent crossarm in an inner direction than in other areas and whereby motion is transferred from a tower to the next innermost tower.

Claim 31

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile tower supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, means sensing relative conduit and mobile support positions and controlling power to the wheel means, comprising: a. power means to said wheel means and control means for said power means b. cable and pulley means connected to said conduit and tower and said control means operative to move said control means upon shifting of relative position between the conduit and the tower so that said control means acts upon said power means to restore relative positioning of conduit and tower, and c. said power means being hydraulic and said control means including a spool hydraulic valve having a spool moved by said cable and pulley means, said spool valve having land and port means including a slot tapered longitudinally of said spool operative to meter hydraulic fluid to vary power to said wheel means responsive to power requirements transmitted to said control means by said cable and pulley means.

Claim 32

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile tower supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, means sensing relative conduit and mobile support positions and controlling power to the wheel means, comprising: a. power means to said wheel means and control means for said power means b. cable and pulley means connected to said conduit and tower and said control means operative to move said control means upon shifting of relative position between the conduit and the tower so that said control means acts upon said power means to restore relative positioning of conduit and tower, and c. said power means being hydraulic and said control means including a spool hydraulic valve having a spool moved by said cable and pulley means, said spool valve having land and port means including a slot tapered longitudinally of said spool operative to meter hydraulic fluid to vary power to said wheel means responsive to power requirements transmitted to said control means by said cable and pulley means.

Claim 33

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile tower supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, means sensing relative conduit and mobile support positions and controlling power to the wheel means, comprising: a. power means to said wheel means and control means for said power means b. cable and pulley means connected to said conduit and a tower and said control means operative to move said control means upon shifting of relative position between the conduit and the tower so that said control means acts upon said power means to restore relative positioning of conduit and tower, and c. said control means including a rotary capstan and said cable means being wound upon said capstan and secured thereto in the middle of the winding, whereby relative movement of conduit and tower is reflected in rotary adjustment of position of said capstan.

Claim 34

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile tower supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, means sensing relative conduit and mobile support positions and controlling power to the wheel means, comprising: a. power means to said wheel means and control means for said power means b. cable and pulley means connected to said conduit and a tower and said control means operative to move said control means upon shifting of relative position between the conduit and the tower so that said control means acts upon said power means to restore relative positioning of conduit and tower, and c. said control means including a rotary capstan and said cable means being wound upon said capstan and secured thereto in the middle of the winding, whereby relative movement of conduit and tower is reflected in rotary adjustment of position of said capstan.

Claim 35

The subject matter of claim 22 in which said capstan has a cam track on one end and a cam follower in said cam track, whereby relative movement of conduit and tower is reflected in movement of said cam follower.

Claim 36

The subject matter of claim 23 in which said power means is hydraulic and in which said control means includes a spool hydraulic valve connected to said cam follower and having ''''in'''' and ''''out'''' hydraulic ports and said spool valve having a land including a tapered slot in said land, whereby ''''off'''' power position is defined when said cam follower moves said land to block flow between ports, ''''on'''' power position is defined when said land does not block flow, and ''''speed'''' positions are defined by communication between said ports via said tapered slot and by the extent of said slot exposed for flow in the particular position of the cam follower.

Claim 37

The subject matter of claim 24 in which said spool valve has a third port which shunts said power means and dumps hydraulic pressure when the cam follower moves the valve to position permitting flow to said third port, and said power means having termination means terminating application of power upon change of pressure due to dumping, whereby said power means is shut off when tower and conduit relative positions change excessively.

Claim 38

The subject matter of claim 25 in which said cam track has an escape slot, spring means directed to tend to pull said cam follower through said slot, and trigger and latch means normally holding said spring means against applying force on said cam follower, said trigger and latch means releasing said spring means when said cam follower reaches a position indicating severe tower and conduit misalignment, whereby said spring means is then released and forces said cam follower out said escape slot and moves said spool valve to dump position.

