Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
~79~04
BACKGROUND OF THE INVE~;ITION
Field of the Invention
This invention is for use in connection with a land
irrigation system in which a moving water sprinkler line
having a water inlet at one point extends laterally to and
moves along the length dimension of a stationary water
supply main having a plurality of water outlet valves at
equally spaced points along its length, and particularly
involves an apparatus including automatic coupling means for
successively connecting the water outlet valves with water
inlet means of-the sprinkler line, the apparatus including
a driven conveyance means for moving along the length dimension
of the stationary water supply main at substantially the same
overall rate of movement as the moving sprinkler line.
This invention is also useful in connection with
a method of lana irrigation wherein a moving sprinkler line
having a water inlet at one point moves along the length
of a stationary water supply main having water outlet valves
in hydrants located at spaced intervals along the length
thereof, the method involving the use of automatic coupling
means for successively connecting the water outlet valves
with water inlet means of -the sprinkler line to obtain a
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~797n~
substantially continuous water supply to the sprin~ler
line.
Description of the Prior Art
When irrigating extensive areas of land, long
sprinkler lines have been used for some time. Water has
been supplied to these lines from buried pipes or mains
having spaced risers projecting above the surface of the
ground for connection to the sprinkler lines. Initially
each time a sprinkler line had to be moved, manual labor
was required for this purpose. This was a laborious and
time consuming operation. ~s time went on, the sprinkler
lines, which can reach a length of a quarter of a mile and
more were fitted with wheels to make them easier to move.
Eventually, power was supplied in one way or another to the
wheeled lines to keep them moving slowly along the desired
path parallel to the direction of the main line, with
flexible hoses extending between the water inlet end of
the sprinkler lines and the riser to which the sprinkler
line was connected. Since the mains can be eight or more
inches in diameter and contain water under substantial
pressure, the required size and strength of the Elexible
hoses became extremely burdensome in manual operation.
Proposals were therefore made to facilitate connection of
the sprinkling lines to successive risers with the least
manual effort but i-t is not believed that a successful
machine has previously been developed. E~amples of such
~1~9704
proposals are illustrated in ~ngel U.S. Patent No. 2,740,228,
Stafford U.S. Reissue Patent No. 26,285 and Smith et al
U.S. Patent Nos. 3,381,893 and 3,446,434. Such proposals
provided for intermittent connection of the sprinkler line
to the main line utilizing power assisted mechanical devices
as the hoses or telescoping pipes were moved from riser to
riser, with the sprinkler line continuing to move alony at
the desired xate.
In order to provide for a continual source of water
to the sprinkler line Rogers U.S. Patent No. 3,463,175,
Standal U.S. Patent No. 4,036,436, and Russian Patent No.
434,918 proposed systems in which one riser is always
connected to the sprinkler line, this being accomplished
by having pipe or hose connections to the sprinkler line
connect with devices which span three risers. By the
arrangement employed in the Rogers and Standal patents,
the forward part of the device is disconnected from a first
riser and goes on to a second riser ahead of the first riser
and, upon connection o the device with the second riser,
the hindmost part of the device is disconnected from a
third riser which is behind the firs-t riser in the main
line moves up -to and is connected with the first riser. The
requirement for closely spaced risers and the unavailability
of reliable water valve connecting and operating means may
have contributed to the failure of these systems to have
gained wide-spread commercial acceptance.
~797~4
In the Russian patent, an elongated horizontal
pipe having water valve connnecting means at each end is
pivotally mounted at its center by a downturned ell on the
forward end o~ a second, forwardly projecting elongated
horizontal pipe which, in turn, is pivotally mounted at its
rear end by an upturned ell to a sprinkler line carried by
a mobile carriage. The carriage moves along a water main
so that when the valve connecting means on one end of the
first pipe is connected to a hydrant valve, the doubly
pivoted mounting permits the other end of the first pipe
to swing in an arc around the hydrant to bring the other
valve connecting means into position to be connected to
a second hydrant valve (apparently manually) before the
first is disconnected. The entire water connecting means
is, therefore, cantilevered forward of the carriage.
Although the illustrated structure could be modified so as
to be theoretically operable, the inoperability of the
structure illustrated suggests that this device also may
have never been actually used.
Von Linsowe U.S. Patent No. 3,729,016 discloses
another irrigation system for continuously feeding water to
a sprinkler line, but this system is extremely complicated
and requires twin main lines since the twin coupling devices
for connecting the sprinkler line to the main line cannot
pass each other. This proposal appears to have the same
history in practice as the systems of the Rogers and Standal
~797Q4
patents mentioned above.
SU~MARY OF THE INVENTION
The primary object of the present invention is to
provide an economical and durable land irrigation system of
the type employing an elongated sprinkler line movable
transversely of its len~th along the length dimension of a
water main and including improved means for connecting the
sprinkler line to successive hydrants spaced along the water
main to continuously maintain water pressure to the sprinkler
line as it is moved through a field.
Another object is to provide such an irrigation
system in which a movable conveyance means, hereinafter
generally referred to as a tractor, is driven along the
water main at substantially the same rate as the sprinkler
line and includes a pair of hydrant connectors each connected
to the sprinkler line and each including improved means for
automatically connecting the sprinkler line to and dis-
connecting it from each hydrant in succession along the water
main with one of the connectors being connected to a
hydrant at all times.
In the attainment of the foregoing and other
objects and advantages, an impor-tant feature of the inven-
tion resides in providing a simple, reliable connector
apparatus for maintaining a continuous water flow path
from the water main to the moving sprinkler line and for
moving the connector apparatus along the water main and
~17~704
successively connecting and disconnecting each of a
plurality of connector pipes to hydrants substantially
equally spaced along the water main, with the apparatus
requiring a minimum of energy and maintenance. This is
accomplished ln a preferred embodiment of the invention in
which a tractor is driven along the water main at the
same rate as the sprinkler line and is guided along a
controlled path relative to the main. Elongated track
means is mounted on the tractor and extends in generally
parallel upwardly spaced relation to the water main and a
pair of elongated connector pipes or conduit means each having
one end portion supported on the track means for movement
therealong. Conduit means including an articulated pipe
assembly connects the inner, track supported ends of the
connector pipes to the sprinkler line.
