Abstract: A computerized estimating tool that is used to create needs-assessment estimates, a multi-year budget, and an operational calendar for a proposed insect-control spray campaign presents a user with an electronic questionnaire that asks the user to input workforce data and has a field that, when clicked by the user, opens a worksheet in which the user provides demographic information on individual villages or communities to be covered by the proposed campaign, including the proportion of households in each community that or rural or urban. The tool has a program that retrieves the input data and other data stored in memory, calculates both a budget and an operational calendar for the proposed campaign, and generates a printable, narrative-form needs-assessment report.

Abstract: A springless valve that is used for a liquid sprayer has a body that has an upstream bore that has three parts with increasingly larger cross-sections. A pin portion of a slide/pin combination moves between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, liquid in the first part of the upstream bore flows into inlets in the third part of the upstream bore, through a central passage, to an outlet to a downstream bore. A linearly-moving slide portion on the slide/pin combination fits within a recess in the body, and has resilient arms that engage front and rear radial faces on a narrowed waist on the pin. The arms extend over opposed sides of the narrowed waist, have tangs that lock onto a lower side of that waist, and rigidly connect the slide portion to the pin portion, enabling a user to move the slide/pin combination axially between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A springless valve that is used for a liquid sprayer has a body that has an upstream bore that has three parts with increasingly larger cross-sections. A pin portion of a slide/pin combination moves between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, liquid in the first part of the upstream bore flows into inlets in the third part of the upstream bore, through a central passage, to an outlet to a downstream bore. A linearly-moving slide portion on the slide/pin combination fits within a recess in the body, and has resilient arms that engage front and rear radial faces on a narrowed waist on the pin. The arms extend over opposed sides of the narrowed waist, have tangs that lock onto a lower side of that waist, and rigidly connect the slide portion to the pin portion, enabling a user to move the slide/pin combination axially between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A new measuring device can be used with compression sprayers. The sprayer has a tank that holds liquid, a pump that enables a user to compress air in the tank, a spray nozzle that is in fluid communication with the tank, an inlet opening to the tank, and a funnel surface that extends upwardly and outwardly from the inlet opening. A special gate fits onto a broken rim that extends upwardly from the inlet opening, and rotates between one position (in which liquid on the funnel surface flows into the tank through gaps in the broken rim) and another position (in which wall sections on the gate block the gaps). Markings on the funnel surface enable a user to measure a quantity of liquid that is retained on the funnel surface. Ribs and recesses on the broken rim and on the gate releasably, axially secure the gate to the broken rim.

Abstract: A child-resistant fluid delivery device, comprising a container for storing fluid to be dispensed by the fluid delivery device and a wand assembly connected to the container. The wand assembly having a nozzle at a distal end through which fluid may be dispensed and a child-resistant connector at a proximal end. A ratchet mechanism is formed on the exterior of the child-resistant connector to permit attachment of the connector to the container and thereafter prevent removal of the connector from the container. The nozzle is sealed by a removable, child-resistant cover that includes at least one member that engages the nozzle to resist removal therefrom.

Abstract: A sprayer tank is molded with a threaded boss. A hose adapter is coupled with the boss and possesses several attributes including the ability to swivel independently of the tank fitting hose nut, and ability to remove the swivel part, supply tube and hose without removing the tank fitting hose nut. A pressure relief valve is associated with the adapter for venting the tank.

Abstract: A sprayer tank is molded with an internally extending boss in the tank having internal threads and a shoulder at its base for receiving an O-ring of the hose adapter. Internal tank pressure enhances the seal between the tank boss and hose adapter. The hose adapter has several attributes including the ability to swivel independently of the tank fitting hose nut, pressure release slots and ability to remove the swivel part, supply tube and hose without removing the tank fitting hose nut.

Abstract: A shroud and cartridge based shut-off for sprayers combine to provide for intermittent and continuous spraying. The shroud affords many different aesthetic possibilities including different colors and colors related to the color of the sprayer tank. The shroud includes an actuator lever for digitally actuating the shut-off valve intermittently. A thumb actuated latch locks the actuator lever in a depressed position for continuous spraying.

Abstract: A sprayer includes a tank having a pump for pressurizing the liquid contents of the pump. The sprayer has a hose extending from the tank for receiving liquid directly from the pump, a spray control valve and discharge nozzle for directing the spray. One or more parts from the pump inlet to the discharge nozzle are adapted to fail after a certain period of time with reuse of the sprayer.

Abstract: A sprayer includes a tank for liquid, a pump for pressurizing the liquid, a hose for the liquid under pressure and a manually activated spray control valve coupled with the hose and upon digitally sliding a valve body a valve plug is adapted to engage a valve seat to close the valve and disengage the valve seat to open the valve.

Abstract: A pump assembly for a compression sprayer includes a cylinder and a piston reciprocal therein with means for releasably latching the piston in its fully inserted position. An integral cup and spring are coupled with the inner end of the piston with the spring biased against the inner end of the cylinder to cooperate in urging the piston outwardly to maintain the piston in its latched position. A handle for facilitating reciprocation of the piston is provided with a soft grip for comfort and reducing hand fatigue.