Abstract: An agricultural distribution machine that includes a carrier vehicle with a distributor boom that is movable at least about a pivot axis is described. The machine also includes a controlling apparatus that generates a controlling force to move the distributor boom about the pivot axis. A first sensor apparatus detects an angular rate (?) of the distributor boom. The control apparatus implements a first operating mode to hold the distributor boom in a currently set target rotational position in which disturbance torques acting on the distributor boom, resulting from movements of the carrier vehicle about the longitudinal axis, are compensated. In the first operating mode, the control apparatus is configured to regulate the angular rate (?) detected by the first sensor apparatus as a controlled variable to a target value which has an absolute value of between zero and a threshold value (?0).

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 liquid dispensing apparatus for applying liquid products to row crops. The liquid dispensing apparatus includes a plurality of drop assemblies supported by and laterally spaced along a boom structure. Each of the drop assemblies includes dribble hoses for dribbling a liquid product onto the soil in a rhizosphere of adjacent crop rows. The drop assemblies may include a spray assembly for spraying the row crops. The dribble hoses may be supported by a base unit with positionable support brackets.

Abstract: Apparatus for spreading fluids and in particular fertilizers, pesticides and similar fluids, with a connection for attaching said apparatus to a machine, with a tubular body for conducting the fluid, and with a first outlet device via which the fluid can be discharged. The outlet device can be fixed at various positions in a longitudinal direction of the tubular body such that a position of the outlet device can be selected relative to the tubular body.

Abstract: A spray boom support structure includes a first support member, a second support member, a plurality of vertical support elements disposed between the first and second support member along lengths of the first and second support members, and at least one strut. Each vertical support element includes a bottom saddle portion coupled to first support member, a top saddle portion coupled to the second support member, and an I-beam portion disposed between the top and bottom saddle portions. Further, each strut extends between adjacent vertical support elements.

Abstract: A foldable rear boom section of an agricultural product applicator includes at least one first tube connected to a first end of a respective at least one second tube and a hinge assembly coupled to the first and second tubes and configured to pivot the second tube with respect to the first tube about a pivot axis. Further, a nozzle is connected to a second end of the second tube. Pivoting the first and second tubes about the pivot axis causes the foldable rear boom section and the nozzle to transition between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: A boom mounting assembly for attachment to an agricultural machine is disclosed, which may comprise a primary frame, and a boom support frame configured to support a boom and being suspended from the primary frame to pivot in a transverse plane around a longitudinal axis of rotation provided in a pivot point. The boom support frame may comprise a first sub-frame connected to the primary frame; a second sub-frame supported by the first sub-frame in support sections provided on opposite sides of the pivot point in a transverse direction; and an actuator connected to the sub-frames and operable such that the support sections move relative to the pivot point to increase and decrease, in the transverse direction, a respective distance on opposite sides of the pivot point at the same time. Further, a method for controlling operation of a boom mounting assembly attached to an agricultural machine is provided.

Abstract: A regulating and/or control system for an agricultural machine includes a distributor linkage for spreading material, such as fertilizer, plant protection products, or seeds, the distributor linkage being pivotable about at least one axis of rotation extending in the direction of travel, with at least one first sensor device for determining the inclination of the distributor linkage; and a data processing device for processing the sensor signals. The system further includes at least one second sensor device for determining the centrifugal force FF and/or the centrifugal acceleration aF acting upon the first sensor device when the machine is turning corners, where the data processing device is configured such that an inclination measurement error of the first sensor device can be corrected based on the sensor signals of the second sensor device.

Abstract: A spray boom for an agricultural machine includes a first section having a first end and a second end and a second section having a first end pivotably coupled to the second end of the first section. The first section includes a first support member and a second support member disposed above the first support member. A centerline of the second support member is horizontally offset from a centerline of the first support member. Meanwhile, the second section includes a first support member. The spray boom may be configured in an extended position or a folded position. In the folded position, the second section is disposed above the first support member of the first section and adjacent the second support member.

Abstract: A sprayer boom breakaway joint with a staged release and forced lift system is implemented with an agricultural sprayer. The system provides positive locking to restrain a breakaway joint against movement from a neutral position until an impact with a breakaway boom segment provides sufficient force to overcome the neutral holding force. Once released from the neutral position, the breakaway boom segment may at least initially experience a lesser holding force that biases the breakaway boom segment toward the neutral position and the breakaway boom segment may move along a path that has an upward movement component in addition to a rearward movement component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system that reliably, economically, and precisely delivers liquid fertilizer and chemicals during agricultural operations, such as during planting, tillage, and cultivating. The system includes a system of tubes delivering liquid to each row and a flow meter on each feed line to sense the flow rate and report the status of the flow to each row back to an operator's device.

