Abstract: A device and method for cooling a vegetation covered surface, such as a golf putting green. Said method includes providing an air stream, injecting water into said air stream, and projecting the combined air/water mixture over and onto the surface to be cooled. The air/water mixture generally takes the form of a mist which is able to cool the air space directly above the ground surface, and further provides the advantage of providing cooling and moisture to the vegetation without saturating the subjacent soil. Alternately, the device may be used with only the fan portion operational, or with only the water injection operational.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus that will adequately and efficiently dispense a substance, such as fertilizer, repellent, which is removably secured to a conventional tractor to allow for adequate traveling thereof. The present invention includes a frame member and a trailer. The frame member includes a first portion or first boom and a second portion or second boom that are pivotally mounted to the trailer via a pivoting mechanism. Each portion or boom operates is designed and configured to operate independently and travels transversely from the conventional tractor to enable utilization and includes a truss configuration. These booms can be raised or lowered by way of a height adjusting mechanism. In addition, the portions or booms can also be relocated centrally and rearwardly with respect to the tractor for rendering a more compact unit which will provide an easy method for transporting the apparatus from field to field, from field to barn, barn to field, or the like.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlled droplet atomization and controlled projection of atomization droplets. More particularly, the present invention is a spray apparatus that produces uniform sized atomized droplets controllable from fog size to larger for spraying fungicides, bactericides, pesticides, insecticides, plant nutrients and other materials applied to crop, ground, and foliage for agricultural and horticultural benefaction. The apparatus generates laminar airflow in a vortex or cyclone pattern functioning to project and distribute spray droplets evenly and more completely on the sprayed surfaces. The resulting vortex or cyclone spray and airflow serves to lift, turn, and flutter plant leaves, exposing all sides to be coated with spray droplets.

Abstract: Apparatus and method is provided for applying agriculturally active substances in a controlled manner from the ground in the most effective droplet size range and at ultra low volumes so that efficiency is optimized while contamination of areas adjacent to the targeted area is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A diffuser (D) for atomizers or mist blowers of treatment liquids in agriculture, includes a large tube (1) fed with air under pressure, ending into a narrow fan-shaped opening (2), and elements to cause the treatment liquid to flow into the fan-shaped opening (2) at a very low pressure. The elements include a plurality of sectors (3) for liquid distribution, each of them consisting of two straight tube lengths (4) of synthetic plastic material, provided with gauged holes (5) and mutually connected so as to form a very wide angle between them, and substantially at 90.degree. with a feeding duct (6). The sectors (3) are positioned in succession, in one or more side-by-side rows, along the narrow fan-shaped opening (2), substantially at its center.

Abstract: An agricultural sprayer unit to be moved by a moving vehicle relative to crops to be sprayed with a chemical agent delivered from said agricultural spray unit includes: a frame connectable to said moving vehicle for connecting said agricultural sprayer unit to said moving vehicle for moving along with said moving vehicle, a tank supported by said frame for storing said chemical agent, a boom linked to and extending from said frame defining a specific orientation relative to said crops, a nozzle supported by and positioned along said boom and communicating with said tank for receiving said chemical agent from said tank for generating an atomized jet of said chemical agent to be expelled from said nozzle and sprayed onto said crops, and air-flow generating apparatus supported by said frame and extending along said boom for generating an air flow directed from said air-flow generating apparatus to said crops, said air flow generating apparatus being divided into a number of subsections positioned along said boom

Abstract: A misting system is provided which includes a source of forced air and an air conduit for conveying the forced air that is operably connected to the source of forced air and which includes at least one air opening to allow the forced air to escape the conduit. The mist is provided from a source of dispersant and the system also includes a dispersant conduit for conveying the dispersant from the source. This conduit in turn includes at least one dispersant opening for dispersing the dispersant in the form of a mist. The at least one dispersant opening is disposed adjacent the at least one air opening so that the mist exiting from the dispersant opening is entrained in the forced air escaping the conduit to assist in its further dispersion and mixing with the air.

