Abstract: The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning apparatus that includes a recovery system that extracts liquid and debris with a drying cycle in which forced air flows through a recovery pathway of the recovery system to dry out components that remain wet and/or retain moisture after normal operation of the apparatus. The post-operation drying cycle can dry out components such as an agitator or brushroll, a brush chamber, a suction nozzle, a recovery tank, a filter, and any of the various conduits, ducts, and/or hoses fluidly coupling components of the recovery system together.

Abstract: An irrigation system comprising a fluid-carrying conduit, two or more spaced-apart mobile towers, and a height-adjusting system. The two or more spaced-apart mobile towers are configured to support and move the conduit above a field. Each mobile tower includes a pair of legs, wheels, and a motor. Each leg has a first end coupled with the fluid-carrying conduit via a swivel connection and a second end. One of the wheels is connected to each of the second ends of the legs. The motor is for driving at least one of the wheels. The height-adjusting system is configured to move the second ends of the legs of each mobile tower relative to one another to raise or lower the irrigation system. The height-adjusting system may include an expansion mechanism for permitting adjustments to the height of the irrigation system or for applying a force to help make the adjustments.

Abstract: A control system for monitoring a motor and wheel drive gearbox of an irrigation system drive train. The control system includes a motor sensor for sensing an operating state of the motor and a gearbox sensor for sensing an operating state of the wheel drive gearbox. If the motor operating state exceeds a motor operating state threshold or changes too quickly, or if the wheel drive gearbox operating state exceeds a wheel drive gearbox operating state threshold or changes too quickly, the control system operates the drive train at a reduced capacity or in a modified mode such that the operating state is not exceeded or does not change too quickly.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a surface includes a liquid delivery system for storing cleaning liquid and delivering the cleaning liquid to the surface to be cleaned, and an indicator system that is operably coupled with the liquid delivery system to indicate an operational status to the user operating the apparatus. The indicator system can include a light emitter that illuminates when an operational status is detected. The light emitter can illuminate the container storing cleaning liquid.

Abstract: A plant stand management system includes a sensor unit configured to capture images of a plant stand, an applicator, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor unit and the applicator. The controller is configured to receive the captured images, process the captured images for determining one or more characteristics of the plant stand, generate one or more control signals based on the one or more characteristics, and send the one or more control signals to the applicator. The applicator is configured to perform at least one action on the plant stand based on the one or more control signals.

Abstract: A plant stand management system includes a sensor unit configured to capture images of a plant stand, an applicator, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor unit and the applicator. The controller is configured to receive the captured images, process the captured images for determining one or more characteristics of the plant stand, generate one or more control signals based on the one or more characteristics, and send the one or more control signals to the applicator. The applicator is configured to perform at least one action on the plant stand based on the one or more control signals.

