Abstract: A treatment system for spraying treatment fluid onto plants in a field is described. The treatment system includes a highly configurable treatment mechanism including an array of nozzles and valve assemblies coupled into manifolds, and manifold assemblies. The manifolds of the manifold assemblies can be oriented in an open state or a nested state, the open state with no overlap between nozzles of adjacent manifolds and the nested state with overlap between nozzles of adjacent manifolds. The manifolds can have multiple configurations, examples of which include a tube manifold and an offset manifold. The nozzles of the system can have multiple configurations, examples of which include a tri-spray nozzle, a bar nozzle, a fan nozzle, and a deflected fan nozzle. The system can be controlled by a system controller which detects plant material and instructs a nozzle or combination of nozzles to spray treatment fluid.

Abstract: Spraying boom support for agricultural sprayers, whether trailed, self-propelled and/or airborne, which includes identical articulated arms arranged on either side of the sprayer. Said arms are extended transversely to the direction of advance of the sprayer, and are coupled in an articulated manner to a central support section of the chassis of said sprayer. Each articulated arm is comprised of bar sections formed by a composite material consisting of a reinforcing agent selected from carbon fiber, fiberglass, aramid fiber, boron fiber or a combination thereof, and a matrix of epoxy, vinyl ester, phenolic, polyester resins or thermoplastic material. At its ends, the bar sections have metal nodes that make up the joints and links, also fulfilling the role of taking the concentrated loads of them and distribute them in the bar sections of composite material.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying one or more substances to an area of interest, the apparatus having sensors detecting one or more conditions of a sample area proximate the sensor, wherein, the control system is configured to allow for an operator selection between distributing or not distributing a substance or substances via the independently operable outlet(s) controlled by the control system when the control system determines: the sample area proximate at least one sensor or group of sensors is having one or more conditions which meet at least one predetermined condition parameter for that or those condition(s); or the sample area proximate at least one sensor or group of sensors is having one or more conditions which do not meet at least one predetermined condition parameter for that or those condition(s).

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for spreading solid active agents and a method for controlling the apparatus. A boom is pivotably mounted on a vehicle. A sensor arrangement detects an angular velocity and/or an angular position of the boom about a pivot axis. A control unit processes output signals of the sensor arrangement to control signals for an actuator to adjust the boom. The actuator has an active pressure side for each of the two adjustment directions of the boom. Approximately equal pressure levels prevail in the active pressure sides of two actuators operating in opposition or of a double-acting actuator, when the boom is stationary or moves only slightly in relation to the carrier vehicle. A defined differential pressure is adjustable between the active pressure sides of the actuators when the boom is shifted in relation to the carrier vehicle.

Abstract: A system for applying a two-part adhesive to a substrate includes two separate trays for holding a 15 gallon capacity drum containing a two-part adhesive compound, where the trays are tiltable independent of each other, a prime mover for providing an output torque, a first pump connected to the prime mover for receiving the output torque, the first pump having an inlet and an outlet, a second pump connected to the prime mover for receiving the output torque, the second pump having an inlet and an outlet, a first compound in communication with the inlet of the first pump, a second compound in communication with the inlet of the second pump, a first accumulator in communication with the outlet of the first pump, a second accumulator in communication with the outlet of the second pump, a first manifold in communication with the outlet of the first pump, and a second manifold in communication with the outlet of the second pump. A plurality of applicators is included.

Abstract: A system for applying a two-part adhesive to a substrate includes a prime mover for providing an output torque, a first pump connected to the prime mover for receiving the output torque, the first pump having an inlet and an outlet, a second pump connected to the prime mover for receiving the output torque, the second pump having an inlet and an outlet, a first compound in communication with the inlet of the first pump, a second compound in communication with the inlet of the second pump, a first accumulator in communication with the outlet of the first pump, a second accumulator in communication with the outlet of the second pump, a first manifold in communication with the outlet of the first pump, and a second manifold in communication with the outlet of the second pump. A plurality of applicators is included.

