Patent ID: 8353470

Claim:
A mobile irrigation apparatus comprising: a machine frame assembly supporting at least one sprinkler and adapted for movement in a first linear direction along a path in a field to be irrigated; a trolley supported on said machine frame assembly and moveable along said machine frame assembly in said first linear direction; a frame carrying a docking station supported on said trolley for movement in opposite lateral directions substantially perpendicular to said first linear direction; said docking station resiliently suspended from said frame for floating movement in at least three mutually perpendicular directions, including in said first linear direction, said opposite lateral directions and in a vertical direction; said docking station adapted to automatically align with and as said machine frame assembly moves along the path, engage a hydrant and open a supply valve in the hydrant; and at least a first lateral alignment power actuator arranged to move said frame and said docking station relative to said trolley in one of said opposite lateral directions in response to at least one lateral alignment sensor to thereby facilitate lateral alignment of said docking station with the hydrant.