Abstract: A crop sprayer includes a number of wheels, a chassis supported by the number of wheels, a boom frame supported by the chassis, and a boom arm segment. The boom arm segment operates in a first mode of operation in which the boom arm segment is maintained at a fixed position relative to the boom frame and a second mode of operation in which the boom arm segment is allowed to freely pivot relative to the boom frame. The crop sprayer further includes an actuator supported on the boom arm segment. The actuator is movable between a pivot-preventing position and a pivot-enabling position. The boom arm segment operates in the first mode of operation when the actuator is positioned in the pivot-preventing position. Movement of the actuator from the pivot-preventing position to the pivot-enabling position causes the boom arm segment to operate in the second mode of operation. A method of preventing damage to a boom arm assembly during a collision between the boom arm assembly and an obstruction is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-centering boom for self-propelled agricultural sprayers having a double-acting hydraulic cylinder and a magnetically actuated electrical position sensor and control for sensing and moving the boom to a centered position. The electro-hydraulic control circuit senses boom position when the boom is at or near a centered position with respect to the sprayer and automatically centers the boom when the sprayer drive train is out of a neutral condition. The hydraulic system includes a pair of pressure relief valves to allow the boom to deflect due to inertial forces when turning or when contact is made with an obstruction, with the control system returning the boom to a centered position after turning or when the boom is clear of the obstruction. A flow restricting orifice cooperates with the pressure relief valves to automatically adjust the pressure at the inlet of the relief valve to retard rapid boom movement, while not interfering with slow boom movement.

Abstract: Apparatus for spraying an ice surface with a white paint comprises a trailer having a tank carried on the trailer, a pump and a boom having a plurality of spray nozzles. The tank has a large opening in the top for receiving bags of paint pigment. The pump is a high capacity pump which generates a flow rate significantly greater than necessary to supply the nozzles. The excess is returned to the tank through a jet mixing system including four arms each having a pair of jet nozzles. A mixing wand is also provided which receives mixed materials from the pump for the jet nozzle for stirring within the tank. The nozzles are closely spaced so as to generate an overlapping spray pattern. The nozzles generate a fine mist and are directed slightly upwardly and rearwardly.

Abstract: A sprayer attachment is designed for mounting upon a swather tractor and includes a central frame with a tank which can be carried upon the front arms of the swather tractor. Two masts each carry a respective one of a pair of booms, each for extending outwardly to a respective side of the tractor for movement with the tractor in a spraying action. Each boom includes an inner section, an outer section and a tip portion. In the folding action the outer section and tip portion are folded about a horizontal axis so as to move to a position overlying the inner section. The folded boom is then pivoted about a vertical axis at the mast to lie along side the side of the tractor. The tip portion includes a parallel cable in advance of the tip portion for impacting an obstacle with the cable actuating release of the latch and accelerating the tip portion away from the obstacle to prevent impact with the obstacle.

Abstract: A self-centering boom for self-propelled agricultural sprayers having a double-acting hydraulic cylinder and a magnetically actuated electrical position sensor and control for sensing and moving the boom to a centered position. The electro-hydraulic control circuit senses boom position when the boom is at or near a centered position with respect to the sprayer and automatically centers the boom when the sprayer drive train is out of a neutral condition. The hydraulic system includes a pair of pressure relief valves to allow the boom to deflect due to inertial forces when turning or when contact is made with an obstruction, with the control system returning the boom to a centered position after turning or when the boom is clear of the obstruction. A flow restricting orifice cooperates with the pressure relief valves to automatically adjust the pressure at the inlet of the relief valve to retard rapid boom movement, while not interfering with slow boom movement.