Abstract: An apparatus for spraying and inducing an electrostatic charge upon a liquid in excess of 0.8 millicoloumb/kilogram is connectable to a boom fitted to a vehicle, such as an aircraft, having a dc power supply. The apparatus comprises a nozzle constructed from a substantially non-conductive material and includes a spray tip designed to provide a hollow conical spray pattern. A support member extends from the nozzle and supports a charging electrode for inducing an electrostatic charge upon the liquid sprayed through the nozzle. The charging electrode attaches to the support member and is electrically connectable to the dc power supply. The charging electrode includes a cylindrical portion and a plurality of corona discharge members extending inwardly from a distal end of the cylindrical portion adjacent to the spray tip. The charging electrode is positioned to permit the hollow conical spray pattern to pass unhindered therethrough.

Abstract: An adhesively bonded frame section for an agricultural sprayer boom is provided. One agricultural sprayer boom section includes a first support member and a second support member disposed adjacent to the first support member. The boom section also includes a side plate adhesively bonded to a first lateral side of the first support member, and to a first lateral side of the second support member to couple the first support member to the second support member.

Abstract: The invention concerns an agricultural sprayer with an arm comprising multiple segments, which are pivotable relative to each other, whereby the arm is pivotable out of a transport position into an operating position and/or back into a transport position, whereby the complete arm is attachable to a drawing vehicle, such as a tractor, and pivotable around a first horizontal swiveling axis, whereby at least one of the segments of the arm is pivotable around a second swiveling axis, which is in general vertically aligned in the transport position and whereby the discrete segments comprise units, which are arranged relative to each other per segment such, that a work plane through those units is in general vertically aligned in the transport position, wherein the complete arm is pivoted out of the transport position in the operating position around the first swiveling axis, such that the work plane is generally horizontally aligned.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a breakaway hinge for an expandable boom on an agricultural vehicle. The boom includes of a first and a second section combined in a manner to allow the second section to move with respect to the first section when the second section encounters an obstruction. A breakaway hinge is provided between the first and the second section, and includes a first pivot member attached to the first section at an angle ? with respect to a vertical line and a second pivot member attached to the second section at an angle ? with respect to the vertical line. A connecting member holds the first pivot member with respect to the second pivot member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus for discharging a fertilizer in strips onto agriculturally productive land by trailing hoses, which apparatus is designed for installing on the rear of a tank vehicle, with two jibs which can each be pivoted to and fro about a vertical axis (A1, A2) between a discharge position and a transport position. Certain embodiments relate in particular to an apparatus of this type which has a supporting device which is arranged on the apparatus so as to be pivotable about a vertical axis (B) and is designed, in the transport position, to support the jibs in relation to the carriageway in a supporting section spaced apart from the axis (B). Embodiments also relate to a tank vehicle with an apparatus of this type.

Abstract: A boom structure for a mobile agricultural implement. The boom structure includes a first transversely extending beam member having a first protrusion. The boom structure includes a second transversely extending beam member having a second protrusion. The second transversely extending beam member is spatially offset from the first transversely extending beam member. A plurality of first coupling members are coupled to the first protrusion and a plurality of second coupling members coupled to the second protrusion. A plurality of connecting members are coupled to the first and second coupling members to connect the first and second transversely extending beam members.

Abstract: A print head includes a fluid cavity and nozzle in fluid communication with the fluid cavity. A stopper is positioned adjacent the nozzle and adapted to control flow of fluid through the nozzle. An arm supports the stopper and is configured to pivotally move the stopper with respect to the nozzle. An electromagnet is positioned adjacent the arm and configured to move the arm toward the electromagnet to open the nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for applying an agricultural material through a standing crop. The apparatus is capable of adjusting the height and width of the frame of the apparatus. A trailer is disclosed that is capable of adjusting trailer width to transport the apparatus.

