AU2017202725B2 - Diffuser fan shroud system for spraying chemicals on agricultural row crops. - Google Patents

Abstract

AUSTRALIA PATENT Standard patent application Dated: 26 APRIL 2017 Title: Diffuser fan shroud system for spraying chemicals on agricultural row crops Page 2 of 2 ABSTRACT This invention relates to an outstanding improvement of spray coverage uniformity and the method that agricultural chemical/water mixtures are applied to row crops growing relatively close to the ground, tree, and vine row, but not limited to. This invention consists of a powered fan shroud housing that forms an air diffuser outlet. The housing has a provision for holding spray nozzles at the air outlet of the diffuser in order to create and apply uniformity of agricultural chemical/water mixtures with the air. The hollow fan shroud housing forming an air diffuser outlet may be produced from moulded polyethylene plastic materials or formed by light weight sheet material. The hollow diffuser shroud has round shape where internally a powered fan is located. From the lower round shape of the diffuser housing, it spreads outwardly forming a rectangular opening as an air distribution outlet. The rectangular openings of the housing has located a plurality of spray nozzles. These spray nozzles are connected to a pump and a regulator for adjusting the discharged flow rate of chemical/water mixtures entrained in the air flow discharge. The air outlets comprises of several different combinations for discharging the air near and over a group of spray nozzles. The combinations of air outlets have configurations to adjust the characteristic of air stream(s) discharged and passing by and over a group of spray nozzles. A simple method of adjusting the air speed is to restrict the outlet that travels pass the spray nozzles. Optimum adjustment of this outlet results in reducing the spray drift generally called "off target spray chemical" which is a significant improvement when applying toxic agricultural chemical materials to the crop. The absolute outstanding feature of this invention also increases uniformity of the spray coverage that is applied on the crop foliage and thus better crop protection resulting in less crop losses due to better disease control. Another significant advantage with this invention, is the hollow diffuser shroud being of less mass. This reduces the cost and simplifies the design of a boom arm for agricultural spray machines. A boom arm is commonly made up from tubular steel or aluminium sections and can be damaged when traveling in the field as it is subjected to significant dynamic load. Further, less stress is on joints and/or cables supporting its horizontal position when driven along the field. <END OF THIS APPLICATION> Page 1 of 9 2 1 3 Figure number 1 Figure number 2

Description

AUSTRALIA PATENT

Standard patent application

Dated: 26 APRIL 2017

Title:

Diffuser fan shroud system for spraying chemicals on agricultural row crops

Page 2 of 2

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to an outstanding improvement of spray coverage uniformity and the method that agricultural chemical/water mixtures are applied to row crops growing relatively close to the ground, tree, and vine row, but not limited to.

This invention consists of a powered fan shroud housing that forms an air diffuser outlet. The housing has a provision for holding spray nozzles at the air outlet of the diffuser in order to create and apply uniformity of agricultural chemical/water mixtures with the air.

The hollow fan shroud housing forming an air diffuser outlet may be produced from moulded polyethylene plastic materials or formed by light weight sheet material.

The hollow diffuser shroud has round shape where internally a powered fan is located. From the lower round shape of the diffuser housing, it spreads outwardly forming a rectangular opening as an air distribution outlet.

The rectangular openings of the housing has located a plurality of spray nozzles. These spray nozzles are connected to a pump and a regulator for adjusting the discharged flow rate of chemical/water mixtures entrained in the air flow discharge.

The air outlets comprises of several different combinations for discharging the air near and over a group of spray nozzles. The combinations of air outlets have configurations to adjust the characteristic of air stream(s) discharged and passing by and over a group of spray nozzles.

A simple method of adjusting the air speed is to restrict the outlet that travels pass the spray nozzles.

Optimum adjustment of this outlet results in reducing the spray drift generally called "off target spray chemical" which is a significant improvement when applying toxic agricultural chemical materials to the crop.

The absolute outstanding feature of this invention also increases uniformity of the spray coverage that is applied on the crop foliage and thus better crop protection resulting in less crop losses due to better disease control.

Another significant advantage with this invention, is the hollow diffuser shroud being of less mass. This reduces the cost and simplifies the design of a boom arm for agricultural spray machines. A boom arm is commonly made up from tubular steel or aluminium sections and can be damaged when traveling in the field as it is subjected to significant dynamic load. Further, less stress is on joints and/or cables supporting its horizontal position when driven along the field.

