Abstract: A break-away apparatus for a boom arm is positioned at a joint between a main boom and a boom tip to allow the boom tip to assume a neutral position and forward, rearward, and upward positions. A hinge assembly is positioned between the boom tip and main boom. The hinge assembly includes an upper ball joint, a first hinge, and a second hinge. The boom tip is movable relative to the main boom about an axis of the first hinge, about an axis of the second hinge axis, and/or about a pivot defined by the upper ball joint. A first spring assists a return of the boom tip to the neutral position.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus is configured to receive pressurized fluid from a pump. The filtering apparatus has a main inlet, a main outlet, and a filtering branch comprising a first filter. An agitator of a tank from which the pump draws is configured to receive fluid flow from the filtering branch via a proportional valve and an inlet connection. A method of operating a filtering system includes influencing fluid flow from a tank to one or more nozzles via a filtering apparatus; and diverting a portion of the fluid flow through plural filters of a different mesh size back to an agitating mechanism through a lower portion of the tank.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus is configured to receive pressurized fluid from a pump. The filtering apparatus has a main inlet, a main outlet, and a filtering branch comprising a first filter. An agitator of a tank from which the pump draws is configured to receive fluid flow from the filtering branch via a proportional valve and an inlet connection. A method of operating a filtering system includes influencing fluid flow from a tank to one or more nozzles via a filtering apparatus; and diverting a portion of the fluid flow through plural filters of a different mesh size back to an agitating mechanism through a lower portion of the tank.

Abstract: An access ladder includes an upper ladder portion having an upper step. A lower ladder portion is pivotally connected to a lower end of the upper ladder portion for movement around an axis that is parallel to the upper step. The lower ladder portion has a lower step having an orientation with respect to the upper step that is maintained when the lower ladder portion is pivoted with respect to the upper ladder portion.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method, comprising influencing fluid flow from a tank to one or more nozzles via a filtering apparatus; and diverting a portion of the fluid flow through plural filters of a different mesh size back to an agitating mechanism through a lower portion of the tank.

Abstract: A break-away apparatus for a boom arm is positioned at a joint between a main boom and a boom tip to allow the boom tip to assume a neutral position and forward, rearward, and upward positions. A hinge assembly is positioned between the boom tip and main boom. The hinge assembly includes an upper ball joint, a first hinge, and a second hinge. The boom tip is movable relative to the main boom about an axis of the first hinge, about an axis of the second hinge axis, and/or about a pivot defined by the upper ball joint. A first spring assists a return of the boom tip to the neutral position.

Abstract: A break-away apparatus for a boom arm is positioned at a joint between a main boom portion and a boom tip to allow the boom tip to assume a neutral position and forward, rearward, and upward positions. First and second plates are disposed at the joint and a hinge assembly is positioned between the first and second plates. The hinge assembly includes a first ball joint, a first hinge pin, and a second hinge pin. The first and second plates are in a first position when the boom tip assumes the neutral position, and the first and second plates are movable with respect to each other about the first hinge axis, the second hinge axis, and a pivot point defined by the first ball joint. A first spring assists a return of the first and second plates to the first position.

Abstract: A break-away apparatus for a boom arm is positioned at a joint between a main boom portion and a boom tip to allow the boom tip to assume a neutral position and forward, rearward, and upward positions. First and second plates are disposed at the joint and a hinge assembly is positioned between the first and second plates. The hinge assembly includes a first ball joint; a first hinge pin; and a second hinge pin. The first and second plates are in a first position when the boom tip assumes the neutral position, and the first and second plates are movable with respect to each other about the first hinge axis, the second hinge axis, and a pivot point defined by the first ball joint. A first spring assists a return of the first and second plates to the first position.

