Abstract: A system and method for injecting liquid/solid mixtures into porous pulse media, such as earth, is disclosed. A two-tank arrangement where liquid only is stored and run through a main pump, while a liquid/solid slurry is stored and moved to join the liquid under pressure by a chemical injector pump is shown. Finally, a displacement wheel commands solenoid valves, for pulsing the pressured liquid, through a distance measuring device such as a laser interacting with a laser target operatively coupled to a ground traveling wheel.

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: 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: An apparatus for roadside spraying of herbicides or other liquids in a manner which ensures uniform application of the herbicide without resorting to atomization of the sprayed liquid. The apparatus provides means for uniformly applying the herbicide in a plurality of swaths at different distances from the spraying apparatus. The apparatus uses a means for vibrationally altering the directions of the sprayed liquid streams to ensure uniform coverage. The direction altering means allows the amplitudes of the direction alterations to vary in accordance with the target distance of sprayed liquid stream.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus (10) for cataloging or dividing a given field, under irrigation by an irrigation system (100), into a plurality of zones which can be monitored for irrigation water and chemical requirements and then, delivering by way of the irrigation system, the appropriate amount of irrigation water and/or chemicals to each zone as so defined. Each of the sprinkler assemblies (105) is independently controlled by a solenoid operated valve (16), responsive to a control module (15). The control modules (15), in turn, are electronically interconnected with a data acquisition and control unit (12) which is capable of sending to the control modules (15) coded signals for either activating the sprinkler head (105) or deactivating each individual sprinkler head (105).

Abstract: An apparatus for roadside spraying of herbicides or other liquids in a manner which ensures uniform application of the herbicide without resorting to atomization of the sprayed liquid. The apparatus uniformly applies the herbicide in a plurality of swaths at different distances from the spraying apparatus by vibrationally altering the directions of the sprayed liquid streams. Uniform coverage is ensured by allowing the amplitudes of the direction alterations to vary in accordance with the target distance of sprayed liquid stream.

Abstract: A marking system for indicating the boundaries of an area that has been treated includes a storage tank for storing the liquid and the foaming agent that is fluidically separated from a foam tube. A mixing control element fluidically connects a compressor to the foam tube and connects the storage tank to the foam tube whereby the ratios and parameters associated with the formation of the marking foam can be varied. The system includes two marking foam dispensing nozzels.

Abstract: A crop spray apparatus is provided having controls for varying the height of a spray device and an operator's cab, which are pivotally mounted on opposite sides of a drive assembly. The controls are located in the operator's cab for continuing control of changes in height of the spray device and the operator's cab from the operator's cab while the drive assembly is moving the apparatus and while simultaneously spraying. By this control, both high and low level crops may be sprayed continuously without need for stopping operation of the crop spray apparatus to vary the height of the equipment.

Abstract: The invention herein discloses an improved and unique new sprayer implement for spraying crops. The sprayer comprises two wing booms, a left and a right which are controlled independently from one another by hydraulic cylinders. The sprayer is capable of maintaining one wing boom in the transport position while the other main wing boom is extended transversely to the direction of travel in the operating position therefore allowing the operator to spray with one side of the sprayer only. This allows the operator to have access to areas of a field where he would not normally be able to work with a wide sprayer. The sprayer is also equipped with an anti-damage locking system whereby a resilient spring or shear pin is released when either one of the main wing booms strikes an obstacle such as a tree or power pole.

Abstract: A roadside spray apparatus having a spraying head with a plurality of nozzles mounted on the spraying head. The inclination of the spraying head is selectively adjustable to direct spray to a desired location. The nozzle means includes a plurality of independently operated nozzles oriented to spray side-by-side swaths at the side of a vehicle.