Abstract: Grower experience, with poor disease control of grape vines has suggested that, despite overspraying, actual spray coverage was poor, failing to penetrate the dense outer foliage, so that parts of the tree, particularly the top, were inadequately sprayed. Consequently, there was a requirement to ensure that spraying materials were deposited more efficiently and effectively upon targeted foliage, thereby reducing the volume of liquid carrier and therefore the amount of chemical required for a particular crop. This problem has been overcome by directing two fan-driven spray units (14) upward and into the foliage canopy, so as to displace the leaves in upward and outward directions, in co-operation with at least one further spray unit (16) downwardly directed, so as to spray into and partly through the canopy. The spray units are mounted on an inverted U-frame (21), which in turn is mounted on a mobile chassis or tractor (10) for transport through the crop area.

Abstract: Equipment for spraying plants and trees with a plant treating liquid injected into turbulent pulsating air streams, including at least one oblong air outlet structure for issuing turbulent pulsating air streams in diverging directions. The air outlet structure has an oblong air inlet opening for receiving pressurized air and includes a plurality of longitudinally arranged air outlets extending outwardly from the air inlet opening. The air outlets each have a respective axis whose angle of inclination differs with respect to an angle of inclination of an adjacent air outlet. At least one spray nozzle is arranged to inject a plant treating liquid into the turbulent pulsating air streams issued from the air outlet structure.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a bio-carrier which is non-toxic to most biological agents, will suspend various agents for increased uniformity of delivery, has adjustable adhesive properties which simulates nature, has variability in its adhesives and suspension qualities, it decreases control agent mortality, and it enhances overall effectiveness by allowing more live control agent to reach the target. It does so by depositing, adhering and maintaining the control agent in the active use zone of the target crop.

Abstract: A device for spraying beneficial insect eggs directly onto plants is disclosed which has an air system, an aqueous solution system, a compressed air system for pressurization and agitation, a pressure release system, a tank assembly, and a remote control assembly. There are three different air systems suitable for spraying trees, plants of moderate height or row crops; two different aqueous solution systems, one for spraying moderate height plants and row crops and one for spraying trees. The device provides an economical and alternative strategy for the delivery of beneficial insect eggs to agricultural commodities.

Abstract: An ultra low volume fog or aerosol generator produces a fog with droplets whose particle size or sizes are easily varied from about 5 microns to about 20 microns during the operation of the machine. This generator includes an air blower, the discharge of which is directed along a prescribed path, thence, through a passageway and, thence, through a nozzle into the ambient air. Liquid supplied to the nozzle is entrained by the air as it passes through the nozzle for producing finely droplets dispersed in the air. The particle sizes of the droplets are regulated by altering the volume of air discharged through the nozzle by means of an air regulator valve, which diverts a portion of the air from its prescribed path. An electrical motor controls the opening and closing of the air regulator valve.In one embodiment, the motor cyclically modulates the opening and closing of the valve. In another embodiment, the motor is a reversible, D.C.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controlling high vegetative and brush growth along a narrow, continuous strip of land along the sides of a roadway or other right-of-way comprising preparing a dilute aqueous herbicidal solution, particulating said solution into coarse or large droplets and imparting an electrostatic charge to the droplets of herbicidal solution, and spraying the particulated and electrostatically charged droplets of said solution upon a narrow, continuous strip of land along the side of a roadway with minimal encroachment of the spray upon the environmental land adjacent said strip, and apparatus for effectively and accurately performing such operations.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spraying fluids are disclosed. Multiple distinctive airflows are used sequentially to create eddy currents at and near the outer canopies of vegetation. Such currents promote uniform chemical coverage of fruit and foliage throughout the vegetation. Nozzles adapted for selective use and adjustment independently and in multiple directions and planes also enhance coverage, particularly when fruit and foliage is especially dense or sparse or close to or remote from the ground.

