US3647139A - Tower irrigator - Google Patents

Abstract

A rotating tower or turret irrigating or liquid dispensing apparatus has opposed, horizontally extending, side arm assemblies made up of a plurality of coupled-together liquidcarrying pipe or conduit members that are carried on a central column or mast and provided with sprinkling means or spray heads for rotatably covering a large ground area from a fixed central axis. Each conduit or pipe member is suspended adjacent its opposite ends by cord members that are connected to a columnmounted spread bracket, and is tension-stressed in its positioning along its length between the suspending cord members.

Description

United States Patent De Long, Jr. et a1.

[ 1 Y Mar. 7, 1972 [54] TOWER IRRIGATOR [72] Inventors: Charles De Long, Jr;; Stephen D. Newell,

both of Du Bois, Pa.

[73] Assignee: Alco Standard Corporation, Valley Forge,

[22] Filed: May 18, 1970 [211 App]. No.: 38,456

[52] US. Cl. ..239/177 [51] Int. Cl ..B05h 3/00 [58] Field ofSearch ..239/159, 160, 177, 212, 225, 239/264; 14/18, 19

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,097,111 10/1937 Walker ..239/177 X 2,661,488 12/1953 Kenan ..14/18 904,324 11/1908 Hartley ..239/177 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,485 l/1908 Great Britain ..239/177 227,737 4/1960 Australia ..239/177 180,921- 5/1966 U.S.S.R. ..239/212 Primary Examiner-Allen N. Knowles Assistant Examiner-Edwin D. Grant Attorney-Green, McCallister & Miller [57] ABSTRACT A rotating tower or turret irrigating or liquid dispensing apparatus has opposed, horizontally extending, side arm assemblies made up of a plurality of coupled-together liquid-carrying pipe or conduit members-that are carried on a central column or mast and provided with sprinkling means or spray heads for rotatably covering a large ground area from a fixed central axis. Each conduit or pipe member is suspended adjacent its opposite ends by cord members that are connected to a column-mounted spread bracket, and is tension-stressed in its positioning along its length between the suspending cord members.

12 Claims, 24 Drawing Figures PATENTEDMAR' 7 I972 3, 647, 139

SHEET 1 0F 7 //vv/vr0/?s. Charles De/ong,./r. Stephen D. Newel/ THE If? ATTORNEYS PATENTEDMAR 7 I972 SHEET 2 OF 7 M Mm Tm e M0 wfw zmjzwzwm THE/R ATTORNEYS PATENTEDHAR 7 I972 SHEET 3 [IF 7 IN VE N TORS. Char/es Belong, Jr. Stephen D. Nawel/ 2 W M THE/R ATTORNEYS PATENTEDHAR 71912 3.647, 1239 saw u or 7 F19 INVENTORS.

Charles Deg/00g, Jr. Stephen 0. News]! I ain,

THE IR A TTORNE' Y8 PATENTEDMAR 7 m2 SHEET 5 [1F 7 w w We m. DD I 0. 0 ha S THE IR A TTORNE Y5 PATENTEDMAR 7 I972 SHEET 6 OF 7 nv VENTORS. Charles Dela/1g, Jr. Stephen D. Neva/I L 1: M

THE/R ATTORNEYS PATENTEDMAR 71972 sum 7 OF 7 IN VEN TORS. Charles De long, Jr. Stephen D. Newe/I THE/R ATTORNEYS TOWER IRRIGATOR This invention relates to an improved irrigating tower which has a rotating central mast or column with which it is rotatable and from which it is suspended in a stabilized manner. A phase of the invention relates to a rotating overhead liquid dispensing apparatus that will make a practical and efficient utilization of individual pipe or conduit lengths in its arm assemblies.

There has been a need in the art for a toweror turret irrigator or apparatus which will provide a more uniform and constantly applied liquid or water spray application in a simplified actuating structure and that will permit substantially continuous rotation about a central column or mast, with elimination of disadvantageous features involved in the use of a wheeled carriage which has to move on the ground contour. There has also been a need for a fully stable apparatus that will make use of conventional lengths of pipe members, as coupled or joined together at their ends to form horizontally longitudinally extending sprinkling arm assemblies of greater lengths. Under present day conditions, it is advantageous to provide an apparatus that will cover as large an area as possible and in doing so, effect coverage under rotative conditions, even where the surrounding land has a somewhat irregular, as distinguished from a substantially level contour.

It has thus been an object of the invention to devise a new and improved form of rotating overhead liquid dispensing or tower irrigating apparatus that will be foolproof and efficient in its operation.

