WO2001066262A1

WO2001066262A1 - Crop spraying manifold

Info

Publication number: WO2001066262A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/007246
Authority: WO
Inventors: Glenn D. Ross; Terry Campbell
Original assignee: Magnetic Infusion Spraying, Inc.
Priority date: 2000-03-06
Filing date: 2001-03-06
Publication date: 2001-09-13
Also published as: AU2001245482A1

Abstract

A crop spraying manifold (5) for use with an air blower crop spraying device is disclosed. The manifold includes a first end plate (7) having an opening (8) defined therein and about which a first annular mounting flange (9) extends, and a spaced second end plate (11) having a second annular mounting flange (12) facing the first mounting flange (9) for receiving an elongate duct member (15) thereon. The duct member (15) is comprised of a first body portion (16) and a second body portion (17), the two body portions being constructed and arranged to be releasably mated to one another so as to capture the respective mounting flanges of the end plates therebetween. So constructed, the duct member may be selectively rotated on the end plate mounting flanges such that the duct member is extended into at least one radial position about a longitudinal axis passing through the two end plates. The duct member defines an elongate exhaust port (30), and includes a liquid supply tube (44) extending along the exhaust port and having a series of spaced spray nozzles (48) in sealed communication therewith and positioned within the exhaust port (30) of the manifold (5).

Description

CROP SPRAYING MANIFOLD Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to crop spraying devices. More particularly, the invention relates to an interchangeable and adjustable crop spraying manifold for use with an air blower agricultural crop sprayer.

Background of the Invention

A wide variety of agricultural crop sprayers for use in spraying liquids, to include fertilizers and pesticides, onto crops are known. One well known type of crop sprayer is a boom-type crop sprayer which utilizes an elongate boom or series of booms extending from or towed by a tractor, respectively, having a spray boom positioned above and carried over the crops to be treated. These boom-type crop sprayers are provided with a series of spaced spray nozzles which face downwardly from the boom for directing the substance sprayed therethrough toward the crops. An example of this type of crop sprayer is disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,746,065 and 4,629,123, respectively, which devices are commonly used with planted row crops.

A second commonly used type of crop spraying device is an air powered crop spraying device. These types of sprayers utilize a fan or an air blower adapted to draw air from between the crop rows and in a direction parallel thereto, and to direct the air against a back plate provided as a part of the blower unit so that the air is dispersed in a 360 degree radial pattern from and about the blower. In this manner at least some of the sprayed liquid is directed toward and received by the crops being treated. Some attachments are available for the blowers of these crop sprayers, however these attachments are typically not adjustable, are intended for use in only attachment specific applications, and are not universally adaptable to the many types of air blower crop sprayers in use.

So constructed, several areas of the spray pattern generated by the known types of air blowers and crop sprayers are ineffective. For example, the areas on the top and the bottom of the blower directing the spray straight up or straight down, respectively, tend to have little benefit in treating the crops, and oftentimes result in wasted product and reduced crop yields due to uneven spray coverage. Moreover, the use of specific spraying machinery for each of the many different types of crops a farmer may be growing, each usually having specific, and thus differing, spraying requirements compounds the problem of ineffective spray distribution while increasing the capital cost of the equipment needed to accomplish the desired spraying.

What appears to be needed, but unsatisfied by the known types of air blower crop sprayers, is an air blower crop sprayer, and more particularly a manifold for use therewith, that can be selectively positioned on the air blower for accurately directing a crop spray toward the crops being treated without the degree of randomness associated with the current devices. The need also exists for such a manifold that can be quickly fit and/or retro-fit on these air blower crop spraying devices, and which can be quickly interchanged or exchanged with additional and separate manifolds tailored for the intended spray application. Moreover, there is a need for such a manifold which may be adapted for use in a wide variety of spray applications, to include not only planted row crops, but for use in orchards as well.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a unique, interchangeable, and selectively adjustable manifold for use with an air blower crop spraying device that overcomes some of the design deficiencies of the known crop spraying devices, and which enhances the performance of the currently available agricultural air blower crop sprayers. The manifold of this invention is provided with a first planar end plate having an opening defined therein, with a first annular mounting flange extending along the periphery of the opening, and a second, spaced and parallel end plate having a second annular mounting flange facing the first mounting flange. The second mounting flange corresponds in size and shape to the first mounting flange, and is coaxial therewith about a longitudinal axis passing through both of the end plates. The two end plates of the manifold will be mounted on the crop spraying device, and are positioned with respect to the air blower thereof.

