Abstract: Method for a centrifugal spreader to precisely spread particulate material across an entire field with increased application rate, swath width and driving speed by utilizing a tiered disk spinner arrangement fed by a conveyor and guided by a material divider and an adjustable chute moveable in rotation around the spinner disk to achieve a desired symmetrical or asymmetrical spread pattern.

Abstract: Provided are a business default prediction system and an operation method thereof. The method includes collecting a plurality of news articles on the Internet, selecting a business that is an analysis target, classifying news articles related to an analysis target business among the plurality of collected news articles into analysis target articles, calculating a risk level for each of the analysis target articles, generating feature vectors representing each group by performing grouping of the analysis target articles based on the calculated risk level, and calculating the default risk of the analysis target business based on the generated feature vectors.

Abstract: Cartridges are configurable between a closed state and an open state. The cartridges include a cartridge body and a reservoir disposed in the cartridge body. The cartridge body has an outer locking element, and the reservoir has a rotational locking element. In the closed state, the outer locking element engages the rotational locking element such that the reservoir cannot be rotated out of a first rotational position relative to the cartridge body in which a fluid outlet of the reservoir is not in fluid communication with a fluid outlet of the cartridge body. In the open state, the outer locking element of the cartridge body does not engage the rotational locking element of the reservoir, and the reservoir is in a second rotational position relative to the cartridge body such that the fluid outlet of the reservoir is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet of the cartridge body.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a test section comprises at least one surface defining an at least partially enclosed space. The at least partially enclosed space defines an airflow path for air to flow. The test section also comprises a nozzle disposed in the at least partially enclosed space. The nozzle is configured to spray an agricultural spray and is positioned to emit the agricultural spray such that at least a section of the agricultural spray exhibits a non-parallel angle relative to the airflow path defined by the at least partially enclosed space. The test section further comprises at least one stimulus source positioned to illuminate at least a portion of the agricultural spray adjacent to the nozzle. Additionally, the test section comprises at least one detector positioned to image at least the portion of the agricultural spray adjacent to the nozzle.

Abstract: A blower featuring a hollow casing, a centrifugal fan, a fragrance cartridge, and an air intake grille. The casing has an air inlet and outlet. The centrifugal fan is housed within the casing and contains a rotational motor and a impeller. The impeller is coupled to a motor axle. The air intake grille is housed at the air inlet and can provide a housing for the fragrance cartridge. The fragrance cartridge is removable and can be fixed to the grille by inserting it into the impeller along the axial plane. The blower is easy to use and is able to diffuse fragrances quickly, creating a fragrant atmosphere while promoting air flow.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention generally comprises a hopper container attached to the top face of a spreader console having an electrically-powered spreader plate positioned within a distribution opening in the front center of the front face of the spreader console and operated with a spreader control switch extending down from the right side of the lower horizontal base of the spreader console. A conventional electric motor is housed in a motor compartment that extends from the center of the lower horizontal base of the spreader console. A conventional battery is housed within a battery compartment located on the left side of the motor compartment. The battery compartment is accessed via an access panel. It is contemplated that the device will be carried by the user in front of his body while walking over the area where the material is to be distributed.

Abstract: In a method of controlling a rotary sprinkler, a first angular position and a first watering distance are accessed from memory using a controller. A first electric motor is driven using the controller based on the first angular position. A head comprising at least one nozzle is rotated to the first angular position responsive to driving a first electric motor. A second electric motor is driven using the controller based on the first watering distance. A valve is positioned in a first valve position responsive to driving a second electric motor. Water is discharged through the valve and the at least one nozzle. The head is held at the first angular position for a first time period based on the first watering distance.

Abstract: A rotating sprinkler for intermittently emitting a liquid supplied by a pulsating device that forms pulses that have a beginning and an end. The sprinkler has a rotating portion that can rotate about an axis while emitting the liquid pulses to the outside environment. The sprinkler provides for rotation of the rotating portion during a portion of each pulse and for stopping rotation of the rotating portion during another portion of the pulse.