Abstract: A system includes a first tank containing water, a plurality of vessels, a second tank containing a mixed solution, a first conduit, a first pump, an injector associated with each of the vessels, a valve, a second conduit, and a second pump. Each of the plurality of vessels contains a substance. The mixed solution is formed from water from the first tank and a substance from at least one of the plurality of vessels. The first pump provides motive force for the water through the first conduit. An injector associated with each of the vessels controls release of the substance in that vessel into the first conduit. The valve prevents any of the substances and the mixed solution from entering the first tank. The second pump provides motive force for the mixed solution through the second conduit. A method of applying a mixed solution is also disclosed.

Abstract: A break-away apparatus for a boom arm (11) is positioned at a joint between a main boom portion (14) and a boom tip (12) to allow the boom tip to assume a neutral position and forward, rearward, and upward positions. First and second plates (30, 28) are disposed at the joint and a hinge assembly (22) is positioned between the first and second plates (30, 28). The hinge assembly (22) includes a first ball joint (38); a first hinge pin (34); and a second hinge pin (36). The first and second plates (30, 28) are in a first position when the boom tip (12) assumes the neutral position, and the first and second plates (30, 28) are movable with respect to each other about the first hinge axis (25a), the second hinge axis (25b), and a pivot point defined by the first ball joint (38). A first spring (50) assists a return of the first and second plates (30, 28) to the first position.

Abstract: A break-away apparatus for a boom arm (11) is positioned at a joint between a main boom portion (14) and a boom tip (12) to allow the boom tip to assume a neutral position and forward, rearward, and upward positions. First and second plates (30, 28) are disposed at the joint and a hinge assembly (22) is positioned between the first and second plates (30, 28). The hinge assembly (22) includes a first ball joint (38); a first hinge pin (34); and a second hinge pin (36). The first and second plates (30, 28) are in a first position when the boom tip (12) assumes the neutral position, and the first and second plates (30, 28) are movable with respect to each other about the first hinge axis (25a), the second hinge axis (25b), and a pivot point defined by the first ball joint (38). A first spring (50) assists a return of the first and second plates (30, 28) to the first position.

Abstract: A spray assembly includes a support element by which the spray assembly is attached to a vehicle, a first load carrying arm selectively extendable from the support element, and a first nozzle carrying arm attached to the first load carrying arm and having at least two sections connected at a first joint. At least one of the two sections is selectively extendable from the first load carrying arm. A crop sprayer including a vehicle and an attached spray assembly is also disclosed. A method of deploying a spray boom system is disclosed, wherein a support element of the spray boom system is attached to a vehicle. The method includes selectively extending a first load carrying arm from the support element and selectively extending at least one of two sections of a first nozzle carrying arm from the first load carrying arm.

Abstract: A system includes a first tank containing water, a plurality of vessels, a second tank containing a mixed solution, a first conduit, a first pump, an injector associated with each of the vessels, a valve, a second conduit, and a second pump. Each of the plurality of vessels contains a substance. The mixed solution is formed from water from the first tank and a substance from at least one of the plurality of vessels. The first pump provides motive force for the water through the first conduit. An injector associated with each of the vessels controls release of the substance in that vessel into the first conduit. The valve prevents any of the substances and the mixed solution from entering the first tank. The second pump provides motive force for the mixed solution through the second conduit. A method of applying a mixed solution is also disclosed.

Abstract: A boom arm extending from a chassis of an agricultural sprayer includes a plurality of chords extending outward from the sprayer and a plurality of cross-sectional frame members connecting the chords to provide structural integrity. The cross-sectional frame members include brace-receiving portions having slots formed. The boom arm has a plurality of tee-shaped brace members, each having a top flange with a stem extending therefrom. The stem is received in a slot in the brace-receiving portion of adjacent cross-section frame members. Sides of the stem and the underside of the top flange are adhesively bonded to facing surfaces of the brace-receiving portions. Each cross-sectional frame member is configured to receive an extension member that extends between the cross-sectional member and a connector mounted on the first chord. The length of the extension member is determined by the position of the cross-sectional frame member on the tapered boom arm.

