Abstract: An ammonia applicator system is provided that has adjustable orifices with openings having variable sizes that can be changed remotely, without having to disassemble exit lines from a distribution manifold. In this way, the restriction of the exit lines and, thus, line flow rate can be adjusted remotely and/or automatically, even during ammonia application use. Each adjustable orifice may include a valve and an actuator that controls the valve for changing the size of the opening of the adjustable orifice. The actuator may be a rotary actuator, such as a stepper motor, and the valve may include an adjustment knob and a screw that can rotate to allow a needle to advance or regress through an opening of a valve body of the valve.

Abstract: An apparatus applies product and includes a pivotal platform solely supported through bushings formed of compressible material. The ground speed can be locked by stepping on a step pivoting a composite block to engage with an engagement of the transmission proportioner arm. A gate is opened utilizing a control lever pivotally mounted to a pivotably mounted control block to either engage or avoid a tang of an adjustment guide. A drive belt system includes a variator having first and second sheaves having variable effective diameters when their pivot pin is moved by pivoting a lever. A spray tip sprays a fan style spray at a small acute angle to the application area. A flip shield is pivoted about an axis parallel to the movement direction and includes a linear straight portion parallel to the axis in a redirection position.

Abstract: A device and method of use for a towed portable cleaning facility is disclosed. The device employs storage tanks for both the storage and transport of cleaning fluids. The tanks serve the additional function of surrounding and enclosing the cleaning area an area that may be used for cleaning or storage. By utilizing the tanks as walls, the present invention provides a portable cleaning station. The device may further include the ability to treat and clean used fluids in order to either reuse or safely dispose of the used fluids as well as the ability to recover heat energy from an engine compartment to heat cleaning fluids.

Abstract: A system for controlling water distribution from a water distribution vehicle includes spray heads for spraying water from the vehicle and an actuator system for turning the spray heads on and off. A computer processor is programmed to control the actuator system in response to a sensor input. The system can include means for measuring the ground speed of the vehicle, such as a GPS, and the sensor input signal can be associated with the ground speed of the vehicle. Using a pulse width modulated signal, the processor can adjust water flow from the spray heads based on the vehicle ground speed. The processor also can be programmed to prevent water flow from one or more spray heads when the vehicle speed is below a minimum speed or as the vehicle speed is reduced.

Abstract: A spray gun is provided, which comprises a twin fluid atomizing nozzle which atomises a process fluid by interaction with a driving fluid. The nozzle including a driving fluid passage having a driving fluid inlet, a driving fluid outlet, and a throat portion intermediate the driving fluid inlet and driving fluid outlet. The throat portion has a cross sectional area which is less than that of both the driving fluid inlet and the driving fluid outlet. The nozzle also includes a process fluid outlet located at, or downstream of, the driving fluid throat. The spray gun further comprises a flow adjustment device connectable to supplies of the driving and process fluids. The flow adjustment device is adapted to selectively vary the ratio of the process fluid to driving fluid supplied to the nozzle. A mist-generating apparatus incorporates this spray gun is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for spraying a treatment liquid onto grass growing on a ground surface includes a plurality of rotatable discs spaced laterally apart across the path of travel. Each disc has a plurality of cutters which are adapted to penetrate the ground surface and to cut holes therein as the apparatus travels forwardly. The holes are spaced apart along the path of travel and are also spaced apart laterally. The apparatus also includes a set of nozzles positioned on the apparatus above the grass such that each nozzle is spaced rearwardly along the path of travel from its associated disc but is aligned along the path of travel with such disc. The nozzles are adapted to spray the treatment liquid. The apparatus also including a controller for causing the nozzles to spray the treatment liquid into the holes.

Abstract: A dust suppression apparatus comprising: (a) a turntable; (b) an engine; (c) a water mist blower comprising an air conduit, a plurality of water nozzles positioned so as to supply a spray of water to the air conduit, and a fan positioned so as to supply a stream of air through the air conduit, the water mist blower and the engine mounted on the turntable, the turntable adapted to permit the air conduit to be rotated horizontally, and the air conduit mounted so as to permit the air conduit to tilt vertically; (d) a water conduit adapted to supply pressurized water to the plurality of water nozzles; (e) a belt drive connected to the engine and adapted to supply power to the fan, and (f) a constant velocity joint connecting the belt drive to the fan.