Abstract: The present invention provides a brush wheel typed nebulizer, comprising: a drive device; a spiral pump, including a body, an outer sleeve, in which the outer periphery of the body is installed with at least a helicoid member closely attached to an inner sleeve having a flow opening inside the outer sleeve; a brush wheel, configured with multiple implant holes and having brush hairs forming at least a ditch; a sleeve lid, on which a notch is configured in correspondence with the end of the brush hair, and an inner bulge acting conjunctively with the end of the brush hair and having multiple guide grooves. With such a design, it is possible to fling off the highly viscous liquid attached on the brush hair to create atomized liquid of extremely tiny microdrops.

Abstract: An improved rotary disc atomizer for use in, for example, spray dryers or congealers is disclosed. The rotary disc may be directly mounted to the shaft of a high-speed electrical motor. The high-speed electrical motor comprises a permanent magnet rotor and electro-magnetic bearings. The electro-magnetic bearings may be supported by one or more upper/lower bearing housings and used to enable frictionless support of the shaft/rotor and rotary disc. The atomizer system may further comprise a gas distributor enabled to dynamically adjust the velocity at which the gas leaves the radial vanes and meets with the atomized droplets.

Abstract: A spreader assembly comprising: a frame having a longitudinal axis; at least two bins mounted to the frame, two of the at least two bins being disposed sequentially along the longitudinal axis and each including a movement imparting assembly oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame and being configured to advance material lengthwise in opposed directions toward adjacent ends of the two bins; and at least one discharge movement imparting assembly mounted to the frame, oriented substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the frame and being configured to receive material conveyed by at least one of the two bin movement imparting assemblies and advance the material towards a lateral end of the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary sprayer for spraying a coating material, comprising a fixed body, a spraying member, a device for rotating the spraying member about a rotational axis, and a flow path for supplying the spraying member with a coating material. The spraying member for the coating material includes a flow surface for receiving the coating material and an edge for spraying the coating material. The rotary sprayer further includes a device for injecting air into a region located radially inside the space defined by the flow surface and upstream from the edge, the air-injecting device being separate from the coating material supply flow path. The air-injecting device includes an air dispenser arranged in an upstream portion of the flow surface, which injects air into a central area of the surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for delivering water and nutrients to crops. The present invention also relates to a system comprising the apparatus of the present invention connected to a hose traveler device. Also disclosed is a method of delivering water and nutrients to the soil using the system of the present invention.

Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a sprinkler comprising a base, a connector coupled to the base and configured for coupling to an external water supply, and a body rotatably mounted on the base and in fluid communication with the water supply through the connector and the base, the body including one or more orifices configured to spray, in a defined pattern, water received from the external water supply, and further including at least one hole configured to spray, in a substantially horizontal direction, water received from the external water supply, wherein the spray exiting from the at least one hole causes the body to rotate, and wherein the defined pattern of the spray exiting the one or more orifices is a spiral or helical-shaped spray.

Abstract: The insert (20) is adapted to be fitted into an atomizer wheel. Each insert (20) has a longitudinal axis and comprises an inner end face (21), an outer end face (22), an external surface (23) and an internal surface (24) defining a channel (35) having a centre axis (c) and extending between an inlet (25) at the inner end face (21) and an outlet (26) at the outer end face (22). At least the inlet (25) is offset from the longitudinal axis such that the centre axis of the channel (35) is offset from the longitudinal axis of the insert (20). The insert (20) is adapted to be utilized in an atomizer wheel for a spray dryer for atomizing slurries of abrasive material, for instance for spray drying absorption for flue gas cleaning.