Abstract: A breakaway joint for a boom arm assembly includes a first boom segment defining a pivot axis at a first end, a second boom segment pivotally coupled to the first boom segment at the pivot axis, a bracket coupled to the first boom segment, a leaf spring coupled to the bracket between the first boom segment and the second boom segment, and a cam coupled to the second boom segment and positioned adjacent to the leaf spring. The first boom segment and the second boom segment are pivotally aligned in a neutral position. In the neutral position, the leaf spring contacts the cam at a first contact force, and in any position other than the neutral position, the leaf spring contacts the cam at a contact force greater than the first contact force.

Abstract: A laterally movable carrier is associated with a row frame. The carrier is connected to a frame member, an opener, a first outlet and a second outlet to allow for dynamically variable adjustment of the lateral separation between a first row of planted seed and a second row of planted seed, where the first row of seed is adjacent to the second row of seed.

Abstract: A boom assembly, including a frame comprising a first portion and a second portion hingeably coupled to the first portion; and a hinge assembly hingeably coupling the first and second portions, the hinge assembly including first and second electromagnets coupled respectively to the first and second portions; a first switch membrane coupled to the second portion and configured to control an energy state of the first and second electromagnets.

Abstract: A breakaway joint for a boom arm assembly includes a first boom segment defining a pivot axis at a first end, a second boom segment pivotally coupled to the first boom segment at the pivot axis, a bracket coupled to the first boom segment, a leaf spring coupled to the bracket between the first boom segment and the second boom segment, and a cam coupled to the second boom segment and positioned adjacent to the leaf spring. The first boom segment and the second boom segment are pivotally aligned in a neutral position. In the neutral position, the leaf spring contacts the cam at a first contact force, and in any position other than the neutral position, the leaf spring contacts the cam at a contact force greater than the first contact force.

Abstract: A thermal blanket system is provided on an aircraft component to protect the component, for example, from engine heat. The component has a latch half attached thereto, which is also covered by the thermal blanket system. In some scenarios, the latch half may need to be detached from the component because the latch was stuck closed. The thermal blanket system includes a portion thereof which overlaps the latch half and breaks away from the remainder of the thermal blanket system when the latch half is detached.

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.

Abstract: A valve assembly for spraying devices for agricultural technology having a plurality of valves, wherein the valves each include a valve body, which is capable of assuming at least one enable position and one disable position relative to a valve seat, an electric motor for moving the valve seat and/or the valve body into the enable position and the disable position, and an electric energy storage device for providing electric energy for the electric motor, wherein a voltage converter is provided and configured, in a first operation mode, to convert a first voltage provided by the energy storage device into a second, higher voltage to be applied to the electric motor during moving the valve body and/or the valve seat and, in a second operation mode, to charge the energy storage device with low power input.

Abstract: An autonomous spraying platform is provided. The autonomous spraying platform has a main frame platform supported by a first and a second wheel in tandem. Supported by the main frame platform and extended perpendicular thereto are extended booms having multiple movable and/or telescoping arms which touch the ground on each side by small wheels for balance and sensing of the ground. Liquids, foams or powders, which may carry pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, fertilizers or other pro-growth ingredients, may be dispensed across the bottom edge of the extended booms. The main frame platform may be controlled locally by sensors utilizing GPS (or other positioning technology) or remotely by a computer or even alive operator. The device may allow for real-time precise delivery of pro-growth materials to plants.

Abstract: A spray boom system is disclosed that provides substantially equal solution paths to a plurality of nozzles.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for rotating a boom assembly relative to an agricultural vehicle. The system is arranged with a fixed transom and rotating transom wherein the rotating transom has a pivot point positioned below both fixed and rotating transoms. The system is provided with a plurality of rotors and tracks to allow the pivot point to be positioned lower than that of prior art systems to allow the boom assembly to more accurately track the contours of row crops in undulating landscapes.

Abstract: The present relates to a method and system for controlling an inclination of a boom with respect to a vehicle. A central frame member allows a pivotal movement of the boom with respect to the vehicle. Sensors collect data related to an inclination of the central frame member with respect to the vehicle. Control means control the inclination of the central frame member with respect to the vehicle. An electronic control unit actuates the control means based on the collected data. The control means may comprise breaking means for preventing a variation of the inclination of the central frame member, and adjustment means for modifying the inclination of the central frame member.

