Abstract: The invention is directed at systems and methods which provide for effective cleaning and drying of vehicles of different shapes and sizes. The invention in one example includes a vehicle washing apparatus comprising a conveyor system to move a vehicle along a path, and a bridge assembly supported above a vehicle and moveable along the length thereof. At least one trolley assembly is operatively supported by the bridge assembly and is moveable in a direction generally transverse to the movement of the bridge assembly. At least one cleaning arm assembly for delivering cleaning fluid to or for brushing the surface of a vehicle is operatively supported by the at least one trolley assembly or bridge.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for providing task-specific ride-height and speed control in a self-propelled agricultural product applicator utilize a controllable ride-height trailing arm suspension system, including an extensible air strut and an angular position sensor, for independently joining each wheel to a frame of the applicator. An electronic control unit utilizes the angular positions detected by the sensors, in conjunction with a desired task input, to control the air struts in a manner providing a ride-height corresponding to the desired task input. The electronic control unit also controls maximum speed of the applicator for each task, per a predetermined schedule, or in response to a suspended load of the applicator.

Abstract: A method for at least partially de-icing an aircraft by applying a de-icing fluid through a nozzle (10) is disclosed. The method involves the steps of: measuring a distance to an outside surface of the aircraft, applying the distance in an evaluation, controlling the position and/or the orientation of the nozzle (10) according to the evaluation, and applying the de-icing fluid at least a part of the outside surface trough the nozzle. In addition, a system for performing the de-icing method is also revealed.

Abstract: A liquid delivery apparatus includes a base assembly; a vessel into which liquid may be introduced to at least partially fill the vessel and to pressurize the liquid in the vessel; a nozzle including a discharge tube and a nozzle outlet, wherein the nozzle is rotatable with respect to the base assembly, and the nozzle outlet is provided at a distal end of the nozzle via which the liquid may be discharged from the vessel under the pressure of the liquid in the vessel; and a valve between the vessel and the nozzle to control passage of liquid from the vessel to the nozzle outlet; wherein the valve and nozzle discharge tube are substantially in line. A drive system is also disclosed that drives rotation of the nozzle with respect to the base assembly. The drive system may be configured to propel the liquid delivery apparatus along the ground.

Abstract: A control system for a fire fighting component includes a detector for detecting a position of at least a portion of a fire fighting component relative to an axis, which generates an output position signal indicative of the position of the at least a portion of the fire fighting component, and a controller in communication with the detector and receiving the output position signal. The controller generates a display output signal based on the output position signal. The system further includes a display that is in communication with the controller and receives the display output signal. The display generates an icon that is a graphical representation of the fire fighting device, and configures the icon based on the output display signal wherein the configuration of the icon indicates the position of the at least a portion of the fire fighting device.

Abstract: An extendable sprinkler device comprises a base cylinder having a first end fluidly communicable with a second end via a through passageway. A primary extension assembly is coupled within the through passageway of the base cylinder and is positionable between collapsed and extended positions. The primary extension assembly comprises a primary extension cylinder having a first end fluidly communicable with a second end via a through passageway. A stop is coupled to the first end of the primary extension cylinder. An actuator cylinder is coupled within the primary extension cylinder. The actuator cylinder comprises a first end fluidly communicable with a second end via a through passageway. The second end of the actuator cylinder is coupled with the second end of the primary extension cylinder.

Abstract: A variable rate suspension system for a boom sprayer including a lift assembly and chassis. The suspension system includes a needle valve fluidly connected to a hydraulic accumulator and a first and second lift arm cylinder. A control block provides hydraulic fluid to the system and lift arm cylinders. Dampening of vertical accelerations encountered by the chassis and transmitted to the boom sprayer through the lift assembly is controlled by adjusting the rate hydraulic fluid flows from the cylinders into the accumulator using the needle valve.

Abstract: A self-propelled and self-contained shrouded walking boom unit including a small tank and pump mounted on the unit. The unit also has a small transmission and DC drive which makes the unit self-propelled. The configuration is such that the operator walks in front of the spray applicator system with the spray being applied behind the operator. The operator steers the applicator and controls the spray from a handle attached to a single front steering wheel.

