Abstract: A manually operable spreader which can be moved from behind on a surface is especially suitable for distributing salt and other particulate materials which tend to conglomerate or clump in a hopper of the spreader. Wheels are mounted to a frame also support the hopper. A horizontal drive shaft between the wheels is coupled to rotate a vertical shaft. A distributor below the hopper rotates with vertical shaft rotation to distribute particulate material which drop via openings in the bottom of the hopper. The vertical shaft extends via a hole in bottom of hopper and carries at the top thereof an auger having a helical vane. The auger is rotatable with the vertical shaft as the spreader is moved on its wheels. The auger circulates the particulate material in the hopper as the spreader moves while directing material in the hopper towards the bottom thereof.

Abstract: A sprayer system having a trailer, which is pulled by a tractor or other tow body, and has a tank carrying liquid to be sprayed and a spray head. The trailer has a peristaltic pump mounted on a frame and driving pumping power from the wheels of the trailer so that the sprayer is self pumping when the trailer is pulled. The peristaltic pump provides a smooth flow by providing a multiplicity of pulses of liquid produced by the pump from the rotation of the trailer wheels by wrapping the compressible tube of each pump around an assembly of rollers which are rotated by drive wheels. The tube is wrapped at least 360° around the rollers and is held stationary by being connected to fixed outlet and inlets of each pump. The tube lies side by side on at least one of the rollers of each assembly and overlaps that roller.

Abstract: To assist the filtering from a tank into the inlet port of the pressure chamber of a sprayer, an additional pumping structure is attached to the pumping mechanism of the sprayer. A hose extends into the tank of the sprayer and draws fluid from the tank into the additional pumping structure. Fluid is pumped from the additional pumping structure via the hose to provide a jet of fluid upon a filter over the inlet port. The jet of fluid flushes the filter and retards the accumulation of debris thereon, thereby retarding the clogging of the filter.

Abstract: A sprayer system having a trailer, which is pulled by a tractor or other tow body, and has a tank carrying liquid to be sprayed and a spray head. The trailer has a peristaltic pump mounted on a frame and driving pumping power from the wheels of the trailer so that the sprayer is self pumping when the trailer is pulled. The peristaltic pump provides a smooth flow by providing a multiplicity of pulses of liquid produced by the pump from the rotation of the trailer wheels by wrapping the compressible tube of each pump around an assembly of rollers which are rotated by drive wheels. The tube is wrapped at least 360° around the rollers and is held stationary by being connected to fixed outlet and inlets of each pump. The tube lies side by side on at least one of the rollers of each assembly and overlaps that roller.

Abstract: A spray gun, which is convertible for use with and without an extension wand, may use the valve mechanism and nozzle attached adjacent to the handle of the gun. When spraying requires the spray to be released away from the gun handle and for spot applications of the spraying liquid, the spraying nozzle is removed and the extension wand or tube is attached to the gun handle. The valve assembly remains in place and another valve assembly and nozzle is provided at the end of the extension furthest away from the handle. A rod is attached to and extends between the valves so that they both move together from closed to open positions responsive to the trigger of the spray gun. When the valves are closed, there is no spraying liquid in the extension. The valving is dripless both with and without the extension.

Abstract: A backpack sprayer having a tank with a filling opening at the top thereof and a pressure chamber therein is provided with filtering apparatus for preventing particles in the fluid in the tank from entering an inlet port of the pressure chamber when suction generated by a pump causes fluid in the tank to flow through the inlet port into the pressure chamber. Pressurized fluid can flow through an outlet port from the pressure chamber to a nozzle, via a hose in communication with the outlet port. The filtering apparatus is provided by a filter in a frame removably captured in a fixture projecting outwardly from the outside of the pressure chamber on opposite sides of the inlet port. A handle extends from the frame upwardly along the outside of the pressure chamber a sufficient distance to be accessed manually by an operator through the filling opening of the tank.

Abstract: A cap for closing a sprayer tank has integrated therein a pressure relief valve having a tubular member providing a seat with respect to which a valve provided by an o-ring on a stem is displaced in a direction against the seat to close the valve. The stem is connected at one end thereof to a cap and is biased by a spring around the stem at the opposite end thereof into closing position. The cap is guided by a rim around the seat member. The cap defines around the stem a chamber. This chamber communicates with a spout which directs pressurized flow away from the cap when it is rotated to manually open the valve against the bias of the spring so as to relieve pressure in the tank.