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: 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.

Abstract: The invention concerns an agricultural sprayer with an arm comprising multiple segments, which are pivotable relative to each other, whereby the arm is pivotable out of a transport position into an operating position and/or back into a transport position, whereby the complete arm is attachable to a drawing vehicle, such as a tractor, and pivotable around a first horizontal swiveling axis, whereby at least one of the segments of the arm is pivotable around a second swiveling axis, which is in general vertically aligned in the transport position and whereby the discrete segments comprise units, which are arranged relative to each other per segment such, that a work plane through those units is in general vertically aligned in the transport position, wherein the complete arm is pivoted out of the transport position in the operating position around the first swiveling axis, such that the work plane is generally horizontally aligned.

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.

Abstract: A turf sprayer has a truss shaped center boom and a pair of pivotal truss shaped wing booms within which spaced spray nozzles are supported. A drift shroud system comprises three integral and one-piece drift shrouds comprising a center shroud for the center boom and a pair of side shrouds for the wing booms. Each shroud is attached to an underside of the corresponding boom in a manner such that the shrouds project below the booms and not substantially above the booms to leave the truss-shapes of the booms open and unobscured to provide access to the spray nozzles within the booms. The shrouds each have openings in a top wall thereof for receiving the spray exiting from the nozzles with the spray passing downwardly between spaced front and rear walls of the shrouds.

Abstract: A tilting boom applicator broadly includes a laterally-extending applicator boom a lift, and a tilt frame. The lift includes upper and lower lift arms that support the applicator boom and are operable to vertically shift the applicator boom. The tilt frame interconnects the applicator boom and lift and includes a fixed section mounted to upper lift arms and a swinging section mounted to the applicator boom. The frame sections are attached to each other at a frame pivot joint that defines a longitudinal tilt axis, with the frame pivot joint permitting tilting movement of the applicator boom relative to the lift about the longitudinal tilt axis. Lower lift arms are directly attached to the swinging section to limit movement of the applicator boom relative to the lift about a lateral pitch axis while permitting the tilting movement.

Abstract: An agricultural sprayer implement which includes a wheeled main body and a cantilevered boom. The cantilevered boom has a plurality of sections which fold with respect to one another and place significant torsional stress on one or more of the boom sections. The interior boom sections have a cylindrical tube as a lower member and preferably a square tube as an upper member with a plurality of braces extending between them. The cylindrical tube resists the torsional stress which is maximized during folding of the boom. The square tube resists particularly an upward/downward bending moment.

Abstract: A boom cradle slide system for use with an agricultural sprayer vehicle is provided. The boom cradle slide system includes a boom cradle that holds a sprayer boom in a stowed position. A slide assembly connects the boom cradle to the sprayer vehicle and allows the boom cradle to move transversely or laterally nearer to or further from the sprayer vehicle. An actuator provides the mechanism for driving the slide assembly and correspondingly moving the boom cradle and sprayer boom. The actuator is operated from outside a cab of the sprayer vehicle.

Abstract: A liquid manure distributor comprises a hollow elongated beam adapted to extend transversally horizontally at a rear bottom end of a spreader. The beam is connected in fluid flow communication with a feed pipe. A plurality of discharged holes are distributed along the hollow elongated beam for distributing the liquid medium from the hollow elongated beam onto the ground surface.

Abstract: A lock assembly is provided to secure a multi-stage folding boom assembly having left and right booms, each boom having an middle section that pivots about a vertical axis with respect to an inner section, an outer section that pivots about a second vertical axis with respect to the middle section. The lock assembly includes a first interlock portion that receives a second interlock portion when the first section pivots laterally inward about the first vertical axis with respect to the second section to a first stage folded position. As the middle section pivots forward and laterally inward toward a second stage folded position with respect to the third section, the first interlock portion slidably moves and interlocks with the second interlock portion to restrain the outer section from falling out of alignment with respect to the middle section.

Abstract: An assembly for locking a suspension arrangement operatively connected between a boom assembly and a carrying frame that are supported on a boom support implement or vehicle is provided. The implement or vehicle also includes a lift linkage operable to move the carrying frame and connected boom assembly between a lowered, operative position and a raised, inoperative position. The lock assembly includes a lock pin and a bracket assembly. The lock pin is mounted at the lift linkage. The bracket assembly includes a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket is mounted at the boom assembly and the second bracket is mounted at the carrying frame. In the raised, inoperative position of the boom assembly, the first and second brackets are configured to receive the lock pin in a locked position to restrain the boom assembly from swinging or rotating with respect to the lift linkage.

