Spray Boom Or Bar Type Distributor Patents (Class 239/159)
  • Patent number: 11865554
    Abstract: A method for colouring turf and a turf colouring system. The method and system comprise delivering liquid colourant at a hydraulic pressure greater than 1000 psi to sprayers having a high pressure, high impact, fine spray nozzle with a spray pattern having feathered edges for even coverage with overlapping nozzles. Alternatively, the method and system comprise delivering liquid colourant at a pneumatic pressure greater than 60 psi to sprayers having a high pressure, high impact, fine spray nozzle with a spray pattern having feathered edges for even coverage with overlapping nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: The Lawn & Turf Company Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Patrick Muscat
  • Patent number: 11835427
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a test section comprises at least one surface defining an at least partially enclosed space. The at least partially enclosed space defines an airflow path for air to flow. The test section also comprises a nozzle disposed in the at least partially enclosed space. The nozzle is configured to spray an agricultural spray and is positioned to emit the agricultural spray such that at least a section of the agricultural spray exhibits a non-parallel angle relative to the airflow path defined by the at least partially enclosed space. The test section further comprises at least one stimulus source positioned to illuminate at least a portion of the agricultural spray adjacent to the nozzle. Additionally, the test section comprises at least one detector positioned to image at least the portion of the agricultural spray adjacent to the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: WinField Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Bissell, Lee Boles, Andrea Clark
  • Patent number: 11771075
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, the brake pedal of an agricultural vehicle can be used as an interface to control auto fold/unfold sequences on a sprayer. This can allow functionality to be moved from a button, such as on the armrest, to the brake pedal using a controller, sensing and software. In one aspect, a button on the armrest can start the sequence, as long as the brake pedal is depressed. After the button is pressed, the operator can remove his hand from the button, but maintain the brake pedal depressed. If the operator lifts his foot off of the pedal, or initiates a different boom control button press, the sequence can stop. This can advantageously allow the operator to have the use of his hands during the sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Steven Winkel, Nathan Brooks
  • Patent number: 11558997
    Abstract: Described herein are implements and applicators for placement of fluid applications with respect to agricultural plants of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, a fluid applicator includes at least one applicator arm, a first nozzle disposed to apply fluid to a rhizosphere of the plants, and a second nozzle disposed to apply fluid between the row of plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Jason Stoller, Ian Radtke
  • Patent number: 11470834
    Abstract: A liquid spraying system having an elongated liquid supply boom and a plurality of spray nozzle assemblies. The spray nozzle assemblies have a compact design with a nozzle body having a liquid inlet and a first spray nozzle carrying liquid outlet section on opposite upper and lower sides, second and third spray nozzle carrying liquid outlet sections disposed in transverse relation to the supply boom; and first and second check valve supporting sections disposed parallel to the liquid supply boom. A first of check valves is operable for controlling liquid flow from the supply boom to one or both of the second and third spray nozzles, and a second check valve is operable for controlling liquid flow from said liquid inlet to said first spray nozzle. The illustrated check valves are operable in response to the pressure of the supply liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Spraying Systems Co.
    Inventors: Trevor Price, T J Winter, Marc Arenson, Rich Gould
  • Patent number: 11241005
    Abstract: A self-leveling crop spraying apparatus is carried by a prime mover. The crop spraying apparatus includes first and second masts, and first and second opposed pendulum arm frame members slidingly engaged to the first and second masts. A pendulum arm extends through the first and second opposed pendulum arm frame members. The first and second pendulum assemblies are coupled to opposed ends of the pendulum arm, and a carriage assembly is carried by the first and second pendulum assemblies. The carriage assembly is rotatable relative to the first and second masts and first and second opposed pendulum arm frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Inventor: Mark S. Ellsworth
  • Patent number: 11076588
    Abstract: A sprayer boom support for an agricultural sprayer including two articulated arms that are coupled in an articulated manner on both sides of the sprayer, wherein each articulated arm is comprised of bar sections that are formed in a composite material consisting of a reinforcing agent chosen from carbon fibre, fibreglass, aramid fibre, boron fibre or a combination thereof, and a matrix of epoxy, vinyl ester, phenolic or polyester resin, the bar sections having a tube geometry with a substantially rectangular cross section with rounded vertices and arched sides, the length of two of its equal sides being constant along the bar section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: KING AGRO EUROPA S.L.
