U.S. patent application number 09/760982 was filed with the patent office on 2002-07-18 for system for applying a chemical to vegetation.
This patent application is currently assigned to DuBois Growers, Inc.. Invention is credited to DuBois, Brett, DuBois, Mark, DuBois, Monte, DuBois, Wayne.
Application Number | 20020092230 09/760982 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25060758 |
Filed Date | 2002-07-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020092230 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DuBois, Wayne ; et
al. |
July 18, 2002 |
SYSTEM FOR APPLYING A CHEMICAL TO VEGETATION
Abstract
The present invention provides a system for applying a chemical,
such as an herbicide, to a surface. A chemical reservoir stores a
quantity of the chemical for dispensation to the surface. A flow
control unit in fluid communication with the chemical reservoir has
a conduit in which the chemical flows. The flow control unit is
adjustable to control the rate of chemical flow in the conduit. At
least one wiper assembly is in fluid communication with the flow
control unit. The wiper assembly includes at least one wick sheet
which receives and absorbs the chemical received from the flow
control unit and applies the chemical to the surface via a wiping
action.
Inventors: |
DuBois, Wayne; (Boynton
Beach, FL) ; DuBois, Mark; (Boynton Beach, FL)
; DuBois, Brett; (Boynton Beach, FL) ; DuBois,
Monte; (Boynton Beach, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOHN CHRISTOPHER, ESQ.
CHRISTOPHER, WEISBERG & CRUSH, P.A.
200 EAST LAS OLAS BOULEVARD
SUITE 2040
FORT LAUDERDALE
FL
33301
US
|
Assignee: |
DuBois Growers, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
25060758 |
Appl. No.: |
09/760982 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
47/1.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01M 21/043
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
47/1.5 |
International
Class: |
A01C 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A chemical applicator apparatus for applying a chemical from a
chemical supply source to a surface, comprising: an interface
element in fluid communication with a respective fluid distribution
opening, the interface element receiving the chemical flow from the
fluid distribution opening; and a wick sheet in fluid communication
with the interface element, the one wick sheet absorbing the
chemical flow from the interface element.
2. The chemical applicator apparatus according to claim 1, further
including: an intake manifold having: a fluid receiving opening,
the fluid receiving opening receiving a chemical flow from the
chemical supply source; and a fluid distribution opening, the fluid
distribution opening distributing the received chemical flow; a
frame, the intake manifold being coupled to the frame; and a wick
coupler having: a first end coupled to the frame; and a second end
opposite the first end, the second end being coupled to the wick
sheet.
3. The chemical applicator apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
a plurality of wick sheets are arranged in a plurality of parallel
planar arrays, and a plurality of interface elements are disposed
substantially between the parallel planar arrays.
4. The chemical applicator apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
at least one wick sheet has a first length and at least one other
wick sheet has a second length different from the first length.
5. The chemical applicator apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
a stabilizing block member is coupled to the wick sheet.
6. The chemical applicator apparatus according to claim 5, wherein
a stabilizing rod is coupled to a plurality of stabilizing block
members.
7. The chemical applicator apparatus according to claim 2, wherein
the interface element is comprised of: a chemical dispersal member
having: a first surface; a second surface opposite the first
surface; and an opening having a central axis, the opening forming
a passage connecting the first surface and second surface; and a
conduit member, the conduit member being centered about the central
axis of the corresponding opening, the conduit member having: a
receiving opening, the receiving opening being in fluid
communication with the intake manifold; a distribution opening
opposite the receiving opening, the distribution opening being
coupled to the first surface of the chemical dispersal member.
8. The chemical applicator apparatus according to claim 7, further
including a material permeable to fluid, the material being
adherable to at least a portion of the second surface and the wick
sheet, the material dispersing the chemical about the second
surface and into the wick sheet.
9. The chemical applicator apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the wick sheet is comprised of one of a dense woven fabric and a
synthetic polymer mesh.
10. The chemical applicator apparatus according to claim 2, wherein
each of a plurality of wick couplers are arranged to couple a
corresponding wick sheet to the frame.
