System for applying a chemical vegetation

#Not applicable.

#The present invention relates to an apparatus for the application of chemicals to vegetation, and in particular, to a direct-contact apparatus for the application of herbicide to undesired vegetation without disturbing desired vegetation.

#Efficient methods of weed control are essential in order to maximize crop yield using modem agricultural techniques. Weeds are most easily eliminated through the effective use and application of chemical herbicides. Costly herbicides must be applied efficiently. So-called “selective” herbicides contain chemical agents formulated for use with specific types of vegetation. In contrast, non-selective herbicides contain an active chemical agent which kills all vegetation with which it comes into contact. Such non-selective herbicides are therefore less expensive to produce than selective herbicides, and may effectively kill all forms of undesirable weeds. However, in applying non-selective herbicides, care must be taken to apply the chemicals in a manner that targets weeds alone, and not valuable crops.

#A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

#FIG. 1 is a schematic of the an herbicide applicator system;

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an herbicide applicator mechanism of the present invention mounted to a farming vehicle illustrating a manner in which the herbicide is applied to a field of furrowed crops;

#As used herein, the term “herbicide” refers to a chemical formulated to kill vegetation for agricultural applications. The herbicide is preferably in liquid form under standard temperature and pressure conditions, or a liquid solution or liquid suspension of solid herbicide. It is also understood that the present invention is not relegated to use solely with herbicides. It is contemplated that any form of chemical agent, such as a pesticide or fertilizer may be used, as long as the chemical agent is dispensable in liquid form.

#Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference designators refer to like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 a schematic diagram of an herbicide applicator system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, and designated generally as 5. Herbicide applicator system 5 preferably includes: (i) a vehicle 10, (ii) an herbicide reservoir 15, (iii) a flow control apparatus 20, and (iv) one or more wiper assemblies 25. The herbicide reservoir 15 serves as the herbicide container. The flow control apparatus 20 meters and controls the flow of the herbicide from the herbicide reservoir 15 to the wiper assemblies 25. Wiper assemblies 25 apply the herbicide to the vegetation to be destroyed.

#As illustrated in FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment, the wiper assembly 25 is mounted to the vehicle 10, along with a herbicide reservoir 15, and a flow control apparatus 20, and moved across a field of crops laid out in a commonly used configuration of crop rows 30 with furrows 35, or spaces, between the crop rows 30. One or more wiper assemblies 25 are preferably fixed to the vehicle 10 by an elongated member, referred to more generally as a tool bar 40.