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: This invention discloses a firefighting track driven apparatus for use in rugged terrain. A crawler track driven tractor vehicle pushes a front platform vehicle and pulls a rear platform vehicle. The front platform vehicle travels on steerable crawler tracks, and is equipped with communication device, directionally controlled lamp system and a water cannon for spraying a fire extinguishing substance. The water cannon is mounted on a telescoping and rotating boom, and has a swiveling nozzle, for accurately aiming the fire extinguishing substance to burning material in difficult places such as treetops. The front platform vehicle has a cab which protects an operator, who operates the boom and cannon and steers the tracks. A reeled firehose arrangement feeds the cannon, and may be lengthened with extension sections to accommodate the telescoping boom.

Abstract: A grove sprayer apparatus has a wheeled vehicle having a pump and a tank mounted thereon with the pump operatively connected to the tank. An upwardly extending hollow mast is attached to the vehicle and is operatively connected through the pump to the tank for the passage of liquid therethrough. A plurality of vertically spaced, horizontal, nozzle bearing boom arms, each having at least one operatively connected liquid control valve, are flexibly mounted to the mast such that spray is activated as the arms contact passing trees. The boom arms contact the passing trees in a manner profiling their aisle periphery surface and thus positioning the spray nozzles in the foliage such as to provide a full, saturating spray mist within the tree by directing the spray from the tank, through the mast, through the booms, and out the nozzles.

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: A self-contained, hand-operated, compact applicator for dispensing liquid and/or dry lawn care products is disclosed in which dry treatment materials are broadcast from a hopper in response to manual propulsion of the applicator over the terrain and liquid materials, stored in a tank carried by the hopper, are pressurized by electrically powered pump means and dispensed via plural valve operated spray nozzles selectively controlled by the operator to effect regulated and uniform application of dry and liquid treatment materials either contemporaneously or independently of one another.

Abstract: Apparatus for spraying of liquids for herbicidal and insecticidal application and the like has a supporting frame for being carried by a vehicle. An upright support is carried by the frame including an upright post and includes a hydraulic cylinder for providing selective vertical telescoping movement of the post. A hydraulic cylinder provides rotation of the post, for rotating a boom carried by the post. A hydraulic cylinder also provides selective pivoting of the supporting boom section relative to the post for vertical movement. The boom has a supporting boom section, a mid-boom section and a reconfigurable boom end element which may be either an articulating tip boom section or a strip spray attachment of "wishbone" configuration. A hydraulic motor provides selective telescoping movement of the mid-boom section relative to the supporting boom sections. The supporting boom section, mid-boom section and boom end element all include spray nozzles.

Abstract: A mobile liquid spray apparatus comprises a wheeled frame of lightweight but sturdy construction which may be propelled manually over the ground or may be towed by a towing vehicle. The frame includes a height-adjustable horizontally extending spray boom, an attachment for a pair of vertical spray booms and a self-contained liquid supply system for delivering liquid under pressure selectively to the respective spray booms. The liquid supply system comprises a liquid supply tank on the frame, and a battery driven pump for delivering liquid under pressure from the tank selectively to the spray booms through a manually settable three-way valve. The system also includes a pressure regulator valve and pressure gauge for adjusting the spray pressure. The device may also include an auxiliary hand-held spray gun which may be used in place of one of the spray booms.

Abstract: A modular fluid spraying system including: at least one container for the fluid or fluids to be sprayed the container being fluid plug connectable to at least one fluid pumping which is in turn fluid plug connectable to at least one boom section, the boom section carrying fluid supply connections and being fluid plug connectable to other boom sections and to at least one sprayhead assembly detachably securable to the said boom section or sections; and at least one electronic data processing circuit electrically plug-connectable to the system and pre-set so as to regulate at least one electrically responsive operating parameter of the system when the system is connected to a source of electrical power in use; whereby various numbers of containers and/or various numbers of boom sections may be added or subtracted to the system to achieve a desired combination of fluid delivery and spray area.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying a weed killer to selected areas of a harvested crop in combination with the harvester employed to do the said harvesting.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding an outboard boom on a liquid spraying element is disclosed. The apparatus (20) both folds a portion of the boom (14) while simultaneously operating a valve device (22) controlling liquid ejection device (78) mounted on the folded portion (18) of the boom (14). In this fashion, boom (14) has an operational capability at both a longer and a shorter span width.

