Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for a spaying apparatus (10) which includes a ducting assembly (11) mountable about a fan (24), said ducting assembly (11) includes a plurality of ducts (28) formed by a plurality of vanes (29), each of said vanes (29) has a substantially constant width from a duct inlet (32) to a duct outlet (17, 18); a guide member locatable adjacent the ducting assembly (11) and on which the fan (24) is mountable, said guide member (33a) is shaped to direct fan forced air from the guide member (33a) to the duct inlet (32); and spray supply means (19) for providing ducted air with liquid to form spray.

Abstract: An irrigator (A) for distributing a constant depth of fluid as the irrigator (A) moves over an area. The irrigator (A) has a moveable nozzle boom arm (9), a winch (15) with cable (15a) and a governor (B). The governor (B) is connected to the moveable nozzle boom arm (9) and to the winch (15). In use the governor (B) controls the speed of winch (15) and the speed and movement of the moveable nozzle boom arm 9, so that application depth of liquid being applied by the irrigator (A) can be kept substantially constant.

Abstract: An ozone system for agricultural applications generally includes a water flow line having an inlet for receiving a flow of clean water from a water source, an ozone injector suitable for producing a high concentration of ozone in oxygen, preferably from oxygen-enriched air, and a venturi injector for injecting the ozone gas into the water flowing through the flow line to produce an ozonated water stream. The system preferably including a spray assist assembly which provides a stream of gaseous component to assist in dispensing the ozonated water fro agricultural application. The entire system, or at least a substantial portion of the system, is mountable on a motorized vehicle to provide ease in applying the ozonated water stream from the system to agricultural crops, particularly living grapevines.

Abstract: An agricultural sprayer for spraying a mixture of a carrier liquid and at least one active ingredient, and including a carrier liquid container, at least one active ingredient container for containing the active ingredient in concentrated form, a mixing chamber for mixing the carrier liquid with the active ingredient, at least one active ingredient feed line between the at least one active ingredient container and the mixing chamber and a carrier liquid feed line between the carrier liquid container and the mixing chamber, a boom structure having at least one nozzle connected with said mixing chamber for spraying the mixture of the active ingredient and the carrier liquid, and means for generating and discharging a flow of gas under pressure. The sprayer has connecting means that allow gas low communication between said means for generating and discharging a flow of gas under pressure and said at least one container for receiving an active ingredient.

Abstract: A disinfectant spraying apparatus is disclosed for mounting on a vehicle for spraying disinfectant on each tire of a vehicle before and after entering a livestock farm. The apparatus includes a container for containing the disinfectant, the container being mounted on the vehicle. A pump is disposed in fluid communication with the container for pumping the disinfectant from the container and a motor is provided for driving the pump. A manually operated switch is provided for selectively connecting the motor to a source of power such that when the switch is disposed in an operative disposition thereof, the motor is energized so that the motor drives the pump for generating a flow of the disinfectant downstream from the pump. A flow splitter is included for splitting the flow of the disinfectant pumped by the pump from the container such that the flow is split into a plurality of flow lines.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for performing maintenance procedures such as washing, cleaning, deicing, and painting to an aircraft. The apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention preferably has a mobile base having a plurality of wheel members for allowing the mobile base to travel along surfaces and a plurality of support surface registering members for registering the mobile base to a support surface to inhibit movement of the plurality of wheel members. The apparatus also preferably has a boom member having a proximal end portion rotatably mounted to the mobile base and being movable between a retracted position and an extended position and an aircraft maintenance tool rotatably connected to a distal end portion of the boom member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for recovering water permeability of a pavement surface layer of drainage or water permeable pavement by removing clogging of air voids in the pavement surface layer, comprising the step of: discharging water jet at a high pressure from a nozzle onto a surface of the pavement surface layer so that the surface of the pavement surface layer is within a droplet flow region of the water jet and that droplets and globules in the droplet flow region enter the air voids in the pavement surface layer to cause water hammer which removes the clogging of the pavement surface layer.

