Valmont Industries, Inc.

Ricky D McGee

Dale A Christensen

The present disclosure is directed to a variable nozzle assembly. In one or more implementations, the variable nozzle assembly includes a support structure for connecting to a conduit. The variable nozzle assembly also includes a first plate portion translationally coupled to the support structure and a second plate portion fixedly coupled to the support structure, where the first plate portion and the second plate portion define a nozzle. A deflector is coupled to a mechanical actuator to cause the first plate portion to translate between a first position and a second position with respect to the second plate portion to control an opening characteristic of the nozzle.

Variable nozzle assembly

A drive unit for a self-propelled irrigation system including an elongated pipeline supported upon a plurality of spaced-apart drive units. Each of the drive units includes a generally transversely extending base beam having first and second ends. A first drive assembly is pivotally connected to the base beam adjacent the first end thereof and a second drive assembly is pivotally connected to the base beam adjacent the second end thereof. Each of the first and second drive assemblies includes an elongated support member pivotally connected, about a generally horizontal axis, which is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the base beam, to the base beam adjacent the first end thereof. First and second driven wheels are rotatably mounted on the elongated support member adjacent the ends thereof. The driven wheels are driven by an electric motor and gearbox arrangement.

Irrigation drive unit

A method and means for reducing stress in a pivot irrigation pipeline by permitting the pipeline to be separated from the center pivot structure while maintaining the pipeline in alignment with the center pivot structure. The alignment assembly of this invention facilitates the reconnection of the pipeline to the center pivot structure when the irrigation system is going to be used to irrigate.

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Gretna, NE, United States of America

Ricky D McGee