Abstract: A manually manipulatable spray mechanism for connection to a supply apparatus having a source of molten asphalt under pressure for applying a sprayed coating of molten asphalt on selected areas of a paved surface. The spray mechanism is configured so that its asphalt spray pattern may be adjusted to suit the job being accomplished, and, to provide for recirculatingly returning the molten asphalt to the supply apparatus when the spray mechanism is in the inoperative or stand by state.

Abstract: A liquid chemical spraying apparatus is described whereby liquid chemical may be applied to a field by utilizing a center pivot irrigation system. The center pivot irrigation system comprises a water supply pipe which is movable about a center pivot and which is supported by a plurality of spaced-apart drive towers for propelling the supply pipe around the center pivot. Each of the drive towers includes an electric drive which is responsive to an alignment control to maintain the supply pipe in an aligned condition as it travels about the center pivot. The spraying apparatus is vertically movably supported from the supply pipe or the truss system supporting the pipe. The spraying apparatus comprises a main supply line which is in communication with a source of liquid chemical. First and second applicator lines are in fluid communication with the main supply line.

Abstract: An improved drift free spraying apparatus adapted for movement in connection with a vehicle and having a spray bar mounted within a bottomless, rectangular, box-type housing in communication with a fluid pump and reservoir assembly and adapted for emitting fluid in a mist configuration upon the surface to be sprayed through nozzles provided in the spray bar, the improvement comprising an elongated, bottomless, rectangular, box-type housing having first and second outer sections hingedly attached to a center section, an individual spray bar mounted within each section, means coupled to each spray bar for individual control of the emitting fluid to the spray bar, and means coupled to the first and second outer sections for selectively raising and lowering each section.

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

Abstract: A portable agricultural sprayer comprises a narrow elongated wheeled frame having the wheels closely spaced to permit operation between rows of plants. The frame is provided with a handle for hand-moving. The frame supports an electrically operated compressor as a source of compressed air and an electric storage battery for providing power for operation of the compressor. A storage tank is supported on the frame for containing a solution of agricultural chemicals or fertilizer or the like and is connected at one end to the output side of the compressor to be provided with compressed air for pumping the liquid to be sprayed. The other end of the storage tank is connected to valved connections to the outlet end of a pair of swivelled booms which carry adjustable nozzles for spraying agricultural chemical solutions. The booms are supported for angular movement and are provided with a suitable locking device to support the booms in a horizontal position or in a vertical position or any intermediate position.

Abstract: A hydrostatic spraying system with multiple spray booms for use with vehicles is especially suited for spraying agricultural treatment liquids such as fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, trace minerals, etc. The system includes an operator-controllable variable displacement hydraulic pump driven by the vehicle, e.g., via its transfer case. A linear hydraulic motor is powered by the pump, being operated at a speed dependent upon a preselected output of the variable displacement pump and the rate of ground travel. Solenoid-controlled valving alternately supplies the hydraulic fluid to opposite ends of the linear motor for oscillating stroking operation of the motor.

Abstract: A roadside spray apparatus primarily adapted for the precision application of chemical herbicides is mounted by means of a frame support on the front bumper of a vehicle and is monitored by the driver of the vehicle using one hand to operate electrical switches connected to solenoid valves controlling the spray through nozzles mounted on a spray boom, which boom can be adjusted laterally and can be pivoted from one side of the vehicle to the other, with the nozzles attached to coil springs on the spray boom, and with an adjustable mirror and adjustable guides located on the spray apparatus in view of the driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: The spray marking assembly is mounted on an agricultural or horticultural spraying or spreading implement to show visually, the area traversed so that the overlap or skip may be avoided. Usually, a pump sprays a dye from a tank through hoses to the extremity of the spray boom. This often causes poor markings due to scatter and loss as the pump has to move the fluid through the relatively long lines when demanded and the fluid and/or pressure tends to leak from the lines when not marking. The present device uses a motor and pump which run all the time when in use thus maintaining a constant pressure of fluid in the lines. A solenoid valve is situated at the extremity of the lines adjacent the discharge nozzle so that as soon as the valve is opened, the fluid under pressure is available at the nozzle.

