Abstract: An agricultural vehicle comprises a left frame and a right frame. A left wheel is rotatable with respect to the left frame and a right wheel is rotatable with respect to the right frame. A first leg extends upward from the left frame and a second leg extends upward from the right frame to connect the legs to the beam. A data processor estimates a reference point on or below the vehicle and an angular orientation or attitude of the beam relative to the reference point based on positions of location-determining receivers associated with the beam. An upper carriage is laterally movable along the beam. A lower carriage is suspended from the upper carriage by a plurality of vertical supports, such that a target lateral position of the upper carriage establishes an actual lateral position of the lower carriage.

Abstract: A first leg extends upward from the left frame and a second leg extends upward from the right frame to connect the legs to the beam. One or more satellite navigation receivers are associated with beam to determine a position and an attitude of the beam. One or more row units are suspended from the beam, such that the position of nozzle or nozzles on each row unit can be adjusted simultaneously and dynamically in multiple dimensions to maintain a target spacing between the nozzle and ground and the nozzle and a plant or row of plants.

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: Embodiments include individual physical spray nozzles that have passageways inside to combine fluids that flow out of the spray nozzles. The nozzles have at least two valves that are opened and closed in an interleaved manner. The nozzles have multiple outlets. Such nozzles are mounted on a variety of implements including agricultural or industrial spray booms.

Abstract: An agricultural sprayer includes a spray boom equipped with a plurality of spray heads, with each head having a body defining a cavity located in fluid communication with a fluid inlet and an array of four outlets leading to four nozzles respectively having different flow rates. A nozzle-select control member is mounted for rotation in the cavity and includes a fluid passage arrangement for establishing fluid connections between the inlet and different ones or combinations of the four nozzles as the control member is rotated among preselected discrete positions by an electric stepper motor, with the stepper motor being controlled in response to vehicle speed so that the spray tip capacity decreases for effecting a constant application rate as the vehicle speed decreases from a maximum permitted speed.

Abstract: In a second tank unit, a controller controls the on/off switching of a water supply solenoid valve so that water is stored in a sub tank within the level of Lu to Ll. At the same time, the controller controls the on/off switching of a pressurizing solenoid valve and a decompressing solenoid valve so that the air pressure in the upper space in the sub tank is maintained at a target value. As a result, regardless of the water level in the sub tank, the back pressure in the tank is maintained at the target value higher than atmospheric pressure. In this state, when a central controller turns on a water spouting solenoid valve, pressured water rapidly spouts from a nozzle. Moreover, a change in the target values of the back pressure promptly changes the height of the spouting water. Accordingly, water spouting can be promptly started/stopped, and the height or size of the spouting water can be readily and smoothly changed.

Abstract: A method and system has been developed to individually control the flow of liquid products from any nozzle within a plurality of nozzles using pulse width modulated solenoid actuated valves. The method and system simultaneously controls multiple flow and shutoff related inputs including but not limited to turn radius, nozzle overlap, swath reduction, nozzle spacing, fence row rates, wheel track rates, etc. The method and system will also simultaneously accept one or more external inputs from commercially available application rate control devices where other rate and shutoff inputs may be used, for example, variable rates per boom section based on GIS maps or multiple in-field sensors along the boom. The method and system further incorporates the artificial manipulation of commercial rate controller inputs and outputs to facilitate these individual nozzle control features and benefits without compromising the overall system flow control performed by the commercial rate controller.

Abstract: To allow for optimal uniform application of irrigation fluid in a field space outfitted with a center pivot irrigation machine having a main pipeline and an auxiliary or corner pipeline, the auxiliary pipeline is operable to both lead and lag the main pipeline as the main pipeline makes a progressive rotation in a single direction through the field space. In one embodiment a control system for the irrigation machine comprises a buried cable control system. In another embodiment a control system comprises a global positioning satellite control system. In a third embodiment a control system comprises at least two position sensing devices, a first device for sensing an angle of the main pipeline with respect to a center tower and a second device for sensing an angle between the main pipeline and the auxiliary pipeline, and a speed controlling device for controlling a speed of rotation of the main and auxiliary pipelines.

