阅读说明：本技术 具有集成流量计的连续可变喷嘴系统 (Continuously variable nozzle system with integrated flow meter ) 是由 M·T·布雷默 N·布茨 T·A·梅丁格尔 B·J·沃尔鲍姆 D·R·伍德 M·D·施密特 于 2019-04-09 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种连续可变喷嘴系统,包括喷嘴本体(5),该喷嘴本体(5)有进口和出口。管路通过部件的串联连接而限定在进口和出口之间,其包括流量计(10)。流量计(10)有腔室(83),该腔室(83)有内部螺旋花键(82),该内部螺旋花键(82)设置成与通过腔室(83)的喷雾液体相互作用,并产生旋风状效果。球体(52)位于腔室(83)内部,用于沿圆形通路(106)自由运动。传感器位于腔室(83)外部,并用于检测球体(52)的运动以及响应所检测的运动而产生输出(9)信号。(A continuously variable nozzle system includes a nozzle body (5), the nozzle body (5) having an inlet and an outlet. A conduit is defined between the inlet and the outlet by a series connection of components, which includes a flow meter (10). The flow meter (10) has a chamber (83), the chamber (83) having internal helical splines (82), the internal helical splines (82) being arranged to interact with spray liquid passing through the chamber (83) and to create a cyclonic effect. The ball (52) is located inside the chamber (83) for free movement along the circular path (106). The sensor is located outside the chamber (83) and is arranged to detect movement of the ball (52) and to generate an output (9) signal in response to the detected movement.)

1. A continuously variable nozzle system configured for connection to a spray liquid supply and configured for continuously variable control of spray characteristics, the nozzle system comprising:

a nozzle body having an inlet and an outlet;

a conduit between the inlet and the outlet; and

a flow meter disposed in the pipeline;

wherein, this flowmeter includes:

a chamber having internal helical splines arranged to interact with spray liquid passing through the chamber and create a cyclonic effect;

a ball disposed inside the chamber for free movement along a circular path; and

a sensor disposed outside the chamber and configured to detect movement of the ball and to generate an output signal in response to the detected movement.

2. The nozzle system of claim 1, wherein: the flow meter comprises an upper portion, wherein the upper portion comprises an outer wall of the chamber and the helical spline is disposed on an inner surface of the outer wall.

3. The nozzle system of claim 2, wherein: the flow meter further includes a lower portion including a cone projecting from the base into the chamber, the cone being aligned on the central axis, the circular passage being disposed between the cone and the outer wall.

4. The nozzle system of claim 2 or 3, wherein: the upper portion includes a transparent material.

5. The nozzle system of claim 4, wherein: the sensor is a photodiode.

6. The nozzle system of claim 5, further comprising: a light source mounted outside the chamber and arranged to illuminate the ball.

7. The nozzle system of any of the preceding claims, further comprising: and a printed circuit board on which the sensor is mounted, wherein the printed circuit board is mounted inside the nozzle body.

8. The nozzle system of any preceding claim, wherein: the nozzle body includes a housing wall defining a housing, and the system further includes a sealing arrangement between the flow meter and the housing wall to prevent spray liquid from entering a portion of the housing external to the conduit.

9. The nozzle system of any preceding claim, further comprising: a flow control valve disposed in the pipeline; and an actuator for controlling the flow control valve.

10. The nozzle system of claim 9, wherein: the flow control valve is disposed downstream of the flow meter.

11. The nozzle system of claim 9 or 10, wherein: the flow control valve is a needle valve.

12. The nozzle system of any of claims 9 to 11, wherein: the actuator is a stepper motor.

13. The nozzle system of any preceding claim, further comprising: an electronic controller in communication with the sensor and configured to calculate the flow from the output signal.

14. The nozzle system of any of claims 8 to 12, further comprising: an electronic controller in communication with the sensor and the actuator, the controller configured to calculate a flow rate from the output signal and to control the actuator based on the flow rate.

15. The nozzle system of claim 13 or 14, further comprising: a pressure sensor installed in the pipeline downstream of the flow meter and configured to generate a pressure signal, wherein the controller is in communication with the pressure sensor and configured to receive the pressure signal.

