Abstract: A system, an apparatus and a method for uniformly applying UAN fertilizing liquid to soil on farmland for the purpose of increasing crop yields. The system has an UAN sprayer distribution rail applicator apparatus which may be pulled behind a tow vehicle or pushed by a sprayer or fertilizer applicator. The atmospheric tank contains UAN fertilizing liquid which passes from a pump, through a safety shut-off valve, and through a turbine style flow meter. A safety bypass line is provided upstream of the flow meter to relieve unsafe hydraulic pressure back through a pressure-sensitive valve in the event that multiple control valves close simultaneously. Flow through this bypass line also provides mixing of the UAN fertilizing liquid during cold weather. Upon exiting the flow meter, the UAN fluid enters the center of a distribution rail assembly. Spray nozzles with individual automatic shut-off valves are spaced across the distribution rail assembly.

Abstract: A metering system and method of operating fertilizer distribution equipment, such as a spreader-sprayer, is described that includes monitoring revolution data for opposing left and right wheels with left and right sensors. A controller controls an actuator's operation to operably regulate the output of a liquid and/or solid fertilizer product. The fertilizer output is based at least in part on the revolution data and a fertilizer unit-per-area input.

Abstract: Methods for embedding photocatalytic titanium dioxide in concrete surfaces to reduce pollutants via photocatalytic reactions are provided herein. One method includes mixing a solvent compound with an anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalyst, applying an amount of concrete treatment compound to an upper surface of the concrete, the concrete treatment compound comprising a mixture of a liquid carrier compound with the anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalyst.

Abstract: A modular spray assembly for a working machine includes a base assembly that is attached to the frame of the working machine. The base assembly includes a working fluid conduit having an open end and a closed end, and a plurality of nozzle assemblies that are attached to and are in fluid communication with the working fluid conduit. A modular component includes a nozzle assembly, a first end, and a second end. The second end of the modular component is adapted to be removably attached to the open end of the working fluid conduit so as to be in fluid communication with the working fluid conduit. The modular spray assembly also includes an open end component that is adapted to be removably and alternatively attached to the open end of the working fluid conduit or to the first end of the modular component. The open end component includes a working fluid supply pipe that is in fluid communication with the working fluid storage tank of the working machine.

Abstract: A method for assembling a spray pattern adjustment assembly for use with a spray head assembly is provided. The spray head assembly may define an outlet passage that has a height. The method may include the steps of inserting the spray pattern adjustment assembly having a reduced height compared to the height of the outlet passage into the outlet passage, increasing the height of the spray pattern adjustment assembly to at least match the height of the outlet passage, and substantially fixing the position of the spray pattern adjustment assembly relative to the spray head assembly.

Abstract: A motion-powered liquid sprayer that can increase the number of rotations of the pump relative to each rotation of the wheel or axle is provided. The sprayer can include a gearing assembly that employs gears to increase the number of pump revolutions as a function of the wheel or axle rotation. The sprayer can also include a gear pump that employs an over-capacity or enhanced gullet together with blow-by spacing to control consistent liquid flow relative to variable motional velocities. Further, the sprayer can include a vertically adjustable nozzle as well as a free reverse rotation wheel hub.

Abstract: An agricultural field sprayer (10) includes an electrically driven pump (50) locatable directly under sprayer fluid tank for conveying the fluid from the tank to a supply line. A return line (54) connects the pump (50) to the tank (22), and a sprayer line (32) connecting the pump (50) to an application assembly (20). The return line (54) and the sprayer line (32) include electrically operated control valves (68, 64), and an electronic control system (56) operates the motor (46) and the control valves (64, 68) as a function of different variables including field sprayer speed and sprayer fluid characteristics. The valve and motor controls and an additional valve-controlled return line facilitate numerous operational modes including tank fill, rinse, recirculation, spray, partial width spray, and stop modes.