Abstract: A fold structure for a boom. The boom includes an inner boom portion having an inner boom portion top surface and an outer boom portion having an outer boom portion top surface. In a working position the inner boom portion and the outer boom portion are aligned lengthwise. The fold structure includes a bracket, a first hinge coupled to the bracket and configured to be pivotally coupled to the inner boom portion, and a second hinge coupled to the bracket and configured to be pivotally coupled to the outer boom portion. The first hinge is configured to allow the outer boom portion to rotate approximately 180 degrees in a first direction placing the boom in a first folded position. The second hinge is configured to allow the outer boom portion to rotate approximately 180 degrees in a second direction placing the boom in a second folded position.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a frame and at least one wing boom pivotably coupled to the frame. The wing boom is designed to extend generally perpendicularly from the frame when in a working position and generally adjacent the frame when in a transport or stowed position. The outer end of the wing boom rests in a cradle coupled to the frame. The frame further includes a handrail that may be pivoted toward the frame to provide clearance for the cradle when the wing boom is moved to the stowed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an advanced spray control system for controlling a sprayer, which comprises a plurality of scrolling means operatively connected to the sprayer, where the spray system offers added controllability and operability. Also provided is a method of controlling a sprayer using the spray control system of the present invention.

Abstract: A nozzle comprises a lower nozzle plate including a lower impingement surface formed therein, at least one fluid intake port disposed at an inner end of the lower impingement surface, and an upper nozzle plate including an upper impingement surface formed therein and an upper orifice edge disposed along an outer end of the upper impingement surface. The nozzle includes a seal configured for sealing the lower nozzle plate to the upper nozzle plate, such that the lower and upper impingement surfaces are opposed toward one another, thereby forming a fluid channel between the impingement surfaces, directing pressurized fluid from the at least one fluid intake port to a slotted orifice formed between the opposed lower and upper orifice edges. The nozzle includes a droplet size adjustment mechanism configured for attachment to the upper and lower nozzle plates for selectively controlling fluid droplet size ejected from the slotted orifice.

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: An integrated breakaway cylinder for controlling a boom of a self-propelled sprayer and method for constructing a boom assembly is disclosed in the present application. The integrated breakaway cylinder is constructed from a first stage cylinder and a second stage cylinder. The first stage cylinder is configured in a rod and barrel arrangement. The second stage cylinder is also configured in a rod and barrel arrangement, with the barrel of the first stage cylinder serving as the rod of the second stage cylinder. The first stage cylinder operates to extend and retract a boom. The second stage cylinder operates to absorb shock from inertia or the boom impacting an object. The design of various embodiments of the present invention couples the operation of maneuvering a boom with shock absorption into a single integrated cylinder.

Abstract: An improved system for controlled aerial distribution of substances such as chemicals upon crops in a select field, including coordinating the simultaneous independent application of two different substances. The system may include a pair of sub-systems, one of which includes a computer controlling a variable flow valve capable of varying the release of a substance from the first subsystem. There may also be a second subsystem having a pump activated by a lever that also opens and closes the fluid communication of the first subsystem, in this basic version of the invention, manually positioning the lever to open the spray valve also commences continuous release of a second substance from the second subsystem at a constant rate, until the lever is positioned to close the first fluid communication.

Abstract: An irrigation assembly has a main pipeline supported at intervals by mobile towers, a plurality of drop tube assemblies at spaced intervals along the pipeline and a collector positioned to receive water from the drop tube assembly. A plurality of targets are positioned on the ground in the paths of motion defined by the movement of the collectors. The targets may be dishes. Each dish preferably has a perforated drain that penetrates beneath the surface of the ground. Interaction between the collector and the target causes the water stored within the collector to be released into the target. The irrigation assembly may provide for underground irrigation without a collector where a dish or trough receives water from the drop tube assembly and underground drains allow for water to be dispersed below the ground.

