TW201424855A - Apparatus for injecting soil treatments - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for injecting soil treatment into soil includes a manifold head having at least one high pressure nozzle for injecting the soil treatment into the soil and a handle having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis. The handle comprises an upper portion having two spaced-apart tubular shafts and a lower portion having two spaced-apart tubular shafts. The tubular shafts of the lower portion are connected to the tubular shafts of the upper portion.

Description

Equipment for injecting soil treatments

The field of the invention generally relates to soil treatments and, more particularly, to the application of soil treatments below the surface of the ground in a manner that does not disturb the surface of the soil prior to injecting the soil treatment (using a hand-held application tool) For example, methods and equipment for insecticides.

The insertion of soil treatment into the soil near the building has been used to prevent or reduce the infestation of insects or other harmful substances. In the absence of treatment, such hazardous materials can cause significant public hazards or hazards to the owner of the building or its occupants. Knowing that such pests can attack building structures and penetrate buildings can cause other problems for their occupants.

At least one known method of soil treatment involves applying an insecticide, fertilizer or other soil treatment by placing it directly under and around the structure, around a crop, pole, fence, deck or other woody element. This direct placement method involves digging, trenching, and/or rodding (i.e., forcing an application device into the soil), and then placing the soil treatment directly into the digging area of the trench. This known method can damage vegetation, destroy the landscape and greatly affect or reduce the aesthetics and value of the treated area before the plant recovers or grows a new crop.

For example, in some soils where common termite treatments are placed directly into the soil surrounding the structure, it involves digging a trench of about 4 inches to 6 inches wide by 6 inches deep, in which 10 linear feet per ditch, A termiticide composition is applied at a rate of 4 gallons per depth foot. In addition to the application of soil treatment to the ditch, the soil treatment can also be The rod is injected into the ground with a rod injection tool that is inserted down into the ground or at the top of a column (ie, a portion of the building foundation). For a typical structure with a circumference of 200 linear feet, the time to prepare, excavate, inject, and complete the application of the soil treatment depends on the soil type and whether the application is performed by two technicians or one technician and requires at least 4 hours to 6 hour.

Another known method of soil treatment involves inserting a tool directly down into the ground and delivering pesticides, fertilizers or other soil treatments to the surface. The application of soil treatment under the surface of the soil has been used as a means of limiting the washout of the treatment. Typical devices for implementing such soil treatments have utilized needles or other mechanical means to create a passage into the soil to allow soil treatment to be inserted into the ground. Such devices have significant limitations such as the creation of unsightly pores in the soil or other undesirable problems (such as unnecessary soil compaction relative to the insertion site) and the need to use mechanical forces to create the pores. Moreover, devices pushed into the ground can be contaminated by soil-borne pathogens or other contaminants that may be transported to the next injection site.

The use of high pressure flow as an effective injection under the soil surface has been previously described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 5,370,069, issued to Monroe, entitled "Apparatus and Method for Aerating and/or Introducing Particulate Matter into a Ground Surface". Method of material. These methods use a high pressure spray of a fluid such as air or water entrained with a soil treatment agent (whether the soil treatment agent is in a solution mixed with a fluid or a granular material carried by a fluid). The high pressure jet can form a small hole in the surface in which the material can be placed or the material can be absorbed by the surface in a rapid manner, so that the soil disturbance is minimal. One advantage of using a high pressure jet is that no mechanical force is required to create a passage as a predictor of one of the soil treatment materials to be placed beneath the surface of the soil. There is also no need for any other disturbance of the soil, such as placing a tool directly down the surface of the ground.

Although devices such as those disclosed in Monroe place soil treatments on the surface The following aspects are effective, but are designed to distribute such materials over a short distance below the surface of the soil and in both areas of the larger open space, where the size of the device is not limited. These known devices are not suitable for strategically injecting soil treatments into and around the soil under and around structures, ornamental crops, poles, fences, decks or other wood elements, where specific resistance is Insect attack treatments are common.

Accordingly, there is a need for a hand held high pressure application tool for applying a soil treatment (e.g., a termiticide or other insecticide) below the surface of a floor adjacent to a structure. This hand-held tool will allow an operator to strategically position a tool around a structure (such as a house, a deck, any landscape that can be near the house and/or deck), around the poles, and around the plant. The tool can include a plurality of nozzles for applying a predetermined amount of soil treatment under a controlled pressure that injects the soil treatment down to a desired predetermined depth. This allows for precise application in situations where the application area is carefully controlled.

In one aspect, an apparatus for injecting soil treatment into soil generally includes a manifold head having at least one high pressure nozzle for injecting the soil treatment into the soil. A handle has: a longitudinal axis; a transverse axis; an upper portion having two spaced apart tubular shaft members and a lower portion having two spaced apart tubular shaft members. The tubular shaft members of the lower portion are coupled to the tubular shaft members of the upper portion.

In another aspect, an apparatus for injecting soil treatment into soil generally includes a handle having a pair of handles for facilitating manual manipulation of the apparatus by an operator. The handles are selectively moveable from a first position on the handle to a second position on the handle. At least one high pressure nozzle is provided for injecting the soil treatment into the soil and a soil treatment supply is in fluid communication with the at least one high pressure nozzle.

In yet another aspect, an apparatus for injecting soil treatment into soil generally includes a handle having an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion is relative to the upper portion Divided into angles. At least one high pressure nozzle is carried by the lower portion of the handle and adapted to inject the soil treatment into the soil. A soil treatment supply is in fluid communication with the at least one high pressure nozzle.

In still another aspect, an apparatus for injecting soil treatment into soil generally includes a handle and a manifold head carried by the handle. The manifold head has a plurality of pressure nozzles for injecting the soil treatment into the soil and thereby defining an injection site. An impact protector extends outwardly from at least one side of the manifold head to prevent debris that can collide during the injection of the soil treatment.

In still another aspect, a high pressure injection system for injecting a soil treatment into soil generally comprises: a supply vehicle; and a hand-held portable application tool via a conduit defining a fluid passageway and at least An electrical connector is connected to the vehicle. A hose reel is mounted to the supply vehicle. The hose reel includes: a spool; a mounting bracket for mounting the spool to the supply cart; and a handle for manually rotating the spool relative to the mounting bracket. The handle can be used to rotate the spool relative to the mounting bracket to wrap and unwind the conduit around the spool, the handle including a rotation for feeding the electrical connector to one of the conduits wrapped around the spool Electrical connector.

In still further aspects, a valve and conduit defining a fluid passageway can be opened and closed to allow fluid, gas, or a combination of both to flow around an electronic actuator, thereby clearing any travel in the conduit. The gas line interrupts or causes intermittent flow of fluid through the conduit and manifold head or releases fluid pressure from the conduit prior to disconnecting the conduit from the supply cart and connecting to the hand-held portable application tool.