11. The chemical applicator apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the chemical is an herbicide.
12. A system for applying a fluid to a surface, the system
comprising: a reservoir storing a quantity of fluid for
dispensation to the surface; a flow control unit in fluid
communication with the reservoir, the flow control unit having a
conduit in which the fluid flows, the flow control unit being
adjustable to control the rate of fluid flow in the conduit; and a
wiper assembly, the wiper assembly being in fluid communication
with the flow control unit, the one wiper assembly including a wick
sheet absorbingly receiving the fluid from the flow control unit
and wipingly applying the fluid to the surface.
13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the flow control unit
transports the fluid to the wiper assembly by applying a positive
gauge pressure in the conduit.
14. The system according to claim 12, wherein the wiper assembly is
further comprised of: an intake manifold in fluid communication
with the flow control unit, the intake manifold having: a fluid
receiving opening, the fluid receiving opening receiving the fluid
flow from the flow control unit; and a fluid distribution opening,
the fluid distribution opening distributing the received fluid
flow; an interface element coupled to the wick sheet, the interface
element being in fluid communication with a respective fluid
distribution opening and applying the fluid flow to the wick
sheet.
15. The system according to claim 14, wherein each of the wiper
assemblies further includes: a frame, the intake manifold being
coupled to the frame; and a wick coupling member having: a first
end coupled to the frame; and a second end opposite the first end,
the second end being coupled to the wick sheet.
16. The system according to claim 15, further comprising: a
vehicle; and a tool bar mounted to the vehicle, the frame being
coupled to the tool bar and arranged to contact a respective furrow
in the surface.
17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the frame is
rotatably coupled to the tool bar.
18. The system according to claim 14, wherein a plurality of wick
sheets are arranged in a plurality of parallel planar arrays, a
plurality of interface elements being disposed substantially
between the parallel planar arrays.
19. The system according to claim 18, wherein at least one wick
sheet has a first length and at least one other wick sheet has a
second length different from the first length.
20. The system according to claim 14, wherein a stabilizing block
member is coupled to the wick sheet.
21. The system according to claim 20, wherein a stabilizing rod is
coupled to a plurality of stabilizing block members.
22. A chemical applicator apparatus for applying a chemical from a
chemical supply source to a surface, comprising: a frame; a wick
assembly coupling member having: a first end portion being
adjustably coupled to the frame; a second end portion opposite the
first end; and a plurality of wick assemblies, each of the
plurality of wick assemblies being coupled to the second end
portion of a corresponding wick assembly coupling member, the
plurality of wick assemblies being in fluid communication with the
chemical supply source, each wick assembly wipingly applying the
chemical to the surface.
23. The chemical applicator apparatus according to claim 22,
wherein the wick assembly comprises: a wick sheet; a reinforcement
sheet having an end portion, the reinforcement sheet being fixedly
coupled the wick sheet at least at the end portion; and an
interface element disposed between the wick sheet and the
reinforcement sheet, the interface element being in fluid
communication with the chemical supply source.
24. The chemical applicator apparatus according to claim 23,
wherein the interface element is comprised of: a chemical dispersal
member having: a first surface; a second surface opposite the first
surface; and an opening having a central axis, the opening forming
a passage connecting the first surface and second surface; and a
conduit member, the conduit member being centered about the central
axis of a corresponding opening, the conduit member having: a
receiving opening, the receiving opening being in fluid
communication with the chemical supply source; a distribution
opening opposite the receiving opening, the distribution opening
being coupled to the first surface of the chemical dispersal
member
25. The chemical applicator apparatus according to claim 23,
wherein at least one wick sheet has a first length and at least one
other wick sheet has a second length different from the first
length.
26. The chemical applicator apparatus according to claim 22,
wherein the chemical is an herbicide.
27. The chemical applicator apparatus according to claim 22,
wherein the plurality of wick assembly coupling members are
elastically deformable.
28. A fluid delivery device, comprising: a distributor member
having a first side and a second side and defining an aperture
placing the first and second sides in communication; a wick sheet;
and a matrix material interposed between the wick sheet and
distributor member.
29. A fluid delivery device according to claim 28, the matrix
material securing the wick sheet to the distributor member and
holding them in spaced apart relation to define a fluid
distribution and dispersal region.
30. A fluid delivery device according to claim 28, wherein the
distributor member is elastically deformable.
31. A fluid delivery device according to claim 28, further
including a fluid reservoir adapted to provide a controlled fluid
supply to the distributor member.