Another object of the invention has been to devise an improved rotating tower liquid dispensing apparatus that can successfully utilize a greater plurality of in-the-field coupledtogether individual pipe or conduit lengths or sections for forming demountable arm lengths, but that can be adjusted to the requirements of a particular location or installation.

Another object of the invention has been to develop a new concept in providing a stabilized suspension support for sprinkler side arms of a rotating tower type of sprinkling or spray apparatus.

A further object of the invention has been to provide an improved cord and truss support means for individual lengths of pipe or conduit members utilized in a rotating tower liquid dispensing apparatus or irrigator.

A still further object of the invention has been to provide an Y improved rotation supporting and drive construction for a tower liquid dispensing apparatus or irrigator.

These and other objects will appear to those skilled in the art from the illustrated embodiments and the claims.

In the drawings, FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an umbrella type of irrigating tower apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 1A is a greatly reduced, somewhat diagrammatic top plan view illustrating the use of a full guy wire system for apparatus such as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6.

FIG. 2 is a side view in elevation on the scale of and of the device of FIG. I.

FIG. 3 is an end fragmental section in elevation taken along the line III-III and on an enlarged scale with respect to FIG. 2; this view illustrates the construction of a top spread bracket of the tower.

FIG. 4 is a fragmental schematic view in elevation of a lower portion of the structure of FIG. 2 on an enlarged scale, particularly illustrating truss stiffening and tie structure used with conduit or pipe members that are suspended along the lower reaches of the apparatus of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view on the scale of FIG. 1 illustrating a modified or so-called bridge type of apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a side view in elevation on the scale of and of the apparatus of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a fragmental schematic view in elevation on the scale of and similar to FIG. 4, but illustrating details of truss stiffening and tie structure for conduit or pipe members that are suspended along the lower reaches of the bridge type of apparatus of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a slightly enlarged top plan view further showing the truss or pipe-reinforcing structure of FIG. 4.

' FIG. 9 is a side view in elevation on the scale of and of the structure of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view in'elevation illustrating a typical stiffener frame or A-frame, such as used with the pipe sections or members in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 4, 7, 8 and 9; as noted, the frame has its apexformed as a split sleeve clamping collar to secure it on an associated pipe member, has-an eyelet projecting thereabove to receive or bypass a cable, and having an eyelettoe at the end of each-of its side legs for receiving a cable or wire rope.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a couplingconstruction that is tapped for sprinkler mounting andthat may be utilized at each end of the pipe or conduit members in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 4, 7, 8 and 9, for connecting one pipe section or member in a fluid-flow relation with an adjacent end of another pipe member.

FIG. 12 is an end section on the scale of and taken along the line XIIXII of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view taken along the line XIII-XIII of FIG. 14 and illustrating a straddle or spider frame'or turntable for the central column or tower of the apparatus.

FIG. 14 is a view in elevation of the structureof FIG. 13 and on the same scale; it additionally illustrates an upper portion of the tower or column and the connection of innermost pipe members of a pair of oppositely extending liquid dispensing arm assemblies.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged end view in elevation of straddle frame or table structure shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 and taken along the line XV-XV of FIG. 16.

FIG. 16 is a side or front view in elevation on the scale of and taken at right angles to FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a top plan view on the scale of FIG. 15 and further illustrating fluid motor drive means of such figure.

FIG. 18 is a greatly enlarged fragmental horizontal section taken along the line XVIIIXVIII of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged section in elevation illustrating the construction of a lower portion of the column or tower structure of FIGS. 13 and 14.

FIGS. 20 to 22 are horizontal sections on the scale of and taken respectively along the lines XXXX, XXI-XXI and XXIIXXII of FIG. 19, and,

FIG. 23 is a horizontal section on the scale of FIGS. 15 and 16 and showing an electric motor drive mechanism.