<END OF THIS APPLICATION>

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AUSTRALIA PATENT

Standard patent application

Dated: 26 APRIL 2017

Title:

Diffuser fan shroud system for spraying chemicals on agricultural row crops

Page 2 of 11

DESCRIPTION

Technical field

[0001] This invention relates to the spraying of agricultural chemical/water mixtures for controlling pest and diseases in crops growing relatively close to the ground, but not limited to.

[0002] Many type of crops are being planted worldwide in a row layout where in the same cases a road is located strategically in the field for driving the equipment along. This is generally called controlled traffic. On each side of the road, a row crop is planted parallel to the road. In the case of spraying row crops, the equipment will extend out to each side and treat the planted crop while traveling along the road in a controlled mode.

Background art and reference

[0003] The inventor has conducted many experimental field tests of the common circular spray heads. The results of spray effective coverage was compared with this invention of a powered fan shroud housing forming an air diffuser outlet mounted on wide boom arms on a prototype machine that was produced and developed by the inventor. The inventor refers to engineering scientific papers relating to the subject.

Reference has been made to the following papers.

1. PC H MILLER, M C BUTLER ELLIS, AG LANE, C M O'SULLIVAN and C RTUCK, Methods for minimising drift and off-target exposure from boom sprayer applications, Silsoe Spray Applications Unit, Building 42, Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedford MK45 4HP, UK

2. By F LEBEAU, X BOUCHAT, R RUTER and M-F DESTAIN - Spray Pattern Simulation Model for Standardisation of Boom Behaviour Tests Unite de Mecanique et Construction, Gembloux Agricultural University, 2 Passage des Deportes B-5030 Gembloux, Belgium

3. Paul C. H. Miller, Clive R. Tuck, Seamus Murphy°, Marcelo da Costa Ferreira MEASUREMENTS OF THE DROPLET VELOCITIES IN SPRAYS PRODUCED BY DIFFERENT DESIGNS OF AGRICULTURAL SPRAY NOZZLE

4. Riley, T. W.; Burge, A. W.; Fielke, J. M.; Manor, G., 1997: Anew measurement technique to determine chemical spray distribution. Agricultural Engineering Australia.

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Patent literature

1. Foldable spray boom for air atomization of chemical products on crop fields, EP 0278926 A2

2. Australian Provisional application number: 2016901523, (Filing date 2016-04-26), Invention title: Diffuser fan shroud system for spraying chemicals on agricultural row crops. Inventor: Baek Bent, Australia.

3. Australian Standard application number: 2016204514, (Earliest priority date 2015-06-29) and (Effective date of patent 2016-06-29), Invention title: Boom arm system for spraying chemicals on agricultural row crops. Inventor: Baek Bent, Australia.

Summary of invention

[0004] The object and purpose of this invention is to provide a novel and improved spray system for applying agricultural chemicals onto foliage and crops for the control of pest and diseases with minimum off-target spray and waste into the environment.

[0005] This invention is a hollow diffuser fan shroud having a specific shape starting with a circular shroud housing the upper part, which is the air inlet that is located within a powered fan. From the circular housing the shape forms into a diffuser that spreads outwardly and downwardly forming a long narrow hollow with a rectangular opening air outlet.

[0006] The diffuser has five combinations of air outlets by the location of deflector(s) for the adjustment of discharged air flow and the location of spray nozzles and restriction of air outlet.

[0007] When in operation and used for spraying low growing crops with a boom arm, the diffuser produces air flow by its powered fan in downward direction thus creating turbulence and emitting a water chemical mixture from spray nozzles to the crop and foliage.

[0008] When in operation and used for spraying foliage of trees or vine row canopies and with over row straddling arms, the diffuser produces air flow in horizontal directions, thus creating turbulence and emitting a water chemical mixture from spray nozzles into the crop and foliage.

[0009] In either operation, with a boom arm or with over-row straddling arms, a mobile vehicle tows the apparatus by a tractor or fitted to a self-propelled vehicle.

[0009a] In one aspect, the present invention provides a hollow diffuser fan shroud assembly for us in spraying agricultural chemicals for crop protection, comprising, a circular shroud housing an upper part that has located within it a fan, wherein at a lower edge of said circular housing, the shape of said diffuser fan shroud extends and spreads outwardly and downwardly forming a long narrow hollow rectangular opening, said circular shroud housing upper part being an air inlet and said long narrow hollow opening being an air outlet, a plurality of spray nozzles, secured and located within and along said narrow hollow rectangular opening and configured to, when in operation, emit a water chemicals mixture that is entrained into an air flow produced by said fan, a motor, which powers said fan, secured to said circular shroud upper part, said motor located within said circular shroud upper part thereby

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producing sufficient air pressure to force said air flow to discharge at said air outlet, and said hollow diffuser fan shroud assembly constructed from sheet metal or moulded using polyethylene materials.

[0009b] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of using and operating a diffuser fan shroud assembly according to the preceding statement, for use in spraying agricultural chemicals for crop protection or on tree and vine rows.

Technical problem

[0010] By mounting plurality of common circular fan spray heads, on the boom arms, driven byan electrical motor that has spray nozzles located in front of the fan, the spray heads emit a water and chemical mixture down into the crop in a circular pattern or applied in narrow strip. These common circular spray head shrouds need to be mounted relatively close together in order to obtain complete uniformity of the spray coverage applied onto the crop without missing strips of the crop and therefore avoiding not being properly sprayed, thus resulting in part of the crop not protected from diseases.

[0011] In general terms, row crops are becoming more costly to grow because not all production activities have been mechanised. For example, harvesting and handling is labour intensive. This is particularly the case in Australia. Labour costs are increasing and the trend is that growing such crop is increasing to a more economical scale of planting and thus increasing profitability. Row crops need to be controlled from pest and diseases more economically than what can be achieved with conventional equipment.

[0012] Generally, conventional equipment has only spray nozzles fitted to the boom (arm) and does not have any air assistance to bring chemicals and move the foliage of the row crop to achieve effective chemical coverage of the plants.

[0013] Over some years air intake nozzles have been developed but they have not been very effective in the improvement of spray application of agricultural chemicals because the travel speed has increase in order to treat large areas in a short time frame.

[0014] Ducted air systems exist but require high pressure in the system in order to obtain sufficient air volume but that has resulted in very high power requirement and subsequently the tractor consumes more fuel.

[0015] The need to achieve higher work rates so as to make timely applications involves using wider machines and higher spraying speeds are all conditions that affect the spray-drift when spraying agricultural chemicals.

Solution to problem

[0016] This invention of a diffuser housing air distribution outlet is wider and therefore provides complete uniformity of spray coverage. Furthermore, less spray heads (diffuser housing with fans and motors) is required to obtain better results, while reducing energy to operate the system when applying agricultural chemicals. This invention also simplifies the design and construction of the entire spray machine.

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Advantageous effects of invention

[0017] This invention is addressing a much more effective method of spraying and controlling pest and diseases by having a plurality of diffuser housing with fan and motors mounted on a boom (arm).

[0018] The advantages of the diffuser is less mass/weight on the boom and better spray results chemical/water mixture applications applied to row crops that grow very close together, such as melon, cucumber, pumpkins and strawberries, but not limited to. At present such crops are being planted and grown on very large scale in many different parts of the world in order to feed an increasing population worldwide including Australia.

[0019] Air assistance means has proven to function more effectively. It has been found through trials that off-target exposure from drift from this invention for improvements of boom sprayers is mainly a function of the droplet size distribution produced by the nozzles, the height of the boom and the wind speed at the time of spraying, but also the air speed and volume of assisted air that is applied to energise the droplets to travel to the crops and leaves.

[0020] The inventor is taking advantage of the following existing Australian Provisional application number: 2016901523, Invention title: Diffuser fan shroud system for spraying chemicals on agricultural row crops and the Australian Standard application number: 2016204514, Invention title: Boom arm system for spraying chemicals on agricultural row crops on which the diffuser fan shroud system can be mounted for much more effective method of spraying chemicals for crop protection.

Brief description of drawings

[0021] Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3, illustrating a view of the diffuser fan shroud system in details.

[0022] Figure 4, illustrating a view of a configuration having no deflecting members of discharging air.

[0023] Figure 5, Figure 6 and Figure 7 illustrating views of configurations having deflecting members of discharging air.