Abstract: A spray assembly for a working machine that includes a fluid storage tank includes a plurality of nozzle assemblies, each of which includes a direct acting valve. The spray assembly also includes a controller that is operatively connected to each of the direct acting valves for controlling the opening and closing of the direct acting valves, and a selector that is operatively connected to the controller. The selector may be employed by an operator of the working machine to selectively operate one or more of the direct acting valves in order to provide a desired spray pattern of fluid from the fluid storage tank.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprising a base; an upright handle assembly pivotally mounted to the base and including an upright housing at a lower portion thereof, a handle tube extending upwardly from an upper end of the upright housing and a push rod that is axially slidable within the handle tube; wherein the handle tube is mounted for telescoping movement within upright housing between an extended position and a stowed position within the upright housing; a fluid delivery system including a fluid supply tank for holding a supply of a cleaning fluid; a fluid distributor for distributing the cleaning fluid from the fluid supply tank onto the surface to be cleaned; and a fluid conduit, including a fluid flow controller, between the fluid supply tank and the fluid distributor. A locking collar on the upright housing locks the handle tube in the extended and stowed positions.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system and method for mobile applications. The system includes a power source, a pump driven by the power source, and a motor driven by the pump. The system also includes a spray head with a fluid inlet passage, a fluid outlet passage, a fluid piston disposed in a chamber for controlled access between the inlet and outlet passages and defining a variable orifice, and a hydraulic cylinder controllably engaged to the orifice. The fluid piston and the hydraulic cylinder are aligned with a common longitudinal axis, and the inlet passage is offset from the axis in a direction opposed to the location of the outlet passage.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system and method for mobile applications. The system includes a power source, a pump driven by the power source, and a motor driven by the pump. The system also includes a spray head with a fluid inlet passage, a fluid outlet passage, a fluid piston disposed in a chamber for controlled access between the inlet and outlet passages and defining a variable orifice, and a hydraulic cylinder controllably engaged to the orifice. The fluid piston and the hydraulic cylinder are aligned with a common longitudinal axis, and the inlet passage is offset from the axis in a direction opposed to the location of the outlet passage.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for controlling the delivery of fluid from a reservoir, in relation to the ground speed of the vehicle delivering the fluid. Including a system where a hydraulic pump and motor are the components to drive the delivery of the fluid from the reservoir. The hydraulic motor is controlled to vary the output of the fluid pump based on a programmable logic controller (PLC) program. Where an operator selects the desired density of fluid to be pumped, the PLC controls fluid pump flow by controlling the hydraulic motor speed based on the vehicle ground speed.

Abstract: My invention is different in that it uses high temperature water to dissolve either evaporated granular salt, evaporated salt blocks, evaporated salt buttons, solar salt blocks, bulk or bagged solar salt crystals, or halite rock salt crystals to create a highly saturated, highly concentrated salt brine with or without adjuncts such as waste beet juice, molasses, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride to deice streets, roads, bridges, highways, sidewalks, curb cuts, building entrance steps, and airport runways and airplane taxi ways leading to airport runways. The use of the heated salt brine and adjuncts such as waste beet juice or molasses will prevent the solution from being diluted by holding it place with the sucrose or fructose based molasses used to bind the brine to the surface requiring deicing. The use of calcium chloride and magnesium chloride as adjuncts will increase the heated salt brine's effectiveness at lower temperatures.

Abstract: A pressure sprayer includes an accumulator vessel adapted to hold a pressurized fluid therein and a container that is configured to hold a chemical concentrate. A motor in fluid communication with the accumulator vessel and the container is adapted to be driven by the pressurized fluid and to pump the pressurized fluid and the chemical concentrate. A chamber is adapted to receive the chemical concentrate and the pressurized fluid from the motor to form a chemical solution. A nozzle is in fluid communication with the chamber.

Abstract: A liquid spraying apparatus includes a chassis having a front, a rear, opposite sides and a handle generally at the rear of the chassis. Wheels are rotatably mounted on the chassis for moving the spraying apparatus in a path over a subjacent surface. A tank is mounted on the chassis for holding liquid to be sprayed. An elongated spray boom is mounted at least at one side of the chassis. The boom has an inner end pivotally mounted to the chassis for movement of an outer end in a generally horizontal plane between an outboard position projecting outwardly of the chassis and an inboard position generally alongside the chassis. At least one spray nozzle is provided on the boom. Conduits are provided for feeding liquid from the tank to the nozzle. Positioning detents are provided for holding the boom in at least one intermediate position between the outboard and inboard positions to vary the width of the spray pattern as the apparatus is moved in the path over the subjacent surface.

Abstract: A series of improved paint stripers and methods for their construction, the use of lightweight, inexpensive, readily available construction materials, and specialized nozzles and actuators.

Abstract: A series of improved paint stripers and methods for their construction, the use of lightweight, inexpensive, readily available construction materials, and specialized nozzles and actuators.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for depositing liquid brine on roadway surface. Substantially horizontally disposed streamer nozzles are employed in conjunction with brine pumps which are operated in correspondence with the forward speed of the treatment vehicle. Substantially horizontally disposed streamer nozzles express the fluid at a rate corresponding with the vehicle forward velocity to effect a relative zero velocity relationship between the pavement and liquid. These streamer nozzles are mounted close to the pavement surface at a location effective to avoid truck induced air turbulence.

