Adjustable Distributor Patents (Class 239/176)
  • Patent number: 5544813
    Abstract: A cartridge for use in a spray system, and for releasable connection to a quick-release coupling to form a nozzle assembly. The cartridge includes a generally elongated and hollow body member having a proximal end and a distal end. A nozzle tip is retained at the distal end of the cartridge, and the proximal end is adapted to fit, at least in part, within the quick-release coupling. The body member includes a shoulder for retaining the nozzle tip. In a basic embodiment, the cartridge includes a generally hollow tubular spacer which fits, at least partially, inside the body member, for pressing the nozzle tip against a shoulder formed by the body member at the distal end. An O-ring is disposed between the shoulder and the spacer, in order to seal the cartridge and to prevent leakage. A screw fits within the proximal end of the body member for retaining the spacer in tight engagement with the nozzle tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Durham K. Giles, David C. Slaughter
  • Patent number: 5538185
    Abstract: A reversing switch and more particularly a diaphragm operated electrical polarity reversing switch which has general utility but in the application the reversing switch is disclosed for use in combination with a vehicle mounted spray device including a discharge nozzle which may be used for applying chemicals, liquid fertilizers and other liquids such as when applying such materials alongside of roadways to effectively apply liquid throughout the width of the road right-of-way in which spray nozzles are mounted adjustably on a pivotal arm-type support assembly at the right front of a vehicle and a control arrangement is oriented in the cab of the vehicle to enable the vehicle operator to control the spray apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventors: Benjamin F. Rabitsch, Douglas G. Rabitsch
  • Patent number: 5516044
    Abstract: A drop nozzle system on an agricultural vehicle such as a sprayer unit includes a plurality of mounting plates attached in a spaced manner to a trailing boom structure. A plurality of drop nozzle assemblies each coupled by suitable hosing to the nozzle bodies on an agricultural spray boom are adapted for secure attachment to the mounting plates. With the mounting plates attached to the boom structure at predetermined, standard row spacings such as 30", 34", 36", 38", etc., the drop nozzle assemblies may be attached to the appropriately spaced mounting plates as determined by the inter-row spacing of the field to be sprayed. Attachment of each nozzle assembly to a respective mounting plate employs a quick disconnect coupling arrangement which facilitates re-configuring the drop nozzle system for various inter-row spacings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Hardi, Inc.
    Inventor: Ulf S. Thorstensson
  • Patent number: 5312043
    Abstract: A paint striping cart is provided with a parallelogram linkage oscillatable in a horizontal plane. The forward arm of the linkage carries a downwardly directed nozzle which sprays paint in a fan or web, i.e., in a plane. The parallelogram linkage is actuated by a handle and linkage assembly on the cart, the action being such that the nozzle may be swung to any lateral position, within a range of about 60 degrees with respect to the cart longitudinal axis (being its direction of travel) on either side of the cart. In operation, the cart is positioned between a pair of parked cars on a parking lot. So long as neither of the two cars overlies a worn or faded paint line between the cars, the nozzle can be positioned over the worn line and fresh paint discharged from the nozzle to renew the line as the cart is pushed or pulled along a straight path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Inventor: James R. Whitney
  • Patent number: 5284297
    Abstract: An apparatus for roadside spraying of herbicides or other liquids in a manner which ensures uniform application of the herbicide without resorting to atomization of the sprayed liquid. The apparatus provides means for uniformly applying the herbicide in a plurality of swaths at different distances from the spraying apparatus. The apparatus uses a means for vibrationally altering the directions of the sprayed liquid streams to ensure uniform coverage. The direction altering means allows the amplitudes of the direction alterations to vary in accordance with the target distance of sprayed liquid stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Cibolo Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Johnny L. Kubacak, Gerald C. Gebheim
  • Patent number: 5265805
