US3682387A - Traveling sprinkler - Google Patents

Traveling sprinkler Download PDF

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Publication number
US3682387A
US3682387A US63576A US3682387DA US3682387A US 3682387 A US3682387 A US 3682387A US 63576 A US63576 A US 63576A US 3682387D A US3682387D A US 3682387DA US 3682387 A US3682387 A US 3682387A
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Prior art keywords
chassis
platform
cable
leveling
engaged
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Expired - Lifetime
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US63576A
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English (en)
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Alton N Filan
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Individual
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G25/00—Watering gardens, fields, sports grounds or the like
    • A01G25/09—Watering arrangements making use of movable installations on wheels or the like
    • A01G25/095—Watering arrangements making use of movable installations on wheels or the like winch-driven

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT A mobile chassis having an automatic self-leveling platform thereon which mounts a rotating sprinkler head.
  • a pendulum level mounted on the platform, senses variations in the ground contour and controls the flow of fluid to a plurality of double-acting hydraulic cylinders for a selective extension and retraction of [56] References Cited the associated pistons so as to maintain the platform level and locked in its adjusted position until such UNITED STATES PATENTS time as variations in the contour require a readjust- 2,597,673 5/1952 Ritteret al....
  • the device is guided along a cable which 3,477,643 11/1969 Bruninga ..239/184 X defines the path to be taken by the chassis and which 3,198,277 8/1965 Trivero ..180/41 incorporates means for automatically terminating 2,654,207 10/1953 Long ..280/6 H UX movement of the chassis.
  • a water supplying hose is 2,594,596 4/1952 Stetson ..239/ 178 dragged along with the chassis or is selectively stored 2,788,242 4/1957 .lepson ..239/67 on a chassis-mounted reel which has hose guiding rol- 3,377,027 1968 Mfl tson etal ..239/67 X lers and guide pulleys associated therewith for the Mitchell X dispensing and gathering of the hose relative to the reel.
  • the present invention is generally concerned with field irrigation, and more particularly relates to an automatic traveling sprinkler particularly adapted for hillside irrigation.
  • a primary object of the instant invention is to provide a field irrigation device which incorporates automatic self-leveling features so as to maintain the water discharging nozzle apparatus approximately horizontal regardless of variations in the ground contour, thereby particularly adapting the invention herein for hillside irrigation.
  • another significant object of the instant invention is to provide a leveling system which levels the spraying apparatus in two directions, utilizing a pendulum actuated hydraulic control.
  • a further object of the instant invention is to provide a self-propelled unit guided along a predetermined path by a prepositioned cable in conjunction with means for automatically terminating the travel of the machine at any desired point through adjustable stop means provided on the cable.
  • a mobile chassis incorporating a platform mounted thereon for leveling about two mutually perpendicular horizontal axes with the controlled leveling of the platform being effected through a pendulum actuated hydraulic control.
  • the leveling platform mounts the sprinkling apparatus as well as the power plant and fluid pumps.
  • the chassis is guided along a predetermined path by a tongue unit thereon which engages and follows along a preset cable continuously winched in by a chassis mounted winch.
  • the tongue is operatively engaged with the front steering wheels.
  • the chassis also mounts a hose storage reel which has associated guide rollers and pulleys for reeling in and laying out the hose.
  • a compressed air tank which is continuously recharged by an air compressor directly connected to the power plant is also provided for a purging of the hose prior to a reel storing thereof.
  • FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of the instant invention
  • FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged elevational section taken substantially on a plane passing along line 3-3 in FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged transverse cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 4-4 in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional detail taken substantially on a plane passing along line 5-5 in FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional detail taken substantially on a plane passing along line 6-6 in FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional detail taken substantially on a plane passing along line 7-7 in FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 8 is an elevational view of the leading end of the cable-engaged tongue with the adjustable stop engaged with the trip lever
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the apparatus supporting leveling platform and a portion of the chassis on which it is pivotally mounted.
  • FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a portion of the hydraulic system.