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: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a spray boom. The method comprises the steps of forming flat two ladders, each ladder consisting of an upper beam connected to a lower beam by girders, producing lower crossbeams, assembling the two ladders and the lower crossbeams to form a three-dimensional structure. The present invention advantageously makes it possible to reduce the cost of manufacturing a spray boom.

Abstract: An atomizer foil is provided in an atomizer to mix liquid into an air flow passing through the flow duct of the atomizer. In order to achieve an even distribution of liquid drops in the air cone discharged from the atomizer, the liquid is conveyed out on the atomizer foil via outlets disposed symmetrically on the edge of the leading side. Each outlet is connected with an inlet chamber in the atomizer foil via an outlet duct.

Abstract: A vehicle-borne spray boom apparatus has multiple articulated sections that are foldable and individually supported with respect to the ground to maintain a consistent and optimal distance between the boom sections and the ground on hilly and uneven terrain. A center section of the boom is mounted on a forward facing frame element of the vehicle, and boom arms extending from either end of the center section each comprise at least first and second sections, each supported by a ground-engaging wheel. Each first section is coupled at one end to the center section to permit vertical inclination with respect to the center section, and each second section is coupled at one end to a respective first section to permit vertical inclination with respect to such first section.

Abstract: A vibrating plate compactor having a vibration generator, a water tank, wherein the water tank is removably mounted on the compactor. The compactor includes a sprinkler pipe having a nozzle, a connection pipe having a switch cock and a pair of brackets projecting downward from both sides of the front of the tank. Two ends of the sprinkler pipe are connected between the brackets. A recess portion projects below the tank bottom at one part thereof at the rear of one of the brackets. The recess portion and one of the brackets are connected by the connection pipe having the switch cock.

Abstract: A multiple nozzle sprayer that includes a fixed or swing bracket assembly configured with a mounting bracket fixedly or adjustably attached by at least one pivot pin to an outwardly projecting angle arm. The mounting bracket is formed with a mounting pad, and the mounting bracket and the angle arm are each formed with at least one nozzle mounting portion. Also included are first and second nozzles mounted to the nozzle mounting portions and configured to project respective spray clouds to intersect. The first nozzle spray cloud is configured with a predetermined droplet size spectra that is greater than that of the second spray nozzle. The first nozzle can be further configured to spray a cloud of a carrier fluid and the second nozzle can be configured to spray an active fluid in a spray cloud that combines with the carrier fluid spray cloud.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a boom structure for an agricultural implement (1), wherein a pivot link connects a boom section (20) with a frame (10), and actuator means (18) being capable of generating a desired pivoting of the boom section (20) about an axis (A).

Abstract: A sprayer device includes a main tank (2) for a carrier product, at least one tank (4, 8) for a chemical product intended to be mixed with the carrier product, a sprayer manifold (12) or the like and a pump (10) downstream of the main tank (2) for feeding the carrier product under pressure from the main tank to the sprayer manifold or the like.

Abstract: An irrigator has a single irrigation arm adapted to move in reciprocal rotational motion. In a first setting, the irrigator sprays irrigating liquid at a first orientation with respect to the arm to move the arm in a first direction. In a second setting, the irrigator sprays irrigating liquid at a second orientation with respect to the arm to effect a reversal in the rotational direction of the arm. Means are provided to alter the arm between the first and second settings.

Abstract: A field marking system includes a marking solution storage tank, a mixing volume fluidly connected to the storage tank and configured to mix marking solution from the storage tank with pressurized air, a nozzle fluidly connected to the mixing volume and an engine including a turbocharger. The turbocharger supplies pressurized air to at least one of the solution storage tank and the mixing volume. In one exemplary embodiment, the turbocharger supplies pressurized air to both the solution storage tank and the mixing volume. The marking system additionally includes a valve connected between the solution storage tank and the mixing volume and a control circuit coupled to the valve. In one exemplary embodiment, the control circuit generates a control signal such as the valve modulates based upon the control signal to vary production of marking medium.

