| 摘要 |
<p>LINEAR IRRIGATION CONTROL METHODS AND APPARATUS Control methods and apparatus are disclosed for automated interconnection of linearly moving sprinkler structures with a linearly extended pressurized water supply to enable substantially continuous linear irrigation over an area. A manifold system includes three vehicles which are controlled to deliver water from hydrants spaced along the pressurized water supply pipeline to the linearly moving sprinklers. Such vehicles are controllably driven independently of each other with a controlled association for water delivery purposes. The main manifold carriage is controllably driven along the water supply pipeline in coordination with the sprinkler line. Connector carts which lead and trail the main carriage of the manifold system are controlled to provide repetitious cyclic connection of the hydrants spaced along the pipeline enabling a continuous supply of irrigation water to the sprinkler line during its linear movement over the area to be irrigated. Movement of the main carriage and leading and trailing connector carts, and position of the leading and trailing carts with respect to hydrants, are sensed and each vehicle is independently guided in its movement along the pipeline. Provision is made for automatically controlling movement of the main manifold carriage and sprinkler line responsive to sensed conditions such as water pressure available.</p> |