  • reference numeral 20 is used to generally designate the machine comprising the instant invention.
  • the machine is mobile and includes a self-propelled chassis 22 having front steerable wheels 24 and either a two or four wheel drive.
  • the steering of the front wheels 24 is controlled through a handwheel 26 engaged with the front wheels 24 by means of a standard steering linkage, including a tie rod 28.
  • An operators seat 30 is mounted, through a support 32, for rotation through approximately about the steering column 34 so as to enable a positioning of the operator to either the left or right of the wheel 26 or at any point behind the wheel as required so as to best operate the apparatus.
  • the machine 20 is guided along a fixed path across a field by means of an elongated forwardly projecting tongue 36 engaged with a prepositioned cable 38.
  • the cable 38 has the inner end fixed to and is wound on a hydraulically operated winch 40 mounted centrally on the chassis at the forward portion thereof.
  • the outer end of the cable 38 is adapted to be fixedly anchored at a predetermined position in the field which is beyond the end of the run.
  • the cable 38 overlies the tongue 36 and is captively retained for longitudinal movement beneath a free rolling grooved pulley 42 by the laterally spaced upwardly projecting ears 44 which mount the pulley 42.
  • the cable 38 passes through a bifurcated upwardly projecting trip lever 46.
  • An adjustable stop 48 is fixed to the cable 38 at the point therealong corresponding with the point at which forward movement of the machine is to be stopped. As the machine approaches the stop 48, the stop 48 engages the tongue mounted trip lever 46. The movement of the trip lever 46 in turn closes a valve 50 mounted within the forward portion of the tongue 36 and interposed within a hydraulic line 58 communicating the power source with the hydraulic motor associated with the winch 40.
  • the tongue 36 includes a rear section 60, comprising an upwardly directed channel member, and a front section 62 pivoted for vertical swinging between a pair of ears 64 on the forward end of the section 60, the front section 62 consisting of a downwardly directed channel member.
  • the rear section 60 is pivotally secured, as by pivot pin 66, to a flat plate 68 secured to the front axle 70. Forward of the pivot pin 66, a removable pin 72 is inserted downwardly through an elongated slot 74 in the section 60 and into or through an underlying plate or plate-like member 76 welded to the tie rod 28. In this manner, a lateral movement of the tongue 36 is translated into a steering movement of the tie rod 28.
  • the forward section 62 of the tongue projects forwardly and downwardly relative to the chassis and engages the ground through an appropriate skid 78 having a forwardly and upwardly inclined ground-engaging face.
  • the forward section 62 is swung vertically, the point of pivotal engagement with the rear section 60 being just forward of the front bumper or cross member 80 of the chassis 22.
  • a pair of holes 82 and 84 in the cross member 80 and front section 62 aline for the introduction of a securing bolt 86 therethrough as indicated in phantom lines in FIG. 5.
  • an enlarged transversely orientated hose reel 88 which is power driven by an appropriate hydraulic motor 90 and is utilized for a storage of the water supplying hose 92 during road travel and other periods wherein the machine is not being used.
  • a pair of laterally spaced vertical rollers 96 Positioned rearward of the reel 88 are a pair of laterally spaced vertical rollers 96 which, in conjunction with a horizontal roller 98 act so as to facilitate a rolling and unrolling of the hose on reel 88, supporting the hose and avoiding any possibility of the hose becoming tangled with the chassis.
  • an enlarged idler or pulley-type member 100 can be provided laterally outward of each rear comer of the chassis 22 for facilitating a laying of the hose alongside of the chassis in preparation for an irrigation run.
  • the leveling platform 102 supports the power plant 104, the water pump l06,an air compressor 107, the oil or hydraulic fluid pump 108 and the rotating nozzle or sprinkler 110. While the platform 102 can be of any appropriate construction, it basically includes a pair of laterally spaced parallel side rails 1 12 extending longitudinally of the chassis 22. Each of the rails, noting FIGS. 3 and 4 in particular, includes an inwardly directed bearing 114 which rotatably receives an outwardly directed stub shaft 116 fixed to a vertical block 118 welded to the side of a vertical post 120.
  • the post 120 in turn has the lower end thereof welded to the top of a longitudinally extending beam 122 below and centrally between the side rails 112.
  • the platform 102 is thus pivotally mounted for rocking adjustment about a horizontal axis transverse of the chassis 22, this axis generally underlying the center of gravity of the loaded platform.
  • the beam 122 in turn includes depending lugs 124 which lie adjacent transverse chassis beams 126 and are pivotally secured thereto by appropriate shafts 128 engaged through the lugs 124 and bearing units 130 within the chassis beams for enabling a rocking of the beam 122, and hence the supported platform 102, about a second horizontal axis perpendicular to the first axis and longitudinally orientated relative to the chassis 22.