10‧‧‧Injection system

12‧‧‧Applying tools

13‧‧‧ catheter

14‧‧‧ Termite agent fluid supply vehicle

15‧‧‧Electrical connectors

16‧‧‧Management head

17‧‧‧Hands

18‧‧‧Top part of the handle

19‧‧‧Under the handle

20‧‧‧ tubular section

22‧‧‧Handle section

24‧‧‧Top end of the tubular section

26‧‧‧Spring/biasing element

28‧‧‧Lower part of the lower part

30‧‧‧ Attachment bracket

32‧‧‧The end of the pivot pin

34‧‧‧The end of the pivot pin

36‧‧‧ pivot pin

38‧‧‧High pressure nozzle

40, 42‧‧‧ main internal passage

44‧‧‧Contact channel

50‧‧‧Contact plate

52‧‧‧ bottom surface

54‧‧‧ openings

56‧‧‧ discharge valve

58‧‧‧High pressure inlet port

60‧‧‧ trigger switch

62‧‧‧Trigger switch actuator

66‧‧‧ low pressure nozzle

68‧‧‧ discharge valve

70‧‧‧ nozzle

72‧‧‧ Container

80‧‧‧Water storage tank

81‧‧‧ water inlet

82‧‧‧High pressure pump

84‧‧‧ Termite concentrate concentrate storage tank

86‧‧‧Mixed devices

88‧‧‧ gasoline engine

90‧‧‧Generator

92‧‧‧ Controller

94‧‧‧House

96‧‧‧Injection site

100‧‧‧ square matrix configuration

102‧‧‧Multi-port high pressure nozzle

104‧‧‧ mouth

106‧‧‧Drainage

108‧‧‧Drainage

110‧‧‧Vertical deviation angle

112‧‧‧Center high pressure nozzle

191‧‧‧ radiator

193‧‧‧Hose reel

212‧‧‧Handheld portable application tool

216‧‧‧Management head

217‧‧‧Handle

218‧‧‧The upper part of the handle

219‧‧‧Under the handle

223‧‧‧ bolt

225‧‧‧Upstop

226‧‧‧Spring/biasing element

227‧‧‧Bottom stop

229‧‧‧ slots

236‧‧‧ pivot pin

256‧‧‧ discharge valve

260‧‧‧ trigger switch

310‧‧‧High Pressure Injection System

312‧‧‧Handheld portable application tool

313‧‧‧ catheter

314‧‧‧Supply car

315‧‧‧Electrical connectors

316‧‧‧Management head

317‧‧‧Handle

318‧‧‧The upper part of the handle

319‧‧‧Under the handle

320‧‧‧ tubular section

322‧‧‧Handle section

324‧‧‧The upper end of the tubular section

326‧‧‧Spring/biasing element

328‧‧‧Lower part of the lower part

330‧‧‧ Attachment bracket

331‧‧‧ foot bracket

332‧‧‧The end of the pivot pin

334‧‧‧The end of the pivot pin

336‧‧‧ pivot pin

338‧‧‧High pressure nozzle

340, 342‧‧‧ internal passage

344‧‧‧Contact channel

350‧‧‧Contact plate

352‧‧‧ bottom surface

354‧‧‧ openings

356‧‧‧Drain valve

358‧‧‧Enter the mouth

360‧‧‧Trigger switch

362‧‧‧Trigger switch actuator

380‧‧‧Water storage tank

381‧‧‧ water inlet

382‧‧‧High pressure pump/pressure pump

384‧‧‧Second termite concentrate concentrate storage tank

384’‧‧‧first termite agent concentrate storage tank

385‧‧‧Quantitative devices

386‧‧‧Second hybrid device

386’‧‧‧ first hybrid device

387‧‧‧Accumulator

388‧‧‧ gasoline engine

389‧‧‧ pressurized water road

390‧‧‧Generator

392‧‧‧ Controller

398‧‧‧Bumper protector

510‧‧‧High Pressure Injection System

512‧‧‧Handheld portable application tool

513‧‧‧ catheter

514‧‧‧Supply car

515‧‧‧Electrical connectors

516‧‧‧Management head

517‧‧‧Handle

518‧‧‧The upper part of the handle

519‧‧‧Under the handle

520‧‧‧ tubular section

522‧‧‧Handle section

523‧‧‧Second handle section

524‧‧‧The upper end of the tubular section

525‧‧‧Bottom of the tubular section

526‧‧Wedding/biasing elements

527‧‧‧handle

529‧‧‧Tubular shaft parts

530‧‧‧ Attachment bracket

531‧‧‧ foot bracket

533‧‧‧Tubular shaft parts

536‧‧‧ pivot pin

537‧‧‧stops

538‧‧‧High pressure nozzle

550‧‧‧Contact plate

552‧‧‧ bottom surface

554‧‧‧ openings

556‧‧‧Drain valve

560‧‧‧ trigger switch

562‧‧‧Trigger switch actuator

580‧‧‧Water storage tank

581‧‧‧ water inlet

582‧‧‧High pressure pump

584‧‧‧Second termite concentrate concentrate storage tank

584’‧‧‧first termite agent concentrate storage tank

585‧‧‧Quantitative devices

586‧‧‧Second hybrid device

586’‧‧‧Mixed devices

587‧‧‧Accumulator

588‧‧‧ gasoline engine

589‧‧‧Pressure water road

590‧‧‧Generator

591‧‧‧Clutch mechanism

592‧‧‧ Controller

593‧‧‧Hose reel

594‧‧‧Wire spool

595‧‧‧mounting bracket

596‧‧‧Handle

597‧‧‧Rotary coupling

598‧‧‧Bumper protector

599‧‧‧Rotary electrical connector

1 is a schematic illustration of one of a high pressure injection system for injecting a termiticide into the ground, wherein the system includes a base unit and a hand held application tool, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

Figure 2 is a front view of one of the hand-held portable application tools of Figure 1 after the part is cut away. Figure.

3 is a side elevational view of one of the handheld portable application tools of FIG. 2.

Figure 4 is a perspective schematic view of one of the elongated shape manifold heads used with the application tool.

Figure 5 is a perspective schematic view of one of the arcuate shaped manifold heads used with the application tool.

Figure 6 is a perspective schematic view of one of the manifold heads shown in Figure 2 having a low pressure nozzle positioned adjacent to the high pressure nozzle.

Figure 7 is a perspective schematic view of one of the manifold heads shown in Figure 2 having a low pressure nozzle concentric with the high pressure nozzle.

Figure 8 is a bottom plan view of one of the manifold heads shown in Figure 2 with a nozzle for applying marking material on the perimeter.

Figure 9 is a side elevational view of one of the base units shown in Figure 1.

Figure 10 is a top plan view of the high pressure injection system of Figure 1 being used to inject a termiticide into soil adjacent to a structure.

Figure 11 is a perspective schematic view of one of the manifold heads including a multi-port central nozzle.

Figure 12 is a perspective schematic view of one of the manifold heads including one of the four center nozzles.

Figure 13 is a perspective schematic view of another embodiment of a hand held application tool.

Figure 14 is a perspective schematic view of the hand held application tool of Figure 13 (but one of the tools triggers the switch to be actuated).

15 is a schematic illustration of one of a high pressure injection system for injecting a termiticide into the ground, wherein the system includes a base unit and a hand held application tool, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.

Figure 16 is a front elevational view of one of the hand-held portable application tools of Figure 15 after the part has been cut away.

Figure 17 is a side elevational view of one of the handheld portable application tools of Figure 16.

Figure 18 is a schematic illustration of one of the high pressure injection systems for injecting a termiticide into the ground, wherein the system includes a base unit and a hand held application tool, in accordance with another illustrative embodiment.

Figure 19 is a front elevational view of one of the hand-held portable application tools of Figure 18.

Figure 20 is a side elevational view of one of the handheld portable application tools of Figure 18.

Figure 21 is a rear elevational view of one of the hand-held portable application tools of Figure 18.

Figure 22 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the hose reels removed from the base unit of Figure 18.

A high pressure injection system for applying a soil treatment (e.g., an insecticide, insecticide or termiticide) below the surface of the floor is described in detail below. It should be understood that the systems disclosed herein can be used to apply any suitable soil treatment comprising an insecticide, insecticide or termiticide and can be used to inhibit or control multiple types of pests. For example, it may be desirable to inhibit and/or control termites, ants, cockroaches, beetles, cockroaches, squids, crickets, spiders, crickets, crickets, scorpions, rat worms, tide worms, flies, mosquitoes, small insects, moths, wasps , wasps, bees, etc. As used herein, the term "insecticide" is used to prevent, destroy, resist or mitigate including insects, animals (eg, mice, large rats), plants (eg, weeds), fungi, microorganisms (eg, , bacteria and viruses), any substance or mixture of prosthetic animals (eg, nematodes) and any pests of infectious proteins. The term "insecticide" (which is a type of insecticide) is used herein to mean any substance or mixture used to prevent, destroy, resist or mitigate insects. The term "termiticide", which is a type of insecticide, is used herein to mean any substance or mixture used to prevent, destroy, resist or mitigate termites.

Although the methods and systems described herein relate to the application of a termiticide below the surface of the ground, the methods and systems can also be used to apply insecticides, insecticides, or other soil treatments. The use of the termiticide described herein is not intended to be limiting in any way. Instead, its For illustrative purposes. Thus, the methods and systems described herein can be used to apply any type of soil treatment below the surface (eg, insecticides, fertilizers, other soil conditioning materials, and insect treatments containing insecticides placed around the perimeter of the structure). And it is not limited to termite killing agents.

The methods and systems described herein comprise a termiticide fluid supply vehicle (a base unit) and a portable hand-held application tool that promotes the application or injection of a termiticide to a structure, ornamental crop, pole, fence, deck or other wood Under and around the element. The example embodiment eliminates the need to apply a termiticide using some known techniques that require at least mechanical disruption of the surface of the ground or soil, such as digging, trenching, and/or rubbing. Such known techniques can cause damage to vegetation, restore the landscape and affect or reduce the aesthetics and value of the treated area before the plant recovers or grows a new crop.

The application system described herein includes an application tool having a T-shaped handle on top of the tool and a manifold assembly at the bottom of the tool. The T-shaped handle includes a handle portion on each side of the vertical shaft member extending between the handle and the manifold assembly. The handle portion can include a rubber grip that helps hold the tool and reduces the tightening force during application. When the handle is pushed down, the vertical shaft of the tool that allows the compression of the shaft member is very similar to a spring pogo stick. The compression of the shaft member temporarily opens an electronically activated switch (in a broad sense, "consist") to a discharge valve (eg, a poppet valve). When the operator places the manifold assembly (ie, the device board) in position on the ground, the operator uses the handle to apply a downward pressure (about 15 to 20 pounds) to the shaft member to actuate the trigger switch, This in turn allows a single injection of termite insecticide into the ground. The operator must release the pressure applied to the shaft to release the switch, which causes the system to reset.

In an example embodiment, the switch actuates the discharge valve at a single time of each compression of the shaft member. Thus, for each compression of the shaft member, the discharge valve is open at a single time and a predetermined amount of termite pesticide is discharged from the tool. When the shaft is released, reset the tool switch. The next application can then be achieved by compressing the shaft again.

The application tool also includes mounting the manifold assembly to one of the mounting brackets of the shaft member. This bracket allows the application head or manifold assembly to pivot about at least one of the axle members. This allows the operator to adjust the tool so that the manifold assembly is properly positioned before the application of the switch is initiated.

The manifold assembly includes an inlet port, a discharge valve, a plurality of high pressure nozzles, a manifold head, and a contact plate for protecting a plurality of high pressure nozzles. The system also includes at least one high pressure liquid line and electrical connection extending between the supply vehicle and the hand held application tool. The system also includes a pressure manifold and an electronic controller (in a broad sense, "one valve closer") that sets the length of time that the discharge valve remains open during each actuation of the electronic switch.

In operation, the liquid termiticide concentrate from the measured dose contained in one of the containers on the supply vehicle is mixed with the water supplied by the measurement and fed to the application tool by a direct insertion injection system. In another embodiment, the termiticide solution is supplied from a can or container to the application tool without the need for a direct insertion into the infusion pump or device. In yet another embodiment, the termiticide concentrate can be carried by an operator and contained in a backpack formed into and/or stored in a container capable of preserving a pesticide, a loop, a shoulder holster, a waist holster One of the one-legged holsters or other suitable device can be transported in the container.

The methods and systems described herein utilize high pressure to inject a termiticide into the soil below the surface of the surface. The high pressure injection system described herein differs from at least some known liquid injection systems that apply a termiticide for soil application in that current industry standard liquid termiticide injection systems use a pressure of 25 psi to 35 psi and pass through a single injection. A port or tip injects liquid into the ground. The example systems described herein range from about 50 psi to about 10,000 psi, and in another embodiment, from about 1,000 psi to about 7,000 psi, and in yet another embodiment, at a pressure of about 4,000 psi. The termiticide solution is injected into the ground.