32. A fluid delivery device according to claim 28, further
including an array of distributor members and wick sheets.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to an apparatus for the
application of chemicals to vegetation, and in particular, to a
direct-contact apparatus for the application of herbicide to
undesired vegetation without disturbing desired vegetation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Efficient methods of weed control are essential in order to
maximize crop yield using modem agricultural techniques. Weeds are
most easily eliminated through the effective use and application of
chemical herbicides. Costly herbicides must be applied efficiently.
So-called "selective" herbicides contain chemical agents formulated
for use with specific types of vegetation. In contrast,
nonselective herbicides contain an active chemical agent which
kills all vegetation with which it comes into contact. Such
non-selective herbicides are therefore less expensive to produce
than selective herbicides, and may effectively kill all forms of
undesirable weeds. However, in applying non-selective herbicides,
care must be taken to apply the chemicals in a manner that targets
weeds alone, and not valuable crops.
[0005] A common method for applying herbicides is direct spraying.
Spraying of herbicides suffers from the disadvantages of requiring
relatively heavy and expensive equipment. Also, non-selective
herbicides can not be applied using this technique because both
crops and weeds would be affected. Even when selective herbicides
are used, spraying still significantly wastes the herbicide as it
is applied on both the crops and the weeds. Thus, efficient use of
non-selective herbicides requires a system that minimizes waste and
provides for a uniform, controlled application.
[0006] A relatively new method of weed control that is particularly
suited for this purpose is a direct contact application technique,
using a so-called "wick applicator". Wick applicators are an
example of direct contact applicators which directly apply the
herbicide to weeds by rubbing an absorbent wick-like structure
saturated with herbicide onto the weeds. Wick applicators are
advantageous to use since comparatively new "systemic" herbicides,
as opposed to traditional conventional herbicides which bum
vegetation, may be used with such applicators. After contact, a
systemic herbicide is absorbed by the vegetation and permeates the
root systems to kill weeds without affecting the soil.
[0007] Mechanisms which employ wick applicators mounted to farming
vehicles that traverse crops and apply herbicides through a wiping
action are known. Due to the variety of crops, a wick applicator's
particular structure is dictated by the size, layout, and density
of the weeds relative to the crops. Since many weeds tend to
initially outgrow crops in the early stages of growth, several
direct contact applicators have been developed to take advantage of
this differential in plant height. For example, devices in which a
wiper bar is mounted to a hydraulic positioning assembly adjusted
to conform to the nominal height of weeds while remaining above the
crops growing below are known. However, crops which outgrow the
nominal height of the weeds are subject to destruction by the
applicator mechanism coming into physical contact therewith. This
technique is also inherently inefficient in that it targets weeds
relatively late in their growth cycle, in which the weeds have
already diverted a significant amount of soil nutrients from the
crops.
[0008] Also, in applying herbicide in a wiping action, the amount
of herbicide applied is a function of the time in which the
herbicide-saturated wick is in contact with weeds as the apparatus
traverses the field. To increase this contact time, devices which
take advantage of vertical wick positioning have been proposed.
These devices provide structures in which the angular orientation
of the wick with respect to the direction of travel of the tractor
allows for greater contact time. However, these devices suffer from
the disadvantage of using rope-shaped wicks with a low relatively
low contact surface area and thus a low contact time.
[0009] Another shortcoming of the known structures is that they
fail to work when applied to crops with furrows, or spaces between
rows of plants. To effectively target weeds in furrows before they
have appreciably grown, direct contact applicators must conform to
the particular shape of the furrows. Known devices use a deformably
rigid wick applicator of annular shape with a relatively low
contact surface area. This arrangement is disadvantageous because
the applicator must be manually deformed to conform to the
particular shape of different furrows. The manual deformation
requirement results in a relatively low contact time with the
weeds, the failure to contact and apply chemicals to the weeds and
undesired contact with seeded areas and wanted vegetation.
[0010] Thus, it is desirable to have an apparatus for applying
chemicals to vegetation, in particular non-selective herbicidal
chemicals, which is suitable for use in furrows having varying
cross-section, and which has sufficient flexibility so as to
closely conform to the contours of the furrows. It is further
desirable to provide a large applicator contact surface area to
apply the chemical to the weeds. And it is further desirable to
provide an injection system to uniformly distribute chemical in a
controlled and efficient manner from a supply source onto the
applicator surface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention advantageously provides a system for
applying a chemical, such as an herbicide, to a surface. For
example, the system provided by the present invention makes the
application of a non-selective herbicide to undesired vegetation
growing in a furrow efficient, cost effective and convenient.