Abstract: A suspension arrangement mounted in support of a boom lift assembly and boom supported thereon on a chassis of an agricultural sprayer is provided. The boom lift assembly is configured to move the boom between a raised, inoperative position and a lowered, operative position. The suspension arrangement includes a pivot linkage pivotally coupling the boom lift assembly and the chassis, and a dampener located between the boom lift assembly and the chassis. During operation of the sprayer, the dampener of the suspension arrangement reduces transfer of an impact force or stress force from transferring between the chassis and the boom lift assembly so as to isolate suspension of the boom lift assembly from the chassis of the sprayer.

Abstract: A self-propelled and self-contained shrouded walking boom unit including a small tank and pump mounted on the unit. The unit also has a small transmission and DC drive which makes the unit self-propelled. The configuration is such that the operator walks in front of the spray applicator system with the spray being applied behind the operator. The operator steers the applicator and controls the spray from a handle attached to a single front steering wheel.

Abstract: A boom assembly includes a frame, a boom, a boom stabilization cylinder, and a feedback cylinder. The boom is rotatably mounted to the frame to rotate about a first axis. The boom stabilization cylinder is coupled to the boom to resist rotational deflection of the boom about the first axis. The feedback cylinder is coupled to a counterbalancing weight. The feedback cylinder is hydraulically coupled to the boom stabilization cylinder. Movement of the boom stabilization cylinder to resist deflection of the boom causes corresponding movement of the feedback cylinder to lift the counterbalancing weight.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tank having a bottom portion that is adapted to be received by a truck platform between the wheel wells so that the tank can be easily moved past the wheel wells. In addition, the tank preferably has a first top panel that is adapted to receive the pump, engine, hose and/or reel. Since the foregoing are mounted onto the tank, the useable space on the platform is increased. Further, the first top panel is preferably positioned near the edge of the platform so that the sprayer system controls are accessible and convenient for a user.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle chemical applicator includes an elongate frame having at least six independent support wheels positioned along opposed sides of the frame. Suspension is provided for each of the support wheels including a support pivotally mounted to the frame. A shock absorber is disposed between each support and the frame to absorb shocks as the supports are forced to adjust to variations in terrain. A chemical applicator mounting platform is pivotally secured to the frame on which are mounted chemical applicators. Telescopic control cylinder are provided to position the chemical applicator mounting platform in an operator selected orientation relative to the terrain. An automatic motion dampening control system is provided for controlling the telescopic control cylinders to automatically reposition the chemical applicator mounting platform to dampen disruptive motions and average surface roughness oscillations that can not be dampened by the suspension.

Abstract: A nozzle attitude controller for use in connection with a farming apparatus for precision farming, the apparatus comprising an applicator vehicle, a boom supported by and extending across the rear of the vehicle, a manifold rotatably supported by the boom, a plurality of nozzles disposed from the manifold and oriented in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the vehicle, but disposed at an angle with respect to the horizontal, the attitude controller including a linear actuator operated by a stepper motor and a radar sensor which connects to the stepper motor and which measures the speed of the vehicle such that pulses from the radar sensor to the stepper motor moves the linear actuator to change the angle of the nozzle so that the horizontal component of its velocity is equal and opposite to the speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: Method and device for cleaning germination trays. The device includes a moveable carriage comprising at least one telescoping carrier, the at least one telescoping carrier being coupled to at least one supply line, and a cleaning unit coupled to the at least one telescoping carrier. The method includes extending the at least one telescoping carrier from the moveable carriage, moving the moveable carriage, and directing a cleaning fluid onto a portion of the germinating tray using the at least one cleaning unit, wherein the cleaning fluid cleans the portion of the germination tray.

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: 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 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 device for cleaning rollers in paper producing machines such as those used to calendar paper in the process of manufacturing paper from pulp. The device cleans rollers in paper producing machines with a high pressure hydrospray, while the rollers remain in the machine, thus, eliminating the need to remove the rollers from the machine in order to clean them.

Abstract: An apparatus to remove rubber from airplane tires from an airport runway surface. There is a manifold arm which rotates at as high as two thousand five hundred rpms over the runway surface, with a plurality of water jets being discharged downwardly at a relatively high pressure (e.g. thirty five thousand P.S.I.) against the runway surface. Even though the water pressure as at a level several times higher than that at which damage to the runway surface can occur, at the relatively high linear speed of the water jets (e.g. ninety to one hundred eighty miles per hour), there is no noticeable damage to the runway surface, but yet there is quite effective removal of the accumulated rubber. Also disclosed is a particular shaft and seal assembly which is capable of operating at relatively high rotational speeds and delivering the high pressure to the manifold arm.

