초록 ▼

An agricultural chemical sprayer is disclosed using special pre-coded machine-readable chemical containers which, when attached for use, become an integral part of an automatic spray control system. The pre-coded data derived from a given container effectively prevents unauthorized and unsafe contai

An agricultural chemical sprayer is disclosed using special pre-coded machine-readable chemical containers which, when attached for use, become an integral part of an automatic spray control system. The pre-coded data derived from a given container effectively prevents unauthorized and unsafe container refilling operations and, at the same time, automatically provides optimum control over the spray application rate (pump operation and/or electrostatic voltage), prevents mixing of incompatible spray solutions, prescribes proper spray system flushing procedures, and at all times after filling maintains an irreversible account of the available liquid remaining in the container. Provisions are made for monitoring the condition and/or operation of each spray nozzle and special connectors are provided for effecting optimum liquid and electrical circuit connections in such a system. A distributed logic microprocessor-based electronic control system, a modular nozzle design incorporating a customized I/O integrated circuit and a special container design including a customized PROM integrated circuit are provided in the preferred embodiment.

대표청구항 ▼

An agricultural liquid spraying apparatus comprising: a liquid container including a liquid output port and a pre-set electrical circuit having at least one electrically-sensible parameter which is pre-set to represent a pre-determined spray application rate for the intended liquid filling of the co

An agricultural liquid spraying apparatus comprising: a liquid container including a liquid output port and a pre-set electrical circuit having at least one electrically-sensible parameter which is pre-set to represent a pre-determined spray application rate for the intended liquid filling of the container; at least one spray head adapted to spray liquid supplied thereto; fluid flow rate control means in fluid communication with said spray head and in removable fluid connection with said liquid output port of the container for withdrawing liquid from the container and supplying same to said spray head at a controlled rate; and electrical control means in removable electrical signal communication with said pre-set electrical circuit and electrically connected to control said fluid flow rate control means in accordance with said preset electrically sensible parameter.