Abstract:
The disclosure relates to a spray applicator system for accurately and precisely dosing liquid formulations, including vaccines and probiotic formulations, to caged avian animals. In particular, the disclosure relates to spray applicators, having improved acceptance by the avian animals, relative to more disruptive prior spray applicators. The disclosed automated caged spray applicator system is designed to attach to and function with automated poultry feeding systems, routinely used in poultry house settings.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 62/240,926, filed on 13 Oct. 2015, and herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
       INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
       [0002]    This application incorporates by reference herein all references cited herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The disclosure generally relates to spray applicators for dosing vaccines and/or administering probiotics to caged avian animals. In particular, the disclosure relates to spray applicators having improved acceptance by the avian animals, relative to more disruptive prior spray applicators. The disclosed automated caged spray applicator system is designed to attach to and function with automated poultry feeding systems. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Current spray application for caged birds requires the operator to either push a cart with an attached tank, or, carry a backpack tank filled with compositions, including vaccine compositions, and walk at a controlled speed to evenly distribute the compositions to the caged birds. Both methods rely on a “mast and nozzle system,” which distributes the nozzles in such a way that they are roughly aligned with each cage tier, to optimize the application of vaccine to each bird in the cage. These methods are not without significant drawbacks. For example, the operator must push the cart (or walk with the pack) at an optimum and consistent speed, both to ensure that the birds receive a full dose, and to minimize waste. As such, distribution, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness largely depend upon how quickly and consistently each person passes through a given poultry house, leading to significant and costly farm to farm variation. 
         [0005]    Another drawback to current spray systems stems from the variation in poultry cage design. For example, some cages are not completely vertical, but are instead more pyramidal in shape. In this case, the vertical mast of the current sprayer systems is not optimally compatible, leading to waste and reduced vaccine efficacy. As a consequence of this incompatible geometry, the cages closer to the bottom are much closer to the spray nozzles, such that the cages on higher rows receive less vaccine than the cages on lower rows. Some of the cages at the highest levels do not even receive vaccine, which becomes particularly problematic at new facilities having more than eight levels of cages. In addition, the birds often become frightened by the current systems, and move the rear of the cages, thus increasing waste and reducing effective vaccination. And while the cart system is workable, it is bulky and can become cumbersome and difficult to move between houses and farms that have stairs, doorways, rough surfaces, and the like. Finally, the space between cages where the cart must be pushed differs among houses/farms, and there are some farms where the path is not level. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, there is a real need in the poultry industry for improved spray vaccinators, which do not suffer from the drawbacks mentioned above. The field requires a spray vaccinator for caged birds having improved efficacy and reduced waste. 
       ADVANTAGES 
       [0007]    The automated caged bird spray applicator would be provided as a versatile kit, which can be attached to an automated caged bird feeding apparatus, and easily transported to and from the poultry houses. Such an automated system eliminates the variability inherent in the current “human-powered” caged bird spray vaccinators. 
         [0008]    Further, since the birds are already accustomed to the automated feeder, and in fact, welcome its presence, the automated caged bird spray applicator will be far less likely to cause the birds to retreat to the back of the cages. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    An object of the current invention is to provide an automated caged bird spray applicator system for delivering compositions, including vaccine compositions, to caged avian animals. In particular, the disclosure relates to spray applicators having improved acceptance by the avian animals, relative to more disruptive prior art spray vaccinators. The disclosed automated caged spray applicator system is designed to attach to and function with automated feeding systems. 
         [0010]    In an embodiment, the spray applicator system is provided as a compact portable system comprising nozzles, which mount directly onto an automated feeder system via industrial grade magnets and adjustable nozzle retaining means, including holders, for optimum spray coverage. The movement of the feeder system along the rows of cages provides consistent spray application and dosage by controlled speed of travel. 
         [0011]    In an embodiment, nozzles may be positioned in optimal proximity and direction, with respect to the birds, irrespective of the placement, orientation, or arrangement of the cages. 
         [0012]    In a particular embodiment, birds that have moved to front of the cage to feed will now be vaccinated at the same time, thereby increasing the likelihood that a given bird will receive an effective dose of vaccine. 
         [0013]    In one embodiment of the spray applicator system, the system comprises a composition-containing bag or reservoir, a pump, a battery, a pressure regulator, a pressure gauge, a battery meter, nozzles, means for securing/attaching nozzles to an automated feeder system, and all necessary tubing for carrying fluid from the composition-containing bag to the pump and from the pump to the spray nozzle. The system may include a portable case, which may house, contain or store all the above-recited system components. The nozzle securing means may comprise a pivot arm, to provide a full range of motion to accommodate various mounting angles. The nozzle securing means may comprise a strong magnet, operably connected to the nozzle. 
