Abstract: A boom truss structure for an agricultural sprayer that includes boom segments on either side of the sprayer, including primary boom segments, secondary boom segments attached to the primary boom segments at a first hinge, and breakaway boom segments attached to the secondary boom segments at a second hinge. The primary boom segment includes truss elements extending upwardly from a base support member. The secondary boom also includes a base support member, but with an inverted underside truss support member that is located underneath the base support member instead of on top of the base support member. This allows the secondary boom segment to fold on top of the primary boom segment in a compact manner about a lower pivot axis. Additionally, the breakaway boom segment may be folded initially about the secondary boom segment, after which the secondary boom segment is folded about the primary boom segment.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a boom suspension system that mitigates roll of respective booms as an associated vehicle rolls from side to side. The exemplary system can comprise a stabilizer bar that couples a left boom to a right boom, by coupling to respective booms' tilt cylinders. The stabilizer bar can be engaged with a central frame, which is fixedly engaged with the vehicle's chassis, through a stabilizer link. The stabilizer link allows the stabilizer bar to move horizontally left and right independently of the left and right movement of the central frame, caused by the vehicle roll. In this way, the inertia of the respective booms allows the stabilizer bar to remain in a substantially neutral position while the central frame, and vehicle, roll from side to side.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a spray boom for an agricultural machine in which the boom is arranged as a truss with interior diagonal struts of the truss being configured to absorb tension and compression energy imparted by deflections over the length of the boom with such energy being dissipated as heat. In one aspect, the diagonal strut could comprise a rod moveable with respect to a tube with a polymer, such as an elastomeric material, arranged in the tube to dampen the movement. The tension and compression of the diagonal strut could subject the dampener to a shearing force which could be absorbed by the dampener rather than transferred to the machine.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis, wheels supporting the chassis for moving the vehicle, an application system supported by the chassis and including a product tank storing a volume of agricultural product for delivery onto an agricultural field, and an application boom configured to deliver the agricultural product to the agricultural field. The application boom includes a boom arm segment having a longitudinal tube, an elongated structure coupled to the longitudinal tube, and an elastomeric bonding material affixing the longitudinal tube and the elongated structure.

Abstract: A zero turning radius (“ZTR”) mower sprayer attachment behind a rear engine of a zero turning radius mower. The sprayer attachment may include a frame supporting a tank on a platform, and a hose from the tank to a plurality of nozzles mounted on a folding boom that is extendable outwardly from the sprayer attachment frame. A lower support bar on a lower forward end of the sprayer attachment frame may be supported by a pair of rearwardly facing hooks on a pair of side brackets on the ZTR mower. An upper tube extends laterally between the pair of side brackets and is engaged by a hook shaped latch on the sprayer attachment frame.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis, wheels supporting the chassis for moving the vehicle, and an application system supported by the chassis and including a product tank storing a volume of agricultural product for delivery onto an agricultural field. The agricultural vehicle further includes an application boom configured to deliver the agricultural product to the agricultural field. The application boom includes a boom arm segment having a primary longitudinal composite tube for axial torsion support, and an elongated non-composite member coupled to the primary longitudinal composite tube for buckling support. The boom arm segment can further include a truss system, and the primary longitudinal composite tube can be a lower cord of the truss system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for removably mounting an agricultural product sprayer, having at least one foldable boom, on an agricultural product applicator having a chassis adapted for removably receiving the agricultural product sprayer, by attaching the foldable boom to a skid adapted for operative, removable mounting on the applicator chassis. The skid further has a boom cradle adapted for supporting the foldable boom in a folded position when the skid is mounted on the chassis, and when the skid is separated from the chassis of the agricultural applicator. The boom cradle is selectively movable between an inboard and an outboard position of the cradle to facilitate operation of the product applicator, and also to facilitate mounting the sprayer on, and removing the sprayer from the chassis of the applicator.

Abstract: This disclosure includes a shock damping system that has a pressure storage reservoir, a check valve in fluid communication with the pressure storage reservoir, and a needle valve in fluid communication with the pressure storage reservoir. The needle valve is in a parallel fluid-communication configuration with the check valve.

Abstract: A deflectable touchdown wheel system for a sprayer boom of an agricultural sprayer is provided that includes a touchdown wheel that deflects transversely when contacting the ground at an angle, damping ground contact impact forces at the sprayer boom reducing reactionary forces such as external steering inputs at the sprayer vehicle.