[0012] One aspect of the present invention provides a chemical
applicator apparatus for applying a chemical from a chemical supply
source to a surface, in which an intake manifold has at least one
fluid receiving opening and at least one fluid distribution
opening. Each fluid receiving opening receives a chemical flow from
the chemical supply source and each fluid distribution opening
distributes the received chemical flow. At least one planar
interface element is in fluid communication with a respective fluid
distribution opening. Each planar element receives the chemical
flow from the fluid distribution opening. At least one wick sheet
is coupled to and is in fluid communication with the at least one
planar interface element. Each wick sheet absorbs the chemical flow
from the at least one planar interface element and applies the
chemical flow to a surface in contact with the wick sheet.
[0013] As another aspect, the present invention provides a system
for applying a chemical to a surface, in which a chemical reservoir
storing a quantity of chemical for dispensation to the surface is
provided. A flow control unit is in fluid communication with the
chemical reservoir, and includes a conduit in which the chemical
flows from the chemical reservoir through to at least one wiper
assembly. The flow control unit is adjustable to control the rate
of chemical flow in the conduit. Each wiper assembly is in fluid
communication with the flow control unit. At least one wick sheet
is coupled to the wiper assembly. Each wick sheet absorbingly
receives the chemical from the flow control unit and wipingly
applies the chemical to the surface.
[0014] As yet another aspect, the present invention provides a
chemical applicator apparatus for applying a chemical from a
chemical supply source to a surface. The applicator comprises a
frame, at least one wick assembly coupling member, and a plurality
of wick assemblies. Each wick assembly coupling member has a first
end portion adjustably coupled to the frame, and a second end
portion opposite the first end portion. Each wick assembly is
individually coupled to the second end portion of the wick assembly
coupling member. The plurality of wick assemblies are in fluid
communication with the chemical supply source, each wick assembly
wipingly applying the chemical to the surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] A more complete understanding of the present invention, and
the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily
understood by reference to the following detailed description when
considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic of the an herbicide applicator
system;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an herbicide applicator
mechanism of the present invention mounted to a farming vehicle
illustrating a manner in which the herbicide is applied to a field
of furrowed crops;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an herbicide source and flow control
system for use with the applicator device of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the wiper assembly illustrating the
herbicide intake manifold attached thereto with dispensing tubes
distributing herbicide to the wiper assembly;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a side view of the wiper assembly of FIG. 3;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a plan view of an herbicide intake manifold on the
wiper assembly;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the top of an herbicide
injection interface;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the bottom of the herbicide
injection interface; FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the wiper
assembly taken from section 9-9 in FIG. 4;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the wiper assembly
taken from section 10-10 in FIG. 9;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a rear view of the wiper assembly showing the
planar arrangement of the array of wick sheets;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the wiper assembly
taken from section 12-12 in FIG. 4; and
[0027] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternate arrangement of
the wiper assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] As used herein, the term "herbicide" refers to a chemical
formulated to kill vegetation for agricultural applications. The
herbicide is preferably in liquid form under standard temperature
and pressure conditions, or a liquid solution or liquid suspension
of solid herbicide. It is also understood that the present
invention is not relegated to use solely with herbicides. It is
contemplated that any form of chemical agent, such as a pesticide
or fertilizer may be used, as long as the chemical agent is
dispensable in liquid form.
[0029] Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference
designators refer to like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 a
schematic diagram of an herbicide applicator system constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention, and
designated generally as 5. Herbicide applicator system 5 preferably
includes: (i) a vehicle 10, (ii) an herbicide reservoir 15, (iii) a
flow control apparatus 20, and (iv) one or more wiper assemblies
25. The herbicide reservoir 15 serves as the herbicide container.
The flow control apparatus 20 meters and controls the flow of the
herbicide from the herbicide reservoir 15 to the wiper assemblies
25. Wiper assemblies 25 apply the herbicide to the vegetation to be
destroyed.
[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment, the
wiper assembly 25 is mounted to the vehicle 10, along with a
herbicide reservoir 15, and a flow control apparatus 20, and moved
across a field of crops laid out in a commonly used configuration
of crop rows 30 with furrows 35, or spaces, between the crop rows
30. One or more wiper assemblies 25 are preferably fixed to the
vehicle 10 by an elongated member, referred to more generally as a
tool bar 40.