Abstract: A crop sprayer, including: a chassis; a number of wheels which support the chassis; an engine for driving at least one of the number of wheels so as to propel said chassis; a chemical receptacle, supported by the chassis, for receiving and holding a chemical solution therein; a boom arm mounted to the chassis including a plurality of nozzles operable for dispersing chemicals; a control handle for controlling the position of the boom arm and the dispersion of the chemicals through at least a portion of the plurality of nozzles, wherein the control handle has an adjustable position to accommodate various size operators.

Abstract: A dry material surface applicator comprising: a plurality of receptacles for attaching hoses from an air seeder cart; a plurality of towers mounted on a boom; a plurality of smaller distribution tubes emanating from each tower; a plurality of deflector shields mounted to the rear side of the boom; two boom wheels at either end of the boom; a center section comprising a single axle, two center wheels, an inside support bar, and two outside support bars; two swing arms, each of which is pivotally connected to one of the outside support bars of the center section proximate the center wheels; two main arms, each of which is releasably attached to a swing arm on one end and a bracket mounted to the boom on the other end; and a latching mechanism that locks the swing arm in place when the applicator is in a field or highway position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sprayer having a center boom and pivotal wing booms. The wing booms can be pivoted from an extended spray position to an elevated transport position by lifting and lowering each wing boom about a longitudinal lift pivot axis. In addition, each wing boom can bi-directionally breakaway relative to the center boom by virtue of a breakaway pivot arranged between the lift pivot axis and the innermost end of the wing boom. The breakaway pivot has at least one pair of nested cams that are biased into their nested condition by at least one spring. The center boom carries a pair of support cradles that direct or cam one wing boom forwardly and the other wing boom rearwardly as the wing booms are lifted into the transport position such that the wing booms form an X-shape relative to one another. The support cradles are partially flexible to allow the wing booms to release from the cradles if they strike an obstruction.

Abstract: A liquid de-icer applicator which is specifically designed for convenient de-icer application, as opposed to simple agricultural spray. The unit has a horizontal frame chassis with an attached push handle, a tank detachably mounted on the chassis for holding and dispensing liquid de-icer, a pair of foldable wing spray bars mounted to the front of the chassis which can move from folded or closed transport position to operational positions. The foldable wing spray bars are fluidly connected to a spray system which can be selectively operated at the spray bars or by use of a wand. The applicator has a pair of spaced apart wheels mounted near the rear end of the chassis, behind and below the tank in order to allow convenient and balanced mobility. Finally, there is an associated power supply (battery) for operation of the spray system and it is all housed under a protective housing. Preferably the unit includes a control panel mounted on the push handle.

Abstract: A tack spraying device mountable on an engine driven vehicle having a storage tank for maintaining tack stored in the container under pressure during operation, a first line connecting the exhaust pipe of the vehicle engine to the storage tank in a manner to permit transfer of the engine exhaust to the interior of the storage tank and to serve as a source of the pressure within the container, and a second line connecting the storage tank to a spray nozzle in a manner to transfer the tack in the storage tank to the spray nozzle.

Abstract: A spray delivery system including a sectional boom attachable to a vehicle. The boom includes first and second movable arms and a fixed arm, each arm housing a plurality of spray nozzles. Each arm can include a frame having openings so that the arms are light-weight and so that the nozzles housed in the frames for protection can spray through the openings in the bottom surface of the frame. The movable arms include an operation position and a retracted position and the arms each include a drift shroud covering to prevent wind from interfering with the application of spray from nozzles. The drift shrouds can include windows that align with the openings in the frame such that an operator can see the spray from the nozzle from the operator's seat in the vehicle.

Abstract: An applicator boom apparatus comprises an applicator boom extending laterally from a vehicle, and pivotally attached to the vehicle such that the boom can pivot up and down with respect to the vehicle. A kit provides a gauge member adapted to ride along a surface of the ground and support an outer portion of the boom such that the boom moves up and down with the gauge member as the gauge member rides along the ground, and also provides an active hydraulic source powering the shoulder hydraulic cylinder of the apparatus such that the shoulder hydraulic cylinder exerts an upward force on the boom such that a downward force exerted on the gauge member by the boom is reduced.