Abstract: An apparatus (22) for selectively discriminating vegetation or plant matter (28) comprises a light emitting means (24), a light sensing means (30) and a distance sensing means (34). The light emitting means generates a beam of light (26) that can be directed onto plants or plant matter moving relative to the apparatus. The light sensing means senses light transmitted from said light emitting means and reflected from the plants or plant matter, and generates a reflection signal in response to the sensing of the reflected light. The distance sensing means senses the relative distance moved and generates a distance signal. A processing means (32) is operatively connected to the light sensing means and the distance sensing means to combine the reflection signal and distance signal to discriminate different types of plants or plant matter.

Abstract: A spray control device for use with vehicle mountable spraying apparatus having a pump for conveying fluid under pressure to a spray head. The control device has a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure of the fluid near the spray head. A speed sensor enables calculation of vehicle speed. An adjustment device adjusts the delivery of fluid to the spray head. A microprocessor is programmed to calculate from information derived from the pressure sensor and speed sensor spray application rate. The microprocessor compares the application rate with a stored target application rate to thereby cause the adjustment device to, if necessary, adjust the pump so that the pressure of fluid delivery achieves the target application rate.

Abstract: A pressure sprayer is pressurized automatically with movement of the sprayer and maintains adequate pressure during non-movement to allow the ejection of an amount of liquid before needing re-pressurization. The pressure sprayer includes wheels that allow the pressure sprayer to be mobile. A cam is attached to the axle of the wheels which rotates with the rotation of the axle/wheels. A pressure pump is associated with the cam such that movement of the cam causes the pressure pump to pump liquid from a holding tank to an accumulator or directly to a spray wand in communication with the pump. The liquid may be sprayed (ejected) from the accumulator during both movement (pumping) and non-movement (no pumping) of the sprayer, while the liquid may be directly sprayed from the holding tank only during movement (pumping) thereof. Thus, as the wheels rotate due to moving the pressure sprayer, the cam causes movement of the pressure pump to fill the accumulator with the liquid under pressure.

Abstract: A series of improved paint stripers and methods for their construction, the use of lightweight, inexpensive, readily available construction materials, and specialized nozzles and actuators.

Abstract: A sprayer boom on a vehicle serves for by means of a number of liquid nozzles spraying a carriageway with a liquid fed under pressure to the nozzles from a storage container via a feed pipe. The nozzles are divided into sets with each their valve arrangement for selectively shutting off and opening for liquid supply to the respective set. The sprayer boom is suitable for tasks where the same amount of liquid per area unit must be sprayed across the area the vehicle passes irrespective of the speed of the vehicle, in as much as the nozzle sets can be regulated quickly and easily to optimum functioning at a given speed and a corresponding liquid flow.

Abstract: A method and device for discriminating different types of ground vegetation in agriculture is disclosed in which an artificial source (24) of electromagnetic radiation is employed for directing a beam (26) of radiation onto the vegetation. A sensor assembly (30) is provided for detecting reflected radiation from the vegetation in a selected frequency band and generating a sensing signal in response to the detection. A logic controller (32) determines whether a magnitude of the sensing signal falls within a predetermined range of values in order to distinguish one type of vegetation from another type. In the near infred region of the electromagnetic spectum different types of weeds absorb significantly less infra-red radiation than other types of vegetation. Logic controller (32) compares the amplitude of the sensing signal with a decision window.

Abstract: A method for driving the emptying of an induction unit with which an agricultural sprayer is equipped. The emptying is driven by a user acting with at least one of his lower limbs on a drive element. An agricultural sprayer for implementing such a method, comprising a drive element which has just one stable position.