    Inventors: Guillermo Mariani, Gabriel Mariani
  • Patent number: 10813263
    Abstract: A vehicle platform comprises a central body that can support one or more implement configurations, such as sprayer booms, or planting row units. A plurality of adjustable legs extends downward from the central body. An arm assembly has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is pivotably coupled the central body and the second end coupled to a support beam. A plurality of nozzle assemblies is supported from the support beam. An arm actuator is arranged to control a transverse position of the support beam and the nozzle assemblies with respect to a reference point on the central body, such that each nozzle assembly may be aligned with a row of seeds or plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Richard Connell, Shayne C. Rich, Brandon M. McDonald, Newton L. Lingenfelter, Michael M. Miller, Austin N. Thompson
  • Patent number: 10561061
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for spreading liquid and/or solid active agents as well as a method for controlling the device. The device comprises a carrier vehicle, at least one boom arranged pivotably about a rotation axis, and at least one sensor arrangement for detecting an angular velocity and/or an angular position of the boom about the rotation axis in relation to a reference plane. A control unit processes output signals of the sensor arrangements to control signals for an actuator for the purpose of pivoting the boom. Two actuators or a double acting actuator provide an actuating connection between the carrier vehicle and the pivotable boom, wherein the actuator has one active actuating side for each of the two pivoting directions of the boom, which active actuating side is electromagnetically or electromotively actuatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: HORSCH LEEB Application Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Theodor Leeb
  • Patent number: 10499560
    Abstract: A method to reduce bag rupture in an agricultural spray dispensed from a nozzle is disclosed. The method includes dispensing the agricultural spray from the nozzle. The agricultural spray includes water, at least one polymer, and at least one perforation-aid type adjuvant. The agricultural spray exhibits fewer fine droplets exhibiting a diameter less than about 150 ?m formed via the bag rupture approach to droplet formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: WINFIELD SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Bissell, Lee Boles, Andrea Clark
  • Patent number: 10420333
    Abstract: A boom spray assembly, such as for an agricultural sprayer, has a feed pipe and a spray pipe with a continuous tubular body. The tubular body has at least one facial feed opening therein between the ends opening along a second axis at an angle to a first axis of the tubular body. A saddle fitting is coupled to the spray pipe that defines a first passageway extending along the first axis to receive the tubular body and defines a second passageway extending along the second axis in registration with the at least one facial feed opening and receiving spray material from the at least one feed pipe. At least one spray nozzle is coupled to the tubular body of the at least one pipe in communication with the first and second passageways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Michael J. Mellin
  • Patent number: 10258028
    Abstract: A sprayer boom for use with an agricultural sprayer has perforated outer walls. The perforated outer walls may connect boom frame tube stringers to each other by way of stringer connecting plates with cutouts. The perforated outer walls may be defined by webs of material extending between the tube stringers and multiple openings defined between the webs of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Brian J. Pilney
  • Patent number: 10238098
    Abstract: An agricultural distribution machine for spreading liquid and/or solid plant protection products by means of a distribution apparatus which is height-adjustably arranged on a frame of the distribution machine having a plurality of nozzle holders with spray nozzles mounted thereon arranged spaced apart from each other for the purpose of distributing the plant protection product to be spread. Activation of the distribution apparatus is carried out based on at 10 least two spray profiles stored in a computer unit, each spray profile composed of a plurality of parameters. In order to achieve a consistent distribution quality of the plant protection product, different spray profiles can be stored in a computer unit and, in the instance of a deviation of the parameters of a spray profile, an automated activation of the distribution machine or of the distribution 15 apparatus to the parameters of a second spray profile is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: HORSCG LEEB Application Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Theodor Leeb
  • Patent number: 9848592
    Abstract: An improved agricultural spray boom having a primary section, a secondary section and a break away section is provided. The primary section has a top extrusion having a web and two tubes, each tube having a heat sink and a wing. No welds are located above the centerline of the tubes where stress would be the greatest. The secondary section is pivotally attached to the primary section. Weight of the second section and break away section cause a twisting force to be applied to the primary section. The primary section has specially oriented side braces which act in compression to resist the twisting force. The primary section further has a steel connector connected to the underside of the extrusions (and not welded to top of extrusions). The secondary section also has a top extrusion with a web and two tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Specialty Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Peters, Peter J. Heinen, Roy Venton-Walters, Gregory Jackson Klemp, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9718223