The connector pipes extend outwardly in opposite
direction from the tractor and generally parallel to the
water main and to the traek means, and each has its outer
end supported by a carriage or truck having driven ground
engaging wheels for moving the conneetor pipes along the
track means relative to one another and relative to the
tractor. Each connector pipe ineludes an improved hydrant
loeating and eonneetiny means and valve opera-ting means on
its outer end for engaging and automatically connecting the
pipe to the hydrants and activating the valves. Tlle
respective carriages are guided along a controlled path
97~4
relative to the water main by suitable means such as a
wire or cable extending in fixed relation to the water main
to initially position the outer end portion of the pipes
relative to the hydrants, and power means carried on the
carriages is operable to accurately locate the end portion of
the connector pipes relative to the hydrants and to automati-
cally connect to and disconnect from the hydrants. Valve acti-
vating means opens the hydrant valves only after connection
has been accomplished, and closes the valve before disconnec-
ting from the hydrants.
In the preferred embodiment of the apparatusbriefly described above, the tractor is driven through the
field at a substantially constant rate corresponding to the
rate of movement of the sprinkler line. One of the connector
pipes, for example the rearwardly projecting pipe, has its
outer end connected to a hydrant and will remain stationary
for a period of time as the tractor continues to move for-
ward. During this time, the forwardly extending connector
pipe can be disconnected from its hydrant and driven forward
at a rate greater than the rate of the tractor with its
inner end rolling outwardly along the track until the outer
end reaches and is connected to the next hydrant and the
water valve in the hydrant is opened. This occurs prior
to the rearwardly extending end of the track reaching the
inner end of the first connector pipe. When the forwardly
- extending connector pipe is connected to a hydrant, the
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~'179704
rearwardly extending pipe is disconnected and driven
forward, again at a rate greater than the rate of the
tractor, so that its outer end is in position to be con-
nected to the next hydrant, in succession, prior to dis-
connec-ting the forwardly extending connector pipe from its
hydrant. Thus, water pressure is maintained contlnuously
through one of the connector pipes to the sprinkling line
to provide an uninterrupted flow of water and to enable
continuous movement of the sprinkler line for a more uniform
application of water to the field.
In a second embodiment of the invention, the
connector pipes have their outlets connected to a rotatable
water manifold mounted for limited lateral movement on the
tractor, with the manifold connected to the sprinkler line
through a suitable swivel joint or flexible conduit. The
connector pipes have the improved hydrant valve coupling
means on their other end for connection with and discon-
nection from the successive hydrant as the tractor moves
through the field. The connector pipes extend generally
radially outward from the rotatable manifold so that,
with one pipe connected with a hydrant, the manifold rotates
to bring the coupling means on another connector pipe into
position to be connected to the next hydrant as the tractor
moves progressively along the water main. Movement of the
tractor thus causes or assists in rotation of the manifold
as well as limited lateral movement along suitable guide
~797~4
track support means to automatically bring the radially
extending arms into coupling relationship with the hydrants.
As in the previously mentioned embodiment, one connector
pipe is always connected to a hydrant to maintain water
pressure to the sprinkler line.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF T~E DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other features and advantages
of the invention will become apparant from the detailed
description contained hereinbelow, taken in conjunction
10with the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an irrigation
apparatus embodying the present invention connected between
a sprinkler line and a subterranean water main with the
water main being shown in broken line;
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the apparatus
shown in FIG. l;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged top plan view of a portion
of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the structure
20shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is an end elevational view of the structure
shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevatlon
view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. l;
FIG. 7 ~s a top plan view of the structure of
FIG. 6;
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~79704
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken on line 8-8 of
FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view,
taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 3 and showing the coupling
means in position to be coupled to a hydrant;
FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9, showing the
coupling means connected to the hydrant;
FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 9 and showing
the hydrant water valve actuated;
FIG. 12 is a fragmentary elevational view of the
coupling means to a hydrant with portions broken away to
more clearly illustrate other parts.
FIG. 13 is a top plan view, similar to FIG. 1
of an alternate embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of the apparatus
shown in FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a modified form of
the coupling means especially useful in connection with the
embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 13 and 14; and
FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken on line 16-16
of FIG. 15.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIME'NTS
Referring first to FIGS. 1 and ~ of the drawings,
a pair of water sprinkler lines, designated generally by
the reference numeral 10, are shown supported by a truss
structure 11 and each having one end mounted at the top of
a driven, wheeled conveyance mechanism, or tractor, designated
~a7~Q4
generally by the reference numeral 12. The tractor 12 has
an open frame structure including a pair of laterally
spaced A-frame assemblies 13, 14 rigidly joined at their
top by an elonyated water pipe or manifold assembly 15 and
at a point spaced below the manifold 15 by a structural
platform 16. Wheels 17 located one at each corner of the
assembly support the tractor for movement over the ground.
Each wheel 17 is preferably driven by a separate motor means
18, and means are provided to synchronize the respective
drive motors to control movement of the tractor along the
len~th dimension of a fixed subterranean water main indi-
cated by the broken lines at 19. Suitable flexible couplings
20, 21 are provided between the sprinkler lines 10 and
the manifold 15 to permit limited pivotal or steering move-
ment between the tractor 12 and the sprinkling lines 10.Although two separate sprinkling lines 10 are illustrated,
it is understood that only one-sprinkling line extending
outwardly from one side of the tractor may be used.
An elongated support rail, or track 22 has its
central portion rigidly mounted on horizontal platform 16
at a point subs-tantially midway between the A-frames 13, 14.
Track 22 is generally horizontal and extends fore and af-t
of the tractor in a line substantially parallel to the water
main 10. The track may be made of any suitable material
such as a length of heavy wall pipe, a rolled structural
shape, or the like, and suitable cable or other bracing 23
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7~4
extending between the ends of the track and the manifold
15 is provided to carry a portion of the weight of and
stabilize the track against undue flexing or bending. In
the preferred embodiment illustrated, track 22 has a
rectangular or square cross section and is mounted with two
diagonally opposed corners in a vertical plane for reasons
pointed out below.
