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: A wheel head and rail assembly comprises a contra-rotatable wheel assembly (20) and associated rails (16, 18). Successive wheels (42, 44, 46) on the assembly contact, alternately, the rails (16, 18) on opposite sides thereof. The wheel head can provide a mounting for a carriage which carries, for example, a dropleg (22) with a spray nozzle for use on an agricultural crop sprayer.

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.

Abstract: A trailer for catamarans, which can also function as a launch trolley, uses a lever mechanism to actuate a pivotally mounted lifting arm (20) which engages the front cross beam (44) of the catamaran. The reaction thrust is transmitted through the frame to a second lifting arm (22) engaging the rear cross beam (42), whereby the weight of the whole boat is transferred to the trailer frame (14). The lever mechanism is self-locking in its raised position. A roller on the actuating lever provides a moving pivot point whereby a cam-like action is obtained.

Abstract: A planter for placement of plants in spaced parallel rows in the soil has a plant dispenser fed manually or automatically from a plant supply and delivering to a furrow-opening coulter assembly and press wheels. The plant dispenser comprises a drum having an internal impeller defining plant-receiving chutes through which the plants pass, and thence downwards and outwards through an opening in the drum. The coulter assembly has reciprocated coulter side plates which receive and support each plant in a receiving zone between them, and by forward movement relative to the plant and relative to a fixed placement member located in front of the plant, allow soil to flow back to cover the plant's root ball. The press wheels are mounted with a variable caster angle to vary their soil-gathering affect. A hitch has twin parallel toolbars whereby the row units are freely laterally position-adjustable even across the tractor hitch.