16. The nozzle system of claims 14 and 15, wherein: the controller is arranged to control the actuator in dependence on the pressure signal.

17. The nozzle system of any of claims 9 to 12 and 14 to 16, further comprising: an impulse valve arranged in the pipeline downstream of the flow control valve; and a further actuator for controlling the shock valve, wherein the shock valve is adapted to vary the average droplet size of the spray output.

18. An agricultural sprayer comprising a plurality of nozzle systems according to any preceding claim.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a Continuously Variable Nozzle System (CVNS), and more particularly to a system for interactively controlling operating variables in an automated or autonomous agricultural sprayer.

Background

Liquid application systems have utilized a wide variety of nozzle configurations and spray operation controls, which are generally based on the liquid being sprayed, environmental factors, and other operational considerations. Without limitation, an example application of the present invention is in a mobile agricultural spray system that applies liquid to field crops. The liquid may include herbicides, pesticides, liquid fertilizers, nutrients, and other substances. Crop field spraying operations generally have the objective of optimizing crop yield, maximizing spraying operation efficiency (e.g., material usage), and minimizing accidental spraying operation results (e.g., spray drift to adjacent fields).

Operating condition variables for a spray system typically include liquid viscosity, pump pressure, discharge nozzle configuration, and fluid flow rate. These and other aspects of the spray system may be controlled to deliver more or less liquid to a target surface. However, varying the operating pressure and flow rate in the spray system can adversely affect other operating variables such as droplet size and spray fan angle. For example, when the droplets are too small, the spray may drift more easily even in relatively light wind conditions. It is generally undesirable for the pesticide to accidentally migrate to adjacent fields, water sources, uncultivated areas, livestock and individuals. For example, a spraying operation intended for a target crop may be detrimental to other crops located in adjacent fields. Accidental application of harmful pesticides can create an economic burden on the applicator.

Another potential problem with spray operation is related to the coverage gap. For example, reducing the pressure can reduce the coverage of the spray pattern, thereby resulting in unintended coverage gaps and compromising the effectiveness of the spraying operation. Environmental conditions can also affect the performance of agricultural spray systems. For example, temperature and humidity can affect the droplets of spray material and alter the degree of absorption by plants. An effective spray system, particularly for agricultural applications, preferably provides selective and/or individual control of the nozzles. Such a control function may minimize overlapping spray patterns. Zone control of the apparatus can be achieved by independently controlling a single nozzle or a portion of the apparatus having a plurality of nozzles. Relatively accurate spray patterns and material application rates can be achieved. For example, different amounts of chemicals may be applied at different locations, such as based on device sensor readings and criteria for predetermined field conditions. Because the ground speed of the nozzles located on the outer edge of the sprayer nozzle band is higher than the nozzles located on the inner edge of the equipment curve, it is also possible to accommodate different nozzle ground speeds caused by equipment turns. Also, devices with different nozzle control capabilities can automatically compensate for reduced flow conditions (e.g., caused by nozzle wear and failure).

Farmlands, pastures and other fields may be effectively sprayed using suitable guidance and navigation systems. State of the art agricultural vehicles typically use Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), such as the united states based Global Positioning System (GPS), for precise guidance, regulation of farming and placement of materials.

US2017/0036228 discloses a smart nozzle having an input pressure sensor, a flow regulator, a nozzle pressure sensor and an output orifice regulator. The output from the flow sensor is used to control the flow regulator and the output orifice regulator to control the output spray rate. Ultrasonic based sensors and the "time of flight" principle are used to measure fluid flow.

The continuously variable nozzle system of the present invention addresses the performance goals of these sprayers and overcomes many of the deficiencies of the prior art nozzle and control systems. There has heretofore been no continuously variable nozzle system having the features and elements of the present invention.

Disclosure of Invention

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a Continuously Variable Nozzle System (CVNS) is provided for a sprayer, such as an agricultural sprayer. The nozzle system is configured for connection to a spray liquid supply and configured for continuously variably controlling spray characteristics. The nozzle system includes: a nozzle body having an inlet and an outlet and a conduit therebetween; and a flow meter disposed in the pipeline. The flow meter includes: a chamber having internal helical splines arranged to interact with spray liquid passing through the chamber and create a cyclonic effect; a ball disposed inside the chamber for free movement along a circular path; and a sensor disposed outside the chamber and configured to detect movement of the ball and generate an output signal in response to the detected movement.