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 feed displacement vehicle which can move on a surface autonomously, the vehicle comprising a frame which is provided with a drive mechanism, a feed displacement device configured to push aside feed situated on the surface, a container for a feed supplement to be dispensed, and a dispensing device for dispensing the feed supplement from the container. The vehicle further comprises an adjustment device configured such that the dispensing device of the vehicle can be adjusted in order to dispense the feed supplement at a desired, adjustable dispensing distance.

Abstract: A sprayer has a tank for holding a spray solution that is applied to a ground or turf surface. The sprayer includes an agitation system having a plurality of agitation nozzles that extend into the tank that are accessible from outside the tank and can be removed and replaced without using tools. The sprayer may include a rinse system carried onboard the sprayer which is segregated from the spray and agitation systems to avoid contaminating the rinse liquid prior to the time the rinse liquid is sprayed into the tank through rinse nozzles. The rinse nozzles include upwardly and downwardly directed nozzle ports and a bottom spinner for thoroughly cleaning all interior surfaces of the tank. The sprayer may also include a chemical eductor mounted on the side of the tank, whose weight is counterbalanced by springs, and which easily pivots between lower and upper positions on the tank.

Abstract: An apparatus applies product and includes a pivotal platform solely supported through bushings formed of compressible material. The ground speed can be locked by stepping on a step pivoting a composite block to engage with an engagement of the transmission proportioner arm. A gate is opened utilizing a control lever pivotally mounted to a pivotably mounted control block to either engage or avoid a tang of an adjustment guide. A drive belt system includes a variator having first and second sheaves having variable effective diameters when their pivot pin is moved by pivoting a lever. A spray tip sprays a fan style spray at a small acute angle to the application area. A flip shield is pivoted about an axis parallel to the movement direction and includes a linear straight portion parallel to the axis in a redirection position.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described for sterilizing seed beds in soil. The apparatus is comprised of at least one hot water injecting chamber defined by a pair of spaced-apart side walls secured to one another and defining therebetween a passage. A plurality of jet holes are provided in an inner surface of each of the side walls and facing the direction of the passage. The jet holes communicate with a manifold associated with each side wall which is connected to a supply of pressurized hot water. Each of the side walls is configured to penetrate into the soil in at least a lower region thereof whereby to inject into the soil in the passage between the pair of plates the pressurized hot water as the hot water injecting chamber is displaced in the soil.

Abstract: A fire suppression system having a foam proportioning system, a water source, and a controller. The foam proportioning system includes a foam tank having at least two types of chemical foamants, a selector valve in fluid communication with the foam tank for selecting one of the at least two types of chemical foamants, a foam pump in fluid communication with the selector valve for supplying the selected chemical foamant to a discharge unit, and a foam controller operatively connected to the foam pump and the selector valve. The water source is connected to the foam proportioning system for mixing water with the selected chemical foamant to form a fire suppression fluid. The controller is operatively connected to the foam proportioning system and includes a one-touch activation control for activating the controller. The controller is also configured to automatically output to the foam controller inputs for configuring the foam pump.

Abstract: A foreign object damage protection system comprises a sensor for detecting a foreign object, a fluid in a reservoir, a means for dispensing the fluid, the means for dispensing the fluid in communication with the reservoir, and a control unit, whereby when the sensor detects a foreign object, the control unit causes fluid to be dispensed from the reservoir through the means for dispensing and towards the foreign object. The sensor is attachable to one or more locations on an aircraft, such as a wing, nose, windshield, fuselage or tail. The sensor can be a radar sensor, weather radar sensor, weather radar sensor modified to detect objects at short ranges, infra-red sensor, forward-looking infrared sensor, a light detection and ranging sensor, motion sensor, thermal sensor, or video sensor. The system provides a way to protect an aircraft from striking foreign objects, such as birds, in the path of the aircraft.