The manifold also includes an elongate duct member for being received on the end plate mounting flanges. The duct member is comprised of a first body portion and a second body portion. These two respective body portions of the duct member are constructed and arranged to be releasably mated to one another through the use of at least one, and preferably a pair of over center quick-release latch clamps mounted on the respective body portions of the duct member so that the body portions capture the respective mounting flanges of the end plates therebetween when clamped or mated together, and will thus position the duct member on the mounting flanges of the end plates. The duct member, however, is also capable of being selectively rotated on the end plate mounting flanges by opening or releasing one of the quick release clamps such that the duct member may be selectively rotated on, or slid over, the mounting flanges and about the axis of the end plates, and into at least one radial position extended about the longitudinal axis. The duct member also defines an exhaust port extending for substantially its length.

An elongate liquid supply tube is provided as a part of the manifold, and is positioned to extend along at least a portion of the length of the manifold exhaust port. The liquid supply tube includes a series of spaced spray nozzles, for example flip nozzles, in sealed communication therewith. The spray nozzles are positioned within the exhaust port such that they face away from the duct member so that as an airflow is directed through the manifold and its duct member, and as the liquid to be sprayed is passed from the spray nozzles into the airflow, a mist or spray of the liquid is created and passed from the manifold. The spray can be selectively directed toward the crops to be treated, as desired, by rotating the manifold on the end plate mounting flanges, as described above.

The manifold of this invention is intended for use with an air blower agricultural crop spraying device. The crop spraying device may thus include a transportable frame constructed as a trailer and on which at least one ducted fan is mounted, the fan being suitably powered for generating an airflow to be passed through the manifold. An air chamber formed within and by the manifold of the invention is placed in fluid communication with the ducted fan. The crop spraying device will also include a supply of the liquid to be sprayed thereby, with a pump, also suitably powered, for passing the liquid to the liquid supply tube mounted on the manifold. The airflow generated by the fan is passed into the air chamber of the manifold and is subsequently passed into and through the duct member, exiting the duct member through its exhaust port. The liquid to be sprayed is passed through the spray nozzles and into the airflow for spraying the desired crops.

It is anticipated that the crop spraying device may be provided with a pair of the above-described manifolds mounted back-to-back to increase the operational efficiency of the spraying device, and for greater control of the spray being directed toward the crops being treated. In such a dual manifold configuration, each manifold is constructed and arranged to separately capture the mounting flanges of its respective end plates for being separately positioned on the crop sprayer, and is also constructed to be separately rotated about its respective longitudinal axis.

It is to these objects, as well as the other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention, which will become apparent upon reading the specification when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, to which the invention is directed.

Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of the manifold of this invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a pair of the manifolds illustrated in Fig. 1 positioned back-to-back in a vertically upright spraying position.

Fig. 3 is a schematic elevational view of the spray pattern attained with the use of the manifolds of Fig. 2 with an air blower crop spraying device. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the manifolds illustrated in Fig. 1 positioned back-to-back in a downwardly inclined spraying position.

Fig. 5 is a schematic elevational view of the spray pattern attained with the use of the manifolds of Fig. 4 with an air blower crop spraying device. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the manifolds illustrated in Fig. 1 positioned back-to-back in an upwardly inclined spraying position.

Fig. 7 is a schematic elevational view of the spray pattern attained with the use of the manifolds of Fig. 6 with an air blower crop spraying device.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a pair of a second embodiment of the manifolds of this invention positioned back-to-back in a vertically upright spraying position.

Fig. 9 is a schematic elevational view of the spray pattern attained with the use of the manifolds of Fig. 8 with an air blower crop spraying device.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the manifolds illustrated in Fig. 8 positioned back-to-back in a downwardly inclined spraying position.