In the drawings, two forms of structures embodying the invention have been disclosed. FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 illustrate what may be termed an umbrella type of suspension for opposed sprinkling arm member branches or assemblies, while FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 illustrate a modified type or bridge type of suspension. Both types, aside from the arrangement or pattern of their cable members, are similar and operate in a similar manner. Thus, common reference numerals are used for parts which are the same. Parts which are different or are modified as to their form or mounting have been given prime affixes.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a tower irrigator device or apparatus of the invention is illustrated whose rotative central column, tower or mast I0 is carried as part of and on a stationary support base or platform 20, both of which constitute a central part of the construction and have been given the common designation of A. The column 10 is shown of hollow construction and as made up of -a progression of integrally connected (as by weld metal) members'a, b and c of slight upward convergence. Larger diameter pipe members E and smaller diameter end members F are connected together in the form of two, horizontally outwardly, oppositely extending, balanced, equal length branches or arm assemblies B to extend as liquid dispensing boom or outrigger arm assemblies from the central part A and provide coverage of a large groundor crop area. The suspended support of the outrigger arm assemblies B is such that a great length of each assembly B can be effectively accomplished. For example, 9 to 10 lengths of 60 feet pipe members may be utilized to provide each arm assembly B with a length of about 540 to 600 feet and a total overall radius of coverage of 980m 1,200 feet. Aside from conduit or pipe members 45 that have their inner ends immediately connected with the column for rotation therewith, the outer ends of the two conduits 45 as well as both ends of remaining conduits E and F that are connected or coupled in progression along the arm, boom or outrigger assemblies B are provided with an overhead cord suspension system that employs suspending-support groups of wire or cable members that are preferably of steel or metal construction. The wires or cables 15 are connected in a transversely spaced-apart relation at the top of the tower to opposite side of a V- or Y-shaped top spread bracket or frame 12 (see FIG. 3). The overall cable support system for the umbrella type embodiment is designated as C and for the bridge type is designated as C.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, one cable 15 which is for example connected to the end 13 of one side leg e of the spread bracket or frame 12, will extend in a forwardly downwardly diverging direction and connect to an upper eyelet lug 86 of a coupling 85 that is located at one end of an associated pipe member E or F. A second cable 15 connected at 13 to the same side leg e of the frame 12 will extend on a forwardly downwardly inclined relation to connect with the upper eyelet lug 86 of the coupling at the opposite end of the same pipe member E or F of the arm assembly 13. Two cables 15 are at their upper ends connected to the opposite side leg 2 and at their lower ends are also connected respectively to the eyelet lugs 86 of the same opposite end couplings 85 of the same pipe member. Thus, pairs of cables 15 from opposite sides of each bracket 12 connect to opposite ends of each pipe member E or F of the arm assembly B.

As shown particularly in FIGS. 8 and 9, spread brackets or A-frames 80 for a tension truss system D have different lengths and spread of their legs 80a, 80b along the length of each associated pipe or conduit member E or F, and as shown in FIG. 10, are mounted in a clamped relation centrally of the pipe member by means of cooperating split sleeve portions 81 and nut and bolt assemblies 82. Frames 80 of progressive lesser width and depth are thus mounted, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9,,along the full extent of each pipe member E or F. Each frame 80 is provided with a reinforcing cross-extending member 800 and with an upwardly projecting eyelet pin 83. In the construction illustrated, the pipe members E may be of relatively larger diameter of, for example, 4 inches, while the pipe members F may be of smaller diameter, for example, 2 inches to, in their connected relation, define outer reaches of each arm assembly B. As shown, each pipe member E or F has its own truss or tension tie assembly D. The truss assembly D is provided by wire cable or rod means that in both the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, 6 makes use of stiffening, tension tie, cable or wire members 90 that extend along the side of each pipe member, extend through eyelets 8M and are connected at their ends to coupling eyelets 8611, see FIGS. 4 and 7 to 10. The members 90 also extend along the other side of the same pipe member through eyelets 84b to provide a triangular-shaped, tension structure or system whose members are connected to all of the frames 80 of each pipe member E and F. Tension tie, cable or wire members 91, see FIGS. 4, 7 and 9, also extend along the eyelets of the pins 85 of each pipe member length or section and are connected at their opposite ends to lugs 86 of the couplings 85.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the so-called bridge type of construction has a cord assembly represented as C, and its main cables 15' extend from the ends 13 of the opposite side legs e of the top bracket 12 thereof. Except for the extreme outer end of each arm assembly B where connection is made (see FIG. 6) to one of the upper eyelet lugs 86 of an outermost coupling 85, the cables 15, are connected at their lower ends to the top eyelet lugs 86 of end-positioned coupling members 85 of each pipe member E or F through the agency ofa pair of V-shaped vertical tie cables 15a. Incidentally each end coupling 85 of FIGS. 11 and 12 has a nose closure or dead-end section of pipe, see for example, the nose part 11 of the Beyer U.S. Pat. No. 2,921,801 and the nose part 16 of the Rickard et al. U.S. Pat. No. 2,848,135. The couplings 85 may be of any conventional type, such as illustrated by these patents, but preferably of a type having split end clamps for securely and rigidly holding the pipe members therewithin, see the Frishof U.S. Pat. No. 3,485,515.