The manifold assembly 15 includes an elongated
rigid pipe 24 extending between and rigidly connected to
the top of A-frames 13 and 14, with the ends of pipe 24
extending outwardly therefrom for connection to the sprinkler
lines 10 by the couplings 20, 21. At a location adjacent
one of the A-frames, for example A-frame 14 as shown in
FIG. 1, a pair of ells or generally V-shaped pipe members
25, 26 have their open ends welded in openings in the sides
of pipe 24, with members 25 and 26 forming rigid pipe loops
extending horizontally outward from both sides of the pipe
24. A pair of short pipe sections 27, 28 welded into and
project downwardly from the outer portion of V-shaped pipe
members 25, 26, respectively, support a pair of swivel
couplings 29, 30 respectively on their bottom open ends
to pivotally support one end of a pair of identical articu-
lated pipe assemblies 31, 32. Since articulated pipe
assemblies 31, 32 are identical, like reference numerals
will be employed herein and in the drawings to designate
corresponding parts of both assemblies.
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~797~4
Articulated pipe assemblies 31, 32 each includes
a pair of elongated pipes 33, 34 each terminating at one
end in an upwardly directed ell and at the other end in a
downwardl~ directed ell. Pipes 33 have their upwardly
directed ends pivotally supported by the swivel couplings
29, 30 and their downwardly directed ends pivotally
connected by swivel couplings 35, to the upwardly directed
ends of the pipes 34. A rigid, open bracket 36 welded
on and projectiny above the V-shaped pipe members 25, 26
supports a pair of posts 37, 38 for limited pivotal move-
ment about the vertical axis of the swivel couplings 29, 30,
respectively.
Elongated, rigid arms 39, 40, respectively, are
welded onto and project laterally from the lower ends of
posts 37, 38, respectively, and guy wires 41, 42, respec-
tively, connect the top portion of the posts and the out-
wardly projecting ends of the arms 39, 40. Wires 41, 42
extend downward from the ends of the arms 39, 40 and are
connected to the pipes 33 at points near their downturned
ends to provide vertical support for the central portion
of the articulated pipe assemblies 31, 32. The downturned
ends of the pipes 34 are pivotally supported on and
connected to each of a pair of identical connector pipe or
conduit assemblies 43, 44 by swivel couplings 45.
Since connector pipe assemblies 43, 44 are
identical, only assembly 43 will be described in detail
and like reference numerals will be employed to designate
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~179704
like parts on ~he two assemblies. Thus, the connector pipe
assembly 43 includes an elongated water conduit or pipe 46
having one end supported for free rolling movement along track
22 by a roller carriage, or trolley 47 and its other down-
wardly directed open end portion supported by a wheeledcarriage assembly 48 for movement into position to be connec-
ted to spaced risers or hydrants 49 connected to and projecting
upwardly from the water main 19. Outlet valves 50 mounted in
the top of each hydrant are operable to supply water from the
main to a connector pipe assembly connected to the hydrant.
The inner end of elongated water pipe 46, i.e.,
the end supported by trolley 47 on track 22, is closed
by a cap 51l and a 45 ell 52 is rigidly welded on and
communicates with pipe 46 at a point spaced from its end.
A short length of flexible hose 53 has one end connected
to the open end of ell 52 and its other end connected to
a 90 ell 54 connected to and extending downward from the
swivel coupling 45 to complete a fluid path from the water
pipe 46 through the articulated pipe assembly 31 and mani-
fold 15 to the sprinkler line 10. A rigid metal ring orloop 55 welded on cap 51 cooperates with a link 56 to
support the end of the pipe 46 on trolley 47.
The trolleys 47 each include a frame including a
pair of laterally spaced side plates 57, 58 joined at their
bottom ends by an integrally formed horizontal base member
59 which supports the link 56. A pair of rollers 60a and
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~797~)4
60b are mounted between plates 57, 58 adjacent their tops
support the trolley 47 for rolling movement on track 22.
Rollers 60a and 60b have concave load bearing surfaces
defined by a V-shaped groove extending around their
periphery to closely conform to and roll on the upwardly
directed flat surface of the track 22. A single concave,
V-shaped roller 60c is mounted between plates 57, 58 below
track 22 and cooperates with the rollers 60a and 60b to
maintain trolley 47 against twisting movement on track 22
while permitting free rolling movement therealong. A
gimbal. support assembly 62 has its outer ring pivotally
supported on a bracket 63 mounted on and projecting
laterally from side plate 57, and its inner ring connected
to the swivel coupling 45 to permit relative movement
between the articulated pipe assemblies and the connector
pipe assemblies within limits permitted by the hose section
53.
The carriages 48 supporting the outer end portions
of the connector pipe assemblies each include a frame 64
including a crosshead 65 having its opposed ends supported
on substantially vertical, laterally spaced wheel struts
66, 67. Struts 66, 67 a-re mounted for pivotal movement
about vertical axes defined by bearing sleeves 68, 69 on
the opposing ends of frame crosshead 65, and ground engaging
wheels 70, 71 are rotatably moun-ted on the lower ends of
wheel struts 66, 67 respectively, to support the outer ends
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~7~704
of the carriac3e assemblies 48 for movement over -the
ground along water main 19. A drive motor 72 mounted on
struts 66 is connected to ar,d drives wheel 70, and a drive
shaft 73 having a universal joint in each end portion
thereof connects the wheels 70 and 71 so that motor 72
drives both wheels simultaneously.
As best seen in FIG. 3, a hydraulic cylinder
assembly 74 is connected between crosshead 65 and a rear-
wardly extending steering bracket 75 on wheel strut 67 to
steer wheel 71. A pair of forwardly extending arms 76, 77
rigidly welded on wheel struts 66 and 67 are connected by a
connecting rod 78 so that both wheels are steered simulta-
neously by cylinder 74.
