IE52944B1 - A device for controlling fluid flow - Google Patents

Abstract

A herbicide applicator comprises a plurality of wicks 8 sealably connected into a reservoir 4. Free ends 9 of the wicks 8 absorb herbicide from the reservoir 4 which is delivered to weeds by wiping the wicks 8 over the weeds. The wicks are sealably connected into the reservoir and retained by a nipple 15 and a nut 14 which is secured in a hole 17 in the reservoir. The nipple 15 when tightened into the nut 14 compresses the wick on to a core member 18 in the wick 8 to vary the flow of herbicide through the wick 8.

Description

The present Invention relates to a device for controlling fluid flow through a wick, for example, through a wick of the type used In a herbicide appli cator.

Such applicators are used to apply herbicide to weeds and other undesirable vegetation growing in crops, and particularly, to weeds which have grown above the crop. Essentially, these applicators comprise an elongated reservoir usually of tubular construction with a plurality of wicks extending along the outside surface. Each end of the wicks is sealably connected into the reservoir. Herbicide is absorbed from the reservoir and travels through the wick by capillary action. By wiping the weeds with the wicks, herbicide is applied to the weeds.

Unfortunately, applicators known heretofor suffer from two serious disadvantages. Firstly, it is not possible to adequately control the rate of capillary flow through the wicks. Thus, where a crop with relatively few weeds is to be treated, too much herbicide flows into the wick, with the result that excessive herbicide drips from the wick on to the crop, thereby causing crop damage. Secondly, wicks of known applicators tend when they snag to pull out relatively - 3 easily from the reservoir thereby permitting herbicide to flow directly from the wick opening on to the crop with consequent crop damage and loss of herbicide.

There is therefore a need for a herbicide or other applicator which permits control of the flow of herbicide to the wick. Indeed, there is a need for a device for controlling the flow of fluid through a wick, for many other purposes. Furthermore, there 1θ is a need for a joint for securing a wick into herbicide applicator to prevent snagging or indeed for securing a wick into any reservoir, pipe, or the like.

The present invention is directed towards providing such an applicator,device and joint.

According to the invention there is provided a device for controlling fluid flow through a wick, the device comprising a core member mounted in the wick and compressing means extending at least partly around the periphery of the wick adjacent the core member to compress at least portion of the wick on to the core member. 53944 - 4 In one embodiment of the invention the compressing means is β collar.

Preferably a pair of co.llars are provided, one collar at each end of the core member, the collars being movable axially relative to each other to vary the compressive force on the wick at each end of the core member.

Advantageously, one collar is a nut and the other collar is a nipple of a nut and nipple assembly.

In another embodiment of the invention the core member is an elongated member,the largest outer cross-sectional dimension of which is such that the combined diameter of the wick and the core member is greater than the smallest diameter of the com15 pressing means.

Additionally, the invention provides a joint for connecting a wick into a pipe or reservoir comprising the device,the compressing means being adapted to sealable engage the pipe or reservoir.

Preferably,the nut or nipple extend to engage the pipe or reservoir.

Further, the invention provides a wick fluid applicator comprising a reservoir and at least one wick connected into the reservoir by the joint.

Advantageously, the reservoir is of tubular construction, of plastics material and each wick extends along the outer surface of the reservoir.

In another embodiement of the invention the core member is of a rigid material, alternatively it may be resilient, and further, if desired it may be porous. Indeed, in certain cases, it may be of hollow cylindrical construction. Advantageously, the core is coaxial with the wick in use.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some preferred embodiment thereof given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawins in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a wick fluid applicator according to the invention.

Fig.2 is a perspective view of a plurality of applicators of Fig.l 2944 Illustrated mounted on the tractor.

Fig.3 is a perspective view of the detail of the applicator of Fig.1, Fig.4 is a cross-sectional view of the detail of Fig.3, Fig.5 is a cross-sectional view of the detail on the line V-V of Fig.4, Fig.6 is a cross-sectional view similar to Fig.4 of the detail of an applicator according to another embodiment of the invention, Fig.7 is a cross-sectional view similar to Fig.4 of a detail of an applicator according to a further emodiment of the invention, Fig.8 is a perspective view of an applicator according to another embodiment Of the invention , Fig.9 is a perspective view of an applicator according to a still further embodiment of the invention, Fig.10 is a perspective view of an applicator according to a still further embodiment of the invention, and Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view similar to Fig.4 of a detail of an applicator according to another embodiment of the invention. - 7 Referring to the drawings, and initially to Figs.l to 5 thereof there is provided a herbicide applicator according to the invention generally by the reference numeral 1. In Fig.2, a plurality of applicators 1 are illustrated mounted on a tool bar 2 attached to a tractor 3. The applicator 1 comprises a tubular reservoir 4, in this case a pipe of plastics material with a pair of end caps 5 also of plastics material secured by an adhesive. A filler inlet 6 is closed by a screw cap 7. A plurality of wicks 8 for applying herbicide extend along the surface of the reservoir 4.