Fig. 11 is a schematic elevational view of the spray pattern attained with the use of the manifolds of Fig. 10 with an air blower crop spraying device.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the manifolds illustrated in Fig. 8 positioned back-to-back in an upwardly inclined spraying position. Fig. 13 is a schematic elevational view of the spray pattern attained with the use of the manifolds of Fig. 12 with an air blower crop spraying device.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the manifolds of Fig. 2 positioned in a vertically upright position on, and for use with an air blower crop spraying device. Detailed Description

Referring now in detail to the drawings, wherein like reference characters indicate like parts throughout the several views, a first embodiment of a manifold 5 for use with an air blower type of crop spraying device is illustrated in Figs. 1-7. Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the manifold includes a first planar end plate 7 having an opening 8 defined therein and extending therethrough. A continuous flange 9 is affixed to the end plate, along the periphery of the opening 8 defined therein. The flange 9 is bisected by the end plate 7 such that the portion of the flange extending outwardly of the end plate, once the manifold is assembled, can be used for fastening the manifold to a ducted blower provided as a part of the crop spraying device.

The manifold includes a second end plate 11 spaced from and parallel to the first end plate. The second end plate also has a flange 12 formed thereon, this flange being correspondingly sized and shaped with respect to the flange 9 on the first end plate, and being coaxial therewith about a longitudinal axis 13 extending through the two end plates. The manifold 5 also includes an elongate duct member 15, comprised of a first or lower body portion 16, and second or upper body portion 17, the two body portions being constructed and arranged such that they can be releaseably secured to one another for forming the duct member.

As best shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the first body portion 16 of the duct member is comprised of a elongate planar and arcuate body member 19 having an opening 20 defined therein and in communication with an exhaust chute 21 formed as a part of the body portion. The planar body member is formed to have two opposed side edge flanges 23 and 24, respectively, for being received on the respective flanges 9, 12, of the two end plates 7, 11 , respectively.

The second body portion of the duct member is comprised of a first elongate side plate 26 and a second elongate, spaced, and parallel side plate 27, with an elongate back plate 28 fastened to each side plate along their common side edges for forming a substantially U-shaped conduit or duct as best shown in Fig. 2. So formed, the two side plates and back plate form an exhaust port 30 extending the length of the second body portion of the duct member.

The second body portion thus formed has a first end 31 and a spaced second end 32. A first arcuate flange 34 and second, spaced and parallel arcuate flange 35, respectively, are formed on the respective side plates 26, 27, at the first end of the second body portion of the duct member. These flanges are sized and shaped to be received on a respective one of the flanges 9, 12, of the two end plates 7, 11. Side plate 27 is formed to have an elongate leg 36 extending from the first end thereof with a foot 38 formed at the end thereof, for being received on a mounting pedestal or base 39 formed as a part of the exhaust chute 21 of the first body portion of the duct member. The foot 38 is only received on the pedestal mount or base 39 of the exhaust chute, and is not otherwise affixed thereto. The first and second body portions 16, 17, of the duct member 15 are constructed and arranged to be releaseably mated or attached to one another. This is accomplished by providing at least one, and preferably a pair of opposed over center latch clamps, for example those manufactured by Reid Tool, or De-Sta-Co. The construction and use of over center latch clamps are well known to those of skill in the art, the clamp being comprised of a first base or hook portion, and a second latch portion with a throw arm or lever attached thereto about a pivot point, such that when the latch portion is placed over the hook or base portion of the center clamp, the lever is moved in a lengthwise direction and away from the base portion to draw the latch portion tightly against the base portion to secure the two structural members to one another. In this instance, the two structural members attached to one another are the first and second body portions 16, 17 of the duct member 15. Although two clamps 40 are shown in Fig. 1 , one each on opposite sides of the joint line where the first and second body portions of the duct member are joined to one another, it is anticipated that a hinged connection could exist along one of these side edges, such that the two body portions are passed over the flanges of the respective end plates, then the one latch member closed for securing the body portions thereabout.