The frame 64 of carriage assembly 48 includes two
rearwardly projecting beams 79, 80 having their forward
ends rigidly welded to the crosshead 65 and joined inter-
mediate their ends by a rigid cross beam 81 welded there-
between. Water pipe 46 has an upwardly projecting bracket
82 rigidly welded thereon at a point spaced from its free
end, and a transversely extending shaft 83 on bracket 82
has its free ends journaled for rotation in bearings 84, 85
in the free ends of the beams 79, 80, respectively. An
upwardly ex-tending support bracket 86 is rigidly welded on
cross beam 81, and a fluid cylinder 87 has one end pivotally
connected, as by pin 88 on the bracket 86 and its other end
connected, through a pin 89 and bracket 90 to the water
pipe 46 at a point forward of the support bracket 82. Thus,
~7970~
as best seen in FIG. 4, actuation of the hydraulic cylinder
87 to extend the rod permits rotation of frame 64 about
the axis of shaft 83 in a direction to lower the free, open
end of water pipe 46 and movement to retract the rod raises
the end of the water pipe.
Movement of carriages 48 along the water main 19
is guided by an elongated guide cable or wire 91 stretched
above the ground in fixed parallel relation to the water
main 19. Cable 91 supported on the tops of metal posts 92
mounted one in fixed laterally spaced relation to each
hydrant 49. A support bracket 93 mounted on and projecting
outwardly and downwardly from crosshead 65 pivotally
supports one end of each of a pair of arms 94, 95 at a
point spaced above the guide cable 91, with the arms 94, 95
extending outwardly in opposite directions from the bracket
93 above the cable. A pair of elongated horizontally
extending rollers 96, 97 are mounted by support arms 98, 99,
respectively, mounted on and projecting downwardly from the
bottom surface of the respective arms 94, 95. Rollers 96,
97 are positioned to roll along the top surface of guide
cable 91 to support arms 94, 95, respectively, for movement
in generally spaced parallel relation above the guide cable.
A pair of identical, flat generally rectangular
metal sensing members 100 are mounted on the free ends of
each of the arms 94, 95, with the metal sensors of each
pair extending downwardly one on each side of and spaced
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from the guide cable 91. The metal sensors are connected
through suitable conductors, not-shown, in a control circuit
such as a microprocessor, also not shown, for controlling
actuation of the steering cylinder 74. By employing two
sets of me-tal sensors, one spaced in front of and one behind
the adjacent wheel 71, the siynals from each set may be
combined, or averaged, thereby minimizing the chance of
error and providing more accurate control. of steering. Also,
by supporting the pivoted arms 94, 95 on rollers rolli.ng
along the top of the guide cable; the metal sensors can be
maintained at the appropriate height relative to the guide
cable to assure maximum sensitivity regardless of irregu-
larities in the terrain over which the carriage 48 is moving.
The two sets of metal sensors may also be employed to sense
the metal posts 92 supporting the guide cable at each
hydrant 49, with the control circuit being operable to
stop wheel motor 72 when the signal from the two sets of
metal sensors are equal, indicating that the carriage wheel
axis is in alignment with a metal post 92 and therefore
with a hydrant 49. Alternatively, if desired, a feeler
gage indicated schematically at 101 may be mounted on the
wheel support trunnion and project outwardly therefrom in
position to engage the post 92 to sense alignment of the
carriage with a hydrant and stop the wheel drive motor.
Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, the details of the
coupling assembly carried on the end portions of the water pipe
46 for establishing water ~low connec-tion with -the respective
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~7~704
hydrants 49, and the construction of the hydrants 49
including the special outlet valve 50 therein, will be
described in detail. Thus, the individual hydrants 49
include a vertically ex-tending pipe section 110 connec-ted
in fluid communication with the subterranean water main 19.
A valve body 111 is mounted, as by welding, in the open
top end of pi.pe section 110 and water flow control valve
assembly 50 mounted in the valve body is normally closed
to prevent the escape of water from the hydrant. Valve
body 111 includes lower and upper cylindrical sections
112, 113 joined by an enlarged, generally bulbous central
section 114. A radially extending valve seat 115, having
a central opening 116 therein, is rigidly welded in the
valve body at the ~uncture of central portion 114 at the
top cylindrical portion 113. A heavy annular flange 117
is rigidly welded on the open top end of valve body portion
113 and extends outwardly therefrom to define an overhanging
ledge 118. The central opening in flange 117 is defined
by an upwardly and outwardly diverging, generally cone
shaped surface 119, with the opening having a diameter
substantially equal to and aligned with the opening 116
in the valve seat 115. A seal assembly including a metal
seal retainer ring 120 having a resilient sealing element
121 mounted therein is positioned between the flange 117
and valve seat 115.
A valve member in the form of an annular disk 122
-20-
~!3i7Q4
having a resilient seal 123 mounted on its upper surface
is supported on an elongated valve stem 124 for movement
between the closed or seated position shown in FIGS. 9
and 10 with seal 123 engaging the valve seat 115, and an
open position shown in FIG. 11 in which the valve member
is disposed centrally within the enlarged central section
114 of the valve body. Valve stem 124 is supported for
sliding movement in an axial sleeve beariny 125 supported
by a spider 126 mounted within portion 112 of the valve
body. A coil spring 127 is mounted on valve stem 124 and
extends between bearing 125 and valve plate 122 to normally
urge the valve ciosed. In the closed position water pressure
in water main 19 and hydrant 49 presses on the bottom of
the valve plate to maintain a tight seal. In the open
position, shown in FIG. 11, the enlarged central section
114 of the valve body enables water to flow upward through
the hydrant around the valve plate with minimum friction
loss. A pressure pad 128 on the top surface of valve disk
122 has generally conical sidewalls to reduce turbulence.