Abstract: An agricultural sprayer unit to be moved by a moving vehicle relative to crops to be sprayed with a chemical agent delivered from said agricultural spray unit includes: a frame connectable to said moving vehicle for connecting said agricultural sprayer unit to said moving vehicle for moving along with said moving vehicle, a tank supported by said frame for storing said chemical agent, a boom linked to and extending from said frame defining a specific orientation relative to said crops, a nozzle supported by and positioned along said boom and communicating with said tank for receiving said chemical agent from said tank for generating an atomized jet of said chemical agent to be expelled from said nozzle and sprayed onto said crops, and air-flow generating apparatus supported by said frame and extending along said boom for generating an air flow directed from said air-flow generating apparatus to said crops, said air flow generating apparatus being divided into a number of subsections positioned along said boom

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the relative positioning of two hingedly connected implement portions movable between deployed or working and folded or stowed positions relative to one another includes a strut like component connected between the two implement portions and in the form of an hydraulic damper or shock absorber which is extensible and retractable in damped fashion. When the connecting component is fully extended or retracted, it serves as a strut for transmitting forces from one implement portion to the other to effect movement of said implement portions to or from their working and stowed positions. At other times, when not in a fully extended or retracted position, the connecting component serves as a damper dampingly resisting relative movements between the two implement portions to yielding absorb impacts and other dynamic loads imposed on one or the other of the boom portions.

Abstract: A sprayer boom assembly (14) includes a center boom (72), left inner and outer wing booms (100 and 106), and right inner and outer wing booms (110 and 116). A left wing hydraulic cylinder (120) pivots the left inner and outer wing booms (100 and 106) between a horizontal working position and a folded transport position. A right wing hydraulic cylinder (134) pivots the right inner and outer wing booms (110 and 116) between a horizontal working position and a folded transport position. The center boom (72) is pivotally attached to an intermediate frame (30) by a left leveling link (60) and a right leveling link (64). A left sprayer boom lock assembly (150) limits pivotal movement of the left and right leveling links (60 and 64) in a first direction when the left wing hydraulic cylinder (120) pivots the left inner wing (100) from a horizontal working position.

Abstract: A lawn care machine including an engine powered mower unit having a front deck element which overlies a blade cutting element and which mounts a liquid storage container for a liquid material spraying unit and a particulate container for a granular spreading unit. The deck being pivotally mounted to the tractor. An operator-seat positioned on the front of the tractor to overlook the front deck.

Abstract: A pressurization system for a tank on a water truck includes a pipe connected at one end via a remotely controllable three-way valve directly into the engine exhaust system of the truck and at the other end into a top portion of the water tank. Engine exhaust is thus selectively introduced into the water tank to pressurize the tank. The tank includes a top-mounted fill opening with an internal, counter-weighted flapper valve. With the internal flapper valve, the truck can be driven beneath a high volume water source and water from the source, when it hits the counter-weighted flapper valve, opens the valve by urging the flapper against the action of the counter-weight, but the flapper valve is once again closed by action of the counter-weight when water flow ceases. An anti-siphon orifice in a water outlet conduit serves to prevent water from freezing in the outlet conduit once pressurization is stopped.

Abstract: An assembly adapted for use to spray liquids toward the ground while the assembly limits the drift of such sprayed liquids. The assembly has a frame including a supported portion adapted to be mounted on a mobile unit adapted to transport the frame along the ground, and a hood support portion including a first elongate hood support member. A plurality of separate hoods each having spaced diverging opposite front and rear side walls projecting from opposite sides of a top wall are attached along the elongate hood support member with their side walls generally parallel to said elongate hood support member and depending downwardly from said top walls of said hoods. A liquid distribution system including spray nozzles within the hoods can direct liquid spray toward the ground, whereupon the top and side walls will limit the drift of such liquid spray.

Abstract: A spray boom system for mounting on a vehicle with opposite sides includes a pair of boom assemblies with proximate and distal ends. The boom assemblies are mounted on the vehicle and are swingable between laterally-extending field positions and folded travel positions generally alongside the vehicle. Hinged connector assemblies are attached to the boom assembly proximate ends for permitting the swinging movement of the boom arms and also permit the boom arms to be independently raised and lowered by a pair of hydraulic cylinders which are also connected to the boom assembly proximate ends. The operation of the cylinders for raising and lowering the boom assemblies is controlled by a height control system which utilizes ultrasonic signals for determining heights of the boom assemblies above a field or crop surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spraying in relation to row crops provides downwardly extending support elements or drop legs carrying spray nozzles in the region of their lower ends. The support elements extend downwardly between crop rows and are moved lengthwise of the crop rows while spraying proceeds. The spray nozzles deliver spray generally upwardly and/or horizontally with respect to the ground so as to treat crop material in the rows. The support elements are mounted so as to float freely and permit lateral movement to follow lateral and other row and crop contours. The support elements may be mounted on a boom. The boom may also be provided with downwardly directed spraying nozzles for simultaneous or sequential use. The boom is adapted to fold so as to produce a generally Z-shaped folded configuration. Automatically-actuated stop fingers limit lateral float of the support elements when the boom folds.