In this case the wicks are of rope material sold under the trade name Peppermint* by Gulf Rope and Cordage Inc. Free ends 9 of each wick extend into the reservoir and are secured by joints 11 according to the invention.

Each joint comprises a nut 14 and nipple 15 both of plastics material. In this case, a portion 16 of reduced diameter of the nut 14 extends axially to engage a hole 17 in the reservoir. A plastics adhesive is used to secure the nuts 14 into the holes 17.

Means to control the flow of fluid to each wick also according to the invention is provided by elongated core members 18 of plastics material. Each core member 18 is inserted coaxially into the wick between each nut 14 and nipple 15. The nuts and nipples act as compressing means, and by tightening or loosening a nipple 15 relative to a nut 14 the faces 19 and of the nut and nipple bear on the wick 8,thereby compressing the wick at each end of the core member 18. When it is desired to increase the flow through a wicks one or both nipples 15 are slackened off, thereby reducing the compressive forces on the wick.

When it is desired to decrease the flow of fluid through the .wick, the nipples 15 are tightened in the nuts 14, thereby increasing the compressive forces on the wick.

It can clearly be seen in Fig.4 that the combined diameter of the wick 8 and core member 18 is greater than the bore diameter of the nipple 15. This prevents the wick pulling through the joint in the event of snagging. In this particular embodiment of the invention the bore diameter of the nipple is m.m. and the diameter of the core member 18 is 8 m.m. Needless to say, any other desired dimensions could be used if desired.

In use, with the applicators 1 mounted on the tool bar 2 of the tractor 3 as illustrated in Fig.2.the applicators are filled with herbicide through their respective filler inlets 6.Depending on the density of weeds and undesirable vegetation In the crop to be treated, the nipples 15 of the joints 11 are adjusted to increase or decrease compression on the wicks 8 against the core members 18 so that the desired capillary flow of fluid through the wicks 8 is achieved. Needless to say, it will be appreciated that where the crop has a high density of weeds and undesirable growth, a considerably higher flow rate of fluid will be required than in the case of a crop with relatively few weeds.

The height of the tool bar 2 is adjusted so that the wicks 8 adequately clear the crop, but are at a sufficient height to wipe the weeds and undesirable vegetation in the crop. The tractor is then driven through the crop and the wicks 8 of the applicator 1 wipe the weeds, thereby delivering herbicide to the weeds.

The advantage of the invention is that because the - 10 capillary flow rate through the wicks can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the nipples 15 of the joints 11, very precise flow rates can be achieved, relatively easily thereby avoiding dripping of excessive herbicide onto the crop. furthermore, in the case of high density undesirable vegetation, an adequate supply of herbicide can be delivered through the wick. Additionally, because the diameter of the core member 18 is such that the com10 bined diameter of the wick and core member is greater than the bore diameter of the nipple 15 the wicks are positively locked into the joints 11» Accordingly.there is virtually no danger of wicks being pulled out of the reservoir should they snag. Indeed, it is envisaged in certain cases, depending on the type of wick used that the wick itself would sever before the wick would pull through the joint 11 in the case of snagging. Thus, leakage of herbicide is avoided, which avoids damage to crops and loss of valuable herbicide.

Referring now to Fig.5 there is illustrated a joint for joining a wick 8 into a reservoir 4 of an applicator according to another embodiment of the invention. This joint is substantially similar to that described with reference to the applicator of Fig.l to 5 and similar components are identified by the same reference numberals. In this case, the core member IB is of brass, but is of hollow cylin5 drical construction. A bore 24 is provided through the core member 18 to facilitate an increased flow rate of herbicide through the wick 8. It will be appreciated that by varying the diameter of the bore 24 of the core member 18 varying flow rates can be achieved. It is envisaged that this particular core member would be used in cases where a high flow rate of herbicide was required, particularly, for dealing with crops with a very high density of weeds and undesirable vegetation. However, needless to say, it will be appreciated that fine adjustment of the flow rate through this joint 11 is achieved by similarly tightening or loosening the nipple 15 relative to the nut 14 as already described.

Referring now to Fig.7 there is illustrated a joint according to a still further embodiment of the invention. This joint is substantially similar to the joint of the applicator described in Figs. 1 to 5 and similar components are identified by the same - 12 reference numeral. In this case, the nipple 15 is connected to the reservoir. A portion 15 of reduced cross section extends from the nipple 15 to engage a hole 17 in the reservoir. A plastics adhesive 1s used to secure the nipple 15 in the hole 17.

Referring to Fig.8 there is illustrated an applicator according to another embddiment of the invention. In this case, the applicator is substantially similar to that described with reference to Figs.l to 5 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals In this case, the only difference is that the wicks instead of extending longitudinally along the outer surface of the reservoir,-extend at a slight angle to the axis. This facilitates overlapping of the wick.

A further advantage of the applicator according to this embodiment of the invention is that the wicks generally receive a better supply of fluid. This is because of the fact that one end of each wick enters the reservoir at a relatively low level and the exit hole from the reservoir is in general covered by fluid.

Referring now to Fig.9 an applicator according to a » further embodiment of the invention is illustrated. In this case, only one wick 8 is provided and the free ends 9 are connected into the reservoir 4 by joints 11 - 13 similar to those described in the applicator of Figs. 1 to 5. While the applicator according to this embodiment of the Invention could be mounted on a tractor in similar fashion to those already described, it is envisaged that where a shorter tube of smaller diameter is used, the reservoir 4 could be mounted on the end of a shaft handle (not shown), and a manual applicator would be provided. Such an applicator would be ideally suited for horticultural use, particularly, in the control of weeks 1n lawns or indeed flower beds or the like.

Fig.10 illustrated an applicator according to a still further embodiment of the invention, in this case, the reservoir 4 is mounted on a shaft handle 26 and is ideally suited for manual use, for example in horticulture and the like. In this case, the reservoir 4 is of arcuate shape and the joints 11, similar to those described with reference to Figs.l to 5 are secure to the ends of the reservoir. Needless to say, if this applicator were provided with a longer reservoir, and one of a larger diameter it could also be mounted on a tractor as those previously described.

Referring now to Fig.11 there is illustrated a joint according to another embodiment of the invention for use in an applicator of any of the types already 529 44 - 14 described. In thise case, the joint is substantially similar to that described with reference to Flgs.l to 5 and similar components are Identified by the same reference numeral. The main difference between this joint and those already described 1s that the bore of the nut 14 is of larger diameter, this is to facilitate assembly of a wick into the nut 14. In certain cases, it has been found that difficulty has been experienced, in particular, in the field where it is necessary to assemble a wick Into a nut 14. In many cases, because of the small bore diameter of the nut 14 the wicks tend to jam in the bore.

To overcome this problem, the bore of the v>ut 14 has been enlarged. A sleeve 27 of plastics material 1s provided on the wick 8. A flange 28 provides faces 19 for compressing the wick 8 onto the core member 18. The sleeve 27 is retained in the nut 14 by the flange 28 which abuts faces 29 of the nut 14. The outer diameter of the sleeve 27 is a tight sliding fit in the bore of the nut 14.

Additionally, to ensure that the sleeve 27 is removed with the wick 8, a further core member 30 is provided in the end 9 of the wick 8. This causes an enlargement of the cross-sectional area of the wick which is less than the bore of the nut 14. Accordingly, when a wick - 15 is being withdrawn from the nut 14. the core member 13 ensures that the sleeve 27 will remain on the wick 8.

In use, it is envisaged that the wicks for use in this joint will be supplied with the sleeves 27 in position. Needless to say, the core members 18 and nipples 15 will also be supplied with the wick, as will the core members 30. It will of course be appreciated that this joint would function, in general, quite adequately if the core member 30 were dispensed with.

It will be appreciated that while in most of the embodiments of the invention described above, the core member has been described as being of a plastics material, the core member could be of any other suitable material, for example it is envisaged that it could be of brass, steel, stainless steel, or in certain cases it could be of a resilient material, for example, a rubber material or resilient plastics material. Furthermore, it is envisaged that in certain cases the core member could be of a porous material.

Additionally while the joint of Fig.7 has been described as having a core member similar to that in the embodiment of the invention of Figs.l to 5, a core member similar to that used in the joint of Fig.6 could be used. Needless to say, the core member of Fig.6 could also have been used in the joints of the applicator of Figs. 1 to 5. Indeed, while In all cases the outer cross-sectional dimension of core member has been described as being circular, core members of any other outer cross-seciton could be used, for example, triangular, square, rectangular, or the like.

Additionally, while in all the embodiments of the invention described, the compression means has been provided by a nut and nipple assembly, any other suitable compression means could have been used, for example, it will be appreciated that a collar'member extending at least partly around the wick adjacent the core member could have been provided. In which case, it is envisaged that the diameter of the collar member could be variable to adjust the compression exerted on the wick.