The outer end portions of water pipes 46 each ter-
minate in a 90 ell having its open end directed downward and
having short cylindrical, generally vertically extending por-
tion 130 adapted to be received in the open top of hydrants 46
and to form a water -tigh-t seal with the resilient seal ring
121. The cylindrical portion 130 of the 90 ell terminates
- in a slightly inwardly tapered or conical lip 131 which is
-21-
7~
adapted to cooperate with the conical, upwardly diverging
surface 119 on flange 117 to guide the open end of the 90
ell into the open top of a hydrant, despite limited mis-
alignment therebetween, in order to reliably establish
a water flow connection between the water pipe and a hydrant.
~ coupling mechanism 132 mounted on the end portion
of each water pipe 46 is operable to connect and disconnect
the downwardly extending cylindrical end of water pipe 46
with hydrants 49. The coupling mechanism 132 is mounted
on a horizontal platform 133 supported on gussets 134, 135
rigidly welded onto and projecting upwardly from the sides
of pipe 46 adjacént the end thereof. A first fluid actu-
ator has its cylinder 136 mounted, as by bolts 137, on the
top of platform 133 and its rod 138 extending down through
opening 139 in the platform 133 and received in a cylindrical
guide sleeve 140. The guide sleeve 140 is mounted coaxially
within the cylindrical end portion 130 with its lower end
supported by a spider 141 and its upper end extending
through and being welded to the pipe 46. An O-ring seal
142 within the guide sleeve 140 provides a fluid tight seal
around the rod 138.
A second hydraulic actuator has its cylinder 143
mounted, as by bolts 144, onthe upwardly directed end of
the cylinder 136, and a guide plate 145 is firmly clamped
between the opposed ends of cylinders 136 and 143. Four
equally spaced, radially extending guide grooves 146 are
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$17~970~
formed in the outer periphery of plate 145. A rigid plate
147 is mounted on -the upwardly projecting end of the rod 148
of the second hydraulic actuator, and four identical elon-
gated connecting links 149 each have one end pivotally
mounted on the support plate 147 as by mounting bolts 150.
Links 149 are mounted on plate 147 at equally spaced
intervals therearound by brackets 151 projecting outwardly
from the side edges of the plate 147. Links 149 eY~tend
downwardly and outwardly, with one disposed in each of the
guide slots 146 of plate 145, and terminate in a fork 152
pivotally connected to cam locking members 153 by bolts 154.
The cam locking members 153 are in turn pivotally connected,
as by bolts 155, to rigid arm members 156 mounted on and
projecting outwardly from the downwardly directed end por-
tion 130 of the water pipe 46. The arms 156 are each
aligned with one of the guide slots 146 and with one of the
bracket members 151 on the top plate 147. Contact between
the elongated body portion of the connecting links 149 and
guide slots 146 prevent rotation of the rod 148 during
extension and retraction thereof.
Referring to FIG. 9 it is seen that, when wa-ter
pipe 46 is disconnected from the hydrants, the top hydraulic
cylinder of the clamping mechanism has its rod 148 extended
and cam members 153 are rotated about the axis of their
respective mounting bolts 155 to a position to enable the
top flange 117 on a hydrant -to be received therebetween.
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~179'~04
When hydraulic cylinder 87 is actuated to lower pipe 46
in response to a signal from the magnetic sensors 100
indicating that the open end of water pipe 46 is in align-
ment with a hydrant 49, downwardly directed lobes 158 on
cams 153 engage the top surface of -the flange 117. As
pointed out above, slight misalignment between the open end
of water pipe 46 and the central opening in flange 117 is
accommodated by the tapered surface 119 and by the
inclined lip 131. ~lowever, in the event of greater mis-
alignment, an inclined cam surface 159 on one or more of
the cam members 153 will engage the outer peripheral edge of
flange 117 as the outer end portion of water pipe 46 is lowered
to cam the end of the water pipe into proper alignment under
influence of its own weight. Once the water pipe is in
position above the hydrant, with the lobes 158 resting on
flange 117, the top hydraulic cylinder is actuated to retract
the rod 148 and thereby rotate the cam members 153 to bring
a second lobe portion 160 into engagement with the bottom
overhanging ledge 118. Continued rotation of cams 153
force the open end of the water pipe into the hydrant and
lock it into position as illustra-ted in FIG. 10. The
tapered lip 131 facilitates telescoping movement through
the resilient seal 121.
After the open end of water pipe 46 is connected
with a hydrant, the first fluid cylinder is actuated -to
extend its rod 138 from the position shown in FIG. 10 to
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'17~704
the position shown in FIG. 11 to engage pressure pad 128
and force valve plate 122 to the open position against
the water pressure in the hydrant and against the force of
spring 127. In this position, water can flow through the
water pipe 46, and the articulated pipe assembly and the
manifold connected thereto to the sprinkler lines 10.
Water pressure in the system acts to firmly press the
resilient seal 121 into sealing contact with the outer
cylindrical surface of the downturned end of the water
pipe 46 to avoid leakage.
Referrlng to FIG. 12, a one-way check valve 162
is mounted in water pipe 46 at a point adjacent the down-
turned 90 ell which defines the end of the water pipe.
Valve 162 permits free flow of water through the water pipe
from the hydrant toward the articulated pipe assembly but
prevents flow in the opposite direction. Thus, with one
water pipe connected to a hydrant and the other disconnected,
water can flow freely to the sprinkler lines but will be
prevented from flowing ou-t through the open end of the
other water pipe.
A short section of small diameter pipe 163 is
connected in a sidewall of each water pipe 46 between the
check valve 162 and its open end. A solenoid actuated
valve 164 connected in pipe 163 is normally closed and
energized to the open positlon. The purpose of the solenoid
valve is to relieve pressure in the water pipe 46 between
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~1~97~)4
one-way check valve 162 and the hydrant 49 connected thereto
after the hydrant valve 50 is closed and before the wa-ter
pipe is disconnected from the hydrant to thereby relieve
pressure on the seal 121.