In order to place the duct member 15 on the respective mounting flanges 9, 12, of the two end plates, the first body portion is passed over the flanges and into a position such that it lies between the two end plates and below the longitudinal axis passing therethough. Thereafter, the second body portion is passed downwardly over and on top of the flanges 9,12, respectively, and the two over center latch clamps 40 are used to affix the two body portions to one another such that the duct member 15 captures the flanges 9, 12, therebetween for fixably positioning the duct member on the flanges. A feature of this construction, however, is that by loosening one of the latch clamps, the duct member can then be selectively rotated about the longitudinal axis 13 such that the duct member can be positioned into any one of a number of positions extending radially about the longitudinal axis of the manifold. This manner of construction, therefore, heretofore unknown in the art, allows the manifold to be quickly and easily fit to its end plates on an air blower crop spraying device, and allows the manifold to be selectively rotated thereon for directing the spray passed therefrom.

As best shown in Fig. 1 , a pair of elongate planar vanes 42 are positioned within the U-shaped second body portion of the duct member, and extend in the lengthwise direction thereof between the side plates 26 and 27, respectively. The vanes 42 thus define discrete airflow passageways 43 within the second body portion duct member, the airflow passageways extending from the first end of the duct member to the exhaust port 30 defined by the duct member.

The manifold 5 also includes an elongate liquid supply tube 44 extending in the lengthwise direction of the duct member 15, for substantially the length of the exhaust chute 21 and exhaust port 30 thereof. The liquid supply tube is provided with a spaced series of T-shaped pipe fittings 46 and an elbow 46' at its end, from which a respective nipple 47 extends, with a respective nozzle 48 being affixed to the end thereto. Nozzles 48 are conventional nozzles, and may comprise, for example, flip nozzles.

Referring now to Fig 2, once the first and second body portions of the duct member 15 are affixed to one another on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis 13 passing through the two end plates, the duct member 15, in association with the end plates 7 and 11 forms an air chamber 50 within the manifold, the air chamber being in communication with the opening 8 defined in the first end plate. Still referring to Fig. 2, a configuration is presented in which two identical manifolds are provided, the two manifolds being positioned such that their respective second end plates 11 are positioned back-to-back with respect to one another. Each of the manifolds 5 is formed about a single longitudinal axis 13 extending through the respective end plates of each manifold, each manifold being separately positioned on its respective end plates and mounting flanges, and being separately and selectively rotatable about the longitudinal axis 13 independently of the other.

Accordingly, and referring to Fig. 2, the first duct member 15 and a second duct member 52 are illustrated, the second duct member having a first body portion 53 and a second body portion 54, the two body portions being secured to one another by the use of over center latch clamps 58. As shown in Fig. 2, the two duct members 16 and 52 are positioned in a vertically upright position with respect to one another and about the axis 13.

Fig. 3 illustrates the two duct members 15 and 52 of Fig. 2 positioned on an air blower crop spraying device 60 of the type illustrated in greater detail in Fig. 7. Accordingly, and referring now to Fig. 7, the crop spraying device 60 is constructed as a towed trailer 102 having a frame 103 provided with at least one, and in this instance a pair of tandem axles and tires 104 such that the trailer can be towed by a tractor (not illustrated) in use. The trailer 102 is provided with a end support or stand 106 for supporting the trailer when it is not attached to the towing vehicle. The crop spraying device includes a liquid storage tank 108 supported thereon, having a pump 109 in communication therewith, the pump being suitably powered, either by mechanical drive train, or by an electrical motor. The crop spraying device also includes a first ducted fan 110 and a second ducted fan 112, the two ducted fans extending along a common longitudinal axis 13' extending therethrough, the two ducted fans facing one another as shown.

The pump 109 and the two fans 110, 112, are powered by a mechanical drive train receiving power through a power takeoff ("PTO") device extending to the PTO hitch of the tractor (not illustrated). The manner of the construction of this drive train is well within the knowledge of those skilled in the art, as farm implements driven by PTO's are well known. If it is not desired to have the fans and the pump driven through a PTO, the fans and the pump could be powered by a separate engine provided as a part of the crop spraying device and carried on the trailer 102, or could be powered by suitable electric motors (not illustrated) receiving electrical power from either the towing vehicle or by a battery (not illustrated) carried on the trailer.

