Continuously-variable nozzle system with integrated flow meter

A continuously variable nozzle system configured for connection to a spray liquid source and configured for continuously, variably controlling a spray characteristic, the nozzle system comprising:

• a nozzle body with an inlet and an outlet;
• a conduit between the inlet and the outlet;
• a flow control valve disposed in the conduit,
• an actuator for controlling the flow control valve;
• an impinging valve disposed in the conduit downstream of the flow control valve;
• a further actuator for controlling the impinging valve, wherein the impinging valve serves to modify a mean droplet size of a spray;
• a flow meter disposed in the conduit;
• wherein the flow meter comprises:
• a chamber with internal helical splines configured to interact with a spray liquid passing through the chamber and create a cyclone-like effect;
• a sphere disposed inside the chamber for free movement along a circular path;
• and
• a sensor disposed outside the chamber and configured to detect motion of the sphere and generate an output signal in response to detected motion.