Abstract: A method of growing mushrooms in which at least one live tree is cut to form a living bottom tree portion having a mushroom growing surface. The live bottom tree portion is inoculated with mushroom spawn and watered to promote decay of the live bottom tree portion at the mushroom growing surface and promote the growing of mushrooms from the mushroom spawn at the mushroom growing surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for the application of a liquid chemical treatment to plants in a field. The apparatus includes a movable framework and first and second spaced-apart depending portions, mounted upon the framework for providing a space extending longitudinally of the framework. First and second air displacers are carried by the first and second depending portions for creating first and second opposed streams of air in directions at an angle to the longitudinal axis. The air displacers are positioned on the depending portions so that the first and second opposed streams of air are longitudinally offset from each other. Nozzles are carried by the framework for introducing the liquid chemical treatment into the streams of air produced by the air displacers. The streams of air cause the plants to bend to and fro as the plant passes through the space so as to permit the chemical treatment to reach the underside of the plants. A method for using the apparatus is provided.

Abstract: An aerosol fogging generator is disclosed having a prime mover and blower for delivering air through a duct system to a nozzle assembly. A fluid introduction system is provided to introduce fluids into the nozzle assembly for dispersal as a fog into the atmosphere. A passage provided between the fluid introduction system and the duct system provides for a cut off of the fog produced by the generator in a matter of seconds.

Abstract: An improved method for row crop spraying whereby a solution is atomized by high speed air, imparted with an electrical charge, slowed with more high speed air, and deposited over crops including a nozzle for practicing such a technique. Such charged droplets are attracted to oppositely charged crops and are, therefore, more likely to adhere to crops than fall to the ground or to be swept away by the wind. Since a larger percentage of solution adheres to the plant, less solution can be applied thereby addressing both environmental and pecuniary concerns.

Abstract: A spraying apparatus to be used primarily in orchards or any other groves where the trees are of considerable height. The apparatus comprises a chassis on which is mounted an air blower attached to a vertical inflatable sleeve. The sleeve is provided with a longitudinal row of apparatus and spraying nozzle adjacent to said apertures. Flexible conduits connect said nozzle to a container for liquids.

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of vegetation includes a blower (1) which is capable of producing a current of air, a device for atomizing a treatment product in the current of air, a drive shaft (2) for the blower, at least one sensor (16, 16A, 16B) for measuring continuously the speed of rotation of the blower or the flow of the current of air which it produces, means (6, 10, 13) for controlling variations in the speed of rotation of the blower and/or the characteristics of the blower as a function of signals from the sensor and of a set value.

Abstract: Device for spraying a treatment liquid both toward the upper part and toward the lower part of arborescent plants, and comprising at least two separate blowers whereof one (10) is preferably fixed, in the low position, and the other (8) is adjustable in height in order to reach the tops of the plants or pass above them. Preferably, the blowers each comprise a fan driven by the power take-off of a tractor, in particular by means of a T-shaped countershaft and a telescopic transmission. The device is used for the treatment of fruit trees or of vines.

Abstract: The invention provides a controlling device which comprises a control box, a power box, a right sensor control unit attached to a plurality of proximity detectors, a left sensor control unit attached to a plurality of proximity detectors, and a valve box control unit, wherein each proximity detector comprises an ultrasonic transducer, a first circuit for handshaking, noise reduction and voltage regulation, and a second and third circuit for digital signal generation, analog reception and digital conversion, wherein the first circuit is connected between a left or right sensor control and second and third circuits of a proximity detector.

Abstract: An orchard heat exchanger comprises an engine-driven shaft having an air propeller on each end. The assembly is enclosed in an open-ended horizontal cylindrical shroud, which has a large converging-diverging air inlet at the top, and is trailer mounted. The orchard heat exchanger has the capability of being elevated to treetop level. In a first embodiment, the engine-propeller-shroud assembly may be rotated in a horizontal plane. In a second embodiment, there is no horizontal rotational capability, but the cylindrical shroud is fitted with directional louvers at each end.

Abstract: A spraying device having an automatic flushing system. A pressurized tank of formulation is mounted on a wheeled frame and connected to a plurality of nozzles via a three-way valve. The valve is further connected to a container of flushing medium. A programmable controller operates the three-way valve to periodically interrupt formulation flow and allow flushing medium flow through the conduits and nozzles to prevent clogging thereof. A pair of liquid sensors in the formulation conduit detect cessation of formulation flow triggering a timer operating the three-way valve causing flow of flushing medium upon completion of the formulation application. The formulation tank includes a vertically adjustable outlet tube controlling the amount of applied formulation. A centrifugal fan blows air past the nozzles carrying the emitted droplets into the atmosphere.

