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: 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: Agricultural crop spraying apparatus comprising a spray boom made from a space-frame of members comprising laterally and vertically spaced longitudinally extending members joined at intervals by traverse cross-members, with the spray nozzles disposed within the boom framework for protection characterized in that the cross-members of the spray boom frame are positioned above the lowest extremity of the boom framework to allow the spray nozzles to be disposed below the cross-members while still positioning the nozzles within the boom and to allow uninterrupted longitudinal positioning of the spray nozzles. Preferably, the cross-section of the boom is substantially triangular so that the sections of the folded boom arms interfit one with the other. Hinges joining the section of the boom preferably have inclined pivot axes such that the height reached by the boom extremities during folding is less than the arms pivot vertically.

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 self-centering boom for self-propelled agricultural sprayers having a double-acting hydraulic cylinder and a magnetically actuated electrical position sensor and control for sensing and moving the boom to a centered position. The electro-hydraulic control circuit senses boom position when the boom is at or near a centered position with respect to the sprayer and automatically centers the boom when the sprayer drive train is out of a neutral condition. The hydraulic system includes a pair of pressure relief valves to allow the boom to deflect due to inertial forces when turning or when contact is made with an obstruction, with the control system returning the boom to a centered position after turning or when the boom is clear of the obstruction. A flow restricting orifice cooperates with the pressure relief valves to automatically adjust the pressure at the inlet of the relief valve to retard rapid boom movement, while not interfering with slow boom movement.

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 boom lock assembly is disclosed. The boom lock assembly locks a boom in a boom saddle and includes a lock mounting frame, a boom lock, and a boom lock actuator. The lock mounting frame is attached to the boom saddle frame. The lock mounting frame includes an actuator support member and a lock support member. The boom lock is slidably mounted on the lock support member and is moveable between a first extended position and a second retracted position. When the boom lock is in the first extended position, the boom lock captures the boom between the boom saddle and the boom lock. When the boom lock is in the second position, the boom lock permits movement of the boom out of the saddle. The boom lock actuator is mounted to the actuator support member at a first end and the boom lock at a second end. The boom lock actuator moves the boom lock to its first and second positions.

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: 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: 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: 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 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 boom swing control device for controlling boom swing relative to a frame. Booms may be supported relative to a frame for application of material over a wide area. During an application process, the booms are subjected to various external forces which cause the booms to move or swing relative to the frame. The boom swing control device of the present invention includes first and second members operably coupled to the boom and the frame supporting the boom to control and dampen movement of the boom relative to the frame. The second member is moveably supported relative to the first member to move between an extended or excited position and a retracted normal operation position.

Abstract: A boom assembly is provided for use on a vehicle. The boom assembly utilizes various suspension components which absorb and damp a significant amount of various loads imparted on the boom assembly during operation of the vehicle. The boom assembly reduces the loads imparted on the booms when the vehicle pitches and rolls. By reducing the loads created by vehicle pitching and rolling, the booms receive a softer and smoother ride which increases the lifetime of the booms and lengthens the time between repair of the booms.

Abstract: A dropleg row crop sprayer senses boom height and tilt from ground-contacting droplegs signalling through potentiometers to a boom control mechanism. The droplegs follow crop row wandering through a driven carriage. Dropleg attitude is assisted by a cam control system. The boom also has a passive suspension system including damped frictional abutment of boom portions. A signal actuator controls boom attitude. The spray direction is fore/aft of the row.

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 method and apparatus for spraying in relation to row crops provides downwardly extending support elements or drop legs carrying spray nozzles in the region of their lower ends. The support elements extend downwardly between crop rows and are moved lengthwise of the crop rows while spraying proceeds. The spray nozzles deliver spray generally upwardly and/or horizontally with respect to the ground so as to treat crop material in the rows. The support elements are mounted so as to float freely and permit lateral movement to follow lateral and other row and crop contours. The support elements may be mounted on a boom. The boom may also be provided with downwardly directed spraying nozzles for simultaneous or sequential use. The boom is adapted to fold so as to produce a generally Z-shaped folded configuration. Automatically-actuated stop fingers limit lateral float of the support elements when the boom folds.

