US3685670A

US3685670A - Apparatus for laying sprinkler pipe

Info

Publication number: US3685670A
Application number: US128440A
Authority: US
Inventors: Fred G Meyers
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1971-03-26
Filing date: 1971-03-26
Publication date: 1972-08-22
Anticipated expiration: 1989-08-22

Abstract

Sprinkler pipe sections supported on a wheeled carriage are connected end-to-end and deposited on the ground to form a pipeline as the carriage rolls forward. Each sprinkler pipe section is equipped with coupling parts at opposite ends thereof and is provided with a riser and sprinkler head. A plurality of such sprinkler pipe sections are supported longitudinally on the carriage, each with its riser hanging down by gravity. Feed apparatus moves the sprinkler pipe sections laterally toward a loading position. Transfer mechanism including pivoted arms engage the ends of each pipe section as it reaches loading position and transfers it to a longitudinal guide trough supported on the carriage near the ground and outside the wheels. The forward end of the pipe section is deposited in the trough and the rear end is supported in a position laterally offset from the trough, and the riser with its sprinkler head is held in an upright position. Another sprinkler pipe section, previously deposited, moves out of the guide trough as the carriage moves forward, and the riser thereon triggers a mechanism to shift the offset end of the first-mentioned sprinkler pipe section into the guide trough. A power operated device then moves the sprinkler pipe section longitudinally in the trough to couple it automatically to the previously-deposited sprinkler pipe section. The sequence of operation is repeated until the pipeline formed by sprinkler pipe sections on the ground reaches the desired length.

Description

United States Patent Meyers [54] APPARATUS FOR LAYING SPRINKLER PIPE [72] Inventor: Fred G. Meyers, PO. Box 5488,

Oildale, Calif. 93308 22 Filed: March 26,1971 21 Appl.No.: 128,440

Primary Examiner-Gerald M. Forlenza Assistant Examiner-Frank E. Werner Att0rneyLyon & Lyon [5 7] ABSTRACT Sprinkler pipe sections supported on a wheeled car- 151 3,685,670 1451 Aug. 22, 1972 riage are connected end-to-end and deposited on the ground to form a pipeline as the carriage rolls forward. Each sprinkler pipe section is equipped with coupling parts at opposite ends thereof and is provided with a riser and sprinkler head. A plurality of such sprinkler pipe sections are supported longitudinally on the carriage, each with its riser hanging down by gravity. Feed apparatus moves the sprinkler pipe sections laterally toward a loading position. Transfer mechanism including pivoted arms engage the ends of each pipe section as it reaches loading position and transfers it to a longitudinal guide trough supported on the carriage near the ground and outside the wheels. The forward end of the pipe section is deposited in the trough and the rear end is supported in a position laterally offset from the trough, and the riser with its sprinkler head is held in an upright position. Another sprinkler pipe section, previously deposited, moves out of the guide trough as the carriage moves forward, and the riser thereon triggers a mechanism to shift the offset end of the first-mentioned sprinkler pipe section into the guide trough. A power operated device then moves the sprinkler pipe section longitudinally in the trough to couple it automatically to the previously-deposited sprinkler pipe section. The sequence of operation isrepeated until the pipeline formed by sprinkler pipe sections on the ground reaches the desired length.

14 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures PATENTEmuczz I972 SHEET 1 BF 4 INVENTOR F660 6. MES 6E5 l lll lmllllll nluhilu PATENTEDnuszz m2 SHEET 2 OF 4 INVENTOR F260 6. MEVEES A TTE/V V5 Aimee I972 PATENTED SHEET l 0F 4 INVENTOR F260 6. MV-ES A rre/va V5 APPARATUS FOR LAYING SPRINKLER PIPE This invention relates to apparatus for connecting sprinkler pipe sections end-to-end on a moving carriage to form a pipeline on the ground. Each section of sprinkler pipe may be conventional, each having coupling parts at opposite ends engageable through relative longitudinal movement of adjacent sprinkler pipe sections. Each sprinkler section has a radially extending riser provided with a sprinkler head.