Abstract: An application controller for an application unit, for marking substances comprises a radiation sensor, by means of which the relative position of the application unit relative to a reference plane may be determined. The relative position of the application unit can be determined by means for recording the orientation of the application unit controller relative to the reference plane from the association of position with orientation information, such that control instructions, in particular for positional correction may be generated by the application unit controller. The position of the application unit can be adjusted by an actuator device according to the control instructions.

Abstract: A device and method of use for a towed portable cleaning facility is disclosed. The device employs storage tanks for both the storage and transport of cleaning fluids. The tanks serve the additional function of surrounding and enclosing the cleaning area an area that may be used for cleaning or storage. By utilizing the tanks as walls, the present invention provides a portable cleaning station. The device may further include the ability to treat and clean used fluids in order to either reuse or safely dispose of the used fluids as well as the ability to recover heat energy from an engine compartment to heat cleaning fluids.

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: A fire-fighting pumper vehicle that includes a cab configured to transport a crew of firefighters, a water tank disposed to the rear of the cab, and a chassis configured to support the cab, the water tank, and one or more fire pump systems disposed on the chassis proximate to, and forward of, the rear wheels. In some embodiments, the fire pump system includes a power take-off pump, which is configured to operate a water only system or a compressed-air foam system from a gear case of the fire pump. The fire pump system includes nested components and is located and configured to occupy less space than conventional fire pump systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved pressure washer/surface cleaner with three wheels, one of which swivels and has a locking mechanism, that is easy to maneuver over many types of surfaces with less vibration from the motor, with little dangerous, damaging over spray and with a removable handle.

Abstract: A spreader assembly may include a hopper having a receptacle for holding salt, or the like, and at least one chamber formed between the receptacle and an outer surface of the hopper. The chamber may hold a liquid used to pre-wet the salt before it contacts a ground surface. The hopper may be an insert hopper formed as a one piece plastic component in a rotational molding operation.

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: A mobile system for dispensing cleaning fluid at a jobsite comprising a vehicle with wheels and an interior; a lower level provided in the interior; an upper level provided in the interior and separated from the underlying lower level by a deck; a clean fluid supply tank located on the lower level; at least one outflow pump downstream from and in communication with the clean fluid supply tank arranged on the upper level; and, at least one spray hose for dispensing fluid from the clean fluid supply, the spray hose downstream from and in communication with the at least one pump, at least a portion of the at least one spray hose external to the vehicle for dispensing the fluid at the jobsite.

Abstract: A spreader unit for a de-icing substance to clear a road or pedestrian surface, comprises a hopper containing the de-icing substance, a spreader device that receives the de-icing substance from the hopper spreading the latter on the road or pedestrian surface, a carrying device to convey the de-icing substance of the hopper to the spreader device, a rechargeable battery to power the carrying device and an electric mechanical converter for charging the rechargeable battery transforming mechanical power.

Abstract: A granular spreader having a V-shaped hopper for distribution of oil absorbing granules can be used on race track spills. The granular spreader is towed by a vehicle such as a pickup truck during racing intervals. A rotatable scrubber is affixed to the hopper which can be lowered by an electric winch to contact the race track to urge the deposited granules into the spilled liquid. A pair of flexible flaps are affixed to the bottom of the hopper to assist in distribution and to prevent the fine granule particles from being blown away before contacting the spilled liquids. A cart is also provided for storing the granular spreader during periods of non-use.