Abstract: A method and system has been developed to individually control the flow of liquid products from any nozzle within a plurality of nozzles using pulse width modulated solenoid actuated valves residing on a CAN communication network. The CAN communication network has been further developed to manage the high current requirements of the solenoid actuated valves, the large physical length and high number of nozzles used on modern agricultural application equipment and integration and retrofit requirements when used in conjunction with commercially available application rate control devices. The method and system simultaneously controls multiple flow and shutoff related inputs including but not limited to turn radius, nozzle overlap, swath reduction, nozzle spacing, fence row rates, wheel track rates, etc.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying substances to target areas are disclosed. The system includes a hood supported by a frame and moveable relative thereto between open and closed positions, and one or more spray heads coupled to the underside of the hood and configured to spray the target area when the hood is in the closed position, the spray heads and the hood configured such that the hood provides a wind barrier for the spray from the spray heads. The system further includes a liquid tank for holding the substance to be applied to the target area, an agitation system for desired mixing of the tank contents, and fluid pathways for delivery of the contents of the tank to the spray heads for application to the target area.

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: Embodiments of the invention provide a nozzle body including a main body, a turret, a valve assembly, and a feed spigot. The feed spigot can be in fluid communication with a valve chamber via a first feed point and a second feed point. The use of multiple feed points between the feed spigot and the valve chamber can result in increased flow capacity.

Abstract: A nozzle apparatus for an agricultural crop sprayer, the apparatus having a control element adjustable using ah external power source for controlling the flow of a spray liquid from a spray line through at least one channel of the nozzle apparatus. Once the control element has been moved to a control position, the position is maintained without further need for external power. The control element may be a ball valve movable to simultaneously select two or more nozzle connections and also to vary flow through the selected nozzle connections.

Abstract: A networked delivery system and method for controlling operation of a spraying system includes nozzles for emitting an agrochemical according to a predetermined spray pattern and flow rate; vibration sensors located adjacent an agricultural spray system component to sense vibrations of the agricultural spray system component, such as spray nozzles. The networked delivery system also includes a control area network with a computer processor in communication with the vibration sensors. The processor conveys information to an operator regarding the agricultural spray system component based on the sensed vibrations. The processor also actuates each of the agricultural spray system components such as the spray nozzles to selectively control each of the nozzles or a designated group of the nozzles.

Abstract: A networked delivery system and method for controlling operation of a spraying system includes nozzles for emitting an agrochemical according to a predetermined spray pattern and flow rate; vibration sensors located adjacent an agricultural spray system component to sense vibrations of the agricultural spray system component, such as spray nozzles. The networked delivery system also includes a control area network with a computer processor in communication with the vibration sensors. The processor conveys information to an operator regarding the agricultural spray system component based on the sensed vibrations. The processor also actuates each of the agricultural spray system components such as the spray nozzles to selectively control each of the nozzles or a designated group of the nozzles.

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: A networked delivery system and method for controlling operation of a spraying system includes nozzles for emitting an agrochemical according to a predetermined spray pattern and flow rate; vibration sensors located adjacent an agricultural spray system component to sense vibrations of the agricultural spray system component, such as spray nozzles. The networked delivery system also includes a control area network with a computer processor in communication with the vibration sensors. The processor conveys information to an operator regarding the agricultural spray system component based on the sensed vibrations. The processor also actuates each of the agricultural spray system components such as the spray nozzles to selectively control each of the nozzles or a designated group of the nozzles.

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 spray assembly for applying a fluid material to a surface includes a first spray bar and a second spray bar, each of which is mounted for movement along an axis. Each spray bar includes a plurality of nozzles, each of which is associated with a valve that can be opened or closed. Each nozzle is adapted to dispense a fluid material in a defined spray pattern onto the surface. The nozzles are spaced along the length of the spray bar to which they are attached and disposed above the surface so that the spray pattern from any nozzle on a spray bar does not overlap the spray pattern of a longitudinally adjacent nozzle. The assembly also includes a source of fluid material, and a fluid circuit through which fluid material may be supplied to each of the nozzles. Components of the assembly are also provided for intercepting at least a portion of the spray from a nozzle of the second spray bar to prevent the spray pattern from such nozzle from overlapping with the spray pattern from a nozzle of the first spray bar.

Abstract: A liquid de-icer applicator which is specifically designed for convenient de-icer application, as opposed to simple agricultural spray. The unit has a horizontal frame chassis with an attached push handle, a tank detachably mounted on the chassis for holding and dispensing liquid de-icer, a pair of foldable wing spray bars mounted to the front of the chassis which can move from folded or closed transport position to operational positions. The foldable wing spray bars are fluidly connected to a spray system which can be selectively operated at the spray bars or by use of a wand. The applicator has a pair of spaced apart wheels mounted near the rear end of the chassis, behind and below the tank in order to allow convenient and balanced mobility. Finally, there is an associated power supply (battery) for operation of the spray system and it is all housed under a protective housing. Preferably the unit includes a control panel mounted on the push handle.