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning large, flat hard surfaces such as concrete parking lots, sidewalks and plazas is provided The apparatus receives hot pressurized water and sprays the water downwardly onto the surface to be cleaned through a rotating manifold of spray nozzles. The manifold is mounted within a pushable cart or chassis, similar to a lawnmower chassis, for rotational movement in a plane parallel with the surface to be cleaned. Nozzles of the spray manifold are tilted at an angle such that water sprayed from the nozzles provides an angular momentum to the manifold. The apparatus is also provided with a mechanism for raising or lowering the height of the nozzles above the surface and for setting a minimum selected height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Inventor: Steven M. Artenian
  • Patent number: 5228621
    Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an apparatus and process for applying material, such that it is dispersed in a pulsed manner, in micronized form, to agricultural commodities, while preventing drift of the micronized material to nontargeted areas. The instant invention employs a canopy which is passed over the agricultural commodity wherein a micronizing means is used to apply material, such as a pesticide, to an agricultural commodity within the canopy. The micronized material is preferably electrostatically charged when applied to the commodity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: The United States, As Represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Charles L. Wilson, Michael E. Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 5215255
    Abstract: A roadside spray apparatus having a spraying head with a plurality of nozzles mounted on the spraying head. The inclination of the spraying head is selectively adjustable to direct spray to a desired location. The spray head includes a plurality of independently operated nozzles oriented to spray side-by-side swaths at the side of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Cibolo Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Johnny L. Kubacak, Gary D. Byrd
  • Patent number: 5176322
    Abstract: A device for spraying liquid onto a crop with the assistance of directed air streams. Air is impelled into a central air chamber, through left and right hollow swivelling joints along extended air booms to pass out through outlet funnels. Associated with each outlet funnel is a spray nozzle which directs spray liquid into the outgoing air stream. The extended booms can be pivoted to a trailing position behind the device. The flattened outlet funnels together with the positioning of the nozzles provided an enhanced, directed atomized spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Inventor: Giuseppe M. Sartor
  • Patent number: 5167369
    Abstract: An apparatus for roadside spraying of herbicides or other liquids in a manner which ensures uniform application of the herbicide without resorting to atomization of the sprayed liquid. The apparatus uniformly applies the herbicide in a plurality of swaths at different distances from the spraying apparatus by vibrationally altering the directions of the sprayed liquid streams. Uniform coverage is ensured by allowing the amplitudes of the direction alterations to vary in accordance with the target distance of sprayed liquid stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Inventor: Johnny L. Kubacek
  • Patent number: 5098018
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Kibbuts Degania Bet
    Inventors: Ezra Hadar, David Tsur, Zev Rotem-Bar
  • Patent number: 5007585
    Abstract: A roadside spray apparatus having a spraying head with a plurality of nozzles mounted on the spraying head. The inclination of the spraying head is selectively adjustable to direct spray to a desired location. The nozzle means includes a plurality of independently operated nozzles oriented to spray side-by-side swaths at the side of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Inventors: Johnny L. Kubacak, Gary D. Byrd
  • Patent number: 4982898
    Abstract: Device for simultaneously projecting onto plants one or more jets of particles or droplets of a treatment product and a stream of air for facilitating the displacement of the particles or droplets, and comprising a frame carrying substantially vertical slideways along which can slide, on the one hand, a boom carrying a row of atomization means and pressurized air pipes having suitably oriented passages, and on the other hand, separately, a fan feeding the said pipes and connected thereto by a deformable hose, or a connector of adjustable length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Tecnoma
    Inventor: Patrick J. M. Ballu
  • Patent number: 4962892
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: Chem-Farm, Inc.