The central base or pier and column part of the construc tion is particularly illustrated in FIGS. 2, 6, l3, l4 and 19 to 23, inclusive. The uppermost member c of the column or mast 10 has a mounting end or cap 11 to which the stem of the apex of the Y- or V-shaped top or spread frame 12 is affixed (see FIG. 3). It will be noted that the A-frame 12 has a triangularly shaped reinforced apex or bottom portion d, and upwardly and outwardly spread or diverging opposed side arms e. As previously pointed out, the uppermost ends 13 of the arms e serve as securing points for upper ends of the main cords 15 and 15'. In the embodiment of FIG. I, there are a plurality of cords 15 that extend from this frame 12 and to each pipe member E or F of each side arm or outrigger assembly B. In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, only two cord members 15 extend from each end 13, and in opposite directions with respect to each other (see FIG. 5). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, a pair of auxiliary cables 92 may extend from eyelets at a suitable spaced position on one or more vertical column sections, such as the column section 0, towards the opposite ann assemblies B to connect to, for example, a top eyelet lug 86 of couplings that represent an outer end of a group of connected pipe members. This further reinforces the structure and gives it stability.

With particular reference to FIGS. 19 to 22, the column 10 is shown mounted on a stationary central pier, imbedded concrete base or foundation 20 to project upwardly therefrom. A boxlike or rectangular, primary, upright mounting and support frame 21 has its integral bottom plate member 21b rigidly secured to the base 20 by bolt and nut assemblies 22. The primary support frame 21 also has an integral top clo' sure plate member 21ato which a removable reinforcing plate 23 is secured by means of bolts 24. Both the top closure plate 21a and the reinforcing plate 23 have a central bore through which a hollow, centrally positioned, supporting hub or collar member 25 extends into a compartment formed by the structure 21.

The hub 25 has a ring flange 25a thereabout that is adapted to rest on the reinforcing plate 23 and that supports antifriction bearing ring bushings 26 and 27; the bushing 26 may be of steel construction and the bushing 27 may be of bronze metal construction. A rotatable support sleeve 28 is recessed at its bottom end to receive the upper bronze bushing 27 and at its upper end to receive a bronze ring bushing 29. In this manner, the sleeve part 28 is positioned for rotation on and about the hub 25. The upper end portion of the hub 25 has threads 25b thereabout for receiving a nut 30 which holds the rotatable sleeve 28 and its bearings in a mounted position on the hub 25. The ends of two pairs of oppositely extending I-beam members 35 are integrally secured, as by weld w, to the sleeve 28 for rotation therewith on the hub 25, see also FIG. 13.

A secondary or upper support frame 36 utilizes comermounted, vertical angle pieces that are provided with bottom feet or flanges 36a. The flanges 3611 are removably secured on a bottom plate 38 which is, itself, secured as by weld metal w to top flanges of the I-beam members 35. It will be noted from FIGS. 13, 1S and 21 that I-beam members 35 have a quadrantlike connection to the sleeve 28 to form a spiderlike platform, turntable or rotating straddle frame. An extension hub or pipe member 40 is, at its lower end, integrally secured as by weld metal w to the upper end of the hub member 25, and its upper end is adapted to fit within a central vertical bore of a hollow distributor head 41 of T-shape. The head 41 has leg portions 41a, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 21, that are secured as by weld metal to the upright angle members of and within the frame 36. The head 41 has a horizontal through-extending bore which is centrally connected to a centrally disposed vertical bore. At its opposite ends the horizontal bore is adapted to receive inner ends of innermost pipe or conduit members 45 (E) of the assemblies B (see FIGS. 19 and 21). Suitable resilient sealing gaskets, such as O- rings 42 and 43, are shown positioned in annular recesses in the distributor head 41 for sealing off fluid connections with the hub extension member 40 and the pipe members 45. i