Abstract: A sprayer having a folding boom is disclosed which includes a main spray bar mounted at the rear end of a small vehicle or a trailer. First and second intermediate boom sections are pivotally connected, about horizontal axes, to the outer ends of the means spray bar and have wheels at the outer end thereof so that the intermediate boom sections will remain positioned above the ground regardless of the terrain encountered by the sprayer. First and second outer boom sections are pivotally mounted, about horizontal axes, to the outer ends of the intermediate boom sections. The outer boom sections may be folded onto the intermediate boom sections and when the outer boom sections are so folded, the spray nozzles thereon are rendered inoperative. The intermediate boom sections, with the outer boom sections folded thereon, may also be moved to a folded position relative to the vehicle. When the intermediate boom sections have been so folded, the spray nozzles thereon are rendered inoperative.

Abstract: There is disclosed a new and improved rearwardly folding combination harrow sprayer drawbar. A plurality of quick detach harrow arms are adapted to be quickly connected and disconnected to a plurality of harrow arm receivers. The implement can be used for spraying and harrowing at the same time, or once the harrows are detached and left in the field, the implement can be used for post-emergent spraying. A wet spray boom can be height adjusted by means of a plurality of manual spring loaded levers. The unit is equipped with hinged boom draws which can be pinned to be rigid such that it can be moved rearwardly in order to re-attach the harrows quickly and easily. The unit is also capable of lifting the harrows into a transport position and folding rearwardly into a narrow transport position in order to pass over roads or move through narrow entrance ways.

Abstract: A plurality of spray chambers are mounted on 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 spray chamber includes two overlapping sections which are movable towards and away from each other against the bias of springs so that varying widths of furrows between adjacent dikes are accommodated. In addition, an entire spray chamber is laterally adjustable to accommodate varying distances between adjacent furrows as is encountered due to "blow outs" of dikes due to over-watering or storm conditions to cause partial collapse of a dike.

Abstract: A foldable boom assembly including a hinge with inner and outer parts attached to inner and outer boom sections, respectively, permitting relative rotation of the inner and outer boom sections about a pivot axis. The outer end of the outer boom section swings rearwardly about the pivot axis upon contact with a foreign object. After passing the object, the outer boom section automatically returns to its original position. The outer boom section is capable of being folded to a position parallel to the inner boom section. A stop lug is located on one part of the hinge opposite a slot on the other part of the hinge. A movable plate is located on the same part of the hinge as the slot and is attached at a point above the slot such that the force of gravity causes the plate to cover the slot to cause the folding of the boom to be stopped at an intermediate position by contact between the stop lug and the plate.

Abstract: An agricultural sprayer comprising a wheeled frame having a spray tank thereon for pumping chemicals or the like to the spray nozzles on the various boom sections. An inner boom section, intermediate boom section, and outer boom section are provided at each side of the main frame of the sprayer with the boom sections being capable of being folded from a horizontally disposed field position to a folded transport position. When the sprayer is in the transport position, the components of the sprayer will have a width and heighth such that the sprayer may pass through the door opening of a building.

Abstract: A device for spraying liquid onto a crop with the assistance of directed air streams. Air is impelled into a central air chamber, through left and right hollow swivelling joints along extended air booms to pass out through outlet funnels. Associated with each outlet funnel is a spray nozzle which directs spray liquid into the outgoing air stream. The extended booms can be pivoted to a trailing position behind the device. The flattened outlet funnels together with the positioning of the nozzles provided an enhanced, directed atomized spray.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved breakaway apparatus for a mobile sprayer having at least one spray boom extending outwardly therefrom. The breakaway apparatus has a main plate pivotally mounted to a frame on the vehicle, and coupled by a pivotal link to the spray boom arm with a spring mounted between the main plate and the frame to urge the spray boom arm outwardly from the frame. A shock absorber is pivotally mounted to the frame and to the main plate to absorb loads placed on the spray boom arm when it is pivoted rearwardly relative to the vehicle. A generally lateral stop surface and a cushioned stop are provided on opposed portions of the frame and the main plate, and are aligned to engage when the spray boom arm is pivoted relative to the frame in a forward direction while the spray boom arm is extended for spraying. Preferably, two boom arms are provided which extend in opposite directions, with each spray boom arm having a generally independent breakaway apparatus therefor.