Abstract: A tilting boom applicator broadly includes a laterally-extending applicator boom a lift, and a tilt frame. The lift includes upper and lower lift arms that support the applicator boom and are operable to vertically shift the applicator boom. The tilt frame interconnects the applicator boom and lift and includes a fixed section mounted to upper lift arms and a swinging section mounted to the applicator boom. The frame sections are attached to each other at a frame pivot joint that defines a longitudinal tilt axis, with the frame pivot joint permitting tilting movement of the applicator boom relative to the lift about the longitudinal tilt axis. Lower lift arms are directly attached to the swinging section to limit movement of the applicator boom relative to the lift about a lateral pitch axis while permitting the tilting movement.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a multi-application apparatus may be configured to be mounted on a vehicle. The multi-application apparatus may include a sprayer configured to apply a profileable material to an area of a driving surface during a pass of the vehicle by the area to create a first marking. The multi-application apparatus may also include an applicator configured to apply the profileable material to at least a portion of the area of the driving surface during the same pass of the vehicle by the area to create a second marking. The second marking may have a more varied profile than the first marking. In various embodiments, the multi-application apparatus may include controls that enable independent control of various parameters during operation. In various embodiments, profileable material forming the second marking is at least partially fused with the profileable material forming the first marking.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a bicycle misting system or apparatus. Example embodiments include a manual (e.g., trigger-activated) or automated (e.g., valve-activated) system that is sell-contained, small, and light-weight. Various embodiments improve safety, allow convenient interchangeability of the fluid reservoir, and enable easy installation on a bicycle with or without a mounting system on the bicycle itself. Embodiments also allow the rider to select a variety of spray types, stream, spray, or mist depending on the intended use or amount of fluid desired for each release. The various embodiments provide for an improved cooling fluid delivery system of design simplicity, ease of use, and interchangeability that allows a cyclist an evaporative cooling concept safely, efficiently and conveniently, while riding in conditions of elevated or extreme temperatures.

Abstract: A spraying apparatus that is particularly suited to spraying of suspensions, for example liquid suspended fertilizers. The apparatus includes a tank with an inlet configured to create fluid circulation within the tank, thereby reducing settling of solids out of suspension. A mixing unit improves the mixing of particulates with fluids as they are added to the tank. Spray outlets are arranged in a flow loop and only a proportion of fluid passing through the flow loop is sprayed with the remaining fluid returning to the tank for recirculation. Pressure-actuated closures may be used to prevent spraying until pressure has built up sufficiently.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a bicycle misting system or apparatus. Example embodiments include a manual (e.g., trigger-activated) or automated (e.g., valve-activated) system that is self-contained, small, and light-weight. Various embodiments improve safety, allow convenient interchangeability of the fluid reservoir, and enable easy installation on a bicycle with or without a mounting system on the bicycle itself. Embodiments also allow the rider to select a variety of spray types, stream, spray, or mist depending on the intended use or amount of fluid desired for each release. The various embodiments provide for an improved cooling fluid delivery system of design simplicity, ease of use, and interchangeability that allows a cyclist an evaporative cooling concept safely, efficiently and conveniently, while riding in conditions of elevated or extreme temperatures.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system and method for mobile applications. The system includes a power source, a pump driven by the power source, and a motor driven by the pump. The system also includes a spray head with a fluid inlet passage, a fluid outlet passage, a fluid piston disposed in a chamber for controlled access between the inlet and outlet passages and defining a variable orifice, and a hydraulic cylinder controllably engaged to the orifice. The fluid piston and the hydraulic cylinder are aligned with a common longitudinal axis, and the inlet passage is offset from the axis in a direction opposed to the location of the outlet passage.

Abstract: A tanker vehicle for distributing liquid on a surface includes a chassis that supports a tank for holding the liquid. A fluid pump discharges the liquid from the tank and is driven by a hydraulic motor. A hydraulic system delivers hydraulic fluid to the motor through a supply line and returns the fluid to a tank through a return line. A bypass circuit is disposed between the supply line and the return line, bypassing the motor. The bypass circuit includes a system for providing a combination soft start and soft stop of the hydraulic motor that is configured to enable hydraulic fluid to flow from the supply line through the bypass circuit to the return line at a start of the hydraulic system and to flow from the return line through the bypass circuit to the supply line at a shutdown of the hydraulic system.