Abstract: A spray assembly includes a support element by which the spray assembly is attached to a vehicle, a first load carrying arm selectively extendable from the support element, and a first nozzle carrying arm attached to the first load carrying arm and having at least two sections connected at a first joint. At least one of the two sections is selectively extendable from the first load carrying arm. A crop sprayer including a vehicle and an attached spray assembly is also disclosed. A method of deploying a spray boom system is disclosed, wherein a support element of the spray boom system is attached to a vehicle. The method includes selectively extending a first load carrying arm from the support element and selectively extending at least one of two sections of a first nozzle carrying arm from the first load carrying arm.

Abstract: A breakaway assembly may be provided. The breakaway assembly may comprise an upper joint connecting a boom tip to a structure (e.g. a plate.) The breakaway assembly may further comprise a first hinge connecting the boom tip to the structure and a second hinge connecting the boom tip to the structure. In addition, the breakaway assembly may comprise a pressure assembly connected to the boom tip and a lower joint connecting the pressure assembly to the structure. When a force is applied to the boom tip (e.g. from either side, fore or aft), the pressure assembly may be configured to oppose the force and one of the first hinge and the second hinge may be configured to release in response to the boom tip rotating.

Abstract: An adhesively bonded joint in a boom arm of an agricultural sprayer has a tee-shaped brace member with a top flange and a stem extending from the top flange. A brace-receiving portion of the joint has a slot formed therein that receives the stem of the tee-shaped brace member. The sides of the stem and underside of the top flange are adhesively bonded to facing surfaces of the brace-receiving portion. The slot is formed with a v-shape, with the mouth of the slot being wider than the width of the distal end of the slot, to provide some flexibility in the angular positioning of the tee-shaped bracing member. The joint further includes a locking collar around an end of the tee-shaped brace. Opposite sides of the locking collar engage notches on either side of the slot to lock the stem of the tee-shaped brace member in the slot.

Abstract: A valve may include a valve body, a valve spool, and a valve actuator arrangement. The valve body may comprise a bore and a first and a second passage to the bore. The valve spool may comprise a first end and a second end and be at least partially positioned and slidable within the bore. The valve spool may comprise a first and a second sealing region in sealing contact with the bore. A first chamber may be comprised, at least in part, between the bore and the valve spool at the first end. A second chamber may be comprised, at least in part, between the bore and the valve spool and between the first and the second sealing regions. A third chamber may be comprised, at least in part, between the bore and the valve spool at the second end. A third passage connects the first and the third chambers. The first and the second passages are both open to the second chamber when the valve is at an open position.

Abstract: An adhesively bonded joint in a boom arm of an agricultural sprayer has a tee-shaped brace member with a top flange and a stem extending from the top flange. A brace-receiving portion of the joint has a slot formed therein that receives the stem of the tee-shaped brace member. The sides of the stem and underside of the top flange are adhesively bonded to facing surfaces of the brace-receiving portion. The slot is formed with a v-shape, with the mouth of the slot being wider than the width of the distal end of the slot, to provide some flexibility in the angular positioning of the tee-shaped bracing member. The joint further includes a locking collar around an end of the tee-shaped brace. Opposite sides of the locking collar engage notches on either side of the slot to lock the stem of the tee-shaped brace member in the slot.

Abstract: A boom arm extending from a chassis of an agricultural sprayer includes a plurality of chords extending outward from the sprayer and a plurality of cross-sectional frame members connecting the chords to provide structural integrity. The cross-sectional frame members include brace-receiving portions having slots formed. The boom arm has a plurality of tee-shaped brace members, each having a top flange with a stem extending therefrom. The stem is received in a slot in the brace-receiving portion of adjacent cross-section frame members. Sides of the stem and the underside of the top flange are adhesively bonded to facing surfaces of the brace-receiving portions. Each cross-sectional frame member is configured to receive an extension member that extends between the cross-sectional member and a connector mounted on the first chord. The length of the extension member is determined by the position of the cross-sectional frame member on the tapered boom arm.