Abstract: A discharging device for safety-related fluids, such as liquid solutions of irritants such as Oleoresin Capsicum, riot control and self-defense agents such as a combination of (E)-2-butenyl mercaptan (C4H7SH), 3-methyl butanethiol and corresponding S-acetyl compounds, marking agents such as dyes and fluorescent pigments, combinations of the same, and extinguishing agents for fire fighting and early fire fighting such as 1,1,1,2,2,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-3-pentanone, in particular in technical equipment such as switchgear cabinets. The device has a valve connected to a safety-related fluid source. The valve leads to a distributor having discharge openings. The distributor is a driven atomization wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus for containing and dispensing material includes a container enclosing a quantity of the material and a discharge unit operably associated with the container. The discharge unit comprises an entry port, a rotational assembly, an impeller, and an exit port. The rotational assembly includes a rotatable plate that retracts away from the entry port when the plate and the impeller are rotating. The plate remains in an abutting relationship with the entry port when not rotating.

Abstract: A rotary atomizer spray coating device, in certain embodiments, has a bell cup with a generally parabolic flow surface. This generally parabolic flow surface provides additional surface area for dehydration of coating fluids, thereby improving color matching as compared to traditional bell cups, for example, by affording capability for higher wet solids content. In addition, the coating fluid accelerates along the generally parabolic flow surface, resulting in the fluid leaving the bell cup at a greater velocity than in traditional bell cups. Furthermore, a splash plate disposed adjacent the bell cup, in certain embodiments, is designed such that fluid accelerates through an annular area between the splash plate and the generally parabolic flow surface.

Abstract: A process for the combustion of a liquid in a combustion chamber includes atomizing liquid sulfur using a rotary atomizer and introducing the liquid sulfur into the combustion chamber. The liquid sulfur is charged onto an inside of a cup. The cup is rotated so as to form a liquid film on the inside of the cup and so that parts of the liquid film are radially flung off from an edge of the cup edge into the combustion chamber. The rotational speed of the cup is varied so as to control a thickness of the liquid film in the cup to between 200 and 1000 ?m. The liquid sulfur is evaporated and subsequently burnt in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A flow gate includes first and second body members, first and second flow control members, and first and second locking mechanisms. The first and second body members operatively attach to and detach from each other. The first and second flow control members adjust between an open position, a closed position, and a plurality of partially opened positions. The first and second locking mechanisms selectively prevent and allow adjustment of the first and second flow control members. The first and second flow control members prevent the flow of material from an associated spreader when both the first and second flow control members are in the closed position, and allow the flow of material from the associated spreader when either the first or the second flow control member is in the opened position or in one of the plurality of partially opened positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming particles from a liquid, including a rotor assembly having at least one surface sized and shaped so as to define at least one capillary. Each capillary has an inner region adjacent an axis of rotation of the rotor assembly, an outer region distal from the axis of rotation, and an edge adjacent the outer region. The rotor assembly is configured to be rotated at an angular velocity selected such that when the liquid is received in the inner region of the at least one capillary, the liquid will move from the inner region to the outer region, adopt an unsaturated condition on the at least one surface such that the liquid flows as a film along the at least one surface and does not continuously span the capillary, and, upon reaching the edge, separates from the at least one surface to form at least one particle.

Abstract: A liquid manure spreader includes a hollow housing chamber having a generally cylindrical sidewall, a chamber bottom provided with a pattern of obround outlet openings, an array of outlet tubes connected to receive material through the obround openings and an inlet cover on the housing. The slurry distributor also includes a rotating hollow expeller member to secure and distribute slurry to the obround outlets having a central rotational axis and a plurality of outlet chambers which have cutter blades attached. A hydraulic motor is connected to rotate the expeller in the housing chamber. A cutter plate is mounted to the chamber bottom and has a pattern of obround openings matching that in the chamber bottom that cooperates with the cutter blade to prevent clogging of the outlet openings.

Abstract: A method of controlling rotation of a water distribution plate supported on a shaft and adapted to rotate about an axis defined by the shaft by reason of impingement of a stream emitted from a nozzle on grooves formed in the plate, the method includes: (a) slowing the rotation of the water distribution plate intermittently so as to create intervals of relatively slow and relatively fast rotation and thereby correspondingly increase and decrease, respectively, a radius of throw of the stream or improve the uniformity of water distribution; and (b) continually changing circumferential locations of the intervals about the axis.