Abstract: A suspension system supports an implement on a work vehicle and includes a linkage mechanism providing pivotal connection between the work vehicle and the implement and adapted to pivot in such manner as to permit relative upward and downward movement between the vehicle and the implement while maintaining a controlled or selected orientation between them. A hydraulic actuator capable of extending and retracting is operatively connected between the work vehicle and the implement so as to effect the pivotal motion of the linkage and relative motion between the vehicle and implement. A shock absorber is interposed between the hydraulic actuator and one of the work vehicle and the implement for absorbing shock loadings tending to pass between the vehicle and the implement via the hydraulic actuator when in use. The shock absorber includes an elongated link mounted for pivotal motion at a point between opposing ends thereof.

Abstract: An improved liquid fertilizer distribution manifold operating in two stages. An accumulator piston located above the primary and secondary ports provides for two stages of flow. A broad range of regulated flow for site-specific farming results in precise, accurate and timely application of liquid fertilizer and pesticides. An elevated piston seal flange in the manifold allows flow to be exact with plugged or partially plugged primary orifices. Manifolds are produced in single tier and double tier arrangements to improve efficiency. The same manifold can be applied to NH3 pressure increasing systems. NH3 pressure decreasing systems and liquid fertilizer and pesticide systems.

Abstract: A spray hood assembly for containing the spray mist of pesticides or other liquid agricultural chemicals in an application area as the pesticide or other liquid is applied to soil or vegetation. In a preferred embodiment, the spray hood assembly includes an elongated hood characterized by a selected number of arcuate hood segments attached to each other in end-to-end relationship and mounted on a trailer hitched to a tractor or other towing vehicle. As the suspended hood migrates over soil or vegetation, the pesticide or other liquid is sprayed into the hood. Air intake openings in the front of the hood segments permit entry of turbulent air which promotes mixing of the air and sprayed mist inside the hood and substantially uniform application of the mist to the soil or vegetation within the confines of the hood. In a preferred embodiment, a mist curtain extends downwardly from the curved front and rear panels of the adjacent hood segments for enhancing confinement of the mist in the hood during application.

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 suspension device for a boom of a product spraying agricultural appliance includes elements for mounting the boom on a chassis of the appliance. The suspension device further includes elements to damp a boom movements and adjusting members capable of acting on the boom mounting elements so as to vary a position of a boom instantaneous center of rotation relative to a center of gravity thereof, preferably by modifying a spacing between the center of gravity and the instantaneous center of rotation located higher than the center of gravity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a folding boom for an agricultural sprayer. The boom includes a first piece pivotally connected to a second piece. The folding boom also includes a hydraulic cylinder for hydraulically pivoting the first boom piece relative to the second boom piece between a folded orientation and an extended orientation. The hydraulic cylinder includes a cylinder portion in which a piston structure is mounted. The cylinder portion and the piston structure are configured to slide axially relative to one another when the first boom piece is pivoted relative to the second boom piece. The folding boom further includes an accumulator in fluid communication with the cylinder portion for accumulating hydraulic fluid when the first boom piece collides with an obstruction and is pivoted from the extended orientation toward the folded orientation.

Abstract: A connecting device connecting a spray boom to a chassis of an agricultural sprayer, said connecting device is noteworthy in that it consists of a single quadrilateral arranged in a plane which is substantially vertical and substantially parallel to a longitudinal plane of said sprayer.

Abstract: A spraying apparatus for crops having unusually high trees, the spraying apparatus comprising means for producing a vertical flow of air with an agrochemical product, an air conduit having an inlet connected to a discharge of the flow producing means and also having an outlet, spraying means for producing a mist from the air flow with the agricultural product and spraying the mist to a tree, the air conduit being flexible and bellows-shaped, and means for extending and retracting the air conduit so that the air conduit can be extended and retracted according to a height of the tree and to position the spraying means at a corresponding height for spraying the mist to a desired target.

Abstract: A variable flow spray nozzle system for delivering a plurality of crop inputs over an agricultural field using a spray boom having a plurality of release zones. Each release zone on the boom is has multiple nozzle modules, and each nozzle module is individually controlled and capable of variable flow. A control system in communication with each nozzle module and a positioning system, such as a GPS system, controls the application of multiple crop inputs so that the crop inputs are applied at a variable prescriptive rate. Thus, it is possible to vary the flow of crop inputs along the length of the boom as well as in a direction substantially transverse to the direction of the boom.

Abstract: An apparatus is used for distributing a slurry flow to plural feed conduits. It has particular application in the injection of swine manure into the soil as fertilizer. The apparatus includes a circular manifold with a central inlet for delivering slurry to the manifold and outlet ports spaced around the outer wall of the manifold for connection to the respective feed conduits. An impeller in the manifold has back swept impeller blades mounted for rotation so that the impeller blades sweep in sequence past the outlet ports. The impeller blades produce pressurized zones in front of them as they sweep in sequence past the outlet ports. This produces a pulsating flow in the feed conduits, ameliorating blockage problems with the conduits. The impeller also includes knives that rotate around the inside of the outer wall and anvils mounted on the outer wall so the knives will act with the anvils to sever trash in the slurry flow. The knives and the anvils are oppositely inclined to produce a shearing action.

Abstract: A crop sprayer includes a chassis and a differential assembly secured to the chassis. The crop sprayer also includes a hub assembly having a hub support plate with a wheel hub rotatably secured thereto. The crop sprayer further includes a first telescoping support assembly having a first outer tube and a first inner tube which is positioned within the first outer tube. The first inner tube is movable relative to the first outer tube. The crop sprayer moreover includes a second telescoping support assembly having a second outer tube and a second inner tube which is positioned within the second outer tube. The second inner tube is movable relative to the second outer tube. The crop sprayer yet further includes a telescoping drive shaft assembly. Both the first outer tube and the second outer tube are secured to the chassis. Both the first inner tube and the second inner tube are secured to the hub support plate.

Abstract: A feed line assembly includes adjacent running or coaxial delivery and return conduits for transferring asphalt between a spray bar and a pump and tank of an asphalt distributor. The coaxial feed line assembly provides for one directional flow in each of the feed lines between the spray bar and the asphalt tank/pump. The circulating system can be operated in spraying and circulating modes. Asphalt flows through the delivery conduit to the spray bar and out through nozzles in the spraying mode and asphalt flows from the delivery conduit through the spray bar and is returned through the return conduit in the circulation mode. Asphalt is substantially static in the return conduit during the circulation mode. The coaxial feed line assembly serves as a heat exchanger to transfer heat from the delivery conduit to the return conduit and thereby prevent freezing of substantially static asphalt in the return conduit during spraying mode.

Abstract: A nozzle mounting and control system for use in sprayers comprising multiple sets of nozzles mounted in the operating position on a sprayer boom. Control valves are operable to select which sets of nozzles are operating at any given time. The valves may be remote controlled and may further incorporate a rate controller to maintain a chosen application rate as speed varies. This application rate may be varied conveniently. The rate controller may be a present rate controller such as measures the speed and total fluid volume delivered and then adjusts the pressure to maintain the application rate, or may be a novel rate controller which measures the speed and fluid pressure and then adjusts the pressure to maintain the application rate. Either rate controller would operate the control valves to select the proper combination of operating nozzles in addition to adjusting the pressure.