In operation, the application tool is set at a desired pressure for application of the termiticide. The operator then places the manifold assembly in a desired application area and, more specifically, the contact plate of the injection nozzle. The desired area may, for example, be adjacent to a wall of a structure or foundation. The operator then presses on the application handle to compress the shaft of the tool. This downward pressure causes the upper and lower portions of the device shaft to gather together, thereby activating an electronic switch. The switch will temporarily open the discharge valve and allow a predetermined amount of the termiticide solution to pass through the high pressure injection nozzle and into the ground. The switch will only allow a single feed (ie, a predefined amount of termiticide solution) to pass through the nozzle. The switch is reset by releasing the pressure on the handle and allowing the two parts of the electronic switch to separate. The operator applicator will then lift or slide the hand-held application tool along the wall to the next application point and press it again on the handle, thus repeating the injection of the termite-killing agent into the soil. The operator continues to move the hand-held application tool and injects the termiticide until the desired application area has been injected. In one example, it is desirable to apply the perimeter of the zone structure such that one of the barrier agents of the termiticide completely surrounds the structure and thereby inhibits termites from passing through the barrier into the structure.

In an alternate embodiment, the electronic switch can be positioned on or near the T-handle portion of the tool that can be activated by the operator with a finger or thumb on a button or switch. In another embodiment, the tool can include a position marker, such as a foam, dust, powder, paint, or a dye material, to be applied when the termiticide is applied. The position marker applies a marking material to the ground to mark the position of the contact plate during each application. This will allow the operator to visually determine where the application has been applied and where the device panel should be repositioned to ensure continuous application of one of the termiticide around the perimeter of the structure. The marking will also help prevent the application of the termiticide solution above or below the application zone.

The use of high pressure application tools and methods similar to the high pressure application tools and methods described herein has many advantages over known systems. For example, the tools described herein can include a need to eliminate the need to mix large volumes of termiticide solution and reduce the hazards associated with transporting or handling large volumes of termiticide solution on public roads or on private property. The use of a high pressure injection tool also eliminates the need for digging (i.e., trenching) prior to applying the termiticide solution to the surface. This reduces the damage to the landscape and/or natural vegetation surrounding the perimeter of one of the structures being processed. The high pressure injection tool also reduces or eliminates the need to apply an anti-termite solution to the soil using an application device. High pressure tools can also be programmed to each nozzle A specific volume of the termiticide solution is delivered and the depth of penetration of the solution into the soil is controlled by controlling the applied pressure. By controlling the volume and pressure, the application volume of the termiticide can reduce the application of 25% to 80% of the normal liquid termiticide, thus saving costs and reducing the need for water. This is especially important during dry climates or during periods of drought. The high pressure tool also substantially reduces the time required to complete the termiticide treatment around the structure. The reduction in this time can range between 40% and 80%. As a result, less time is spent on site and thereby reducing labor costs associated with on-site preparation and application. Likewise, it is designed to place the injection nozzle in close proximity to the ground when the termite agent is injected into the ground to reduce the risk of exposure to the operator or anyone in the vicinity of the application.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a high pressure injection system 10 for injecting a termiticide into the ground, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The infusion system 10 includes a hand-held portable application tool 12 (in a broad sense, an "injection device") and a termiticide fluid supply vehicle 14 (in a broad sense, a "base unit"). The application tool 12 is coupled to the vehicle 14 via a conduit 13 (eg, a hose) defining one of the fluid passages and at least one electrical connector 15. The conduit 13 allows fluid (eg, water and/or a termiticide solution) to flow from the vehicle 14 to the application tool 12. Electrical connector 15 is used to transmit various control signals between application tool 12 and vehicle 14.

2 is a front elevational view of one of the handheld portable application tools 12, and FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of one of the application tools 12. The hand-held portable application tool 12 includes a handle 17 and a manifold head 16 mounted to the handle. The handle 17 includes an upper portion 18 and a lower portion 19. The upper portion 18 includes a tubular section 20 and a handle section 22 attached to one of the upper ends 24 of the tubular section 20. As a result, the upper portion 18 of the handle 17 has a generally T-shape. The lower portion 19 of the tubular handle 17 is sized to be inserted into the tubular section 20 of the upper portion 18 of the handle. In the case where the lower portion 19 of the handle 17 is inserted into the tubular section 20 of the upper portion 18 of the handle, the upper portion is movable relative to the lower portion from a first extended position to a second compressed position. A biasing element, such as a spring 26, is provided to bias the upper portion 18 of the handle 17 toward its first extended position. However, it should be understood that any known biasing element 26 can be used. Can mention Providing a flange (not shown) or (several) other suitable retainers to inhibit the lower portion 19 of the handle 17 from being withdrawn or otherwise withdrawn from the upper portion 18 to thereby ensure that the lower portion remains telescopically attached thereto section. One of the lower ends 28 of the lower portion 19 of the handle 17 is attached to an inverted U-shaped attachment bracket 30. The manifold head 16 is pivotally attached to the attachment bracket 30 at each of its ends 32, 34 via a pair of pivot pins 36.

The manifold head 16 includes at least one internal passage that distributes the termiticide to a plurality of high pressure nozzles 38 that are in fluid communication with the internal passage. As seen in Figure 3, the manifold head 16 is shown to include two main internal passages 40, 42 and a communication passage 44 connecting one of the main internal passages. The manifold manifold 16 can include any number of high pressure nozzles 38 that include a single nozzle. For example, the manifold head 16 of the illustrative embodiment has a matrix of six high pressure nozzles 38, with each nozzle being substantially equidistant from one another. In one embodiment, each high pressure nozzle 38 has an orifice diameter ranging from about 0.002 inches to about 0.01 inches.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the contact plate 50 is attached to one of the bottom surfaces 52 of the manifold head 16 to protect the high pressure nozzle 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact plate 50 includes a plurality of openings 54, wherein each opening is substantially aligned with a respective one of the plurality of high pressure nozzles 38. As a result, the high pressure nozzle 38 is separated from the soil by the contact plate 50 and thus does not directly contact the soil. Moreover, the contact plate 50 shields or otherwise blocks soil, stones, and/or other debris that can "crash" during the injection of the termiticide. The contact plate 50 includes a rounded edge that facilitates sliding of the tool 12. Contact plate 50 can be made of any suitable material, such as metal and/or plastic.

The size and shape of the manifold head 16 can be selected based on the particular application that the tool 12 is intended to use. In one embodiment, the manifold head 16 has a shape that has a high length to width ratio, such as high pressure nozzles 38 being linearly arranged in a row as shown in FIG. In another embodiment, the manifold head 16 has an arcuate shape as shown in FIG. An arcuately shaped manifold head 16 can be used to fit around a rounded edge (such as around a tree). It is contemplated that the manifold heads 16 are interchangeable. That is, the operator of the tool 12 can selectively change the manifold head 16. Also consider available for Other delivery members (e.g., rod injection tools) that deliver the supply of termiticide at low pressure replace the manifold head 16. These low pressure conveying members can be used in areas that are less suitable for high pressure injection.

The weight of the manifold head 16 can be selected such that during discharge from the plurality of high pressure nozzles 38, the mass of the manifold head 16 helps hold the tool 12 in place without the need for an operator to withstand manual positioning and moving tools. Excessive heavy work. In general, the lighter the mass of the manifold head 16, the greater the force that the operator must apply to the handle 17 to hold the tool 12 in place during the removal of the termiticide from the high pressure nozzle 38.

As shown in FIG. 2, a discharge valve 56 is attached to the manifold head 16 and is in fluid communication with the interior passages 40, 42, 44 of the manifold head and the supply of termiticide. More specifically, one end of the discharge valve 56 is coupled to a high pressure inlet port 58 and the other end of the discharge valve is coupled to the hose 13. The discharge valve 56 is movable between an open position and a closed position. When the discharge valve is in its closed position, the termiticide is inhibited from flowing through the high pressure inlet port 58 from the supply of the termiticide to the internal passages 40, 42, 44 in the manifold head via the hose 13. When the discharge valve 56 is open, the termiticide solution flows from the supply of the termiticide at high pressure, through the hose 13, and then into the inlet port 58. The pressurized termiticide flows from the inlet port 58 into the internal passages 40, 42, 44 of the manifold head 16 and through the high pressure nozzle 38, and then the termiticide is injected from the high pressure nozzle 38 into the ground. In one embodiment, the termiticide is pressurized to between about 25 psi and about 10,000 psi, and in another embodiment, from about 1,000 psi to about 7,000 psi, and in yet another embodiment, at about 4,000 psi. A pressure.

In a suitable embodiment, the discharge valve 56 is a solenoid operated poppet valve that is operable quickly enough to allow the discharge valve 56 to be opened and closed within a desired time parameter to be based on the pressure in use for a particular application. And the exact volume of the termiticide solution allows for accurate depth penetration into the soil. While a hydraulically actuated valve may be used, the size and weight constraints of this valve may otherwise limit the utility of the hand-held application tool 12.

In another suitable embodiment, manifold head 16 can have off each high pressure nozzle 38 One of the discharge valves 56 is associated to ensure uniform distribution of the termiticide solution across the plurality of high pressure nozzles 38. Although the discharge balance can be obtained within reasonable parameters only by proper adjustment of the internal passages 40, 42, 44, if necessary, in the case where the proof of expense is justified, a plurality of discharge valves 56 can be used, so that they are included in Supplying a pressurized termiticide solution in one of the feed hoses of each of the discharge valves 56 ensures that a suitable amount of the termiticide solution is suitable for each high pressure nozzle 38. However, since the controller must be able to actuate the plurality of discharge valves 56 in response to a single actuation, this configuration increases the complexity of the system 10, that is, while using the smaller discharge valve 56 to compensate for power requirements, However, the amount of wiring and the amount of power required to control the valve are increased.

