An apparatus and method for locating a position of a coating applicator in a coating process for applying coating material to an article. At least one positioning member is attached to a spray applicator at one end and carries a marker at an opposite end capable of depositing a visible track on a markable surface removably attached to the surface of the article to be coated. The positioning member provide a resilient biasing force on the marker to maintain the marker in contact with the surface of the article despite surface topography changes as the article and the marker move relative to each other. The visible track(s) define a centerline or the overall spray pattern of the spray applicator.

An apparatus and method for locating a position of a coating applicator in a coating process for applying coating material to an article. At least one positioning member is attached to a spray applicator at one end and carries a marker at an opposite end capable of depositing a visible track on a markable surface removably attached to the surface of the article to be coated. The positioning member provide a resilient biasing force on the marker to maintain the marker in contact with the surface of the article despite surface topography changes as the article and the marker move relative to each other. The visible track(s) define a centerline or the overall spray pattern of the spray applicator.

An automated mobile sprayer (AMS) (10) applies fluid sprays to a target surface. The AMS can operate according to a wall-follow routine, where the AMS maintains a spacing and orientation relative to the target surface and shifts a set distance between each spray pass. The AMS is also operable in an overlap adjustment mode where a control module (24) of the AMS actively determines the distance that AMS shifts between each spray pass such that AMS applies the final orthogonal spray on the target surface at an end point of the target surface.

An automated mobile sprayer (AMS) (10) applies fluid sprays to a target surface. The AMS can operate according to a wall-follow routine, where the AMS maintains a spacing and orientation relative to the target surface and shifts a set distance between each spray pass. The AMS is also operable in an overlap adjustment mode where a control module (24) of the AMS actively determines the distance that AMS shifts between each spray pass such that AMS applies the final orthogonal spray on the target surface at an end point of the target surface.

An automated mobile sprayer (AMS) (12) is configured to apply stripes of fluid to target surfaces to coat those target surfaces with the fluid. A control module (24) of the AMS (12) controls movement and spraying by the AMS. The control module (24) causes the AMS (12) to follow a target surface based on distance data from distance sensors configured to detect the target surface.

A product system for an agricultural sprayer includes a product tank configured to store a volume of an agricultural product. A fill station is configured to accept the agricultural product from an off-board source. A flow assembly is fluidly coupled with the fill station and is configured to direct the agricultural product into a product tank from the conduit. A reclaim system is configured to provide the agricultural product within the flow assembly to the product tank. A computing system is communicatively coupled to the reclaim system. The computing system is configured to receive inputs indicative of activation of a fill mode, detect termination of the fill mode, and activate a reclaim mode to move the agricultural product from at least the conduit to the product tank through activation of the reclaim system.

A product system for an agricultural sprayer includes a product tank configured to store a volume of an agricultural product. A fill station is configured to accept the agricultural product from an off-board source. A flow assembly is fluidly coupled with the fill station and is configured to direct the agricultural product into a product tank from the conduit. A reclaim system is configured to provide the agricultural product within the flow assembly to the product tank. A computing system is communicatively coupled to the reclaim system. The computing system is configured to receive inputs indicative of activation of a fill mode, detect termination of the fill mode, and activate a reclaim mode to move the agricultural product from at least the conduit to the product tank through activation of the reclaim system.

The invention relates to a modular system for weed control for a rail vehicle. The modular system has a control unit for producing control signals for controlling valves and miners in a separate herbicide and mixing module and for producing a second set of control signals for controlling valves of a nozzle rod. The herbicide and mixing module has a container for holding different herbicides and electrical connection elements for connections to the control unit. Furthermore, a nozzle rod is present, which is tit ted with a nozzle set, in order to spray herbicides of the herbicide and mixing module. In addition, a camera module is present, which produces a weed signal in response to the detection of a weed, in order to control the spraying of the herbicides. The camera module is at such a distance from the nozzle rod that, despite high speed, there is sufficient time to provide the herbicide at the nozzles.

The invention relates to a modular system for weed control for a rail vehicle. The modular system has a control unit for producing control signals for controlling valves and miners in a separate herbicide and mixing module and for producing a second set of control signals for controlling valves of a nozzle rod. The herbicide and mixing module has a container for holding different herbicides and electrical connection elements for connections to the control unit. Furthermore, a nozzle rod is present, which is tit ted with a nozzle set, in order to spray herbicides of the herbicide and mixing module. In addition, a camera module is present, which produces a weed signal in response to the detection of a weed, in order to control the spraying of the herbicides. The camera module is at such a distance from the nozzle rod that, despite high speed, there is sufficient time to provide the herbicide at the nozzles.

Methods, systems, and devices for using a specialized sensor for detecting activation of a fluid dispenser and for using gathered data therefrom for a variety of purposes, including determining when to refill the dispenser, tracking and analyzing operation thereof, matching operation to expected or anticipated operation, and identifying specific users and specific incidents of use associated therewith. Also provided are use of remote data repositories and/or processing devices that for processing and use of such data.