AU2016203616A1 - Recycle and drift reduction spray system for vineyards and tree crops - Google Patents

Abstract

A horticultural spraying machine designed to spray rows of vine and tree canopies that are planted parallel including a spray assembly (curved shields) to partially encircle a row of crop such as vines and trees to be sprayed. A pair of curved arms supporting a respective pair of curved shields. Each spray assembly (curved shields) carries a plurality of fan spray heads. The spray assembly consists of a pair of curved arms, fitted over them a pair of curved shields. Each respective curved shield forming at their lower end a spherical shaped chamber for storage of excess sprayed droplets for collection of excess over-spray or spray-drift of agricultural chemicals used for crop protection. The pair of curved shields are fitted with at least two said lower fan spray heads to the lower ends located within the pair of curved shields and at least one upper fan spray head located above the vine and tree canopy. The two opposing curved shields capture significant over-spray or spray-drift that generally takes place when spraying agricultural chemicals for crop protection. F e) Figure 1 - 1/15

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to spraying machines for agricultural and horticultural crops. Particularly, the application of agricultural chemicals for protecting crops from pest and diseases.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a significant improvement of the inventor’s previous granted patent of a spray system for rows of plants described in the following patents in Australia serial number 719303 (application number 1999 042 353) and serial number 690473 (application number 66068/96). The inventor, Mr. Bent Baek, has exploited his previously granted patents to date and his company GreenTech International Pty Ltd located in the state of South Australia has gained commercial popularity with the technology of multi-fan spray heads in the wine industry. A prototype spray machine having multi-fan spray head technology was produced, developed and modified to accommodate at least two opposing curved shields to capture any over-spray or spray drift that generally takes place when spraying chemicals in vines and trees for crop protection. The prototype machine was tested by experimentations in South Australian vineyards applying different chemical application rates, at different vine canopy growth stages, at different air flow speeds produced by simple multi fan spray head technology. Test results indicated that a significant reduction in chemical application rate was achieved by accommodating at least two opposing curved shield to capture any over-spray or chemical drift which is then reused and reapplied onto the vine canopy. The results were compared with the inventor’s previous inventions of his multi fan spray head technology for spray vineyards outlined in the patents listed above.

Prior art has been reviewed relating to this invention and found that there are significant differences in this invention. These prior art are patents in Australia: AU 2006235825 and AU 2011100600.

Depending on many conditional factors such as wind and weather conditions, vine canopy size, travel speed, air speed, air volume generated by fans and droplet size, when spraying chemicals in vineyards for crop protection, significant over-spray or off-target or chemical drift generally occurs when using conventional spray equipment for controlling pest and diseases. This has been overcome by this invention as a result of significant experimentations by the inventor in various field conditions.

Application spray rates of agriculture chemicals such as insecticides, fungicide and liquid fertilisers are determined by unit area of land on which it is applied (for example litres per hectare or litres at a given lineal row or plant canopy volume size). These application rates are normally recommended by the chemical manufacturers by associated label instructions supplied with the products. Due to that the plant size (vines and/or fruit trees) can be significantly different, the variation in the number of plants per hectare is generally effected by the row spacing between rows of plants. Ideally therefore the spraying rates should be determined by the number of plants per hectare and/or the plant canopy sizes and/or volumes of the leaf in essence a function of tree canopy volume and/or canopy surface area.

One of the most disturbing aspects in agricultural chemical application, is the off-target of spray, when using conventional equipment and is the excessive use and over-spray of insecticides which is very toxic and a risk to humans. Conventional equipment does not have a system that captures this excess off target spray. This has subsequently been recognised in environmental regulations. Policies are now being enforced in many countries in order to minimise water and soil contamination due to off target spray losses. Horticultural and agricultural liquid chemical spray has also been recognised to cause harm to human and animal health.

For approximately two decades the inventor has made commercial use of the concepts outlined in his invention based on and described in the following patents in Australia serial number 719303 (application number 1999 042 353) and serial number 690473 (application number 66068/96).

Recycle and drift reduction spray system for vineyard

DESCRIPTION

This invention provides significant improvements to the spraying method of vine and tree canopies growing in parallel row for three reasons outlined below:

Firstly, that a plurality of fan spray heads are maintained at an optimum distance away from foliage, maintaining correct air flow and volume.

Secondly, that the spray rate needs to be adjusted according to the vine and tree canopy size in essence canopy volume. This means increased spray rate for large canopies which is quite independent from applying it at a per hectare rate regardless of how many vines or trees that are planted per hectare. In order to achieve this, it is disclosed in this invention a concept to reduce the chemical rate to the absolutely minimum that is effective enough to provide sufficient coverage protection of the canopy and particularly without off target-spray, generally, this is called over-spray or spray-drift. It is accomplished by regulating air flow and chemical flow rate according to canopy size thus by adjusting the opening of the curved shield by either manual or automatic method. Nozzles in each spray head introduce water and chemical mixture into the airflow at a rate either predetermined before operation or during operation by a computer control system. The spray rate may be determined by the ground speed of the spray trailer or tractor, where a slower ground speed corresponds to a reduced spray rate. The spray rate may also be in part dependent on the number of nozzles and the size of the droplets produced by the nozzles.

Thirdly, this invention uses at least two opposing curved shields, fixed over a pair of curved arms. The curved shields capture almost all or at least a significant amount of over-spray or off-target spray and reuses it. The effectiveness of the drift reduction comes from taking advantage of vacuums or negative pressures generated by a plurality of fan spray heads located within each opposing curved shields.

Therefore, this invention gives the provision of a means and methods to capture excess off-target or over-spray resulting in less usage of chemicals and subsequently significant benefits to the environment and considerable cost saving in controlling pests and diseases in the vine or tree crop industry.

The characteristics of these improvements and benefits are specified in the attached claims and will now be detailed in the following description which refers to the attached sheets of drawings, in which:

Figure 1, - a view taken at an angle front and the rear of the spray machine towed by a tractor

Figure 1A, - a view taken at an angle front and the rear of the spray machine towed by a tractor.

Figure IB, - the rear view of the spray machine.

Figure 2, - use of a pair of curved arms.

Figure 2A - the fan spray head assembly in details.

Figure 2B, - a pincer or horseshoe arrangement.

Figure 3, - a schematic slide section view of the curved shield.

Figure 4 - a schematic of the assembly of the spray system.

Figure 5, - a three dimensional views of the curved shield.

Figure 6, - the curved shield mounted to their respective curved arm.

Figure 7 - the curved arms having mounted four spray heads.

Figure 8 and figure 9, - assembly having the curved shields mounted.

Figure 10, - the curved shield mounted to their respective curved arms.

Figure 1 and figure 1A are each illustrating a view taken at an angle front and the rear of the spray machine towed by a tractor (1). It shows the chassis wheels (5), the pump (4) which supplies the treatment liquid chemical from the tank (2) to fan spray heads (8a) and the generator (3) which supplies electrical power to the fan spray head motors (8a) for rotating the axial fans inside the fan shroud ring of the spray heads.

The operation of the system, in relation to embodiments shall now be described. Referring to Figure 1 the arms (6) and (7) are swung out by hydraulic mean from the tractor thus extending outside the width of the spray machine trailer.

Referring to Figure IB, which is the rear view of the spray machine. When in operation, the spray machine tailer (1) is towed by a tractor in between two vine or tree rows, one on the left (3) and one on the right (4) such that the rows pass in between the opening of each respective spray assembly (3a) and (4a). Further relating to figure IB, each spray assembly (3a) and (4a) consist of a pair of curved arms that has mounted a plurality of fan spray heads and two opposing curved shields are mounted to the curved arms respectively thus partly enclosing the fan spray heads inside the shields.

As mentioned in the above text regarding the inventor’s previous patents and concurrently referring to figure 2, the inventor is making use of a pair of curved arms (2) of pincer-like or horseshoe shape, hinged above the canopy and extending downwardly over each side of the vine row. Desirably, the arms are angled at hinge points above the plant row thus above the canopy. A plurality of axial fan spray heads (3) are mounted on the curved arms (2) which can be adjusted up or down along the curved arms (2) thus adjusting their position relative to the vine canopy size. Optionally, a fan spray head (3a) can be mounted in the centre of the pair of curved arms thus apply chemical spray downward into the centre of the vine canopy. The inventor is making use a pair of curved arms (2) of pincer-like or horseshoe shape, hinged above the canopy. This particular configuration of arms was arrived at after many field experiments as it is simplistic to control.

Embodiment Figure 2A illustrating the fan spray head assembly in details. It consists of a shroud ring (1) a mounting bracket (2) for adjustment up or down on the curved arms an electrical motor (3), a fan (4) and a plurality of exchangeable nozzle and manifold (5) located in front of the fan which can emit liquid chemicals. This spray head assembly is mounted on the curved arms as illustrated in figure 2.

Referring to figure 2B, this embodiment is illustrating a pincer or horseshoe arrangement that has the inherent advantage of being adjustable and the extension of the pincer results in an approximately equidistant movement of curved arms with the mounted spray heads on both sides of the foliage. As a result, this particular configuration maintains the required distance between the foliage and the spray heads for most vine canopy cross sectional shapes as they are symmetric.

Further we are referring to figure 2B, the function and operation of the mechanism is illustrated in this embodiment. The support swivel bracket (1) is connected to respective arms (6 and 7) which is illustrated in figure 1. Support member (2) supports the curved arm sockets (3) which in turn are connected to leavers (3a) by a pin/bolt joint (4). When curved arm adjustment (opening or closing) is required, the hydraulic cylinder (5) extends by hydraulic power from the tractor thus changing the angle of curved arm sockets (3) and further when referring to figure 2 the opening or spreading the two respective curved arms (2) is increased. This aspect was noted by the applicant described in mentioned patents in Australia serial number 719303 (application number 1999 042 353) and serial number 690473 (application number 66068/96) as being an opportunity to implement this arrangement for spraying which results in an extremely simplified control mechanism and lower manufacturing costs.

This invention provides an outstanding and a significant improvement of the inventor’s previous patent and to the agricultural/horticultural industry, particularly as it further reduces the off-target or chemical spray-drift to the environment which is achieved and will be explained in the following text.

As the vine and tree canopy foliage of the plant row can be considered as a filter and thus some air and liquid chemical (through-spray) flows or blows through the vine canopy foliage and thus escapes to the environment and this is generally called off-target spray and is also known as spray-drift.

In reference to Figure 3, in order to eliminate or reduce any off-target spray this invention comprises of two simple curved shields of a similar shape to the curved arms.

Figure 3 is a schematic slice section view of the curved shield showing a view from the side and a slice section view of the spherical shape at the lower part forming a chamber reservoir for storage of excess liquid chemical.

Referring to Figure 4 is a schematic and illustration of the assembly of the spray system. This schematic provides details of the two opposing curved shields fitted to a pair of curved arms. This assembly consists of the following parts. Two curved shields (1) are mounted on each curved arm (2) enclosing the lower spay head (3) and at the top a centre spray head (3a) is mounted. At the lower end of this shield the shape is partly a sphere (2a) able hold and collect water mixed with chemical. A fixable material such as plastic or canvas (2b) is fixed to the top of the curved shields for flexible movement.

The space inside each curved shield is a chamber which is subject to a vacuum, when in operation, or low pressure, created by respective fan spray heads.

The top spray head (3 a) creates a vacuum (VT) and the lower spray heads (3) creates a vacuum (VL). The vacuum is sufficient to drag and capture almost all of the through-spray (over spray) which flow and pass through the vine foliage.

Again referring to Figure 4, continuously when the fan spray heads (3) and (3a) are operating this system recycles and recirculates and reuses almost all water chemicals mixture emitted from the spray head’s nozzles.

By way of further explanation of this operation, the through-spray from the opposing fan spay heads from each side is dragged inside of the chamber of each curved shield and thus reused and reapplied onto the canopy/ foliage.

Further referring to Figure 4, the curved shields (1) have a greater height than that of the vine and tree row to be treated and each of which is provided with at least one fan spray head which supplies a flow of pressurized air upward and into the plant canopy/foliage (vine and tree canopy) for treatment by water chemicals mixture emitted by the nozzles.

Again referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4, as mentioned above, each curved shield (1) also has a spherical shape (2a) at the lower end which forming a chamber. This spherical shape chamber (2a) can be used for storage of excess water chemicals mixture is not able to be recycled by the respective fan spray head and or be absorbed by the vine or tree plant canopy/foliage and therefore providing further use for the protection for the vine and tree canopy/foliage. Water chemical mixture collected in this spherical shape chamber can be emptied by manual method by draining or returned to the main tank or to a separated tank by a simple pump powered by the tractor or the generator fitted on the trailer chassis or an electrical pump located in the lower part of the spherical shape chamber.