As shown in FIG. 2, a trigger switch 60 (in a broad sense, an "actuator") is mounted on the lower portion 19 of the handle 17 and the trigger switch actuator 62 is mounted to the upper portion 18. When the trigger switch actuator 62 engages the trigger switch 60, the trigger switch 60 that is electrically coupled to the discharge valve 56 activates the discharge valve 56. In the illustrated embodiment and as seen in Figure 3, when the upper portion 18 of the handle 17 is moved to its second compressed position, the trigger switch actuator 62 is engaged with the trigger switch. Thus, by applying a force to the upper portion 18 of the handle 17, the upper portion is moved from its first extended position to its second compressed position such that it slides downward relative to the lower handle portion 19 until the trigger is actuated. The trigger engages the trigger switch 60 to actuate the trigger switch 60.

In another embodiment (not shown), the trigger switch 60 can be located on the handle section 22 of the upper portion 18 of the handle 17 where it can be actuated by an operator using a finger or thumb. The trigger switch can be one of the mechanical devices that interrupt the flow of termiticide from the discharge valve 56 to the high pressure nozzle 38, or can be an electrical signal that interrupts the discharge valve 56, thus preventing one of the actuations of the discharge valve 56 from being electrically switched.

To inject the termiticide into the ground, the operator positions the hand-held portable application tool 12 such that the contact plate 50 is in contact with the surface of the ground. A downward force from about 15 pounds to 20 pounds is applied by the operator to the upper portion 18 of the handle 17 to move the upper portion 18 from its first position to its second position and thereby cause a trigger switch to be mounted to the upper portion The actuator 62 engages the trigger switch 60 mounted to the lower portion 19. Triggering switch actuator 62 and trigger switch 60 The engagement trigger switch 60 is engaged. As a result, an electronic signal is sent from the trigger switch 60 to the discharge valve 56 to cause the discharge valve to move from its closed position to its open position for a predetermined amount of time, thereby allowing the termiticide to flow to and out of the high pressure nozzle 38 for use. The termiticide is injected into the ground. The operator then releases the pressure from the handle 17, which resets the trigger switch. More specifically, the spring 26 moves the upper portion 18 of the handle 17 back to its first extended position. The illustrated trigger switch 60 is configured to operate only once during each compression of the handle 17 until the handle 17 has been reset to prevent repeated opening of the discharge valve 56.

The depth of penetration of the termiticide solution into the ground varies depending on the pressure at which the termiticide solution is discharged from the tool 12 and the type of soil from which the termiticide solution is discharged. For example, hardened or compacted soils (such as clay) are more difficult to penetrate and may require higher pressure than a soft sandy soil. Thus, at a given pressure, the penetration of the termiticide into a soft sandy soil can range from about 12 inches to about 14 inches, but the penetration of the termiticide to a sandy loam can be about 6 inches. 9 inches, and the penetration of the termite-killing agent into a clay soil under the same pressure can be about 2 inches to 5 inches. However, it should be understood that the penetration of the termiticide may be greater at higher pressures. For example, the penetration of the termiticide into a clay soil can range from about 10 inches to 12 inches at a sufficiently high pressure.

Referring to Figure 5, the manifold head can be formed as an arcuate, semi-circular or other form of angular deflection. Forming a manifold in this manner would be well suited to facilitate the injection of a pesticide solution around a tree, a bush, a column, a rod, a pot, a root ball, or other plant or structural element. At these locations, the curved or angled manifold allows the applicator to position the pesticide in an area proximate to the target point of application.

Referring also to Figures 6 and 7, the manifold head 16 can also include a plurality of low pressure nozzles 66. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, each of the lower pressure nozzles 66 is positioned adjacent one of the plurality of high pressure nozzles 38. In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 7, each low pressure nozzle 66 is concentric with one of the high pressure nozzles 38. When a low pressure discharge valve 68 is opened, the low pressure nozzle 66 applies the termiticide solution to the surface of the floor. Lower pressure discharge valve to the previously described discharge valve 56 operates in the same manner. The low pressure nozzle 66 is configured to apply the termiticide solution to the surface at a pressure of less than about 35 psi.

Referring now to Figure 8, the hand-held portable application tool 12 can also include a plurality of nozzles 70 (in a broad sense, "dispenser") for depositing position marking material onto the surface of the soil to indicate that termites have been injected therein. One of the zones and marks the position of the manifold head 16 during each application. Marking the position of the manifold head 16 allows the operator to visually see where the termiticide has been applied and where the manifold head should be positioned next so that the termite agent can be applied around the perimeter of a structure One is applied evenly. In addition, the applied marking material can also help prevent application above and/or under the termiticide. Any suitable marking material can be used, for example, a foam, a powder, a paint or a dye. In the illustrated embodiment, the marking material is applied by a plurality of nozzles 70 around the periphery of the manifold head 16. The container 72 containing one of the marking materials can be carried by the application tool 12 or a remotely positioned device such as the vehicle 14 shown in FIG. It should be understood that the marking material can be applied by any suitable delivery device and remains within the scope of the present invention.

The supply of the termiticide solution can be provided by the supply cart 14. In one embodiment, the vehicle 14 includes: a water storage tank 80; a high pressure pump 82 for pressurizing the termiticide solution; a termiticide concentrate storage tank 84; and a mixing device 86 for supplying an appropriate amount The termiticide concentrate is mixed with an appropriate amount of water to form a termiticide solution. A water inlet 81 for receiving water from an external water source (eg, a standard residential faucet) is also provided. The water tank 80 or the water inlet 81 can be omitted from consideration. The supply vehicle 14 also includes a gasoline engine 88 having a generator 90 for generating power to operate the pressure pump 82 and generating a current that operates a controller 92 associated with the tool 12. In another embodiment, power may be supplied by being connected to one of the electrical outlets located at the application site.

Considering that the supply vehicle 14 can be loaded on a vehicle (eg, a truck, a box of cars, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV)), loaded on a trailer, self-propelled or even a combination thereof, such that the vehicle 14 can be towed to one The work site is then moved to a location around its own power. also It is contemplated that some of the various components of system 10 described herein as being mounted on supply vehicle 14 can be mounted to application tool 12. For example, it is contemplated that the termiticide concentrate concentrate tank 84 and the mixing device 86 can be mounted to the application tool 12 rather than to the supply vehicle 14. Further consideration may be made to omit the supply cart 14. In this embodiment, at least the termiticide concentrate sump 84, the mixing device 86, and the water inlet 81 are carried on the onboard application tool 12.

The controller 92 mounted on the vehicle 14 allows the operator of the system 10 to selectively set one pulse duration and pressure level for the termiticide injection. The controller 92 can be programmed to allow an operator to enter parameters associated with one of the particular manifold heads 16 in use (such as by defining the number of holes and their size), with respect to one of the termite solutions in use. The parameters (so that the dosing can be properly controlled by the mixing device 86), or the number of injections can be tracked, and the like. It should be understood that the pulse duration and/or pressure level of the termite agent injection can be manually adjusted (e.g., via a manually adjustable valve) in addition to or not using controller 92 settings.

As shown in FIG. 10, system 10 can be used in accordance with one embodiment of a method for treating soil adjacent to a structure, such as a house 94. For example, system 10 can be used to inject and/or apply a termiticide to the soil surrounding the perimeter of house 94 and thereby create a barrier to inhibit termites from entering the house and to control termites that are in close proximity to the house. According to one method, the base unit 14 is placed in a rest position relative to the house 94, and the tool 12 is positioned generally adjacent to one of the house injection sites 96, and more suitably, the tool 12 is positioned in contact with the injection site 96. The tool 12 operates as described above to inject the termiticide down into the soil at the injection site 96 without prior disturbing the soil. The tool 12 is then moved relative to the supply cart 14 to another injection site 96 that is at least partially different from the previous injection site and generally adjacent to the house 94. In the illustrated embodiment, the injection sites 96 are generally in a juxtaposed relationship with one another. The tool 12 is again operated to inject the termiticide down into the soil at this next injection site 96 without disturbing the soil in advance.

As seen in Figure 10, the tool 12 is moved to a plurality of injection sites 96 adjacent to the structure. And operating at the injection sites, the injection site cooperates substantially to encompass the entire perimeter of the house 94. Figure 10 illustrates a plurality of injection sites 96 (shown in solid lines in the figure) into which the termiticide has been injected and a plurality of injection sites to be injected with the termiticide (shown in phantom in the figure). It will be appreciated that the termiticide may also be applied to the surface of the soil at each or some of the injection sites 96. It will be further understood that the marking material can be deposited on the soil to indicate where the pesticide solution has been injected into the soil. Also contemplated, because the hand tool 12 is used around the perimeter of the house 94, the supply cart 14 can be moved to another location if necessary.

Referring now to Figure 11, in another embodiment, the manifold head 16 includes four high pressure nozzles 38 configured in a rectangular shape and more suitably in a square matrix configuration 100, wherein adjacent nozzles 38 are substantially equidistant from one another. In the illustrated embodiment, each high pressure nozzle is typically positioned at each center of the square matrix configuration 100. One or more square matrices of high pressure nozzles 38 may be formed in manifold head 16. For example, FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment in which six high pressure nozzles 38 form two parallel square matrices 100 (or a single rectangular matrix). The manifold manifold 16 can include 4+x equally spaced high pressure nozzles 38 that form 1+(x/2) parallel square matrices 100, where x is greater than one of an even number. It is also contemplated that the high pressure nozzles 38 can be configured in an orthogonal matrix configuration, such as a rectangular matrix, a hexagonal matrix, an octagonal matrix, and the like.