Heretofore, irrigation pipelines formed of sprinkler pipe sections connected end-to-end have been installed manually. In a typical case, a tractor pulls a trailer load of sprinkler pipe sections, each with riser and sprinkler head, while several workmen unload the sprinkler pipe sections and connect them together one by one, as the tractor and trailer move across the field. The work is strenuous because it involves manual lifting and handling of the sprinkler pipe sections, and it is often disagreeable because the work is typically performed in arid regions under hot and dusty conditions. I

It is the principal object of this invention to provide apparatus for automatically laying such a pipeline of sprinkler pipe sections connected end to end, and thereby eliminate the need for workmen to handle the pipe sections manually. More particularly, this invention contemplates the use of novel apparatus for feeding the longitudinally extending sprinkler pipe sections laterally on a wheeled carriage to a loading position and then transferring the sprinkler pipe sections one by one from the loading position to a guide trough positioned at one side of the carriage near the ground, the transfer operation being effected by arms which engage into opposite ends of the sprinkler pipe section. Means are provided to rotate each sprinkler pipe section onehalf turn during the transfer operation to bring the riser from its position extending downward at the loading station to an upward extending position at the guide trough.

The novel apparatus also includes means for supporting the forward end of the sprinkler pipe section in the guide trough and supporting the rear end thereof in an offset position with respect to the guide trough. When another sprinkler pipe section, previously deposited, moves out of the guide trough as the carriage moves forward, the riser on the latter said sprinkler pipe section triggers a novel mechanism to shift the offset end of the first-mentioned sprinkler pipe section into the guide trough. A power operated device then moves the sprinkler pipe section longitudinally in the guide trough to couple it automatically to the previously-deposited sprinkler pipe section. As thus coupled, the sprinkler pipe sections are prevented from relative rotation, with the result that the risers and sprinkler heads remain in upright position.

Other objects and advantages hereinafter.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view partly broken away, showing a preferred embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation partly broken away, showing the transfer arms at the loading position.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation partly broken away, showing the apparatus for transferring a sprinkler pipe section from loading position to the guide trough.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view similar to FIG. 3, showing the transfer arms in an intermediate position.

will appear FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view similar to FIG. 3, showing the transfer arms in the discharge position.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side elevation partly broken away, showing a sprinkler pipe section with its forward end in the longitudinal trough and its rear end offset therefrom.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary plan view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary plan view of a portion of FIG. 7, but showing the sprinkler pipe sections in position in the guide trough prior to coupling together.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken substantially on lines 9-9 as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a transverse sectional elevation taken substantially on the lines 10-10 as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 1 1 is a sectional elevation taken substantially on the lines 11-11 as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11, showing the parts in a difi'erent position.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing adjacent ends of sprinkler pipe sections about to be coupled together.

Referring to the drawings, a mobile frame or carriage generally designated 10 is provided with four ground wheels 11 mounted for rotation and for pivotal steering movement. The carriage 10 could be self-powered, but as shown in the drawings it comprises a trailer drawn from a tractor (not shown) by means of tongue 12. Steering connections between the front and rear wheels have been omitted from the drawings. Means are provided on the carriage 10 for supporting a plurality of sprinkler pipe sections 13 extending longitudinally of the carriage. These sprinkler pipe sections 13 are conventional and each is provided with a socket fitting 14 at one end and a tubular section 15 at the other end. A guide skirt 16 having a straight forward edge 17 forms a part of the socket fitting 14. A swing latch 18 is pivotally mounted on the pipe section 13 near the end 15, and this latch engages within a pocket 19 fonned on the socket fitting 14. A riser pipe, hereinafter referred to as a riser 20, is mounted on the fitting 14 and communicates with the interior thereof. The riser 20 extends vertically upward when the sprinkler pipe sections 13 are placed on the ground, and a conventional sprinkler head 21 is mounted on the upper end of each user.

The forward transverse support 24 mounted on the carriage 10 comprises a member having a plurality of spaced notches 25 in its upper surface. One of the sprinkler pipe sections 13 is adapted to rest in each of these notches 25. The rear transverse support 26 mounted on the carriage 10 comprises an endless belt 28 traveling over laterally spaced pulleys 29 and driven by a fluid motor 30. A movable stop 31 is carried on a swinging arm 32 pivoted at 33 to the carriage 10. A spring 34 holds the stop 31 in the position shown in FIG. 10.