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (100) for applying a foaming reaction mixture (600) onto a top layer (500), in particular for producing a composite element, comprising at least two casting rakes (200, 260), each of which comprises a tubular hollow body (210), said hollow body (210) extending along a central axis (250) and having at least two outlet openings (220) for discharging the foaming reaction mixture (600). The casting rakes (200, 260) and the top layer (500) can be moved relative to one another in a longitudinal axis (510), and the casting rakes (200, 260) are arranged on a receiving element (700). According to the invention, each arrangement of the casting rakes (200, 260) on the receiving element (700) has a joint (805), by means of which the casting rakes (200, 260) are movably arranged on the receiving element (700) and can be oriented at an angle (400, 410) of <=80 DEG relative to the longitudinal axis (510) of the movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Covestro Deutschland AG
    Inventor: Ralf Köster
  • Patent number: 9707882
    Abstract: The invention relates to an agricultural machine for spraying a phytosanitary liquid over cultivated land, said machine comprising means for moving the machine, a spray boom having at least one arm, a mechanism for inclining the boom and/or at least one of the arms in relation to a frame of the machine and vertically when the machine is on a flat and horizontal surface, and a mechanism for raising/lowering the boom along an axis fixed in relation to the frame of the machine. At least one of the arms is provided with at least one sensor, each sensor measuring a distance between the surface of the land and said sensor or, if necessary, between the crop and the sensor. The control unit is connected to each sensor, provided with a memory for storing information provided by each sensor, and able to control the raising/lowering mechanism according to information stored in the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: EXEL INDUSTRIES
    Inventor: Patrick Ballu
  • Patent number: 9681654
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a breakaway hinge for an expandable boom on an agricultural vehicle. The boom includes of a first and a second section combined in a manner to allow the second section to move with respect to the first section when the second section encounters an obstruction. A breakaway hinge is provided between the first and the second section, and includes a first pivot member attached to the first section at an angle ? with respect to a vertical line and a second pivot member attached to the second section at an angle ? with respect to the vertical line. A connecting member holds the first pivot member with respect to the second pivot member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: 4-L Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan Light
  • Patent number: 9565847
    Abstract: The invention relates to an agricultural machine for spraying a phytosanitary liquid over a crop planted in a section of land, comprising a spray boom having at least one arm, a mechanism for raising/lowering the boom and, for each arm, a mechanism for inclining the arm, a manual system for controlling each inclining body, and a receiver for communicating with a geolocalization system and a control unit. Each arm is provided with at least one sensor measuring a distance between said sensor and the surface of the land or vegetation planted in the land, and an element for measuring a datum relating to the incline of the arm. The control unit is connected to each sensor, to the receiver and to the measuring element, is provided with a storage memory, and is able to control each inclining mechanism and the raising/lowering mechanism according to the information stored in the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: EXEL INDUSTRIES
    Inventor: Patrick Ballu
  • Patent number: 9370175
    Abstract: A vehicle mounted sprayer has a plurality of spray booms equipped with downwardly facing spray nozzles. A control console includes a rounded palm rest with the most often used operational spray controls placed directly ahead of the palm rest for easy actuation by the operator as the operator rests the palm of one hand on the palm rest. A pivotal hose reel for manual spraying has pivotal motion about a vertical axis into one of a plurality of adjusted positions relative to the sprayer to ease unwinding and rewinding of the hose from the hose reel. A hill assist system holds the sprayer on a hill for a predetermined time to give the operator enough time to place the sprayer into forward motion up the hill from a standing stop. The spray through the booms can be selectively added to flow in a tank agitation system to boost agitation effectiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Steve A. Swinney, II, Todd A. Otto, Bart T. Ellson, David J. Martin, Chakradhari Ratala, Brannon W. Polk
  • Publication number: 20150122911
    Abstract: An adhesively bonded frame section for an agricultural sprayer boom is provided. One agricultural sprayer boom section includes a first support member and a second support member disposed adjacent to the first support member. The boom section also includes a side plate adhesively bonded to a first lateral side of the first support member, and to a first lateral side of the second support member to couple the first support member to the second support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: John Paul Honermann, Scott David Reese
  • Patent number: 9010659
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventor: Petrus Henricus Johannes Bouten
  • Patent number: 8998106
    Abstract: A boom mounting assembly (20; 120; 220) for attachment to an agricultural application machine (10) is provided. The assembly comprises a boom support frame (22) which is suspended from a primary frame (24) mounted to a chassis. The boom support frame comprises a transverse beam (35) for supporting an intermediate section of a fluid application boom (16). The suspension mechanism allows both yaw and pitch of boom support frame relative to the primary frame resulting from fore and aft forces on the boom. Dampers (50, 52) are each connected between the primary frame and the boom support frame at a position spaced from the transverse centre of the assembly. Damping of pitch and asymmetrical yaw movement of the transverse beam away from a neutral position is controlled by the first and second dampers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: AGCO Netherlands B.V.