  • Leveling adjustment of the platform 102 about the first axis transverse of the chassis 22 is effected by a double acting hydraulic piston and cylinder unit 132 engaged vertically between the forward end of the beam 122 and a forwardly projecting framework 134 rigid with and extending from a vertical framework 136 affixed to the platform 122.
  • Activation of the unit 132 is in response to variations in the ground level, as shall be explained presently, with the double acting nature of the unit providing a positive locking of the platform in its adjusted position without any tendency for slippage or the like should it be necessary to maintain a fixed position for any length of time.
  • Adjustment about the second horizontal axis, paralleling the chassis 22, is effected by a pair of synchronized double acting hydraulic piston and cylinder units 138, one engaged with each side of the leveling platform 102, normally to the vertical blocks 1 18 by means of projecting ears 140, and an underlying transverse chassis beam 126 whereby a selective extension and retraction of the corresponding piston rods will effect a lateral rocking of the platform 102, as well as the beam 122 which carries the first-mentioned hydraulic unit 132.
  • the hydraulic units 138 are also double acting so as to preclude any slippage or the like.
  • the rotating sprinkler head 110 which can be of any conventional construction, is located vertically above the water pump 106 with a pressure regulator 142 interposed in the line so as to provide a constant pressure at the sprinkler head 1 10 without requiring any change in the pump speed, the pump .106 itself amplifying the pressure of the water delivered through the hose 92.
  • the sprinkler head is supported by the vertical framework 136 and is surrounded by an oil cooling tank 144 whereby the flow of water can be utilized to cool the oil used in the hydraulic system.
  • An appropriate battery case 146 can be mounted on the framework 136 in overlying relation to the power plant.
  • the water is introduced to the water pump 106 from the hose 92 by means of a rigid pipe section 148 to which the end of the hose 92 is releasably clamped.
  • the pipe section 148 is fixed to the adjustable platform 102, lying between the two blocks 118, with the adjustable movement of the platform 102 being accommodated by the flexible hose 92 rearward of the point of engagement with the rigid pipe section 148. If deemed necessary, the rear of the chassis can incorporate means for a releasable clamping of the hose 92 thereto.
  • the control of the flow of fluid to the leveling hydraulic units 132 and 138 is effected by means of a pendulum control unit 150 of known construction.
  • the unit basically consists of a vertically elongated pendulum 152 having a universal ball and socket pivotal support 154 at the upper end thereof.
  • the weighted lower end of the pendulum is received within a dashpot unit 156 with the pendulum 152 passing through a pair of valve actuators 158.
  • the movement of the pendulum 152 is transferred through the actuators 158 to the valve containing control box 160 which in turn controls the flow of fluid to the double acting hydraulic units to effect the leveling action.
  • An elongated fuel tank 162 for the power plant 104 is affixed along one side of the chassis. Along the second side of the chassis is a compressed air tank 164 which is utilized to purge the irrigation water supplying hose 92 prior to a storing of the hose on the reel 88.
  • the air tank is continuously recharged by the air compressor 107.
  • the machine is selfpropelled, and includes an appropriate hydraulic transmission 166 supplied from the hydraulic pump 108.
  • the transmission acts in conjunction with and relieves part of the strain on the cable winch 40 so as to insure a constant rate of travel of the apparatus.
  • An appropriate control valve 168 is provided whereby the transmission motor will normally operate in synchronization with the winch motor with the flow of fluid to both motors controlled by the shutoff valve 50 at the forward end of the tongue 36 whereby a winching of the cable and forward movement of the chassis will be simultaneously terminated.
  • the valve 168 the flow of fluid through the transmission motor can be continued for a traveling of the chassis independently of the cable or operation of the cable winch. It will of course be appreciated that in the entire hydraulic and water flow system, appropriate safety switches and controls will be provided as required.
  • the cable will be extended from the winch and anchored at a remote point, for example 1320 feet away.
  • the hose approximately 660 feet long, is then extended from the reel and folded once on itself whereby the chassis starts at the beginning of the run and for approximately 330 feet travels along either side of the hose. Once the hose is fully extended, it is dragged behind the chassis for the remainder of the run. It will of course be appreciated that the apparatus follows the cable without regard to how the hose is laid out.
  • the sprinkler or sprinkling apparatus is particularly adapted for hillside irrigation in that it incorporates an automatic self-leveling platform which supports the power plant, pumps and sprinkler head so as to maintain a constant horizontal orientation of all of these components whereby efficiency in operation and a constant spray pattern is insured.