Relating to Figure 4, each curved shield (1), made from flexible materials such as polyurethane, can be joined at their respective top by a flexible material (2b) such as water proof canvas materials.

Experimental tests resulted in an improvement in recycle of air flow when for example the vine and tree plant canopy/foliage is small hence at the beginning of the season and thus having little or no foliage. The top flexible material (2b) can be removed very easily thus allowing for adjustment of air flow entering the top of the curved shields.

Referring to Figure 5, showing a three dimensional views of the curved shield mounted to their respective curved arm. This view is when the curved arms are in a closed position when the plant width is at a minimum. Generally, adjusted to such level for treatment early in the season when the vine or tree canopy/foliage is small. The embodiment illustrating the top centre spray head (1), curved shield (2) flexible material (2b) and the lower spray heads (3). It shows the vacuum or low pressure region (VL) within the left hand shield and the vacuum or low pressure region (VR) within the right hand shield generated by the effectiveness of the air flow and by all fan spray heads.

Further referring to Figure 5, illustrates an opposing curved shields arrangement as a pair fitted on a pair of curved arm improves the penetration of the air flow and liquid chemical into the depth of the plant row, provides uniform wetting and coverage of the plants in the row, and enables the treatment of liquid chemical mist to be recovered, so as to significantly reduce and almost eliminate the dispersion of this liquid chemical into the atmosphere and onto the ground and soil, with all the consequent of advantages in economic and environmental terms such as soil contamination. This invention relates to constructional and functional improvements to this type of spray system, to enable it to achieve the outstanding results and to operate reliably.

Figure 6 illustrates the curved shield mounted to their respective curved arm. This view is when the curved arms are in an opened position when the plant width is at a maximum. Generally, this adjustment is selected in operation later in the season when the vine canopy/foliage is large and wider. The embodiment illustrating the top centre spray head (1), curved shield (2) flexible material (2b) and the lower spray heads (3). It shows the vacuum or low pressure region (VL) within the left hand shield and the vacuum or low pressure region (VR) within the right hand shield generated by the effectiveness of the air flow and by all fan spray heads.

Figure 7 illustrates the curved arms having mounted four spray heads (3) on the curved arms (2) supported by an adjustable assembly (1). This assembly can be used with the curved shields when the vine or tree canopy/foliage is large and wider and when the travel speed needs to be higher in order to treat larger areas of vineyards or trees. Figure 8 and Figure 9 illustrates this assembly having the curved shields mounted.

Figure 10 illustrates the curved shield mounted to their respective curved arms having four fan spray heads mounted. Generally, this complete assembly is selected in operation where the vine canopy/foliage is large and wider and when more air flow is required.

Figure 11 illustrates the curved shield mounted to their respective curved arms having five fan spray heads mounted. Generally, this complete assembly is selected in operation where the vine canopy/foliage is large and wider and when high ground speed is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above description, the spray system created by at least two opposing curved shields has been disclosed. The invention is not limited to controlling pest and diseases in vines or tree crops but can also be utilised for spraying foliage fertiliser.

The trailer which carried the product treatment consisting of water chemical mixture tank and all necessary equipment for the operation of the machine, including the power unit for powering the axial fans within the spray heads and pump required for the operation of the machine by a tractor.

The solution with the curved arms and shields located behind the towed trailer provides good manoeuvrability of the machine when moving into and out of vine or tree rows but not limited to be fitted at the rear of the trailer chassis.

The reference to any prior art in this invention should be taken as an acknowledgment and or forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

Claims (11)

1. THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

   1. A horticultural spraying machine designed to spray rows of vines or trees canopy that are planted parallel, said machine including at least one pair of curved arms each carrying at least one or a plurality of fan spray heads to direct spray material into a vine or tree canopy to be sprayed and said pair of curved arms has fitted over them a pair of curved shields.
2. 2. A horticultural spraying machine according to Claim 1, wherein said spaced shields are curved, to diverge downwardly away from each other, from their opening upper ends and converge downwardly towards each other at their lower ends to define a horseshoe shape, of each respective curved shield forming at their lower end a spherical shape chamber for storage of excess sprayed droplets, and wherein said pair of curved shields are fitted at least two said lower fan spray heads to lower ends of said pair of curved shields and in the upper centre of said pair of curved shields is fitted at least one said upper fan spray head.
3. 3. A horticultural spraying machine according to Claim 1, to accommodate for varying width of said vines and tree canopy adjustment of the opening space of said pair of curved shields is provided by actuation of an adjustable link, resulting in less or greater opening of said pair of curved shields.
4. 4. A horticultural spraying machine according to Claim 1, in which the said curved shields are made with supporting characteristics, such as strengthened sections, which supports a shell of plastic material and/or other impact resistant material.
5. 5. A horticultural spraying machine according to Claim 1 to 4, in which said spray heads consists of a shroud ring which has inside located a motor drive impeller/fan and in front of it a manifold fitted with a plurality of exchangeable nozzles.
6. 6. A horticultural spraying machine according to Claim 1 to 2, said fan spray heads, said curved arms and said curved shields are now called a spray assembly.
7. 7. A horticultural spraying machine according to Claim 1 to 6, at least one said spray assembly being mounted on the end of a radial arm rotatable about a mast pole on said horticultural spraying machine, means to rotate the radial arm, first adjustable link means between the mast and the radial arms to raise and lower the said spray assembly, and second adjustable link means to adjust spacing between said spray assembly of each pair, wherein the rotatable arm is positioned between an operating position and a transport position behind towable trailer machine.
8. 8. A horticultural spraying machine as defined in claims 1 to 7, wherein said machine is a towable type trailer or a self-propelled tractor carrying at least two pairs of spray assemblies, one pair on each side of said trailer, and wherein one radial arm is of greater length than the other so that when the spray assemblies are rotated into the transport position one is positioned rearwardly of the other for transport and ease of manoeuvring in restricted areas.
9. 9. A method of spraying rows of growing plant having a foliage canopy, said horticultural spraying machine is defined in Claims 1 to 8, comprising: a. Operating, while travelling and straddling over at least one said vine or tree row at least one spray assembly with two lower fan spray heads situated generally below said vine or tree canopy directing sprays entrained into two lower air streams created by said lower fan spray heads converge upwardly into a locality within said vine or tree canopy from both sides thereof with sufficient energy to displace at least some leaves from within said canopy in upward and outward directions of the said canopy, b. operating at least one spray assembly within at least one centrally located upper fan spray head on said tailer, or said tractor, is generally situated above said vine or tree canopy to direct spray entrained in an airstream created by said upper fan spray head to converge downwardly over, into and through said canopy in centre thereof to co-act with said upwardly directed airstreams at said locality within said vine or tree canopy and thereby creating turbulence both within said locality and around said canopy, c. operating at least one said spray assembly, within said lower fan spray heads and said upper fan spray head, respectively directing spray upwardly and downwardly into and through said vine or tree canopy, creating turbulence of droplets within and around said vine or tree canopy, with substantial spray droplets clouding said vine or tree canopy, being captured and drawn by the effect of a vacuum, generated by said lower and upper fan spray heads, within the opening and cavity of said curved shields, reducing over-spray to minimal, d. operating at least one said spray assembly, wherein, each spray assembly is arranged to generate turbulent regions of droplets within airflow mixed with droplets, e. operating at least one said spray assembly, wherein each spray assembly, is generating a turbulent region of droplets surrounding said vine or tree canopy, in such a way that it also forms an effective barrier against spray drift occurrence caused by any presence of wind in the environment, f. operating at least one said spray assembly, wherein each spray assembly includes a local collection methods of droplets that has been sprayed in excess which is directed to a sump for collection within said curved shields, g. operating at least one said spray assembly, wherein each spray assembly includes a local recovery method that is designed to collect excess droplets, that have been sprayed, and return, via a pump, said excess water/chemical droplets back to at least one fan spray head and or main tank for reuse, h. operating at least one said spray assembly or three of said spray assembly or operating a plurality of said spray assembly, connected to said trailer or tractor, adjusted to optimum opening suitable for fitting said vines or trees canopy in between said curved shields.
10. 10. A spraying machine as defined in Claim 1 to 9, comprising means to apply agricultural chemical to growing plants for the protection from pest and diseases.
11. 11. A horticultural spraying machine substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.