[0031] Although any number of wiper assemblies 25 may be mounted to
the tool bar 40, the preferred embodiment shows a pair of wiper
assemblies 25 fixed to the opposite ends of the tool bar 40 at a
width such that the bottom portions of the wiper assemblies 25 fit
into, travel within, and adapt to the contours of the furrows
35.
[0032] A schematic diagram of the flow control apparatus 20 is
shown in FIG. 3, illustrating the manner in which herbicide is
supplied to each of the wiper assemblies 25. The herbicide flows
from the reservoir 15 through conduits 45, thereafter through a
cut-off valve 50, and thereafter into piping 55. The piping 55
includes a tee 57 coupled to a discharge valve 60. The herbicide
exits the piping 55 and flows through a filter 65. The filter 65 is
adapted to remove undesired impurities and particulate matter from
the herbicide. After filtration, the herbicide flows through a
conduit 67 into a pump 70, thereafter through conduit 72 and into
piping 73. The piping 73 includes a tee 74. Upon exiting the piping
73, the herbicide flows through another cut-off valve 75 and
continues flowing through one or more conduits 80 and tees 85 such
that a single source conduit 90 is in fluid communication with each
of the wiper assemblies 25 attached to the tool bar 40.
[0033] A pressure gauge 95 is preferably coupled to piping 73, and
is employed to monitor the positive gauge pressure of the herbicide
flowing downstream of the pump 70. A return conduit 100 can also be
connected to the tee 74, thereby providing an operator with a way
to re-fill the reservoir 15 when emptied.
[0034] The above-described conduits and pipes can be manufactured
from any material suitable for transporting liquid chemicals such
as herbicides, including but not limited to: flexible polymer or
rubber tubing, rigid or semi-rigid pipes made of metals,
polyvinylchloride and the like.
[0035] The pump 70 may be used to either draw herbicide from the
reservoir and thereby pump it at positive gauge pressure into the
wiper assemblies 25, or may be used to fill the reservoir, when
cut-off valves 50 and 75 are closed and discharge valve 60 is open,
with a supply of liquid herbicide connected to the discharge
fitting 105.
[0036] Although the preferred embodiment of the flow control
apparatus 20 includes a pump 70 to move the herbicide from the
source reservoir 15 to the wiper assemblies 25, an alternative
arrangement for moving the herbicide, such as a gravity feed, may
be used.
[0037] FIG. 4 shows a rear view of a wiper assembly 25 constructed
in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The
wiper assembly 25 preferably includes a mounting bar 110, a
mounting L-beam 111, a wick coupling member 112, an intake manifold
113, one or more herbicide injection interface elements 114, one or
more wick-sheets 115, one or more conduits 120, a tee linkage 125,
a flat mounting beam 130, a stabilizing rod 135, one or more block
weights 140, and an intake fitting 141.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 4, herbicide is preferably pumped at
positive gauge pressure through a conduit 90 connected to a wiper
assembly 25. The wiper assembly 25 is mounted to the tool bar 40
preferably by the mounting bar 110. The mounting bar 110 can be
manufactured from a variety of materials, either being somewhat
flexible, such as graphite or carbon composite, or substantially
rigid, such as metal or polyvinylchloride. The mounting bar 110 is
fixed at its upper end to the tool bar 40 by a rotatable tee
linkage 125, such that the mounting bar 110 rests at a vertical
position, substantially perpendicular to the ground. As herbicide
is applied to the ground through a wiping action, the wiper
assemblies 25 are free to rotate about the tee linkage 125 axis of
rotation and thus deflect with respect to the vertical rest
position of the mounting bar 110.
[0039] The herbicide enters the wiper assembly 25 through an intake
manifold 113 incorporated therein. The intake manifold 113 includes
an intake fitting 141 coupled to the conduit 90, which supplies
liquid herbicide to the intake manifold 113 from the flow control
apparatus 20. Herbicide then flows from the intake manifold 113
through one or more conduits 120. The end of each conduit 120 is
coupled to an herbicide injection interface element 114. Each
injection interface element 114 is disposed adjacent to the surface
of a wick-sheet 115, whereby herbicide flows therethrough to
saturate and occupy the liquid-absorbing wick-sheet 115. The
herbicide injection interface element 114 acts as a distributor
member for the dispersal and application of herbicide into the
wick-sheet 115.