Abstract: A motion-powered liquid sprayer that can increase the number of rotations of the pump relative to each rotation of the wheel or axle is provided. The sprayer can include a gearing assembly that employs gears to increase the number of pump revolutions as a function of the wheel or axle rotation. The sprayer can also include a gear pump that employs an over-capacity or enhanced gullet together with blow-by spacing to control consistent liquid flow relative to variable motional velocities. Further, the sprayer can include a vertically adjustable nozzle as well as a free reverse rotation wheel hub.

Abstract: A motion-powered liquid sprayer that can increase the number of rotations of the pump relative to each rotation of the wheel or axle is provided. The sprayer can include a gearing assembly that employs gears to increase the number of pump revolutions as a function of the wheel or axle rotation. The sprayer can also include a gear pump that employs an over-capacity or enhanced gullet together with blow-by spacing to control consistent liquid flow relative to variable motional velocities.

Abstract: A cleaning system of the invention may include an operator wearable torso belt, a swivel hook fastened to the belt, and a holder releasably hung on the hook, with the holder sized to releasably hold a chemical container. The cleaning system further may include a chemical container, a spray gun, a chemical draw line connecting the chemical container to the spray gun, and a liquid supply line extending from a multi-functional cleaning machine to the spray gun. If desired, the chemical holder may include a first compartment, a second compartment, and a third compartment. The first compartment holds the spray gun when the spray gun is not in use, the second compartment holds the chemical container, and the third compartment is sized to hold a tool such as a squeegee or the like.

Abstract: A method of applying a chemical material, such as a pesticide, to a surface utilizes a wheel mounted spraying assembly. The wheel mounted spraying assembly includes: a rod having a wheel rotatably mounted on its lower end portion for supporting the spraying assembly on a generally horizontal surface and enabling the spraying assembly to be moved over the surface; a spray nozzle mounted on the spraying assembly adjacent the wheel; a supply line for supplying a chemical material under pressure to the spray nozzle; and a control for controlling the flow of the chemical material to and through the spray nozzle. The spray nozzle is oriented to spray the chemical material in an expanding pattern in an outward direction to one side of the lower portion of the spraying assembly to apply the chemical material to a generally vertical and/or generally horizontal surface.

Abstract: A firefighting vehicle includes a frame, a fluid pump, and a body having a compartment. In one embodiment, a drive line of the pump passes through a transverse cross member of the frame. In another embodiment, the body includes opposite side sections sandwiching the pump therebetween. In another embodiment, the vehicle includes a pumphouse module in which the body is mounted so as to move in unison with the body relative to the frame. In another embodiment, the vehicle includes a control panel operably coupled to the pump and extending through an opening in the compartment. In another embodiment, the compartment includes a wall having a C-shaped bulkhead.

Abstract: A pressure sprayer is pressurized automatically with movement of the sprayer and maintains adequate pressure during non-movement to allow the ejection of an amount of liquid before needing re-pressurization. The pressure sprayer includes wheels that allow the pressure sprayer to be mobile. A cam is attached to the axle of the wheels which rotates with the rotation of the axle/wheels. A pressure pump is associated with the cam such that movement of the cam causes the pressure pump to pump liquid from a holding tank to an accumulator or directly to a spray wand in communication with the pump. The liquid may be sprayed (ejected) from the accumulator during both movement (pumping) and non-movement (no pumping) of the sprayer, while the liquid may be directly sprayed from the holding tank only during movement (pumping) thereof. Thus, as the wheels rotate due to moving the pressure sprayer, the cam causes movement of the pressure pump to fill the accumulator with the liquid under pressure.

Abstract: A method for driving the emptying of an induction unit with which an agricultural sprayer is equipped. The emptying is driven by a user acting with at least one of his lower limbs on a drive element. An agricultural sprayer for implementing such a method, comprising a drive element which has just one stable position.