To disconnect a water pipe 46 from a hydrant 49,
the bottom fluid cylinder of -the connector assembly is
actuated to retract its piston 138, thereby permitting
the water valve 50 in the hydrant to close. Solenoid valve
164 is then opened to relieve water pressure in the end of
the water pipe and permits water pressure in the system to
firmly seat the one-way check valve 162 and removes pressure
from the resilient seal 121. Thereafter, the second fluid
cylinder is actuated to extend the rod 148 to thereby
rotate cam members 153 about the axis of bolts 155 to bring
the lobes 158 into contact with the top surface of flange
117 to apply a uniform vertical lifting action withdrawing
the end of the water pipe from the hydrant. With the end
of the water pipe withdrawn from the hydrant and resting
on the lobes 158, cylinder 87 is actuated to lift the water
pipe and connector assembly clear of the hydrant for move-
ment, upon actuation of wheel motor 72, to the next
successive hydrant.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, it is seen that
the overall length of the irrigation apparatus including the
track 22 and the two connector pipe assemblies 43, 44, is
sufficient to span three hydrants 49 along wa-ter main 19
~970~
when the connector assemblies are extended to a point
adjacent the end of the track 22 In this position, the
connector pipe assembly 43 may be connected to a first
hydrant, the tractor 12 positioned directly above the next
hydrant 49 along the water main 19 and the connector pipe
assembly 44 connected to -the third successive hydrant 49.
- When the connector pipe assembly 43 is disconnected from
the first hydrant, the tractor can proceed -to a position
approximately half the distance between the second and
third hydrants at which point the trolley 47 supporting
the water pipe 46 of connector pipe assembly 44 will have
rolled along track 22 to a position adjacent the central
platform 16. During this time, connector pipe assembly 43
can be driven forward at a rate greater than the rate of
movement of the tractor, with its trolley 47 rolling freely
along track 22 independent of movement of the tractor, to
position the connector pipe assembly 43 for connection to
the second hydrant 49. After connector pipe assembly is
connected to the second hydrant, connector pipe assembly
44 can be disconnected from the third hydrant 49 and
advanced with tractor 12 along the length dimension of
water main 19 into position for connection to the fourth,
or next successive hydrant. This procedure can be repeated
to progressively walk the apparatus through a :field, in
either direction, with the -tractor beinc~ driven at a
substantially constant rate corresponding to the rate of
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~79'7~4
movement of the sprink:Ler line.
Referring now to FIGS. 9-11 and assuming one
coupling mechanism 132 has already been connected to a
hydrant 49, as the second coupling mechanism 132 approaches
a hydrant 49, it passes above and is stopped to vertical
alignment with the open top of the hydrant by the metallic
sensors 100 and/or the sensor 101. Cylinder 87 normally
maintains the water pipe 46 at a height such that its
open end clears the top of the hydrants 49 wi-th a substan-
tial margin of safety, then lowers the coupling mechanism
132 to seat the cam lobes 158 on flange 117 when the sensors
100 signal that the coupling mechanism is centered over the
hydrant.
Starting with the operating parts of coupling
mechanism 132 and outlet valve 50 of the hydrant 49 as
shown in FIG. 9, the hydraulic fluid on the top side of the
piston in cylinder 87 has its pressure reduced permitting
the weight of water pipe 46 to lower the coupling mechanism.
Upon such movement, cam surfaces 138 come to rest on flange
117 with the open end of water pipe 46 positioned above the
central opening in the flange. Pressure is then applied
to the top of the piston in cylinder 143 to rotate cams 153
to insert the open end of the water pipe into the hydrant
and to lock it in coupled relation by engagement of cam
lobes 160 with the overhanging ledge or rim 118 as shown
in FIG. 10.
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~7g7~4
Considering nex-t the transition from FIG. 10 to
FIG. 11, with the coupling member in the position shown in
FIG. 10, the hydraulic fluid pressure in cylinder 136 is
increased on the upper side of the piston to extend piston
rod 140 downwardly to engage the pressure pad 128 and
force valve plate 122 downward away from the valve seat 115.
In this position, water flows around the valve plate
through the enlarged central portlon 114 of the valve
housing and into the open end of the water pipe. The water
pressure engaging the resilient seal 121 provides a
positive fluid seal so that no leakage occurs around the
outer surface 130 of the water pipe.
~s pressure in the end of water pipe 46 increases
to and equals pressure in the system, check valve 162
opens, permitting water to flow to the sprinkler lines 10
as described above. Solenoid actuated bleeder valve 164
is, of course, maintained closed when the hydrant valve 50
is open.
Turning now to the first coupling mechanism 137
which was previously assumed connected in water flow relation
to a water outlet valve 50 during the time that the second
coupling mechanism 132 was being coupled to the outlet
valve 5n in a second hydrant as -just described, a time delay
signal already delays the disconnect sequence of ac-tions in
the first coupling mechanism 132 until the second water
valve 50 as just described has opened to place its associated
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~79~04
water carrying pipe 46 in water flow relation with the
main line 19. This time delay assures that at least one
water pipe 46 is continuously in water flow connection with
the water main 19 and that pressure to the sprinkler lines
is uninterrupted. Movement of the tractor 12 need not be
interruped while these operations ta~.e place, however, since
the length of -the track 22 and of the connector pipe
assemblies 43 and 44 and articulated pipe assemblies 31 and
32 are such as to permit limited movement of the tractor
while both connector pipe assemblies are connected to a
hydrant. Thus an appreciable time lag in making the
connection and valve opening at one hydrant (for example
up to a minute) and breaking the connection at the other
hydrant will have no objectionable effect, and these con-
nection and disconnection actions need not necessarily besimultaneous but only approximately so.
Before breaking the first coupling member
mechanism 132 connection, a suitable control (not shown
but per se known) acts in conjunction with closing oE the
outlet valve 50 in the first coupling member to close the
solenoid valve 164 adjacen-t to tha-t first coupling mechanism.
This permits a small quantity of wa-ter -to be bled off,
causing a reduced pressure which results in valve 164
automatically closing. The bleeding ac-tion also relieves
the water pressure on seal member 121 so that the water
pipe can be removed from the hydran-t without damage to the
seal.