The present invention provides a "smart" nozzle system having a flow meter that has been found to be very accurate when measuring very low flow rates or rapidly changing flow rates. This is due to the low friction and low inertia of the spherical structure. Moreover, the flow meter of the present invention is more reliable and robust than known flow meters for single nozzle applications.

The nozzle system may be connected to a source of spray material and used to automatically control fluid pressure, discharge volume rate, droplet size, and discharge spray pattern.

The flow meter preferably comprises an upper portion, wherein the upper portion comprises an outer wall of the chamber and the helical splines are provided on an inner surface of the outer wall. The flow meter may further include a lower portion including a cone projecting from the base into the chamber, the cone aligned on the central axis, the circular passage disposed between the cone and the outer wall. In a preferred embodiment, the upper portion comprises a transparent material and the sensor is a photodiode "seen" at the ball through the transparent material. A light source may be provided outside the chamber to illuminate the ball and improve the detection reliability of the photodiode.

In one embodiment, the automatic control system includes a microprocessor for receiving input signals indicative of operating condition variables and providing output signals for controlling adjustable sprayer parameters. The control system includes a feedback loop function for interactively modifying sprayer parameters in real time in response to field, weather, crop and other conditions.

In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle system further comprises a flow control valve arranged in the line and an actuator for controlling the flow control valve. Preferably, the flow control valve can adjust the flow rate of the spray liquid on a nozzle-by-nozzle basis. The flow control valve is preferably a needle valve, but other types of valves are possible. The actuator may be provided by a stepper motor, for example. Alternatively, a voice coil (or non-commutating dc linear) actuator may be used.

In another preferred embodiment, the nozzle system may further comprise an electronic controller in communication with the sensor and the actuator for controlling the flow control valve, wherein the controller is arranged to calculate the flow rate from the output signal and to control the actuator in dependence on the flow rate.

A pressure sensor may be mounted in the conduit downstream of the flow meter and configured to generate a pressure signal, wherein the controller is in communication with the pressure sensor and configured to receive the pressure signal. In one example of a system in operation, the supply pressure of the spray liquid supply and flow control valve are controlled based on the measured flow rate and nozzle pressure to maintain a desired flow rate and spray pattern.

The nozzle system may further comprise: an impulse valve arranged in the pipeline downstream of the flow control valve; and a further actuator for controlling the impact valve, wherein the impact valve is adapted to vary the average droplet size of the spray output. Preferably, an impingement valve is provided in addition to the flow control valve so that the output spray characteristics can be controlled highly nozzle by nozzle, particularly with respect to droplet size and flow rate.

By way of example only, the nozzle system may be employed in a sprayer which may be provided as a self-propelled vehicle, as a mounting or towing device, or as an unmanned aerial vehicle.

The CVNS of the present invention is suitable for retrofitting in after market installations and also for Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) applications. The modular design accommodates such various applications.

Drawings

Other advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of specific embodiments, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which illustrate various objects and features thereof.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an automatic sprayer including a Continuously Variable Nozzle System (CVNS) embodying an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a front perspective view of the CVNS.

Fig. 3a is an elevational, upper and right perspective view of the CVNS, shown in an exploded configuration.

Fig. 3b is another elevational, upper and right side perspective view of the CVNS, shown in an exploded configuration.

Fig. 4a is a vertical cross-sectional view in a closed state.

Fig. 4b is another vertical cross-sectional view in an open state.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a linear stepper motor with a needle valve installed.

Fig. 6 is another perspective view of the linear stepper motor, particularly illustrating its terminal block.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the impingement valve or nozzle subassembly in the closed position, taken generally along circle 7 in FIG. 4 a.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the impingement valve or nozzle subassembly in an open position, taken generally along circle 8 in FIG. 4 b.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the impingement valve or nozzle subassembly.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the impingement valve or nozzle subassembly, taken generally along circle 10 in fig. 8.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of an impingement valve or nozzle subassembly.

FIG. 11a is a perspective view of an impingement nozzle insert.

Fig. 11b is a perspective view of the impingement nozzle valve.