Abstract: A self-propelled lawn and garden spreader that can be used to apply granular and/or liquid materials to both wide and narrow areas at a constant rate of application per unit area at different ground speeds, such as at a relatively high speed when the operator of the spreader is riding on the spreader, and at a relatively low speed when the operator is walking behind the spreader. The spreader generally includes a frame on which a suitable motor is mounted, wheels mounted to the frame with at least one of the wheels being driven by the motor, and a unit for controlling the ground speed of the spreader, including at least two forward speeds. The spreader further includes a material storage compartment mounted to the frame for containing a material. The material storage compartment has an outlet through which the material exits the material storage compartment and is delivered to a dispenser unit that broadcasts the material outwardly, including away from the sides of the frame.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system is especially useful in agricultural apparatus for delivering liquid agricultural chemicals to agricultural fields. The system includes a flow divider with a cylindrical stator with a ring of collection chambers around the bottom of the stator and a rotor having a flow passage from the center of the top end to the bottom end above the ring of collection chambers. The flow dividers may be cascaded to provide multiple outlets. The system may include plural liquid supplies and a mixer for mixing the liquids from the plural supplies to provide a desired blend upstream of the flow divider. It is preferred that the flow of each liquid can be varied to vary the blend. The system may also include a control that varies the blend according to requirements as distribution proceeds. This may include a recorded mapping of a field being treated and a position sensor, for example a global position sensor (GPS) for monitoring the position of the apparatus in the field.

Abstract: A pressure sprayer is pressurized automatically with movement of the sprayer and maintains adequate pressure during non-movement to allow the ejection of an amount of liquid before needing re-pressurization. The pressure sprayer includes wheels that allow the pressure sprayer to be mobile. A cam is attached to the axle of the wheels which rotates with the rotation of the axle/wheels. A pressure pump is associated with the cam such that movement of the cam causes the pressure pump to pump liquid from a holding tank to an accumulator or directly to a spray wand in communication with the pump. The liquid may be sprayed (ejected) from the accumulator during both movement (pumping) and non-movement (no pumping) of the sprayer, while the liquid may be directly sprayed from the holding tank only during movement (pumping) thereof. Thus, as the wheels rotate due to moving the pressure sprayer, the cam causes movement of the pressure pump to fill the accumulator with the liquid under pressure.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of distributing a liquid composition over the ground from travelling equipment, the composition comprising an active ingredient, in which method the concentration of the active ingredient in the liquid composition is varied in dependence on the speed of the travelling equipment over the ground, the liquid composition also comprising a viscosity modifying agent, the method comprising varying the relative proportion of the viscosity modifying agent in the liquid composition in dependence on the speed of the travelling equipment, thereby to control the viscosity of the liquid composition. Also disclosed is equipment for use in the aforesaid method.

Abstract: A line striper is attached to a vehicle with a two point hitch and has a swivelable rotatable wheel mounted thereunder to support the striper on the ground. A main beam is releasably clamped and may be slid from side to side depending on operator preference. The gun boom may then be located on the desired side. A delay feature on the control allows the operator to look ahead on a sighting camera and pick the point at which he or she desires striping to start (or stop or any other operation). The controller then compensates for the calibrated distance between the sight point and the spray gun and then starts and stops the gun at the appropriate time given road speed.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted spray system includes a variable orifice spray nozzle and control apparatus to correlate the delivery of pressurized fluid spray product to the nozzle in a selected ratio to the ground speed of the vehicle. The spray nozzle includes a circular orifice with a conical valve seat and a fluid pressure responsive, spring biased, conical shaped needle valve element mounted for reciprocation therein. The taper of the valve element is less than the taper of the valve seat and the apex of the needle valve protrudes beyond the orifice to create a solid stream flow of the spray product. The solid stream spray is projected onto the surface traveled in a direction opposite the direction of travel and at an angle therewith. The nozzle velocity of the spray product is equal to or greater than the vehicle velocity.