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~9~4
As tractor 12 moves down the field, its respec-
tive wheels 17 will at times encounter different ground
levels which will cause track 22 to depart from its normal
position parallel -to the water main 19. However, since
the trolleys 47 support the inner ends of pipes 46 through
a gimbal support 62, limited vertical and horizontal
pivotal movernent between the track 22 and the pipes 46 is
permitted and limited departure from -the normal position
of the track does not adversely affect operation of the
apparatus.
Since the trolleys 47 are supported by bearing
mounted wheels 60a and 60b to roll freely on track 22, very
little force is required to maintain a connector assembly
stationary as the tractor moves along the water main 19
with the sprinkler line. Thus, once a coupling mechanism
132 is connected to a hydrant 49 this connection will main-
tain the associated connector pipe assembly stationary
until the coupling mechanism is disconnected in sequence.
At that time, suitable controls carried by the tractor 12
energize the drive motor 72 in a direction to drive the
carriage and the associated connector pipe assembly forward
along the water main at a rate which is at least substan-
tially twice the rate of -the tractor to move the associated
trolley 47 along track 22 to position the associa-ted coupling
mechanism 132 adjacent the ne~t successive hydrant 49
while the tractor moves along the water main 19 about one
704
half the dis-tance between successive hydrants. Thus,
referring to FIG. ~, with the tractor 12 positioned at one
hydrant 49 and moving left to right, the pipe connector
assembly 43 connected to the next hydrant forward of the
tractor, and the connector assembly 44 having just been
disconnected from the next hydrant behind the tractor, the
carriage assembly 48 of assembly 44 must be driven at a rate
to position it-s coupling mechanism 132 over -the next suc-
ceeding hydrant by the time the tractor has reached a point
approximately halfway to the next succeeding hydrant. In
this position, the trolley 47 of connector assembly 44
will be positionéd substantially adjacent the horizontal
platform 16 so that the tractor can continue its movement
to the next succeeding hydrant without further movement of
the connector assembly 44. During this continued movement
of the tractor, the connector assembly 43 is disconnected
from its hydrant and driven fo~ward to position its
associated coupling mechanism 132 above the next succeeding
hydrant, at the same -time rolling its trolley 47 along the
track 22 from the position adjacen-t the central platform 16
to a position adjacent the end of the track.
In practice, the hydran-ts 49 may be 50 feet apar-t
along the length of the water main 19, and the total overall
length of the track 22 may be approximately 55 feet. With
an overall length of the connector pipe assemblies 43, 44
between the associa-ted coupling mechanism and trol.leys being
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~179709~
approximately 25 feet/ the apparatus has a capability of
extending to a total length slightly in excess of 100 feet,
thereby providing an adequate margin of safety to permit
continued movement of the tractor for a limited time
while both coupling mechanisms are connected to a hydrant
so that precisely simultaneous coupling and uncoupling is
not required as described above.
Referriny now to FIGS. 13-16/ an alternate embodi-
ment of the invention will be described in which the water
sprinkler line 10 and truss support 11 has one end portion
supported on a tractor assembly 212. The tractor assembly
212 is an open frame structure which includes a pair of
laterally spaced A-frame assemblles 213/ 214 rigidly joined
at their top by truss structure 215 the top chord of which
is defined by an elongated/ rigid pipe 216 connected to
sprinkler line 10. Ground engaging wheels 217/ driven by
motors 218/ support the corners of the tractor assembly/
and means are provided to synchronize the respective drive
motors to control movement of the tractor along the length
dimension of the subterranean water main 19. In this embodi-
ment of the invention/ the A-frames 213/ 214 are spaced
apart a substantially greater distance than are the A-frames
13/ 14 of the previously described embodiment. At least one
and preferably two pair of spaced metal detectors 219/ 219
are supported on A-frame 213, one on each side of the guide
cable 91/ to guide the tractor 212 along the water main.
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~1797~4
Tractor 212 carries a structure having components
for cooperating sequentially wit~ the successive water
hydrants 49, and the water valves 50 therein, in a manner
to maintain a constant water supply to the sprinkler line 10.
This structure includes three identical water connecting
pipes 220, 220, 220 each having their inner, or water outlet
ends connected to a rotatable water manifold 223. In turn,
the water manifold 223 is connected to and rotatably Sllp-
ported on the bottom end of a vertically extending pipe 224
rigidly supported on a carriage 225 (FIG. 13). The top,
water outlet end of pipe 224 is connected, through swivel
coupling 226 and an articulated pipe assembly 227, to the
rigid pipe 216. The articulated pipe assembly 227 includes
a first horizontal pipe 228 having one end connected to
the swivel coupling 226 and its other end connected to a
swivel coupling 229, a vertical pipe section 230 having
one end connected to the swivel coupling 229 and its other
end connected, through a 90 ell 231, to one end of a second
horizontal pipe 232 having its other end connected, through
swivel coupling 233 to -the rigid pipe 216.
The carriage 225 is supported on elongated guide
track means 234 suspended, as by support means 235, 236,
beneath the truss 215. Roller means 237, 238 on carriage
225 engage the track means 234 to support the carriage for
movement longitudinally of the track means which ex-tends
generally perpendicular -to a vertical plane containing the
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~L~7~704
water main 19. A rack 239 is provided on track means 234,
and a reversible servo motor and pinion means 240 mounted
on the carriage 225 engage and at least assist in moving
the carriage and structure supported thereon along the
track.
The three water connecting pipes 220 are each
connected to manifold 223 through a Elexible coupling 241
to permit limited movement of the outer, free ends of the
respective water connecting pipe members indepen~ent of
movement of the manifold. The cantilevered weight of
the respective water connecting pipes is supported by
elongated cables 242 each having one end connected adjacent
the outer free end of the associated water connecting pipe
as at 243, and its other end connected, as at 244, to the
central portion thereof with the bight of the respective
cable being connected to one end of a hydraulic cylinder
245 having its other end connected, through a bracket 246,
to the vertical pipe 224 at a point spaced above the mani-
fold 223.
