Lindsay Manufacturing Company

Paul B Zimmerer

Arthur L Zimmerer

Bernard J Zimmerer

The adjacent extremities of two lengths of irrigation pipe are axially aligned in a spaced relationship within a longitudinally split, bolt closed coupler sleeve. The coupler sleeve has a diameter greater than that of the pipes and contains a one-piece sealing boot therein which sealably embraces the ends of the irrigation pipe. An open gimbal ring medially surrounds the coupler sleeve in a diametrically spaced relationship with respect thereto. Bracket members are mounted on the opposite sides of each pipe extremity in a longitudinally spaced relationship with respect to the coupler sleeve and a pair of arms extend from each bracket member to opposite pivotal connections with the gimbal ring, the axes of the pivotal connections of one pair being circumferentially spaced on said gimbal ring at 90.degree. from the pivotal connections of the other pair to enable the pipe lengths to freely, relatively and arcuately swing in any desired direction. A signal device is trained between the extremities of the pipe lengths to give a signal relative to the arc of swing between the extremities.

Flexible joint for an overhead irrigation system

A gear box having an extended hub or nose is disclosed herein which is adapted for use on a self-propelled, center pivot irrigation system. The gear box includes a housing, an input shaft extending thereinto, and an output shaft extending outwardly therefrom at a right angle to the input shaft. A gear means in the housing connects the input and output shafts. The housing is mounted on the drive frame of the system with the outer end of the output shaft being connected to a drive wheel which is mounted on the drive frame. The output shaft has a sufficient length so that clearance is provided between the input shaft and the tire on the drive wheel. An extended hub is secured to the housing and extends outwardly therefrom to support the outer end of the output shaft closely adjacent the center of the load imposed on the drive wheel. Generally speaking, center pivot irrigation systems employ a plurality of wheeled support towers which are secured to and spaced along the length of the water distribution pipe. Ordinarily, each of the towers comprises a drive frame having a pair of spaced apart drive wheels rotatably mounted on the ends thereof. Suitable arms connect the drive frame and the pipe to support the pipe above the ground surface. A power means such as an electrically operated gear motor is usually secured to the drive frame intermediate the ends thereof. A pair of drive shafts extend from opposite sides of the gear motor to gear boxes mounted on the ends of the drive frame. Each of the gear boxes comprises input and output shafts which are disposed at a right angle with respect to each other. The outer end of the output shaft is connected to the drive wheel to supply rotational power thereto so that the distribution pipe is moved about its center pivot. A problem exists with this structure due to the fact that the drive wheels must be spaced outwardly from the drive frame to permit their rotation and the drive wheels must be sufficiently spaced from the drive frame to provide clearance between the tires on the drive wheels and the shafts connecting the gear motor and the input shafts of the gear boxes. If the output shaft of the gear box is lengthened to provide the necessary clearance between the tire and the input shaftl an 'overhung' load results which puts tremendous weight and strain on the outer end of the output shaft and such weight and strain usually results in failure of the output shaft.

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Lindsay, NB, United States of America

Paul B Zimmerer