An improved device for adjusting spray guns in an IC spray machine. Adjustments may be done using electro-mechanical or pneumatic actuators, and may rotate the nozzles toward an evacuation hood for cleaning, etc. Two actuators are used per spray gun, one mechanically engaged to a slide which moves the gun in translation (traversing in the X dimension), one which is mechanically engaged to a bracket which in turn is mechanically engaged to the gun mount, so the gun may be either moved or rotated. In addition, a Z-axis beam allows control in depth by an additional actuator/motor.

An agricultural fertilizer system and method for applying a granular fertilizer to a field. A hopper defines a cavity adapted to hold the granular fertilizer and a metering device is coupled to the hopper, and is adapted to deliver a metered amount of fertilizer through a fertilizer hose coupled to a fertilizer spreader. A sensor device is disposed along the fertilizer hose between the fertilizer hose input and the fertilizer house output to identify a blockage resulting from a build-up of fertilizer. A blower delivers an airflow through an airflow hose operatively connected to the fertilizer hose, wherein the airflow hose is connected to the blower hose between the metering device and the sensor device. The airflow provided by the blower reduces or eliminates a buildup of fertilizer within the fertilizer hose to maintain a proper flow of fertilizer from the metering device and the fertilizer spreader.

An agricultural fertilizer system and method for applying a granular fertilizer to a field. A hopper defines a cavity adapted to hold the granular fertilizer and a metering device is coupled to the hopper, and is adapted to deliver a metered amount of fertilizer through a fertilizer hose coupled to a fertilizer spreader. A sensor device is disposed along the fertilizer hose between the fertilizer hose input and the fertilizer house output to identify a blockage resulting from a build-up of fertilizer. A blower delivers an airflow through an airflow hose operatively connected to the fertilizer hose, wherein the airflow hose is connected to the blower hose between the metering device and the sensor device. The airflow provided by the blower reduces or eliminates a buildup of fertilizer within the fertilizer hose to maintain a proper flow of fertilizer from the metering device and the fertilizer spreader.

Systems and methods for inspecting and cleaning a nozzle of a dispenser are disclosed. The systems may include a platform supporting a cleaning substrate. The cleaning substrate may have a plurality of hook structures configured to remove a material from the nozzle. The systems may also include a camera configured to capture an image of the nozzle and a controller configured to control the system. The methods may include providing a cleaning substrate having a plurality of hook structures, and moving at least one of the nozzle and the cleaning substrate relative to the other to remove a material from the nozzle. The methods may also include capturing an image of the nozzle after dispensing with a camera, processing the image to generate a value, utilizing the value to determine if the nozzle should be cleaned, and if the determination is that the nozzle should be cleaned, cleaning the nozzle.

Systems and methods for inspecting and cleaning a nozzle of a dispenser are disclosed. The systems may include a platform supporting a cleaning substrate. The cleaning substrate may have a plurality of hook structures configured to remove a material from the nozzle. The systems may also include a camera configured to capture an image of the nozzle and a controller configured to control the system. The methods may include providing a cleaning substrate having a plurality of hook structures, and moving at least one of the nozzle and the cleaning substrate relative to the other to remove a material from the nozzle. The methods may also include capturing an image of the nozzle after dispensing with a camera, processing the image to generate a value, utilizing the value to determine if the nozzle should be cleaned, and if the determination is that the nozzle should be cleaned, cleaning the nozzle.

A method for inspecting a nozzle includes: measuring a temperature of the nozzle; comparing the temperature of the nozzle with a reference temperature; and determining whether or not the nozzle is clogged based on the temperature of the nozzle.

A method for inspecting a nozzle includes: measuring a temperature of the nozzle; comparing the temperature of the nozzle with a reference temperature; and determining whether or not the nozzle is clogged based on the temperature of the nozzle.

A method of cleaning a dispenser including a faceplate, comprises emitting light over the surface of the faceplate across the width of the faceplate, measuring an intensity of the light at a plurality of points on the surface of the faceplate after the light has passed over the width, determining, based on the measured light intensity, whether an amount of accumulated formable material on the faceplate is greater than a predetermined value, and in a case that the amount of accumulated formable material is greater than a predetermined value, imparting a suction force on the surface of the faceplate using the vacuum at a distance from the faceplate to remove at least a portion of the accumulated formable material from the surface of the faceplate.

A method of cleaning a dispenser including a faceplate, comprises emitting light over the surface of the faceplate across the width of the faceplate, measuring an intensity of the light at a plurality of points on the surface of the faceplate after the light has passed over the width, determining, based on the measured light intensity, whether an amount of accumulated formable material on the faceplate is greater than a predetermined value, and in a case that the amount of accumulated formable material is greater than a predetermined value, imparting a suction force on the surface of the faceplate using the vacuum at a distance from the faceplate to remove at least a portion of the accumulated formable material from the surface of the faceplate.

The invention includes an air mover device used for fire mitigation and protection. The core component is an air mover unit whose discharge airstream can be positioned using air rudders to provide air flows in optimum directions and capacity to counter unwanted fire progression or to promote fires in cases of back-burns. Additional support components include a power supply, its fuel source, a speed control mechanism for the air mover, an air mover inlet protective screen, a sparger unit to impart suppressant or retardant into the airstream, and instrumentation and controls to ensure function and safety of equipment and personnel. This device can be on a static or mobile platform, towed or self-propelled and can be locally or remotely controlled.