Each of the water connecting pipes terminate at
its outer, free end in an open downwardly directed ell
having a hydrant coupling assembly 248 mounted thereon. The
structural components of the coupling assemblies 248 for
effecting water flow connection with a hydrant 49 is identi-
cal to the coupling assemblies 132 described above
and accordingly this structure will not be described again
~797~4
and like reference numerals will be used to designate
corresponding parts of the two assemblies. However, since
control of movement of the free ends of the water connecting
pipe assemblies 220 is somewhat less precise than the
control of the water pipes 46 of the previously described
embodiment, means are provided on the coupling assemblies
- 248 to assure alignment of the open, downwardly directed
cylindrical end 130 with the hydrant 49 before actuation
of the coupling means 248. Thus, referring to FIGS. 15
and 16, it is seen that a pair of laterally extending
brackets 250, 251, respectively, are mounted on and pro-
ject outwardly from gussets 134, 135, respectively, at a
position adjacent the platform 133. A pair of flat,
plate-like metal sensors 252, 253, respectively, are mounted
15 on the brackets 250, 251, respectively, and extend down-
wardly therefrom in outwardly inclined relation to a point
spaced substantially below the bottom lip, or rim 131 of the
open end of the respective water connecting pipes. These
metal sensors 252, 253 are spaced apart a distance substan-
tially greater than the diameter of the flange 117 so that
the flange can be received therebetween despite substantial
misalignment between the vertical axes of a hydran-t 49 and
the cylindrical end portion 130.
An elongated, generally arcuate arm member 254
is pivotally supported, as by pin 255, beneath the bracket
250. A generally cyllndrical, elonga-ted bar 256 is
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~797V4
supported on the bottom end of curved arm 254 in position
to engage the top surface of flang~ 117 when a connector
assembly 248 is lowered in alignment with a hydrant. The
cylindrical bar 256 rolls or slides along the flange 117
with further lowering of the connector assembly, causing
the curved arm 254 to swing out until the cylindrical bar
256 contacts the adjacent me-tal sensor 252 to generate a
signal indicating that the open end of the water pipe is
seated in a hydran-t. In response to this signal, cylinders
143 and 136 may be actuated, in t-he manner and sequence
described above with regard to the first embodiment, to
complete the coupling between the water connecting pipe 220
and hydrant 49 and to open the hydrant valve 50 to permit
water to flow through the system.
In the event of the cylindrical end 130 not being
aligned with a hydrant as the cylinder 245 is actuated to
lower the water connecting pipe, unequal signals will be
generated by the metal sensors 252 and 253 as the result of
the hydrant being closex to one of the metal sensors. Upon
such unequal signals being generated, control means such as
a properly programmed, commercially available microprocessor,
not shown, stops the lowering of the water connecting pipe
220 and creates a signal to motor 240 shifting the carriage
225 a small increment in the appropriate direction to
equalize the signals. Thereafter, the water connecting pipe
is again lowered and, if the signals from the two metal
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~797?04
sensors are equal within prescribed limits, lowering con-
tinues until coupling is accomplished. However, if the
signals from the metal sensors are still so far out of
balance as to indicate hookup cannot be accomplished, a
second incremental adjustment will automatically ~e accom-
plished in the manner just described. As seen in FIG. 13 in
addition to the support wires 242, the respective water pipes
220 are connected by wires 257, each including a resilient
spring element 258 which permits limi-ted movement of the
arms with respect to one another; This enables limited
swinging movement as a result of the conical surface 119
and the inclined rim 131 engaging one another to accommo-
date limited misalignment.
In operation of this embodiment of the invention,
one of the water connecting pipes 220 is initially con-
nected to a hydrant 49, through the coupling mechanism 248,
to supply water through the manifold 223 and the articulated
pipe assembly 227 to the sprinkler line 10. As in the
previously described embodiment, one-way check valve means
20 259 and solenoid actuated bleedoff valve means 260 are
provided in the respective water connecting pipes adjacent
the open end thereof so -that water cannot flow out of the
two water connecting pipes not connected to a hydrant.
Motors 218 are then operated to drive the tractor 212 at a
predetermined rate parallel to the water main 19 while the
first water connectinq pipe remains connected to a first
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~ 17g~4
hydrant 49, thereby causing manifold 213 to be rotated
about its vertical axis and causing carriage 225 to be
moved along track 234. This movement of carriage 225 may
be produced by the reaction force between the water con-
necting pipe 220 and hydrant 49, although preferably thismovement is at least assisted by the motor 240 which can
be a servo motor driven at the appropriate rate in response
to a sensed condition such as the rotation of manifold 223.
In the ernbodiment ~ust described, the three water
connecting pipes 220 are supported 120 apart so that rota-
tion of the manifold 223 through 120 will position a second
coupling assembly 248 above a second hydrant 49. Either
the 120 rotation or the position of the carriage 225 on
track 234 can be sensed and employed to initiate the cou-
pling action causing the second coupling mechanism to
engage and be coupled to the second hydrant in the manner
described above. After coupling of the second water connect-
ing pipe and hydrant, the first water connecting pipe
coupling mechanism is disconnected from its hydran-t and
raised to free the manifold 223 and carriage 225 for
further movement in the same manner, upon movement of the
tractor along -the line, to bring the -third coupling
mechanism into alignment with a third hydran-t. Resilient
springs 258 and flexible couplings 241 enable movement of
the tractor 212 while two coupling members are connected to
adjacent hydrants along water main 19 for a brief interval
-39-
~ g7~4
sufficient to assure that continuous water pressure is
supplied to the sprinkling line io.
In order to simplify the description of the inven-
tion, certain state-of-the-art devices have not been shown
or described. For example, it is contemplated that an
internal combustion engine will be provided on the tractor
for driving suitable generating and hydraulic pump means
to provide power for the various components and that
state~of-the-art controls such as microswitches, time de].ay
relays, microprocessors, and the like may be employed to
effect control of the various components. Similarly,
various modifications and equivalent structures may readily
be employed in place of structure specifically described.
Thus, while I have disclosed and described preferred embodi-
ments of my invention, I wish it understood that I do notintend to be restricted solely thereto, but rather that I
do intend to include all embodiments thereof which would
be apparent to one skilled in the art and which come within
the spirit and scope of my invention.
I claim:
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