[0040] The wick sheets 115 are mounted to the lower edge of wick
coupling member 112. Wick coupling member 112 is clamped in place
between a first mounting L-beam 111, and a second flat beam 130.
Wick coupling member 112 serves as an intermediate, stabilizing
base element to keep the wick sheets 115 disposed in substantially
one plane. The wick sheets 115 are further preferably arranged in a
planar array of one or more layers, as more fully described herein
below. The stabilizing rod 135 is mounted to one or more of the
wick sheets with block weights 140 fixably attached to the ends of
the wick sheets 115, preferably at substantially the lower end of
the wick sheets 115. By mounting the stablizing rod 135 across the
array of wick-sheets 115 as shown in FIG. 4, the orientation of the
stablizing rod 135 being transverse to the direction of travel of
the wiper assembly 25 as herbicide is applied, the wick sheets 115
may be kept substantially in one planar space, without deforming or
curling, so as to allow for efficient application of herbicide.
[0041] FIG. 5 shows a side view of the wiper assembly 25 displayed
in FIG. 4. Referring now to FIG. 5, the mounting bar 110 is fixed
at its lower end to a rigid L-beam 111 perpendicular thereto. The
mounting bar 110 and the rigid L-beam 111 form a frame which
provides support for many other elements of the wiper assembly 25.
The mounting bar 110 is in a horizontal position parallel to the
ground and transverse to the direction of motion of the vehicle 10.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, the entire wiper assembly 25 is
substantially arranged within the plane subtended in space by the
mounting bar 110 and rigid L-beam 111. One or more fastener rings
142 may be used, surrounding the conduits 120 and fixed to the wick
coupling member 112, to prevent the potential entanglement of
conduits 120 with outside objects.
[0042] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a plan view of an intake
manifold 113 mounted to the rigid L-beam 111. Referring now to
FIGS. 5 and 6, a wick coupling member 112 of flexible yet
substantially rigid material, such as heavy-gauge rubber or
fiber-mesh, is placed at its upper end between the rigid L-beam 111
and a second flat rigid beam 130 parallel thereto. Wick coupling
member 112 is preferably trapezoidal in shape, wherein the lower
edge is wider than the upper edge coupled between the rigid L-beam
111 and the flat rigid beam 130. The rigid L-beam 111 and flat
rigid beam 130 are clamped at their respective distal ends by
fasteners, such as a nut 143 and bolt 144, so that the wick
coupling member 112 is tightly sandwiched therebetween. One or more
clamps 145 are fixed to one face of the flat rigid beam 130 to
couple an herbicide intake manifold 113 to rigid beam 130.
[0043] The intake manifold 113 is preferably comprised of a hollow
element 150 fitted with caps 154 at each end. The hollow element
150 is preferably tubular in shape and is fixed in place by clamps
145, and oriented in a substantially horizontal position parallel
to the flat rigid beam 130. The intake manifold 113 is further
comprised of at least one inlet opening 155 in the tubular element
150, allowing for the flow of herbicide into the intake manifold
113. As shown in FIG. 5, the intake manifold 113 is coupled to an
inlet fitting 141, which is thereby coupled to the downstream end
of the conduit 90 supplying herbicide from the flow control
apparatus 20.
[0044] Referring to the intake manifold 113 shown in FIG. 6,
herbicide at positive gauge pressure flows into the intake manifold
113 whereby the herbicide is distributed and exits through one or
more exit openings 165 provided at the lower surface of intake
manifold 113. The exit openings 165 are preferably provided such
that the opening diameter in combination with the positive gauge
pressure of herbicide flowing therethrough substantially evenly
distributes the herbicide among exit openings 165. Each of the exit
openings 165 is fitted with a corresponding coupling 170, which is
thereby coupled to a conduit 120. The lower end of each of the
flexible conduits 120 is coupled to an herbicide injection
interface element 114 and affixed thereto preferably using tensile
traction between the interface element 114 and flexible conduit
120.