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the CVNS flowmeter taken generally along circle 12 in fig. 4a and 4 b.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged partial view of the flow meter, adjacent housing panel mounts, and LED and photodiode sensors for detecting the passage of a trackball.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary top view of a portion of the illustrated flow meter, taken generally along line 14 in FIG. 13.

Detailed Description

1. Introduction and Environment

As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, although it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to implement the invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and is not limiting. For example, upper, lower, front, rear, right and left refer to the orientation of the invention in the referenced view. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the indicated component. Forward and backward, where appropriate, are generally referred to as directions of travel. The terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

2. Sprayer 2

In the practice of the inventive solution, CVNS4 is shown in nebulizer 2. Without limiting the general principle of the advantageous application of the invention, the sprayer 2 may be provided for application of an agricultural sprayer, such as self-propelled, mounted or towed behind a tractor. As shown in fig. 1, the fluid supply 6 is connected to a generally horizontal tubular supply manifold 8, which tubular supply manifold 8 may be mounted at the front or rear of the vehicle and supported on a cantilevered structure. For agricultural operations, manifold 8 may extend substantially the width of a crop field strip, for example, multiple CVNS4 mounted on manifold 8 at intervals corresponding to respective crop row spacings.

Each CVNS4 includes a nozzle body 5, the nozzle body 5 having an input portion 7 and an output portion 9 schematically shown in fig. 1. Fluid enters the flow meter 10 through input 7 into CVNS4 (described in more detail below), the flow meter 10 generating an output signal corresponding to the flow rate, which is input to the pilot and control microprocessor 12. The fluid flow rate is automatically controlled by a needle valve 14 connected to a linear stepper motor 16. Pressure sensor 18 monitors fluid pressure and outputs a corresponding signal for input to microprocessor 12.

The fluid enters an impact valve 20, which impact valve 20 is controlled by another linear stepper motor 22 connected to the microprocessor 12. Depending on the open/closed state of the shock valve 20, fluid is discharged or diverted from the shock valve 20 to an optional discharge valve 24. Thus, a fluid transfer line is provided between the input 7 and output 9, with a plurality of components connected in series including a flow meter 10, a needle valve 14, and a shock valve 20.

The guidance and control microprocessor 12 receives inputs from the flow meter 10, the pressure sensor 18, and an optional external data connection 26. The external data connection 26 may include various resources, such as the internet (e.g., through the "cloud"), an operator, a smart device, a LAN, a WAN, an electronic storage medium, and so forth. Also, multiple vehicle and equipment components with CVNS may be linked and coordinate their operations. These vehicle and equipment components may be assigned to individual operators or may operate autonomously.

3. Continuously Variable Nozzle System (CVNS)4

As shown in fig. 2, the nozzle body 5 defines a housing 30, which housing 30 may comprise a high density and durable material, such as acetal plastic. However, the housing 30 and other components of the CVNS4 may comprise other durable materials, including metals, ceramics, and the like. The housing 30 generally includes a mounting frame 32 and a cover 34, which mounting frame 32 and cover 34 may comprise injection molded components. The CVNS4 is attached to the manifold 8 by an interposed modular cantilever mounting clamp 36 having upper and lower jaws 38, 40 (e.g., injection molded plastic) that are finger-connected by pressing on a hinge pin 42 and clamped together by clamp bolt fasteners 44. The entire CVNS4 connection may be sealed fluid tight by suitable O-rings, gaskets, sealants, and other connection devices and techniques. An O-ring is shown without limitation and is generally designated 46. The lower collet 40 includes a tube insert 48, the tube insert 48 having a slot 50, the slot 50 allowing the fluid in the manifold 8 to be fully discharged to the CVNS 4.

As shown in fig. 3 a. The flow meter or sensor 10 and the shock valve or nozzle subassembly 20 may be secured to a housing 30 by a suitable clevis 28.