Abstract: A control system is provided for efficiently regulating the discharge of material from a mobile material distribution device having a product tank or bin, a boom with at least one boom section, a plurality of outlet ducts (e.g., nozzles and/or distribution ports) associated with each boom section, shut-off valves for selectively enabling each boom section, and a selectively-movable control valve for regulating the flow of material to the boom sections. The control system includes a boom sensing input for monitoring whether the shut-off valves are open or closed (i.e., whether the associated boom sections are enabled or disabled), and a processing system for maintaining a substantially stable pressure level between the control valve and each shutoff valve by positionally locking the control valve at its last controlled position upon receiving a signal from the boom sensing input indicating the shut-off valves are closed.

Abstract: An apparatus may be forcibly moved over an underlying grassy surface, such as a lawn, to evenly apply a liquid treatment material by contact between the outer surface of a support roller contacting the ground. Above the roller is provided a pivotally supported, internal segmented liquid-distribution element from which treatment liquid may flow via a plurality of spouts onto the outer surface of the roller. Liquid is provided to the liquid distribution element, by a plurality of flexible tubes communicating with a liquid container positioned above. A mechanism driven by the roller generates an up-and-down reciprocating motion of a slidably guided element loosely engaging the liquid-distribution element to give it a back-and-forth pivoting motion. Liquid being delivered from the container to the underlying ground surface is thus first sloshed inside the liquid distribution element.

Abstract: An apparatus of spreading a fluid on the floor includes four rectangular application rotating bodies partially overlapping each other, and four nozzles supplying the fluid provided in rotation areas of the respective application rotating bodies. The rotation position of the application rotating body is detected by a light shielding plate and a photosensor. A control portion controls each component so that the fluid is applied onto the floor from a tank through the nozzle by a pump when the application rotating body is not directly under the nozzle. As a result, the apparatus of spreading a fluid on the floor capable of optimally controlling the quantity of the fluid to be applied according to the application condition can be provided.

Abstract: A system and method for operating various farming devices at a location remote from the device. A hand-held radio transmitter is programmed to transmit Dual Tone Multiple Frequency tones in specific patterns so as to communicate directions to a controller located at the power plant of the farming device. The controller is formed by a companion microprocessor which is used to receive and decode and also encode and transmit Dual Tone Multiple Frequency tones, and a primary microprocessor which is used to monitor decoded Dual Tone Multiple Frequency tones and then control the power plant and transmission of the farming device. Directions transmitted from the hand-held radio transceiver to the controller can, in various embodiments of the present invention, direct such functions as, for example, moving of an irrigation wheel-line, turning off and on the engine of the wheel-line, starting and stopping pumps of a pump system, monitoring the moisture levels in soils.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for dispensing a liquid agricultural agent at a desired rate. A source of the liquid is pressurized and passed in parallel though at least one regulating capillary tube of such diameter and length as to regulate the rate of dispensing of the liquid at the desired rate. A pressure of the liquid is sensed and controlled for the purpose of adjusting the above-mentioned flow rate. A flow rate of the liquid is sensed and used with the sensed pressure to detect and alert a user of possible problems in the system, such as clogging of a dispensing outlet. A ground speed of the farm tractor which is transporting the system can he sensed in order to calculate the appropriate flow rate. A geographical location a farm machine in order to facilitate "prescription farming". The liquid may be injected and mixed with a carrier, and the mixing can be done in close proximity to an outlet orifice.