Abstract: An agricultural sprayer comprising a wheeled frame having a spray tank thereon for pumping chemicals or the like to the spray nozzles on the various boom sections. An inner boom section, intermediate boom section, and outer boom section are provided at each side of the main frame of the sprayer with the boom sections being capable of being folded from a horizontally disposed field position to a folded transport position. When the sprayer is in the transport position, the components of the sprayer will have a width and heighth such that the sprayer may pass through the door opening of a building.

Abstract: A folding implement frame includes a central tongue frame and a pair of elongated boom frames mounted to the tongue frame for movement about first pivot axes. The boom frames are movable about the first pivot axes between towing positions extending behind the tongue frame in a narrow roadway travel configurations, and outward operative positions extending substantially laterally of the tongue frame. Rigid boom pull bars have outward ends pivotably mounted to the boom frames on second pivots and inward ends mounted to strut linkages. The strut linkages are mounted to the tongue frame for pivotal motion thereon about third pivot axes, and to the boom pull bars for pivotal motion thereon. The strut linkages also include provisions for enabling adjustment of the length of the strut linkage to enable pivotal motion of the boom pull bars and boom frames between the operative and towing positions. The strut linkages remain connected to the boom pull bars and tongue frame during such motion.

Abstract: A crop spray apparatus is provided having controls for varying the height of a spray device and an operator's cab, which are pivotally mounted on opposite sides of a drive assembly. The controls are located in the operator's cab for continuing control of changes in height of the spray device and the operator's cab from the operator's cab while the drive assembly is moving the apparatus and while simultaneously spraying. By this control, both high and low level crops may be sprayed continuously without need for stopping operation of the crop spray apparatus to vary the height of the equipment.

Abstract: The invention herein discloses an improved and unique new sprayer implement for spraying crops. The sprayer comprises two wing booms, a left and a right which are controlled independently from one another by hydraulic cylinders. The sprayer is capable of maintaining one wing boom in the transport position while the other main wing boom is extended transversely to the direction of travel in the operating position therefore allowing the operator to spray with one side of the sprayer only. This allows the operator to have access to areas of a field where he would not normally be able to work with a wide sprayer. The sprayer is also equipped with an anti-damage locking system whereby a resilient spring or shear pin is released when either one of the main wing booms strikes an obstacle such as a tree or power pole.

Abstract: A mobile hand-pushed boom type spray apparatus which includes a three-wheeled support, having one wheel which is positionable to select and maintain a constant spray boom height above a surface, thereby increasing the precision of the spray application and improving the ability to track a given path.

Abstract: Vehicular apparatus for spraying herbicides and insecticides has a supporting frame for being carried by a truck or trailer. Upright supports are carried by the frame and trailing boom supports extend rearwardly from the upright supports, which carry structure for selective pivoting of the trailing boom supports relative to the upright supports to permit vertical adjustability of the spray. Lateral booms are supported by the trailing boom supports and connected to them such that the lateral booms can pivot relative to the trailing boom supports and ground. The lateral booms include a supporting base section, a mid-section, and a boom tip section. At least the tip section of the lateral boom includes spray nozzles for selective liquid spraying. A pivotal connector connects and provides forward and backward horizontal pivotal movement of the boom mid-sections relative to the boom base sections.

Abstract: In general, the remote control of a caster wheel assembly on a farm implement such as a crop sprayer of the type including a boom rotatable between a transport position and a field position is a complicated operation. In the transport position, the wheel assembly should be fixed, i.e. non-castering and in the field position the wheel assembly should caster freely. A relatively simple apparatus for effecting caster wheel assembly control includes a frame mounted on the boom, a hydraulic cylinder on the frame, and a linkage connected to the piston rod of the cylinder and releasably connected to an arm on the shaft carrying the wheel assembly, whereby initial extension of the piston rod moves the wheel assembly to a turning position, full piston rod extension causes release and thus free castering of the wheel assembly in the field position, and retraction of the piston rod causes re-engagement of the wheel assembly by the linkage to lock the wheel assembly in the transport position.