    Inventor: Hiddema Joris
  • Patent number: 8979415
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventor: Petrus Henricus Johannes Bouten
  • Publication number: 20150053788
    Abstract: An electric pesticide sprayer includes: a wagon type body including a driving wheel formed at a lower portion of the body and a box with an inner space formed at an upper portion of the body; a tank provided inside the box to store a pesticide; an impeller provided inside the box, and connected to the tank to convey the pesticide stored in the tank; a distribution unit provided at an end of the impeller to distribute the conveyed a pesticide in left and right directions; left and right hydraulic units connected to distribution unit and installed at front left and right of the wagon type body; and a sprayer including vertical pipes installed at the left and right hydraulic units, respectively, horizontal pipes connected to lower peripheries of the vertical pipes, respectively, and multiple injection nozzles provided at the vertical pipe and the horizontal pipe, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Hee Uak Park, Hong Mo Park
  • Patent number: 8950696
    Abstract: An apparatus for spraying and inducing an electrostatic charge upon a liquid in excess of 0.8 millicoloumb/kilogram is connectable to a boom fitted to a vehicle, such as an aircraft, having a dc power supply. The apparatus comprises a nozzle constructed from a substantially non-conductive material and includes a spray tip designed to provide a hollow conical spray pattern. A support member extends from the nozzle and supports a charging electrode for inducing an electrostatic charge upon the liquid sprayed through the nozzle. The charging electrode attaches to the support member and is electrically connectable to the dc power supply. The charging electrode includes a cylindrical portion and a plurality of corona discharge members extending inwardly from a distal end of the cylindrical portion adjacent to the spray tip. The charging electrode is positioned to permit the hollow conical spray pattern to pass unhindered therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson Airspray, Inc.
    Inventor: George N. Massey
  • Publication number: 20150028127
    Abstract: An apparatus can include a trough configured to be removably attached to a discharge chute and receive a slurry discharged therefrom. The apparatus can include a basin connected to a lower end of the trough, and can include a plurality of drainage nozzles disposed along a bottom of the basin and configured to concurrently distribute the slurry to a plurality of locations where the plurality of drainage nozzles includes an adjustable drainage nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: William S. GUTHRIE, John M. COYLE, David O. ANDERSON, Charles HOPE
  • Patent number: 8942893
    Abstract: A boom is attached to an application vehicle for applying a product during an agricultural application. The boom includes one or more sections that can be dynamically adjusted to satisfy one or more adjustment criteria. A boom controller communicates actuation commands to a boom adjustment system to dynamically adjust the shape of the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Uriel Rosa, Arthur F. Lange, John William Peake, Gurcan Aral, Gregory Daniel Chiocco
  • Patent number: 8939383
    Abstract: An adhesively bonded frame section for an agricultural sprayer boom is provided. One agricultural sprayer boom section includes a first support member and a second support member disposed adjacent to the first support member. The boom section also includes a side plate adhesively bonded to a first lateral side of the first support member, and to a first lateral side of the second support member to couple the first support member to the second support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: John Paul Honermann, Scott David Reese
  • Publication number: 20140361093