Abstract: In a device for applying plant-protecting compositions and the like, having a tank for carrier fluid, for example water, and a feed pump that pumps carrier fluid from this tank through a pipe to which spray nozzles are connected, and having a metering pump that is connected by a connecting pipe to a preparation container and is driven by the carrier fluid supplied by the feed pump, in order to avoid a complicated apparatus for controlling the concentration of the preparation in the carrier fluid and to achieve reliable and accurate metering, the metering pump (5) is connected in series with the feed pump (2) so that the whole of the carrier fluid flowing through the pipe (3) passes through the metering pump (5), wherein the carrier fluid drives a drive element (12) in the metering pump (5), which in turn drives a metering mechanism (13, 14) which is connected to the connecting pipe (10) leading to the preparation container (11) and is provided with a setting sleeve (15) for the concentration of the preparatio

Abstract: A sprayer control system and method for using same includes a pump for directing a mixture of chemical and fluid carrier to a flow control valve. The flow control valve includes an intake port, a bypass port, and a regulated outlet port. A valve member is rotatable to direct fluid from the intake port either to the bypass port or the regulated output port. Fluid from the bypass port is sent through a bypass line back to the intake opening of the fluid pump. Various chemical tanks are connected to the bypass line for injecting metered amounts of chemical into the bypass line.

Abstract: A material spreader consisting of a hopper, attached to a motor vehicle, which receives and dispenses an aggregate material in predetermined quantities and in a layer having substantial uniformity in thickness. The rate of dispensing the aggregate material is controlled by a computer which receives the desired weight of aggregate per area data input from the operator, senses the velocity of the motor vehicle, and adjusts the release rate of the aggregate from the hopper. The hopper is laterally expansible to accommodate varying road widths, and dispenses the aggregate material through gate openings in the bottom of the hopper. The aggregate is dispensed from the hopper without the aid of any operational parts exposed to the aggregate material within the interior area of the hopper.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for driving a shaft in unison with a wheel. The drive mechanism includes a plurality of slave pistons and a like plurality of master pistons. Each slave piston is paired with a master piston to establish a plurality of paired pistons. A cam is operatively coupled to the wheel and to the master pistons to cause the master pistons to move between retracted and extended positions when the wheel is rotated.

Abstract: A direct injection chemical sprayer for spraying a fluid mixture onto a field as the sprayer is moved over the field. The sprayer includes a chemical pump mechanism for pumping chemicals from a chemical tank, a sensing mechanism for sensing the speed at which the sprayer is being moved over the field, and a drive mechanism operatively coupled to the sensing mechanism and to the chemical pump for varying the output of the chemical pump mechanism in proportion to the speed at which the sprayer is being moved over the field. A second embodiment includes self-contained replaceable cartridges each of which has a tank, a pump, drive mechanism therefor, and calibration apparatus. There are removable intermediate gear boxes and a main gear box, each of which has a plurality of selectable drive mechanisms for driving the pump of the gear box at a selected speed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for application of agrochemicals from a moving vehicle. It utilizes a multiple chemical infusion system for mobile spraying of liquid mixtures at present, controlled, and monitored application rates which integrate ground speed, solute concentration, diluent volume and spray swath path width using dynamic, real time software in a digital computer unit with a read only memory chip. Microprocessor controlled peristalic squeeze pumps, capable of simultaneous or independent application of a plurality of chemicals, infuse chemicals to be applied into solvent water where the mixture is delivered to a boomless spray assembly by a centrifugal pump or application. The microprocessor is controlled by the operator of the moving vehicle.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the spraying onto a field of a liquid such as a herbicide solution by means of a spraying apparatus, propellable over the field, with a series of spraying members (3) fed by a common liquid pressure pump (6) wherein a carrier fluid is supplied to the spraying members (3) by means of the pump and the active substance in the stream of carrier fluid is added by means of a second regulatable pump (12), wherein the volume of carrier fluid provided to the spraying means (3) is controlled dependantly on the quantity of active substance by a regulating system (5) controlling one of the two fluid flows, in order to keep the concentration of active substance in the carrier fluid constant irrespective of the travel velocity, ensuring that although the quantity of the active substance is regulated dependantly on the travel velocity, the concentration is independant thereof, resulting in a homogeneous spreading of the active substance over the full width of the strip of land to be sprayed.

