A liquid applicator implement includes a boom vertically adjustable with respect to a vehicle. The boom supports a plurality of drop assemblies laterally spaced along the boom in communication with a liquid product source. A height sensor assembly is attached to at least one of the drop assemblies and generates signals indicative of a distance between the drop assembly and a ground surface as the vehicle advances in a direction of travel. An adjustment mechanism coupled to the boom is responsive to the signals generated by the height sensor assembly for vertically adjusting the boom. In some embodiments, a breakaway sensor is used to determine whether at least one drop assembly has broken away from its normal substantially vertical operating orientation. In some embodiments, a data processing and/or height control action is determined upon detection of a breakaway event.

A break-away apparatus for a boom arm is positioned at a joint between a main boom and a boom tip to allow the boom tip to assume a neutral position and forward, rearward, and upward positions. A hinge assembly is positioned between the boom tip and main boom. The hinge assembly includes an upper ball joint, a first hinge, and a second hinge. The boom tip is movable relative to the main boom about an axis of the first hinge, about an axis of the second hinge axis, and/or about a pivot defined by the upper ball joint. A first spring assists a return of the boom tip to the neutral position.

A spray boom includes a body having a length defined a first end and a second end thereof. The body is formed by a plurality of layers of composite material adapted to be molded together to form an inner surface and an outer surface. A hollow cavity is defined in the body internally of the inner surface, and a channel is formed in the body between the inner surface and the outer surface. The channel extends along the length and is defined between the first end and the second end.

A boom for an agricultural machine includes at least two boom sections and a breakaway system. The first boom section connects to a vehicle and supports fluid delivery components. The second boom section connects to the first boom section in an extended position aligned with the first boom section. The breakaway system is coupled between the first boom section and the second boom section. The breakaway system moves the second boom section with respect to the first boom an initial amount in response to an external force exceeding an initial resistance of the breakaway system, and moves the first boom beyond the initial amount in response to the external force exceeding a second resistance of the breakaway system, wherein the initial resistance is greater than the second resistance. The breakaway system is further configured to return the second boom to the extended position upon removal of the external force.

According to one embodiment, there is provided a breakaway hinge for an expandable boom on an agricultural vehicle. The boom includes a first and a second section combined in a manner to allow the second section to move with respect to the first section when the second section encounters an obstruction. A breakaway hinge is provided between the first and the second section, and includes a first pivot member attached to the first section at an angle a with respect to a vertical line and a second pivot member attached to the second section at an angle with respect to the vertical line. A connecting member holds the first pivot member with respect to the second pivot member.

An electromagnetic breakaway system having a boom assembly, including a frame including a first portion and a second portion hingably coupled to the first portion; and a hinge assembly hingably coupling the first and second portions, the hinge assembly includes first and second electromagnets coupled respectively to the first and second portions, the first and second electromagnets comprising a same charge polarity when the first and second portions form an angle within a first pivot range, the first and second electromagnets comprising a different charge polarity when the first and second portions form an angle within a second pivot range.

A breakaway joint for a boom arm assembly includes a first boom segment defining a pivot axis at a first end, a second boom segment pivotally coupled to the first boom segment at the pivot axis, a bracket coupled to the first boom segment, a leaf spring coupled to the bracket between the first boom segment and the second boom segment, and a cam coupled to the second boom segment and positioned adjacent to the leaf spring. The first boom segment and the second boom segment are pivotally aligned in a neutral position. In the neutral position, the leaf spring contacts the cam at a first contact force, and in any position other than the neutral position, the leaf spring contacts the cam at a contact force greater than the first contact force.

A boom section for an agricultural sprayer supports a plumbing pipe and a plurality of spray nozzles attached thereto. The boom section includes first and second upper beams, first and second lower beams, and gusset plates. The first and second upper beams and the first and second lower beams define an open interior between the first and second upper beams and the first and second lower beams. The gusset plates are disposed in the open interior, and are coupled to each of the first and second upper beams and first and second lower beams. The gusset plates extending from the first and second upper beams to the first and second lower beams in alternating angles in an interleaved manner. Each of the gusset plates has at least one cutout area defining a void sufficient to receive the plumbing pipe such that the spray nozzles are disposed within the open interior.

A boom assembly, including a frame comprising a first portion and a second portion hingeably coupled to the first portion; and a hinge assembly hingeably coupling the first and second portions, the hinge assembly including first and second electromagnets coupled respectively to the first and second portions; a first switch membrane coupled to the second portion and configured to control an energy state of the first and second electromagnets.

A guide system for use with breakaway cables of a sprayer boom of an agricultural sprayer is provided that may include multiple guides for the cables. One of the guides may provide a barrier to physical contact between the cables and the other guide or other potential pinch points to eliminate instances of breakaway cable pinching. This may be done by way of a guide tube through which the cable extends, with the guide tube preventing physical contact between the cable and a pair of rollers of a roller guide.