It is envisaged that while the device for controlling the flow of fluid through a wick has been described for use with a herbicide applicator, it will have many other uses, and could be used for controlling the flow of fluid through a wick. Indeed, it is not necessary that it be incorporated in a joint as described. It could be used independently at any desired position on a fluid carrying wick. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that although the applicator has been described for applying - 17 herbicides, it could be used for applying any fluid. Indeed, 1n certain cases it 1s envisaged that It could be used for applying Insecticide to crops.

While the joint has been described for use In connecting a wick into a reservoir, it could be used for connecting a wick into any other device, for example, a pipe or the like.

It is further envisaged that in certain cases, the reservoir may be pressurised. In which case, further control of the rate of fluid flow through the wicks could be achieved. In the case where a hollow core member is used it is anticipated that particularly accurate flow control could be achieved by means of the adjustment achievable by the nut and nipple adjustment as well as varying the pressure in the reservoir. Where the reservoir is pressurised, it is envisaged that high pressure air or gas, or indeed any other suitable means would be used.

While the reservoir has been described as being of plastics material, this is not necessary. The reservoir could be manufactured from any material and could be of any desired shape. Furthermore, while a specific wick material has been described, the wick could be manufactured from any suitable material. Additionally, the nut - 18 and nipples could be manufactured from any other material besides a plastic material. Indeed, 1t will be appreciated that while specific dimensions have been given in the case of the nut, nipple and core member, any dimensions could be used. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that while the nut and nipple have been described as having circular bores, they could have bores of any cross-section.

Claims (27)

1. A device for controlling fluid flow through a wick, the device comprising a core member mounted in the wick and compressing means extending at least partly around the periphery of the wick adjacent 5 the core member to compress at least portion of the wick on to the core member.

2. A device as claimed in Claim 1 in which the compressing means is a collar.

3. A device as claimed in Claim 2 in which a pair of 10 collars are provided, one collar at each end of the core member, the collars being movable axially relative to each other to vary the compressive force on the wick at each end of the core member.

4. A device as claimed in Claim 3 in which one collar 15 is a nut and the other collar is a nipple of a nut and nipple assembly.

5. A device as claimed in Claim 4 in which one collar is provided by a sleeve in the bore of either the nut or nipple.

6. A device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the core member is an elongated member, the largest outer cross-sectional dimension of which is such that the combined diameter of the wick end the core member is greater than the smallest diameter of the compressing means.

7. A device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the core member is of circular cross-section. 5

8. A device for controlling fluid·flow through a wick substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in any of the accompanying drawings.

9. A joint for connecting a wick into a pipe or 10. Reservoir comprising the device of any of Claims 1 to 8, the compressing means being adapted to sealably engage the pipe or reservoir.

10. A joint as claimed in Claim 9 when dependent on Claim 4 in which the nut or nipple extends to engage 15 the pipe or reservoir.

11. - A joint for connecting a wick into a pipe or reservoir substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in any of the accompanying drawings. S2944- 21

12. A wick fluid applicator comprising a reservoir and at least one wick connected into the reservoir by a joint as claimed in any of Claims 9 to 11.

13. A wick fluid applicator as claimed in Claim 12 5 in which each wick extends along the outer surface of the reservoir and each end of each wick extends into the reservoir and is connected thereto by the joint.

14. · A wick fluid applicator as claimed in Claim 12 10 or Claim 12 in which the reservoir is of tubular construction.

15. A wick fluid applicator as claimed in any of Claims 12 to 14 in which the reservoir is of plastics materi al. 15

16. · A wick fluid applicator as claimed in any of Claims 12 to 16 when dependent on Claim 8 in which the nut or nipple is bonded to the reservoir.

17. A wick fluid applicator as claimed in any of Claims 12 to 16 in which the applicator is a herb20 icide applicator. . - 22

18. A wick fluid applicator as claimed 1n any of Claims 12 to 17 in which the core member Is of a rigid material.

19. A wick fluid applicator as claimed in any 5 of Claims 12 to 17 in which the core member is of a resilient material.

20. A wick fluid applicator as claimed in any of Claims 12 to 19 in which the core member is of a porous material. 10

21. , a wick fluid applicator as claimed in any of claims 12 to 20 in which the core member is of hollow cylindrical construction.

22. a wick fluid applicator as claimed in any of Claims 12 to 2| in which the core member in use is 15 coaxial with the wick.

23. - A wick fluid applicator substantially described herein with reference to and as illustrated in any of the accompanying drawings. - 23

24. A wick for use in a wick fluid applicator of any of Claims 12 to 23, the wick comprising a pair of core members1n spaced apart positions and a pair of nipples or nuts between the core members. 5

25. A wick as claimed in Claim 24 in which a pair of sleeves are provided adjacent the core members towards the ends of the wick.

26. A wick as claimed in Claim 24 in which further core members are provided in the wick adjacent the 10 end thereof.

27. A wick substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.