The two duct members 15, 53, of Figs. 2 and 3, therefore, are shown positioned between the two ducted fans 110, 112 of the crop spraying device 60 of Fig. 14. Each respective ducted fan has an annular flange extending to and received on the portion of the respective mounting flanges 9 extending from the first end plate of the manifolds. The ducted fans are thus in fluid communication with the opening 8 defined in the respective first end plates, the air chamber 50 formed by the manifold in association with its two end plates, and the exhaust chute 21 and the exhaust port 30 of the respective first and second body portions of each respective duct member. Thus, and as shown in Fig. 3, when the ducted fans are being powered such that an airflow is being generated thereby, the airflow is passed into the air chamber and through the duct member, and more particularly its exhaust chute 21 and exhaust port 30 in association with the liquid to be sprayed being passed through the spray nozzles 48 such that a spray or mist of the liquid to be applied in treatment to the crops passes through the duct members forming the spray pattern S-i as shown in Fig. 3.

The unique nature of the manifold 5 of this invention is further illustrated in Figs. 4-7, which illustrate in Fig. 4 the two manifolds 15, 52 having been rotated about the longitudinal axis 13 into a downwardly inclined position, such that the spray pattern S₂ of Fig. 5 results, and in Fig. 6, the two duct members have been rotated into an upwardly inclined position about the longitudinal axis 13 such that the spray of pattern S₃ shown in Fig. 7 results. Accordingly, and in fashion heretofore unknown in the art, the construction of the duct members, resulting in their being selectively rotatable about the axis of the crop spraying device, independently of one another, and as desired, allows for a far greater range of spray distribution patterns than previously available from a single device, and without the need for treatment specific ducts or attachments affixed to the crop spraying device 60. A second embodiment of the manifold 62 for use with an air blower crop spraying device is illustrated in Figs. 8-13, the manifold 62 is comprised of a first end plate 63 in which an opening 64 is defined, with a flange 66 extending about the periphery of the opening 64. The flange 64 is bisected by the first end plate 63. A second end plate 67 is provided, spaced from and parallel to the first end plate, having a flange 68 coaxial with the first mounting flange 66 about a longitudinal axis 70 extending through the two end plates. The flange 68 is correspondingly sized and shaped with respect to the mounting flange 66, and faces toward mounting the flange 66.

The manifold 62 of Fig. 8 also has an elongate duct member 71 comprised of a first body portion 72, and a second mateable body portion 74. The first body portion once again includes an arcuate planar and elongate body member 75 formed to have a pair of spaced and opposed side edges or flanges 76, 78, respectively, for being received on the respective mounting flanges 66, 68 of the two end plates. The second body portion is formed of a first elongate side plate 80 and a spaced parallel second elongate side plate 82, with an elongate top plate 83 ₀ and an elongate and opposed bottom plated 84 affixed to one another along their continuous lengthwise edges for forming an exhaust port 86 thereby. The second body portion 74 can best be thought of as a rectangular hollow conduit or duct extending from a first end thereof to its second end at the exhaust port. The two body portions 72, 74 of the duct member are releaseably affixed to one another, i.e., they are mated to one another, using at least one, and preferably a pair of opposed over center latch clamps 87 mounted on the respective body portions of the duct member and used, in known fashion, to draw the two body portions together to secure each to the other about the longitudinal axis 70 extending through the end plates of the respective duct members, such that the duct members capture the respective mounting flanges 66, 68 therebetween for fixably positioning the duct member on its end plates and about the longitudinal axis, and for allowing the duct member to be selectively rotated thereabout.

As shown in Fig. 8, the second body portion 74 of the duct member 71 includes a series of vanes 88 extending in the lengthwise direction of the body portion and extending between the two spaced side plates 80, 82, for defining a series of airflow passageways 90 within the second body portion. The airflow passageways extend from the exhaust port to an air chamber 91 formed by the manifold in associated with its end plates, the exhaust port thus being in fluid communication with the air chamber 91.