The sprinkler pipe sections 13 extend longitudinally of the carriage 10 and are supported on the notched member 24 near their forward ends, and on the laterally extending belt 26 near their-rear ends. Only two sprinkler pipe sections 13 are shown in the drawings (three in FIG. 3), but it will be understood that in practice the entire width of the

supports

24 and 25 carry a full complement of pipe sections 13. Feed means are provided for moving the sprinkler pipe sections 13 laterally toward the loading position shown at 36 in FIGS. 11 and 12. This feed means includes the traveling belt 26 and also includes an oscillating member 37 carried on parallel rotating

arms

38 and 39. Sprockets 40 and 41 are connected to turn with the

arms

38 and 39, respectively, and chain 42 which connects the sprockets insures that the arms remain parallel as they rotate. Rotation power is supplied through fluid motor 43 which drives the shaft 44 on which sprocket 41 and arm 39 are mounted.

Angular elements 46 are mounted on the upper surface of the oscillating member 37 and form pockets 47 between them. As the rotating

arms

38 and 39 cause the oscillating member 37 to travel in its path of motion, the sprinkler pipe sections 13 are lifted from their position on the stationary notched member 24 and are carried on the oscillating member 37 in the spaces 47 between the angular members 46. One revolution of the

arms

38 and 39 causes the oscillating member 37 to move all of the sprinkler pipe sections 13 one notch toward the loading position 36. It will be observed that the risers 20 and sprinkler heads 21 hang downward by gravity below the sprinkler pipe sections 13 throughout the lateral feeding movement produced by the oscillating member 37 and the continuously moving belt 26. The stop 31 limits the extent of movement of the rear ends of the sprinkler pipe sections 13.

Transfer means are provided for moving the sprinkler pipe sections 13 one by one from the loading position-36 downward to the guide trough 50. This guide trough 50 is supported by struts 51 on one side of the carriage near the ground and outside the wheels 11. As shown in the drawings, this transfer means includes a pair of

transfer arms

52 and 53 each pivotally mounted at 54 and 55 on a tube 56. This tube 56 is mounted to turn in bearings 57 carried on the carriage 10. A sprocket 58 fixed to the tube 56 is driven by chain 59 from a power source (not shown) mounted on the carriage 10. Each of the transfer arms 53 carries a tapered nose piece 60, 61 at its swinging end for entry into the interior of the sprinkler pipe section 13 about to be transferred. The

transfer arms

52 and 53 are operated in unison by means of a rocker arm 62 and

links

63 and 64. The rocker arm 62 is pivotally mounted on the carriage at 65 and is actuated by means of an hydraulic cylinder assembly 67 acting through crank arm 68.

The

transfer arms

52 and 53 are first swung inward about their

pivots

54 and 55 to engage the nose pieces 60 and 61 with the sprinkler pipe section 13 at the loading position 36, and then the sprocket 58 is turned by chain 59 to turn the tube 56. This serves to swing the sprinkler pipe section 13 from the loading position 36 shown in FIG. 3 through the intermediate position shown in FIG. 4, and finally to the position shown in FIG. 5. The stop 31 on the swinging arm 32 is moved out of the way by the lateral force applied by the

transfer arms

52 and 53, against the action of the return spring 34. The path of movement of the sprinkler pipe section 13 while carried on the

transfer arms

52 and 53 is such that the depending riser first encounters a stationary bar 66 carried on

struts

67 and 68. The bar 66 extends in a direction parallel to the guide trough 20. As shown by the sequence drawings in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the contact between the riser 20 and the stationary horizontal bar 66 during the transfer motion of the sprinkler pipe section 13 is such as to swing the riser 20 toward an upright position. The riser 20 next encounters a second stationary bar 70 carried on struts 71, and this bar 70 serves to swing the riser 20 to vertical position when the forward end of the riser pipe 13 is placed in the guide trough 50, as shown in FIG. 5. The straight edge 17 on the forward end of the guide skirt l6 rests on the flat bottom surface of the guide trough 50 to hold the riser 20 in an upright position.

