The invention is intended for the organization of an automated process for spraying of liquid means of chemical treatment from unmanned vehicles, for example, in precise farming systems. The invention provides the use of a replaceable, marked and hermetically sealed liquid subsystem with integrated pumping chambers in a spraying device together with an integrated self-diagnosis system allowing to ensure personnel safety and the accounting of the resources of main components of the spraying device. All this in combination enables to create fully automated spraying systems.

A system for actuating a sensor of an agricultural sprayer may include a boom assembly and a sensor assembly supported on a portion of the boom assembly. The sensor assembly may include a field sensor movable relative to the portion of the boom assembly between an extended position and a retracted position, where the field sensor generates data indicative of one or more field conditions when in the extended position. The sensor assembly may further include a sensor actuator that moves the field sensor between the extended and retracted positions, and a controller that controls the sensor actuator to move the field sensor between the extended and retracted positions. The field sensor is spaced relative to the portion of the boom assembly by a larger distance when in the extended position than when in the retracted position.

The technology described herein provides a dual machine irrigation system. The first machine is primarily an irrigation machine and the second machine is primarily a sensor machine, though it may also distribute liquids. The irrigation machine includes an irrigation span and can include multiple irrigation spans. The sensor machine includes a sensor span and can include multiple sensor spans. The sensor span gathers data that is used to optimize the liquid deployment from the irrigation span. In an aspect, both the irrigation span and the sensor span follow the same path of travel through a field, but at different times. The sensor span is separate from the irrigation span and includes a plurality of environmental sensors that gather data on the field, the field environment, and any crops that may be in the field. The ability of the sensor span to provide real-time data allows for optimization of liquid deployments.

The invention relates to a spray unit (10) with an axle (20), an atomising disc (30), a spray direction modifying assembly (40), and a liquid applicator (50). The atomising disc is configured to spin about the axle centred on the centre of the disc. The liquid applicator is configured to apply liquid to a surface of the atomising disc. The spray direction modifying assembly is in proximity to the atomising disc. The spray direction modifying assembly comprises at least one air channel (41). The at least one air channel is configured to provide air in proximity to the atomising disc to modify the subsequent trajectory of the liquid droplets that leave the outer edge of the atomising disc.

An arrangement for spraying a fluid to a piece of material, such as a web or strip, has a chamber through which the material runs, and an applicator (15) which is configured to spray the fluid on the material. The applicator includes at least a first and a second valve (16, 16a, 16b, 16c) arranged within the chamber, each valve having a longitudinal axis, and each valve comprising a spray nozzle (17, 17a, 17b, 17c). Each spray nozzle has an elongated opening extending along an axis. The longitudinal axis of the valve and the axis of the corresponding nozzle span a plane and the at least said first valve and said second valve are arranged spaced on a common axis (CA) running through a center point of each valve. The plane is inclined in relation to the common axis.

The invention relates to a spray unit comprising an axle (20), a disc (30), a disc shape modifying assembly (40) and a liquid applicator (50). The disc is configured to spin about the axle centred on the centre of the disc. The liquid applicator is configured to apply liquid to a surface of the disc. The disc shape modifying assembly is configured to modify the trajectory of the liquid droplets that leave the spray unit by way of varying the diameter of the disc.

A liquid spraying system having a liquid spray section and a controller for controlling liquid to the spray section. The controller includes a valve operable between multiple positions for controlling the supply of liquid to the spray section and enabling the flow of liquid from the spray section to a flow back line only after the liquid supply to the spray section has been terminated.

A method comprising: activating a strobed or pulsed illumination source to produce illuminating light; polarising the illuminating light in a first polarisation axis; illuminating at least part of a tall plant crop with the polarised illuminating light to produce reflected illuminating light; polarising the reflected illuminating light in a second polarisation axis transverse to the first polarisation axis produce cross-polarised reflected illuminating light; capturing an image of at least part of the tall plant crop using the cross-polarised reflected illuminating light; and analysing the captured image to determine a condition of the tall plant crop. Also a vehicle mounted image capture system, a vehicle mounted spraying system and a plant health management system.

A foldable rear boom section of an agricultural product applicator includes at least one first tube connected to a first end of a respective at least one second tube and a hinge assembly coupled to the first and second tubes and configured to pivot the second tube with respect to the first tube about a pivot axis. Further, a nozzle is connected to a second end of the second tube. Pivoting the first and second tubes about the pivot axis causes the foldable rear boom section and the nozzle to transition between an extended position and a retracted position.

A manually controlled and operable self-propelled seed bed sterilization system and method is provided for preventing weeds from growth in seed beds. The system includes a wheel driven shuttle vehicle having a hot water reservoir, a hot water applicator manifold housing, a dual-function pump and a controllable valve. A self-contained mobile hot water supply vehicle accompanies the shuttle vehicle and has a water heater with hose connections to the reservoir of the shuttle vehicle to provide a continuous water flow path. The burner of the water heater is controlled to heat the water in the range of about 205-207 degrees F. but below the boiling point of water not to create steam. The shuttle vehicle is displaced over the seed bed at a constant drive speed by an electric motor driven by a gas generator. An operator person guides the shuttle vehicle over the seed bed.