Abstract: A spraying system for use with vehicles which comprises a single pump connected to a supply of liquid material to be discharged, a vehicle transmission connecting said pump operatively to the transfer case of the vehicle, said pump having a pair of discharge ports each of which is connected to a diverter valve. Each diverter valve on one side being connected to a spray boom and on the other side thereof is in communication with a liquid return line. The spray booms are independently vertically and horizontally adjustable relative to the vehicle by means of fluid actuated devices. Each diverter valve is remotely controlled, independently of the other, for selectedly directing liquid to the associated spray boom or to the return line.

Abstract: A tractor is equipped with a tool bar to which are attached a plurality of cultivators. Sensors are fixed by means of clamps and shanks located over the drill of the planted crop in such a manner that weeds growing above the height of the crop are detected. Once the weed is detected, a spray nozzle is activated and the weed is treated with herbicide. Weeds which are not taller than the growing crop are sprayed as the driver of the tractor manually activates spray nozzles to spray low lying weeds which he visually detects.

Abstract: A control valve for automatically controlling fluid fertilizer is introduced in a fluid fertilizer application system of the type comprising: a fertilizer supply; an implement having fertilizer application elements; means for moving said application elements between a lowered, application position and a raised, transport position; and conduit means for delivering fertilizer from the fertilizer supply to the application elements. The control valve is interposed in the conduit means between the fertilizer supply and the application elements and has a control lever terminating in a saddle adapted to receive a projection. A collapsible and extendable valve actuator means, which is responsive to the means for moving the application elements between raised and lowered positions and which has thereon a projection adapted to engage the valve control lever, controls the valve such that it is closed when the application elements are raised and open when the application elements are lowered.

Abstract: A spraying plant the output of which can be made proportional to the rate of advance, comprises a source of power such as the power take off of a farming tractor, a positive displacement pump adapted to be driven from said source of power, a controlling member, such as a wheel, the rotation speed of which is proportional to said rate of advance, variable transmission means adapted to transmit power from said source to said pump and electronic regulating means controlled by said member for adjusting said variable transmission means whereby a predetermined quantity of product can be sprayed by unit area. The transmission means can be incorporated to the pump.

Abstract: An automatic control system for use with a vehicular liquid sprayer of the type which pumps the liquid to be sprayed at a desired pressure to a plurality of nozzles which dispense the liquid at a predetermined desired density relative to the area being sprayed, with the density being a function of a plurality of liquid spraying parameters which may vary from one spraying application to another or from time to time during a given spraying application. A pressure transducer senses the pressure of the liquid supplied to the nozzles and develops a corresponding electrical liquid pressure signal. A ground speed sensor measures the speed of the vehicular sprayer and develops a corresponding electrical ground speed signal. Programming means are coupled to the ground speed sensor for selectively modifying the ground speed signal to obtain a modified ground speed signal having a characteristic which corresponds to the values of at least two of the liquid spraying parameters required to obtain the desired density.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispersing a fluid in an area is disclosed in which the dispersion of the fluid is proportionate to the wind velocity of the area, the fluid is placed in a plurality of aerosol containers, and the fluid is dispersed through a plurality of nozzles of a plurality of pre-determined sizes.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding an outboard boom on a liquid spraying element is disclosed. The apparatus (20) both folds a portion of the boom (14) while simultaneously operating a valve device (22) controlling liquid ejection device (78) mounted on the folded portion (18) of the boom (14). In this fashion, boom (14) has an operational capability at both a longer and a shorter span width.