As seen in Figures 11 and 12, a multi-port high pressure nozzle 102 can be positioned in the center of each square matrix 100. Each of the illustrated multi-port nozzles 102 includes four ports 104 that are angled toward the corners of the matrix 100. Each high pressure nozzle 38 is oriented such that one of the termiticide exit streams 106 from the nozzles 38 is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 52 of the manifold head 16. When the manifold head 16 is positioned on the ground, the effluent stream 106 is substantially normal to the surface of the floor, for example, when the surface of the ground is substantially horizontal, the effluent stream 106 is vertical. Each port 104 of the multi-port nozzle 102 is configured to direct one of the termiticide discharge streams 108 from the port to intersect the exhaust stream 106 from one of the high pressure nozzles 38. The intersection of the exhaust stream 106 from one of the high pressure nozzles 38 and one of the ports 104 from the multi-port high pressure nozzle 102 may be about 1 inch to about 12 inches below the surface of the ground. Multi-port nozzle 102 One of the exit angles 108 of one of the ports 104 is vertically offset 110 based on the desired depth of intersection and the distance between the nozzles 38. The intersection of the effluent streams may result in pooling of some of the injected termiticide. For example, when the high pressure nozzles 38 are spaced 2 inches away from each other, the vertical offset angle 110 of the exhaust stream 108 of the port 104 is about 54 degrees to one point below the surface of 1 inch, and 6 inches below the surface. One of the intersections is about 9 degrees and is about 5 degrees for one of the 12 inches below the surface.

It is contemplated that the port 104 of the multi-port nozzle 102 can be configured such that the effluent from which the termiticide is discharged is substantially vertical and some or all of the plurality of high pressure nozzles 38 can be configured such that it is released from the nozzle The effluent from the termite agent is not perpendicular. In a suitable embodiment, the termiticide is discharged from the nozzle 38 in a substantially conical discharge stream. It is further contemplated that the port 104 of the multi-port nozzle 102 and the plurality of high pressure nozzles 38 can be configured to release an effluent of the termiticide other than vertical. In any of these configurations, some or all of the plurality of high pressure nozzles 38 can be configured to discharge an exhaust stream that is angled toward the periphery of the control panel (ie, away from the multi-port nozzle 102) to thereby increase The coverage area of the termiticide and some or all of the plurality of high pressure nozzles 38 can be configured to vent an exhaust stream that is angled inwardly toward the multi-port nozzle 102 for use with the port 104 of the multi-port nozzle. The discharged effluent flows intersect.

In operation, the manifold head 16 is positioned on the ground and the operator activates the trigger switch 60 to cause the discharge valve 56 to open, thereby allowing a predetermined amount of termiticide to flow to each of the high pressure nozzles 38 and the multi-port high pressure nozzles 102. Each of the ports 104 flows out of it, thereby injecting the termiticide into the ground. The effluent 106 of the termiticide from each high pressure nozzle 38 is injected substantially vertically into the ground. The effluent 108 of the termiticide from the port 104 is injected into the ground at a vertical offset angle 110 that causes the effluent stream 108 from each port 104 to intersect the respective effluent stream 106 from the high pressure nozzle 38 at the surface of the surface. .

The angled discharge stream 108 of the port 104 provides for the supply of the termiticide to an injection area that is larger than the volume of the high pressure nozzle 38 alone. The angled discharge stream 108 of the port 104 injects the termiticide into the soil in the central injection zone of one of the injection zones, which is located by the high pressure The termite agent injected into the nozzle 38 defines one of the outer injection zones. The injection of the termite-killing agent under high pressure causes the soil to break through the soil as the termite releasing agent streams 106, 108 pass. In another embodiment, each of the ports 104 is slightly offset such that its effluent streams 108 of the termiticide do not accurately intersect the respective effluent streams 106 from the high pressure nozzles 38.

Referring now to Figure 12, in another embodiment, four central high pressure nozzles 112 may be used instead of the multi-port nozzles 102. The four center nozzles 112 are collectively positioned in the center of the matrix 100 and each angled toward a different corner of the square matrix. Similar to the multi-port nozzle 102 described above, the central nozzle 112 is configured to direct it to the exhaust stream 108 to intersect the respective exhaust stream 106 from one of the high pressure nozzles 38. The intersection of the effluent stream 106 from one of the high pressure nozzles 38 and the effluent stream 108 from one of the central high pressure nozzles 112 may be between about 1 inch and about 12 inches below the surface of the soil. The vertical offset angle 110 of the exhaust stream 108 of the central nozzle 112 is based on the desired depth of intersection and the distance between the high pressure nozzles 38. For example, when the high pressure nozzles 38 are spaced 2 inches away from each other, the vertical offset angle 110 of the exhaust stream 108 from the center nozzle 112 is about 54 degrees for one of the 1 inch intersections below the surface, and for the surface below 6 One of the intersections is about 9 degrees, and about 5 degrees for one of the 12 inches below the surface.

Figure 13 is another embodiment of a hand-held portable application tool 212 (in a broad sense, an "injection device") suitable for use with the high pressure injection system described above for injecting a termiticide into the ground. A schematic diagram of an example. The relative size of the tool 212 is such that it is suitable for use in tight spaces (eg, slow-moving spaces) and open spaces (eg, a lawn). As seen in Figure 13, the application tool 212 includes a handle 217 and a manifold head 216 mounted to the handle. The manifold head 216 pivotally mounted to the handle 217 via a pair of pivot pins 236 (see one of the pivot pins in Figures 13 and 14) is substantially identical to the manifold shown in Figures 1-3 The head 16 is the same. Therefore, the manifold head 216 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 will not be described in detail.

The handle 217 of the tool 212 includes an upper portion 218 and a lower portion 219. In the picture shown In the embodiment, both the tool upper portion 218 and the lower portion 219 generally comprise a U-shaped bracket. The upper portion 218 of the handle 217 is movable relative to the lower portion 219 from a first extended position (Fig. 13) to a second compressed position (Fig. 14). A biasing element, such as a pair of springs 226, biases the upper portion 218 of the handle 217 toward its first extended position and away from the lower portion 219. In the illustrated embodiment, each spring 226 is mounted to the handle 217 via a bolt 223. Further, a pair of upper stoppers 225 and a pair of lower stoppers 227 are mounted on the lower portion 219 and extend through a slot 229 formed in the upper portion 218 to limit the extent of movement of the upper portion relative to the lower portion. One of the upper stopper 225 and one of the lower stoppers 227 are shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. However, it should be understood that any known biasing element 226 can be used and that the biasing element can be mounted to the handle 217 in other suitable manners. It should also be understood that other types of stops may be used to limit the relative movement between the upper portion 218 and the lower portion 219 of the handle 217.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, a trigger switch 260 (in a broad sense, an "actuator") is mounted on the lower portion 219 of the handle 217. Trigger switch 260 is electrically coupled to a discharge valve 256 and activates the discharge valve when the trigger switch is actuated. As seen in Figure 14, the trigger switch 260 is actuated by manually pressing the upper portion 218 of the handle 217 into contact with the trigger switch. That is, the trigger switch 260 can be actuated by applying a force to the upper portion 218 of the handle 217 to move the upper portion from its first extended position to its second compressed position such that the upper portion is opposite the lower portion 219 of the handle. Slide down until the trigger switch 260 is actuated. Actuation of the trigger switch 260 causes the termiticide to be injected into the ground through the manifold 216.

Referring now to Figures 15 through 17, these figures schematically illustrate a high pressure injection system 310 for injecting a termiticide (or other suitable treatment) into the ground in accordance with another illustrative embodiment. As seen in Figure 15, the injection system 310 includes a hand-held portable application tool 312 (broadly, an "injection device") and a supply vehicle 314 (broadly, a "base unit"). The application tool 312 is coupled to the cart 314 via a conduit 313 (eg, a hose) defining one of the fluid passages and at least one electrical connector 315. The conduit 313 allows fluid (eg, water and/or a termiticide solution) to flow from the vehicle 314 to the application tool 312. Electrical connector 315 Various control signals are transmitted between the application tool 312 and the vehicle 314.

16 is a front elevational view of one of the handheld portable application tools 312, and FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of one of the application tools 312. The hand-held portable application tool 312 includes a handle 317 and a manifold head 316 mounted to the handle. The handle 317 includes an upper portion 318 and a lower portion 319. The upper portion 318 includes a tubular section 320 and a handle section 322 attached to one of the upper ends 324 of the tubular section 320. As a result, the upper portion 318 of the handle 317 has a generally T-shape. The lower portion 319, which is also tubular handle 317, is sized to be inserted into the tubular section 320 of the upper portion 318 of the handle. In the case where the lower portion 319 of the handle 317 is inserted into the tubular section 320 of the upper portion 318 of the handle, the upper portion is movable relative to the lower portion from a first extended position to a second compressed position. A biasing element, such as a spring 326, is provided to bias the upper portion 318 of the handle 317 toward its first extended position. However, it should be understood that any known biasing element 326 can be used. A flange (not shown) or (several) other suitable retainers may be provided to inhibit the lower portion 319 of the handle 317 from being withdrawn or otherwise withdrawn from the upper portion 318 to thereby ensure that the lower portion remains telescopically attached The top part.

One of the lower ends 328 of the lower portion 319 of the handle 317 is attached to an inverted U-shaped attachment bracket 330. The manifold head 316 is pivotally attached to the attachment bracket 330 at each of its ends 332, 334 via a pair of pivot pins 336. One or more stops (not shown) may be provided to limit pivotal movement of the handle 317 relative to the manifold 316. A one-leg bracket 331 is attached to the U-shaped attachment bracket 330. During use of the tool 312, the user can place one of its feet on the foot bracket 331 to inhibit movement of the tool during insertion.

The manifold head 316 includes at least one internal passage that distributes the termiticide to a plurality of high pressure nozzles 338 that are in fluid communication with the internal passage. As seen in Figure 17, the manifold head 316 is shown to include two main internal passages 340, 342 and a connection passage 344 that connects one of the main internal passages. The contemplated manifold head 316 can include any number of high pressure nozzles 338. For example, the manifold head 316 of the illustrative embodiment has a matrix of six high pressure nozzles 338, with each nozzle being substantially equidistant from one another. In an embodiment, each high pressure nozzle 338 has a range of A flow aperture of between about 0.002 inches and about 0.01 inches.