An elongate liquid supply tube 93 extends along the length of the exhaust port 86, provided with a series of T-shaped pipe fittings 94, and an elbow 94', respectively, to which a respective nipple 95 is affixed, with a spray nozzle 90 affixed to the other end of the respective nipples and positioned within the exhaust port formed by the second body portion of the duct member. Fig. 8 illustrates a pair of the manifolds 62 of the invention positioned back-to-back with respect to one another, each having a pair of end plates 63, 67 as described above, with an independently positionable and selectively rotatable duct member 71 , 71', respectively, received thereon. The two duct members are shown in a vertically upright position in Fig. 8, the spray pattern attained by this position of the duct members, in association with the crop spraying device 60 of Fig. 14, being illustrated in Fig. 9 as a spray pattern S₄. Due to the construction of the duct members 71 , 71' in Figs. 8 through 13, these being a more compact, i.e. short, duct member with respect to the longer or taller duct members 15, 52 of Figs. 2 through 7, the more concentrated spray pattern S results, but which again is extended off to the sides of the crop spraying device due to the vertically upright position of the two duct members. Fig. 10 illustrates the duct members 71 , 71' of the manifold 62 in a downwardly inclined direction such that the spray pattern S₅ of Fig. 11 results, and the two duct members 71 , 71' are shown in Fig. 12 in an upwardly inclined position with respect to one another, and about the longitudinal axis 70, such that the spray pattern S₆ of Fig. 13 results. As the manifolds 5 and 62 are similarly constructed in that the respective first and second body portions of the respective duct members can be quickly positioned on, and capture their respective end plate mounting flanges for positioning the duct member on the crop spraying device, it can be appreciated by those of skill in the art that by utilizing the construction of the manifolds 5, 62 herein, any type of duct member design or configuration is possible, any such duct members being capable of being readily and quickly interchanged with one another, and being selectively rotated on the crop spraying device for greatly improving the coverage, efficiency, and economy of air blown crop spraying when contrasted with the devices known in the art. It is anticipated that the respective duct members, as well as any additional duct members which may be constructed in accordance with the principals described above, can be sized and shaped for the particular application in need, and for directing the spray where, and as needed when applied.

The shape of the manifolds 5, 62, as well as any other embodiments thereof which may be constructed, will be determined by the particular spray pattern characteristics that are desired. For example, a manifold for use with tall crops, for example, fruit trees, would vary from one intended to spray low- lying or ground crops. The velocity of airflow required, the required volume of air, and the volume of liquid to be sprayed are determining factors in the design of the manifold. The airflow characteristics can be controlled by the size of the fan used with the air blower, the speed of the fan, as well as the cross section of the respective duct member used with the crop spraying device for attaining the desired airflow volume and velocity. Each embodiment of the manifold, no matter how it is sized and shaped, would share the same basic construction having a pair of spaced end plates as shown, with the annular or arcuate mounting flanges as a part thereof, to allow for the interchangability of the duct member(s) on the end plate mounting flanges, each duct member having separate first and second body portions, respectively, clamped to one another for capturing the end plate mounting flanges therebetween, and being constructed for selective rotation on its respective end plate mounting flanges, and about a longitudinal axis passing therethrough. The manifold of this invention, therefore, allows for the spray pattern to be defined by the duct configuration, and allows for much greater directional control of the spray than is available with the known types of air blower crop spraying devices. Moreover, if damaged, the manifolds, either the end plates, and/or the duct members thereof, can be easily replaced without requiring any extensive modification of the crop spraying device.

The respective manifolds 5, 62 illustrated in Figs. 1 through 13 can be fashioned of any suitable material, either plastic or metal, although stainless steel is preferred for its resistance to the corrosive effects of the materials being sprayed by the crop spraying device, and for its endurance in an outside environment. Any suitable plastic or fiberglass materials, for example, which is also capable of resisting the corrosive effects of the materials being sprayed with the crop spraying device, and which are adapted for outdoor service, may also be used. The same materials will generally be used to construct the end plates as well as the first and second body portions of the duct members, respectively, with known types of tubing, pipe fittings, and spray nozzles being used for forming the liquid tube, pipe fittings, and nozzles, respectively, used with the manifold and the crop spraying device.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to which the invention pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed hereinabove, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described invention, nor the claims which follow.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A manifold for use with an air blower crop spraying device, said manifold comprising: a first planar end plate having an opening defined therein, and a first annular mounting flange extending along the periphery of said opening; a second planar end plate spaced from and parallel to said first end plate and having a second annular mounting flange facing said first mounting flange, said second mounting flange corresponding in size and shape to said first mounting flange and being coaxial therewith about a longitudinal axis passing through said end plates; an elongate duct member comprised of a first body portion and a second body portion, the respective body portions of said duct member being constructed and arranged to be releasably mated to one another so as to capture the respective mounting flanges therebetween and for being selectively rotated on said flanges such that said duct member extends into at least one radial position about said longitudinal axis; said duct member defining an exhaust port extending for substantially the length thereof; and an elongate liquid supply tube extending along said exhaust port and having a series of spaced spray nozzles in sealed communication therewith, said spray nozzles being positioned within the exhaust port and facing away from said duct member.