Abstract: Pesticide spraying apparatus for spraying crops in the field, grapes, and seedling trees. The spraying apparatus includes a wheeled arcuate canopy open at the bottom providing a rounded arcuate interior wall and a spacing at the open bottom related to the width of one or more conventional rows of crops of the like. The canopy has an arcuate peripheral flange at each end and a downwardly extending skirt or air curtain along the bottom of each side of the canopy to confine the pesticides to the open bottom area of the spraying apparatus. One or more blowers and pesticide assembly is provided for blowing droplets along the interior inner wall of the canopy at spaced locations. An air door or curtain is also created at each open end of the canopy and droplets of pesticide are thus blown into contact with the plants to treat the same under the canopy.

Abstract: Boom support structure for a sprayer including a boom center frame supported for rocking both about a fore-and-aft extending axis and an upright axis by a torsional pendulum structure to isolate the boom from the sprayer frame movement in both the roll and yaw directions thereby reducing fluctuations in the relative velocities of the boom ends as the sprayer moves over irregular ground surfaces. The pendulum structure and guide structure connected between the boom center frame and the boom support maintain the boom generally parallel to the ground even on hillsides without need for additional latching mechanisms.

Abstract: A spray boom assembly has an elongate boom carrier supported on walking beams near its opposite ends. Each of the walking beams consists of a pair of parallelogram linkages extending respectively to the front and back of the boom carrier. The parallelogram linkages are linked by an hydraulic cylinder or actuator that can be extended to rotate the parallelogram linkages downwards about their pivotal connections to the boom carrier. This raises the boom carrier without changing its orientation.

Abstract: A vehicle having a boom assembly for applying herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers in fluid form, i.e. as liquid, powders or granules, over tracts of land, has opposite end-portions of the boom projecting away from respective opposite sides of the vehicle. Each end-portion is connected by a universal joint to a central frame which is fixed to the vehicle, and its weight is supported by guys which are tensioned by a spring and interconnect the two boom end-portions. A spring leaf skid is provided under each boom end-portion and bears on the ground only if the vehicle rocks. The guying is so arranged that rocking of the vehicle in one direction causes the slack from the boom end-portion whose skid bears on the ground to be fed to the other boom end-portion so that the spacing from the ground of the two boom end-portions remains acceptably constant despite rocking of the vehicle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for suspension of a distributor bar for spreading plant-protective liquids, wherein it comprises two symmetrical elements each composed of--a connecting rod pivoting with respect to the frame;--a bent rocking lever of which the apex is mounted to pivot with respect to the distributor bar, while the end of its arm oriented towards the center is articulated on the second end of the connecting rod of which the first is articulated on a fork joint of the crosspiece of the carriage mounted on the frame;--and a draw spring whose ends are hooked respectively to a lug of the connecting rod and to the free end of the arm of the rocking lever.

Abstract: An agricultural field sprayer is described, having a main boom center section rigidly mounted on a wheeled motive power source; wing sections of main boom hinged on either side of the center section are each supported on castoring wheels that can be locked in a non-castoring mode for transport; corresponding sections of spray boom and spray tubes with spray nozzles are mounted on the main boom sections to be rotated by rotation of the spray boom. Power from the motive source is used to rotate the boom. The hinged wing sections can move between an aligned working position along the axis of the center section and a transport position, trailing at right angles behind the center section for transport. In the working position, the power also is used to adjust the spray tube height, to accommodate variable spraying requirements.

Abstract: A boom for spraying equipment comprises at least one elongate member having an outer skin over a core of a material having a lower density than the skin. The core material may occupy all of the space within the outer skin or the elongate member may be hollow, at least part of a side wall of the member being formed of an outer skin, an inner skin and core material sandwiched between the inner and outer skins. The outer skin and the core material may be metallic or non-metallic, suitably a fibre reinforced plastics material. There may be a plurality of elongate members which are mutually spaced, parallel arranged and extend in a direction lengthwise of the boom.

Abstract: A lightweight, variable height, agricultural field sprayer frame has two laterally extending boom sections which fold to narrow width for transportation the booms can be vertically raised or lowered to adjust their spraying height so that they can be used for pre-emergent or crop height spraying. The folding and unfolding of the booms between transport and spraying positions is power controlled from a driver's seat or cab as is the raising and lowering of the booms. In a modification of the invention, an additional wing section extends from each boom section and raises and lowers with the boom section as well as folding for transport.