As shown in fig. 4a and 4b, the CVNS4 is in the closed and open configurations, respectively. For example, FIG. 4a shows both the needle valve 14 and the shock valve 20 closed. When the valves 14, 20 are open (fig. 4b), fluid enters from the cantilever or manifold 8 through an opening in the cantilever mounting fixture 36 and into the flow meter 10 causing the ball 52 located therein to rotate. The needle valve 14 is mounted on a linear actuator, which may include a stepper motor 16, with the stepper motor 16 incrementally (e.g., by a stepper motor as shown) or continuously varying the flow rate. The pressure in the housing 30 may be monitored by a pressure sensor 18, which pressure sensor 18 may comprise a diaphragm washer type structure for mounting on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB)54, which PCB 54 forms a side wall of the housing 30 and is closed by a side cover panel 56 (fig. 3 a). Needle valve 14 controls droplet size, fluid pressure, and flow rate.

Needle valve seat 58 acts as a seal against needle 14 when the needle valve is closed to restrict flow. As the fluid passes through the CVNS4, the fluid pressure is read by the pressure sensor 18, which is covered by the gasket 19, which gasket 19 prevents the fluid from directly contacting the sensor 18 and the PCB 54. The position of needle valve 14 and shock valve 20 is monitored by magnet 60, which magnet 60 is pressed into magnet holder 62, which magnet holder 62 is mounted on and slides with respective motor shafts 64, 66. The magnet 60 interacts with a magnet sensor (not shown) in the housing 30 that provides an output signal to the controller 12 for monitoring and controlling the position of the valves 14, 20, such as through a suitable feedback loop. Needle 14 (fig. 5) may comprise a relatively soft material such as brass or acetyl thermoplastic. In one embodiment, the needle 14 is formed from Polyoxymethylene (POM) (also known as acetal, polyacetal) and polyoxymethylene, as is commonly used in precision parts that require high stiffness, low friction, and good dimensional stability. Relatively tight tolerances or preferably providing a relatively precise conical shape so that a suitable seal can be achieved. As shown, the needle 14 has a double ramp configuration, or otherwise has a variable geometry profile, for optimizing a linear or otherwise determined flow rate response.

As shown in fig. 6, the motors 16, 22 may include suitable junction boxes having electrical and mechanical connections with other components of the CVNS 4.

Fig. 7 shows the shock valve 20 in the closed position. The shock valve 20 opens and closes to discharge fluid and produce a desired fluid flow. Acetyl thermoplastics can be used to form the components of the shock valve 20 due to their chemical resistance and low coefficient of friction. The impingement valve 20 generally includes an impingement nozzle insert 68 (FIG. 11) and an impingement nozzle valve 70 having relatively precise dimensions and geometries for achieving a desired fluid flow rate. The impingement nozzle insert 68 and valve 70 are shown in fig. 9 (closed) and 10 (open). The interaction between the insert 68 and the valve 70 produces a desired flow pattern at various flow rates. The impingement nozzle valve 70 slides along the insert 68 to effectively change the flow rate and droplet size of the fluid exiting the CVNS4, the fluid first passing through the 3 holes 72 on the insert 68, which increases the fluid velocity. A turbulence pocket 74 is formed between the insert 68 and the valve 70. The shape of the turbulence pockets 74 may cause the fluid to swirl. The increased velocity of the fluid increases the turbulence of the fluid within the pockets 74. The fluid then exits the turbulence pocket 74 at the final orifice 76, which final orifice 76 is the final interface between the valve 70 and the insert 68. As the valve 70 slides across the insert 68, the final orifice opening size changes, causing the flow rate of the fluid and the droplet size to change. Upon exiting the final orifice 76, the fluid travels along the path of the ramp 78 formed by the impingement nozzle valve 70. The length of the ramp 78 should be long enough to produce a flat sheet of fluid, but not so long that the sheet of fluid reconverges into a stream after exiting the turbulence pocket 74.

Referring to fig. 12-14, the flow meter 10 includes an upper portion 80 and a lower portion 81, one or both of which are preferably injection molded. The upper portion 80 provides an outer wall of a chamber 83, through which chamber 83 the jetting fluid flows. Lower portion 81 includes a tapered portion 85 that projects into cavity 83 away from base portion 87. The cone portion 85 extends along a central axis 100 of the flow meter 10.

A fluid passage is defined through the chamber 83 from the inlet side 102 to the outlet side 104 between the inner surface of the upper portion 80 and the outer surface of the cone portion 85. Helical splines 82 are provided on the inner surface of the outer wall and are used to interact with the fluid to create a cyclonic-like effect that causes meter ball 52 to rotate along a circular path 106 inside meter 10. The rotational speed of ball 52 is proportional to the fluid flow rate so that the flow rate of the fluid through CVNS4 can be measured. In a preferred embodiment of the flow meter 10, it comprises a transparent material so that the movement of the inner sphere 52 can be easily read. In alternative embodiments, magnetic, acoustic or ultrasonic sensors may be used.

An important feature of this particular flow meter design is that it can measure very low flow rates and rapidly changing flow rates with high accuracy. This is due to the low friction and low inertia of the spherical structure. In a preferred embodiment, the density of the sphere material should match the density of the sprayed liquid. For example, the density is 1.17 to 1.20g/cm³The acrylic material or organic glass is particularly suitable for spraying with a density of 1.0g/cm³Of (2) a liquid

As shown in fig. 13 and 14, an LED 84 and photodiode 86 are mounted inside the PCB 54, facing the flow meter 10. An LED or other suitable light source illuminates the ball 52 and light reflected by the ball 52 is detected by a photodiode 86, the photodiode 86 providing an output signal as an input to the microprocessor 12 for counting the number of passes of the ball 52 so that the flow rate can be calculated. The configuration of the ball 52, LED 84 and photodiode 86 can be well adapted to different fluid characteristics and other conditions which may include fluid collar, turbidity, contamination and passivation of optically relevant surfaces of the device which can result from aging and fogging effects of the plastic. The output of the photodiode 86 is the input to a transimpedance amplifier followed by an analog low pass filter having a predetermined cutoff frequency. These components may be contained within the flow meter 10 and/or the processor 12, which interact with each other. The resulting voltage-based signal is output as an input to a processor 12, which processor 12 samples analog signals using an analog-to-digital (a/D) converter. Signal processing techniques are used to determine the fluid flow rate. An O-ring 46 or other sealing means is used to prevent fluid from entering the top of the nozzle body housing. As an alternative embodiment, the output of the transimpedance amplifier may be used as an input to a comparison trip, in order to generate a digital signal which may provide an input to a timer/capture/compare unit on the processor, in order to measure the time between pulses corresponding to the passage of the ball over the photodiode.

For many agricultural operations, the discharge from the CVNS4 will pass through an impact valve or nozzle subassembly 20. Alternatively, a lower drain 88 may be provided, and the lower drain 88 may include a lug 90 for removably mounting a cap 92, the cap 92 for closing the drain 88. Alternatively, the cap 92 may be replaced by or connected to a suitable spray discharge nozzle (not shown) to bypass the impingement valve or nozzle subassembly 20 during operation.

Alternative flow meters include, but are not limited to, thermal mass flow meters, ultrasonic flow meters, electromagnetic flow meters, acoustic material flow meters and transducers, impeller flow meters, axial turbine flow meters, paddle wheel flow transducers, and independent flow meter misting system components that are not connected to the needle and shock valves 14, 20.

While spray systems are particularly suited for agricultural applications, various other applications may be accommodated for flexibly controlling and managing the flow of liquid materials. For example, a given farming operation may benefit from such control measures. Thus, farmers and other machine users can place water, chemicals, liquid manure or any other liquid substance and control the amount of deposition. Such control provides a solution to problems such as over-application and under-application of liquid material.

Other undesirable consequences that can be mitigated by the present invention include drift of airborne droplets (the problem is exacerbated by the smaller droplet size). Application on unintended target areas can thus be mitigated. Moreover, the present invention may communicate with a control system on a machine (e.g., a vehicle) for navigating and controlling precise farming operations. Such navigation and positioning systems may include Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), such as the united states-based Global Positioning System (GPS). Real-time kinematics (RTK), inertia, and other navigation/positioning procedures may also be used. Interactive communication with the vehicle and other equipment and machines may coordinate and control other aspects of precision farming and other operations. For example, the plurality of CVNS4 may be selectively and individually controlled, or may be centrally controlled partially or entirely.

It is to be understood that the present invention may be embodied in various forms and is not limited to the above examples. The range of components and configurations that can be used in the practice of the present invention is virtually limitless.