    Abstract: Liquid nutrients are continuously applied to rows of standing crops by pulling a drag hose from a reel located at one end of a field and between two crop rows with a boom having a forward end pivotally connected to an applicator mounted on a tractor and a rearward end supported by a wheel. The boom carries a supply line having a rearward end connected to the drag hose and a forward end connector to the applicator having the same length as the boom. At the opposite end of the field, the tractor and applicator turn 180° while the boom passes over the applicator. The tractor returns down a second plurality of rows back to the first end of the field while the reel simultaneously retracts the hose between the two rows of crops. The reel is moved to a third plurality of rows the steps are repeated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: David Dale Alig, Gregory K. Alig, Rick E. Alig
  • Patent number: 8888015
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a spraying apparatus with an integrated filter, specifically to overcome the challenges of spraying asphalt sealant material. The present invention can be integrated within an asphalt sealant spray system and consists of a leak free large filter housing, multiple spray nozzles placed axially and pointing downwards towards the ground, a meshed filter that fits inside the filter housing, an actuator as means of on/off nozzle control, extension options for lengthening the spray pattern, a material inlet that will receive pressurized material from a pump the spray apparatus is integrated with, and housing end caps to provide easy access to the inside of the filter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Richard D Rayner
  • Patent number: 8864048
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a breakaway hinge for an expandable boom on an agricultural vehicle. The boom includes of a first and a second section combined in a manner to allow the second section to move with respect to the first section when the second section encounters an obstruction. A breakaway hinge is provided between the first and the second section, and includes a first pivot member attached to the first section at an angle ? with respect to a vertical line and a second pivot member attached to the second section at an angle ? with respect to the vertical line. A connecting member holds the first pivot member with respect to the second pivot member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: 4-L Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan Light
  • Patent number: 8858062
    Abstract: An apparatus for distributing a slurry can include a trough configured to be removably attached to a discharge chute of a ready-mix truck and receive a slurry discharged therefrom where the trough has a front including a flange configured to extend under the discharge chute. The apparatus can include an enclosed basin connected to a lower end of the trough proximate to a midpoint of the enclosed basin and an aperture defined within the enclosed basin and configured to enable the slurry to flow from the trough into the enclosed basin. The enclosed basin can include at least one covered access port where the at least one covered access port is configured to be opened and configured to be closed. The apparatus can include a plurality of drainage nozzles disposed along a bottom of the enclosed basin and configured to distribute the slurry to a plurality of locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Brigham Young University
    Inventors: William Spencer Guthrie, John M. Coyle, David Odell Anderson, Charles Hope
  • Patent number: 8851403
    Abstract: A liquid spraying system comprising a plurality of spray nozzles mounted in dependent fashion a liquid supply boom that travels in a field in a direction of movement. The liquid spray nozzle each have a first liquid discharge orifice and deflector flange for directing discharging liquid at a first angle to the vertical in a leading direction, and a second discharge orifice and deflector flange for simultaneously directing liquid in a trailing direction from a different elevation and at a second angle to the vertical different from the first angle for complete coverage of plant foliage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Spraying Systems Co.
