Abstract: An agricultural field sprayer (10) includes an electrically driven pump (50) locatable directly under sprayer fluid tank for conveying the fluid from the tank to a supply line. A return line (54) connects the pump (50) to the tank (22), and a sprayer line (32) connecting the pump (50) to an application assembly (20). The return line (54) and the sprayer line (32) include electrically operated control valves (68, 64), and an electronic control system (56) operates the motor (46) and the control valves (64, 68) as a function of different variables including field sprayer speed and sprayer fluid characteristics. The valve and motor controls and an additional valve-controlled return line facilitate numerous operational modes including tank fill, rinse, recirculation, spray, partial width spray, and stop modes.

Abstract: A spray linkage (10) for a crop sprayer includes a support (16) and a central frame (18) pivotally connected to the support (16), the central frame (18) being pivotable about an axis (32) from a neutral position. At least one hydraulic cylinder (34, 36) is fastened at one end to the support (16) and at the other end to the central frame (18). To damp the spray linkage (10) during oscillating movements, at least a first hydraulic cylinder (34, 36) has a first and a second hydraulic chamber (44, 46, 48, 50), a first hydraulic line (52, 54) is provided which discharges into the first hydraulic chamber (44, 46) and a second hydraulic line (54, 52) is provided which discharges into the second hydraulic chamber (48, 50). Restrictor structure (58, 60, 62, 64) throttles hydraulic flow from a hydraulic chamber (44, 46, 48, 50) while hydraulic flow into a hydraulic chamber (44, 46, 48, 50) is relatively unthrottled.

Abstract: A fast fill pump system for a self-propelled field sprayer includes high capacity centrifugal pump for tank filling. The centrifugal pump is connected in parallel with the fill connection and primed by a lower capacity diaphragm spraying pump. Two check valves and a pressure sensor allow the sprayer control to automatically control the pump priming and tank filling with the activation of one switch. The two-pump system preserves tank filling speed, even during operation of eductor or tank agitation functions. The centrifugal pump can be removed and the spraying pump operated to fill the tank without substantial base machine modification.

Abstract: An agricultural field sprayer (10) includes an electrically driven pump (50) locatable directly under sprayer fluid tank for conveying the fluid from the tank to a supply line. A return line (54) connects the pump (50) to the tank (22), and a sprayer line (32) connecting the pump (50) to an application assembly (20). The return line (54) and the sprayer line (32) include electrically operated control valves (68, 64), and an electronic control system (56) operates the motor (46) and the control valves (64, 68) as a function of different variables including field sprayer speed and sprayer fluid characteristics. The valve and motor controls and an additional valve-controlled return line facilitate numerous operational modes including tank fill, rinse, recirculation, spray, partial width spray, and stop modes.

Abstract: A spray linkage (10) for a crop sprayer includes a support (16) and a central frame (18) pivotally connected to the support (16), the central frame (18) being pivotable about an axis (32) from a neutral position. At least one hydraulic cylinder (34, 36) is fastened at one end to the support (16) and at the other end to the central frame (18). To damp the spray linkage (10) during oscillating movements, at least a first hydraulic cylinder (34, 36) has a first and a second hydraulic chamber (44, 46, 48, 50), a first hydraulic line (52, 54) is provided which discharges into the first hydraulic chamber (44, 46) and a second hydraulic line (54, 52) is provided which discharges into the second hydraulic chamber (48, 50). Restrictor structure (58, 60, 62, 64) throttles hydraulic flow from a hydraulic chamber (44, 46, 48, 50) while hydraulic flow into a hydraulic chamber (44, 46, 48, 50) is relatively unthrottled.

Abstract: A fast fill pump system for a self-propelled field sprayer includes high capacity centrifugal pump for tank filling. The centrifugal pump is connected in parallel with the fill connection and primed by a lower capacity diaphragm spraying pump. Two check valves and a pressure sensor allow the sprayer control to automatically control the pump priming and tank filling with the activation of one switch. The two-pump system preserves tank filling speed, even during operation of eductor or tank agitation functions. The centrifugal pump can be removed and the spraying pump operated to fill the tank without substantial base machine modification.

Abstract: Foldable boom inner wings are attached to a boom center frame through a rocker attached to a breakaway hydraulic cylinder pressurized to full stroke and connected to an accumulator. When a wing impacts an object, the impact load is transmitted through the fold cylinder and rocker into the breakaway cylinder. As the breakaway cylinder retracts to allow the wing to pivot, pressure builds in the system in three stages. First pressure builds along an accumulator pressure curve until a relief valve in the hydraulic system actives to initiate the second stage wherein oil is dumped through the relief valve. Thereafter, pressure is again allowed to build along the same accumulator curve to absorb impact hydraulically before the cylinder reaches full stroke. The staged pressure buildup prevents boom momentum from gaining and loads from increasing above the strength of the overall structure.