Abstract: Systems and structures for elongate boom mounting, deploying and recovery for agricultural equipment, such systems mountable either at the front or rear end of a powered or towed vehicle; mounting masts and frame structures associated therewith for pivotally mounting elongate booms on mobile equipment in deployable and recoverable fashion, such utilizing manual operator power rather than power cylinders and the like; a frame for mounting elongate booms including a pair of rearwardly inclined boom support members, a pair of transverse upper and lower beam members connecting the upper and lower ends of the boom support members and a pair of horizontal, spaced apart, forwardly extending axial beams each connected to an upper end of one of the boom support members, sets of cables coupling the booms with the frame members, the inner ends of the booms pivotally mounted on the lower ends of the boom support members.

Abstract: A poultry vaccinator for use in brooding houses having multiple layered rows of cages for high volume vaccination. The vaccinator apparatus includes a plurality of atomizer nozzles disposed at multiple elevations on a collapsible stand pipe assembly. A single reservoir provides a common source for vaccination liquid for each of the atomizer nozzles. Calibration orifices located in the liquid lines to each of the atomizer nozzles provide pressure compensation for elevational differences of the nozzles. Thereby producing a uniform particle size aerosol out of the nozzles regardless of nozzle elevation.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the horizontal and vertical orientation of a boom assembly. An elongated frame assembly adapted to be mounted to a vehicle has a cam plate mounted to and moveable therealong. Hydraulic drive means controls the movement of the cam plate between fully extended, intermediate, and fully retracted positions. A hinge plate assembly is rotatably mounted to the frame assembly and an elongated boom, such as an agricultural spray boom, is pivotably mounted to the hinge plate so that the boom is vertically adjustable relative to the ground.

Abstract: A pneumatic distributing device which can be used for broadcasting particulate fertilizer, herbicide or the like includes a tank, a slot across the tank with a metering roller in the slot for metering the particulate material into a number of receptacles arranged along the slot. A first venturi at the bottom of the receptacle transports the material in the receptacle through a first portion of the duct to a junction provided by a second venturi and a second duct. The second duct extends outwardly along a boom with a number of such ducts arranged in a vertically stacked arrangement which is selfsupporting. The second ducts incline slightly downwardly and are straight from the feed end to an open mouth at the outer end. A deflector attached to the open mouth has a first and then a second surface for spreading and then deflecting the material from the open mouth to the ground with the spread taking place along the length of the boom.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding an outboard boom on a liquid spraying element is disclosed. The apparatus (20) both folds a portion of the boom (14) while simultaneously operating a valve device (22) controlling liquid ejection device (78) mounted on the folded portion (18) of the boom (14). In this fashion, boom (14) has an operational capability at both a longer and a shorter span width.

Abstract: The apparatus includes an endless nylon rope trained over two distally mounted sheaves which define paths spanning either side of the distally mounted sheaves and means for the continuous application of herbicide to the endless rope. The means for applying herbicide to the rope includes an immersion basin in which portions of the rope are continually pulled through a shallow level of herbicide. This is accomplished by training the endless rope onto a drive drum having at least one revolution of rope wherein the bottom of the drum is at a level below the level of the herbicide and an idler drum driven by the driven rope which again has at least one revolution or loop of wetted rope around it and which is submerged in the herbicide within the immersion basin.

Abstract: Sprayer apparatus for agricultural applications is disclosed. The sprayer apparatus disclosed includes spring-biased, damped booms having an inner portion with a parallelogram form. The individual booms have two points of articulation and they are spring-biased to a center position to permit breakaway. A linkage is provided which tends to list the outer section of each boom during breakaway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a boom suspension and lift assembly which is mounted to extend laterally from a vehicle for agricultural spraying purposes. The boom assembly comprises a main frame mounted on the vehicle and at least one boom pivotally mounted on the main frame. A suspension system between each boom and the main frame independently absorbs boom motion resulting from vehicle travel over uneven terrain. A boom lifting system is provided to selectively lift each boom relative to the main frame by pivoting the boom about a longitudinal axis adjacent the main frame. For transport or storage, each boom is foldable against a side of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mechanism for angularly centering a boom structure as it is being elevated from a lower operating position to an elevated, transit position. A boom structure is pivotally mounted on a pin member. A hydraulic cylinder moves the pin member and the boom structure upwardly or downwardly. As the boom structure is moved from a lower, operating position to an upper, transit position, a pair of chains, one attached between the boom structure and the vehicle holding it on each side of a vertical plane passing through the pin member, self-centers the boom structure.