Abstract: An asphalt distributor has a spray bar assembly that includes at least one extendable and retractable spray bar section for extending the overall width of the spray bar assembly beyond the lateral sides of a vehicle supporting the assembly. The extendable and retractable section includes a manifold tube that carries the asphalt to be sprayed, and which tube is in turn supported on a hydraulic actuator that is used for extending and retracting the associated manifold tube. The manifold tube is provided with a plurality of spray valve assemblies that are operated in a way so that the valves are turned on to permit spraying automatically as the spray bar manifold is extended laterally outwardly, and turn off the spray for the respective valve assembly as the manifold tube is retracted.

Abstract: An applicator for the delivery of dry and liquid materials to turf areas.

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: Spreading apparatus for attachment to a vehicle for distributing granular materials such as fertilizer and the like, using air as the distributing medium. The spreading apparatus includes a rear-mounted boom and an air system in which the material distribution passageways are substantially straight from the discharge of the fans to the point of material introduction to the discharge nozzles along the boom. This is achieved by the use of two blowers that move air in opposite directions through a cross-over tube array into which the already-divided material is introduced into individual air passageways leading to the discharge nozzles mounted along the boom. The boom itself is designed so that it can be quickly and easily folded and pivoted for storage or transport.

Abstract: A towed type crop sprayer for spraying a liquid agricultural chemical upon a standing crop includes a frame having a tank mounted thereon and having a horizontal transversely extending boom assembly thereon for supporting a spray device. A centrally located cylinder and piston unit and cable tensioning mechanism are operable to produce ready vertical adjustment of the boom assembly and spray device carried thereby. The tractor which tows the crop sprayer, and the crop sprayer, are provided with belly pans to smoothly engage the standing crop to minimize damage thereto. The ground engaging wheels of the tractor and the crop sprayer are provided with grain dividers which progressively part the standing crops during movement of the tractor and crop sprayer and thereby minimize damage to the standing crop during the spraying operation.

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 self-leveling boom assembly adapted for mounting on one end of a vehicle. The assembly includes a boom support that is adapted for attachment to the rear of the vehicle and has at least two spaced apart horizontally aligned attachment members, an elongated boom with a center section formed of a frame including vertically spaced apart upper and lower horizontally extended beam members connected together by at least two brace members, and two oppositely inclined support arms for pivotally connecting the lower beam member of the center boom section to the boom support.

Abstract: A spray boom structure for mounting upon a vehicle which includes a support frame fixed upon the vehicle, a spray boom assembly having a midsection, flat spring means interengaging the frame and midsection for resilient support of the spray boom assembly. The springs are of general S-shaped configuration and shock absorbers disposed at an angle of approximately 40.degree. to 50.degree. to the vertical or mounted for disposition between the frame and midsection for coordinating with the springs for minimizing forceful, normally damaging impact upon the spray boom assembly through vehicle travel over irregular terrain.

Abstract: A break away joint assembly for pivotally connecting an outer end boom section to a center boom section of an elongated spray boom to prevent movement of the outer section with respect to the center section from a normal condition in which the sections are colinear to a folded condition. The assembly includes a break away joint that pivotally connects adjacent lower ends of the boom sections and is formed of an inclined ramp disposed on an extension arm at the outer end of the center boom section, a stabilizing member fixed on an extension arm of the inner end of the outer boom section, and a yieldable biasing member extended through the stabilizing member and the center boom extension arm to form a yieldable connection there between.

Abstract: A folding boom for agricultural sprayers comprising a center frame section mounted in the bed of a truck on a trailer. First and second boom assemblies normally extend outwardly from the center section with each of the first and second boom assemblies comprising inner, intermediate and outer boom sections. The inner boom section is connected to the center frame section so that the inner boom section will pivotally move rearwardly if the inner boom section strikes an obstruction. The inner boom section is also connected to the center frame section in such a manner so that the inner boom section may be freely pivotally moved to a transport position. The intermediate boom section is pivotally connected to the outer end of the inner boom section so that the intermediate boom section may pivot rearwardly relative to the inner boom section if the outer or intermediate boom sections strike an obstruction.