Claim 39

The subject matter of claim 26 in which a rod is connected to said spool valVe and cam follower, an abutment through which said rod passes, said spring means acting between said abutment and rod, a tube receiving said rod and slidable in said abutment, a latching boss on said tube, a pivotal trigger on said boss and acting to catch said latching boss and having a cam end, and a cam member on said rod in position to act on said cam end of said trigger thereby to cause said trigger to release said latching boss to permit said spring to act.

Claim 40

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile tower supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, means sensing relative conduit and mobile support positions and controlling power to the wheel means, comprising: a. power means to said wheel means and control means for said power means b. cable and pulley means connected to said conduit and a tower and said control means operative to move said control means upon shifting of relative position between the conduit and the tower so that said control means acts upon said power means to restore relative positioning of conduit and tower, and c. said power means being hydraulic and said control means having a position to dump hydraulic pressure at the tower of the entire power means when the conduit and tower are too far out of line, and said power means having means sensitive to pressure change due to dumping to shut off application of power.

Claim 41

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile tower supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, means sensing relative conduit and mobile support positions and controlling power to the wheel means, comprising: a. power means to said wheel means and control means for said power means b. cable and pulley means connected to said conduit and a tower and said control means operative to move said control means upon shifting of relative position between the conduit and the tower so that said control means acts upon said power means to restore relative positioning of conduit and tower, and c. said power means being hydraulic and said control means having a position to dump hydraulic pressure at the tower of the entire power means when the conduit and tower are too far out of line, and said power means having means sensitive to pressure change due to dumping to shut off application of power.

Claim 42

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile tower supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, means sensing relative conduit and mobile support positions and controlling power to the wheel means, comprising: a. power means to said wheel means and control means for said power means b. cable and pulley means connected to said conduit and a tower and said control means operative to move said control means upon shifting of relative position between the conduit and the tower so that said control means acts upon said power means to restore relative positioning of conduit and tower, and c. said conduit having between adjacent mobile support towers a plurality of crossarms extending laterally to each side of said conduit, generally horizontally extending flexible tension members partly parallel to said conduit and partly extending in a ''''X'''' bracing manner connecting the ends of said crossarms and connecting to each tower at points spaced laterally of said conduit as to flexible tension members between adjacent crossarms and the outermost tower but not connecting to the innermost tower of adjacent towers, and said flexible tension members extending in an inner direction from said crossarms adjacent to said innermost tower to connect to said conduit close to the plane of the innermost tower, whereby bending of said conduit occurs more in the area from a tower to the next adjacent crossarm in an inner direction than in other areas and whereby motion is transferred from a tower to the area of the next innermost tower.

Claim 43

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile tower supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, means sensing relative conduit and mobile support positions and controlling power to the wheel means, comprising: a. power means to said wheel means and control means for said power means b. cable and pulley means connected to said conduit and a tower and said control means operative to move said control means upon shifting of relative position between the conduit and the tower so that said control means acts upon said power means to restore relative positioning of conduit and tower, and c. said conduit having between adjacent mobile support towers a plurality of crossarms extending laterally to each side of said conduit, generally horizontally extending flexible tension members partly parallel to said conduit and partly extending in a ''''X'''' bracing manner connecting the ends of said crossarms and connecting to each tower at points spaced laterally of said conduit as to flexible tension members between adjacent crossarms and the outermost tower but not connecting to the innermost tower of adjacent towers, and said flexible tension members extending in an inner direction from said crossarms adjacent to said innermost tower to connect to said conduit close to the plane of the innermost tower, whereby bending of said conduit occurs more in the area from a tower to the next adjacent crossarm in an inner direction than in other areas and whereby motion is transferred from a tower to the area of the next innermost tower.