Abstract: An apparatus for spraying chemicals in a forestry environment includes a back pack supported reservoir for containing such chemicals and a variable speed pump for urging the chemicals from the reservoir through a rearwardly oriented spraying unit. Positional and delivery rate monitoring equipment may also be incorporated in the design.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for depositing liquid brine on roadway surface. Substantially horizontally disposed streamer nozzles are employed in conjunction with brine pumps which are operated in correspondence with the forward speed of the treatment vehicle. Substantially horizontally disposed streamer nozzles express the fluid at a rate corresponding with the vehicle forward velocity to effect a relative zero velocity relationship between the pavement and liquid. These streamer nozzles are mounted close to the pavement surface at a location effective to avoid truck induced air turbulence.

Abstract: A Spraying assembly for spraying liquids for agricultural purposes is provided whose respective sprayer valves attached to a common liquid supply line are at least configured in the form of valve housings whose pair of valve channels share a common distributor bore. This distributor bore allows connecting the bodies of valve housings in one of two positions in order that, provided that they are connected using a t-shaped fitting, they may be arranged either with their valve bores lined up in rows extending to the front or rear of the liquid supply line, as well as ahead of or behind the liquid supply line and aligned parallel thereto. Since one embodiment also provides a rotatable pipe-T joint, the dual-sprayer-nozzle valve units may also be arranged beneath the liquid supply line, which yields a large number of opportunities for laying out the sprayer nozzles, in spite of the simple means available for connecting them.

Abstract: A foam marking attachment to a lawn and garden tractor or tractor mounted agricultural implement spray apparatus attaches to a low voltage DC power supply of the tractor, applying a left or right side droplet of liquid marking foam to the outer edge of a traveled path, marking the traveled edge of application of a liquid spray from the spray apparatus, preventing over application to an area to be treated with the liquid spray and preventing non-application of the liquid spray the area to be treated with the liquid spray. The attachment may be used when applying liquid fertilizer, pesticide or herbicide to a golf course, yard, field, garden plot or other landscape area, and is used in place of colored spray or dyes which discolor the treated area and may be transferred to person, other objects or clothing.

Abstract: An adjustable spray apparatus with multiple outlet for applying a flowable coating onto a non-vertical surface. A carriage includes an outwardly extending arm with a plurality of downwardly facing spray tips connected to a manifold mounted on the carriage. The manifold, in turn, is connected to a remotely located reservoir of flowable material. An auxiliary spray gun in connected to the manifold.

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 sprayer switching control system includes toggle switch structure incorporated into the main control handle of the sprayer and toggling spray sections sequentially so that each section changes condition in turn as the switch structure is operated. A reset switch located adjacent the toggle switch structure is operable to reset all the sections to a preselected operating condition. A first switch toggles section condition sequentially in a first direction along the sprayer boom, while operating a second switch reverses the direction. Such toggle operation is simple and easy to learn, and can be implemented without removing the hand from the control handle. To accommodate special skip patterns and shut off unused boom sections, individual section control switches mounted away from the handle to avoid handle clutter permit selective disabling any one or more of the spray sections.

Abstract: A spray control device for use with vehicle mountable spraying apparatus having a pump for conveying fluid under pressure to a spray head. The control device has a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure of the fluid near the spray head. A speed sensor enables calculation of vehicle speed. An adjustment device adjusts the delivery of fluid to the spray head. A microprocessor is programmed to calculate from information derived from the pressure sensor and speed sensor spray application rate. The microprocessor compares the application rate with a stored target application rate to thereby cause the adjustment device to, if necessary, adjust the pump so that the pressure of fluid delivery achieves the target application rate.

Abstract: A coating apparatus for coating a material to be coated with a solution is disclosed, preferably for coating pharmaceuticals. A spray bar having a spray gun receptacle, a solution inlet conduit and an atomizing air conduit is disclosed. The spray gun is positionable in the spray gun receptacle and has a body portion adapted to fit in the receptacle and an insertion portion having a sealable orifice at a spraying end thereof. The body portion has an internal void constructed and arranged to be in fluid communication with the solution inlet conduit and the atomizing air conduit when the spray gun is positioned in the spray gun receptacle and the insertion portion is in an open position. The insertion portion is moveable between an open position defining a passage between the body portion void and the spraying end orifice a closed position sealing the insertion portion against the body portion to close said passage.