    Inventor: C. J. Sauer
  • Patent number: 4943008
    Abstract: A chassis assembly for a moveable spraying apparatus supports a container which contains material such as paint and a handle assembly for controlling the apparatus. This chassis includes a housing with a support beam which supports the handle assembly within the housing and at the side of it. It also includes a wind screen for shielding the discharged material from the wind, can holders for receiving spent and unused containers, and an indicator for maintaining the apparatus along a predetermined path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Assignee: Fox Valley Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Smrt
  • Patent number: 4893751
    Abstract: A striping machine for painting parking surfaces including long-term parking surfaces comprises a frame and platform on wheels and a handle movable over a parking surface and including an upright support post adjustably supporting an upright spray head having a depending outlet. A pressurized paint pot or paint pump is mounted upon a frame and has an outlet conduit connected to the spray head. A tank of pressurized carbon dioxide is mounted upon the platform and has an outlet connected to a manifold. A first conduit connects the manifold to the spray head, a second conduit connects the manifold to the paint pot, and a third conduit connects the manifold to a three-way valve on the handle, the valve having an outlet connected to the spray head for controlling the opening of its outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Inventor: Carl R. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 4892251
    Abstract: A line marking device for installation of parking lines and traffic markings comprising an airless paint spray mechanism adjustably attachable to a wheeled, support carrier to permit delivery of a trapezoidal paint spray to the surface of the road or pavement to mark stripes of varying widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Inventor: Harrison Bresnen
  • Patent number: 4842195
    Abstract: A device for determining the direction of a fluid spray pattern issuing from a fluid nozzle prior to flowing through the nozzle includes a body in the form of a template or a jig releasably attachable in a predetermined orientation to the nozzle tip. The body includes a pair of angularly related adjustable arms having axes which intersect the nozzle aperture and which extend such that the central axis of the nozzle bisects the angle between the arms. By applying the device to the nozzle tip in predetermined orientation, the arms define the lateral extremities of the spray pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Inventors: Laurel A. Koll, John E. Watts
  • Patent number: 4828177
    Abstract: An adjustable sprayer assembly includes a frame supported by a pivoting wheel assembly and a pair of side wheel assemblies arranged in a tricycle fashion. An adjustable spray boom assembly and an operator boom assembly are connected to the frame. A container of a substance to be sprayed is mounted on the frame and selectively sprayed through nozzles on the spray boom as the sprayer assembly is pushed or pulled by an operator. An electrical meter connected to a generator mounted on one of the wheel assemblies can be provided so that an operator can monitor and maintain the speed of the sprayer assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Inventor: Frans Schuitemaker
  • Patent number: 4813604
    Abstract: A spray boom and vessel apparatus is disclosed having one or more spray nozzles adjustably mounted along the axes of a plurality of independent spray booms. The spray booms are releasably supported upon a boom frame in horizontal, parallel relation to each other. The boom frame is releasably supported by a vessel and valve frame, which also supports a plurality of vessel and valve assemblies. Each vessel and valve assembly is in fluid-flow connection with the nozzles of one of the spray booms and a source of pressurized air. The vessel and valve frame is releasably mounted on a vehicle frame, which is pivotally attached to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Thomas A. Curran, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4798325
    Abstract: A self-contained, hand-operated, compact applicator for dispensing liquid and/or dry lawn care products is disclosed in which dry treatment materials are broadcast from a hopper in response to manual propulsion of the applicator over the terrain and liquid materials, stored in a tank carried by the hopper, are pressurized by electrically powered pump means and dispensed via plural valve operated spray nozzles selectively controlled by the operator to effect regulated and uniform application of dry and liquid treatment materials either contemporaneously or independently of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignees: Robert F. Parmley, Marino D. Floreani
    Inventor: Robert E. Block
  • Patent number: 4793559
    Abstract: An improved liquid chemical applicator is provided and consists of a mechanism that can activate a plurality of spray nozzles to apply a plurality of overlapping sprays of liquid chemical at a constant height, at a constant pressure and at a proper direction onto horizontal, vertical and angular surfaces to form a uniform coating thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Inventor: Edward Marlek
  • Patent number: 4784166
    Abstract: A hydraulic circuit and a wheeled self-propelled moveable frame provides a one-way feed of water under pressure selectively bearing a liquid soap or a liquid rinse chemical via a wind up hose mounted on a spool via a drive motor to axle to belt to clutch to shaft on the moveable frame through a multi-way directional valve to a water powered drive motor for driving the moveable frame forward and reverse relative to an open end of a vehicle body and said spool. A water cylinder changes the angle of inclination of a floor nozzle tube rotatable about its axis horizontally at the front of the moveable frame and bears a series of longitudinally spaced nozzles, when the machine travel reverses towards the open end of the vehicle body. The multi-way directional valve changes the water flow direction upon impact of a sensor operatively coupled thereto and projecting forwardly of the front of the wheeled self-propelled moveable frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Inventors: Douglas R. Brager, Randall J. Kappes
  • Patent number: 4738397
    Abstract: A support arm device for use in supporting a spray head in spraying liquids. The device comprises an elongated support portion having a longitudinal axis, and an elongated mounting portion attached at a point between its ends to one end of the support portion. The mounting portion has a longitudinal axis transverse to the axis of the support portion and at least one end of the mounting portion includes fastner. The device further includes an elongated leg portion attached to the other end of the support portion and having a longitudinal axis transverse to the axis of the support portion. A releasable clamp is about the leg portion, the clamp for securing a spray head into the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Assignee: James H. Shellabarger, Jr.
