Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for weed control. It is described to provide (210) a processing unit with at least one image of an environment. The processing unit analyses (220) the at least one image to determine at least one location within the environment for activation of at least one mulch application unit. The at least one mulch application unit is configured to apply at least one mulch to the at least one location for weed control. An output unit outputs (230) information that is useable to activate the at least one mulch application unit.

Abstract: A cable management system for managing one or more cables extending from a robot singulator includes: an upper bracket assembly for mounting the cable management system to a robotic framework of the robot singulator; a cable carrier that is configured to receive and hold the one or more cables in a grouped configuration; and one or more leashes. Each leash of the cable management system is of a predetermined length and includes a distal end that is mounted to the cable carrier and a proximal end that is configured to be mounted to the robotic framework. When mounted to the robotic framework, each leash restricts the lateral movement of the cable carrier and the one or more cables received therein, thus reducing the extent to which the one or more cables can whip about the robotic framework while the robot singulator is in use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular system for weed control for a rail vehicle. The modular system has a control unit for producing control signals for controlling valves and mixers in a separate herbicide and mixing module and for producing a second set of control signals for controlling valves of a nozzle rod. The herbicide and mixing module has a container for holding different herbicides and electrical connection elements for connections to the control unit. Furthermore, a nozzle rod is present, which is fitted with a nozzle set, in order to spray herbicides of the herbicide and mixing module. In addition, a camera module is present, which produces a weed signal in response to the detection of a weed, in order to control the spraying of the herbicides. The camera module is at such a distance from the nozzle rod that, despite high speed, there is sufficient time to provide the herbicide at the nozzles.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for subvehicularly accessed treatment of ground surfaces about a rail track occupied by a rail vehicle. A mobile treatment unit having a propulsion mechanism for subvehicular passage between the rails occupied by the rail vehicle includes a dispensing portion for expelling a treatment material therefrom onto regions of the ground surface about the rails. The mobile treatment unit is maneuverable between the rails and maintains height clearance for unobstructed passage beneath the occupying rail vehicle. At least one sensor unit is coupled to the mobile treatment unit, which acquires environmental feedback data about the mobile treatment unit. A control unit is operably linked to the mobile treatment and sensor units, and receives the environmental feedback data. The control unit controls actuation of the mobile treatment unit responsive to the environmental feedback and/or a maneuver control command.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a surface such as a driveway or a vertical wall which includes converting or retro-fitting a zero-turn radius (ZTR) or other type of mower to a cleaning apparatus. The conversion of the mower includes the steps of adding a water supply tank to the deck area of the mower and providing low pressure and high pressure flow lines. The low pressure flow lines are supplied via a low pressure pump. The high pressure flow lines are supplied by a separate high pressure pump unit. Plural solenoid valves are utilized in the method and system to control the flow of a cleaning solution for various method operations.

Abstract: A surface cleaning or surface conditioning pressure sprayer which has one or more liquid sprayers with a source of pressurized liquid. The sprayer is mounted on one or more liquid spray headers. The header is moved in a traversing motion by a connecting arm attached to a rotary cam. An angle adjustment device moves the header on a pivot in order to accomplish the most effective angle of attack for cleaning between the surface to be cleaned or conditioned and the pressurized liquid spray. The above described device may be mounted on a support having a mobility means, a housing to contain and manage liquid and air flow. Airflow, air velocity, air temperature, air dryness and air impingement may be adjusted to improve cleaning and drying of the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of distributing a liquid composition over the ground from travelling equipment, the composition comprising an active ingredient, in which method the concentration of the active ingredient in the liquid composition is varied in dependence on the speed of the travelling equipment over the ground, the liquid composition also comprising a viscosity modifying agent, the method comprising varying the relative proportion of the viscosity modifying agent in the liquid composition in dependence on the speed of the travelling equipment, thereby to control the viscosity of the liquid composition. Also disclosed is equipment for use in the aforesaid method.

Abstract: A modular rail system for positioning a six axis robot about an auxiliary axis includes a plurality of rail sections which are selectively interconnected in order to provide a reconfigurable length about the auxiliary axis, and the six axis robot for movement with respect to the rail sections about the auxiliary axis. The rail sections may include a first end section positioned toward a first end of the auxiliary axis, a second end section positioned toward a second end of the auxiliary axis, and one or more intermediate sections positioned between the first and second end sections. The first end section, the intermediate sections and the second end section are interconnected along the auxiliary axis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a manifold which includes a foam generating zone having means for receiving a foamable solution and air therethrough to produce a foam, a streaming discharge zone wherein the streaming discharge zone includes a first plurality of aperture surfaces of a first diameter and a second plurality of aperture surfaces of a second diameter larger than said first diameter and a buffer zone operably communicably associated with the foam generating zone and streaming discharge zone with means for impeding flow of the foam therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fully-automatic spraying system employing a spray car. The system includes a spray car body and a truck on which the spray car body is mounted so that the spray car body can be loaded onto and unloaded from the truck. A reel around which a spray-feeding hose is wound is rotatably mounted on the truck. The reel is drivingly connected to an axle of the truck.

Abstract: An auto-carrying system has a self-propelled vehicle and a mobile carrier capable of carrying the vehicle such that the vehicle can run onto and off the carrier. Sensor actuating poles are arranged along the path of movement of the carrier, while sensors capable of generating signals for controlling the running of the vehicle are carried by the vehicle such that they can engage with the sensor actuating poles during the movement of the carrier so as to control the running operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A railroad tie service vehicle includes a chassis system, a drive system and an application system. The chassis system includes front and back ends, opposite sides and a deck. The drive system includes an engine mounted on the chassis deck, front and back pairs of wheels and a pair of drive track assemblies mounted on the chassis front and back ends. The application system includes an actuating subassembly for selectively engaging railroad ties and a sprayer subassembly for spraying preservative on railroad ties in response to engagement by the actuating subassembly. A method of servicing railroad ties includes the steps of removing a rail from one side of a railroad track, exposing connection areas where the rail attaches to the railroad ties, driving a vehicle with preservative along the railroad track and applying preservative to the connection areas in response to engagement of the railroad tracks by an actuating subassembly.

Abstract: Spraying apparatus comprising a transversely extending air deflector carried by a frame and located forwardly of spray heads, the air deflector having sufficient downward component of direction that it exceeds the stalling angle when moved at an operating speed and thereby creates a low pressure zone behind the air deflector, said spray heads being oriented to direct spray into said low pressure zone.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a manifold which includes a foam generating zone having means for receiving a foamable solution and air therethrough to produce a foam, a streaming discharge zone wherein the streaming discharge zone includes a first plurality of aperture surfaces of a first diameter and a second plurality of aperture surfaces of a second diameter larger than said first diameter and a buffer zone operably communicably associated with the foam generating zone and streaming discharge zone with means for impeding flow of the foam therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a manifold which includes a foam generating zone having means for receiving a foamable solution and air therethrough to produce a foam, a streaming discharge zone wherein the streaming discharge zone includes a first plurality of aperture surfaces of a first diameter and a second plurality of aperture surfaces of a second diameter larger than said first diameter and a buffer zone operably communicably associated with the foam generating zone and streaming discharge zone with means for impeding flow of the foam therebetween.