2. A manifold for use with an air blower crop spraying device, said manifold comprising: a first end plate having an opening defined therein, and a first arcuate mounting flange extending about said opening; a second end plate spaced from and parallel to said first end plate and having a second arcuate mounting flange facing said first mounting flange and being coaxial therewith about a longitudinal axis passing through said end plates; and an elongate duct member having a first body portion and a second body portion; the first body portion of said duct member being sized and shaped to be received on at least a portion of said mounting flanges and having an opening defined therein in communication with an exhaust chute extending away therefrom; the second body portion of said duct member having a pair of spaced and parallel elongate side plates and an elongate back plate joined to said side plates along their common edges for forming a substantially U-shaped channel defining an exhaust port extending the length of said side plates, said second body portion being sized and shaped to be received on at least a portion of said mounting flanges; said first and second body portions being constructed and arranged to be releasably mated to one another so as to capture the respective mounting flanges therebetween and for defining an air chamber in cooperation with and between said end plates, and for being selectively rotated on said flanges such that said duct member extends into at least one radial position about said longitudinal axis, said exhaust chute and said exhaust port being in communication with said air chamber.

3. The manifold of claim 2, further comprising an elongate tube positioned with respect to and extending along both of said exhaust chute and said exhaust port, said tube having a series of spaced spray nozzles in sealed communication therewith and positioned within either of said exhaust chute and said exhaust port, respectively, and facing away from said duct member.

4. The manifold of claim 2, said duct member having at least one elongate vane positioned therein and extending for substantially the length thereof for defining at least one fluid passageway therein.

5. The manifold of claim 2, the first body portion of said duct member comprising a planar arcuate body member sized and shaped to be received on the first and said second mounting flanges, respectively, of said end plates.

6. The manifold of claim 2, the second body portion of said duct member having a first end and spaced second end, the first end of the second body portion having a pair of spaced arcuate flanges for being received on the first and said second mounting flanges, respectively, of said end plates.

7. The manifold of claim 2, said duct member further comprising at least one quick-release clamp mounted on the first and second body portions, respectively, for releasably mating the first and second body portions to one another.

8. A manifold for use with an air blower crop spraying device, said manifold comprising: a first end plate having an opening defined therein and a first mounting flange extending along the periphery of said opening; a second end plate spaced from and parallel to said first end plate and having a second mounting flange facing said first mounting flange and being coaxial therewith about a longitudinal axis passing through said end plates; and an elongate duct member comprising a first body portion and a second body portion, said duct member defining an exhaust port extending in a lengthwise direction thereof; wherein the respective body portions of said duct member are constructed and arranged to be releasably mated to one another so as to capture the respective mounting flanges therebetween for positioning the duct member on said mounting flanges.

9. The manifold of claim 8, said second mounting flange corresponding in size and shape to said first mounting flange.

10. The manifold of claim 8, said duct member defining an air chamber in cooperation with and between the respective end plates when the first and second body portions thereof are mated to one another.

11. The manifold of claim 10, the exhaust port of said duct member being in communication with said air chamber.

12. The manifold of claim 8, said duct member being constructed and arranged to be selectively rotated on said mounting flanges such that the duct member extends into at least one radial position about said longitudinal axis.

13. The manifold of claim 8, said duct member being constructed and arranged such that the duct member may be selectively rotated upwardly and downwardly with respect to a vertically upright position about said longitudinal axis.

14. The manifold of claim 8, further comprising an elongate tube extending along said exhaust port and having a series of spaced spray nozzles in sealed communication therewith, said spray nozzles being positioned within said exhaust port and facing away from said duct member.

15. The manifold of claim 8, said duct member having at least one elongate vane positioned therein and extending for substantially the length thereof for defining at least one fluid passageway therein.