Abstract: A pneumatic distributing device which can be used for broadcasting particulate fertilizer, herbicide or the like includes a tank, a slot across the tank with a metering roller in the slot for metering the particulate material into a number of receptacles arranged along the slot. A first venturi at the bottom of the receptacle transports the material in the receptacle through a first portion of the duct to a junction provided by a second venturi and a second duct. The second duct extends outwardly along a boom with a number of such ducts arranged in a vertically stacked arrangement which is selfsupporting. The second ducts incline slightly downwardly and are straight from the feed end to an open mouth at the outer end. A deflector attached to the open mouth has a first and then a second surface for spreading and then deflecting the material from the open mouth to the ground with the spread taking place along the length of the boom.

Abstract: An agricultural sprayer is disclosed which comprises a frame and generally rigid supports pivotably mounted on the frame in such a manner as to be able to oscillate freely under the action of their weight in order to assume vertical positions between the plants which are to be treated. Spray nozzles are disposed on the supports in such a manner that the product passing out of the nozzles is thrown onto the side faces of the plants. Catches which are mounted on the frame are operable to lock the supports in their vertical positions.

Abstract: A sprayer boom assembly comprises an elongate spray boom having outwardly foldable wing sections with a center portion pivotally mounted to an upstanding support frame of a transport vehicle for vertical swinging movement as the vehicle traverses uneven terrain. A biasing frame is pivotally mounted to the vehicle frame and the spray boom center section and connected to the spray boom through shock absorbers to dampen shocks and oscillatory movement of the spray boom. The biasing frame is tiltable about the pivot so that the spray boom can be selectively tilted to one side or another while retaining shock absorbing capability in any position. The wing sections include outer and inner wing sections of which the outer wing is automatically foldable against the inner wing through a translational to rotational movement arrangement which is actuated upon folding of the inner wing relative to the center section.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus (18) for boom structures (14, 16) is disclosed. The positioning apparatus (18) is comprised of a fixed frame assembly (24) mounted to vehicle (12), a slideable frame assembly (22) for vertical slideable movement with respect to fixed frame assembly (24), and a pivotable frame assembly (20) for rotatable movement with respect to slideable frame assembly (22). Boom structures (14, 16) are mounted on opposite sides of pivotable frame assembly (20). The pivotal axis of the pivotable frame assembly (20) is above the center of gravity of the pivotable frame assembly (20) and attached boom structures (14, 16) to keep the boom structures (14, 16) pendulously stable when implement (10) strikes a bump in a field. Springs (112, 118) and shock absorbers (120) recenter pivotal frame assembly (20) relative to implement (10).

Abstract: A vehicle mounted spray boom assembly includes a breakaway spray boom and shock absorbing means for absorbing the shock on the boom assembly when a boom returns to normal position after striking an obstacle. The shock absorbing means includes a swing cylinder for rigging in and rigging out the spray boom and a tilt cylinder for tilting the boom when the boom has been rigged out. Upon occurrence of shock after an obstacle is struck, a portion of the hydraulic fluid in the swing cylinder is forced into the tilt cylinder to lift the spray boom to dissipate the shock. In addition, another cylinder may be provided for absorbing shock imparted to the boom due to vertical movement of the boom. Also the swing cylinder and tilt cylinder are hydraulically connected in parallel so that when rig out has been completed, pressurized hydraulic fluid continues to be ported to the tilt cylinder to elevate the end of the boom.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted fluid spreading apparatus including a fixed spray bar having an extender spray bar mounted on each of the opposite ends thereof by means of swing joints so that each of the extender spray bars are movable about a single angularly disposed axis between extended and stowed positions. The spray bars and the swing joints have dual fluid flow passages formed therethrough so that fluid under pressure from a fluid supply is serially recirculated through the spray bars and swing joints back to the fluid supply when the apparatus is in a standby mode, and is sprayingly applied by actuator controlled self-adjusting nozzles mounted in the spray bars when the apparatus is in the operating mode.