Abstract: A rotary tool and method for spreading mulch outwardly from a mound of the same. The tool has an elongated shaft with a rotatable body mounted proximate a first end thereof. The body has a peripheral edge with a plurality of flexible fingers radiating outwardly and downwardly therefrom. The fingers may be individually securable to the body. In a second embodiment, a ring is detachably mounted to the body and the fingers are on the ring. When the tool is activated, the fingers engage the mulch mound and cause pieces of mulch to be flicked outwardly away from the body. The tool may also be used as a shovel-type device when the motor is not activated and the mulch can then be carried on the upper surface of the body.

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 chute assembly may include a chute having an inlet and an outlet and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism may be used to move the chute to adjust the outlet: forward to back with respect to a spinner disc; and/or, (2) side to side with respect to the spinner disc in order to change the spreading characteristics.

Abstract: The invention is directed at devices and methods for regulating the operation of a spreader assembly's particulate material distribution in response to changing vehicle conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disperser that gives a local dispersing effect and a homogenous dispersing effect and that achieves a more efficient dispersion. The shearing disperser comprising a rotor and an opposing member that is opposite the rotor, wherein the disperser disperses a slurry or liquid mixture by allowing the mixture to pass through the disperser and outwardly between the rotor and the opposing member by centrifugal force, and wherein the disperser further comprises a plurality of gaps that are provided between the rotor and the opposing member and lead the mixture outwardly; and a buffering space that is provided to connect an outermost gap to a gap located in a position inward from the outermost gap and that retains the mixture.

Abstract: A system for dispersing different sized particulate material is provided that includes a hopper configured to contain particulate material and multiple interchangeable inserts that are removably attached to an inside of the hopper. Each of the multiple of interchangeable inserts have a distinct hole pattern to facilitate the flow of different sized particulate material from inside the hopper. A dispersing mechanism is provided that disperses the particulate material flowing through the distinct the hole patterns.

Abstract: A rotary atomizer component, such as for a steering air ring or bell cup for a rotary atomizer with at least one steering air jet for delivering steering air (or controlled air) and a rotary bearing shaft where, in axial direction between the bell cup and the steering air jet, a circumferential annular gap is located. A shaft cover in form of a bushing covers the bearing shaft, when mounted, at least partially in the annular gap area between the bell cup and the steering air jet. In addition, the annular gap space between the front surface of the bearing unit and the internal surface facing it axially or any other front element of the atomizer is sealed in a radial way internally against the externally accessible area of the shaft. The sealing element provided for this purpose is located along the internal circumference of the air-steering rings or front element and able to be attached to the front surface of the bearing unit in a way that it is elastically deformable.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for a spreader used to distribute a road surface treatment material, such as sand or salt, across a road surface. The hydraulic drive system enables the use of pressure-compensated proportional control valves in series relationship with the auger and spinner motors, by the provision of small restricted flow passages across the outlets of the valves.

Abstract: A rotor for use in a slurry separation flotation cell having a tank within which the rotor is contained. The rotor has a shaft that has a conduit adapted to communicate a fluid, preferably a gas such as air, therethrough. The rotor also has impeller blades extending radially from the shaft and a baffle adjacent the bottom of the impeller blades. The baffle extends from an end of the shaft to at or near an outer edge of the impeller blades, directing the gas to the outer edges of the impeller blades for dispersion into the slurry. The rotor is located adjacent a floor of the tank and, in use, draws slurry downwards into the impeller portion and forces it outwards with the gas being mixed therein.

Abstract: An improved rotary disc atomizer for use in, for example, spray dryers or congealers is disclosed. The rotary disc may be directly mounted to the shaft of a high-speed electrical motor. The high-speed electrical motor comprises a permanent magnet rotor and electro-magnetic bearings. The electro-magnetic bearings may be supported by one or more upper/lower bearing housings and used to enable frictionless support of the shaft/rotor and rotary disc. The atomizer system may further comprise a gas distributor enabled to dynamically adjust the velocity at which the gas leaves the radial vanes and meets with the atomized droplets.