Abstract: A washing device mounted on a motor vehicle comprises cold water tanks and a high pressure boiler providing water at 100 to 250 bars. A rotary cleaning arm is supplied with the pressurized hot water and has nozzles at its ends directed towards the surface to be cleaned. A protective casing surrounds the rotary cleaning arm. The cleaninig arm can be mounted underneath the vehicle for vertical movement between operative and standby positions. The rotary arm has a rotation axis passing through its center and is provided with a nozzle at each end, the two nozzles being substantially identical, of flat triangular shape and having the same mean general plane. The nozzle therefore deliver two divergent flat jets that are substantially coplanar and which have different angles of attack on the surface to be cleaned. These jets can impinge on the opposite edges of an element of an irregular surface comprising facets perpendicular to the general plane of the surface, such as cobblestones and duckboards.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit and a wheeled self-propelled moveable frame provides a one-way feed of water under pressure selectively bearing a liquid soap or a liquid rinse chemical via a wind up hose mounted on a spool via a drive motor to axle to belt to clutch to shaft on the moveable frame through a multi-way directional valve to a water powered drive motor for driving the moveable frame forward and reverse relative to an open end of a vehicle body and said spool. A water cylinder changes the angle of inclination of a floor nozzle tube rotatable about its axis horizontally at the front of the moveable frame and bears a series of longitudinally spaced nozzles, when the machine travel reverses towards the open end of the vehicle body. The multi-way directional valve changes the water flow direction upon impact of a sensor operatively coupled thereto and projecting forwardly of the front of the wheeled self-propelled moveable frame.

Abstract: A method for spraying pesticides, herbicides or the like in a moving path from above includes extending a support cable across and over the area to be sprayed and tensioning the cable between two vehicles, one on each side of the area to be sprayed. One or more material spraying nozzles or outlets are supported on the cable and fed by a material-delivering conduit also supported on the cable and connected to a source of material supply on one of the vehicles. The cable is tensioned to a preselected tension sufficient to limit sag in the cable, and tension in maintained substantially constant as the two vehicles are advanced forward with the cable and spray nozzle over the path to be sprayed, irrespective of convergence and divergence of the two vehicles. Constant tension is maintained by a hydraulic motor driving a cable storage reel at constant force.

Abstract: A movably mounted element (1) is stabilized with respect to a desired path according to one component of movement. The element is mounted with complete freedom of movement along that component of movement which takes part in the formation of the actual path and to maintain or return the movable member (1) to the predetermined path, for example, maintaining a spray manifold parallel to the ground. With the aid of a jack (10) there is exerted, between the movable member and its support point or points (3) and as a function of the position of the movable member with respect to the desired path, one or more forces whose magnitude is independent of the position of the movable member with respect to the points of support. The invention is applicable to movable members having plural degrees of movement in rotation and/or translation and particularly for the stabilization of a spray manifold.

Abstract: In an apparatus which applies refractory material in either wet or dry form onto the inner surface of a furnace by means of a spray pipe, a rotating mechanism for rotating the spray pipe is provided with an automatic oscillating device for automatically effecting a continuous oscillation of the spray pipe, the continuous oscillation improving the operability of the spraying operation while uniformly applying an optimal amount of refractory material onto the inner surface of the furance.

Abstract: In a sprayer, particularly an agricultural sprayer, having a boom equipped with conical jet spraying nozzles, the height of the boom above the plane of the surface to be treated is controlled in accordance with the pressure of the spray liquid in the boom by a system for the displacement of the boom perpendicularly to the plane of the surface to be treated, which system is mounted on the chassis of the sprayer, and provided with detectors for detecting the position of the boom with respect to the chassis, a comparator for comparing signals coming from the detectors with a value representing the pressure of the fluid in the boom, and a hydraulic jack connected to the comparator for operating the said displacement system in one direction or the other according to the differences detected, for the purpose of maintaining a tangent relationship between the circles or ellipses of the intersection of the conical spray jets with the plane of the said surface to be treated.