US4227649A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Spray marking assembly
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1978-09-07
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Granted: 1980-10-14
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Expires: 1998-09-07
Abstract
Abstract The spray marking assembly is mounted on an agricultural or horticultural spraying or spreading implement to show visually, the area traversed so that the overlap or skip may be avoided. Usually, a pump sprays a dye from a tank through hoses to the extremity of the spray boom. This often causes poor markings due to scatter and loss as the pump has to move the fluid through the relatively long lines when demanded and the fluid and/or pressure tends to leak from the lines when not marking. The present device uses a motor and pump which run all the time when in use thus maintaining a constant pressure of fluid in the lines. A solenoid valve is situated at the extremity of the lines adjacent the discharge nozzle so that as soon as the valve is opened, the fluid under pressure is available at the nozzle. An accumulator is also provided adjacent the solenoid valve to give the necessary storage of extra fluid for dispersal through the discharge nozzle and to maintain the necessary pressure during opening of the discharge nozzle. A solid state timer in the cab of the tractor permits the operator to select the duration of spraying of the marking fluid, and the frequency of marking. An over-ride control enables the operator to mark manually on corners, knolls, and the like independently of the automatic actuation of the solenoid valve.
Inventors
- 👤 Alfred E. Poffenroth
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 18:08
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01M; A01M7/00; A01M7/005; A01B; A01B69/00; A01B69/02; A01B69/022
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
259 words
A field spray marker for use with an agricultural or horticultural sprayer which includes a source of electrical power, an outwardly extending boom on each side carrying spray nozzles, and a tank containing spray fluid and the like; comprising in combination a tank for carrying marking fluid for spraying visual indicating marks on vegetation and/or ground surfaces, a normally closed solenoid valve situated adjacent the outer end of at least one of said extending booms, a marker discharge nozzle adjacent said solenoid valve and being operatively connected thereto, a pump and motor assembly operatively connected to said tank carrying marking fluid, conduit means operatively connecting said pump and motor to said solenoid valve and means to operate said solenoid valve from the closed to the open position and vice-versa, said pump and motor being constantly operating when said marker is in use thereby maintaining a constant fluid pressure at solenoid valve, an adjustable relief valve operatively connected between said pump and said tank, and means to mount said solenoid valve and said discharge nozzle upon said extending boom, said last mentioned means including a bracket assembly securable to said boom, said solenoid valve and said discharge nozzle being supported upon said bracket assembly, said bracket assembly including an extendable and retractable arm on said bracket, said discharge nozzle and said solenoid valve being supported upon said arm, and means to adjust said arm within limits in an inwardly and outwardly direction relative to said bracket assembly, to position said discharge nozzle relative to said outer end of said boom.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
259 words
A field spray marker for use with an agricultural or horticultural sprayer which includes a source of electrical power, an outwardly extending boom on each side carrying spray nozzles, and a tank containing spray fluid and the like; comprising in combination a tank for carrying marking fluid for spraying visual indicating marks on vegetation and/or ground surfaces, a normally closed solenoid valve situated adjacent the outer end of at least one of said extending booms, a marker discharge nozzle adjacent said solenoid valve and being operatively connected thereto, a pump and motor assembly operatively connected to said tank carrying marking fluid, conduit means operatively connecting said pump and motor to said solenoid valve and means to operate said solenoid valve from the closed to the open position and vice-versa, said pump and motor being constantly operating when said marker is in use thereby maintaining a constant fluid pressure at solenoid valve, an adjustable relief valve operatively connected between said pump and said tank, and means to mount said solenoid valve and said discharge nozzle upon said extending boom, said last mentioned means including a bracket assembly securable to said boom, said solenoid valve and said discharge nozzle being supported upon said bracket assembly, said bracket assembly including an extendable and retractable arm on said bracket, said discharge nozzle and said solenoid valve being supported upon said arm, and means to adjust said arm within limits in an inwardly and outwardly direction relative to said bracket assembly, to position said discharge nozzle relative to said outer end of said boom.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention according to claim 1 which includes an accumulator situated adjacent said solenoid valve operatively connected to said conduit means and to said solenoid valve.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
100 words
The invention according to claim 1 in which said means to operate said solenoid valve includes an electronic control means remote from said solenoid valve and being operatively connected thereto, said control means including first adjustable means to vary the length of time said solenoid is open, thereby controlling the length of the marks made by said discharge nozzle, second adjustable means to vary the length of time said solenoid valve is closed thereby controlling space in between said marks, and over-ride means whereby said operator can open and close said solenoid valve independently of said first and second means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
100 words
The invention according to claim 2 in which said means to operate said solenoid valve includes an electronic control means remote from said solenoid valve and being operatively connected thereto, said control means including first adjustable means to vary the length of time said solenoid is open, thereby controlling the length of the marks made by said discharge nozzle, second adjustable means to vary the length of time said solenoid valve is closed thereby controlling space in between said marks, and over-ride means whereby said operator can open and close said solenoid valve independently of said first and second means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
The invention according to claims 1, 2 or 3 in which at least said arm is adjustably rotational within limits to control the direction of the marking fluid discharging through said discharge nozzle, fore and aft relative to the longitudinal axis of said boom.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
The invention according to claim 4 in which at least said arm is adjustable rotational within limits to control the direction of the marking fluid discharging through said discharge nozzle, fore and aft relative to the longitudinal axis of said boom.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-10-14 | 1984-04-14 | 1984-10-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-10-14 | 1988-04-14 | 1988-10-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-10-14 | 1992-04-14 | 1992-10-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |