WO2004063082A2

WO2004063082A2 - Gravitational energy driven fluid dispenser, eg. irrigator

Info

Publication number: WO2004063082A2
Application number: PCT/AP2004/000001
Authority: WO
Inventors: Desmond Edward Cawood
Original assignee: Desmond Edward Cawood
Priority date: 2003-01-15
Filing date: 2004-01-15
Publication date: 2004-07-29
Also published as: WO2004063082A3

Abstract

A liquid dispensing apparatus comprising two vessels (12, 14) each situated to be gravitationally displaceable between a high elevation liquid charging location and a low elevation liquid discharging location. The vessels (12, 14) are interlinked by which the downward movement of the charged vessel causes the return of the discharged vessel to the charging location, and also causes the displacement of the apparatus. The apparatus is an automatic irrigation apparatus in which two reservoirs (12, 14) are mounted on a common base (16), pivotally mounted on a central supporting member (18) enabling the reservoirs to pivot between fluid dispensing and fluid receiving positions. A rotation mechanism (24) is actuated by the pivoting motion, causing the apparatus to rotate about a central supporting member (18). Alternatively the two fluid reservoirs (12, 14) are mounted on a common base and are connected by a suspended cable on pulleys, enabling the reservoirs to move vertically and alternatively between fluid dispensing and fluid receiving position.

Description

GRAVITATIONAL ENEBQΥ DRIVEN FLUID DISPENSER eg. IRRIGATOB

FD3LD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a gravitational energy utilising displaceable fluid dispensing apparatus for distributing fluid in an apparatus displacing fashion Although not so limited the invention finds useful application when used in the ield of irrigation

B ACKQJKKJND TO THE INVENTION

The automatic irrigation of land normally requires elaborate power requirements. Equipment used for such purpose is also expensive. Often the irrigation process does not require exactly timed irrigation as long as it can be proceeded with in a continuous fashion. To reduce the power requirements for driving irrigation equipment the gravitational energy of water supplied from an overhead supply to irrigation equipment can be used. It is thus an object of this invention to provide equipment exclusively using such gravitational energy in per orming an automatic process...

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided a gravitational energy utilizing displaceable arranged fluid dispensing apparatus for distributing fluid in an apparatus displacing fashion comprising at least two fluid collecting vessels each situated to be gravitationally displaceable between a high elevation fluid charging location in which a source of fluid supply is diverted to cause the charging of a vessel intended for subsequent descent, and a low elevation at least final discharge location towards and into which the appropriate vessel, once charged, is permitted so to become gravitationally displaced once released from its charging location and at which low elevation location, if not also en route thereto during its descent, the vessel involved in the gravitational descent is arranged to become discharged for appropriate fluid distribution v the apparatus being arranged to constrain the vessels from traveling beyond their chagrin; and discharge locations, linking means via which the vessels are interlinked to result in the gravitational displace of the charged vessel causing the return of the at least one if not one of the discharged vessels situated in the discharge location to the charging location according to a pre-set pattern though mutually in the ease of two vessels, a releasing mechanism for releasing the vessel being charged from its high elevation charging location once charged to a pre-set extent resulting in its descend under the force o; gravity to the low elevation discharge location, and a displacement mechanism linked to use the movement of equipment tying in with if not as such utilizing the gravitationally urged descent of the charged vessel, once so released, to cause the displacement of at least part of the apparatus though to the extent of displacing fashion distributing discharged fluid.

Irrigation example

The vessels may preferably be situated to be gravitationally displaceable by at least one being situated at each of the opposite sides of the fulcrum of a lever member as appropriately mounted to the remainder of the apparatus and that also serves as linking means between the vessels with the descending action of the charged vessel thus being brought about by the downward swiveling of the side of the lever member at which this vessel is situated while simultaneously causing the upward swiveling of the opposite side of the member and thus the tiansferring of the vessel situated on that side of the fulcrum to its charging location

In an embodiment the vessels may be situated at opposite sides of the lever structure by being secured in a fixed way to the lever member as accordingly configured.

The lever member may preferably be formed to result in its leg configurations extending away from its fulcrum position in a way that causes them to extend downward, as perceived with the lever member being symmetrically situated as regard, the upright axis extending through the fulcrum, with the central planes extending through the vessels situated on opposite sides of the fulcrum, as thus passing through a common horizontal axis, cutting one another at a suitable inner angle to promote the filling of the vessel situated in the charging location by causing its charging opening to face generally charging promoting fashion upwards and likewise the discharging of fluid from the vessel situated in the discharge location owing to causing the level of the fluid, once the apparatus is use; to lie above a minimum required level to enable the commencement of gravitationally urged fluid flow. In a preferred embodiment the lever member may extend by way of adjacent sideward extending linear sections meeting in a break at its fulcrum position of which the inner angle is appropriately obtuse to promote the filling of the vessel situated in the charging location and the discharging of fluid from the vessel situated in the discharge location Each vessel may be arranged to come into charging registration with a source of fluid supply, as situated in a centrally overhead position as regards the lever member, at the latest once the vessel returning to its charging location has reached this location and in a mutually vessel charging non- obstructing way.

The vessels may thus be arranged to come into charging registration with the source of fluid supply by each being fitted with a charging chute having an adequately large inlet mouth extending in the direction of the central upright axis of the apparatus to promote the change over of fluid charging from the one vessel to the other without substantial if whatsoever loss of fluid.

The vessels may be arranged to become discharged for appropriate fluid distribution owing to each being fitted with a fluid discharge piping layout that is in discharge flow fashion connected to the side of the vessel facing away from the central axis of the apparatus and in a way that permits the commencement of the discharging of fluid from a vessel once the fluid level therein has become positioned at an adequate elevation relative to an overhead discharge constiaining elevation associated with the discharge layout, that is brought about by the outward swiveling effect imparted to a vessel during its gravitational descent

The fluid discharge piping layout may in an embodiment be in the form of a fixed tube fitted inside each of the vessels adjacent its wall facing away from the central axis of the apparatus that is connecting to a flexible tube extending along a variable curve, as determined by the position of the vessel along its path of descent or ascent, between the upper end of the fixed tube and a position of distributive discharge.

In another embodiment the discharge layout may be in the form of an inverted U-shaped tube fluid flow fashion connected at a low elevation to the outside face, as facing away from the so central axis of the apparatus, of its vessel while presenting its bend at an adequately high elevation relative to its vessel as perceived when in its charging location to only permit the flow of fluid from the vessel once it has progressed substantially along its path of decent en route its discharge location

The releasing mechanism may involve a release facility that maintains the vessel being charged in its charging location until at least one appropriate releasing parameter associated with the vessel being charged has been attained, thence causing the triggering of the release facility and the release of the charged vessel

The release f cility may incorporate at least one spring loaded stopper that becomes disengaged from a locking aperture once the relevant releasing parameter is attained with the stopper being biased to re-engage once the discharged vessel arrives at it charging location, even if involving a different locking aperture, the stopper thus also serving the function of constraining the vessels from traveling beyond their charging and discharge locations. In one embodiment the releasing parameters of fluid level and weight may be involved in triggering the stopper by the release facility incorporating a regulating reservoir associated with each of the vessels that is situated at a low elevation relative to its vessel once the latter is in its charging location while co- acting with the stopper to cause its retraction from the aperture, in which it locks at least the vessel being charged in its charging location, in response to the exertion of a force triggered action brought about by the relevant regulating reservoir becoming filled to a pre-established extent by way of an overflow via a fluid transfer tube from its vessel, the regulating reservoirs also being fitted with drainage means to permit its adequate drainage of fluid to enable the biasing effect on the stopper to also return the regulating reservoir involved in the tripping action to ite pre-stopper- triggering condition while ensuring that the drainage of fluid takes place at a slower rate than the rate of filling of the relevant regulating reservoir to enable its effective operation

In one embodiment the displacement mechanism may be arranged to convert the swiveling action of the lever member into a horizontal rotation for causing the rotational displacement of a horizontally mounted rotatable member, forming part of the apparatus that is conf gured to distribute the fluid according to a circular pattern

The displacement mechanism may incorporate a cam- type mechanism associated with at least one strut-type member, as in the appropriate case supplemented with at least one cam formation, extending along an upward facing arc below and forming part of the lever member, and a plurality of follower formations that extend in suitably spaced relationship above the so rotatable member to cause the cam formation to rotate the rotatable member in response to a cam and follower action between itself and subsequent follower formation that is brought about by the to- and- ro rocking of the lever member in at least one of its rocking directions in response to subsequent descents of charged vessels, the cam type mechanism being

Arranged to ensure that the to and fro motion of the lever member gives rise to unidirectional rotation.

In a specific embodiment the strut type member may be fitted with two suitably spaced cam formations that each extends there below and that is each formed and positioned relative to one another to, in conjunction with the follower formations, perform a cam action on rocking of the lever member in either direction, the cam and follower relationship between the cam and the follower formations thus providing for the cam action of the one cam formation not being affected by the operation of the other cam formation while the operation of the cam formations also ensures that the cam formation that is not involved in a cam type displacing action during swiveling of the lever member in the one direction is at the ready to perform its cam and follower action on swiveling of the lever member in the opposite direction The cam formations may each be mounted to swivel laterally relative to its direction of travel towards the side of permitting its unobstructed passing of the follower formation at the ready to be subsequently dealt with when moving in its non- cam- performing direction while being blocked against such swiveling when moving along its cam performing direction In another embodiment the strut type member may extend obliquely relative to the direction of swiveling of the lever member thereby performing a cam type action on the latter being swiveled in the one direction only while the strut type member is fitted with a unidirectional door opening towards the side of permitting subsequent follower formations to pass from the one side of the strut type member to the other side on its return stroke for in subsequent relationship locating them at the ready to perform a cam type action in conjunction with the lever member on its next action stroke. The rotatable member may be configured to distribute the fluid according to a circular pattern by being fitted with at least one radially extending boom formed with serially spaced discharge apertures along which fluid discharged f om the charged vessel is directed to flow.

In another embodiment the displacement mechanism may be arranged to convert the swiveling action of the lever member responsive to the gravitational descent of at least one of the fluid collecting vessels into a unidirectional linear movement of the apparatus as such, the apparatus being fitted with laterally extending booms formed with serially spaced so discharge apertures along which fluid discharged from the charged vessel is directed to flow.

The displacement mechanism may be arranged to convert the swiveling action of the lever member into a unidirectional linear movement of the apparatus by the mechanism being constituted to suitably co-act with at least one elongated tensile element anchored at least one end with the mechanism causing the apparatus to become displaced relative to such tensile element once in use.

In one embodiment the displacement mechanism may incorporate a uni- directionally rotatable drum that is constrained to rotate uni-directionally in response to the to- and- fro swiveling of the lever member once the apparatus is in use under which circumstance an elongated tensile element extending between the drum and a location of anchoring is woundable onto the drum resulting in the apparatus being caused to move in the direction of elongated element effective length reduction

Alternatively the displacement mechanism may incorporate at least one grabbing mechanism performing a grabbing action responsive to a stroke of the lever member with which it is thus grab-exerting fashion co-acts, the appara tus when in use thus being linearly movable in response to the grabbing mechanism crawlably co- acting with an elongated tensile element anchored at opposite ends thereby to cause the linear displacement of the apparatus along such element

Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention will now be described by way of the following non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Example 1 Figures 1 to 6

Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of an irrigation apparatus in accordance with the present invention at the moment that the first reservoir is in a fluid receiving position;

Figure 2 shows the apparatus of Figure 1 at a moment during which the first reservoir is in a fluid dispensing position;

Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of the retaining mechanism and the release mechanism;

Figure 4 shows a top view of the rotation mechanism;

Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of a second embodiment of an irrigation apparatus in accordance with the present invention at the moment that the

10 first reservoir is in a fluid receiving position; and

Figure 6 shows a top view of a portion of the apparatus of Figure 5 to illustrate the operation of the rotation mechanism. In the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally indicates an irrigation apparatus in accordance with the present invention

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, an irrigation apparatus 10 according to the invention includes first and second fluid reservoirs 12 and 14 mounted on a common base 16, the base 16 being pivotally mounted on a central supporting member 18 at a region located intermediate the reservoirs 12, 14 so as to enable the reservoirs 12, 14 to pivot between fluid dispensing and fluid receiving positions.

The apparatus 10 further includes a retaining mechanism 20 for inhibiting the common base 16 from pivoting, a release mechanism 22 for releasing the retaining mechanism when the fluid level in one of the reservoirs 12,14 has reached a predetermined level, thereby allowing pivoting of the common base

16 caused by a weight differential between the two reservoirs 12 and 14 and a rotation mechanism 24 capable of being actuated by the pivoting motion of the common base 16, thereby causing a portion of the apparatus 10 to rotate about the central supporting member 18.

The rotation mechanism 24 includes two levers 26 and 28, each lever 26, 28 being connected at its one end to the common base 16 and at its other end to a base portion in the form of a disc 30.

The disc 30 is rotatably mounted on the central supporting member 18 whilst the common base 16 is not capable of rotational movement 5

The disc 30 includes a plurality of lugs 32 arranged in a circular pattern

Each of the levers 26,28 releasably engages a lug 32 of the disc 30 by means of a hook 34,36. As can be seen in Figure 4, hooks 34 and 36 are biased into a lug- engaging condition by means of springs 35.1 and 35.2.

In Figure 1, lever 26 is in an extended condition As the common base 16 pivots into the position shown in Figure 2, the second lever 28 extends thereby exerting a force on the lug 32 it engages, which in turn causes the disc 30 to rotate in an anticlockwise direction. Due to the rotation of the disc 30 the first lever 26 disengages the lug 32 it was previously engaging and is moved into alignment with the next lug 32 on the disc 30. With the next pivot of the common base 16 the first lever 26 extends, again causing the disc 30 to rotate and bringing the reservoirs 12, 14 back into the positions shown in Figure 1.

The apparatus 10 includes a fluid supply pipe 38 for supplying fluid to one of the reservoirs 12, 14 at a time via fluid supply opening 40. The fluid supply pipe 38 is connected to a main fluid reservoir (not shown) containing the fluid to be dispensed. Valve 39 is mounted in fluid supply pipe 38 to enable a user (not shown) to stop operation of the apparatus 10 when desired, alternatively, the valve may be preset to shut down the apparatus after a specific time or a specific number of revolutions of the disc 30. The main fluid reservoir is located above the fluid reservoirs 12,14 of the 30 apparatus 10 so that the pressure head of the fluid in the main reservoir is i* sufficiently high to allow the apparatus 10 to function without the need for external means of supplying pressure. The height above ground level of the main fluid reservoir is dependent on the height of the mature crop to be irrigated, since this determines how high above ground level fluid must be dispensed from the apparatus 10 without the apparatus damaging the crop by its rotational movement

The apparatus 10 includes two fluid dispensing arms 42, 44 or booms 5 connected in flow communication with the reservoirs 12, 14 via water jacket 45 for dispensing the fluid onto a surface on which the apparatus 10 is resting. The fluid dispensing arms 42, 44 are provided with suitable openings (not shown) through which the fluid is dispensed. The fluid dispensing arms 42, 44 are connected to the disc 30 so that they rotate when the disc rotates.

The first 12 and second 14 fluid reservoirs are in the form of containers having a predetermined volume, depending on the size of the surface onto which the fluid is to be dispensed or the quantity of fluid is to be dispensed. Alternatively, the first 12 and second 14 fluid reservoirs can be connected by means of a balancing tube and regulating valve (not shown) thereby enabling the user to vary the amount of fluid to be dispensed.

Each reservoir 12, 14 includes a filter 46, 48 through which the fluid flows before entering the reservoir. The filter 46, 48 is typically a filter pad.

The first 12 and second 14 fluid reservoirs are provided with first and second dispensing openings 50 and 52 through which fluid contained in the reservoirs 12, 14 is dispensed when the relevant reservoir 12, 14 is in a fluid dispensing position The dispensing openings 50, 52 are connected to pipes 54 and 56 that are in turn connected in flow communication with the fluid dispensing arms 42, 44 via water jacket 45.

Bef erring now to Figure 3, the retaining mechanism is 20 in the form of a biased pin 58, the pin 58 being biased into the retaining position as shown in

30 Figure 3 in which it engages one of a first and second female engaging formations 60, 62 provided on a strut 64 that is connected to and therefore pivots with the common base 16.

The release mechanism 22 includes a plurality of fluid reservoirs that are filled sequentially in order to release the retaining mechanism 20. To this end, the first and second reservoirs 12,14 are each be supplied with an overflow opening 66,68 located at a predetermined distance from the bottom of each reservoir 12,14, each overflow opening 66,68 being connected to first and 5 second regulating reservoirs 70 and 72 via pipes 74 and 76 respectively.

When either the first regulating reservoir 70 has been filled with fluid by virtue of fluid overflowing from the second fluid reservoirs 14, the weight of said regulating reservoir 70 causes latches 78 to rotate, thereby lifting pin 58 out of 10 engagement with female engaging formation 60. The common base 16 now pivots under the influence of the weight of the f~\ heavier of the two reservoirs 12, 14.

Once the common base 16 has completed its pivot, the pin 58 is biased into engaging female engaging formation 62 by virtue of spring 82. The first and second regulating reservoirs 70,72 are provided with first and second outlets 84,86, the diameters of which are smaller than those of pipes 20 74 and 76 so as to allow the first or second regulating reservoirs 70,72 to empty after having released the retaining mechanism 20. This also has the effect of irrigating the portion of surface located directly below the disc 30, which the arms 42, 44 cannot reach.

The flow rate of fluid into the reservoir 12, 4 in the fluid receiving position is smaller than the flow rate of fluid exiting the reservoir 12, 14 in the fluid dispensing position so that the retaining mechanism 20 is only released once the reservoir 12, 14 in the fluid dispensing position has dispensed its load of fluid.

30

The apparatus 10 is mounted on a chassis 88 having wheels (not shown) so that it may be displaced when desired thereby allowing it to irrigate a large portion of land.

Each pivoting movement of the common base 16 causes a first 25.1 of the two cam members 25.1 and 25.2 to abut against one of the lugs or teeth 32 of the disc 30 and slide past it Due to the angle it is positioned at (ie. its wedge- shape) the cam member 25.1 exerts a force on the lug or tooth 32 it 5 abuts against as it slides past said lug or tooth 32, thereby causing the common base 16 to rotate through a certain number of degrees. Towards the end of this rotation, the second cam member 25.2 is urged against a lug or tooth 32 and is forced over said lug or tooth 32 by pivoting about the hinges 63 that connect it to the strut 64, thereby placing it into position to actuate the 10 next rotation of the common base 16.

In Figure 6, the apparatus is shown at the moment that cam member 25.2 has completed its turn in exerting a force against the lug or tooth 32 against which it is shown to abut whilst cam member 25.1 is about to be forced over the lug 15 or tooth 32 it is abutting against in the direction indicated by arrow "C", thereby placing it into position to actuate the next rotation of the common base 16.

The apparatus 10 includes a fluid supply pipe 38 for supplying fluid to one of the reservoirs 12, 14 at a time via fluid supply opening 40. The fluid supply pipe 38 is connected to a main fluid reservoir (not shown) containing the fluid to be dispensed. Valve 39 is mounted in fluid supply pipe 38 to enable a user (not shown) to stop operation of the apparatus 10 when desired, alternatively, the valve may be preset to shut down the apparatus after a specific time or a speci ic number of revolutions of the disc 30.

The main fluid reservoir is located above the fluid reservoirs 12,14 of the apparatus 10 so that the pressure head of the fluid in the main reservoir is sufficiently high to allow the apparatus 10 to function without the need for external means of supplying pressure.

Each reservoir 12, 14 includes a filter unit 46, 48 through which the fluid flows 5 before entering the reservoir. The filter units 46 and 48 typically include filter pads 45 and 47 as well as a bed of charcoal (not shown). The first 12 and second 14 fluid reservoirs are provided with first and second dispensing openings 50 and 52 through which fluid contained in the reservoirs 10 12, 14 is dispensed when the relevant reservoir 12, 14 is in a fluid dispensing position The dispensing openings 50, 52 are connected to pipes 54 and 56 that are in turn connected in flow communication with fluid dispensing arms or booms (not shown).

The retaining mechanism is 20 in the form of a biased pin 58, the pin 58 being biased into the retaining position in which it engages one of a f rst and second female engaging formation 60 and 62 provided on strut 64. The release mechanism 22 includes a plurality of fluid reservoirs that are filled 20 sequentially in order to release the retaining mechanism 20. To this end, the filter units 46 and 48 are each be supplied with an overflow opening 66,68 located at a predetermined distance from the bottom of each filter unit 46, 48', each overflow opening 66,68 being connected to first and second regulating reservoirs 70 and 72 via pipes 74 and 76 respectively.

The first and second regulating reservoirs 70 and 72 are pivotally mounted on the central supporting member 18 by means of arms extending from the central supporting member 18 to the regulating reservoirs 70 and 72. When the first regulating reservoir 70 is in a raised condition as shown in Figure 5„ it 30 is retained in position by means of a magnet 73. Once the first regulating reservoir 70 has filled with fluid, its weight overcomes the retaining force of the magnet 73 causing the regulating reservoirs 70 and 72 to pivot about the point at which they are connected to the central supporting member 18.

The first and second regulating reservoirs 70 and 72 are connected by an arcuate connecting member 90 that includes a raised portion 92 in a central region thereof. A roller 94 capable of rolling along the connecting member 90 is connected to the pin 58 so that when the regulating reservoirs 70 and 72 5 pivot, the roller 94 rolls over the raised portion 92, thereby urging the pin out of engagement with a first female engaging formation 60 located on strut 64 and thereafter allowing it to engage second female engaging formation 62. The first and second regulating reservoirs 70,72 are provided with first and second outlets 84,86, the diameters of which are smaller than those of pipes 10 74 and 76 so as to allow the first or second regulating reservoirs 70,72 to empty after having released the retaining mechanism 20. Filter units 46 and 48 are provided with first and second outlets 96 and 98, so that when, as shown in Figure 5, reservoir 14 is in the fluid dispensing 15 condition, the fluid in filter unit 48 is allowed to backwash through filter pad 45, thereby cleaning it and allowing the fluid to exit the filter unit 48 via outlet 96, thereby i rigating the portion of surface located directly below the disc 30.

The flow rate of fluid into the reservoir 12, 4 in the fluid receiving position is 20 smaller than the flow rate of fluid exiting the reservoir 12, 14 in the fluid dispensing position so that the retaining mechanism 20 is only released once the reservoir 12, 14 in the fluid dispensing position has dispensed its load of fluid.

25 It is to be appreciated, that the invention is not limited to any specific embodiment or configuration as hereinbefore generally described or illustrated.

In the process of drop by drop irrigation presently used, the distribution of liquid is accomplished means of ramps carrying the droppers, a decrease in load is applied in order to have a running with a very small outflow. One of the principal inconveniences of the process is seen by the enormous susceptibility of the droppers due to obstructions because of the small openings of the running controls.

The present invention will eliminate this inconvenience by bringing with it a certain number of advantages.

The invention has a liquid distribution appliance in which the ramps are arranged in pairs that alternate. Each pair of ramps has a sucker distributor in two positions. One of them corresponds with ramp filling - up while the other empties and vice - versa the ramps have containers which, when the ramp is fed, they successively fill - up one after the other. The latter of the containers relies upon the distributor for its own filling up, this is the change of position by the distributor.

Each container is fed in a way that the emptying can only occur after the filling up of all the containers in the same ramp.

By placing a water gate on each of the two twin ramps, one can vary their feeding outflow and therefore the filling - up time in order to precisely regulate the cycle of the distributions according to the needs. Naturally, the filling - up time of each ramp will be regulated in such a way that a ramp will be superior to the other at the time of emptying and vice - versa

The running of the liquid is accomplished by means of blind tubes fixed on the openings of the exit ends of the containers. These tubes are comprised of a certain number of holes equipped with powers which avoid the trickling of the liquid on the length of the tube in the case where the tube will not be perfectly horizontal.

Each running represents a dropper, each container corresponds to several droppers, which limits the number of containers and therefore cuts the installation costs.

Gravity allows emptying, the pressure is extremely small, 0.01 bars, it is also possible to reduce the large diameter openings in order to limit their obstruction At the end, with the tubes carrying the running openings being easily removable, it is possible to remove ranges of large containers from all usage in order to harvest with mechanic engines. This is an important advantage, particularly in market gardening.

The invention will be better understood if one looks at the illustration in which the command distributor carries an envelope to the interior of which slots a draw 3, carrying four pistons 4,5,6 and 7 and which carry, on the outside, a certain number of openings, to note : Opening 8 is that by which the liquid arrives under pressure. The openings 9 and 10 are what feed each of the two ramps. 11 and 12 are the openings. Finally the openings 13 and 14, lodged in a flask, allow for the sliding of the draw 3 inside 2.

One sees a sweE that, in the illustration, the liquid reaching into 8 feeding the first ramp whereas the second is in contact with open air at opening 12. When pressure is applied, by opening 13 on the draw 3„ the draw slides to in the other position in which the pistons are shown as dotted lines/. One sees that it is the second ramp, which is fed whereas the first is placed in contact - with open air by opening 11.

The first ramp is constituted of a hose 15 which outlets into 16 in the inferior compartment 17 ty the inside of which is placed a small head 18 with superior pari; 19 forming the floor pf compartment 17, which carries oft its axis, an opening 20 extending towards the exterior by a drive 21 ensuring the running of the liquid towards its utilization Opening; 20 forms a center of imperviousness for the head 18.

The superior part pf compartment 17 carries another opening 22 extending the exterior by a drive 23 out letting at the inferior part 24 of the container 25 and this inferior part 24 is always placed at the superior level as compared to 19 and 20.

The container is equipped with a classical appliance ensuring the evacuation of air like, for example, a head of light density which comes to mouth the controlled hole in the superior part 26 when the filling up is finished. This superior part 26 carries an opening 27, which extends into a drive 28 which goes on to feed the following container in the way, which has just been described, and as well that follows. On the illustration, the drive coming out of the superior part of the last compartment outlets into 13. The function of the appliance is as follows: when the liquid penetrates into 16 in the compartment 17, it exerts pressure from the head 18 and the plate on the centre of imperviousness of the opening 20 whereas the flux which feeds 22 maintains its utilisation in 20 and 21after having circulated through the drive 23 and penetrated in 17 through opening 22.

The opening 16, placed on the axis of compartment 27, carries equally a centre of imperviousness on which the head 18 sits at the time of emptying to prevent this emptying from going through the proceeding containers which will be found eventually at an inferior level following the gradient of the terrain.

A water gate placed at the top of the ramp allows for the control of the outflow at the fill in order to regulate the frequency of the distributions. The distributors being branched as taps on the principal pipeline, one can naturally dispose through them, a huge quantity with the corresponding containers in a manner that covers the total pf the patch to be irrigated. We can see by the above description that the system brings a great deal of other advantages as, compared to the system of traditional droppers.

Firstly the system insure a volume distribution of great precision, responding to the exact needs of plants. In fact, every watering point gives a fixed quantity at intervals such that it is possible to regulate precisely. To make sure that these do not undergo modifications due to precision variations arising from the general feeding at the top, one can place precision regulations at every distributor.

There are thus no more adjustments nor surveillance to be carried out since each couple of ramps functions in rigorous conditions predetermined and hence always identical We can also see that the decrease in charge which intervenes in every container at the time of its filling in the of the following containers and also in the hose pipes which rely on the containers themselves does not have any importance since the adjustment uniquely carries on the times of the filling of a ramp with all its containers.

Given equally that the liquid circulates in permanence on the interior of a ramp at the time of remplissage and that the distributor is constructed to slide under very little force the pressure always remains low during the filling phase of a ramp. It is practically no -existent during the emptying phase.

These different instances, permit the use for the manufacture of ramps, from supple hose, low pressure of small diameter, very good market and to reuse the hose on the containers. These results in a considerable income, infrastructure.

The liquid circulates as well into 23 in order to feed the first recipient then in the same manner the second then the third etc.

When the last container is filled, the pressure of the liquid forces the change in position of the distributor 10 and it is then the other ramp which is fed with liquid whereas the first which as just been filled is in contact with open air by opening 1 1 . The pressure there then falls to zero all the heads, according to their density fall to the bases of their respective containers, also freeing all the openings 20 through which the liquid contained in the containers will empty towards its containers making sure that they do not make a somersault due to the wind and also that they can be instated in a vertical position assuring the best functioning each of them will be equipped, in its inferior part, with points destined to be planted into the soil

Example 2: Figures 7 and 8

An alternative realization is that the two fluid reservoirs suspend from a common base and are connected by means of a suspended cable on pulleys so as to enable the reservoirs to move vertically and alternatively between fluid dispensing and fluid receiving position This latter is demonstrated by Figures 7 and 8.

This device works on the premise that the filling vessel fills slower than the dispensing vessel dispenses. Fluid enters devise through valve (29) up the frame and dispenses through non- return valve (25)

Vessel (14) is empty and vessel f 26) is full

The weight of the fluid in vessel (26) trips the spring loaded release catch and vessel (26) drops under gravitational force. Wedge (28) of vessel (26) locates one of the teeth (21) of dispensing vessel (22) which rotates by a few degrees.

The non return valve (27) at the bottom of vessel (26) is opened by spike (15) on plate (20). The fluid in vessel (26) dispenses into the dispensing vessel (22), then into dispensing booms (23) and ultimately to the plant through capillary tubes (30)

The empty vessel (14) is pulled upward via pulleys (4) and cable (3) attached to vessel (26). The spike on top of vessel (14) opens non return valve (7) and vessel (14) fills up.

Vessel (26) is empty vessel (14) is full

The weight of fluid in vessel (14) trips release mechanism (8) on lug (11) and vessel (14) drops gravitationally. Non return valve (16) opens by a spike and the fluid is dispensed into the dispensing vessel (22).

Wedge (19) of vessel (14 ) locates a tooth (21) on dispensing vessel (22) which rotates on shaft (18) and bush (17) the dispensing vessel (22) a few degrees

The weight (6) on the level on the top can be moved which assists the weight of the fluid in vessel (26) to trip release mechanism (8). By moving weight (6) the amount of fluid can be accurately varied to trip release mechanism

(8).

The described invention brings certain number of new advantages as compared to the traditional system of drop by drop.

It can have other applications, in particular for precise filling and automatic of cans, columns etc of different liquids.

In this case, the containers described will constitute standard measurements emptying into filling cans.

In order to assure a huge utilization and to permit the filling of cans or columns of different capacity, the standard measurements could be of variable and regulatable capacity. One can, for that, use different known appliances for example to recognize the standard measurement in two telescopic parts with a system of gradual regulation and capacity indication for each position.

Claims

CLATMS

1- Gravitational energy utilizing displace ably arranged liquid dispensing apparatus for distributing liquid in an apparatus displacing fashion comprising at least two liquid collecting vessels each situated to be gravitationally displaceable between a high elevation liquid charging location in which a source of liquid supply is diverted to cause the charging of a vessel intended for subsequent descent, and a low elevation at least final discharge location towards and into which the appropriate vessel once charged, is permitted to become gravitationally displaced once released from its charging location and at which low elevation location, if not also en route thereto during its descent, the vessel involved in the gravitational descent is arranged to become discharged for appropriate liquid distribution with the apparatus being arranged to constrain the vessels from traveling beyond their charging and discharge locations, linking means via which the vessels are interlinked to result in the gravitational displacement of the charged vessel causing the return of the at least one if not one of the discharged vessels situated in the discharge location to the charging location according to a preset pattern though mutually in the case of two vessels, a releasing mechanism for releasing the vessel being charged from its high elevation charging location once charged to a pre-set extent resulting in its descend under the force of gravity to the low elevation discharge location, and a displacement mechanism linked to use the movement of equipment tying in with if not as such utilizing the gravitationally urged descent of the charged vessel once so released, to cause the displacement of at least part of the apparatus though to the extent of displacing fashion distributing discharged liquid.

2.- An automatic irrigation apparatus according to claim 1 characterized that it includes at least two fluid reservoirs mounted on a common base, the base being pivotaHy mounted on a central supporting member at a region located intermediate the reservoirs so as to enable the reservoirs to pivot between fluid dispensing and fluid receiving positions characterized that it has a rotation mechanism capable of being actuated by the pivoting motion of the common base, thereby causing a portion of the apparatus to rotate about the central supporting member

3.- An automatic irrigation apparatus according to claim 1 and 2 characterized that the rotation mechanism includes a system of levers connected at its first end to the common base and at its second end to a base portion.

4.- An automatic irrigation apparatus according to claim 1 to 3 characterized that the rotation mechanism includes a cam system forming part of the common base, and which includes engaging means capable of engaging the base portion, thereby causing rotation of a portion of the apparatus.

5.- An automatic irrigation apparatus according to claims 1 to 4 characterized that one of either, the common base or the base portion, is mounted rotationaily on the central supporting member so that the rotation mechanism will urge either the common base/ central supporting member or the base portion into rotating through a predetermined number of degrees each time the common base pivots.

6. -An automatic irrigation apparatus according to claims 1 to 5 characterized that the base portion is in the form of a disc having a plurality of lugs or teeth arranged in a circular pattern and that the system of levers includes two levers, each lever being connected at its one end to the common base whilst removable engaging a lug or tooth at its other end by means of a hook or catch.

7.- An automatic irrigation apparatus according to claims 1 to 6 characterized that each pivoting movement of the common base causes a first of the two levers to extend, whereby causes the disc to rotate through which the second of the two levers disengages the lug and moves into alignment with the next lug on the disc, causing the disc to rotate.

8. -An automatic irrigation apparatus according to claims 1 to 7 characterized that the base portion is in the form of a disc having a plurality of lugs or teeth arranged in a circular pattern and the engaging means are in the form of two elongate cam members that are hingeflly mounted on an underside of an arcuate strut that is connected to and pivots with the common base, causing a rocking motion of the strut and the cam members and the elongate cam members are mounted at an angle to the strut

9.- An automatic irrigation apparatus according tto claims 1 to 8 characterized that each pivoting movement of the common base causes a first of the two cam members to abut against one of the lugs or teeth and slide past it causing the common base to rotate through a certain number of degrees and that during this rotation, the second cam member does not engage any of the lugs or teeth until the first cam member has slid completely past the lug or tooth it has been abutting against at which point the second cam member abuts against a lug or tooth and slides over it by pivoting about the hinges that connect it to the strut thereby placing it into position to actuate the next rotation of the common base.

10. An automatic irrigation apparatus according to claims 1 to9 characterized that it consists of a first and second fluid reservoir, mounted on a common base being pivotally mounted on a central supporting member at a region located intermediate the reservoirs and includes a retaining mechanism, a release mechanism releasing the retaining mechanism when the fluid level in one of the reservoirs reached a predetermined level and a rotation mechanism actuated by the pivoting motion of the common base causing a portion of the apparatus to rotate about the central supporting member. The rotation mechanism includes two levers each lever being connected at its one end to the common base and at its other end to a base portion in the form of a disc, revolving mounted on the central supporting member whilst the common base is not capable of rotational movement, The disc includes a plurality of lugs arranged in a circular pattern, each of the levers releasable engages a lug of the disc by means of a hook

11- An automatic irrigation apparatus according to claim 1 chareterized that it includes at least two fluid reservoirs mounted on a common base connected by means of a suspended cable on pulleys so as to enable the reservoirs to move vertically and alternatively between fluid dispensing and fluid receiving position.