Abstract: A pressure sprayer is pressurized automatically with movement of the sprayer and maintains adequate pressure during non-movement to allow the ejection of an amount of liquid before needing re-pressurization. The pressure sprayer includes wheels that allow the pressure sprayer to be mobile. A cam is attached to the axle of the wheels which rotates with the rotation of the axle/wheels. A pressure pump is associated with the cam such that movement of the cam causes the pressure pump to pump liquid from a holding tank to an accumulator or directly to a spray wand in communication with the pump. The liquid may be sprayed (ejected) from the accumulator during both movement (pumping) and non-movement (no pumping) of the sprayer, while the liquid may be directly sprayed from the holding tank only during movement (pumping) thereof. Thus, as the wheels rotate due to moving the pressure sprayer, the cam causes movement of the pressure pump to fill the accumulator with the liquid under pressure.

Abstract: An injection type chemical sprayer (30) including interior and exterior cleaning systems. The interior cleaning system can include a rinsing nozzle (58) located within the concentrated chemical tank (52). Rinsing nozzle (58) can be selectively connected to the pressure side of a spray pump (34). The chemical rinsate can be dispensed by means of a rinsate pump (64) in combination with a rinsate nozzle (66). Following the rinsing operation, the concentrated chemical tank (52) can be reconnected to an injection pump (56), and then the concentrated chemical tank (52) can be filled with clean water which is then pumped through the injection system to completely flush it of the chemical being injected. System (30) also preferably includes an exterior cleaning system which can include a spray gun (60) selectively connected to the pressure side of the spray pump (34).

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for spreading on the ground granular and liquid treatment materials at the selection of the operator. The apparatus includes a motorized cart having granular and liquid storage compartments and associated controls to release the treatment materials on an as needed basis. A spray wand is also provided to permit spraying the liquid material for detail applications. A pump is operably connected to the liquid storage compartment, the spray wand, and one or more area spray nozzles to provide the liquid for spraying purposes. The granular material can be radially broadcast from the granular storage compartment as the cart traverses the ground. Controls for the motor and the granular and liquid treatment operation are mounted to the apparatus for easy access by the operator. The present invention also provides a retrofit package for inclusion on available granular spreaders to provide the motorized granular and liquid treatment apparatus disclosed herein.

Abstract: An agricultural sprayer of the injection type has a charging circuit for generating a pressurized circulating flow of fluid additive. This is supplied to the inlet of a metering pump of the variable stroke piston type. This allows the pump to operate at optimum volumetric efficiency throughout a wide range of pump speeds, for agricultural chemicals of all common viscosities and at all temperatures normally encountered. The speed of the metering pump can thus be controlled to control the amount of chemical injected into the water being sprayed.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for driving a shaft in unison with a wheel. The drive mechanism includes a plurality of slave pistons and a like plurality of master pistons. Each slave piston is paired with a master piston to establish a plurality of paired pistons. A cam is operatively coupled to the wheel and to the master pistons to cause the master pistons to move between retracted and extended positions when the wheel is rotated.

Abstract: A detachable chemical sprayer for spraying a liquid chemical onto a field as said sprayer is moved over the field. The detachable sprayer includes a frame, structure attached to the frame for detachably mounting the frame on a vehicle for carrying the detachable sprayer over the field, a cartridge mounted on the frame for holding a quantity of chemicals to be sprayed, a sensor for sensing the speed at which the sprayer is moving over the field, and overall drive structure operatively coupled to the sensor and to the cartridge for varying the output of the cartridge in proportion to the speed at which the sprayer is being moved over the field.

Abstract: A direct injection chemical sprayer for spraying a fluid mixture onto a field as the sprayer is moved over the field. The sprayer includes a chemical pump mechanism for pumping chemicals from a chemical tank, a sensing mechanism for sensing the speed at which the sprayer is being moved over the field, and a drive mechanism operatively coupled to the sensing mechanism and to the chemical pump for varying the output of the chemical pump mechanism in proportion to the speed at which the sprayer is being moved over the field. A second embodiment includes self-contained replaceable cartridges each of which has a tank, a pump, drive mechanism therefor, and calibration apparatus. There are removable intermediate gear boxes and a main gear box, each of which has a plurality of selectable drive mechanisms for driving the pump of the gear box at a selected speed.