At the end of the transfer movement by the

arms

52 and 53, the sprinkler pipe section 13 is in the position shown in the plan view of FIG. 7, with the coupline 14 at one end resting in the guide trough 50, and the other end 15 resting on a lateral support finger 72 carried on the guide trough 50. A swinging arm 73 pivotally mounted at 74 on the guide trough 50 carries an upright portion 75 at its swinging end. When the arm 73 is swung in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 7, the upright portion 75 moves the end 15 0f the sprinkler pipe 13 into the guide trough 50. This swinging action of the arm 73 occurs when the riser 200 on a sprinkler pipe section 130 previously deposited in the guide trough 20 strikes the trigger arm 76 fixed to arm 73. The previously-deposited sprinkler pipe section 13a has relative motion with respect to the guide trough 50 because the wheeled carriage 10 and guide trough 50 move forward over the ground while the previouslydeposited sprinkler pipe section 13a does not, because it has previously been attached to other stationary sprinkler pipe sections forming a pipeline on the ground. The riser 20a acting against the trigger 76 swings the arm 73 to cause the upright portion 75 to engage the sprinkler pipe section 13 and move its end 15 laterally into the guide trough 50. The spring 77 returns the arm 73 to its initial position.

Means are provided for moving the sprinkler pipe section 13 longitudinally in the guide trough 50 as soon as its end 15 moves off the support finger 72 and into the guide trough. This means includes a power cylinder assembly 81 acting to swing a lever 82 about its pivot 83 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 1. A link 84 pivotally connects the swinging end of the lever 82 to the pusher 85 which is mounted to slide in the forward end of the guide trough 50. The pusher 85 engages the coupling 14 at the forward end of the sprinkler pipe section 13 and moves it rapidly toward the previously-deposited sprinkler pipe section 13a, before the latter leaves the guide trough 50. The longitudinal motion of the sprinkler pipe section 13 causes its end 15 to enter the guide 16a and coupling 14a on the previously-deposited sprinkler pipe section 13a, thereby automatically coupling the sprinkler pipe sections end-to-end. The gravity latch 18 falls into the recess 19a on the coupling 14a to prevent relative motion of the coupled sections.

During the lateral motion of the end 15 of the sprinkler pipe section 13 into the guide trough 50, and during its subsequent longitudinal movement in the guide trough for automatically connecting the sprinkler pipe sections, the riser 20 remains upright because of its contact with the stationary longitudinal bar 70 and because of the contact between the straight end portion 17 of the coupling guide 16 on the flat bottom surface of the guide trough 50. Another stationary guide bar 87 engages the other side of the riser 20 in sliding contact 8. The combination set forth in claim 5 in which means are providedon said mobile frame for maintaining the riser upright during said longitudinal movement of the pipe section in said guide trough.

guide trough, the

lateral feed device

24, 37, 28 moves a sprinkler pipe section 13 to the loading position 36, and the

transfer arms

52 and 53 then move it down to the guide trough 50, and thus the cycle repeats.

Having fully described my invention, it is to be understood that I am not to be limited to the details herein set forth but that my invention is of the full scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a device for connecting sprinkler pipe sections end-to-end and laying them as a pipeline on the ground, each sprinkler pipe section having a coupling part at each end and a radially extending riser for a sprinkler, the improvement comprising, in combination: a mobile frame having a longitudinal guide trough at one side near the ground, means on said mobile frame adapted to support a plurality of longitudinally extending sprinkler pipe sections and to move them laterally to a loading position while their risers extend downward, transfer means for moving the sprinkler pipe sections one at a time from the loading position to said guide trough, while rotating them to bring the risers upright, and means for moving each transferred pipe section longitudinally in the guide trough to couple its rear- 9. In a device for connecting sprinkler pipe sections end-to-end and laying them as a pipeline on the ground, each sprinkler pipe section having a coupling part at each end and a radially extending riser for a sprinkler, the improvement comprising, in combination: a carriage having wheels and having a longitudinal guide trough at one side near the ground outside said wheels, means on said carriage adapted to support a plurality of longitudinally extending sprinkler pipe sections and to move them laterally to a loading position while their ward end automatically to the forward end of another pipe section previously positioned in the guide trough.

2. The combination set forth in claim 1 in which said mobile frame comprises a carriage supported on ground wheels, and wherein said guide trough is located outside said wheels.

3. The combination set forth in claim 1 in which means are provided on said mobile for maintaining the riser upright during said longitudinal movement of the pipe section in said guide trough.

4. The combination set forth in claim 1 in which the latter said means comprises power operated means which engages the forward end of each transferred pipe section.