Abstract: A sprayer assembly includes a frame that supports a tank for storing a liquid chemical. A pump moves the liquid chemical from the tank to one or more spray nozzles through a flexible hose supported by a boom arm that is attached to and extends from the frame. To allow for adjustment of the positioning of the spray nozzles, the boom arm has a curved end portion that defines a slot. A fastener can be passed through the slot and into a corresponding opening defined in the frame to attach the boom arm to the frame. As such, the boom arm can be fixed at any orientation between 90° (vertical position) and 0° (horizontal position) depending on the application.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed which includes a chassis and a storage and dispensing apparatus. The storage and dispensing apparatus can be mounted directly to the chassis or disposed within or on a body, which in turn is mounted to the chassis. The storage and dispensing apparatus has an opening therein to permit material to be transported therethrough. A conveyor assembly for selectively conveying materials from the opening of the storage and dispensing apparatus is also included. The conveyor assembly can include a dual auger arrangement. The vehicle includes a spreader chute that is operably arranged with the conveyor assembly to direct the materials to a spreader. A liquid storage system for storing liquid is provided. A liquid dispensing system is provided for selectively dispensing liquid from the liquid storage system.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a walk behind zero turn radius drive unit and a front spray frame carrying a plurality of transversely spaced, clearly observable spray nozzles. The drive unit permits accurate and high productivity traverse of the application area with the ability to steer around obstacles and accurately traverse an irregular edging pattern. The spray frame includes a pair of folding spray arms, each of which carried dispensing nozzles. Another set of nozzles is positioned at the sides of the frame. All the nozzles are within the forward lateral view of the operator permitting ready steering of the drive unit around the borders of the application area. The nozzles are supplied with liquid from a frame mounted tank by an electric pump powered by the drive unit. The spray nozzles are controlled by an operator valve positioned adjacent the drive unit control, thereby allowing operator to control the application during travel.

Abstract: A sprayer system includes one or more spray nozzle systems and a recirculation line which contains a Venturi for recirculation of non-sprayed liquid into a tank during breaks in spraying. To facilitate circulation, restrictors are placed in an upstream area of each nozzle system feeding line, and a downstream control valve is inserted between each nozzle system and the recirculation line. Each nozzle system can be independently controlled. Closing a control valve activates the spraying system associated with that valve, whereas opening the valve enables the liquid to circulate through the recirculation line into the tank to prevent unwanted dripping, demixing and depositing.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying liquids to foliage with a roller and adjustable spray nozzle apparatus. A large heavy roller is pulled or pushed across a field of plants, thereby forcing the plants very close to the ground. A height adjustable applicator nozzle directly following the roller can be adjusted very close to the compacted plants. The combination of an adjustable roller and adjustable applicator nozzles allows the fluid to be released very near the plants, thereby increasing the amount of fluid transferred to the plants' surface and lowering the amount of fluid sprayed into the atmosphere. This reduces the amount of fluid required to treat a given area. The result of the invention is a savings in the cost of fluids, improved effectiveness of the treatment and an improved environmental impact where the selected fluid has a negative environmental impact.

Abstract: A system for uniformly dispensing agricultural chemicals in soil comprises a holding reservoir for the liquid agrichemicals, at least one multi-port uniform dispersing manifold or splitter, and a number of dispensing delivery tubes for dispensing the chemicals proximate openings or slits in the soil during various functions such as planting. The liquid agricultural chemicals, within the system, flow, under pressure, from the reservoir to the exit orifice of each delivery conduit. The multi-port, uniform liquid dispersing manifold passively equally and uniformly, divides the incoming fluid stream to provide separate, but substantially equal, divided fluid streams exiting the manifold to individual delivery conduits.

Abstract: A fluid sprayer system using a modulated hydraulic control valve and a positive displacement pump to control the amount of fluid sprayed by the system. The modulated hydraulic control valve may be controlled using pulse width modulation and may be provided with a substantially constant source of hydraulic fluid. The pulse width modulated hydraulic control valve provides the hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic motor as a controlled flow. The controlled flow serves to control the hydraulic motor that controls a positive displacement pump. The position displacement pump is used to control the amount of fluid sprayed by the system. The control system changes the signal to the control valve so as to mitigate pressure changes otherwise caused by said positive displacement pump.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a sprayer boom and is incorporated in a spraying apparatus which includes a vehicle, a tank, hoses connected to nozzles, and the sprayer boom. The sprayer boom includes a number of wing sections each including at least one single-piece component cut from a sheet of metal to form a web or truss structure which replaces the usual rods and welds support provided to sprayer booms of this nature. Obtaining the single-piece component by cutting it from a sheet of metal rather than constructing the truss-structure by use of many rods reduces material and labor costs. Spaced apart rungs or tabs on the bottom of the sprayer boom provide openings through which sprayer nozzles are aimed while the nozzles, hoses and connectors remain mostly recessed within the boom which provides physical protection from wind and other damage and still allows easy access for repair.