Claim 44

The subject matter of claim 22 in which said cable means is endless, said power means being hydraulic and including two hydraulic lines extending along said conduit and a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid at said pivotal support, a hydraulic cylinder and a piston therein, and said two hydraulic lines being connected to said cylinder at opposite sides of said piston, and said piston having a piston rod connected to said cable means, said power means being reversed to power said wheel means in opposite pivotal movement of said conduit upon reversal of pressure in said lines, whereby upon reversal of pressure in said lines said piston rod is moved thereby moving said cable means anD causing rotary adjustment of position of said capstan to accommodate reversed pivotal direction of said conduit.

Claim 45

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile tower supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, the improvement, comprising: a. said conduit having between adjacent towers a plurality of crossarms extending laterally to each side of said conduit b. generally horizontally extending flexible tension members partly parallel to etc., conduit and partly extending in ''''X'''' bracing manner connecting the ends of said crossarms and connecting to each tower at points spaced laterally of said conduit as to flexible tension members between adjacent crossarms and the outermost tower but not connecting to the innermost tower of adjacent towers, and c. said flexible tension members extending in an inner direction from said crossarms adjacent to said innermost tower to connect to said conduit close to the plane of the innermost tower, whereby bending of said conduit occurs more in the area from a tower to the next adjacent crossarm in an inner direction than in other areas and whereby motion is transferred from a tower to the area of the next innermost tower.

Claim 46

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile tower supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, the improvement, comprising: a. said conduit having between adjacent towers a plurality of crossarms extending laterally to each side of said conduit b. generally horizontally extending flexible tension members partly parallel to etc., conduit and partly extending in ''''X'''' bracing manner connecting the ends of said crossarms and connecting to each tower at points spaced laterally of said conduit as to flexible tension members between adjacent crossarms and the outermost tower but not connecting to the innermost tower of adjacent towers, and c. said flexible tension members extending in an inner direction from said crossarms adjacent to said innermost tower to connect to said conduit close to the plane of the innermost tower, whereby bending of said conduit occurs more in the area from a tower to the next adjacent crossarm in an inner direction than in other areas and whereby motion is transferred from a tower to the area of the next innermost tower.

Claim 47

The subject matter of claim 31 in which there is a set of guy wires from the top of each tower in the vertical plane of said conduit slanting with respect to the vertical and connecting to said conduit thereby supporting the weight of said conduit.

Claim 48

The subject matter of claim 31 in which there is pulley and cable means, said cable means extending through said pulleys, part of the pulleys being on each tower and part on the conduit, there being power means to the wheel means for each tower and control means for said power means, and said cable means connecting to said control means, whereby upon relative shifting between a tower and the conduit this is reflected in the control of power to the wheel means to restore relative tower and conduit positions.

Claim 49

The subject matter of claim 33 in which said control means includes a rotary capstan and said cable means being wound around said capstan.

Claim 50

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile supports each having a pair of wheels and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, the improvement, comprising: a. said supports having wheel bearing means for each wheel permitting adjustment of position of the wheel about a vertical axis between a first normal conduit pivoting position substantially at right angles to said conduit and a second position parallel to said conduit during towing he apparatus from location to location b. an arm extending laterally of said vertical axis and secured to said wheel-bearing means for holding said wheel in position against pivoting about said vertical axis, a detachable radius rod between the wheel and support for holding the wheel in said second position c. said support having securing means to secure said arm in the first position of said wheel including a pair of setscrews on opposite sides of said arm to set arm in position for the wheel to properly track in said first position.

Claim 51

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile supports each having a pair of wheels and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, the improvement, comprising: a. said supports having wheel bearing means for each wheel permitting adjustment of position of the wheel about a vertical axis between a first normal conduit pivoting position substantially at right angles to said conduit and a second position parallel to said conduit during towing he apparatus from location to location b. an arm extending laterally of said vertical axis and secured to said wheel-bearing means for holding said wheel in position against pivoting about said vertical axis, a detachable radius rod between the wheel and support for holding the wheel in said second position c. said support having securing means to secure said arm in the first position of said wheel including a pair of setscrews on opposite sides of said arm to set arm in position for the wheel to properly track in said first position.