The angle leg members of the frame 36 are integrally secured together at their upper ends by an upper plate member 36b on which a flange plate member 46 of the column is removably secured by bolt and nut assemblies 47. In FIG. 19, the bottom part or section a of the column 10 is shown secured by weld metal w to the flange plate 46 to provide an integral structure. Water or any other liquid to be spray-applied may be supplied to the lower end of the hub 25 from a suitable pressure source, such as a well and pump and a line control valve, through a supply conduit 51 and elbow 50, see FIG. 19. The liquid flows upwardly, as indicated by the arrows of this Figure, along the hub 25 and the supplemental hub 40, through the header 4], and out through the pipe members 45 (E) and thus, outwardly along the full length of each arm assembly B and out through suitable spray or sprinkler heads,

such as h and i that are respectively shown positioned centrally of each pipe member E and F (see FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6). The couplings 85 are also shown provided with spray heads j, see FIGS. 2 and 6, that provide end-positioned spray outlets for adjacently coupled ends of the pipe members E and F. As shown in FIG. 11, each coupling 85 is provided with a tap hole 87 for connection of a sprinkler or spray head j thereto. As a result of the arrangement shown, each pipe length or member E and F, along the length of each side arm assembly B has, as shown, provision for spraying liquid, such as water, centrally thereof and at its opposite ends. Each opposite end sprayhead j, however, as represented by coupling 85, serves adjacent ends of a pair of connected pipe members.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 13 to 16 of the. drawings and as previously indicated, the four I-beamlike platform or straddle frame members 35 are secured at their-inner ends to project radially outwardly from the rotating sleeve 28 (see also FIG. 19) to define the quadrantlike spider or supporting platform. A circular concrete pier or driveway 55 is shown imbedded in the ground, the same as the central pier 20, and as having a slightly raised positioning from the standpoint of the central pier. Each beam 35 carries a guide or caster wheel assembly whose wheel 75 is adapted to ride on the annular track provided by the pier 55. As particularly shown in FIGS. l3, l4 and 16, each guide wheel 75 is rotatably carried or journaled on a cross-extending shaft 76 within a U-shaped or bifurcated lower mounting end portion 70a of a vertical support member or rod 70. The upper end of the support member 70 is securely clamped between a pair of plate members 71 that, at their inner ends, are removably secured by bolt and nut assemblies 72 to extend from the web of an associated I-beam member 35.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 16, each pair of plate members 71 has a socket forming portion 71a which receives the upper end of the support member 70 and, through the agency of nut and bolt assemblies 73, removably secures an associated support member 70 in position therebetween. This construction not only enables an easy replacement of the wheel structure, but also a vertical adjustment of it to provide an efficient sup porting engagement of its wheel 75 with the upper planar surface of the annular pier 55. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the four points of rotatable support accomplished by the beam members 35 and the wheels 75 provide stability of the rotating platform, spider or straddle frame of the irrigating apparatus. This arrangement supports the central column or tower both against imbalance and wind forces.

Although the tower or central column 10 has been shown for the purpose of illustration as of tubular or hollow construction, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it may also be of grid construction. The truss andtension cable system has been found to provide the arm assemblies B with a relatively stable and efiicient supported relation from the central column, and particularly, utilizing the truss tensioning system D. Although the truss system D has been illustrated as substantially underslung, it can also be installedon top of the conduit or pipe members.

Referring particularly to FIGS. to 18, the rotating spider, table or straddle frame defined by the beam members 35 is shown driven byv a friction wheel 58 having a rubber tire mounted thereon and being also constructed to engage and move along the annular pier 55. One such drive means is illustrated as mounted on one of the truss members 35, although a pair of oppositely positioned drive means or any. suitable number may be installed employing thesame construction'and operationas illustrated with respect to the one unit.

The wheel 58 is secured for rotation on a cross-extending drive shaft 59 that is journaled within a pair of bearing assemblies 67. An A-shaped mounting and support frame 56 has, as

shown particularly in FIG. 15, a pair of cross-connecting, side-' extending angle members 56c which connect lower ends of opposed legs 56a of front and back pairs of legs together and which centrally carry the bearings assemblies 67. The leg pairs on each side of the frame 56 are connected together by crossextending angle pieces 56b to provide a reinforcing structure, as further assured by a cross-extending shelf or platform member 57 that is secured to legs 56a. As shown particularly in FIG. 16, the shelf 57 is integrally supported by and secured to angle pieces 57a that extend in the same direction as the pieces or members 560.

As shown in FIG. IS, the shaft 59 is rotated in a counterclockwise manner to thus actuate the drive wheel 58 through the agency of a motor mechanism, such as a reciprocating fluid or hydraulic motor 61 that is mounted on the shelf 57. The motor 61 has a piston rod 62 that is threaded at its-outer end, see particularly FIGS. 15 and 18, to securely fit within a threaded bore at one end of a pivot connector head or block element 63. The block element 63 thus forms, an extension of the piston rod 62; it has a rectangular-shaped vertical hole 63a therethrough whose wall converges centrally thereof at its opposite narrow sides or ends to define a pair of central pivot projections f and g of minimized diameter. A downwardly extending operating swing arm 64 at its upper end extends into the rectangular opening 63a and is pivotally suspended with respect to the head 63 by the projecting portions f and 3.