         [0014]    In another embodiment, the composition bag may be reversibly attached and/or suspended from the automated feeder. The nozzles may be placed at appropriate positions along the feeder such that vaccine is optimally directed toward the birds. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures, wherein: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  shows components of an automated caged bird spray applicator system  1  in accordance with this disclosure, comprising: a plurality of nozzle assemblies  100 , a portable pump system  200 , and a portable backpack system  300 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 2A  shows a side view of a nozzle assembly. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2B  shows a top view of the nozzle assembly. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2C  shows a bottom view of the nozzle assembly. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2D  shows a side/front view of the nozzle assembly showing the portion of the nozzle assembly comprising the nozzle. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2E  shows a side/back view, showing the portion of the nozzle assembly comprising a magnet. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3A  shows a front view of the portable pump system. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3B  shows a back view of the pump system. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3C  shows a front/side view of the pump system. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3D  shows a side/front view of the pump system. 
           [0026]      FIG. 4A  shows the side of the portable backpack system  300  facing away from the wearer. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4B  shows a side/angled view emphasizing the means for connecting conduits that transfer fluid from the pump system. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  shows a spray applicator system  1  of the disclosure reversibly attached to an automated poultry feeding apparatus  400 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  shows another view of the spray applicator system. 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  shows another view of the spray applicator system. 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  shows the portable pump system in an open position, showing a pump  210 , a battery  240 , an on/off switch  245 , and internal conduits  610 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  shows the portable pump system  200  in an open position, and loaded with a plurality of nozzle assemblies  100  and external conduits  600 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]    The present invention relates to an automated caged bird spray applicator system, which is adapted to work with automated poultry house feeding systems, also known as feed trolleys. 
         [0034]    In an embodiment, the disclosure provides an automated caged bird spray applicator system comprising a composition reservoir in the form of a back pack, along with a hand-held case which houses a pump, a regulator, a pressure gauge, a battery, a battery level indicator, an on/off switch and necessary plumbing. The case may also serve as a storage and transportation unit for the nozzles and associated plumbing/tubing. 
         [0035]    In a second aspect, the disclosure provides a method for using the spray applicator system. In an embodiment, a system operator places the backpack directly on a preexisting automated poultry feeder system. The backpack reservoir may be filled with vaccine or other compositions, including probiotic compositions, prior to being carried to the house or filled after the bag is reversibly affixed to the feeder system. 
         [0036]    In another embodiment, the operator opens the hand-held case, removes the nozzle assemblies and magnetically mounts said nozzle assemblies in appropriate locations of the feeder system, such that the direction of the nozzles may be adjusted to optimally deliver vaccine to the birds. Adjustment of the nozzles may be accomplished by moving the multi-positioning arm of said nozzle assembly and locking it into a position. The skilled person using the disclosed spray applicator will understand how to position and direct the nozzle to maximize the amount of vaccine, or other composition, including a probiotic formulations, that is delivered to the birds. 
         [0037]    In one embodiment, the nozzles are positioned such that they spray vaccine directly at each cage as the feeder moves along rows of cages. In this position, the nozzles will optimally deliver vaccine whether the birds are feeding from the feed track, or whether the birds are in the rearmost portion of the cage. Wherever the birds are in their cages, the nozzles effectively deliver composition to the key target areas of the birds: the eyes, nostrils and mouths. 
         [0038]    Once the nozzles are positioned on the feeder, optimally directed toward the cages, and locked into position, the operator may engage the feeder system and activate the spray applicator system. In an embodiment, the operator may adjust the pressure according to the speed of the feeder. As the feeder moves along the track, the birds move toward the front of the cage to feed by a learned habit known as memory trace. In in a particular embodiment, the birds are simultaneously sprayed in the target areas by the optimally-positioned nozzles, delivering and optimally amount of vaccine or other composition per unit time. 
         [0039]    The Automated Caged Bird Spray Applicator is ideally suited for cage systems that use automatic feeders or trolleys. It provides for optimal spray nozzle placement and for precise dosage regulation. There is currently no other such device on the market. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0040]    Referring now in more detail to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views,  FIG. 1  illustrates an automated caged bird spray applicator system  1  according to the instant disclosure. The system may comprise: a plurality of nozzle assemblies  100 , a portable pump system  200 , and a portable backpack system  300 . Any suitable conduits  600  may be employed to connect the components of the spray applicator system, including, but not limited to flexible hoses and tubing. 
         [0041]      FIG. 2  provides an expanded view of a nozzle assembly  100  according to the instant disclosure. Views shown include side (A); top (B); bottom (C); side/front, showing the portion of the nozzle assembly comprising the nozzle (D); and side/back, showing the portion of the nozzle assembly  100  comprising a magnet (E). The components of the nozzle assembly  100  are operably connected to one another as depicted in the several views of  FIG. 2 , and comprise the following: a nozzle  110 ; a nozzle holder  101 ; a quick connect tubing connector  102  for receiving a vaccine supply conduit; a stud  103  for mounting the nozzle body  111  to a nozzle mount  115 ; two pivot balls  104 ,  116 , each pivot ball connected to a stem  107 ,  117 , respectively, and, each pivot ball  104 ,  116  configured to be reversibly locked into place by a pivot arm clamp  106 ; a screw cap  105  and a screw anchor  108 , operatively connected to one another to allow for tightening and loosening of the pivot arm clamp  106  around the two pivot balls  104 ,  116 ; a nozzle body  111 ; and, optionally a wing/ear molded portion the nozzle holder  112 . 