[0024] Figure 8, illustrating a view of a configuration having spray nozzles in one row positioned in a sheltered slot located in the centre of the air outlet combined with two air outlets, in the form of holes on both side of the spray nozzles.

[0025] Figure 9 is a view (3D) seen from the rear and front of the spray machine when the booms (arms) are open. The illustration here is a trailer type or vehicle towed by a tractor.

[0026] Figure 10 is a schematic view, based on figure 9, seen square from the rear of the spray machine when the booms (arms) are open.

[0027] Figure 11 is a view seen from the top of the spray machine when the boom (arms) are open.

[0028] Figure 12 is a view (3D) seen from the rear of a small spray machine that is a trailer type or vehicle towed by a tractor.

[0029] Figure 13 is a schematic view, based on Figure 12, seen from the rear square on of the spray machine when the supporting arms are open.

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Description of embodiments

[0030] In the following typical embodiments relevant to this invention are based on the description below as follows:

[0031] Figure 1 and Figure 2, illustrating a view of the diffuser fan shroud system. The diffuser fan shroud 1, consists of motor 2 (powered hydraulically or electrically), fan (impeller) 3, and mounting brackets 4. Diffuser fan shroud 1 consists of a circular shape upper part CSUP, where internally a powered fan (impeller) 3 is located. The shape of the diffuser housing spreads outwardly at least 2 meters, but not limited to, forming a rectangular opening part ROP (air outlet) and width of at least 150mm as an air distribution outlet.

[0032] Figure 3, illustrating a view of diffuser fan shroud 1, position of the spray nozzles 2, located on a delivery pipe 2a mounted just inside the rectangular opening of a discharging air outlet ROP (air outlet). In the following typical embodiments relevant to this invention is taken a sectional at an approximate location as shown in figure 3, between A-A thus creating a sectional view of the region of the rectangular opening of a discharging air outlet ROP (air outlet). This sectional region is described below in the following illustration and figures from Figure 4 to Figure 7.

[0033] Figure 4, illustrating a view of a configuration having no deflecting members of discharging air. This provides free air flow at the rectangular openings ROP of the housing. This configuration may be used when the crop forages are dense, thick and vigorous thus the requirement for extra air volume is essential in order to achieve superior spray coverage.

[0034] Figure 5, illustrating a view of a configuration having one deflecting member at the discharging air outlet. The deflector shape is an inverted V allowing air flow passing both sides of the spray nozzles. The angle can be fixed or adjustable of this deflector AD similar to an adjustable aperture. This does not provide free air flow at the rectangular openings of the housing and as seen the AIR travels on the outside of the nozzle sprays 2 thus providing an air curtain for the water/chemical. This configuration may be used when crops need to be sprayed in windy conditions, thus the requirement for less air volume to achieve superior spray coverage.

[0035] Figure 6, illustrating a view of configurations having two deflecting members of discharging air. The adjustable deflector AD. This provides one air flow at the rectangular opening of the housing and as seen the AIR travels in between the nozzle sprays 2 thus providing an air curtain for the water/chemical. This configuration may be used when the crop needs to be sprayed in windy conditions thus the requirement for less air volume to achieve superior spray coverage.

[0036] Figure 7, illustrating a view of a configuration having one deflecting member of discharging air. The angle can be fixed or adjustable of this deflector AD. This does not provide free air flow at the rectangular openings ROP of the housing and as seen the AIR travels on the outside of a single group of nozzle sprays 2, thus providing an air curtain on both side of emitted water/chemical from the nozzle(s) group. As seen this configuration has only one row of nozzles and can be used when the crop needs a very low application rate per hectare. For example spraying in non-windy conditions and very small crops, thus the requirement for less air volume to achieve superior spray coverage.

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[0037] Figure 8, illustrating a view of a configuration having spray nozzles in one row positioned in a sheltered slot located in the centre of the air outlet combined with two air outlets, in the form of holes, both sides of the spray nozzles. This discharging configuration of air lets provides a curtain on both sides of emitted water/chemical from the nozzle(s) group. As seen this configuration has only one row of nozzles and can be used when the crop needs a very low application rate per hectare on days with very high wind conditions and very small crops thus the requirement for more air speed and volume to achieve superior spray coverage.

[0038] Figure 9 is a view (3D) seen from the rear and front of a spray machine that is a trailer type or vehicle towed by a tractor, using and operating diffuser fan shroud assembly(s) for spraying agricultural chemicals on row crop growing relative close to the ground. This illustration is when the booms (arms) are open.