At its lower end, the arm 64 is pivotally mounted on the drive shaft 59 between a pair of drive sprockets 60 that are secured on the same shaft for rotation therewith. The arm 64, as shown particularly in FIGS. 15 and 16, has a pair of dogs or rachet fingers 66 that are pivotally mounted in on opposite sides thereof by a through-extending pivot pin 65. Thus, each sprocket 60 is provided with an associated dog or finger 66 which is adapted to rotate the sprocket when the swing arm 64 is, at its upper end, swung forwardly by the forward stroke of the piston 62. A pair of fixed stop pins 68 ,are mounted on opposite sides of the arm 64 to limit forward movement of the dogs 66 and assure positive movement of the sprockets 60 when the upper end of the arm 64 is moved forwardly. When the piston rod 62 is retracted with the return stroke of the motor 61 to thus swing the upper end of the arm 64 backwardly, each dog or finger 66 will-ride backwardly over teeth of its associated sprocket wheel 60 to rest in engagement with a backwardly located tooth within which itwill remain during the forward stroke of the piston. Itwill thus be ap parent that the apparatus may be advanced substantially continuously by theoperation of the fluid motor which is preferably of a type having a relatively fast return stroke and a controlled forward stroke so as to substantially continuously advance or rotate the spider or table on the pier 55.

The hydraulic motor 61 is merely illustrative, as it will be apparent that any suitable type of motor such as an electric motor may be substituted therefor. In any event, the speed of rotation or movement will be capable of being varied to provide a range of speed of turning of the turret of between about one revolution for hour to about one for every 3 hours. Also, the output of the sprinklers h, i and j may be controlled by varying the speed of the flow through the agency'of a control valve or the speed of the pump to provide rates of, for example one-half an inch of moisture in 24 hours, in IS hours or in l2 hours.

In FIG. 23, an electric motor drive is illustrated. A suitable motor 95, such as a repulsion motor, is mounted on a platform 56d that is secured to a pair of the legs 56a of skeleton frame 56 and its drive shaft 95a is connected through a coupling 95]; to an input shaft of a speed reduction gear unit 96. The unit 96 is also mounted on the platform 94 and its output shaft 96a is connected through coupling 96b to a drive shaft 960 that is journaled in a pair of spaced-apart brackets 97. As indicated in the figure, the brackets 97 are mounted to project outwardly from one of the crossmembers 56c. A beveled gear 98 is mounted on the end of the shaft 960 to mesh with a beveled gear 99 that is secured on an end of the cross-extending shaft 59 that carries the pier-engaging rubber-tired wheel 58. The motor 95 is of a variable speed type whose speed may be varied by suitable means, such as a rheostat or variable field taps, to control and provide a relatively slow speed of movement of the wheel 58 which, in its frictional engagement with the surface of the pier 55, drives or rotates the straddle frame defined by the beam members 35 about the fixed base or primary mounting frame structure 21.

In windy areas, further stability may be obtained by (see FIGS. 14 and I6) attaching'the lower end of a guy wire or cable 74 to an eyelet lug 71b of an outer one of the pairs of cooperating plate members 71 at the end of each beam member 35 of the traveling straddle frame. As shown in FIG. 1A, the upper ends of the guy cables 74 may be connected to opposite ends 13 of the top frame 12. For the cables 74 to clear the pipe member assemblies B, the beams 35 of the straddle frame are shown as having a slightly different angular relationship than illustrated in FIG. 13. In FIG. 3, the upper frame 12 is shown provided with a vertical upright or column extension member I that, at its lower end, is secured to and within the mounting end or cap 11. The member I is also secured to a pair of cross-extending members, including cross brace k and, at its upper end, has a connector tie head 14 for upper ends of a group of guy cables or wires 93. The guy cables 93 are shown as four in number and may extend outwardly over the dispensing apparatus for connection at their lower ends to substantially four comers ofa field, as by means of drive stakes or heavy concrete blocks or imbedded concrete or metal anchors.