Abstract: A spray boom apparatus for attachment to a chemical and fertilizer-spreading farm vehicle for spraying chemicals over crops and farmland. The apparatus comprises a pair of spray booms which are hinged to a support rack. Each boom is further connected to the support rack by means of a hydraulic cylinder which allows each boom to be positioned in an outwardly-projecting dispensing position. The support rack is hinged to a stationary brace which is attached to the rear of the farm vehicle. A further hydraulic cylinder is connected between the support rack and the stationary brace. This further cylinder allows each boom to be tilted simultaneously to a closed position above the side windows of the cab of the vehicle when the booms are not in use.

Abstract: A sprayer having an articulated boom is provided with a pair of shock absorbing structures mounted between the sprayer frame and the main section of the boom in such a manner that the main section is limited to dampened, rectilinear reciprocation relative to the frame. Each structure has a quick release mounting for permitting the boom to be easily removed from the sprayer and for facilitating adjustment of the nominal spacing between the ground and the boom.

Abstract: A mobile tank chassis is provided and includes an upstanding outlet pipe for the tank having upper and lower sections with the lower sections supported from the chassis and a union removably and sealingly coupling and supporting the lower end of the upper section on the upper end of the lower section. An elongated upright support including upper and lower portions generally parallels the pipe and hinge structure pivotally supports the lower end of the upper portion from the upper end of the lower portion for angular displacement of the upper portion relative to the lower portion about a horizontal axis between a upright position and a generally horizontal position disposed over the tank portion of the chassis.

Abstract: A foldable two-piece boom is provided with an outer boom wing pivoted about an upright axis and being slidable relative to an inner boom arm which is pivoted to a frame member for both horizontal and vertical motion. A spring and cables in a mounting mechanism are arranged to permit the outer wing to pivot either forwardly or rearwardly when contacted by an abutment and thereafter gently returned to a neutral position parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inner boom arm at a controlled rate which minimizes impact forces. The spring and cables are also arranged to permit pivotal movement of the boom in a vertical plane while maintaining the inner and outer sections in vertical planar alignment. In response to the horizontal swinging of the boom through 90.degree. from its extended to its folded transport position, the spring and cables cause the outer wing to fold in the opposite direction of the arm to firmly clamp against the inner arm.

Abstract: Agricultural apparatus for distributing material, such as fertilizer or pesticide, to a field, characterized by apparatus adapted to be affixed to a conventional vehicle, such as a truck, and including a pivoted boom extending outwardly from each side of the vehicle, a fixed spray tube or the like extending across the rear end of the vehicle, and caster mounted markers carried by each boom at its outer end for marking the edges of a path over which material is delivered by the booms and fixed spray tube. Each boom is mounted for major pivotal movement about an axis extending upwardly and forwardly with respect to the direction of movement of the vehicle, the angle being of the order of 40.degree. to 60.degree., which permits the booms to swing rearwardly and upwardly when a marker passes over an obstruction, such as a rock.

Abstract: A novel sprayer for treating ground surfaces with liquid materials is described. The sprayer is readily transportable, collapsible, easily adjustable and non-corrosive and has a collapsible frame which includes an adjustable handle section, a dependent leg section and a guide between the handle section and the leg section. A pair of wheels are rotatably mounted on the leg sections and are inwardly collapsible to facilitate transportability of the sprayer. An elongated support member having an upper portion and a lower portion is secured to the collapsible frame by the guide. Attached to the lower portion of the elongated support member is an adjustable platform having a lower crossbar member and an upper crossbar member. Two bolts are adjustably connected to the two crossbar members in a manner such the distance therebetween can be adjusted by rotating the bolts. Attached to the upper crossbar member of the adjustable platform is a boom support.

Abstract: An agricultural spraying machine comprising an assembly having at least two moving sections resting on wheels on the soil. This assembly supports at least two spray conduits having spraying nozzles and is attached to a tractor vehicle having a powder feed hopper. According to the inventive concept, the conduits are suspended in the moving section of the assembly and include means to adjust individually the lateral positions of the conduits perpendicular to the direction of movement of the tractor vehicle. Other means likewise provide for the adjustment in height and spacing of the spray nozzles of each conduit.