Abstract: The device comprises a roadstone spreader having roadstone flap-doors which are juxtapositioned the transverse direction and which are of equal width, and a rail for spreading bituminous binder facing spreading zones for roadstone via the roadstone flap-doors. The rail f comprises a first set of nozzles which produce jets which cover approximately three pitches of an impact zone of the road surface and nozzles of a second set of nozzles which are interposed between the nozzles of the first set and which are supplied in order to produce margin jets having an impact zone which extends approximately over two pitches over the road surface.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator is provided for controlling relative movement between first and second structures between which the actuator is mounted, for example between a boom and the base frame of an agricultural sprayer, while providing some resilience in the form of suspension. The actuator comprises a piston cylinder having a floating cushion piston supported within the cylinder end to support the piston within the cylinder in a retracted position at a prescribed spacing from the cylinder end. The piston can thus be deflected from the retracted position in either direction using a pressure relief mechanism so as to provide some flexibility to the actuator to accommodate the varying forces between the pair of relatively movable structures between which the actuator is mounted. The cushion piston requires no additional electrical switches or controllers and can be part of the hydraulic circuitry of the actuator so as to provide a simple, low cost actuator with integral suspension.

Abstract: An automatic wind-drift compensation system is provided for an agricultural sprayer. The system includes a control unit adapted to receive input data including wind speed and direction, vehicle speed and direction, and desired spray overlap. The control unit is programmed with a set of instructions for processing the data and generating output data. The output data facilitates steering of the sprayer through the field to achieve the desired spray overlap.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a unique tank and ring system for transporting and circulating high specific gravity soluble fluid on board a vessel.

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 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: A ground attitude control apparatus is provided for maintaining a constant boom attitude when traveling over uneven ground. A boom for supporting crop-spraying equipment is pivotally mounted on and extending either side of a carrier for movement about a substantially horizontal first pivot axis. A levelling member is pivotally mounted on the boom for movement about a substantially horizontal second pivot axis. At least one damper is connected between the levelling member and the boom and exerts a damping effort on the boom. A linkage is pivotally connected to both the levelling member and the carrier. The linkage is disposed to control the damping effort to cause the boom to rotate at a desired angular velocity in response to rotation of the carrier.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus that will adequately and efficiently dispense a substance, such as fertilizer, repellent, which is removably secured to a conventional tractor to allow for adequate traveling thereof. The present invention includes a frame member and a trailer. The frame member includes a first portion or first boom and a second portion or second boom that are pivotally mounted to the trailer via a pivoting mechanism. Each portion or boom operates is designed and configured to operate independently and travels transversely from the conventional tractor to enable utilization and includes a truss configuration. These booms can be raised or lowered by way of a height adjusting mechanism. In addition, the portions or booms can also be relocated centrally and rearwardly with respect to the tractor for rendering a more compact unit which will provide an easy method for transporting the apparatus from field to field, from field to barn, barn to field, or the like.

Abstract: An assembly 10 fed by a pressurised pipe 2 and comprising three differently rated spray nozzles 11, 12, 13 is mounted on a spray boom so that 11, 12 and 13 traverse the same area. The nozzles 11, 12, 13 are independently remotely pneumatically controlled to give an overall spray rate range of from 0.4 to 2.5 liter/min., useful in precision farming.

Abstract: A spray system is provided with improved spray control having decreased injection lag, and reducing non-uniformity in injection lag throughout the length of a spray boom. A pump is coupled to spray nozzles installed along the spray boom by manifolds which divide the spray boom into a predetermined number of zones. Each zone has a respective boom manifold, and each boom manifold is coupled through equal length line to the spray nozzles. The size of lines coupling the pump to the boom manifolds varies with position along the spray boom and restricting orifices are used in some of the connecting lines. Application systems constructed according to principles of the present invention respond quicker to changes in pump operating points than conventional systems and variability of injection lag along the length of the spray boom is virtually eliminated with the present invention.