5. In a device for connecting sprinkler pipe sections end-to-end and laying them as a pipeline on the ground, each sprinkler pipesection having a coupling part at each end and a radially extending riser for a sprinkler, the improvement comprising, in combination: a mobile frame having a longitudinal guide trough near the ground, means whereby a first pipe section may be supported with its forward end in the guide trough and its rear end offset therefrom, and with its riser extending upward, means actuated by movement of a second pipe section out of the guide trough to move the rear end of the first pipe section into the guide trough, and power operated means for moving the first pipe section Iongitudinally in the guide trough to couple its rearward end automatically to the forward end of said second pipe section.

6. The combination set forth in claim 5 in which said power operated means engages the forward end of said first pipe section.

risers extend downward, transfer means for moving each sprinkler pipe section from the loading position to another position with its forward end in said guide trough and its rear end ofiset therefrom, and with its riser extending upward, means actuated by movement of a'previously transferred pipe section longitudinally out of the guide trough to move the rear end of the first said pipe section into said guide trough, and power operated means engaging the forward end of the first said pipe section to move it longitudinally in the trough to couple its rearward end automatically to the forward end of the pipe section previously positioned in the guide trough.

10. In a device for connecting sprinkler pipe sections end-to-end and laying them as a pipeline on the ground, each sprinkler pipe section having a coupling part at each end and a radially extending riser for a sprinkler, the improvement comprising, in combination: a mobile frame having a longitudinal guide trough at one side near the ground, means on said mobile frame adapted to support a plurality of longitudinally extending sprinkler pipe sections and to move them laterally to a loading position while their risers extend downward, said means including a notched support extending transversely of the mobile frame together with power operated means for intermittently moving all pipe sections in one direction along said notched support toward loading position, and transfer means for moving the sprinkler pipe sections .one at a time from the loading position to said guide trough, while rotating them to bring the risers upright.

l 1. In a device for connecting sprinkler pipe sections end-to-end and laying them as a pipeline on the ground, each sprinkler pipe section having a coupling part at each end and a radially'extending riser for a sprinkler, the improvement comprising, in combination: a mobile frame having a longitudinal guide trough at one side I near the ground, means on said mobile frame adapted to support a plurality of longitudinally extending sprinkler pipe sections and to move them laterally to a loading position while their risers extend downward, said means including a notched support extending transversely of the mobile frame together with power operated means for intermittently moving all pipe sections in one direction along said notched support toward loading position, transfer means for moving the sprinkler pipe sections one at a time from the loading position to said guide trough, while rotating them to bring the risers upright, and means for moving each transferred pipe section longitudinally in the guide trough to couple its rearward end automatically to the forward end of another pipe section previously positioned in the guide trough.

12. In a device for connecting sprinkler pipe sections end-to-end and laying them as a pipeline on the ground, each sprinkler pipe section having a coupling part at each end and a radially extending riser for a sprinkler, the improvement comprising, in combination: a mobile frame having a longitudinal guide trough at one side near the ground, means on said mobile frame adapted to support a plurality of longitudinally extending sprinkler pipe sections and to move them laterally to a loading position while their risers extend downward, said means including a notched support and a power operated belt both extending transversely of the mobile frame, together with power operated means for intermittently moving all pipe sections along said notched support toward loading position, and transfer means for moving the sprinkler pipe sections one at a time from the loading position to said guide trough, while rotating them to bring the risers upright.

13. In a device for connecting sprinkler pipe sections end-to-end and laying them as a pipeline on the ground, each sprinkler pipe section having a coupling part at each end and a radially extending riser for a sprinkler, the improvement comprising, in combination: a mobile frame having a longitudinal guide trough at one side near the ground, means on said mobile frame adapted to support a plurality of longitudinally extending sprinkler pipe sections and to move them laterally to a loading position while their risers extend downward, said means including a notched support extending transversely of the mobile frame together with power operated means for intermittently moving all pipe sections in one direction along said notched support toward loading position, and transfer means for moving the sprinkler pipe sections one at a time from the loading position to said guide trough, while rotating them to bring the risers upright, said transfer means including front and rear arms pivotally mounted on said mobile frame and engageable into opposite ends of each pipe section.

14. In a device for connecting sprinkler pipe sections end-to-end and laying them as a pipeline on the ground, each sprinkler pipe section having a coupling part at each end and a radially extending riser for a sprinkler, the improvement comprising, in combination: a mobile frame having a longitudinal guide trough at one side near the ground, means on said mobile frame adapted to support a plurality of longitudinally extending sprinkler pipe sections and to move them laterally to a loading position while their risers extend downward, and transfer means for moving the sprinkler pipe sections one at a time from the loading position to said guide trough, said transfer means including stationary elements on the mobile frame positioned for sequential engagement with each riser to bring it to an upright position.

