Abstract: An improved baffle system for use in combination with a pressurized pneumatic system for distribution of particulate solids upon the soil. The system includes a primary or aspirating baffle disposed generally proximal in the delivery tube, along with secondary baffles disposed along the length of the delivery tubes for increasing the dispersal of the solids within the moving air stream. The baffle arrangements of the present invention enhance uniformity of distribution, particularly at high application rates.

Abstract: An improved system for pneumatic spreader systems for distribution of particulate material upon agricultural fields, and wherein the spreader system employs a number of elongated hollow delivery or discharge booms. The improved feature of the present invention comprises a Venturi which is mounted within each of the booms, with the Venturi being positioned immediately adjacent and upstream from the point at which particulate materials are being fed into the boom. The Venturi includes a throat portion which extends along and across a chordal line of the hollow delivery boom, and in addition includes a blade means which is in generally opposed relationship to the Venturi throat. The blade is angularly positioned within the boom, and in converging relationship with the distal tip of the boom and is arranged to define a substantially rectangular opening between the tip of the blade means and the top surface of the Venturi throat.

Abstract: An improved system for pneumatic spreader systems for selective distribution of particulate material onto agricultural fields from selected ones of a plurality of elongated delivery tubes or booms. The improved feature of the present invention comprises a boom delivery closure device to block flow of particulate material from certain preselected booms through flow-blocking plates disposed at the discharge ports of said delivery tubes. The flow-blocking plates substantially completely block the flow from a preselected one or plurality of delivery tubes, and diverts said flow to a line which normally functions as a feed line when the system is in normal operation, but as a recycling line when the delivery tube output port is in blocked or shut-off disposition.

Abstract: An improved system for pneumatic spreader systems for selective distribution of particulate material onto agricultural fields from selected ones of a plurality of elongated delivery tubes or booms. The improved feature of the present invention comprises a means to interrupt flow of particulate material from certain preselected booms without clogging the system. The system includes a means for substantially completely blocking the flow cross-sectional area from a preselected one or plurality of delivery tubes, along with a line which normally functions as a feed line when the system is in normal operation, but as a recycling line when the delivery tube is in blocked or shut-off disposition. The arrangement provides a means for converting a twin-boom arrangement to a single-boom arrangement for accommodating unusual operation such as less-than-a-full boom width when undertaking the final run of a field application.

Abstract: In combination with a detachable fluid coupling arrangement for fluid transmitting conduits and including a female coupler and clamping portion and a male adaptor portion to be releasably received and retained within said female coupler portion. The female coupler portion comprises a body portion with a fluid transmitting bore formed therein, with the bore having at least one elongated alignment slot formed generally parallel to the flow axis, and with a pair of clamping cams pivotally secured to the wall of the female portion. The male adaptor portion comprises a generally tubular body having a fluid transmitting bore formed therein and with a radially extending locking lug formed along one end of the adaptor for mating engagement with the alignment slot of the female coupling portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for field application of particulate solids from an elongated boom carried on a self-propelled vehicle wherein the discharge rate of the particulate solids is accomplished through the utilization of a metering control system. The metering control monitors the rotation of a delivery screw for controlled application rate with the application rate being proportional to vehicle speed, and wherein the application rate is rapidly responsive to changes in rate of speed of the vehicle. A variable capacity fluid pump is driven from the vehicle final drive shaft, with the pump supplying hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic motor providing the energy for driving the metering screw. The variable capacity pump is preferably an axial piston pump having a variably positionable swash plate.

Abstract: A strip nozzle assembly containing a detachable, pressure regulating inlet coupler and a plurality of pressure regulating outlet nozzles, whereby agricultural sprays may be strip applied. The assembly having particular application in a modular spraying system adaptable to either broadcast or strip spraying. Compatibility with system pressure and desired flow rates are achieved via flat plate, sharped edge orifices that in one embodiment are arranged in a series/parallel configuration.

Abstract: A vacuum/pressure liquid waste application system for vacuum loading a distribution tank with liquid waste treatment materials and distributing the liquid matter via a pressurized tank and flow-forming and directing sludge gun. Clog-free directional surface application is thereby achieved over relatively rugged or inaccessible terrain.

Abstract: An improved fertilizer distribution system including a bottom fed distributor manifold for insuring the agitation of the liquid fertilizers and a liquid manometer indicating relative internal pressure. Detachable inlet and outlet assemblies permit the changing of orifices mounted therein so as to accommodate system requirements. The manifold chamber and the individual outlet assemblies are open to the atmosphere to facilitate drain down and flow through the outlet assemblies.

Abstract: A tandem drum-type pavement compacting machine having front and rear drums journaled in substantially identical yokes, each of which is connected with the chassis of the machine for steering rotation about a vertical axis which intersects the axis of its respective drum midway of its axial width, and wherein the front end portion of the chassis to which the yoke of the front drum is steerably connected, is joined to the main section of the chassis by a trunnion or swivel connection that provides for relative oscillation or rocking motion between the front and rear drums about a horizontal axis extending fore and aft along the centerline of the machine and intersecting the vertical steering axes of the drums. An operator's platform is fixed with respect to the yoke of the rear drum and overlies the rear portion of the main section of the chassis.