Abstract: A liquid sprayer has a tank for storing liquid, a boom supporting spraying nozzles, and a pump and liquid control system for supplying liquid under pressure to the spraying nozzle in a manner that maintains substantially uniform liquid dispensing density independent of variations in the ground speed of the sprayer. A ground speed sensor, a liquid pressure sensor, and a liquid flow meter sends signals to a controller to regulate a valve that controls the rate of flow of liquid to the spraying nozzles.

Abstract: Fertilizer spreading apparatus includes a vehicle carrying a plurality of product bins, each for carrying a fertilizing product. Feeder devices are provided to meter product from the bins which is collected and spread over the field to be fertilized. A computerized control system is provided which holds a digital soil map of the location of various soil types in the field to be fertilized and is responsive to vehicle location means for determining the location of the vehicle in the field, looking up the type of soil the vehicle is currently over based on its location, and adjusting feeder operation in response thereto. The method further includes the steps of acquiring an aerial photograph of the field to provide the digital soil map and for testing the various soil types in the field for fertilizing requirements and inputting the information into the control system whereby product rates may be varied according to the soil type.

Abstract: A field-going machine is disclosed for separating the green liquid fraction of a green vegetation crop into leaf protein concentrate fraction and a brown liquid fraction, where a portion of the brown liquid fraction is heated and then recirculated to mix with the incoming green liquid fraction to cause its coagulation.

Abstract: A liquid sprayer has a tank for storing liquid, a boom supporting spraying nozzles, and a pump and liquid control system for supply liquid under pressure to the spraying nozzles in a manner that maintains substantially uniform liquid dispensing density independent of the ground speed of the sprayer. A ground speed sensor, a liquid pressure sensor, and a liquid flow meter send signals to a controller to regulate a valve that controls the rate of flow of liquid to the spray nozzles.

Abstract: A spray type applicator for liquid agricultural chemicals has no boom but uses only a cluster of nozzles which emit sprays to create narrow ground-impacting overlapping patterns extending laterally of the carrying vehicle. Swath width of the overall pattern is maintained substantially constant by automatically adjusting the above-ground height of those nozzles which throw laterally outwardly of the vehicle in accordance with nozzle pressure which is varied to vary application rate. Others of the nozzles, which direct their sprays downwardly, are fixed to the vehicle because the swath width of their ground-impacting spray patterns will not change appreciably with changes in nozzle pressure.

Abstract: A device for obtaining a uniform application of marking material on streets, squares, or the like and, in particular, a marking machine with travel dependent driven, statically-operating pump system for the marking material, is provided. The device prevents the occurrence of substantial pressure fluctuations with respect to the given system pressure during opening and closing of an applicator nozzle and serves to influence the feeding flow to the nozzle.

Abstract: An automatic control system for a vehicular liquid sprayer includes a control circuit for receiving a liquid pressure signal and a vehicle ground speed signal and operator accessible controls for delivering to the control circuit signals corresponding to a desired application rate, to the number of nozzles associated with the vehicular liquid sprayer and to the nozzle spacing. The operator may vary the input signal corresponding to desired application rate plus or minus a given percentage to compensate for tolerances in the liquid sprayer system. The control circuit calculates the liquid pressure necessary to achieve the desire application rate and the difference between this desire liquid pressure and the measured liquid pressure and produces control signals corresponding to this difference. A duty cycle control circuit converts these control signals to a cyclical control signal for driving a motor-driven flow control valve.

Abstract: A computer control technique controls a chemical spreading operation such as the spreading of a salt-sand composition from a truck hopper. The vehicle has a spinner motor controlled by the vehicle operator from the control panel which is preferably disposed in the vehicle cab, and a conveyor motor operated under computer control and operator control. A display is part of the control panel and indicates conveyor motor speed to the operator. The operating power for the system, and in particular the conveyor motor, is derived from an AC generator (alternator) preferably driven from the fan belt drive of the vehicle motor thus not requiring any separate motor drive or hydraulic drive. In one embodiment a single alternator is used for both conveyor motor power and normal electrical vehicle power, while in an alternative embodiment separate alternators are employed both associated with the vehicle motor.