    Inventor: Timothy W. Morris
  • Patent number: 4722324
    Abstract: Positionable weed burning apparatus is described which is adapted to support an elongated burner boom and which is further adapted to be connected to a conventional three-point hitch on a tractor. The apparatus enables the boom to be raised, lowered, and moved from side to side by the operator of the tractor. Only one person is required in order to operate the apparatus. Because the burner boom may be quickly and accurately positioned to any desired location by the operator of the tractor, irrigation ditches may be rapidly and efficiently burned using the apparatus of this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Inventor: Leland C. Amen
  • Patent number: 4694991
    Abstract: A spreader for widely broadcasting agri-chemicals from a conventional airplane. Preferably the spreader comprises a central body comprised of an upper and lower top which diverge away from each other between a central front and a rear. The generally wing-shaped spreader includes a front throat having a mouth in which a plurality of spaced apart vane fronts are disposed. The vanes extend in arcuate spaced-apart relationship throughout the interior of the spreader, terminating in pivoted swallow-tail portions. Each swallow-tail portion includes a pair of pivoted tabs which can be adapted to deflect agri-chemicals in a desired fashion. Preferably the throat includes a releasable plate for quick connecting the spreader to the aeroplane, and a front, lower baffle plate may be adjusted to redirect air flow. Upon the opposite lateral outwardly diverging sides of the body two pairs of cooperating air injection chutes are employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Inventor: Virgil H. Breckenridge
  • Patent number: 4624602
    Abstract: A pavement line striper is provided which has a pair of spaced apart front wheels and a pivotable rear steering wheel. Paint spray guns may be mounted closely adjacent to one or both of the front wheels. One of the front wheels is laterally movable to allow for the painting of parallel stripes of selectively variable spacing. Two guns may be mounted on one side for vertical and horizontal spraying of a curb in one pass or for closely spaced parallel lines. The guns remain closely adjacent the wheels to minimize uneven thickness of the lines when spraying on uneven terrain. The rear wheel is lockable against pivoting movement and indicia markings are provided to permit selection of a radius for curved lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1986
    Assignee: Wagner Spray Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph W. Kieffer, Norman A. Cyphers
  • Patent number: 4602742
    Abstract: An improved spraying device (10) is disclosed for dispersing a liquid over a preselected surface. The device (10) comprises a frame (13) provided with a pair of rotatably mounted wheel members (19) and a connector for releasably engaging a drawing vehicle. A supply tank (12) is mounted on the frame (13) for holding the liquid to be dispersed, and a pump (50) is provided for pumping the liquid from the supply tank (12) to liquid dispersing units. The liquid dispersing units comprises at least one sprayer bar (28) mounted on the frame (13) and, in one embodiment, a hand held sprayer (83). Further, in one preferred embodiment, the device (10) is provided with agitator an for mixing the contents of the supply tank (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1986
    Inventor: Joe R. Penson
  • Patent number: 4599968
    Abstract: A collapsible painting cart apparatus comprises a mobile frame, a receptacle for receiving a container of paint, and an extendable and retractable mounting and guide member for mounting the receptacle and for guiding the direction of paint released from the container. The mounting and guide member is mounted to the frame for movement between a first position extended from the frame for applying paint to a desired surface and a second position retracted within the frame for storage. A handle is attachable to the frame and extendable outwardly therefrom for gripping by an operator to propel the mobile frame relative to the desired surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1986
    Assignee: Ryder International Corporation
    Inventors: Francis E. Ryder, Fred E. Williams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4583319
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for foliar spraying liquid composition such as pesticide, aqueous fertilizer solution, and/or herbicide, onto foliage of vegetation. In a preferred embodiment, while spraying a spray stream of liquid composition at 10 to 75 pounds per square inch pressure from an orifice having a cross-sectional area of from about 0.0000948 to about 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1986
    Assignee: Arcadian Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. Wolff, Dennis G. Watson, John G. Clapp, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4570854