[0045] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a top perspective and bottom
perspective, respectively, of the herbicide injection interface
element 114. The herbicide injection interface element 114 includes
a conduit member 185, and a planar member 190. The conduit member
185 includes an inlet opening 191 to allow for the inflow of
herbicide. The planar member 190 has an opening 192 therein, the
opening 192 having a central axis 193, and an inlet side surface
194 and an exit side surface 198. The planar member 190 is
preferably made of a substantially rigid material, such as plastic,
and preferably has a circular or polygonal shape and a large
surface area to volume ratio, like that of a credit card. The
opening 192 is preferably placed approximately at the center of the
planar member 190. The substantially rigid conduit member 185
passes through the opening 192. One end of the conduit member 185
is positioned through the interior of the opening 192. The exterior
surface of the conduit member 185 is secured to the contact surface
of the opening 192 using a suitable adhesive, or by means of
compressive traction at the contact surfaces of the conduit member
185 and planar member 190. In the alternative, conduit member 185
can be molded as an integral part with planar member 190.
[0046] The conduit member 185 is preferably oriented substantially
perpendicular to the planar member 190, or in such an orientation
that allows for the conduit member 185 to be fixed to the planar
member 190 whereby there preferably exists a distance between the
inlet end 191 of the conduit member 185 and the inlet side surface
194 of the planar member 190 sufficient to allow for the herbicide
injection interface element 114 to be arranged in the wiper
assembly 25 as described below. Alternatively, it is understood
that the injection interface element 114 may be designed in
numerous ways, with or without an element such as conduit member
185, such that herbicide is supplied from a source conduit to the
planar member 190, and that the embodiment disclosed herein is but
only one preferred arrangement of the device.
[0047] As shown on FIG. 8, the exit side surface of the flat planar
member 190 is preferably covered with a matrix of fluid-permeable
hook and fastener material 210, such as Velcro, placed thereupon so
as to enable the herbicide injection interface element 114 to be
securely affixed to the planar array of overlapping wick sheets
115, as more specifically illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10.
Alternatively, planar member 190 may be manufactured to integrally
include the matrix of fluid-permeable hooks and ridges by molding
the exit side surface 198 of planar member 190 to comprise a layer
of such fluid-permeable hooks and ridges, such that the features of
planar member 190 and the matrix of fluid-permeable hook and
fastener material 210 are combined into a single unitary element.
The exterior surface of the distal edge portion of conduit member
185 protruding through opening 192 is circumscribed by a planar lip
element 199 attached to the conduit member 185. Planar lip element
199 has a flattened toroidal washer-like shape. Planar lip element
199 is positioned to spatially affix the orientation of conduit
member 185 to planar member 190 such that the end of conduit member
185 (excluding the portion circumscribed by planar lip element 199)
is substantially flush with exit side surface 198 .
[0048] FIGS. 9 and 10 show a herbicide injection interface element
114 positioned within wick sheets 115. The conduit member 185 of
the herbicide injection interface element 114 is coupled to a
flexible conduit 120 to facilitate the flow of herbicide into the
wick sheets 115. FIG. 10 illustrates the herbicide 200 flowing into
the conduit member 185. As shown in FIG. 10, the liquid herbicide
200 flows out from the rigid tubular conduit member 185 and is
distributed at the exit side surface 198 of the planar member 190
through the contact plane formed between the hook and fastener
material 210 and the wick sheet 115. Though the combined forces of
gravity, hydraulic pressure, and capillary action, the liquid
herbicide 200 flows throughout the planar array of wick sheets 115
such that the wick sheets 115 are substantially saturated. The wick
sheets 115 are sufficiently saturated when herbicide permeates the
wick sheet 115 and is exposed on the exterior surfaces of the wick
sheet 115. At this sufficient saturation level, herbicide may be
applied using a wiping action to any surface with which the wick
sheet 115 comes into contact. Of course any other arrangement for
affixing the injection interface element 114 to wick sheets 115 can
be used as long as a fluid path for the herbicide is provided as
described below.
[0049] FIG. 11 shows a preferred arrangement of wick sheets 115
attached to the wick coupling member 112 so as to allow for the
application of herbicide to the desired surface. Referring now to
FIG. 11, an array of planar overlapping wick sheets 115 are
attached at their upper end by fasteners 220 to the lower end of
the wick coupling member 112. The wick sheets 115 are overlaid to
form parallel planar layers placed adjacent to one another. Two
parallel planar layers are shown in FIG. 11. Each of the individual
strips of wick sheets 115 are positioned side by side, such that
the boundary 217 between one pair of wick sheets 115 oriented on a
first layer is overlaid at approximately the midpoint of another
wick sheet 115 in a second adjacent layer.