Abstract: A mobile shielded plot sprayer including a wind shield having a side wall that defines an enclosed area, and a movable atomizer within the enclosed area. A track assembly is located within the enclosed area and supported on the windshield. The atomizer is part of a spray assembly mounted on the track assembly and is movable thereon in at least one horizontal direction relative to the wind shield. A reservoir integral with the spray assembly and adapted to hold a liquid spray composition is operatively connected to the atomizer to supply the spray composition thereto.

Abstract: A directional control valve having three positions controls the direction of flow through an asphalt distributor. The directional control valve is interposed between a pump and a feed line assembly to a spray bar. The directional control valve has a first position in which flow is recirculated through the pump, a second position in which flow is delivered to the spray bar and a third position providing for handspray and transfer operations. A pressure relief valve is provided for controlling return flow of asphalt from the spray bar to the tank. The pressure relief valve is open in spray bar circulation mode and is closed during a spraying mode. According to the preferred embodiment the directional valve and pressure relief valve are contained within a modular control valve assembly. The directional control valve eliminates the need to reverse the flow in one of the individual feed lines and feed line assembly connecting the modular control valve assembly to the spray bar.

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: Apparatus and method for depositing salt granular materials upon a highway pavement at practical speeds. A highway truck is utilized which employs two spaced apart ejector mechanisms which function to deposit a continues narrow band of mixed salt and brine just forwardly of and in the path of travel of the two rearward truck wheel assemblies. This not only provides enhanced traction for these rear truck wheels, but also functions to utilize the rear wheels to compact the continuous narrow band pile of salt into pavement borne ice formations. Granular salt is delivered to the two ejector mechanisms utilized from a truck bed having a flat surface beneath which is a centrally disposed bed auger transport mechanism formed of two independently driven augers. These augers deliver salt to a cross auger mechanism mounted forwardly of the bed and which both supports and delivers salt to the two spaced apart ejectors.

Abstract: A method and device for discriminating different types of ground vegetation in agriculture is disclosed in which an artificial source (24) of electromagnetic radiation is employed for directing a beam (26) of radiation onto the vegetation. A sensor assembly (30) is provided for detecting reflected radiation from the vegetation in a selected frequency band and generating a sensing signal in response to the detection. A logic controller (32) determines whether a magnitude of the sensing signal falls within a predetermined range of values in order to distinguish one type of vegetation from another type. In the near infred region of the electromagnetic spectum different types of weeds absorb significantly less infra-red radiation than other types of vegetation. Logic controller (32) compares the amplitude of the sensing signal with a decision window.

Abstract: A water display which contains a plurality of drip tubes that are suspended from a structure, and periodically drip droplets of fluid in a manner that simulates “rain fall”. The tubes are attached to a tank that contains a ballast and a volume of fluid. When the water display is off, the ballast is located in an upper position so that the level of fluid is below the openings of the tubes. The display further contains a control mechanism that lowers the ballast into the fluid. Lowering the ballast, displaces the fluid to a level above the opening of the tubes, wherein the fluid flows out of the tank and through the tubes. The control mechanism then raises the ballast to the first position to again lower the fluid to a level below the opening of the tube. The cycle of lowering and raising the ballast is repeated in a periodic manner.

Abstract: A self-propelled lawn and garden spreader that can be used to apply granular and/or liquid materials to both wide and narrow areas at a constant rate of application per unit area at different ground speeds, such as at a relatively high speed when the operator of the spreader is riding on the spreader, and at a relatively low speed when the operator is walking behind the spreader. The spreader generally includes a frame on which a suitable motor is mounted, wheels mounted to the frame with at least one of the wheels being driven by the motor, and a unit for controlling the ground speed of the spreader, including at least two forward speeds. The spreader further includes a material storage compartment mounted to the frame for containing a material. The material storage compartment has an outlet through which the material exits the material storage compartment and is delivered to a dispenser unit that broadcasts the material outwardly, including away from the sides of the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flow control system for sprayer nozzles. The control system includes a solenoid coil and a solenoid plunger. The solenoid plunger can slide into an adapter body, substantially perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow. In reducing the fluid flow through the nozzle, the plunger is moved to block an orifice in the path of the fluid flow, within the adapter. The plunger movement is achieved through the energization of the solenoid coil, with signals sent by a controller. The orifice in the adapter is manufactured to a specific size that allows reduced power consumption to shut off or reduce flow through the nozzle. Also, the orifice is sized to provide unrestricted flow when fully open. By means of the controller, control can be provided individually to each nozzle from a plurality of nozzles on a spraying bar.

