Abstract: A method and apparatus for droplet generation in agricultural or other spraying comprises supplying air and liquid to a supply chamber having an outlet opening, and entraining the liquid in the air flow for droplet formation. Air and liquid are injected into the supply chamber which has a closed end target wall toward which the liquid is directed in the form of a jet and from which the liquid moves outwards towards the outlet opening for droplet formation. The supply of air and liquid at suitable pressures to the chamber and so that the liquid proceeds with direction change to the outlet causes the droplets formed to have a size particularly suitable for effective coating of plant material, and the momentum provided to the droplets by the air enables controlled direction of the resulting spray mist even at very low liquid volumes per hectare.

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 dropleg row crop sprayer senses boom height and tilt from ground-contacting droplegs signalling through potentiometers to a boom control mechanism. The droplegs follow crop row wandering through a driven carriage. Dropleg attitude is assisted by a cam control system. The boom also has a passive suspension system including damped frictional abutment of boom portions. A signal actuator controls boom attitude. The spray direction is fore/aft of the row.

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.