Abstract: A folding spray boom assembly includes an outer boom pivotally connected by hinge structure to an inner boom which is carried by support structure on an agricultural sprayer. An upper support rod is connected to the support structure and to the outer boom at a position offset from the pivotal axis of the hinge to arm, in effect, an over center device utilizing the tension in the support rod to maintain the spray boom assembly in its respective folded or unfolded positions without a latch or retaining pin. Relocating the support rod on the outer boom relieves stresses on the hinge when the boom assembly is in the unfolded position.

Abstract: An improved drift free spraying apparatus adapted for movement in connection with a vehicle and having a spray bar mounted within a bottomless, rectangular, box-type housing in communication with a fluid pump and reservoir assembly and adapted for emitting fluid in a mist configuration upon the surface to be sprayed through nozzles provided in the spray bar, the improvement comprising an elongated, bottomless, rectangular, box-type housing having first and second outer sections hingedly attached to a center section, an individual spray bar mounted within each section, means coupled to each spray bar for individual control of the emitting fluid to the spray bar, and means coupled to the first and second outer sections for selectively raising and lowering each section.

Abstract: In a new spraying apparatus a spray boom structure supporting the spray dispensers for liquid or finely divided spray material is supported by an air pressured flexible bag skirt attached to the structure and forming an enclosure into which the spray dispensers discharge to minimize drift of the sprayed material and permitting increased speed of the apparatus over the ground. The bag skirt structure also "averages out" irregularities in the surface so that a more uniform spray pattern is achieved. Air is fed into the enclosure from the leading bag skirt part via an elongated aperture close to the ground and from the trailing bag skirt part from an elongated aperture close to the enclosure roof. The weight of the fan and its housing supplying the pressurized air is supported separately from the boom. The boom structure may comprise hinged portions that can be moved to a vertical storage position, and it may also include arcuate downwardly extending support members.

Abstract: A portable agricultural sprayer comprises a narrow elongated wheeled frame having the wheels closely spaced to permit operation between rows of plants. The frame is provided with a handle for hand-moving. The frame supports an electrically operated compressor as a source of compressed air and an electric storage battery for providing power for operation of the compressor. A storage tank is supported on the frame for containing a solution of agricultural chemicals or fertilizer or the like and is connected at one end to the output side of the compressor to be provided with compressed air for pumping the liquid to be sprayed. The other end of the storage tank is connected to valved connections to the outlet end of a pair of swivelled booms which carry adjustable nozzles for spraying agricultural chemical solutions. The booms are supported for angular movement and are provided with a suitable locking device to support the booms in a horizontal position or in a vertical position or any intermediate position.

Abstract: A hydrostatic spraying system with multiple spray booms for use with vehicles is especially suited for spraying agricultural treatment liquids such as fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, trace minerals, etc. The system includes an operator-controllable variable displacement hydraulic pump driven by the vehicle, e.g., via its transfer case. A linear hydraulic motor is powered by the pump, being operated at a speed dependent upon a preselected output of the variable displacement pump and the rate of ground travel. Solenoid-controlled valving alternately supplies the hydraulic fluid to opposite ends of the linear motor for oscillating stroking operation of the motor.

Abstract: A spraying system for use with vehicles which comprises a single pump connected to a supply of liquid material to be discharged, a vehicle transmission connecting said pump operatively to the transfer case of the vehicle, said pump having a pair of discharge ports each of which is connected to a diverter valve. Each diverter valve on one side being connected to a spray boom and on the other side thereof is in communication with a liquid return line. The spray booms are independently vertically and horizontally adjustable relative to the vehicle by means of fluid actuated devices. Each diverter valve is remotely controlled, independently of the other, for selectedly directing liquid to the associated spray boom or to the return line.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding an outboard boom on a liquid spraying element is disclosed. The apparatus (20) both folds a portion of the boom (14) while simultaneously operating a valve device (22) controlling liquid ejection device (78) mounted on the folded portion (18) of the boom (14). In this fashion, boom (14) has an operational capability at both a longer and a shorter span width.