Modulating nozzle assembly and methods for same

A modulating nozzle assembly for use with an agricultural sprayer, the modulating nozzle assembly comprising:

• a nozzle base;
• a spray modulating element movably coupled with the nozzle base;
• a spray port between the nozzle base and the spray modulating element, the spray port includes a spray port profile formed by the nozzle base and the spray modulating element;
• a modulation actuator coupled with the spray modulating element;
• wherein the nozzle base includes an input passage extending to the spray port, and the spray modulating element is outside of the input passage;
• a nozzle controller in communication with the modulating actuator, the nozzle controller configured to control the modulation actuator and accordingly control the spray port profile;
• and
• wherein the spray port profile includes at least an open profile, a closed profile and at least one intermediate profile therebetween:
• in the closed profile the spray port is closed relative to the open profile or the at least one intermediate profile;
• in the open profile the spray port is open and agricultural product sprayed from the spray port has a first spray profile including a first droplet size;
• and
• in the at least one intermediate profile the spray port is open and the agricultural product sprayed form the spray port has a second spray profile include a second droplet size less than the first droplet size.