Abstract: A crop sprayer includes a number of wheels, a chassis supported by the number of wheels, a boom frame supported by the chassis, and a boom arm segment. The boom arm segment operates in a first mode of operation in which the boom arm segment is maintained at a fixed position relative to the boom frame and a second mode of operation in which the boom arm segment is allowed to freely pivot relative to the boom frame. The crop sprayer further includes an actuator supported on the boom arm segment. The actuator is movable between a pivot-preventing position and a pivot-enabling position. The boom arm segment operates in the first mode of operation when the actuator is positioned in the pivot-preventing position. Movement of the actuator from the pivot-preventing position to the pivot-enabling position causes the boom arm segment to operate in the second mode of operation. A method of preventing damage to a boom arm assembly during a collision between the boom arm assembly and an obstruction is also disclosed.

Abstract: A crop sprayer includes a support assembly including a chassis member and an offset frame member which are secured together so as to define a mounting space. The chassis member defines a chassis bottom surface which is positioned at a first vertical height above the ground. The crop sprayer further includes a storage tank, supported by the chassis member, for storing a quantity of liquid therein. Also, the crop sprayer includes a boom arm assembly which is supported by the chassis member. The crop sprayer additionally includes a number of nozzles in fluid communication with the storage tank, with the number of nozzles being supported by the boom arm assembly.

Abstract: A nozzle fluid supply system for use in sprayers that combines the modular advantages of a dry boom system with the high capacity of a wet boom system. Pressurized fluid is carried by rigid tubes connecting adjacent nozzle holding members attached to the sprayer. A two-part nozzle holding member is disclosed for attachment to a dry boom bracket through a hole therein. The combination of the short rigid tubes and two-part nozzle holding member provide a modular system with interchangeable parts.

Abstract: A support assembly supporting a spray boom assembly from a liquid supply assembly. Spaced support arms have opposite ends pivotably mounted on frames of the liquid supply assembly and the boom assembly to afford movement of the spray boom assembly between raised and lowered positions by a changeable length assembly such as a hydraulic piston, and shocks or bouncing action transmitted from the liquid supply assembly are damped by an assembly comprising an elongate shaft, an elongate tube around the shaft, resiliently elastic shock absorbing strips disposed between the shaft and the tube that with surfaces of the shaft and tube are shaped to restrict rotation of the tube around the shaft without resilient compression of the shock absorbing strips. Either the shaft or tube is fixed to the frame or the support arms, the other has an activating arm fixed to and projecting from it, which activating arm is pivotably attached to one end of the changeable length means.

Abstract: A crop sprayer includes a chassis, and a lift frame secured to the chassis, the lift frame having a left boom support and a right boom support. The crop sprayer includes a boom frame having a left boom support contact member and a right boom support contact member, wherein the boom frame is movable between (i) a first vertical position relative to the lift frame, and (ii) a second vertical position relative to the lift frame, and wherein the second vertical position is located at a height vertically above the first vertical position. The crop sprayer further includes a lift cylinder operable to move the boom frame in relation to the lift frame between the first vertical position and the second vertical position. The left boom support, the right boom support, the left boom support contact member, and the right boom support contact member are each spaced apart from the lift cylinder.

Abstract: A spraying system is provided with a plurality of spray sections, a discharge line coupled to each of the spray sections, and a control valve connected to each discharge line for regulating the flow of liquid from the discharge line to the spray section. The control valves are mounted in side-by-side relation and each have a housing with outwardly projecting retaining flanges formed thereon. The spraying systems also including plastic mounting clamps for connecting together the retaining flanges of adjacent control valves. The plastic mounting clamps each having separate first and second clamping members. The first and second clamping members each having a respective retaining section secured in overlying relation to the retaining flanges of adjacent control valves for captively securing the retaining flanges together.