    Abstract: An agricultural liquid spraying system including a liquid source and retrieval vehicle and a movable base member, the movable base member includes base mounted wheels, a liquid tower, a rotatable seat mounted on the tower, a rotatable nozzle mounted on the upper end of the tower, and a directional control arm secured to the nozzle for manipulation by a person located in the rotatable seat, the tower capable of being partially collapsed for transporting the movable base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1986
    Inventor: Hans Wernhart
  • Patent number: 4565321
    Abstract: A vehicle for deicing aircraft comprises an undercarriage (1) having a lifting device (4,5,6,7) carrying a closed operation cabin (3). The vehicle includes a spray device for applying spray fluid to the aircraft, and this spray device comprises a pump and a connected spray nozzle. To avoid frequent adjustments of the position of the carriage and to allow spray operations close to the areas to be sprayed, the spray nozzle is supported on a longitudinally adjustable lightweight boom (20) carried by the cabin (3). The cabin (3) is further pivotally supported by a turntable construction (15,16) relative to the carriage (1). The nozzle is also connected to remote control devices in the cabin (3) for pivotal movement of the nozzle about two axes extending perpendicular to each other. The two pivot axes are appropriately intersecting in a point coinciding with the direction of the jet from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1986
    Inventor: Godtfred Vestergaard
  • Patent number: 4373670
    Abstract: A vehicle (10) carries an ejector means (17) which is mounted for reciprocating movement on the vehicle and is operable to eject discrete blobs of a viscous road marking material onto a road surface to be marked. The ejection means is arranged to move relative to the vehicle during ejection of the blobs so that its outlet moves at approximately the same speed as the vehicle and in the opposite direction, the arrangement being such that the speed of the blob relative to the roadway is approximately zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1983
    Assignee: Prismo Universal Limited
    Inventor: David N. Kilner
  • Patent number: 4353505
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1982
    Inventor: Leon Kinder
  • Patent number: 4274589
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1981
    Assignee: A.C. Sprayers Inc.
    Inventor: Derek Jones
  • Patent number: 4269356
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1981
    Inventor: Donald D. Rose
  • Patent number: 4267973
    Abstract: Line painting equipment mounted on a small tractor with an air compressor mounted on the front of the tractor and a paint containing tank mounted on its rear portion. A further elongated pressurized paint container is mounted on one side of the tractor and inclined downwardly towards the front of same. A boom is clamped to the tractor forward of the pressurized paint container which is also normally inclined downwardly towards the front of the tractor. The boom is so secured to the tractor that it can be selectively rotated on its longitudinal axis, moved outwardly on a substantially vertical axis and moved vertically about a substantially horizontal axis. A paint spray gun is removably mounted on the front of the boom as is an adjustable boom support wheel which governs the height of the paint spray gun over the underlying surface. An adjustable guide to indicate to the operator where the paint is sprayed is mounted from the steering linkage of the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1981
    Inventor: James J. Stewart
  • Patent number: 4252274
    Abstract: A roadside spray apparatus primarily adapted for the precision application of chemical herbicides is mounted by means of a frame support on the front bumper of a vehicle and is monitored by the driver of the vehicle using one hand to operate electrical switches connected to solenoid valves controlling the spray through nozzles mounted on a spray boom, which boom can be adjusted laterally and can be pivoted from one side of the vehicle to the other, with the nozzles attached to coil springs on the spray boom, and with an adjustable mirror and adjustable guides located on the spray apparatus in view of the driver of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1981
    Inventor: Johnny L. Kubacak
  • Patent number: 4230272
    Abstract: A crop spraying apparatus uses a flexible pipe that can be suspended clear of, and traversed over, the ground. The pipe has nozzles or apertures at intervals along its length. The pipe ends may be carried by tractors, one of which will have a pump for forcing the spray medium along the pipe and that tractor, or the other, will have a winch with a drum on which the pipe is wound. The winch is controlled to maintain the pipe tensioned and clear of the ground despite variations in the spacing between tractors. A fixed structure could replace one of the tractors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1980
    Inventor: Thomas B. Snell
  • Patent number: 4227649