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: A method of farming comprises collecting waste material such as manure from animal farming, or effluent from food processing plants or the like in a closed container, stirring and aerating the material within the container and adding yeast and phosphoric acid to increase aerobic bacterial activity while reducing anaerobic bacteria and rendering the material into a pumpable liquid. The material is then spread across the ground by a spreading action by pumping the material through a pipe carried on the reel of a vehicle having a boom of the order of 100 feet in width so that the material is sprayed onto the ground in an even spreading action at a rate of the order of 1000 to 5000 gallons per acre. Simultaneously an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide is sprayed onto the material, preferably immediately before the material.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spraying fluids are disclosed. Multiple distinctive airflows are used sequentially to create eddy currents at and near the outer canopies of vegetation. Such currents promote uniform chemical coverage of fruit and foliage throughout the vegetation. Nozzles adapted for selective use and adjustment independently and in multiple directions and planes also enhance coverage, particularly when fruit and foliage is especially dense or sparse or close to or remote from the ground.

Abstract: A pressurization system for a tank on a water truck includes a pipe connected at one end via a remotely controllable three-way valve directly into the engine exhaust system of the truck and at the other end into a top portion of the water tank. Engine exhaust is thus selectively introduced into the water tank to pressurize the tank. The tank includes a top-mounted fill opening with an internal, counter-weighted flapper valve. With the internal flapper valve, the truck can be driven beneath a high volume water source and water from the source, when it hits the counter-weighted flapper valve, opens the valve by urging the flapper against the action of the counter-weight, but the flapper valve is once again closed by action of the counter-weight when water flow ceases. An anti-siphon orifice in a water outlet conduit serves to prevent water from freezing in the outlet conduit once pressurization is stopped.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of sediment. The apparatus provides a plurality of injection sites for injecting a biochemical oxidant into the sediment. The oxidant is useful for oxidizing a bacterial growth inhibitor to a non-inhibiting form thus permitting bacterial growth and thus greater numbers for sediment detoxification.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling vegetation, as well as insect infestation, as are typically encountered in agricultural environments is disclosed. The apparatus is characterized by its construction to include a high pressure pump liquid spray material may be applied to vegetation at a pressure from about 100 psi to as much as about 4,000 psi. The apparatus further includes a heater whereby the liquid spray material may be heated to a temperature of from about 100.degree. F. to about 240.degree. F. before it is sprayed. The apparatus is constructed so that it can be attached to a standard tractor for ease of use. The method of this invention is characterized by its utilization of a high pressure spray so that agricultural chemicals in amounts from virtually 0% to about 50% of their current recommended dose rates can be used with efficacy.

Abstract: A control system for individual control of flow to each segment of a multiple segment boom sprayer wherein each segment may be turned on or off while the vehicle is in motion with instantaneous flow recycle to maintain essentially proper spray pattern from each spray nozzle and with rapid automatic adjustment to exact flow thus allowing an operator to control spray from the multiple segments to secure proper coverage with a minimum of over-spray in irregularly shaped fields.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling weeds and undergrowth, as well as insect infestation, as are typically encountered in agricultural environments is disclosed. The apparatus is characterized by its construction to include a heater whereby liquid spray material is first heated to a temperature of from about 100.degree. F. to about 240.degree. F. and then sprayed on the substance to be controlled. The apparatus is further characterized by its construction to include an insulating apron for maintaining the heated spray material in close contact with the substance onto which it is sprayed, while at the same time insulating the heated spray and treated substance from ambient conditions. A variety of fluid conduits and controls are provided so that a variety of spray liquids may be applied in predetermined fashion. The apparatus is constructed so that it can be attached to a standard tractor for ease of use.

Abstract: A field crop sprayer assembly which is comprised of a main boom and a trailing boom. The main boom carries flat fan tip nozzles while the trailing boom carried round tip nozzles. The individual nozzles on each boom are spaced a predetermined distance apart. The arrangement provides for better and more uniform coverage of a field and a reduction in the amount of spray substance used.