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 hinge assembly for use on a spray boom attached to a sprayer apparatus. This hinge assembly allows the inner and outer boom members to pivot in both the horizontal and vertical planes. The hinge assembly has three primary components the first of which is the boom knuckling hinge. The boom knuckling hinge is the component which allows the outer boom assembly to pivot in the vertical plane. The second component of the hinge assembly is the breakaway portion. This component allows the outer boom to flex in the horizontal plane and in a rearward manner when an obstacle or the ground is inadvertently struck by the outer boom during normal operation. The third and last component of the hinge assembly is the boom folding apparatus. The folding apparatus is used to fold the outer boom against the inner boom for transport and storage purposes. This is accomplished by the use of two hydraulic cylinders, one on each the inner and outer booms, that are attached to the boom hinge.

Abstract: A mobile system for delivering a fluid to a fluid application area includes a vehicle, an arm carried by the vehicle and movable between a retracted position and an extended position, a fluid delivery system carried by the vehicle and including at least one fluid delivery device coupled too the arm, a mechanism for maneuvering the arm between the retracted position and the extended position, a sensor mounted on the vehicle for sensing the approach of an obstacle in the path of the arm, and a control circuit responsive to the sensor for causing the arm maneuvering mechanism to retract the arm towards the retracted position when the sensor detects an approaching potentially interfering obstacle and for extending the arm towards the extended position when the relative positions of the arm and the obstacle are no longer potentially interfering. A safety breakaway mechanism is incorporated into the system for enabling the arm to deflect when struck by an undetected obstacle.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted emulsion dispersing device including a dispersing nozzle that is opened and closed by an opening/closing device, an emulsion tank that stores emulsion, and an emulsion pump for pumping emulsion from the tank to the nozzle and spraying the emulsion from the nozzle. A control device controls the emulsion pump and the dispersing nozzle so that the rate of emulsion dispersion coincides with a set value. A method of dispersing emulsion using the emulsion dispersing device wherein the control device intermittently disperses the emulsion by intermittently opening and closing the opening/closing device so that the area of dispersed emulsion is continuous from front to back.

Abstract: A sprayer attachment is designed for mounting upon a swather tractor and includes a central frame with a tank which can be carried upon the front arms of the swather tractor. Two masts each carry a respective one of a pair of booms, each for extending outwardly to a respective side of the tractor for movement with the tractor in a spraying action. Each boom includes an inner section, an outer section and a tip portion. In the folding action the outer section and tip portion are folded about a horizontal axis so as to move to a position overlying the inner section. The folded boom is then pivoted about a vertical axis at the mast to lie along side the side of the tractor. The tip portion includes a parallel cable in advance of the tip portion for impacting an obstacle with the cable actuating release of the latch and accelerating the tip portion away from the obstacle to prevent impact with the obstacle.

Abstract: A proximity detecting system for use with an agricultural equipment or implement such as a crop sprayer, for determining the position of the implement, e.g. the end of a spraying boom relative to the edge of the previously cultivated or sprayed area. The system has an electronic imaging device, e.g. a CCD array, mounted at the end of the implement or sprayer, which shows the location of a marker placed at the edge of a previously cultivated or processed swath. The position of the marker is shown on a visual display located in the operator's cab. A deviation of the marker from a predetermined position on the display alerts the operator of an overlap with, or miss, of the boundary of the previously processed swath.

Abstract: In a vehicle for spreading liquid material, disclosed is a spray manifold based on an inventive variable orifice nozzle, spraying beyond the vehicle span while not extending beyond the vehicle span. Because of the inventive nozzle the vehicle is able to spray beyond the span of the vehicle with a uniform application to a swath of land over varying vehicle speeds and flow rates. The disclosed nozzle achieves a constant velocity and exit flow trajectory for a wide variety of flow rates, including low flow rates. The nozzle is particularly beneficial for vertical manifold arms with horizontally mounted nozzles because the trajectory distance is constant for a wide range of flow rates. The nozzle achieves these benefits by providing a fixed flow path and a variable flow path. The nozzle includes a substantially spherical poppet having a fixed hole orifice, variably retained by a spring adjacent to the orifice of the discharge port.