Abstract: In a vehicle with a power source for moving said vehicle and for spreading liquid material on a road surface a material distributing apparatus is provided which includes a hydrostatic transmission and associated control mechanism for automatically maintaining a constant application rate of the material to the road surface in response to changes in the width of the application pattern. The hydrostatic transmission is responsive to the power source for providing a controlled rate of flow of the liquid material from the tank of the distributing apparatus, to a discharge element of the apparatus and onto the road surface so as to maintain a constant rate of application for the material despite changes in the speed of the vehicle. A pattern adjustment mechanism is provided for adjusting the pattern provided by the discharge element.

Abstract: An amusement device adapted to be mounted to a bicycle or other velocipede designed to promote enjoyment and safty. The amusement device has a fluid reservoir, a pump driven by the velocipede wheel for removing fluid from the reservoir, a conduit for conveying water from the pump to an exit nozzle and a helmet adapted to be worn by the rider of the velocipede to which the nozzle can be attached.

Abstract: Liquid agrichemicals such as pesticides are applied to soil or crops in a continuous stream at low flow rate from microtubes without need for a mixing tank and without clogging of the microtubes during downtime, by a system mountable on a farm vehicle, the system comprising a liquid agrichemical supply tank, a water supply tank, a first conduit connecting the agrichemical supply tank to a manifold feeding the microtubes, a first pump in the conduit, water entrainment means (such as a venturi) and a second, suction pump in the conduit, a second conduit between the water supply tank and the venturi, and other conduits, valves and pressure regulators as appropriate to control the directions and rates of flow, and for recirculation or flushing. By such control, water may be entrained by the venturi for inline admixing with the agrichemical, or the venturi optionally may be bypassed for application of undiluted agrichemical.

Abstract: An agricultural sprayer (10) comprises a mobile frame (12) supporting a spray system (90) in which the water and chemical concentrate are stored in separate tanks (92, 94, 96 and 98) for mixture in the desired ratio as needed responsive to travel of the sprayer so as to facilitate application at the proper rate. The frame (12) preferably comprises a main frame section (14) with outboard pairs of pivotal frame sections (16, 18) which are individually supported by adjustable gauge wheels (34, 54) movable between raised and lowered positions relative to the ground by actuator assemblies (60). The spray system (90) includes a water tank (92) and a plurality of chemical tanks (94, 96 and 98) connected through individual shut-off valves, adjustable, positive displacement pumps, and an electrostatic water treater, to a plurality of spray heads.

Abstract: A spreading apparatus to be placed on a vehicle and comprising a container, from which the spreading material can be distributed through a dosing device, and a velocity sensing driving wheel placed at the rear end of the vehicle. The driving wheel may be lowered into contact with the roadway and is adapted to drive the dosing device and possibly also a spreading disc through an energy transferring device. The energy transferring device is provided by means of a hydraulic wheel pump coupled to the wheel, said hydraulic wheel pump feeding pressurized liquid through a liquid conduit to one or more hydraulic motors driving a plurality of stirrer and delivery rolls. According to the invention the pressurized liquid is also fed to a piston in a cylinder, which when the pressure in the conduit has been reduced to a predetermined value due to an empty material container or as a consequence of the spreading being decoupled, implies that the wheel is no longer pressed against the roadway.

Abstract: An applicator for spraying material such as fertilizer on a vegetative surface for use in domestic horticultural purposes. The applicator has a pump for supplying liquid to spray nozzles, which pump is driven on rotation of the applicator wheels. The applicator is normally pushed over the ground using a handle. The pump drive axis and wheel axis are co-axial and the wheel is supported on a single one piece shaft which also forms the drive shaft for the pump without an intermediary coupling. This provides a compact and efficient machine. The pump is mounted on a bearing housing for the shaft into which housing and a bearing housing on the other side of the machine fit the ends of the handle, giving a strong handle support.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for treating lawns with both granular and liquid treatment materials, at the selection of the operator. The apparatus includes a compact, hand-operated cart having a storage compartment for accommodating a bin or bins of granular treatment materials and a tank of liquid treatment material. A rotatable spreader belt receives and meters the granular material which is spread by a rotatable spinner plate as the cart is driven. Inlet and outlet hoses received within the tank of liquid material cooperate with a pumping disc rotatably mounted on the cart to provide continuous circulation of the liquid material through the hoses. A spray nozzle coupled to the inlet hose by a valve controlled by the operator, enables the operator to selectively spray the liquid material on a surface to be treated. The spray nozzle is mounted in telescoping relationship to the cart to enable the operator to select and adjust the range which the liquid is sprayed.