    Inventors: Lawrence Eric Thomas, Jahir Leonardo Caro
  • Patent number: 8844838
    Abstract: An agricultural sprayer spray head is adapted for being mounted to a spray boom together with a plurality of like, equally spaced spray heads. Each spray head includes a body containing a flow control member mounted for rotation about an axis and including a fluid control passage arrangement located for effecting an intermittent connection between a fluid inlet leading to, and an outlet leading from the body as the control member is oscillated or rotated by a powered motor so as to effect a pulsing flow through said control passage arrangement. The powered motor operates at a speed controlled by various input parameters including vehicle speed and field and crop conditions so as to maintain a desired spray application rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Travis G. Funseth, David S. Mercer, Richard A. Humpal
  • Publication number: 20140284400
    Abstract: This application discusses, among other things, agricultural equipment and more particularly agricultural chemical applicators. In an example, an agricultural sprayer system can include a first boom section configured to receive a carrier material and a chemical material and to provide an agricultural chemical mixture, the boom section having a plurality of nozzles for spraying the chemical mixture; and a first rod insert coupled to an end cap of the boom section, the rod insert configured to reduce the volume of the boom section and to provide increased flow velocity of the chemical mixture to each of the plurality of nozzles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Amanda Marie Hebbert, Michael Jordan Sukalski, Colin James Taylor, Jaclyn Marie Clark, Nicholas O. Michael
  • Publication number: 20140263730
    Abstract: The application is generally directed towards a drop nozzle for an agricultural sprayer. The drop nozzle can be used to reduce spray drift as liquids are deposited by the sprayer. The drop nozzle includes a valve assembly including a shutoff valve, a tube operably connected to the valve assembly, and an airfoil connected to the tube. The shutoff valve selectively prevents fluid flow from the valve assembly to the tube and the airfoil directs airflow around one or more portions of the drop nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Winfield Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Winfield Solutions, LLC
  • Publication number: 20140259897
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an applicator system comprising a beam; an applicator transducer; an applicator hose system coupled to the beam and the applicator transducer, the applicator hose system comprising: a trolley system configured to move bi-directionally along the beam based on a cable-pulling operation of the applicator transducer; a hose carrier configured to carry at least a portion of a hose; and an applicator that is coupled to one end of the hose carried by the hose carrier and operably coupled to the trolley system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: AGCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ravindra Godbole, John Peterson
  • Publication number: 20140263731
    Abstract: A spray boom system is disclosed that provides substantially equal solution paths to a plurality of nozzles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Kuide Qin, Dylan Engels
  • Publication number: 20140263705
    Abstract: A system comprises a distribution boom, a first pump device configured to provide a flow stream of a carrier substance for the distribution boom, a second pump device configured to supply a chemical substance into the flow stream of the carrier substance, and a control module. The distribution boom includes a plurality of boom sections. A boom section includes one or more dispensers, a mixing device configured to provide a combination of chemical and carrier to the one or more dispensers, and a control valve configured to supply the chemical substance to the mixing device. The control module is configured to individually control a rate of supply of the chemical substance to the boom section by the control valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Nick Michael, Diane Miller, Warren L. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20140263690
    Abstract: A Large Area Liquid Solution Application includes a boom equipped with a series of easily removable spray nozzles, for easier cleaning and maintenance, attached to a standard truck trailer hitch receiver with a pump assembly attached onto a reservoir loaded onto a truck bed. This invention presents an effective deicing apparatus and method to spray brine evenly on the pavement. The reservoir is easily secured manually with standard ratchet straps and the boom connects to any standard truck tow hitch without the use of tools. The equipment panel with attached pump is easily removable and the pump fittings and corresponding output hoses manually snap in and out of place to allow easier maintenance and cleaning. Communicating wirelessly, the present invention is activated by a wireless key enabling a truck driver to control the system without needing to exit the vehicle and manually shut of the sprayer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Ron Eckman
  • Patent number: 8833680
    Abstract: A plugged nozzle monitoring system uses a thermal flow sensor located within a spray nozzle of an agricultural sprayer. The thermal flow sensor is free of moving parts and is made of corrosion-resistant materials. The thermal flow sensor is placed within the fluid flow path through the nozzle and activates an alarm if flow through the nozzle falls below the baseline value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Jon Ellingson, Aaron Tollefsrud, Bruce Bastin
  • Patent number: 8827180
    Abstract: An agricultural sprayer boom assembly is provided that includes a center section having a first frame configured to support left and right wing sections of the agricultural sprayer boom assembly. The agricultural sprayer boom assembly also includes a mast having a second frame coupled to the first frame, and configured to support the first frame during operation and transport. The first and second frames are aligned with one another along a direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: John Paul Honermann, Dane Kallevig, Scott David Reese
  • Patent number: 8814012