Abstract: A crop spraying vehicle includes a mast arm having a mast arm sleeve slidingly engaged with it. A crop spraying apparatus is coupled to the mast arm sleeve with a pendulum arm. The engagement between the mast arm and mast arm sleeve restricts and allows the transverse and longitudinal rotation, respectively, of the crop spraying apparatus. The crop spraying apparatus includes a trim system, which is adjustable to adjust the rotation of the crop spraying apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for removably mounting an agricultural product sprayer, having at least one foldable boom, on an agricultural product applicator having a chassis adapted for removably receiving the agricultural product sprayer, by attaching the foldable boom to a skid adapted for operative, removable mounting on the applicator chassis. The skid further has a boom cradle adapted for supporting the foldable boom in a folded position when the skid is mounted on the chassis, and when the skid is separated from the chassis of the agricultural applicator.

Abstract: A row crop sprayer for use in spraying a liquid herbicide onto the ground between crop rows. The sprayer includes structure for deflecting the canopies of the crop rows to expose the ground adjacent the crop rows.

Abstract: A spray bar suspension device for an agricultural vehicle, including a stationary frame, a right bar holder and a left bar holder that are pivotably mounted on said stationary frame, and damping elements inserted between each of said holders and the stationary frame, where the damping elements include: two rotational supports secured to said stationary frame, right and left structures respectively articulated to said right and left holders, and each pivotably mounted alternating on said rotational supports, and so-called primary elastic elements respectively inserted between each of said right and left structures and said stationary frame, such that an oscillation of each holder around its normal operating position results in tilting the structure associated with that holder from one to the other of said rotational supports, then pivoting said structure around said support, against the elastic elements.

Abstract: A mining machine includes a chassis, a cutting assembly coupled to the chassis, and a spray arm coupled to the chassis and positioned proximate the cutting assembly. The chassis includes a first end, a second end, and a chassis axis extending between the first end and the second end. The chassis is movable in a direction parallel to the chassis axis. The cutting assembly includes an arm and a rotatable cutting drum having a plurality of cutting elements. The spray arm includes a first portion, a second portion pivotably coupled to the first portion, and at least one spray nozzle for emitting a fluid spray in a region adjacent the cutting assembly. The first portion is coupled to the chassis and extends away from the chassis along a spray arm axis. The second portion is pivotable relative to the first portion about a wrist axis.

Abstract: A sprayer boom support for an agricultural sprayer including two articulated arms that are coupled in an articulated manner on both sides of the sprayer, wherein each articulated arm is comprised of bar sections that are formed in a composite material consisting of a reinforcing agent chosen from carbon fibre, fibreglass, aramid fibre, boron fibre or a combination thereof, and a matrix of epoxy, vinyl ester, phenolic or polyester resin, the bar sections having a tube geometry with a substantially rectangular cross section with rounded vertices and arched sides, the length of two of its equal sides being constant along the bar section.

Abstract: A Large Area Liquid Solution Application includes a boom equipped with a series of easily removable spray nozzles, for easier cleaning and maintenance, attached to a standard truck trailer hitch receiver with a pump assembly attached onto a reservoir loaded onto a truck bed. This invention presents an effective deicing apparatus and method to spray brine evenly on the pavement. The reservoir is easily secured manually with standard ratchet straps and the boom connects to any standard truck tow hitch without the use of tools. The equipment panel with attached pump is easily removable and the pump fittings and corresponding output hoses manually snap in and out of place to allow easier maintenance and cleaning. Communicating wirelessly, the present invention is activated by a wireless key enabling a truck driver to control the system without needing to exit the vehicle and manually shut of the sprayer.

Abstract: Spray hood assemblies may be adapted to be moved over undesired foliage so as to temporarily enclose them when liquids (e.g., agricultural chemicals such as herbicide) are sprayed. The spray hood assemblies may assist in ensuring that a high percentage of the sprayed liquids are deposited where they are intended to be sprayed rather than being blown away or onto adjacent desired plants.

Abstract: A breakaway assembly may be provided. The breakaway assembly may comprise an upper joint connecting a boom tip to a structure (e.g. a plate.) The breakaway assembly may further comprise a first hinge connecting the boom tip to the structure and a second hinge connecting the boom tip to the structure. In addition, the breakaway assembly may comprise a pressure assembly connected to the boom tip and a lower joint connecting the pressure assembly to the structure. When a force is applied to the boom tip (e.g. from either side, fore or aft), the pressure assembly may be configured to oppose the force and one of the first hinge and the second hinge may be configured to release in response to the boom tip rotating.

Abstract: A boom mounting assembly (20; 120; 220) for attachment to an agricultural application machine (10) is provided. The assembly comprises a boom support frame (22) which is suspended from a primary frame (24) mounted to a chassis. The boom support frame comprises a transverse beam (35) for supporting an intermediate section of a fluid application boom (16). The suspension mechanism allows both yaw and pitch of boom support frame relative to the primary frame resulting from fore and aft forces on the boom. Dampers (50, 52) are each connected between the primary frame and the boom support frame at a position spaced from the transverse centre of the assembly. Damping of pitch and asymmetrical yaw movement of the transverse beam away from a neutral position is controlled by the first and second dampers.