Referring again to FIG. 16, a contact plate 350 is attached to one of the bottom surfaces 352 of the manifold head 316 to protect the high pressure nozzle 338. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact plate 350 includes a plurality of openings 354, wherein each opening is substantially aligned with a respective one of the plurality of high pressure nozzles 338. As a result, the high pressure nozzle 338 is separated from the soil by the contact plate 350 and thus does not directly contact the soil. Moreover, the contact plate 350 shields or otherwise blocks soil, stones, and/or other debris that can "crash" during the injection of the termiticide. As seen in Figure 17, the contact plate 350 includes a rounded edge that facilitates sliding (e.g., dragging) of the tool 312. Contact plate 350 can be made of any suitable material (eg, metal and/or plastic).

In this embodiment, a strike protector 398 extends outwardly from the three sides of the contact plate 350 to further shield or otherwise prevent soil, stones, and/or that can "crash" during the injection of the termiticide. Or other debris. In the illustrated embodiment, one side of the contact plate 350 is free of impact protectors 398 to facilitate placement of the contact plates and manifold heads 316 in close proximity to the article and structure. However, it should be understood that the impact protector 398 can extend around the entire perimeter of the contact plate 350 (ie, all four sides). In a suitable embodiment, the impact protector 398 is made of three suitable rubber materials, each of which extends outwardly from a respective side of one of the contact plates 350. However, it should be understood that the impact protector 398 can have other suitable configurations (eg, bristles, strips, flaps) and be made of any suitable material.

As shown in Figure 16, a discharge valve 356 is attached to the manifold head 316 and is in fluid communication with one of the internal passages 340, 342, 344 and the termiticide supply in the manifold head. The discharge valve 356 is movable between an open position and a closed position. When the discharge valve is in its closed position, the termiticide solution is inhibited from flowing through the high pressure inlet port 358 to the internal passages 340, 342, 344 in the manifold head. When the discharge valve 356 is open, the termiticide solution flows into the port 358 under high pressure. From the inlet port 358, the pressurized termiticide solution flows into the internal passages 340, 342, 344 of the manifold head 316 and through the high pressure nozzle 338, and then the termiticide is injected from the high pressure nozzle 338 into the ground. In one embodiment, the termite agent is added Pressurized to about 25 psi to about 10,000 psi, and in another embodiment, from about 1,000 psi to about 7,000 psi, and in yet another embodiment, at a pressure of about 4,000 psi.

In a suitable embodiment, the discharge valve 356 is a solenoid operated poppet valve that is operable quickly enough to allow the discharge valve 356 to be opened and closed within a desired time parameter to be based on the pressure in use for a particular application. And the exact volume of the termiticide solution allows for accurate depth penetration into the soil. While a hydraulically actuated valve may be used, the size and weight of the valve may otherwise limit the utility of the hand-held application tool 312.

As shown in FIG. 16, a trigger switch 360 (in a broad sense, an "actuator") is mounted on the lower portion 319 of the handle 317 and a trigger switch actuator 362 is mounted on the upper portion 318. When the trigger switch actuator 362 engages the trigger switch 360, the trigger switch 360 electrically coupled to the discharge valve 356 activates the discharge valve 356. In the illustrated embodiment and as seen in Figure 16, when the upper portion 318 of the handle 317 is moved to its second compressed position, the trigger switch actuator 362 is engaged with the trigger switch. Thus, by applying a force to the upper portion 318 of the handle 317, the upper portion is moved from its first extended position to its second compressed position such that it slides down relative to the lower portion 319 of the handle until the trigger is actuated. The trigger engages the trigger switch 360 to actuate the trigger switch 360.

In a suitable embodiment, an interrupt switch (not shown) can be located on the handle section 322 of the upper portion 318 of the handle 317 where the operator can actuate the interrupt switch to quickly and simply shut down the system 310. The consideration interrupt switch can be located in other portions of the tool 312 other than the handle section 322 of the handle 317. It is also contemplated that an interrupt switch can be disposed on the vehicle 314 in addition to or in addition to the interrupt switch located on the tool 312. It is further contemplated that the interrupt switch can be programmed into the system (i.e., a controller) so that if the discharge valve 356 is not open for a specified time interval, the interrupt switch will cause a clutch to be released and/or interrupted from the pressure manifold. engine.

In this embodiment, a first termiticide concentrate reservoir 384' and a quantity of device 385 are mounted to the handle 317 of the tool 312. Quantitative device 385 and termiticide concentrate storage tank The 384' is in fluid communication, and the metering device 385 is adapted to deliver a predetermined amount (i.e., a dose) of the concentrated termiticide to a suitable first mixing device 386' each time the trigger switch 360 is actuated. In a suitable embodiment, the metering device 385 can be adjusted such that a predetermined amount of concentrated termiticide can be adjusted. In another suitable embodiment, the metering device 385 is non-adjustable. That is, the amount of concentrated termiticide delivered to the mixing device 386' each time the trigger switch 360 is actuated cannot be changed without replacing the metering device. A suitable metering device 385 is commercially available as part number NCMB075-0125 from SMC Corporation of Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. In the illustrated embodiment, the hybrid device 386' is mounted on top of the manifold head 316, although it should be understood that the hybrid device can be otherwise mounted. For example, the mixing device 386' cannot be mounted on the lower portion 319 of the handle 317.

Still referring to FIG. 16, an accumulator 387 is mounted to the handle 317. The accumulator 387 is adapted to store pressurized water (or other suitable carrier liquid) from the vehicle 314 prior to delivery of the pressurized water to the mixing device 386'. The accumulator 387 minimizes the effect of the pressure drop between the cart 314 and the mixing device 386'. Thus, accumulator 387 provides pressurized water from vehicle 314 to mixing device 386' at a pressure that is higher than when pressurized water is delivered directly from the vehicle to the mixing device.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the vehicle 314 includes: a water storage tank 380; a high pressure pump 382; a second termiticide concentrate storage tank 384; and a second mixing device 386 capable of supplying an appropriate amount. The termiticide concentrate is mixed with an appropriate amount of water to form a termiticide solution. A water inlet 381 for receiving water from an external water source (eg, a standard residential faucet) is also provided. The water storage tank 380 or the water inlet 381 can be omitted from consideration.

The supply vehicle 314 also includes a gasoline engine 388 having a generator 390 for generating power to operate the pressure pump 382 and generating a current that operates a controller 392 associated with the system 310. In another embodiment, power may be supplied by being connected to one of the electrical outlets located at the application site. A radiator 191 is provided to cool the pressurized water being driven by the high pressure pump 382. In the illustrated embodiment, a hose reel 193 is mounted to the cart 314 for winding a hose 313 extending between the cart 314 and the application tool 312. a pressurized water circuit 389 The handle 317 of the tool 312 is placed to allow pressurized water to drain before the accumulator 387. A shunt 389 can be used to facilitate the starting of the high pressure pump 382 and the termiticide solution from the hose 313.

Controller 392 allows the operator of system 310 to selectively set one of the pulse duration and pressure level of the termiticide injection. The controller 392 can be programmed to allow an operator to enter parameters associated with one of the particular manifold heads 316 in use (such as by defining the number of holes and their size) with respect to one of the termiticide solutions in use. The parameters (so that the dosing can be properly controlled by the mixing device 386), or the number of injections can be tracked, and the like.

To inject the termiticide into the ground, the operator positions the hand-held portable application tool 312 such that the contact plate 350 is in contact with the surface of the ground. A downward force from about 15 pounds to 20 pounds is applied by the operator to the upper portion 318 of the handle 317 to move the upper portion 318 from its first position to its second position and thereby cause the trigger switch to be mounted to the upper portion The actuator 362 engages the trigger switch 360 mounted to the lower portion 319. The engagement of the trigger switch actuator 362 with the trigger switch 360 actuates the discharge valve 356. More specifically, an electronic signal is sent from the trigger switch 360 to the discharge valve 356 to cause the discharge valve to move from its closed position to its open position for a predetermined amount of time.

In addition, movement of the upper portion 318 of the handle 317 relative to the lower portion 319 causes a predetermined amount of the termiticide concentrate to be delivered from the first termiticide concentrate reservoir 384' by the metering device 385 to the mixing device 386'. Opening the discharge valve 356 causes the accumulator 387 to release at least a portion of the pressurized water stored therebetween to the mixing device 386'. The termiticide concentrate and pressurized water are mixed in the mixing device 386' to form a termiticide solution. The termiticide solution is then driven to the manifold head 316 where the termiticide solution flows to and out of the high pressure nozzle 338 for injection into the ground.

The operator then releases the pressure from the handle 317, which resets the trigger switch 360, the metering device 385, and the accumulator 387. More specifically, the spring 326 moves the upper portion 318 of the handle 317 back to its first extended position. The illustrated trigger switch 360 is configured to be at the handle 317 each time Only one operation during compression until the handle 317 has been reset to prevent repeated opening of the discharge valve 356.

The depth of penetration of the termiticide solution into the ground varies depending on the pressure at which the termiticide solution is discharged from the tool 312, the duration in which the discharge valve 356 remains open, and the type of soil from which the termiticide is discharged. In a suitable embodiment, the penetration of the termiticide to the ground is between about 12 inches and 16 inches.

The second termiticide concentrate reservoir 384 and the second mixing device 386 mounted on the cart 314 allow the vehicle to be used for low pressure application. Low pressure application of the termiticide can be performed using the application tool 312 shown herein or using conventional techniques. It should be understood that the second termiticide concentrate reservoir 384 and the second mixing device 386 can be omitted.

