Abstract: An apparatus and method of applying liquid product to a crop growing in a field. A plurality of drop assemblies are laterally spaced along the boom structure, each of the plurality of drop assemblies include a boom mounting bracket which supports a vertical support member and a spray assembly disposed at a lower end of the vertical support member, the boom mounting bracket having a first pivot axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the boom structure. The drop assemblies are movable from a working position to a transport position. In the transport position the vertical support member is pivoted about the first axis such that the vertical support member is oriented toward the boom structure. In the working position the vertical support is oriented substantially perpendicular to the boom structure.

Abstract: A liquid applicator implement includes a boom vertically adjustable with respect to a vehicle. The boom supports a plurality of drop assemblies laterally spaced along the boom in communication with a liquid product source. A height sensor assembly is attached to at least one of the drop assemblies and generates signals indicative of a distance between the drop assembly and a ground surface as the vehicle advances in a direction of travel. An adjustment mechanism coupled to the boom is responsive to the signals generated by the height sensor assembly for vertically adjusting the boom. In some embodiments, a breakaway sensor is used to determine whether at least one drop assembly has broken away from its normal substantially vertical operating orientation. In some embodiments, a data processing and/or height control action is determined upon detection of a breakaway event.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus for applying liquid products to row crops. The liquid dispensing apparatus includes a plurality of drop assemblies supported by and laterally spaced along a boom structure and pivotal with respect thereto. Each of the drop assemblies includes dribble hoses for dribbling a liquid product onto the soil in a rhizosphere of adjacent crop rows. The drop assemblies may include a spray assembly for spraying the row crops.

Abstract: A liquid applicator implement includes a vehicle supporting a boom which is vertically adjustable with respect to the vehicle. The boom supports a plurality of drop assemblies laterally spaced along the boom, each of the plurality of drop assemblies is in communication with a liquid product source. At least one height sensor assembly is attached to one of the plurality of drop assemblies. The at least one height sensor generates signals indicative of a distance between the one drop assembly and a ground surface as the vehicle advances in a direction of travel. At least one adjustment mechanism coupled to the boom is responsive to the signals generated by the at least one height sensor assembly for vertically adjusting the boom as said vehicle advances in the direction of travel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of applying liquid product to a crop growing in a field. A plurality of drop assemblies are laterally spaced along the boom structure, each of the plurality of drop assemblies include a boom mounting bracket which supports a vertical support member and a spray assembly disposed at a lower end of the vertical support member, the boom mounting bracket having a first pivot axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the boom structure. The drop assemblies are movable from a working position to a transport position. In the transport position the vertical support member is pivoted about the first axis such that the vertical support member is oriented toward the boom structure. In the working position the vertical support is oriented substantially perpendicular to the boom structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for delivering a particulate product onto a soil surface proximate adjacently spaced crop rows. The apparatus includes a plurality of drop members supported by and spaced laterally along a boom structure such that each drop member is positioned between two adjacently spaced crop rows. The drop member extends downwardly from the boom structure toward the soil surface. The drop member supports a hopper which receives a quantity of particulate product. Diverging particulate product passageways supported from a lower portion of the drop member deliver the particulate product from the hoppers onto the soil surface adjacent the two adjacently spaced crop rows. In alternative embodiments, the drop members may also support liquid passageways for delivering liquid product to the soil surface with the particulate product and the drop members may support spray assemblies for spraying plants in the adjacent crop rows.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus for applying liquid products to row crops. The liquid dispensing apparatus includes a plurality of drop assemblies supported by and laterally spaced along a boom structure and pivotal with respect thereto. Each of the drop assemblies includes dribble hoses for dribbling a liquid product onto the soil in a rhizosphere of adjacent crop rows. The drop assemblies may include a spray assembly for spraying the row crops.