Abstract: A mobile fluid delivery machine has a communication device configured to receive fluid delivery mission instructions that identify a sequence of path segments on a site and corresponding fluid delivery allocation information for the path segments, and a location device determining the location of the mobile fluid delivery machine. It also has a fluid delivery system including a display device and at least one processor that is configured to identify the fluid delivery allocation information for the path segment that corresponds to the location of the mobile machine on the site, and to determine, based on the fluid delivery allocation information for the path segment that corresponds to the location of the mobile machine on the site, a fluid delivery rate for the path segment. The processor is also configured to cause the display device to display an indication of the determined fluid delivery rate for the path segment.

Abstract: A vehicle misting device and method that is operable is dry and humid environments are provided. The device may also include a payment system and fan.

Abstract: A maintenance vehicle for heliostats as well as heliostats within a solar field of a solar tower system can be controlled to reduce the likelihood of damage to an indigenous animal or its habitat. At least some of the heliostats can be arranged and operated in such a manner that the maintenance vehicle can pass through the solar field along conditional pathways. The arrangement and control of the heliostats to allow access to heliostats by a maintenance vehicle can enable different heliostat patterns as compared with conventional arrangements. In particular, heliostats in one section of the solar field can be arranged in a more ordered and high density pattern while heliostats in another section of the solar field can be arranged in a more disordered pattern. The density and arrangement of heliostats in various sections of the field can be optimized to improve and/or maximize solar energy production and/or revenue generation.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system and method for mobile applications. The system includes a power source, a pump driven by the power source, and a motor driven by the pump. The system also includes a spray head with a fluid inlet passage, a fluid outlet passage, a fluid piston disposed in a chamber for controlled access between the inlet and outlet passages and defining a variable orifice, and a hydraulic cylinder controllably engaged to the orifice. The fluid piston and the hydraulic cylinder are aligned with a common longitudinal axis, and the inlet passage is offset from the axis in a direction opposed to the location of the outlet passage.

Abstract: A mobile fluid delivery machine for delivering fluid to a site has a tank storing fluid, and at least one spray head configured to spray the stored fluid onto the site. In addition, the machine has a communication device configured to receive fluid delivery mission instructions from a site computing system, the mission instructions identifying a sequence of path segments on the site and corresponding fluid delivery amounts allocated to the path segments, and a location device configured to determine the location of the machine on the site. Th machine may also have a fluid delivery system configured to determine whether the location of the fluid delivery machine corresponds to a path segment of the sequence, and when it is determined that the location of the machine corresponds to a path segment in the sequence, to identify the fluid delivery amount allocated to that path segment based on the mission instructions.

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 horticultural applicator having a raft, at least one cable attached to the raft, a boom associated with the raft, and a conduit in communication with the raft. The raft includes a lower surface, first and second side surfaces extending upwardly and outwardly from the lower surface at opposite ends thereof, and first and second end surfaces extending generally perpendicular from opposite ends of the lower surface between the first and second side surfaces. The cable is used to drag the raft over a surface containing vegetation. The boom is adapted to apply a substance onto the vegetation traveling below the lower surface of the raft.

Abstract: A crop sprayer comprises a cab having i) a left lateral wall structure including a first door, and ii) a right lateral wall structure including a second door. A first platform having a first foot support is positioned adjacent to the first door. A second platform having a second foot support is positioned adjacent to the second door. The second platform defines a routing space located beneath the second foot support. An exhaust assembly includes i) a muffler having a muffler inlet and a muffler outlet, ii) an inlet conduit in fluid communication with the muffler inlet, and iii) an outlet conduit in fluid communication with the muffler outlet. The second platform defines a forward platform portion and a trailing platform portion. The muffler is located within the routing space with the inlet conduit extending into the routing space at the leading platform portion and the outlet conduit extending from the routing space at the trailing platform portion.