We claim:

1. In a rotating overhead liquid dispensing apparatus in the nature of a rotating tower, having a centrally disposed support base, a rotatable centrally disposed upwardly extending column mounted on the base, a pair of opposite horizontally outwardly extending liquid dispensing arm assemblies mounted on the column for rotation therewith, and conduit means connected through the column to each of said arm assemblies for supplying liquid thereto; the combination of a series of removably endwise coupled-together pipe members along each of said arm assemblies, an overhead cord suspension system for said pipe members, said cord system having cable member groups whose cable members are connected at their upper ends in a transversely spaced-apart relation to an upper end of said column and extend downwardly in a transversely spaced-apart relation and are connected at their lower ends at longitudinally spaced locations to said pipe members for suspending the arm assemblies from the column, an upwardly spread V-shaped bracket secured to the upper end of the mast, the membei-s of one member group of said overhead cord suspension system being securely connected at their upper ends to an upper end of one upwardly outwardly projecting side arm of said bracket, and the members of another member group of said overhead cord suspension system being securely connected at their upper ends to an upper end of the other side arm of said bracket, said member groups extending downwardly from said bracket in a longitudinally outwardly diverging and a transversely inwardly converging relation from the column, the base being fixedly mounted and the column being rotatable about the base, a straddle frame extending horizontally outwardly from a bottom portion of the column and having supporting wheels mounted for rotation on outer end portions thereof, a circular pier extending about the base for guidably receiving said wheels for movement therealong, and actuating means operatively positioned adjacent at least one of said wheels for rotating said straddle frame about the base and simultaneously rotating the column and the arm assemblies therewith.

2. In an apparatus as defined in claim 1, cable means connected between said outer ends of said straddle frame and the upper ends of the side arms of said V-shaped bracket.

3. In an apparatus as defined in claim I, said actuating means comprising a fluid motor, a drive wheel engaging said pier, and ratchet finger and wheel means operatively connected between said motor and said drive wheel.

4. In an apparatus as defined in claim 1, said actuating means being a motor operatively mounted on said straddle frame, a drive wheel operatively carried by said straddle frame and engaging said pier, means operatively connecting said motor to said drive wheel for positively actuating it, and said drive wheel being operatively positioned for rotating said straddle frame.

5. In an apparatus as defined in claim 4, said motor being a variable speed electric motor, and said operatively connecting means including a speed reduction unit and geared drive shafts.

6. In a rotating overhead liquid dispensing apparatus in the nature of a rotating pier which apparatus has a centrally disposed support base, a rotatable centrally outwardly disposed upwardly extending column mounted on the base, a pair of opposite horizontally outwardly extending liquid dispensing arm assemblies mounted on the column for rotation therewith, and conduit means connected through the column to each of said arm assemblies for supplying liquid thereto; the combination of a series of connected pipe members along each of said arm assemblies, an overhead cord suspension system for said pipe members, said cord system having cable member groups whose cable members are connected at their upper ends in a transversely spaced-apart relation to an upper end of said column and extend downwardly in a transversely spaced-apart relation and are connected at their lower ends at longitudinally spaced locations to said pipe members for suspending the arm assemblies from the column, the base being fixedly mounted and the column being rotatable about the base, a straddle frame extending horizontally outwardly from a bottom portion of the column and having supporting wheels mounted for rotation on outer end portions thereof, a pier extending about the base for guidably receiving said wheels for movement in a circular path therealong, and actuating means operatively associated with at least one of said wheels for rotating said straddle frame about the base and simultaneously rotating the column and the arm assemblies therewith.

7. In an apparatus as defined in claim 6, an overhead spread bracket having a pair of transversely extending side arms and being secured to the upper end of the mast, one cable member group of said overhead cord suspension system being secured at its upper end to an outer end of one side arm, and a second cable member group of said overhead cord suspension system being'securely connected at its upper end to the outer end of the other side of said bracket.

8. In an apparatus as defined in claim 7, a truss system for each of the arm assemblies extending along and connected at longitudinally spaced locations along each of said pipe members, and each of said pipe members having its own truss system extending therealong between its opposite ends.

9. In an apparatus as defined in claim 7, a coupling secured to opposite end portions of each of said pipe members, each coupling having eyelet lug means extending therefrom, and truss cables directly connected at their ends to opposite ends of the associated pipe members by said eyelet lug means of said couplings.