Abstract: An easily manufactured large boom construction includes a plurality of main tube support sections fabricated from plate material of differing material thickness, grade and section dependent on load. The tube support sections include apertured areas which provide a preliminary snap-fit of the main tubes to significantly reduce need for additional fixturing. The opposite ends of diagonal tubes pass through apertures in the fabricated support sections for accurate tube location without complicated weld fixtures or precise tube length and cut end angle tolerances. The tubes are welded on opposite sides of the sections to eliminate need for tube-to-tube connections or connections wherein a cut end edge has to be precisely placed against a planar surface. An inverted right triangle boom cross section with wing over-top fold configuration ability provides strength, stiffness and infinite nozzle placement possibilities.

Abstract: A stationary rinse nozzle made of durable, non-corrosive material includes a simple deflector directing a uniform water jet in all directions so the need for a rotating nozzle or a multi-apertured rinse tube is eliminated. A large rinse orifice provides the necessary volume of water for effective low pressure rinsing of residual products from the tank walls. The deflector support is located in the middle of a tube so that blank spots in the spray pattern are avoided.

Abstract: An easily manufactured large boom construction includes a plurality of main tube support sections fabricated from plate material of differing material thickness, grade and section dependent on load. The tube support sections include apertured areas which provide a preliminary snap-fit of the main tubes to significantly reduce need for additional fixturing. The opposite ends of diagonal tubes pass through apertures in the fabricated support sections for accurate tube location without complicated weld fixtures or precise tube length and cut end angle tolerances. The tubes are welded on opposite sides of the sections to eliminate need for tube-to-tube connections or connections wherein a cut end edge has to be precisely placed against a planar surface. An inverted right triangle boom cross section with wing over-top fold configuration ability provides strength, stiffness and infinite nozzle placement possibilities.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly includes a plastic, one-piece flood tip that attaches directly over the bayonet connector of a nozzle body. The nozzle body is of the diaphragm type for reduced weight, cost and complexity but modified to increase flow capacity. In one embodiment, a 90-degree bayonet is provided on the nozzle body turret, and other bayonet selections are also available on the turret for flat fan spray patterns. In a second embodiment, a conventional radially extending bayonet pattern is provided, and the flood tip itself is fabricated with a 90-degree turn. The plumbing system utilized for high spray rate applications with the flood tip is the same as for lower rate spraying using a different tip mounted on other bayonet connector on the turret.

Abstract: A stationary rinse nozzle made of durable, non-corrosive material includes a simple deflector directing a uniform water jet in all directions so the need for a rotating nozzle or a multi-apertured rinse tube is eliminated. A large rinse orifice provides the necessary volume of water for effective low pressure rinsing of residual products from the tank walls. The deflector support is located in the middle of a tube so that blank spots in the spray pattern are avoided.

Abstract: A chemical loading system includes a venturi located at the top of the solution tank to reduce the fluid mass that has to be lifted into the tank. An anti-bridging nozzle at the outlet of the eductor hopper assures that material is pushed into the vacuum created by the venturi. To reduce air space in the granular material and increase pull by the venturi vacuum, fluid is directed to the material through the anti-bridging nozzle and through a rinse ring around the top of the hopper. The rinse ring, also used to rinse the hopper after loading the material and provide structural rigidity, includes a rolled edge at the top of the hopper walls with notches in the edge of the ring to provide improved placement of rinsing solution.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly includes a plastic, one-piece flood tip that attaches directly over the bayonet connector of a nozzle body. The nozzle body is of the diaphragm type for reduced weight, cost and complexity but modified to increase flow capacity. In one embodiment, a 90-degree bayonet is provided on the nozzle body turret, and other bayonet selections are also available on the turret for flat fan spray patterns. In a second embodiment, a conventional radially extending bayonet pattern is provided, and the flood tip itself is fabricated with a 90-degree turn. The plumbing system utilized for high spray rate applications with the flood tip is the same as for lower rate spraying using a different tip mounted on other bayonet connector on the turret.

Abstract: The entire right, title and interest in and to this application and all subject matter disclosed and/or claimed therein, including any and all divisions, continuations, reissues, etc., thereof are, effective as of the date of execution of this application, assigned, transferred, sold and set over by the applicant(s) named herein to Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation having offices at Moline, Ill. 61265, U.S.A., together with all rights to file, and to claim priorities in connection with, corresponding patent applications in any and all foreign countries in the name of Deere & Company or otherwise.