Abstract: A box truck for supplying sufficient electrical power and compressed air flow to enable spray foam contractors to use specialized equipment to foam insulate buildings. Such a truck has the necessary generator and air compressor systems mounted within the chassis of the vehicle and said systems do not take up valuable cargo space within the truck box, while utilizing components present in normal box truck designs to assist in their operation. The generator system is hydraulically powered and utilizes a PTO (Power Take-Off) mechanism to use power from the truck power train to drive the hydraulic system. The air compressor is a screw type compression system and is belt driven off the truck engine.

Abstract: A hopper spreader apparatus adapted for mounting to a vehicle, to be towed by a vehicle or to be pushed by hand, includes a sprayer apparatus for spraying liquid material as well as dispensing dry free-flow material. The hopper spreader apparatus includes a variable discharge mechanism, allowing adjustment of both the flow rate and the distribution pattern of the dry free-flow material particulate material being dispensed. The operation of the hopper spreader apparatus can be controlled remotely using radio frequency (RF) signaling. The hopper spreader apparatus obtains electrical power from an on-board battery and includes a battery charger to allow the battery to be charged when the hopper spreader apparatus is not in use.

Abstract: This invention is a scooter manufactured in combination with a water cannon or a scooter accessory comprising: a scooter having a platform, standard, and handle; a fluid reservoir carried by said scooter in fluid communications with an actuator; a nozzle in fluid communications with said reservoir and carried by said handle so that fluid contained in said reservoir is forced through said nozzle when said actuator is activated. The nozzle can rotate without moving the handle and the actuator can be activated by the rider's hand or foot and be manual or motorized.

Abstract: A rolling lawn and garden sprinkler and sprayer device is disclosed. The device is easily transported and maneuvered, can function as both a spot sprayer and a wide-area sprinkler, allows application of chemicals, and enhances the appearance of a lawn or garden. In one embodiment, the device resembles a large ladybug mounted on wheels and comprises a handle, one or more input ports, a plurality of storage/mixing containers, a plurality of valves and flow control devices, a plurality of sprinklers, and a plurality of spray wands. A user can activate the sprinkling feature and either water an area or mix water and chemicals, fertilizers, etc. and apply the mixture. Additionally, the device allows for spot application of water and/or chemicals by the user via activation of spray wand(s). The device can be towed by a lawn tractor, ATV, etc. and can incorporate a pump.

Abstract: A pressure reducing system for fuel gas and a natural gas dewaxing vehicle are disclosed. The pressure reducing system (6) comprises fuel gas pipelines which consist of successively connected a high pressure pipeline (41), a medium pressure pipeline (42) and a low pressure pipeline (43) in the flow direction of fuel gas. The tail end of the low pressure pipeline (43) connects with an combustion apparatus (7). A high pressure relief valve (17), a high pressure air feed valve (21), a heat exchanger (24) and a primary pressure reducing valve subassembly are connected on the high pressure pipeline (41). The heat exchanger (24) is provided with a hot fluid inlet (24A) and a hot fluid outlet (24B), wherein the hot fluid inlet (24A) connects with an hot water apparatus (12), and the hot fluid outlet (24B) connects with an water storage apparatus. The medium pressure pipeline (42) is equipped with a medium pressure relief valve (27) and a secondary pressure reducing valve (29).

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: A frame for mounting granular material spreading equipment, liquid storage tanks and liquid delivery equipment in a dump body or to a truck body is adapted to hold such equipment and allow for unitary removal of the frame with adjoined equipment from the truck body. The frame provides structure for mounting of granular material spreading equipment, liquid storage tanks and liquid delivery equipment, including liquid dispensing and metering components, granular dispensing and metering components, hydraulic equipment and electrical components. The frame may include integral legs, which in the preferred embodiment are self storing. The frame with adjoined equipment in a deployed position may be stored as a unit. A frame bearing granular material spreading, liquid storage tanks and liquid delivery equipment constitutes a snow/ice control apparatus that may be unitarily deployed on trucks and removed for storage purposes.

Abstract: The invention pertains to apparatus and methods for injecting viscous fertilizer, such as dewatered biosolids, below the surface of the soil. The invention also pertains to apparatus and methods for creating a continuous flow of viscous material and for dividing a flow of viscous material.

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.