  • the apparatus follows a prelaid cable regardless of the orientation of the hose supplying the irrigation water and the travel of the apparatus is automatically terminated at any predetermined point through an adjustable stop lock on the cable which engages a forwardly located hydraulic line control valve on the leading tongue.
  • Variations in the ground level are sensed by a pendulum unit which, through an associated hydraulic control, controls the flow of fluid to two sets of double-acting hydraulic units which level the platform about two perpendicular horizontal axes and which maintain the leveled orientation until further variations in the ground level occur.
  • the forward movement of the apparatus is effected by both a cable reeling winch and a hydraulically actuated transmission which precludes the introduction of any excess strain in the cable or winch motor associated therewith.
  • the chassis itself includes a storage reel for the water supplying hose in conjunction with hose guides for facilitating a reeling in and reeling out of the hose.
  • a self-propelled traveling sprinkler comprising a mobile wheel-mounted chassis, a leveling platform, means mounting said platform on said chassis for a leveling adjustment thereof relative to said chassis about a plurality of angularly related axes, leveling means for automatically adjusting said platform about said axes to maintain a substantially horizontal orientation thereof, said leveling means being operable in response to variations in ground contours, said platform mounting water discharging nozzle means, means for supplying water under pressure to said nozzle means, a guide cable extendible forward of said chassis and defining a path of travel of the chassis, said cable being selectively anchored remote from the chassis, a winch on said chassis engaged with the cable for a powered winding thereof and a corresponding movement of the chassis therealong, means for powering said winch, a chassis mounted powered transmission for self-propelling said wheel-mounted chassis independently of and in conjunction with a reeling of the cable on said winch, and cut-off means on said cable for automatically stopping said winch upon a winding of a predetermined
  • said chassis includes forward steering wheels, guide tongue means projecting forwardly from said chassis and engaged with said cable for a guided movement therealong, and means engaging the tongue means with the steering wheels for a direct steering thereof in response to movement of the tongue means which in turn moves in response to variations in the direction of the cable.
  • the sprinkler of claim 2 including a water line from the waterpump to the nozzle means, and a reservoir for hydraulic fluid mounted about the water line so as to receive the cooling benefits thereof.
  • a self-propelled traveling sprinkler comprising a mobile wheel-mounted chassis, a leveling platform, means mounting said platform on said chassis for a leveling adjustment thereof relative to said chassis about a plurality of angularly related axes, leveling means for automatically adjusting said platform about said axes to maintain a substantially horizontal orientation thereof, said leveling means being operable in response to variations in ground contours, said platform mounting water discharging nozzle means, means for supplying water under pressure to said nozzle means, and a guide extendible forward of said chassis and defining a path of travel of the chassis, said cable being selectively anchored remote from the chassis, a winch on said chassis engaged with the cable for a powered winding thereof and a corresponding movement of the chassis therealong, means for powering said winch, and a chassis mounted powered transmission for self-propelling said wheel-rnounted chassis independently of and in conjunction with a reeling of the cable on said winch, said chassis including forward steering wheels, guide tongue means projecting forwardly from said chassis and engaged with said cable
  • a self-propelled traveling sprinkler comprising a mobile wheel-mounted chassis, a leveling platform, means mounting said platform on said chassis for a leveling adjustment thereof relative to said chassis about a plurality of angularly related axes, leveling means for automatically adjusting said platform about said axes to maintain a substantially horizontal orientation thereof, said leveling means being operable in response to variations in ground contours, said platform mounting water discharging nozzle means, and means for supplying water under pressure to said nozzle means, the means mounting said platform for a leveling adjustment comprising first pivot means engaged between the platform and chassis defining a generally horizontal axis of rotation transverse of the chassis, and second pivot means engaged between the platform and chassis defining a second horizontal axis of rotation perpendicular to the first horizontal axis of rotation and generally longitudinal of the chassis, said leveling means including a plurality of double-acting hydraulic piston and cylinder units engaged with said platform, and a ground contour sensing device operatively controlling fluid flow to and from said hydraulic units, said device being mounted on said platform

