초록 ▼

The present invention relates to a flow control system for sprayer nozzles. The control system includes a solenoid coil and a solenoid plunger. The solenoid plunger can slide into an adapter body, substantially perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow. In reducing the fluid flow through the nozz

The present invention relates to a flow control system for sprayer nozzles. The control system includes a solenoid coil and a solenoid plunger. The solenoid plunger can slide into an adapter body, substantially perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow. In reducing the fluid flow through the nozzle, the plunger is moved to block an orifice in the path of the fluid flow, within the adapter. The plunger movement is achieved through the energization of the solenoid coil, with signals sent by a controller. The orifice in the adapter is manufactured to a specific size that allows reduced power consumption to shut off or reduce flow through the nozzle. Also, the orifice is sized to provide unrestricted flow when fully open. By means of the controller, control can be provided individually to each nozzle from a plurality of nozzles on a spraying bar. In one aspect of the invention, the flow control system can be used on agricultural sprayers with sensing equipment such as cameras that may determine the green condition of the foliage being sprayed. According to the determined condition, the controller would regulate the flow through the nozzles in the corresponding area of the field. The control valve adapts to industry standard fittings and adapts to a position on the fittings so the spray fluid passes through the filter and nozzle check valve before passing through the control valve while the nozzle check valve remains in place. Specifically, the control valve can be adapted onto a standard fitting and inserted.

대표청구항 ▼

[ Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:] [5.]5. A flow control system adapted to receive control signals from a control unit comprising:a spray nozzle defining a nozzle body, the nozzle body including a fluid spray outlet and a nozzle check valve;a fluid passage extending between

[ Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:] [5.]5. A flow control system adapted to receive control signals from a control unit comprising:a spray nozzle defining a nozzle body, the nozzle body including a fluid spray outlet and a nozzle check valve;a fluid passage extending between the nozzle check valve and the fluid spray outlet; anda control valve including an actuator, a flow impeding device operatively connected to said actuator for plugging the fluid passage, and a nozzle adapter connected between the nozzle check valve and the fluid spray outlet, the nozzle adapter providing the fluid passage and including an orifice in a wall defining the fluid passage, said control valve being mounted on the nozzle body and being switchable between a rest state wherein said flow impeding device is removed from said fluid passage and fluid is permitted to flow unrestricted along the fluid passage, and an energized state wherein said flow impeding device is moved into the fluid passage and said fluid flow is restricted through the fluid passage, the control valve being adapted to receive control signals from the control unit for switching the control valve from the rest state to the energized state.