[0039] Figure 10 is a schematic view, based on Figure 9, seen square from the rear of the spray machine when the booms (arms) are open. It is seen here that on the left boom arm the complete assembly of the diffuser fan shroud is connected to a power supply for the motor that rotates the fan (impeller). Each complete assembly of the diffuser fan shroud is mounted on the boom which prevents any spray gaps as seen in comparison on the right boom arm, having circular fan spray heads mounted on this boom arm. This provide a much more effective method of applying chemicals to plants and further reduce chemical wastage and much better results.

[0040] Figure 10 is generally called a spray machine trailer, towable by a tractor. In many large agricultural fields a tractor may be part of the spray machine and it is generally called a self-propelled spray system. The left boom arm of the spray machine shows the complete spray coverage by the use of the diffuser fan shroud assembly leaving no spray gap on the crop. The right hand booms (arms) of the spray machine shows the ineffective spray coverage by missing gaps when using common circular spray head shrouds leaving unsprayed gap on the crop.

[0041] Figure 11 is a view seen from the top of the spray machine when the boom (arms) are open. The machine is powered by a tractor. Each complete assembly of the diffuser fan shroud is mounted on the boom which prevents any spray gaps as seen in comparison on the right boom arm, having circular fan spray heads mounted on this boom arm. This provides a much more effective method of applying chemicals to plants and further reduces chemical wastage and much better results. The right hand booms (arms) of the spray machine shows the ineffective spray coverage by missing gaps when using common circular spray head shrouds leaving unsprayed gap on the crop.

[0042] Figure 12 is a view (3D) seen from the rear of a small spray machine that is a trailer type or vehicle towed by a tractor, using and operating diffuser fan shroud assembly(s) for spraying agricultural chemicals on tree and vine rows. Also it show it is possible to manoeuvre the spray machine in confined and restricted fields at the end of the cropping area.

[0043] Figure 13 is a schematic view, based on Figure 12, seen from the rear square on of the spray machine when the supporting arms (4) are open and powered by a tractor when in operation. It shows the over-row spray assembly(s) (1) and (2) are connected to a power source from a tractor or vehicle. The spray nozzles are connected to an adjustable pump system and one pair of said diffuser assembly (1) and (2) is mounted to the supporting arms (4), with air outlets facing each other thus creating opposing air flows in horizontal directions produce air flows in horizontal directions thus creating

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turbulence and emitting water chemicals mixture from the spray nozzles onto the foliage of tree or vine canopies allowing effective and efficient spray coverage. A circular fan spray head (3), is mounted in the centre to supporting arms (4), with the air outlet facing down and located at an effective distance above the top of the tree or vine row thus creates airflow in a vertical downward direction.

Operation of the invention

[0044] Each complete assembly of the diffuser fan shroud is connected to a power supply for the motor that rotates the fan (impeller). The delivery pipe for the spray nozzles are connected to a pump and a regulator for adjusting the flow rate of chemical/water mixture that emit out of the nozzles. When operating chemical/water mixture and air is discharged at the outlet and thus effectively mixed and containing correct size droplets applied onto the crop.

[0045] The complete diffuser fan shroud assembly is fitted strategically in a location on booms (arms) of an agricultural spray machine. The complete diffuser fan shroud assembly can be fitted so its discharge is perpendicular to the ground thus in a downward direction. Furthermore, it can also be mounted by an adjustable bracket so its discharge is marginally in the direction of travel or adjusted so its discharge is in the opposite direction of travel. This adjustment can be useful if spray operation is conducted on windy days to reduce spray drift generally called 'off target spray chemical'.

[0046] Many types of crops are now using techniques such as foliar feeding plants by applying liquid fertilizer directly to their leaves. Plants are able to absorb essential elements through their leaves by accurately spraying the fertilizer on the leaves of the crop.

[0047] Over some years research work by agricultural engineers and scientists have proven that the control of pests and diseases requires effective and complete chemical/water coverage of all the parts of the plant and/or crop in order to prevent downgrading of the crop and also efficient use of chemicals. This invention is addressing a much more effective method of applying chemicals to plants and further reduces chemical volume per hectare with much better results and achieving outstanding environmental benefits.