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: The central bar for spraying and/or distributing products in powder, liquid and granulate formulations refers to a central bar (1) to be fixed on the chassis (2a), between the front (2b) and the back (2c) wheels of a propeller vehicle (2), which is composed of a central frame set (3) and two side bars (4), where the central frame set (3) is composed of two brackets (3a) fixed to the chassis (2a) of said propeller vehicle (2); a horizontal pantograph subset (3b); two vertical pantograph subsets (3c), linked between them by the top side arms (3f) through an alternator axis (3i); two top articulation subsets (3e) formed from the extensions of the top side arms (3f); a shock absorption system, through bearings (3u) fixed to the inner walls of the brackets (3m) which are fixed to the side bars (4), wherein the internal braces (3n) are the end of the course; two bottom side subsets (3d) which are formed from the extensions of the bottom side arms (3h) driven by the hydraulic actuators (3t).

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: A turf sprayer has a truss shaped center boom and a pair of pivotal truss shaped wing booms within which spaced spray nozzles are supported. A drift shroud system comprises three integral and one-piece drift shrouds comprising a center shroud for the center boom and a pair of side shrouds for the wing booms. Each shroud is attached to an underside of the corresponding boom in a manner such that the shrouds project below the booms and not substantially above the booms to leave the truss-shapes of the booms open and unobscured to provide access to the spray nozzles within the booms. The shrouds each have openings in a top wall thereof for receiving the spray exiting from the nozzles with the spray passing downwardly between spaced front and rear walls of the shrouds.

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 boom cradle slide system for use with an agricultural sprayer vehicle is provided. The boom cradle slide system includes a boom cradle that holds a sprayer boom in a stowed position. A slide assembly connects the boom cradle to the sprayer vehicle and allows the boom cradle to move transversely or laterally nearer to or further from the sprayer vehicle. An actuator provides the mechanism for driving the slide assembly and correspondingly moving the boom cradle and sprayer boom. The actuator is operated from outside a cab of the sprayer vehicle.

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 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: 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: 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 beam (16) such as a spray bar of an agricultural sprayer (10) is pivotable about an axis (22) into an operating position. In the operating position, the bar is in contact with a stop (28) located on a two-legged lever (30), one leg (42) of which is acted upon by the beam (16) and the other leg (44) of which is acted upon by a energy storing mechanism (34).

Abstract: A lock assembly operable to secure a lift linkage associated with moving a boom assembly between a lowered, operative position and a raised, inoperative position is provided. The lock assembly includes a lock pin mounted at a carrying frame interconnected between a lift linkage and the boom assembly. The lock assembly also includes a lock plate mounted at the lift linkage. In the raised position of the lift linkage, the lock plate includes a slot configured to align so as receive the lock pin. Once aligned, the boom is pivoted toward the folded, stowed position. As the boom pivots, the boom pushes the lock pin through the slot. The lift linkage is then lowered to seat the lock pin in the slot and thereby secure the lift linkage and supported boom in the raised, folded position.

Abstract: A liquid manure distributor comprises a hollow elongated beam adapted to extend transversally horizontally at a rear bottom end of a spreader. The beam is connected in fluid flow communication with a feed pipe. A plurality of discharged holes are distributed along the hollow elongated beam for distributing the liquid medium from the hollow elongated beam onto the ground surface.

Abstract: A lock assembly is provided to secure a multi-stage folding boom assembly having left and right booms, each boom having an middle section that pivots about a vertical axis with respect to an inner section, an outer section that pivots about a second vertical axis with respect to the middle section. The lock assembly includes a first interlock portion that receives a second interlock portion when the first section pivots laterally inward about the first vertical axis with respect to the second section to a first stage folded position. As the middle section pivots forward and laterally inward toward a second stage folded position with respect to the third section, the first interlock portion slidably moves and interlocks with the second interlock portion to restrain the outer section from falling out of alignment with respect to the middle section.

Abstract: An assembly for locking a suspension arrangement operatively connected between a boom assembly and a carrying frame that are supported on a boom support implement or vehicle is provided. The implement or vehicle also includes a lift linkage operable to move the carrying frame and connected boom assembly between a lowered, operative position and a raised, inoperative position. The lock assembly includes a lock pin and a bracket assembly. The lock pin is mounted at the lift linkage. The bracket assembly includes a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket is mounted at the boom assembly and the second bracket is mounted at the carrying frame. In the raised, inoperative position of the boom assembly, the first and second brackets are configured to receive the lock pin in a locked position to restrain the boom assembly from swinging or rotating with respect to the lift linkage.