Abstract: An atomizer mechanism includes a pulse-jet engine for atomizing chemicals, an air-fuel mixture supply unit, and an engine starter. The air-fuel mixture supply unit includes a precombustion chamber that communicates with the combustion chamber, a collecting valve, and a carburetor for supplying atomized fuel to the precombustion chamber through the valve. The engine starter includes a compressed air inflow passage for carrying compressed air into the precombustion chamber and toward the valve, without passing through the valve. The engine starter also includes a manual pump which pressurizes fuel and a fuel supply passage. The fuel supply passage is connected to the compressed air inflow passage upstream of the precombustion chamber. The fuel is thereby supplied to the compressed air inflow passage, where it is atomized and directed into the precombusion chamber for ignition to start the engine.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for dispensing and transporting an application media in an airstream to a remote target area surrounds primary airstream with a protective concentric sleeve of air. The assembly introduces atomized droplets of a concentrated application media radially inwardly into the airstream through the airstream's peripheral boundaries to further atomize the droplets.

Abstract: Spraying equipment for plants growing in parallel rows comprises a main horizontal air duct and several secondary ducts extending therefrom in downward direction between the rows of plants. Each duct is provided with air outlets directed towards the plants, which are alternately opened and closed by valves so as to eject the air in pulses. One spray nozzle each is positioned in the center of each air outlet serving to eject into the pulsating air stream a jet of spraying fluid which is thereby carried onto the plants covering these from top to bottom. The equipment is attached to the front or rear of a tractor which carries a supply of spraying fluid and a pump serving to supply the material to each nozzle through piping. A blower is positioned in the main duct supplying air under pressure to the secondary ducts and to the air outlets.

Abstract: An aerosol generator apparatus 10 for mounting on a vehicle for dispensing minute quantities of liquid in a primary airstream to form a fog having finely divided droplets of liquid entrained therein includes an air blower 16, an air duct 18 mounted in communication with the air blower, a nozzle assembly 20 mounted in communication with the air duct, and liquid delivery means 49 for delivering a quantity of liquid to the nozzle assembly. Control means 31, 38 responsive to the speed of the vehicle are provided for controlling the airstream pressure delivered to the nozzle for maintaining the size of droplets of liquid in the fog within a selected range despite variations in the speed of the vehicle. A LORAN unit 32 is provided for sensing the vehicle's location and the control means 31 is adapted for recording when, where and how much liquid was dispensed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for atomizing an active substance--in particular for pest control, crop protection, stock protection, disinfection, odor neutralization, or degerminating--having a casing surrounding an air-ducting outer shell. A fan is arranged in an inlet section of the air-ducting outer shell and an air-ducting inner shell is arranged downstream of the fan. Air-deflecting profiles extend between the air-ducting outer shell and the air-ducting inner shell. An atomizer arrangement is surrounded by the air-ducting inner shell. for atomizing active substance fed to it, which atomized active substance emerges from a downstream-directed active substance outlet opening in the air-ducting inner shell. A compressor is also located in the air-ducting inner shell.

Abstract: A system is provided for introducing fluids into a wind stream. Such fluids may be used to cool the orchard during the late summer and early fall, to aid in prevention of frost damage during the spring, or to distribute agricultural chemicals. This invention ensures that the fluid is introduced into the wind stream in the most efficient manner, thus ensuring economical use of fluids and minimizing any detrimental environmental effects of their use. The fluid introduced into the wind stream is of such a fine character that the fluid is broken up into a mist which will carry over a great distance, such as a fog.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for spraying a sprayable product on plants which includes turbine having a substantially vertical axis, preferably disposed between the side frames of a chassis, which conveys air via a channel that passes under a reservoir of sprayable product to emerge behind the latter via a horizontal outlet or a vertical outlet. Energy loss due to a change in direction of the air is thus minimized and yet very simple and lightweight mechanisms for driving the turbine are obtained.

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.

Abstract: This invention is a fluid injection spray system for use with wind machine in order to protect orchard crops from heat or frost and to dispense agricultural chemicals. In one embodiment fluid is dispensed from nozzles on risers which are arrayed about the wind machine tower. The flow of fluid to the risers is sequentially controlled. In another embodiment, fluid is dispensed from nozzles mounted on conduits on a rotating gear box. Fluid is provided from the tower via a rotating valve.

Abstract: The invention includes an apparatus for protecting plants from frost. A jet urbine engine has an input into which a first liquid and a second liquid are injected into the exhaust stream of the engine. The jet engine also has an exhaust nozzle supplying an aerosol of the first liquid microencapsulated in the second liquid. The aerosol is dispersed about the plants to be protected from frost thereby to form a mist which acts as a protective radiation barrier for the plants. The invention also includes a method for protecting plants from frost.

Abstract: The centrifugal spraying device comprises a fan, a rotating spray unit and a cyclone air flow. It consists essentially of a hollow cylinder, the lower part of which is drilled with spray apertures and whose upper part is provided with flats with recesses against which are fixed blades comprising a cylindrical root extended by a threaded rod provided with a nut. The hollow cylinder is fed by injectors drilled with nozzles and is connected to the output shaft of the drive motor by means of a hollow shaft. The inner wall of the hollow cylinder is separated vertically by a collar located just above the first row of spray apertures. Main application: treatment of crops.

Abstract: A cross-flow spraying method comprising creating an air stream by a fan, spraying a crop with a spray liquid injected into the air stream and passing the spray airborne by the air stream across the crop, receiving some at least of airborne overspray in a suction hood located at the lee side of the crop and recirculating the spray liquid. The air outlet from the suction hood may be redirected to the inlet side of the fan, or the suction hood may have its own exhaust fan, and surfaces which precipitate the spray liquid. By utilizing suction as well as pressure, the leaves of vegetation flutter and become more fully covered with the spray liquid. Loss of liquid due to overspray is reduced.

Abstract: An aerosol fogging generator is disclosed having a prime mover and blower for delivering air through a duct system to a nozzle assembly. A fluid introduction system is provided to introduce fluids into the nozzle assembly for dispersal as a fog into the atmosphere. A passage provided between the fluid introduction system and the duct system provides for a cut off of the fog produced by the generator in a matter of seconds.

Abstract: An air sprayer having an array of vertically arranged transducers mounted in a recess of a shaped forward shroud, which recess forms a plenum into which air is directed by a fan. Each transducer is carried by a pivotal housing which effectively seals the plenum to force air supplied thereto by the fan to exhaust through channels in a cone to protect the transducer from trash.

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.

Abstract: A field spraying device comprises an elongated spray beam provided with a plurality of spray nozzles (12). The field spraying device comprises an at least partially inflatable hose (18) connectable to a compressed-air source. The hose comprises a slotted discharge opening (13) extending in the longitudinal direction of the hose. The spray nozzles (12) spray the liquid into the air flow approximately 200-300 mm below the slotted opening which results in a uniform discharge of material. In this manner the spray beam can be situated close to the ground and the crop, respectively, with the effect that a possible wind movement is reduced. The slotted discharge opening (13) is pivotally mounted by utilizing the fact that the at least partially secured hose (18)is made of a resilient material. In other words the invention utilizes the feature that the resilient top portion allows a turning movement in such a manner that the discharge opening can be adjusted.

Abstract: A liquid pesticide attachment for a granular material applicator for agricultural use which provides for injecting a metered amount of the liquid pesticide into an air stream containing a metered amount of granular material to be distributed, and having the material travel together to be deposited onto the ground. With any air distribution system for inorganic particulate material, a mixture of air and the particulate material is carried in a conduit, and a metering device is attached to provide for adding of the liquid material into the air-particulate material as it is being conveyed.

Abstract: An electronic orchard tree measuring system based on ultrasonic range transducers may be used to determine the amount and vertical distribution of sensed load centroids in vertical sectors of orchard trees. The ultrasonic transducers may be operated independently of any processor or memory which receives their distance data outputs. Displacement sensing of the apparatus relative a row of target trees may instead be used to select ultrasonic distance data at predetermined incremental distances of travel relative the trees being sensed. Thus, the most recent value of sensed data is always available as input to the processor or memory, without requiring any timing circuitry between such sensing and control circuits. The detection data may be stored in memory for subsequent processing to create a map of foliar volumes of the sensed target trees.