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a material spreader mounted to a boom of an excavator for spreading bulk material over an area of interest. The material spreader includes a motor-controlled feeder for metering out the bulk material at a controlled rate. The material spreader further includes a mounting bracket configured to mount to a universal mounting portion of the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Mt. Carmel Stabilization Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. McPherson
  • Publication number: 20140231543
    Abstract: A boom structure for a mobile agricultural implement. The boom structure includes a first transversely extending beam member having a first protrusion. The boom structure includes a second transversely extending beam member having a second protrusion. The second transversely extending beam member is spatially offset from the first transversely extending beam member. A plurality of first coupling members are connected to the first protrusion and a plurality of second coupling members connected to the second protrusion. A plurality of connecting members are connected to the first and second coupling members to connect the first and second transversely extending beam members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: MARK E. BARKER, ROGER E. DANIELS, RICHARD A. HUMPAL
  • Patent number: 8800887
    Abstract: A system for agricultural spraying including a solution reservoir and primary pump for delivering fluid to a plurality of laterally spaced nozzles interconnected by supply conduits. A chemical reservoir and chemical injection pump are interconnected to the output of the primary pump through a mixer. Controllers for the primary pump and chemical injection pump are coordinated to run the pumps a predetermined time to fill each of the supply conduits from the chemical injection pump and primary pump so as to automatically prime the injection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Michael L. Moeller, Bradley J. Hitchler
  • Patent number: 8777126
    Abstract: A crop sprayer includes a main frame. A product tank and a rinse tank are supported by the main frame. A battery is also supported by the main frame. A framework is supported by the main frame that defines a routing space. A control panel is attached to the framework that defines at least a first panel opening, a second panel opening, and a third panel opening. A first fluid line is connected between a first fluid outlet and the product tank. The first fluid line extends through the routing space and the first panel opening. A second fluid line is connected between the second fluid outlet and the rinse tank. The second fluid line extends through the routing space and the second panel opening. A first electrical switch is supported by the framework adjacent to the third opening. Electrical wiring extends between the first electrical switch and the battery, the electrical wiring also extending through the routing space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: ET Works, LLC
    Inventors: Chad A Ringer, Justin Honegger, Ryan Larsh, Jarrett Waters
  • Patent number: 8777125
    Abstract: An operator interface assembly is provided that includes a frame having a first end configured to rotatably couple to a first lateral frame tube of an agricultural vehicle, and a second end configured to transition between a raised position adjacent to a second lateral frame tube of the agricultural vehicle and a lowered position beneath the second lateral frame tube via rotation of the frame about the first end. The operator interface assembly also includes a fluid inlet coupled to the frame, and configured to provide fluid to the agricultural vehicle. In addition, the operator interface assembly includes a valve coupled to the frame, and configured to control fluid flow from the fluid inlet to the agricultural vehicle. The fluid inlet and the valve are positioned adjacent to the second end of the frame, and directed laterally outward with respect to the agricultural vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: John Paul Honermann, Scott David Reese
  • Patent number: 8746589
    Abstract: A boom structure for a mobile agricultural implement. The boom structure includes a first transversely extending beam member having a first protrusion. The boom structure includes a second transversely extending beam member having a second protrusion. The second transversely extending beam member is spatially offset from the first transversely extending beam member. A plurality of first coupling members are coupled to the first protrusion and a plurality of second coupling members coupled to the second protrusion. A plurality of connecting members are coupled to the first and second coupling members to connect the first and second transversely extending beam members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Mark E. Barker, Roger E. Daniels, Richard A. Humpal
  • Patent number: 8740109
    Abstract: Apparatus producing superheated water and/or steam for weed (36) killing, etc. has diesel fired boiler (30), which, via pump (32), generates hot water at a pressure of 40-52 bar and temperature of 90-115° C. This passes down tube (12) and encounters the constriction provided by nozzle (14). Passing through nozzle (14) into depressurization chamber (16), which is at atmospheric pressure, the water boils. When the super heated water exits ports (20) of distribution pipe (18) it encounters ambient temperature and is transformed into high temperature water vapor and/or water droplets. The apparatus controls or kill weeds (36) using a smaller volume of water and less energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Steamwand International Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Philip Muston, David Parkin, Jeremy Winer
  • Publication number: 20140048611
    Abstract: An agricultural sprayer has a tank containing chemicals and a boom arm with a plurality of nozzle assemblies configured to disperse the chemicals in the tank. The nozzle assemblies include a conduit defining a fluid pathway and a spray nozzle in fluid communication with the fluid pathway. A turbine is operatively located within the fluid pathway and a light source is located proximate the spray nozzle and in electrical communication with the turbine. The light source is arranged to direct emitted light into a spray pattern produced by the spray nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: AGCO Corporation
    Inventor: Troy R. Palmquist