Abstract: A machine for spraying a liquid for the treatment of plants and soils includes a nozzle fed by a pump and a pipe. The nozzle projects the liquid to be sprayed against the central portion of a rotary thrower. A collector in the form of a sector of a ring is fixed along the periphery of the rotary thrower without contact with it, so as to intercept the liquid projected except within an angle .theta.. The liquid intercepted by the collector is collected in a receiver and returned to the tank of the machine.

Abstract: The foam dispensing apparatus is mountable on a self-propelled or manually propelled vehicle such as a planting, fertilizing and spraying machine or like surface working vehicles. A peristaltic or squeeze type pump has an inlet section for receiving air and a foam agent solution which are mixed and successively moved through the pump for discharge in a foam form from the pump outlet section. A discharge nozzle connected to the outlet section is arranged to apply the foam material on the ground surface at a position adjacent to one side of the vehicle. The pump is driven at a rate in response to the ground speed of the vehicle over the ground surface and the air and foam agent solution mixture may be proportionally varied to maintain visual observance of the foam on the ground surface for varying time periods.

Abstract: A herbicide spray system comprising a rotary lawn spreader in combination with a spray system comprising a fluid reservoir, pumping means and means for coupling said pumping means to said rotary spreader. The fluid reservoir is removable from the spreader load carrier and requires no substantial modification thereof to adapt the pumping means to be driven by the spreader.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a main reservoir for water and at least one secondary reservoir for an additive material. Both reservoirs are connected to a mixing chamber which is connected to independent segments of a spray distribution bank via separate pipes. A pump pumps the additive material to the mixing chamber. A driving mechanism responsive to the speed of the vehicle drives the pump as a function of the speed of the vehicle and thereby effects a first regulation of the flow of additive material to the mixing chamber. A valve is interposed between the secondary reservoir and the mixing chamber for effecting a second regulation of the flow of additive material to the mixing chamber as a function of the number of segments of the spray distribution bank in use.

Abstract: A sheet metal vehicle chassis supporting a container of liquid to be sprayed is provided on at least one of its wheels with cam rollers fixed to the wheel for rotation. The roller cams compress a loop of pump hose at spaced locations to siphon liquid from the container by way of a suction hose and discharge liquid through a discharge hose connected to respective hose barbs projecting through a hose barb mounting plate overlying the roller cams and having opposite ends coupled to said loop. An orthogonally adjustable nozzle support tube, connected at one end to the discharge hose, insures a varying density and pattern spray of liquid on the underlying floor during movement of the vehicle in self-pumping operation over said floor.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for spraying chemicals from a vehicle. Chemical concentrates from a separate supply tank are injected at a rate proportionate to the vehicle's land travel speed into water which is dispensed at a constant rate. A water pressure activated control means prevents injection of the chemical concentrate into the water line when the water pressure is not within the predetermined range which will assure nozzle spray pattern.

Abstract: The embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is directed to a hand-propelled chemical applicator which dispenses liquid chemicals when the applicator is manually pushed over an area of ground to be treated. The applicator is a fluid-dispensing device having a support frame supported on the ground by a main wheel rotatably secured thereto. A pump is secured to the support frame and is selectively engageable with and driven by the main wheel to develop sufficient pressure to draw liquid chemicals from a reservoir and deliver the chemicals to two or more dispensing nozzles secured to the support frame. The pump produces sufficient pressure during a normal walking speed of an operator to provide substantially constant dispersion of the chemical. The chemicals within the reservoir are maintained in a mixed condition by providing a return fluid flow path of chemicals from a distribution manifold back to the reservoir through a separate return flow path.