Claims

1. In a device for connecting sprinkler pipe sections end-to-end and laying them as a pipeline on the ground, each sprinkler pipe section having a coupling part at each end and a radially extending riser for a sprinkler, the improvement comprising, in combination: a mobile frame having a longitudinal guide trough at one side near the ground, means on said mobile frame adapted to support a plurality of longitudinally extending sprinkler pipe sections and to move them laterally to a loading position while their risers extend downward, transfer means for moving the sprinkler pipe sections one at a time from the loading position to said guide trough, while rotating them to bring the risers upright, and means for moving each transferred pipe section longitudinally in the guide trough to couple its rearward end automatically to the forward end of another pipe section previously positioned in the guide trough.

3. The combination set forth in claim 1 in which means are provided on said mobile frame for maintaining the riser upright during said longitudinal movement of the pipe section in said guide trough.

5. In a device for connecting sprinkler pipe sections end-to-end and laying them as a pipeline on the ground, each sprinkler pipe section having a coupling part at each end and a radially extending riser for a sprinkler, the improvement comprising, in combination: a mobile frame having a longitudinal guide trough near the ground, means whereby a first pipe section may be supported with its forward end in the guide trough and its rear end offset therefrom, and with its riser extending upward, means actuated by movement of a second pipe section out of the guide trough to move the rear end of the first pipe section into the guide trough, and power operated means for moving the first pipe section longitudinally in the guide trough to couple its rearward end automatically to the forward end of said second pipe section.

7. The combination set forth in claim 5 in which said mobile frame comprises a carriage supported on ground wheels, and wherein said guide trough is located outside said wheels.

8. The combination set forth in claim 5 in which means are provided on said mobile frame for maintaining the riser upright during said longitudinal movement of the pipe section in said guide trough.

9. In a device for connecting sprinkler pipe sections end-to-end and laying them as a pipeline on the ground, each sprinkler pipe section having a coupling part at each end and a radially extending riser for a sprinkler, the improvement comprising, in combination: a carriage having wheels and having a longitudinal guide trough at one side near the ground outside said wheels, means on said carriage adapted to support a plurality of longitudinally extending sprinkler pipe sections and to move them laterally to a loading position while their risers extend downward, transfer means for moving each sprinkler pipe section from the loading position to another position with its forward end in said guide trough and its rear end offset therefrom, and with its riser extending upward, means actuated by movement of a Previously transferred pipe section longitudinally out of the guide trough to move the rear end of the first said pipe section into said guide trough, and power operated means engaging the forward end of the first said pipe section to move it longitudinally in the trough to couple its rearward end automatically to the forward end of the pipe section previously positioned in the guide trough.

10. In a device for connecting sprinkler pipe sections end-to-end and laying them as a pipeline on the ground, each sprinkler pipe section having a coupling part at each end and a radially extending riser for a sprinkler, the improvement comprising, in combination: a mobile frame having a longitudinal guide trough at one side near the ground, means on said mobile frame adapted to support a plurality of longitudinally extending sprinkler pipe sections and to move them laterally to a loading position while their risers extend downward, said means including a notched support extending transversely of the mobile frame together with power operated means for intermittently moving all pipe sections in one direction along said notched support toward loading position, and transfer means for moving the sprinkler pipe sections one at a time from the loading position to said guide trough, while rotating them to bring the risers upright.

11. In a device for connecting sprinkler pipe sections end-to-end and laying them as a pipeline on the ground, each sprinkler pipe section having a coupling part at each end and a radially extending riser for a sprinkler, the improvement comprising, in combination: a mobile frame having a longitudinal guide trough at one side near the ground, means on said mobile frame adapted to support a plurality of longitudinally extending sprinkler pipe sections and to move them laterally to a loading position while their risers extend downward, said means including a notched support extending transversely of the mobile frame together with power operated means for intermittently moving all pipe sections in one direction along said notched support toward loading position, transfer means for moving the sprinkler pipe sections one at a time from the loading position to said guide trough, while rotating them to bring the risers upright, and means for moving each transferred pipe section longitudinally in the guide trough to couple its rearward end automatically to the forward end of another pipe section previously positioned in the guide trough.