[0048] Using this invention, spraying can be accomplished in windy conditions as timing is very important as generally a limited time window is available due to desirable weather conditions.

[0049] Attachments are relevant drawings/figures numbers 1 to 13 (total 9 pages).

Claims (13)

Page 9 of 11 Claims The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A hollow diffuser fan shroud assembly for use in spraying agricultural chemicals for crop protection, comprising:

a circular shroud housing an upper part that has located within it a fan, wherein at a lower edge of said circular housing, the shape of said diffuser fan shroud extends and spreads outwardly and downwardly forming a long narrow hollow rectangular opening;

said circular shroud housing upper part being an air inlet and said long narrow hollow rectangular opening being an air outlet;

a plurality of spray nozzles, secured and located within and along said narrow hollow rectangular opening and configured to, when in operation, emit a water chemicals mixture that is entrained into an air flow produced by said fan;

a motor, which powers said fan, secured to said circular shroud upper part;

said motor located within said circular shroud upper part, thereby producing sufficient air pressure to force said air flow to discharge at said air outlet; and

said hollow diffuser fan shroud assembly constructed from sheet metal or moulded using polyethylene materials.

2. A hollow diffuser fan shroud assembly according to Claim 1, wherein said air outlet is configured such that:

the air outlet includes spray nozzles in the centre of said air outlet; or

the air outlet includes one deflector having an inverted V-shape allowing air to flow along both sides of one row of spray nozzles at said air outlet; or

the air outlet includes one deflector having an inverted V-shape allowing air to flow along both sides of two rows of spray nozzles at said air outlet; or

the air outlet includes two deflectors, having a flat plate shape, adjustable and inclined towards the centre of said air outlet, allowing air to flow between two rows of spray nozzles; or

the air outlet includes spray nozzles positioned in one row in a sheltered slot located in the centre of said air outlet combined with another two air outlets, in the form of holes located on both sides of said spray nozzles.

3. A method of using and operating a diffuser fan shroud assembly according to claim 1 for use in spraying agricultural chemicals for crop protection, comprising:

mounting one said diffuser assembly, with said air outlet facing to the ground, on a mobile boom arm; or

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mounting a plurality of diffuser assemblies, with said air outlets facing to the ground, on said mobile boom arm.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein said diffuser assembly(s) is connected to a power source from a tractor or vehicle and said spray nozzles are connected to an adjustable pump system, on said mobile boom arm.

5. A method according to either claim 3 or claim 4, wherein said mobile boom arm with said

diffuser assembly(s) is connected to an adjustable supporting frame that provides correct boom height relative to said crop to be sprayed.

6. A method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein said diffuser assembly(s), wherein

operation, produces air flow in down-ward direction thus creating turbulence and emitting water chemical mixture from said spray nozzles and sufficiently displaces and moves the foliage of crop canopies allowing effective and efficient spray coverage.

7. A method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein said mobile boom arm with said diffuser assembly(s) are connected to a tractor or vehicle and travelled along a field.

8. A method of using and operating a diffuse fan shroud assembly according to claim 1 for use in spraying agricultural chemicals on tree and vine rows, comprising:

mounting one pair of said diffuser assemblies, with said air outlets facing each other thus creating opposing air flows in horizontal directions, on a supporting arm of a mobile vehicle;

mounting a circular fan spray head to said supporting arm, with the air outlet facing down and located at an effective distance above the top of the tree or vine row thus creating airflow in a vertical downward direction;

wherein the one pair of said diffuser assemblies and said circular fan spray head form an over row spray assembly.

9. A method according to claim 8, further comprising: mounting two pairs of said over-row spray assemblies to said supporting arm.

10. A method according to claim 8, further comprising: mounting plural pairs of said over-row spray assemblies to said supporting arm.

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11. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein said over-row spray assembly(s) are connected to a power source from a tractor or vehicle and said spray nozzles are connected to an adjustable pump system.

12. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein said over-row spray assembly(s), when in operation, produces air flow from three directions thus creating turbulence and emitting water chemicals mixture from said spray nozzles and sufficiently displaces and moves the foliage of tree or vine row canopies allowing effective and efficient spray coverage.

13. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein said mobile vehicle with said spray assembly(s) is configured to travel in between two rows of tree or vine crop.

<END OF THIS APPLICATION>

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