Referring now to Figures 18 through 22, these figures illustrate a high pressure injection system generally indicated at 510 for use in a termite-killing agent (or other suitable soil treatment) in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. ()) injected into the ground. As seen in Figure 18, the injection system 510 includes a hand-held portable application tool 512 (broadly, an "injection device") and a supply vehicle 514 (broadly, a "base unit"). The application tool 512 is coupled to the cart 514 via a conduit 513 (eg, a hose) defining one of the fluid passages and at least one electrical connector 515. The conduit 513 allows fluid (eg, water and/or a termiticide solution) to flow from the vehicle 514 into the application tool 512. Electrical connector 515 is used to transmit various control signals between application tool 512 and vehicle 514.

Referring now to Figures 19-21, the hand-held portable application tool 512 includes a handle 517 and a manifold head 516 mounted to the handle. The handle 517 includes an upper portion 518 and a lower portion 519. The upper portion 518 includes a tubular section 520 and a handle section 522 attached to one of the upper ends 524 of the tubular section 520 and a second handle section 523 attached to one of the lower ends 525 of the tubular section. A pair of handles 527 are selectively moveable between the first handle section 522 and the second handle section 523. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, both the first handle section 522 and the second handle section 523 include a pair of threaded sleeves for receiving a threaded shape therein. A handle 527. As a result, the user can selectively move the handle 527 between the first handle section 522 that is designed to accommodate the higher user and the second handle section 523 that is configured to accommodate the shorter user. The upper portion 518 also includes two spaced apart tubular shaft members 529 that extend downwardly from the second handle section 523.

The lower portion 519 of the handle 517 has two spaced apart tubular shaft members 533 configured for insertion into the tubular shaft member 529 of the upper portion 518 of the handle. In the case where the two tubular shaft members 533 of the lower portion 519 are inserted into the two tubular shaft members 529 of the upper portion 518, the upper portion is movable relative to the lower portion from a first extended position to a second compressed position. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the upper portion 518 and the lower portion 519 above the handle 517 can have more than two tubular shaft members 529, 533. A biasing element, such as a pair of springs 526, is provided to bias the upper portion 518 of the handle 517 toward its first extended position. In the illustrated embodiment, a spring 526 is disposed in one of the tubular shaft members 529 of the upper portion 518 of the handle 517 and the other spring is disposed in the other of the tubular shaft members of the upper portion. However, it should be understood that any suitable biasing element 526 can be used. A flange (not shown) or other suitable retainers may be provided to inhibit the lower portion 519 of the handle 517 from being withdrawn or otherwise withdrawn from the upper portion 18 to thereby ensure that the lower portion remains telescopically attached The top part.

Two tubular shafts 533 of the lower portion 519 of the handle 517 are attached to an inverted U-shaped attachment bracket 530. As seen in Fig. 20, the inverted U-shaped attachment bracket 530 is angled relative to the handle 517 to facilitate placement of the manifold head 516 adjacent to the structure (e.g., building, vegetation, fence) and below the structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 530 is at an angle of approximately 10 degrees with respect to the handle 517. However, it should be understood that the bracket 530 can be configured at any suitable angle relative to the handle 517 (eg, any angle between approximately 0 degrees and approximately 45 degrees). It should be understood that the U-shaped attachment bracket 530 can be omitted and the manifold head 516 attached to the two tubular shafts 533 of the lower portion 519.

In a suitable embodiment, the manifold head 516 is pivotally attached to the attachment bracket 530 at each of its ends via a pair of pivot pins 536. As a result, the handle 517 can move relative to the manifold head 516. A pair of stops 537 are provided to limit pivoting of the handle 517 relative to the manifold 516 mobile. The stopper 537 inhibits the handle 517 from pivoting out of the predetermined range of motion relative to the manifold head 516. Suitably, the stopper 537 inhibits the handle 517 from pivoting into contact with the conduit 513. A foot bracket 531 is attached to the U-shaped attachment bracket 530. During use of the tool 512, the user can place one of its feet on the foot bracket 531 to inhibit movement of the tool during insertion.

The manifold head 516 includes at least one internal passage that distributes the termiticide to a plurality of high pressure nozzles 538 that are in fluid communication with the internal passage. The contemplated manifold head 516 can include any number of high pressure nozzles 538. For example, the manifold head 516 of the illustrated exemplary embodiment has a matrix of six high pressure nozzles 538, with each nozzle being substantially equidistant from one another.

A contact plate 550 is attached to one of the bottom surfaces 552 of the manifold head 516 to protect the high pressure nozzle 538. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact plate 550 includes a plurality of openings 554, wherein each opening is substantially aligned with a respective one of the plurality of high pressure nozzles 538. As a result, the high pressure nozzle 538 is separated from the soil by the contact plate 550 and thus does not directly contact the soil. Moreover, the contact plate 550 shields or otherwise blocks soil, stones, and/or other debris that can "crash" during the injection of the termiticide. The contact plate 550 includes at least one rounded edge that facilitates sliding (eg, dragging) of the tool 512. Contact plate 550 can be made of any suitable material (eg, metal and/or plastic).

In this embodiment, a strike protector 598 extends outwardly from one side (eg, the caudal side) of the contact plate 550 to further shield or otherwise prevent "crashing" during the injection of the termiticide. Soil, stones and/or other debris. More specifically, the impact protector 598 inhibits the intrusion of the termiticide "crash" from the opening through the opening in the soil previously injected. Thus, the illustrated impact protector 598 is sized and shaped to substantially overfill the previous injection site. In a suitable embodiment, the impact protector 598 is formed from a single piece of suitable rubber material. However, it should be understood that the impact protector 598 can have other suitable configurations (eg, bristles, strips, flaps) and be made of any suitable material.

As shown in Figure 19, a discharge valve 556 is attached to the manifold head 516 and is in fluid communication with one of the internal passages in the manifold head and the supply of termiticide. Discharge valve 556 can be open Move between the open position and a closed position. When the discharge valve is in its closed position, the termiticide solution is inhibited from flowing to the internal passage in the manifold head. When the discharge valve 556 is open, the termiticide solution flows under high pressure into the internal passage in the manifold head and through the high pressure nozzle 538, and then the termiticide is injected from the high pressure nozzle 538 into the ground. In one embodiment, the termiticide solution is pressurized to between about 25 psi and about 10,000 psi, and in another embodiment, from about 1,000 psi to about 7,000 psi, and in yet another embodiment, at about 4,000 psi. One of the pressures.

In a suitable embodiment, the discharge valve 556 is a solenoid operated poppet valve that is operable quickly enough to allow the discharge valve 556 to be opened and closed within a desired time parameter for use in accordance with a particular application. The exact volume of pressure and termiticide solution allows for accurate depth penetration of the soil. While a hydraulically actuated valve may be used, the size and weight of the valve may otherwise limit the utility of the hand-held application tool 512.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 21, a trigger switch actuator 562 is mounted to the lower portion 519 of the handle 517 and a trigger switch 560 (in a broad sense, an "actuator") is mounted to the upper portion 518 such that The trigger switch faces downwardly toward the trigger switch actuator and is disposed between the tubular shaft members 529, 533 of the upper and lower portions of the handle. When the trigger switch actuator 562 engages the trigger switch 560, the trigger switch 560 that is electrically coupled to the discharge valve 556 activates the discharge valve 556. In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger switch actuator 562 is engaged by the trigger switch when the upper portion 518 of the handle 517 is moved to its second compressed position. Thus, the upper portion can be moved from its first extended position to its second compressed position by applying a force to the upper portion 518 of the handle 517 such that it slides downward relative to the lower handle portion 519 until the triggering engagement trigger is triggered. A switch actuator is actuated to actuate the trigger switch 560. The trigger switch 560 is mounted on the upper portion 518 of the handle 517 such that it faces downwardly and is disposed between the tubular shaft members 529 of the upper portion, inhibiting unintentional actuation of the trigger switch 560.

In this embodiment, a first termiticide concentrate reservoir 584' and a quantity of devices 585 are mounted to the handle 517 of the tool 512. As seen in Figure 19, the first termiticide concentrate The liquid sump 584' is mounted to the handle upper portion 518 for each tubular shaft member 529 such that the first termiticide concentrate sump is aligned substantially along one of the longitudinal axes of the tool 512. As a result, the weight of the first termiticide concentrate sump 584' is substantially equally distributed between the two tubular shaft members 529 of the upper portion 518. As also seen in Figure 19, the metering device 585 is mounted to the lower portion 519 of the handle 517 such that it is disposed between the two tubular shaft members 533 of the lower portion. As a result, the tubular shaft 533 of the lower portion 519 of the handle 517 provides some protection or shielding of the metering device 585.

The metering device 585 is in fluid communication with the termiticide concentrate reservoir 584', and the metering device 585 is adapted to deliver a predetermined amount (ie, a dose) of the concentrated termiticide to an appropriate level each time the trigger switch 560 is actuated A hybrid device 586'. In a suitable embodiment, the metering device 585 can be adjusted such that a predetermined amount of concentrated termiticide can be adjusted. In another suitable embodiment, the metering device 585 is non-adjustable. That is, the amount of concentrated termiticide delivered to the mixing device 586' each time the trigger switch 560 is actuated cannot be changed without replacing the metering device. A suitable metering device 585 is commercially available as part number NCMB075-0125 from SMC Corporation of Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. In the illustrated embodiment, the hybrid device 586' is mounted on top of the manifold head 516, although it should be understood that the hybrid device can be otherwise mounted. For example, the mixing device 586' can be mounted on the lower portion 519 of the handle 517.