Abstract: A special drive system that provides automatic and uniform application control of granular materials. It provides an automatic application control of a granular material from a granular material spreader and is comprised of (a) at least one electric motor for driving the conveyor and spinner at a speed, the said speed which determines a rate of discharge of the granular material; (b) a power source for the motor; (c) a means for controlling the power from the power source to the at least one motor; (d) a means for inputting a signal to the means for controlling the power; (e) a wiring harness with control and power electrical connectors; and (f) a means to mechanically mount the special drive system to the grain spreader wherein the result of the system is an accurately controlled rate of discharge and hence dispensing of the granular materials.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising a rotary body (1) made of a fibrous or porous material, means for rotating (3, 4) said body (1) and means for inputting liquid (10, 11) contacting said body (1), so as to subject said liquid to the dispersing action of forces at the liquid/solid interface, and to rotate the body (1) so as to subject the comminuted liquid to a centrifugal force.

Abstract: A fluid applicator includes, a tubular configured to transport a fluid therethrough, and a rotatable member in operable communication with the tubular such that fluid transported through the tubular is deposited at the rotatable member near a rotational center of the rotatable member. The rotatable member is configured to produce sufficient centrifugal forces on the fluid through rotation thereof to urge the fluid radially outwardly from the rotatable member to coat an inside of an earth formation borehole tool.

Abstract: An explosive and narcotics detection system detects the presence of trace particles of those materials that are adhering to surfaces. The particles are removed from the surface, transported and collected in a particle collection medium, and then provided to detection instrument. Narcotics and explosive particles are often bound tenaciously to the surface, and simple techniques, such as blowing air, will either remove only the largest particles or none at all. Techniques for the removal of narcotics and explosives particles are described which utilize an aerosol mixture of aerosol particles in a gas stream to impact and more efficiently remove the target narcotics and explosives particles from the surface.

Abstract: A system for fragrancing air includes an adjustable fan that is used to generate an air flow to push atomized fragrance oil from an output orifice of the system. The fragrance in the air is generated from atomized fragrance oil, where liquid fragrance oil can be stored in a cartridge bottle assembly and then atomized with compressed air in a collector assembly in the system. When the system is mounted on a wall or ceiling, the adjustable fan can be used to direct the fragrance downward at any number of angles from the system. The system can be programmed to adjust a fan speed and various settings of the fragrance delivery.

Abstract: A rotary tool and method for spreading mulch outwardly from a mound of the same. The tool has an elongated shaft with a rotatable body mounted proximate a first end thereof. The body has a peripheral edge with a plurality of flexible fingers radiating outwardly and downwardly therefrom. The fingers may be individually securable to the body. In a second embodiment, a ring is detachably mounted to the body and the fingers are on the ring. When the tool is activated, the fingers engage the mulch mound and cause pieces of mulch to be flicked outwardly away from the body. The tool may also be used as a shovel-type device when the motor is not activated and the mulch can then be carried on the upper surface of the body.

Abstract: A tool powered by pressurized liquid, typically water, for treatment of a variety of surfaces ranging from natural to manufactured, has a scrubber wheel powered by the pressurized liquid. A treatment liquid is contained in a single-use, throw-away cartridge mounted in the tool. The cartridge is mounted in the tool for rotation therein when desired. A nozzle in the tool for discharging the pressurized liquid onto the scrubber wheel to rotate the scrubber wheel, is movable by the tool operator during a treatment operation to change the direction of discharge to the extent desired to drive the scrubber forward or backward and to rotate the cartridge to dispense the treatment liquid if, and when, dispensing of the treatment liquid is desired.

Abstract: The present inventions relate to top dressing vehicles for coating, mixing, and dispensing compositions of top dressing materials comprising agriculturally active ingredients (A.I.s). More particularly, these inventions relate to apparatus for spraying liquid formulations comprising active ingredients A.I.s onto top dressing materials prior to and during delivering top dressing applications. Further, these inventions relate to applying liquids comprising A.I.s to top dressing materials at a point-of-application. Even further, these inventions relate to delivering treated top dressing, specifically, to broadcast spreading of top dressing comprising sand and agriculturally active ingredients as moist and dry compositions.