    Abstract: The spray marking assembly is mounted on an agricultural or horticultural spraying or spreading implement to show visually, the area traversed so that the overlap or skip may be avoided. Usually, a pump sprays a dye from a tank through hoses to the extremity of the spray boom. This often causes poor markings due to scatter and loss as the pump has to move the fluid through the relatively long lines when demanded and the fluid and/or pressure tends to leak from the lines when not marking. The present device uses a motor and pump which run all the time when in use thus maintaining a constant pressure of fluid in the lines. A solenoid valve is situated at the extremity of the lines adjacent the discharge nozzle so that as soon as the valve is opened, the fluid under pressure is available at the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1980
    Inventor: Alfred E. Poffenroth
  • Patent number: 4199896
    Abstract: Disclosed is a boom sprayer assembly for applying herbicides, or the like, in a controlled pattern about a row of trees, bushes, etc. A boom arm of changing length and angular position carries a bell-shaped sprayer hood which is free to rotate independently of the spray nozzle it encloses. The hood acts as a position sensing element to guide the boom so that the desired spray pattern is put down around the row of trees or bushes without permitting the spray to reach the foliage of the bushes or tree trunks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1980
    Inventor: Verne E. Lehman
  • Patent number: 4186878
    Abstract: In a sprayer, particularly an agricultural sprayer, having a boom equipped with conical jet spraying nozzles, the height of the boom above the plane of the surface to be treated is controlled in accordance with the pressure of the spray liquid in the boom by a system for the displacement of the boom perpendicularly to the plane of the surface to be treated, which system is mounted on the chassis of the sprayer, and provided with detectors for detecting the position of the boom with respect to the chassis, a comparator for comparing signals coming from the detectors with a value representing the pressure of the fluid in the boom, and a hydraulic jack connected to the comparator for operating the said displacement system in one direction or the other according to the differences detected, for the purpose of maintaining a tangent relationship between the circles or ellipses of the intersection of the conical spray jets with the plane of the said surface to be treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1980
    Inventor: Maurice C. J. Lestradet
  • Patent number: 4075733
    Abstract: The specification discloses an improvement in a cleaning head for a hot water extraction system of the type which comprises walls defining a vacuum chamber one side of which is open to the exterior and means for spraying a jet of atomized hot water against the plane of the open side of the vacuum chamber. The improvement comprises means for varying the area of impact of the jet of atomized hot water on that plane. In the preferred embodiment disclosed herein, the spray means is mounted on one of the walls by means of two screws which pass through slots in the spray means and thread into the wall, thereby permitting the distance of the spray means from the plane to be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1978
    Assignee: Parise & Sons, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Parise, James M. Wimsatt
  • Patent number: 4020991
    Abstract: A machine for broadcasting material over the ground having booms (15) which carry flexible distributing conduits (10), and extend laterally outwardly from the centrally disposed hopper (2) for broadcasting of the material, and are folded up, about horizontal pivot axes (19), against the hopper for transport of the machine over e.g., roads. Each boom includes an inner boom member (17) and an outer boom member (18) which are pivotally connected at an axis (22) so that the outer boom member can be folded into alignment with the inner boom member in the direction of travel (16). By this construction the width required for the booms when in the transport condition is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1977
    Assignee: Amazonen-Werke H. Dreyer
    Inventor: Heinz Dreyer
  • Patent number: 4009666
    Abstract: Apparatus for injecting a fluid below a soil or turf surface includes a handle with a support rod attached thereto, and a plurality of nozzles carried by the support rod, each nozzle forming a stream of fluid passing therethrough. Each nozzle is provided with a skid having a curved surface for low friction contact with the soil or turf surface and for holding the nozzle out of contact with the surface. The apparatus is provided with a pump which cooperates with the nozzle to inject the fluid substantially below the soil surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1977
    Inventors: Jack C. Russell, John F. Russell
  • Patent number: 3949937
    Abstract: System for handling and applying a non-suspended refractory slurry to ingot stools used in the production of steel ingots, including an apparatus capable of selectively applying refractory slurry to ingot stools which receives slurry from a storage tank. An agitator is provided in the tank to continually agitate the slurry, and wet air is used to clean the lines carrying the slurry when they are not being used for application of slurry to prevent clogging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1976
    Assignee: Nalco Chemical Company
    Inventors: Edwin T. Sortwell, David S. Kerr