16. The manifold of claim 8, the first body portion of said duct member comprising a planar body member sized and shaped to be received on the first and said second mounting flanges, respectively, of said end plates.

17. The manifold of claim 16, the second body portion of said duct member having a first end and spaced second end, the first end of the second body portion having a pair of spaced flanges for being received on the first and said second mounting flanges, respectively, of said end plates.

18. The manifold of claim 8, said duct member further comprising at least one quick-release clamp mounted on the first and second body portions, respectively, for releasably mating the first and second body portions to one another.

19. The manifold of claim 8, the first body portion of said duct member being sized and shaped to be received on at least a portion of said mounting flanges and having an opening defined therein in communication with an exhaust chute extending away therefrom.

20. The manifold of claim 19, the second body portion of said duct member having a pair of spaced and parallel elongate side plates and an elongate back plate joined to said side plates along their common edges for forming a substantially U-shaped channel defining an exhaust port extending in the lengthwise direction of said side plates, said second body portion being sized and shaped to be received on at least a portion of said mounting flanges.

21. The manifold of claim 20, further comprising an elongate tube positioned with respect to and extending along both of said exhaust chute and said exhaust port, respectively, said tube having a series of spaced spray nozzles in sealed communication therewith and positioned within either of said exhaust chute and said exhaust port, respectively, and facing away from said duct member.

22. The manifold of claim 8, further comprising a first manifold and an identical second manifold, said first and second manifolds being positioned so that the respective second end plates of each of said manifold are positioned back-to-back with respect to one another.

23. The manifold of claim 22, wherein the duct member of each said manifold is constructed and arranged to be selectively rotated on its respective mounting flanges and extended into at least one radial position about said longitudinal axis independently of the other.

24. A manifold for use with an air blower crop spraying device, said manifold comprising: a first planar end plate having an opening defined therein and a first mounting flange extending along the periphery of said opening; a second end plate spaced from and parallel to said first end plate and having a second mounting flange facing said first mounting flange and being coaxial therewith about a longitudinal axis passing through said end plates; and an elongate duct member received on said mounting flanges, said duct member defining an exhaust port extending in the lengthwise direction of the duct member; wherein said duct member is constructed and arranged to be selectively rotated on said mounting flanges such that said duct member extends into at least one radial position about said longitudinal axis.

25. The manifold of claim 24, the duct member comprising a first body portion and a second body portion, each respective body portion being constructed and arranged to be releasably mated to the other so as to capture the respective mounting flanges therebetween.

26. A method of crop spraying using a manifold in association with an air blower agricultural crop spraying device having a supply of the liquid to be sprayed and being adapted to generate an airflow, said method comprising: mounting a first planar end plate on the crop spraying device, the first end plate having an opening defined therein and a first mounting flange extending along the periphery of the opening; mounting a second planar end plate spaced from and parallel to the first end plate on the crop spraying device, the second end plate having a second mounting flange facing the first mounting flange and being coaxial with the first mounting flange about a longitudinal axis passing through the two end plates; and releasably positioning an elongate duct member having a first body portion and an opposed second body portion on the end plates by mating the two body portions to one another and capturing the respective mounting flanges therebetween as the two body portions are mated to one another.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising the step of selectively rotating the duct member on the mounting flanges upwardly and downwardly with respect to a vertically upright position of the duct member on said mounting flanges.

28. The method of claim 26, comprising the step of directing the airflow from the crop spraying device through the opening defined within the first end plate and into an air chamber formed by the duct member in cooperation with the two end plates.

29. The method of claim 28, the duct member having an exhaust port extending in a lengthwise direction thereof and in communication with the air chamber, and a series of spaced spray nozzles in sealed communication with the liquid supply, the spray nozzles being positioned within the exhaust port and facing away from the duct member, further comprising the steps of: directing the airflow through the air chamber and into the duct member; passing the liquid to be sprayed through the spray nozzles; and passing the air and the entrained liquid therein as a spray from out of the exhaust port.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising the step of directing the spray as it exits the manifold by selectively rotating the duct member on the respective mounting flanges so that the duct member is extended into at least one radial position about said longitudinal axis.