Patent classifications
A01C23/047
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A NOZZLE ASSEMBLY OF AN AGRICULTURAL APPLICATOR
An agricultural sprayer system is provided herein that can include a boom assembly having a frame and a boom arm operably coupled with the frame at one end portion thereof. Outer and inner nozzle assemblies can each be supported by the boom arm. The inner nozzle assembly is inboard of the outer nozzle assembly. A sensor can be operably coupled with the boom assembly and configured to capture data associated with the boom arm. A computing system can be communicatively coupled to the sensor. The computing system can be configured to calculate a boom arm movement from a default axis based on the data from the sensor and regulate the outer and inner nozzle assemblies at differing flow rates when the movement exceeds a predefined range.
AGRICULTURAL SPRAYER CONTROL SYSTEM
A method of automatically selecting a nozzle set from a plurality of nozzle sets on an agricultural spraying machine is provided. The method includes receiving an application rate setpoint, and for each nozzle set an upper pressure limit, a lower pressure limit, a nozzle reference flow, and a nozzle reference pressure. A speed range is calculated for each nozzle set, wherein each speed range comprises a lower speed limit and an upper speed limit. One of the nozzle sets is selected based upon a sensed forward speed and the calculated speed ranges.
Support for spreading boom of an agricultural sprayer
Spraying boom support for agricultural sprayers, whether trailed, self-propelled and/or airborne, which includes identical articulated arms arranged on either side of the sprayer. Said arms are extended transversely to the direction of advance of the sprayer, and are coupled in an articulated manner to a central support section of the chassis of said sprayer. Each articulated arm is comprised of bar sections formed by a composite material consisting of a reinforcing agent selected from carbon fiber, fiberglass, aramid fiber, boron fiber or a combination thereof, and a matrix of epoxy, vinyl ester, phenolic, polyester resins or thermoplastic material. At its ends, the bar sections have metal nodes that make up the joints and links, also fulfilling the role of taking the concentrated loads of them and distribute them in the bar sections of composite material. In this way areas of great thickness of composite material are avoided and the advantages of each material are exploited resulting in an economical, efficient, lightweight, low maintenance and easily repairable design.
AGRICULTURAL SPRAYER WITH REAL-TIME, ON-MACHINE TARGET SENSOR
An agricultural applicator, that applies material to an agricultural field, includes an on-board, real-time image sensor that senses targets for the material to be applied. A controller controls applicators, such as nozzles or other applicators, to apply the material to the sensed targets
System and method for monitoring agricultural sprayer operation using spray fan shape
A system for monitoring agricultural sprayer operation includes a boom and a nozzle mounted on the boom, with the nozzle configured to dispense a fan of an agricultural fluid as the agricultural sprayer travels across a field. Additionally, the system includes an imaging device configured to capture image data depicting the dispensed fan of the agricultural fluid and a controller communicatively coupled to the imaging device. The controller is, in turn, configured to analyze the captured image data to determine a parameter associated with a shape of the dispensed spray fan. Moreover, the controller is configured to compare the determined parameter to a predetermined parameter range. Furthermore, the controller is configured to; and initiate a control action when the determined parameter falls outside of a predetermined parameter range.
Systems and methods for spraying an agricultural fluid on foliage
A system includes a fluid supply line, a plurality of nozzle assemblies positioned and oriented to spray portions of a target, and a plurality of electrically actuated valve assemblies configured to control fluid flow to the nozzle assemblies. The system also includes a controller connected in communication with the plurality of electrically actuated valve assemblies and configured to individually actuate the valve assemblies between a closed position and an open position. The controller is configured to receive an orientation of each nozzle assembly relative to the target and determine a duty cycle of each valve assembly based on the orientation of the respective nozzle assembly. The controller is configured to actuate each valve assembly based on the respective orientation to provide a desired fluid characteristic of the fluid emitted from the respective nozzle assembly.
Mounting assembly for a steerable wheel with variable track width
A wheel-mounting assembly for a utility vehicle includes a chassis and a wheel support assembly mounted to respective outboard ends of first and second telescopic axle assemblies. The first and second telescopic axle assemblies are laterally spaced from one another and are each secured to the chassis. The first and second telescopic axle assemblies each include a respective actuator arranged to control extension and retraction thereof for steering and track-width control.
Irrigation Pest Control
The present irrigation pest control system relates generally to the automated dispersal of pest control agents and other agricultural agents to lawns and agricultural areas. Users may program a desired schedule for the dispersal of various chemical agents at certain time periods and in specified volumes by automating the dispersal of chemical agents into the irrigation system. This automated system can function through the programming of a multi-port pinch chemigation valve that regulates the dispersal of about twelve (12) different chemical agents housed in a plurality of smart port cartridges in fluid communication with the multi-port pinch chemigation valve. The multi-port pinch chemigation valve eliminates redundancies by integrating the dispersal of pest control and other chemical agents with the normal irrigation process.
Smart plant growth system
An aeroponic plant-growth system includes growth space and a control unit that may be assembled using factory made modules. The growth space includes layers at different heights, and each layer includes plant holders and misters positioned to apply a mist to roots of plants in the plant holders. The control unit employs a controller to execute a program that operates a liquid supply system to provide liquid flows to the misters in the layers. Each of the liquid flows may be regulated according to the height of the layers.
Agricultural vehicle having an application boom with improved bonding material
An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis, wheels supporting the chassis for moving the vehicle, an application system supported by the chassis and including a product tank storing a volume of agricultural product for delivery onto an agricultural field, and an application boom configured to deliver the agricultural product to the agricultural field. The application boom includes a boom arm segment having a longitudinal tube, an elongated structure coupled to the longitudinal tube, and an elastomeric bonding material affixing the longitudinal tube and the elongated structure.