Abstract: A spray boom (1) is provided in which the spray boom (1) comprises one or more outlet nozzles (4) and one or more actuator means (9) each of which drives at least one outlet nozzle clearing means (10). The spray boom provides for the accurate dispensing of solutions or suspensions, preferably from a fixed wing aircraft for the aerial top-dressing of agricultural, horticultural and aquacultural areas.

Abstract: This invention provides a mobile aerosol generator which enables the vehicle operator to remotely reposition the droplet launch trajectory during normal operation of the generator and the vehicle. Azimuth and elevation launch directions are controlled separately or simultaneously by the vehicle operator using a remote control box. The repositioning ranges are about 180 degrees in azimuth included angle centered about a preset position, normally the direction of vehicle travel, and from about 60 degrees above to about 15 degrees below the plane of vehicle travel. A turntable like actuator provides azimuth repositioning and a linear actuator coupled to the nozzle provides elevation repositioning. Tubular nozzle support structure also acts as conduit for pressurized air to a two-fluid nozzle. A liquid delivery system provides a controlled amount of liquid to the nozzle where the fluid is sheared into droplets using pressurized air.

Abstract: Spray nozzle for a spray boom to be fixed to a crop protection machine or the like. The spray nozzle is fixed on a supply line for spraying a fluid. The spray nozzle consists of a spray nozzle holder and a spray nozzle head. The passage of the inflow aperture to the outflow channel is regulated by means of an electromagnetic coil. Each spray nozzle holder can be controlled individually in a very accurate manner by means of such an electromagnetic shut-off valve situated in the spray nozzle holder. Connection between electric coil and spray nozzle holder is achieved by means of a connecting piece.

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 spraying system having a control valve with an inlet port for connection to a liquid supply, a discharge port for connection to a spray nozzle, and a return port for connection to the liquid supply. The control valve includes a valve member which has a liquid flow passageway and is movable between an open position in which the liquid flow passageway communicates between the inlet and discharge ports for permitting the direction of pressurized liquid to the spray nozzle and a second position which prevents the flow of pressurized liquid to the discharge port. The spray nozzle has an associated pressure responsive check valve for preventing the flow of liquid to the spray nozzle, and hence for preventing drippage, upon movement of the control valve member to the off position.

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

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

Abstract: A machine for applying a liquid coating material such as floor wax, carpet protector or sealer, to a flat surface, such as a floor or the like, includes a first sealed vessel for containing compressed gas and a second sealed vessel for containing the liquid. A pressure regulator is provided for maintaining a predetermined positive pressure head within the liquid-containing vessel, and associated conduit is provided for conveying gas at the predetermined positive pressure to the second vessel. The machine includes at least one spray nozzle and a conduit for conveying liquid from the second vessel to the at least one spray nozzle. The spray nozzle is height adjustable to insure that the sprayed material is uniformly applied to the floor as a relatively light coat without having to spread the applied material.

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: A mobile asphalt dispenser for applying strips of asphalt having prescribed widths to a roof. The dispenser has a frame including an asphalt container for holding the asphalt. At least one wheel is rotatably mounted on the frame. A valve assembly is provided in fluid communication with the asphalt container and is operable to control flow of the asphalt from the container to the roof. The dispenser has a valve assembly selectively positionable into at least three prescribed positions, each of the prescribed positions corresponding to a respective one of the prescribed widths of the asphalt strips. In addition to or as an alternative to the valve assembly, the dispenser may include a side dispensing arm for applying asphalt to a cant of the roof. Preferably, the dispenser is provided with a swivellable wheel.

Abstract: A method of treating waste materials such as city or animal sewage which may contain toxic chemicals includes supplying the waste materials in slurry form using a dispensing machine in the field to a fibrous crop material so that the waste materials, water and toxic chemicals are taken up by the fibrous materials in the plant to avoid toxic materials collecting in the soil. The amount of nutrients in the waste material including phosphorous and nitrogen are measured. The volume of materials supplied to the plant is controlled upon the phosphorous level. The amount of nitrogen can be supplemented on the go from a separate tank on the dispensing machine.

Abstract: A device for applying a fluid coating, including a feed tube assembly having a plurality of feed tubes and valves for controlling the flow of fluid through each of the tubes, an extrusion tube coupled to each feed tube, and a fluid spreader coupled to the spreader tube.

Abstract: A system for applying fluid to a ground surface, the system includes (a) a plurality of nozzle valves, (b) a control switch and open and close manifold valves for operating each nozzle valve so that each nozzle valve closes essentially concurrently, and (c) a pair of switching manifolds have for operating each nozzle valve so that each nozzle valve is, selectively, opened or closed independently of each other nozzle valve, provided the opened and close valves have not closed the nozzle valves.