An accumulator 587 is mounted to the handle 517. More specifically, the accumulator 587 is mounted between the two tubular shaft members 533 of the lower portion 519 of the handle 517 such that the accumulator is generally aligned along one of the longitudinal axes of the tool 512. As a result, the weight of the accumulator is substantially equally distributed between the two tubular shaft members 533 of the lower portion 519. The accumulator 587 is adapted to store pressurized water (or other suitable carrier liquid) from the vehicle 514 prior to delivery of pressurized water to the mixing device 586'. The accumulator 587 minimizes the effect of the pressure drop between the cart 514 and the mixing device 586'. Thus, accumulator 587 provides pressurized water from vehicle 514 to mixing device 586' at a pressure that is higher than when pressurized water is delivered directly from the vehicle to the mixing device.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, the vehicle 514 includes: a water storage tank 580; a high pressure pump 582; a second termiticide concentrate storage tank 584; and a second mixing device 586 capable of supplying an appropriate amount. The termiticide concentrate is mixed with an appropriate amount of water to form a termiticide solution. A water inlet 581 for receiving water from an external water source (eg, a standard residential faucet) is also provided. The water storage tank 580 or the water inlet 581 can be omitted from consideration.

The supply vehicle 514 also includes a gasoline engine 588 having a generator 590 for generating power to operate the pressure pump 582 and generating a current that operates a controller 592 associated with the system 510. In another embodiment, power may be supplied by being connected to one of the electrical outlets located at the application site. A clutch mechanism 591 is provided to release the high pressure pump 582 between injections (or after a predetermined time interval) and thereby inhibit the water driven by the high pressure pump from being heated. In the illustrated embodiment, a hose reel 593 is mounted to the cart 514 for winding a conduit 513 extending between the cart 514 and the application tool 512. A pressurized moisture path 589 is provided on the handle 517 of the tool 512 for allowing pressurized water to drain prior to the accumulator 587. The shunt 589 can be used to facilitate the starting of the high pressure pump 582 and the termiticide solution from the hose 513. In a suitable embodiment, the shunt 589 is fluidly coupled to the manifold head 516 for allowing liquid (eg, water, termiticide solution), gas (eg, air), or a combination of both to pass through the shunt Drain below the manifold head.

As seen in Fig. 22, the hose reel 593 includes: a spool 594; a mounting bracket 595 that mounts the spool to the supply cart 514; and a handle 596 for manually reeling the spool relative to the mounting bracket Rotate. Thus, the handle 596 can be used to selectively rotate the spool 594 relative to the mounting bracket 595 to wrap and unwind the conduit 513 around the spool. Water from the water storage tank 580 and/or external water source is fed to the conduit 513 through a rotary coupling 597. The rotary coupling 597 allows the spool 594 and the conduit 513 that is thereby wrapped around the spool to rotate relative to one of the sump 597 and/or an external water source inlet conduit (not shown). Rotating coupling 597 inhibits coiling into the tubing. Still referring to Figure 22, the handle 596 includes a rotating electrical connector 599 at its free end for electrically connecting the rotating electrical connector 599 The piece 515 is fed to a conduit 513 that is wrapped around the spool 594. Since the conduit 513 is wound and unwound around the spool 594, the rotary electrical connector 599 inhibits the electrical connector 515 from being wound.

Referring again to Figure 18, controller 592 allows the operator of system 510 to selectively set one pulse duration and pressure level for termiticide injection. Controller 592 can be programmed to allow an operator to enter parameters associated with one of the particular manifold heads 516 in use (such as by defining the number of holes and their size), with respect to one of the termite-killing agent solutions in use. The parameters (so that the dosing can be properly controlled by the mixing device 586), or the number of injections can be tracked, and the like. It should be understood that the controller 592 can be mounted to the tool 512 in addition to or instead of a controller mounted on the vehicle 514.

To inject the termiticide into the ground, the operator positions the hand-held portable application tool 512 such that the contact plate 550 is in contact with the surface of the ground. A downward force from about 15 pounds to 20 pounds is applied by the operator to the upper portion 518 of the handle 517 to move the upper portion 518 from its first position to its second position and thereby cause the trigger switch to be mounted to the upper portion The 560 engages the trigger switch actuator 562 that is mounted to the lower portion 519. The engagement of the trigger switch actuator 562 with the trigger switch 560 actuates the discharge valve 556. More specifically, an electronic signal is sent from the trigger switch 560 to the discharge valve 556 to cause the discharge valve to move from its closed position to its open position for a predetermined amount of time.

In addition, movement of the upper portion 518 of the handle 517 relative to the lower portion 519 causes a predetermined amount of termiticide concentrate to be delivered from the first termiticide concentrate reservoir 584' by the metering device 585 to the mixing device 586'. Opening the discharge valve 556 causes the accumulator 587 to release at least a portion of the pressurized water stored therebetween to the mixing device 586'. The termiticide concentrate and pressurized water are mixed in the mixing device 586' to form a termiticide solution. The termiticide solution is then driven to the manifold head 516 where the termiticide solution flows to and out of the high pressure nozzle 538 for injection into the ground.

The operator then releases the pressure from the handle 517, which resets the trigger switch 560, the metering device 585, and the accumulator 587. More specifically, the spring 526 causes the upper portion 518 of the handle 517. Move back to its first extended position. The illustrated trigger switch 560 is configured to operate only once during each compression of the handle 517 until the handle 517 has been reset to prevent repeated opening of the discharge valve 556.

The depth of penetration of the termiticide solution into the ground varies depending on the pressure at which the termiticide solution is discharged from the tool 512, the duration in which the discharge valve 556 remains open, and the type of soil from which the termiticide is discharged. In a suitable embodiment, the penetration of the termiticide to the ground is between about 12 inches and 16 inches.

The second termiticide concentrate sump 584 and the second mixing device 586 mounted on the cart 514 allow the vehicle to be used for low pressure application. Low pressure application of the termiticide can be performed using the application tool 512 shown herein or using conventional techniques. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the second termiticide concentrate sump 584 and the second mixing device 586 may be omitted.

The written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode of the invention, and may also be practiced by those skilled in the art, which comprises making and using any device or system and performing any incorporation method. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the scope of the claims, and may include other examples of those skilled in the art. If such other examples have structural elements that are not different from the language of the patent application, or if such other examples contain non-substantial dissimilarity of the word language different from the scope of the patent application, Within the scope of this.

512‧‧‧Handheld portable application tool

513‧‧‧ catheter

515‧‧‧Electrical connectors

516‧‧‧Management head

517‧‧‧Handle

518‧‧‧The upper part of the handle

519‧‧‧Under the handle

520‧‧‧ tubular section

522‧‧‧Handle section

524‧‧‧The upper end of the tubular section

526‧‧Wedding/biasing elements

527‧‧‧handle

529‧‧‧Tubular shaft parts

530‧‧‧ Attachment bracket

533‧‧‧Tubular shaft parts

536‧‧‧ pivot pin

538‧‧‧High pressure nozzle

550‧‧‧Contact plate

552‧‧‧ bottom surface

554‧‧‧ openings

556‧‧‧Drain valve

560‧‧‧ trigger switch

562‧‧‧Trigger switch actuator

584’‧‧‧first termite agent concentrate storage tank

585‧‧‧Quantitative devices

586’‧‧‧Mixed devices

587‧‧‧Accumulator

589‧‧‧Pressure water road

598‧‧‧Bumper protector

Claims (15)

An apparatus for injecting a soil treatment into soil, the apparatus comprising: a manifold head having at least one high pressure nozzle for injecting the soil treatment into the soil; and a handle having a a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, the handle comprising an upper portion having two spaced apart tubular shaft members and a lower portion having two spaced apart tubular shaft members to which the tubular shaft members of the lower portion are coupled Part of the tubular shaft members. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tubular shaft members of the lower portion of the handle are inserted into the tubular shaft members of the upper portion of the handle, the tubular shaft members of the upper portion being rotatable relative to the lower portion Some of the tubular shaft members move. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the handle further comprises a biasing member adapted to resist movement of the tubular shaft members of the upper portion relative to the tubular shaft members of the lower portion. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a sump mounted to the handle for holding a soil treatment, the sump being substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the handle. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a quantity of means mounted on the handle for dosed the soil treatment from the sump. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a trigger switch actuator between the tubular shaft members mounted to the lower portion of the handle and a trigger switch between the tubular shaft members mounted to the upper portion . The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an accumulator mounted to the handle. The device of claim 1 wherein the handle is pivotable relative to the manifold head. An apparatus for injecting a soil treatment into soil, the apparatus comprising: a handle having a pair of handles for facilitating manual manipulation of the apparatus by an operator, the handles being selectively moveable from a first position on the handle to a second position on the handle At least one high pressure nozzle for injecting the soil treatment into the soil; and a soil treatment supply in fluid communication with the at least one high pressure nozzle. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the handle comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having a first handle section and a second handle section adapted to receive the handles, the first handle section corresponding to The first position of the handles, and the second handle section corresponds to the second position of the handles. An apparatus for injecting a soil treatment into soil, the apparatus comprising: a handle having an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion being angled relative to the upper portion; at least one high pressure nozzle from which the handle The lower portion carries, the at least one high pressure nozzle is adapted to inject the soil treatment into the soil; and a soil treatment supply is in fluid communication with the at least one high pressure nozzle. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the lower portion is at an angle of about 10 degrees with respect to the upper portion. An apparatus for injecting a soil treatment into soil, the apparatus comprising: a handle; a manifold head carried by the handle, the manifold head having means for injecting the soil treatment into the soil And thereby defining a plurality of pressure nozzles injected into the field; and a collision barrier extending outwardly from at least one side of the manifold head to prevent debris that can collide during the injection of the soil treatment. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the impact protector is sized and shaped to substantially correspond to the injection site. A high pressure injection system for injecting a soil treatment into soil, the system comprising: a supply vehicle; a hand-held portable application tool connected to the conduit and the at least one electrical connector defining one of the fluid passages The vehicle; and a hose reel mounted on the supply cart, the hose reel including a spool for mounting the spool to one of the supply cart mounting brackets and for manually The spool is rotated relative to the mounting bracket by a handle that can be used to rotate the spool relative to the mounting bracket to wrap around and unwind the conduit around the spool, the handle including for feeding the electrical connector Rotating the electrical connector to one of the conduits wrapped around the spool.