Abstract: A dry material surface applicator comprising: a plurality of receptacles for attaching hoses from an air seeder cart; a plurality of towers mounted on a boom; a plurality of smaller distribution tubes emanating from each tower; a plurality of deflector shields mounted to the rear side of the boom; two boom wheels at either end of the boom; a center section comprising a single axle, two center wheels, an inside support bar, and two outside support bars; two swing arms, each of which is pivotally connected to one of the outside support bars of the center section proximate the center wheels; two main arms, each of which is releasably attached to a swing arm on one end and a bracket mounted to the boom on the other end; and a latching mechanism that locks the swing arm in place when the applicator is in a field or highway position.

Abstract: An easily manufactured large boom construction includes a plurality of main tube support sections fabricated from plate material of differing material thickness, grade and section dependent on load. The tube support sections include apertured areas which provide a preliminary snap-fit of the main tubes to significantly reduce need for additional fixturing. The opposite ends of diagonal tubes pass through apertures in the fabricated support sections for accurate tube location without complicated weld fixtures or precise tube length and cut end angle tolerances. The tubes are welded on opposite sides of the sections to eliminate need for tube-to-tube connections or connections wherein a cut end edge has to be precisely placed against a planar surface. An inverted right triangle boom cross section with wing over-top fold configuration ability provides strength, stiffness and infinite nozzle placement possibilities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a boom structure for an agricultural implement (1), wherein a pivot link connects a boom section (20) with a frame (10), and actuator means (18) being capable of generating a desired pivoting of the boom section (20) about an axis (A).

Abstract: A sprayer device includes a main tank (2) for a carrier product, at least one tank (4, 8) for a chemical product intended to be mixed with the carrier product, a sprayer manifold (12) or the like and a pump (10) downstream of the main tank (2) for feeding the carrier product under pressure from the main tank to the sprayer manifold or the like.

Abstract: An agricultural sprayer including an induction unit capable of occupying at least one transport position and at least one filling position. A movement of the induction unit automatically predisposes a water circuit of the sprayer with a view to preparing a treatment spray mix. To do this, movement of the induction unit causes the opening or closure of at least one valve of the water circuit.

Abstract: A suspension device for a boom of a product spraying agricultural appliance includes elements for mounting the boom on a chassis of the appliance. The suspension device further includes elements to damp a boom movements and adjusting members capable of acting on the boom mounting elements so as to vary a position of a boom instantaneous center of rotation relative to a center of gravity thereof, preferably by modifying a spacing between the center of gravity and the instantaneous center of rotation located higher than the center of gravity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a folding boom for an agricultural sprayer. The boom includes a first piece pivotally connected to a second piece. The folding boom also includes a hydraulic cylinder for hydraulically pivoting the first boom piece relative to the second boom piece between a folded orientation and an extended orientation. The hydraulic cylinder includes a cylinder portion in which a piston structure is mounted. The cylinder portion and the piston structure are configured to slide axially relative to one another when the first boom piece is pivoted relative to the second boom piece. The folding boom further includes an accumulator in fluid communication with the cylinder portion for accumulating hydraulic fluid when the first boom piece collides with an obstruction and is pivoted from the extended orientation toward the folded orientation.

Abstract: An agricultural appliance, in particular a field sprayer, that includes a boom construction (1) with a central portion (20) which may, by means of a suspension device, be mounted on a support construction (40), such as a tool bar on a tractor or the like, which is located posteriorly of the boom construction (1). The suspension device includes a pivot (150) that allows for turning of the boom construction (1) about the axis of the pivot which extends substantially perpendicularly to the boom construction (1) and horizontally.

Abstract: A boom assembly includes a central support, a first wing pivotably coupled to the central support so as to rotate about a first axis, a first cylinder-piston assembly having a first end pivotably coupled to the support, a second end pivotably coupled to the first wing at a first pivot point for rotation about a second axis on a first side of the first axis, and a second cylinder-piston assembly having a first end pivotably coupled to the support and a second end pivotably coupled to the first wing at a second pivot point for rotation about a third axis on a second side of the first axis. Extension and retraction of the first and second cylinder-piston assembly applies varying opposing torque to the first wing depending upon an angular orientation of the first wing about the first axis.

Abstract: A plurality of pivotable spray chambers are mounted on an elongated beam extending from a boom secured to a three-point trailer hitch of a tractor. Controlled herbicide spraying of the unwanted growth which occurs in the furrows between dikes in fields of strawberries, lettuce, corn, tomatoes, onions, and other crops is achieved. Each furrow is sprayed by at least two spray chambers pivotally mounted from a beam. Each spray chamber includes an open bottomed box, with each of the two spray chambers being movable towards and away from each other against the bias of springs so that varying widths of furrows between adjacent dikes are accommodated.