[0050] The wick sheets 115 are preferably made of a suitable
substantially flexible, liquid-absorbing material, such as a dense
woven fabric or synthetic polymer mesh, so as to absorb a
substantial amount of herbicide flowing from the plurality of
injection interface elements 114 embedded between the parallel
planar array of wick sheets 115.
[0051] It is emphasized that the foregoing spatial arrangement of
the wick sheets 115 is only one example of a preferred embodiment
of the present invention. Any number of alternative arrangements
may be used so as to provide for the application of herbicide using
herbicide-saturated wicks applied to a desired contact surface
using a wiping action. For example, although FIG. 11 shows an array
of parallel planar wick sheets 115 of substantially equal length,
the arrangement of wick sheets 115 can also incorporate individual
wick sheets 115 of varying length.
[0052] FIG. 12 is cross-sectional view of the wick sheets 115,
illustrating the capability of the wick sheets 115 to deform and
thereby conform to the desired application surface. Due to the
flexibility of the parallel planar array of wick sheets 115, as
illustrated by the hash-lines in FIG. 12, the liquid herbicide is
applied in such a manner as to allow the wiper assembly 25 to
substantially deform and conform to the contours of the ground in
the furrows 35. This enables the herbicide to efficiently cover the
targeted surfaces and be applied with a minimum of waste, because
the wick sheets 115 are saturated only to the point of allowing the
herbicide to adhere to an exterior surface through contact and not
through excess dripping. Of course, this result is contingent on
the user effectively metering the overall flow of herbicide through
the apparatus so that the wick sheets 115 are not excessively
saturated. It is understood that the particular level of wick sheet
115 saturation required for the efficient operation of the device
can be ascertained by the user through (i) repeated iterative
operation of the device, or (ii) by observing the flow of herbicide
as it is applied, and accordingly making subsequent adjustments to
the flow control apparatus 20 and subsequent corresponding
herbicide flow rate through the apparatus.
[0053] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 12, a rigid stabilizing rod 135 is
optionally placed horizontally at the lower end of the planar array
of wick sheets, being parallel thereto and secured at either end
thereof by a solid block weight 140. The rigid stabilizing rod 135
serves to prevent the highly flexible array of wick sheets 115 from
becoming entangled. This allows the array of wick sheets 115 to
substantially remain in a single plane so as to enable uniform
application of herbicide onto the ground.
[0054] In operation, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the parallel
planar array of wick sheets 115 of the wiper assembly 25 is dragged
behind the vehicle 10 through a furrow 35 in a field so as to apply
liquid herbicide onto any vegetation growing therein. The weeds and
other undesired vegetation in the furrows 35 come into contact with
the herbicide, and the desired response, such as killing the weeds,
is facilitated.
[0055] FIG. 13 shows another aspect of the invention, in which the
parallel planar array of wick sheets has preferably been replaced
by a plurality of individual coplanar wick assemblies 230. The wick
assemblies 230 include a planar wick sheet 235 coupled to at least
one injection interface element 114, and are fixably attached to a
tool bar 240, by one or more elongated members 245, preferably made
of an elastically deformable solid material, such as a graphite,
fiberglass, or polymer rod. The herbicide is again supplied via an
inlet tube 250 to a manifold 255, and thereby distributed to the
individual co-planar wick sheets 235 by flexible conduits 260. At
the end of each flexible conduit, an injection interface element
114 is provided and used in a manner similar to that of the
previously discussed embodiment. Each individual planar wick sheet
235 is further spread out to retain a substantially planar shape by
a reinforcement sheet 265. Reinforcement sheet 265 is preferably
made of a substantially rigid material, such as plastic or
wire-mesh.
[0056] The present invention therefore advantageously provides a
system which allows a chemical such as a non-selective herbicide to
be safely applied to undesired vegetation, such as weeds growing in
a furrow, in a manner which does not waste chemical product, and
applies the chemical to the undesired vegetation without disturbing
the desired vegetation. By applying the chemical to the surface via
a wiping action, the present invention is useful for direct surface
contact with undesired vegetation growth as well as contact with a
surface which may have undesired seedlings or ungerminated
undesired seeds.
[0057] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly
shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was
made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the
accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications
and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is
limited only by the following claims.
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