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Special Spraying Apparatus (AREA)
US63576A 1970-08-13 1970-08-13 Traveling sprinkler Expired - Lifetime US3682387A (en)

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US6357670A 1970-08-13 1970-08-13

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US3682387A true US3682387A (en) 1972-08-08

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JP (1) JPS5115607B1 (xx)
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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5390858A (en) * 1993-09-20 1995-02-21 Watson; Galen T. Remotely controlled, moving sprinkler apparatus

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2594596A (en) * 1946-03-22 1952-04-29 Allyn F Stetson Power sprinkler shutoff
US2597673A (en) * 1947-01-30 1952-05-20 Ritter Roy Self-leveling bean and pea harvester
US2654207A (en) * 1951-02-05 1953-10-06 Long Melvin Combine having side hill platform adjustments
US2788242A (en) * 1949-11-12 1957-04-09 Sunbeam Corp Reaction type traveling sprinkler
US3198277A (en) * 1961-12-18 1965-08-03 Trivero Mario Leveling control for vehicle suspension
US3377027A (en) * 1966-07-05 1968-04-09 Sunbeam Corp Traveling sprinkler
US3477643A (en) * 1967-10-23 1969-11-11 Nelson Mfg Co Inc L R Sprinkler irrigation device with improved hose handling means and method of deploying the same preparatory to a sprinkler irrigation cycle
US3539107A (en) * 1967-08-31 1970-11-10 Mcphersons Ltd Irrigation systems

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2594596A (en) * 1946-03-22 1952-04-29 Allyn F Stetson Power sprinkler shutoff
US2597673A (en) * 1947-01-30 1952-05-20 Ritter Roy Self-leveling bean and pea harvester
US2788242A (en) * 1949-11-12 1957-04-09 Sunbeam Corp Reaction type traveling sprinkler
US2654207A (en) * 1951-02-05 1953-10-06 Long Melvin Combine having side hill platform adjustments
US3198277A (en) * 1961-12-18 1965-08-03 Trivero Mario Leveling control for vehicle suspension
US3377027A (en) * 1966-07-05 1968-04-09 Sunbeam Corp Traveling sprinkler
US3539107A (en) * 1967-08-31 1970-11-10 Mcphersons Ltd Irrigation systems
US3477643A (en) * 1967-10-23 1969-11-11 Nelson Mfg Co Inc L R Sprinkler irrigation device with improved hose handling means and method of deploying the same preparatory to a sprinkler irrigation cycle

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5390858A (en) * 1993-09-20 1995-02-21 Watson; Galen T. Remotely controlled, moving sprinkler apparatus

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CA934789A (en) 1973-10-02
JPS5115607B1 (xx) 1976-05-18

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