Abstract: A grove sprayer includes a wheeled vehicle having at least one blower thereon blowing into a cowling for directing the air to the side of the sprayer onto the grove foliage. A plurality of spray nozzles are located in the cowling openings in position to cover a plurality of spray zones. A plurality of foliage sensors are positioned to cover a plurality of spray zones for detecting when foliage is located within each spray zone. The foliage sensors actuate each spray nozzle responsive to foliage being sensed within a spray zone, so that only those spray nozzles are actuated to spray foliage. The foliage sensors actuate the spray nozzles after a measured delay to compensate for the length of the moving vehicle. A speed sensor varies the liquid feed to the nozzles and provides a signal by which the delay is determined between the foliage sensor positions and the nozzle positions of the moving vehicle.

Abstract: An inductor nozzle assembly for use with an air blast sprayer of the type having a tank holding waterborne pesticides, delivery lines connected to the tank and an air blast fan mounted in close proximity to the delivery lines, includes a spray nozzle mounted to the delivery lines which is disposed in the hollow interior of a conical-shaped housing mounted thereto. The housing is formed with an enlarged entrance opening, and a reduced diameter discharge opening which mounts an inductor ring charged with high electrical potential. A high velocity stream of air produced by the air blast fan is directed into the housing through its entrance opening where the air stream is accelerated by the conical shape of the housing toward its discharge opening.

Abstract: A device for atomizing a liquid is disclosed. The device is mounted to a frame and is plumbed for fluid communication with an air source and a liquid source. The device includes a grommet with a passage therein for receiving a substantially symmetrical foil. The foil includes a flow dividing mechanism for aiding in mixing the air and liquid fluids.

Abstract: Spraying apparatus comprising a shroud in the form of a tube flared at one end and made of electrical insulating material, said shroud adapted for connection to an air supply such that in operation a high velocity air stream issues from the flared end of the shroud, at least one air shear nozzle mounted inside the shroud adjacent the flared end, a tube adapted for connection to a liquid spray source for supplying the nozzle such that in operation the liquid is atomized by the high velocity air flow and the expansion of compressed air from the supply passing over the nozzle, means for maintaining the liquid in the nozzle at ground electrical potential, a high voltage metal electrode positioned inside the flared end of the shroud in spaced relation to the nozzle, and means for supplying high voltage to the electrode such that in operation the electrode carries a high voltage positive or negative potential effective to charge by induction liquid particles or droplets issuing from the said nozzle.

Abstract: An atomized cloud of droplets having an electric charge is generated wherein different discrete parts of the cloud are formed from different liquids. The discrete part of the cloud which has an active ingredient, such as a chemical insecticide or herbicide, is contained such as by enveloping it or directing it in a particular direction by a further discrete part of the cloud that includes an inert liquid such as water. The spraying apparatus comprises a plurality of nozzles positioned in a high velocity air stream to disperse liquid and generate an atomized cloud of the liquid. The nozzles are grouped into at least two sets, each set being arranged and positioned to generate a discrete part of the cloud. An electric charge is placed on the droplets as they are emitted. Each set of nozzles further include a liquid reservoir connected to the nozzles. Each reservoir is to contain a different liquid whether it be an inert liquid or different concentrations of an active liquid.

Abstract: A spray unit and process for controlled droplet atomization in which a tangential vortex type fan with wide mouth passes operation from low-to-medium pressures at high volume, passes air through a throat in which controlled droplet atomization of spray material is being achieved prior to emission from the fan in a plane generally parallel to the flow of air. The flow of air sweeps the droplets into a parallel orientation in substantial avoidance of contact of the spray material on the fan parts, throat or mouth thereof and the airflow confines the continuous core of controlled droplets and projects the protected spray toward a target. The spray units are arranged to permit plural end-to-end adjacent articulated mounting with directional adjustment and flexible conduits for power at the individual units, including spray material delivery and power to lineal actuators and are carriage mounted on wheels for easy movement in the target area.