Claim 52

The subject manner of claim 35 in which said arm is pivotal up and down whereby said arm is releasable from between said setscrews by pivoting downwardly, and said support having removable bolt means below said setscrews for holding said arm in position between said setscrews.

Claim 53

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile tower supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water soUrce pipe connected to said conduit, the method of operation, comprising: a. applying hydraulic power to drive said wheel means by applying power continuously to the tower support farthest from said pivotal support and by applying power variably to the other tower supports to substantially maintain relative support and conduit positions b. dumping hydraulic pressure at any of said other tower supports when relative support and conduit positions thereat exceed selected limits in change in alignment, and thereby terminating hydraulic power to all wheel means.

Claim 54

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile tower supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water soUrce pipe connected to said conduit, the method of operation, comprising: a. applying hydraulic power to drive said wheel means by applying power continuously to the tower support farthest from said pivotal support and by applying power variably to the other tower supports to substantially maintain relative support and conduit positions b. dumping hydraulic pressure at any of said other tower supports when relative support and conduit positions thereat exceed selected limits in change in alignment, and thereby terminating hydraulic power to all wheel means.

Claim 55

In a self-propelled, hydraulically driven irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile tower supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, said conduit having at its end opposite said pivotal support an end gun nozzle for sprinkling the corners of rectangular areas, and a valve for said end nozzle, the method of operation, comprising: a. applying a counterforce to said valve and applying hydraulic pressure to said valve in opposition to said counterforce, the opening of said valve to sprinkle said corners depending on whether the counterforce or hydraulic pressure is greater b. at the corners changing the relative forces of said counterforce and hydraulic pressure by changing the hydraulic pressure to change the position of said valve from ''''off'''' to ''''on.''''

Claim 56

In a self-propelled, hydraulically driven irrigation apparatus having a water supply conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile tower supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, said conduit having at its end opposite said pivotal support an end gun nozzle for sprinkling the corners of rectangular areas, and a valve for said end nozzle, the method of operation, comprising: a. applying a counterforce to said valve and applying hydraulic pressure to said valve in opposition to said counterforce, the opening of said valve to sprinkle said corners depending on whether the counterforce or hydraulic pressure is greater b. at the corners changing the relative forces of said counterforce and hydraulic pressure by changing the hydraulic pressure to change the position of said valve from ''''off'''' to ''''on.''''

Claim 57

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile tower supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, means sensing relative conduit and mobile support positions controlling power to the wheel means, comprising: a. power means to said wheel means, b. control means for said power means at each tower support other than the tower support most remote from said pivotal support controlling said power means thereat so that change in position of the tower support relative to said conduit results in operation of said power means to restore relative positioning of said conduit and tower, c. said control means being variously set at said other tower supports to produce an arc in said conduit which is convex in the direction of advance of said conduit, and d. means connected to said control means at said other tower supports and operable from the location of said pivotal support to change the setting of said control means at each other tower support upon reversal of direction of movement of said conduit to change the setting of each control means to produce an arc in said conduit convexly opposite to the arc of said conduit before reversal.

Claim 58

In a self-propelled irrigation apparatus having a water conduit supported intermediate its ends by a series of mobile tower supports having wheel means and the conduit being pivotal about a fixed pivotal support at one end which includes a water source pipe connected to said conduit, means sensing relative conduit and mobile support positions controlling power to the wheel means, comprising: a. power means to said wheel means, b. control means for said power means at each tower support other than the tower support most remote from said pivotal support controlling said power means thereat so that change in position of the tower support relative to said conduit results in operation of said power means to restore relative positioning of said conduit and tower, c. said control means being variously set at said other tower supports to produce an arc in said conduit which is convex in the direction of advance of said conduit, and d. means connected to said control means at said other tower supports and operable from the location of said pivotal support to change the setting of said control means at each other tower support upon reversal of direction of movement of said conduit to change the setting of each control means to produce an arc in said conduit convexly opposite to the arc of said conduit before reversal.