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: This invention relates to a sprayer having a center boom and pivotal wing booms. The wing booms can be pivoted from an extended spray position to an elevated transport position by lifting and lowering each wing boom about a longitudinal lift pivot axis. In addition, each wing boom can bi-directionally breakaway relative to the center boom by virtue of a breakaway pivot arranged between the lift pivot axis and the innermost end of the wing boom. The breakaway pivot has at least one pair of nested cams that are biased into their nested condition by at least one spring. The center boom carries a pair of support cradles that direct or cam one wing boom forwardly and the other wing boom rearwardly as the wing booms are lifted into the transport position such that the wing booms form an X-shape relative to one another. The support cradles are partially flexible to allow the wing booms to release from the cradles if they strike an obstruction.

Abstract: Spraying apparatus (1) is provided that has two horizontally disposed upright spray arm assemblies (33) that each carry sprayers (43). Each spray arm assembly (33) has a sprayer (43) in an upper part (35) and a sprayer (43) in a lower part (37). The upper part (35) is able to move relative to the lower part (37) so the axis of spraying from the upper part (35) will be downwardly directed towards an upper part of crop to be sprayed. The spray arm assemblies (33) are mounted on respective arms (25) for moving laterally inwardly or outwardly relative to a longitudinal direction of a row of crop to accommodate for different width crops and/or different crop row widths.

Abstract: A spray delivery system including a sectional boom attachable to a vehicle. The boom includes first and second movable arms and a fixed arm, each arm housing a plurality of spray nozzles. Each arm can include a frame having openings so that the arms are light-weight and so that the nozzles housed in the frames for protection can spray through the openings in the bottom surface of the frame. The movable arms include an operation position and a retracted position and the arms each include a drift shroud covering to prevent wind from interfering with the application of spray from nozzles. The drift shrouds can include windows that align with the openings in the frame such that an operator can see the spray from the nozzle from the operator's seat in the vehicle.

Abstract: An applicator boom apparatus comprises an applicator boom extending laterally from a vehicle, and pivotally attached to the vehicle such that the boom can pivot up and down with respect to the vehicle. A kit provides a gauge member adapted to ride along a surface of the ground and support an outer portion of the boom such that the boom moves up and down with the gauge member as the gauge member rides along the ground, and also provides an active hydraulic source powering the shoulder hydraulic cylinder of the apparatus such that the shoulder hydraulic cylinder exerts an upward force on the boom such that a downward force exerted on the gauge member by the boom is reduced.

Abstract: A roll control system is provided for controlling a roll position of a boom rotatably coupled to a support frame, the boom comprising left and right wing sections (where the roll of the boom refers to a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of said boom relative to the support frame). A roll control mechanism is configured for rotating the boom relative to the support frame in response to a roll control signal. Wing section position measuring apparatus is configured for producing a right wing signal correlatable to a distance between the right wing section and a rightwing reference position and a left wing signal correlatable to a distance between the left wing section and a left wing reference position. Boom roll position measuring apparatus is configured for producing a boom roll signal correlatable to a roll position of the boom relative to a boom roll reference position.

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: An agricultural boom is made up of two sections connected together, including an inner boom section and an outer boom section that are joined together with a hinge assembly in mid portions of the boom. The outer boom section is mounted to the inner boom with a linkage and control cylinder that provides for a knee action, that permits the outer boom section to be raised and lowered. The boom sections are both mounted about upright axes, and are supported against downward loads by separate pairs of cables that have ends joined at the base of the respective boom section at spaced points and connected to the outer or free ends of the respective boom sections at common points. The cables permit the boom sections to pivot about their respective upright axes with one of the cables carrying tension loads and causing the outer or free ends of the boom sections to raise while the other cable becomes slack.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus to be mounted on an agricultural sprayer with the purpose of decreasing the drift and improving the deposition, penetration and uniformity of distribution when applying liquids, such as pesticides and liquid plant nutrients, the use of the apparatus and a method of manufacturing a movable part in one piece. The apparatus comprises a movable part (A) on which a sheet (B) and a sprayer (C) are mounted, which movable part (A) is mounted on a boom (D), and is characterized in that the movable part (A) is manufactured in one piece of an elastic material and is stiffened and weakened in sections and in mounting and use has the shape of a parallelogram.

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: A large sprayer boom includes an inner section pivotally supported from a frame for movement between an outwardly extended working position and a folded transport position by an inner fold cylinder located at a first hinge point. The boom includes an outer section pivotally connected to the outer end of the inner boom at a second hinge point and movable relative to the inner section between folded and unfolded positions by an outer fold cylinder. Each of the cylinders includes an internally mounted cylinder position sensor protected from the harsh environment encountered by an agricultural implement. The switches are connected to a fold sequence circuit which includes operator switches located adjacent the main sprayer controller switches in the sprayer cab so the operator does not have to turn away from his normal operating position to activate the folding or unfolding cycle.

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 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.