10. In an apparatus as defined in claim 6, said straddle frame defining a spiderlike support platform.

Claims (12)

1. In a rotating overhead liquid dispensing apparatus in the nature of a rotating tower, having a centrally disposed support base, a rotatable centrally disposed upwardly extending column mounted on the base, a pair of opposite horizontally outwardly extending liquid dispensing arm assemblies mounted on the column for rotation therewith, and conduit means connected through the column to each of said arm assemblies for supplying liquid thereto; the combination of a series of removably endwise coupled-together pipe members along each of said arm assemblies, an overhead cord suspension system for said pipe members, said cord system having cable member groups whose cable members are connected at their upper ends in a transversely spaced-apart relation to an upper end of said column and extend downwardly in a transversely spaced-apart relation and are connected at their lower ends at longitudinally spaced locations to said pipe members for suspending the arm assemblies from the column, an upwardly spread V-shaped bracket secured to the upper end of the mast, the members of one member group of said overhead cord suspension system being securely connected at their upper ends to an upper end of one upwardly outwardly projecting side arm of said bracket, and the members of another member group of said overhead cord suspension system being securely connected at their upper ends to an upper end of the other side arm of said bracket, said member groups extending downwardly from said bracket in a longitudinally outwardly diverging and a transversely inwardly converging relation from the column, the base being fixedly mounted and the column being rotatable about the base, a straddle frame extending horizontally outwardly from a bottom portion of the column and having supporting wheels mounted for rotation on outer end portions thereof, a circular pier extending about the base for guidably receiving said wheels for movement therealong, and actuating means operatively Positioned adjacent at least one of said wheels for rotating said straddle frame about the base and simultaneously rotating the column and the arm assemblies therewith.

2. In an apparatus as defined in claim 1, cable means connected between said outer ends of said straddle frame and the upper ends of the side arms of said V-shaped bracket.

3. In an apparatus as defined in claim 1, said actuating means comprising a fluid motor, a drive wheel engaging said pier, and ratchet finger and wheel means operatively connected between said motor and said drive wheel.

4. In an apparatus as defined in claim 1, said actuating means being a motor operatively mounted on said straddle frame, a drive wheel operatively carried by said straddle frame and engaging said pier, means operatively connecting said motor to said drive wheel for positively actuating it, and said drive wheel being operatively positioned for rotating said straddle frame.

5. In an apparatus as defined in claim 4, said motor being a variable speed electric motor, and said operatively connecting means including a speed reduction unit and geared drive shafts.

6. In a rotating overhead liquid dispensing apparatus in the nature of a rotating pier which apparatus has a centrally disposed support base, a rotatable centrally outwardly disposed upwardly extending column mounted on the base, a pair of opposite horizontally outwardly extending liquid dispensing arm assemblies mounted on the column for rotation therewith, and conduit means connected through the column to each of said arm assemblies for supplying liquid thereto; the combination of a series of connected pipe members along each of said arm assemblies, an overhead cord suspension system for said pipe members, said cord system having cable member groups whose cable members are connected at their upper ends in a transversely spaced-apart relation to an upper end of said column and extend downwardly in a transversely spaced-apart relation and are connected at their lower ends at longitudinally spaced locations to said pipe members for suspending the arm assemblies from the column, the base being fixedly mounted and the column being rotatable about the base, a straddle frame extending horizontally outwardly from a bottom portion of the column and having supporting wheels mounted for rotation on outer end portions thereof, a pier extending about the base for guidably receiving said wheels for movement in a circular path therealong, and actuating means operatively associated with at least one of said wheels for rotating said straddle frame about the base and simultaneously rotating the column and the arm assemblies therewith.

7. In an apparatus as defined in claim 6, an overhead spread bracket having a pair of transversely extending side arms and being secured to the upper end of the mast, one cable member group of said overhead cord suspension system being secured at its upper end to an outer end of one side arm, and a second cable member group of said overhead cord suspension system being securely connected at its upper end to the outer end of the other side of said bracket.

8. In an apparatus as defined in claim 7, a truss system for each of the arm assemblies extending along and connected at longitudinally spaced locations along each of said pipe members, and each of said pipe members having its own truss system extending therealong between its opposite ends.

9. In an apparatus as defined in claim 7, a coupling secured to opposite end portions of each of said pipe members, each coupling having eyelet lug means extending therefrom, and truss cables directly connected at their ends to opposite ends of the associated pipe members by said eyelet lug means of said couplings.

10. In an apparatus as defined in claim 6, said straddle frame defining a spiderlike support platform.

11. In an apparatus as defined in claim 10, said support platform having quadrant arms, and said one wheel being carried on one of said arms adjacent an outer end therEof.

12. In an apparatus as defined in claim 11, a wheel being carried on the outer end of each of said arms, and said one wheel being carried in a radially inwardly spaced relation on its associated arm with respect to the wheel that is carried on the outer end of said arm.

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