Abstract: A system for applying a liquid material to a roadway surface from a wheeled, motor-driven vehicle, the system comprising a tank for carrying a liquid material, a first spray bar for discharging the liquid material on to the roadway surface and a second spray bar for discharging the liquid material onto the roadway surface which was not covered by the discharge of the first spray bar. The system includes hydraulic motors and pumps for the first spray bar as well as hydraulic motors and pumps for the second spray bar, the second spray bar being independently controllable to apply liquid asphalt or other suitable material to the roadway at different rates than that liquid asphalt being applied by the first spray bar.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the relative positioning of two hingedly connected implement portions movable between deployed or working and folded or stowed positions relative to one another includes a strut like component connected between the two implement portions and in the form of an hydraulic damper or shock absorber which is extensible and retractable in damped fashion. When the connecting component is fully extended or retracted, it serves as a strut for transmitting forces from one implement portion to the other to effect movement of said implement portions to or from their working and stowed positions. At other times, when not in a fully extended or retracted position, the connecting component serves as a damper dampingly resisting relative movements between the two implement portions to yielding absorb impacts and other dynamic loads imposed on one or the other of the boom portions.

Abstract: A sprinkler construction for mounting on any upwardly inclined forward end of the compactor plate of vibratory plate compactors for delivering water to the surface of the compactor plate which contacts material being compacted. The sprinkler construction comprises a hollow bar having an open rear side in contact with the plate which forms a closure for the open rear side and form a longitudinal chamber in the sprinkler bar. The bottom edge of the open rear side of the hollow sprinkler bar is provided with recesses which cooperate with the compactor plate to provide water discharge slots for discharging water along the surface of the compactor plate. The hollow sprinkler bar is removably mounted on the compactor plate to enable easy removal for cleaning the sprinkler bar from any debris that may accumulate therein. The hollow sprinkler bar is communicated with a water supply tank mounted above the compactor plate for gravity flow of water to the sprinkler bar controlled by a valve.

Abstract: A machine for distributing material over crops comprises a vehicle for moving across the ground together with a single boom which projects out from one side of the vehicle over a length which can be of the order of 120 feet. The boom is self-supporting and formed by four rails at the corners of a rectangle together with a plurality of sets of spaced cross struts and longitudinal cables so that each of the rails is under compressive load. The boom is thus self-supporting and is coupled to a center cradle only at the ends of the rails. The boom can be broken down into separate sections. The cradle is a rectangular frame structure which is suspended on a horizontal tubular beam by a sleeve surrounding the beam having a diameter slightly bigger than the beam so that pivotal movement of the cradle tends to roll the sleeve around the beam thus lifting the center of gravity and dampening the pivotal action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sprayer boom lock valve for automating the setup sequence for sprayer operation from the transport position. The lock valve comprises a lever, spring biased toward a valve closing pin, and a cam secured on the secondary boom of the sprayer boom. When the secondary boom is rotated to release wheel locks in the setup sequence, the cam releases the lever which acts on the valve closing pin to close the valve and prevent any further rotation of the secondary boom. The valve is opened again by a linkage which is pulled tight when the sprayer wings are opened, retracting the lever and opening the valve. The hydraulic drive line is then reestablished to complete rotation of the secondary booms.

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 crop sprayer having a chassis and a number of wheels which support the chassis is disclosed. The crop sprayer further includes an engine for driving at least one of the number of wheels so as to propel the chassis, and a storage tank, supported by the chassis, for storing a quantity of water therein. The crop still sprayer further includes a chemical receptacle, supported by the chassis, for receiving and holding a chemical solution therein. The crop sprayer yet further includes a first loading conduit which is in fluid communication with the chemical receptacle, a second loading conduit which is in fluid communication with the storage tank, and an electric pump having a pump inlet and a pump outlet. The pump inlet is coupled to the first loading conduit. The pump outlet is coupled to the second loading conduit.