Abstract: A spreader assembly may include a hopper, a spinner plate and an aperture adjustment mechanism. The aperture adjustment mechanism may include a gate supported to the frame and defining an aperture through which material travels on its way to the spinner plate; and, a motor suitable to adjust the size of the aperture and thereby to control the flow of the material onto the spinner plate.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a volatile active into the surrounding environment includes the steps of providing a fragrance dispenser having a housing, a fan disposed within the housing and having a airflow director, first and second chambers disposed within the housing, and first and second fragrances disposed in the first and second chambers. The first and second chambers include first and second shutters covering first and second outlets, and first and second heaters, respectively.

Abstract: A spreader assembly used to spread a material held in a hopper onto an associated ground surface may include a spreader mount that: (1) has at least three laterally spaced ground contacting surfaces that support the spreader assembly to a ground surface when the spreader assembly is detached from a vehicle; and, (2) remains attached to the spreader assembly when the spreader assembly is attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nozzle apparatus for dispersing droplets of flowable material. The apparatus has a body with a vortex chamber, an inlet for feeding the flowable material thereto, and a passageway for supplying pressurized gas to the vortex chamber such that the flow of the pressurized gas is tangential to the flow of the flowable material. An outlet for dispersing droplets of flowable material out of the apparatus is in communication with the vortex chamber. The inlet and the outlet have cross-sectional areas which are equal to within ±15%. The passageway directs the pressurized gas to move in a vortex within the vortex chamber and envelope the flowable material. The cross-sectional area of the flowable material is thereby reduced and caused to accelerate through the outlet. Upon exiting the outlet, the flowable material spirals outwards and breaks into droplets of material thereby.

Abstract: The invention is directed at devices and methods for regulating the operation of a spreader assembly's particulate material distribution in response to changing vehicle conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an application element (1) for a rotary sprayer, in particular in the form of a bell-shaped plate or a rotary disc, with an overflow surface (8) which, during the coating operation, rotates together with the application element (1) and is overflowed by a coating agent to be applied, and with a surface layer which is located on the overflow surface (8) and on which a thin coating agent film forms with a certain film thickness during operation, wherein boundary surface friction acts between the coating agent film and the surface layer. It is proposed that the surface layer reduces the boundary surface friction between the coating agent film and the overflow surface (8). Furthermore, the invention comprises an associated operating method.

Abstract: A method of controlling edge definition of viscous material applied to an application area on a substrate comprises dispensing a row of droplets of the viscous material onto the application area with a dispensing apparatus. While moving relative to the substrate along a path proximate the row of droplets, the dispensing apparatus dispenses a fan spray pattern of the viscous material. At least some of the viscous material dispensed in the fan spray pattern impinges and mixes with the row of droplets to define an edge of the fan spray pattern.

Abstract: A rotary tool for spreading mulch outwardly from a mound of the same. The tool has an elongated shaft with a rotatable body mounted proximate a first end thereof. The body has a peripheral edge with a plurality of flexible fingers radiating outwardly and downwardly therefrom. The fingers may be individually securable to the body. In a second embodiment, a ring is detachably mounted to the body and the fingers are on the ring. When the tool is activated, the fingers engage the mulch mound and cause pieces of mulch to be flicked outwardly away from the body. The tool may also be used as a shovel-type device when the motor is not activated and the mulch can then be carried on the upper surface of the body.

Abstract: An air freshener with customizable fragrances is disclosed. The air freshener accepts a plurality of fragrance modules, which allow a user to create customized fragrant environments. A fan and/or heating element are included to increase fragrance dispersal. Additional components may be included into the air freshener to provide enhancements to the user experience, including but not limited to a clock, timer, or a music player. The air freshener obtains power from a number of sources, such as AC mains or DC batteries. Energy storage devices located on board the air freshener may be charged by inductive or solar power. The air freshener may also include lighting elements and styling cues to integrate into the local environment.