         [0042]    As indicated in  FIGS. 2A to 2E , the nozzle body  111  is operably connected to the first pivot ball  104  via insertion of stud  103  into an orifice of nozzle body mount  115  and attachment of nozzle body mount  115  to pivot ball mount  109 . On the portion of the nozzle assembly  100  farthest away from the nozzle  120 , the second pivot ball  116  is connected to a nozzle assembly base  119  via stem  117  and support  118 . The base  119  may contain a permanent magnet, for reversible attachment of the nozzle assembly  100  to a suitable metal surface or frame, including to an automatic poultry feeder apparatus  400 . Accordingly, clamp  106  forms a bridge between the first pivot ball  104  and the second pivot ball  116 , such that the reversible tightening or loosening of the clamp  106 , by the combined actuation of the screw cap  105  and the screw anchor  108 , allows the nozzle  120  to be reversibly locked into a plurality of possible positions. This feature advantageously provides a user with the ability to precisely control the direction of the spray, to accommodate variations in automated poultry feeders and poultry cage configurations. 
         [0043]    Now that this disclosure has been made, the skilled person will appreciate many routine variations to the nozzle assembly  100 . For example, instead of two pivot balls  104 ,  116  reversibly lockable by the action of clamp  106 , screw cap  105  and screw anchor  108 , nozzle body  111  could be attached to nozzle assembly base  119  via reversibly lockable hinges or other suitable reversible locking means. Other functional equivalents are envisioned, provided that their structures allow for the nozzle to be positioned in a plurality of directions, to deliver the spray of liquid formulation to a desired locations. 
         [0044]    The spray applicator system also comprises a portable pump system  200 . A representative example of the pump is shown in  FIG. 3 , and as indicated by the multiple views, the components are operably connected to one another, and may comprise the following: a pressure gauge  201 ; outlet fittings  202  that allow for operable connection to a conduit  600  (see  FIGS. 5 to 7 ), which conduit provides fluid communication between the nozzle assemblies  100  and the pump system  200 ; shut-off valves  203 ; a pressure regulator  204 ; a recirculation outlet  205 ; a recirculation inlet  212 ; an outlet  206  from pump  210  inside the portable pump system  200 ; strapping guide slots  207  for attachment to mounting straps; a carrying handle  208 ; and an enclosure clasp means  209  for keeping the pump system closed. 
         [0045]    Moreover, the spray applicator system comprises a portable backpack system  300  comprising a tank/reservoir  310 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the backpack comprises a side configured to face away from a wearer or apparatus upon which the backpack is mounted, which comprises connecting means  303 ,  304 , for connecting to conduits that transfer fluid from the tank  310  to the pump system  200 . The tank  310  may be made of any suitable material, including flexible or rigid plastic materials, and may be filled with a wide variety of compositions, including vaccine and probiotic compositions. 
         [0046]    In some embodiments, the components of the portable backpack system  300  are operably connected to one another as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , and comprise: strapping points  301  for attaching the tank  310  to mounting straps; a wide mouth lid  302  for convenient filling of the tank  310 ; a circulation return inlet quick connect  303 ; and a quick-connect outlet  304  for providing for fluid communication to the pump  210 . The mounting straps allow the tank system to be reversibly attached to a human wearer or an apparatus, such as an automated poultry food trolley. 
         [0047]    In some embodiments, the entire spray applicator system  1  may be reversibility installed on an automated poultry feeder  400  as shown in  FIGS. 5 to 7 . In particular embodiments, such as the one depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the spray applicator system is affixed to a three (3) tier cage automated poultry feeding trolley. The portable pump system  200  and backpack system  300  may be suspended from the feeder  400  as depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , or, from any other suitable location. Moreover, the nozzle assemblies  100  may be positioned as shown or at any other suitable locations. Routinely, an operator of the spray applicator system  1  will position the nozzle assemblies  100  to optimize the delivery of vaccine and/or probiotic formulations to the poultry, which are housed within cages  500 . Suitable conduits  600  provide for fluid communication between the backpack  300  and pump  210 ; and, between the pump  210  and nozzle assemblies  100 . 
         [0048]    In some embodiments, the spray applicator system may be used according to the following steps: 
         [0049]    1) filling the tank  310  via tank opening  315  with liquid formulations, including vaccine and probiotic formulations; 
         [0050]    2) fluidly connecting the tank  310  to the portable pump system  200  by connecting a conduit from connecting means  304  to pump inlet  206 ; 
         [0051]    3) fluidly connecting the pump system  200  to the nozzle assemblies  100  by connecting a conduit  600  from pump outlet  206  to nozzle assemblies  100 ; 
         [0052]    4) mounting the portable pump system  200 , the backpack assembly  300  and the nozzle assemblies  100  to an automated poultry feeding apparatus  400 ; 
         [0053]    5) adjusting the pump  210  pressure to provide a formulation flow rate that is appropriate for the speed of the feeding apparatus; 
         [0054]    6) allowing the feeding apparatus to move along the tiers of caged birds; and 
         [0055]    7) switching the pump system  200  from a recirculation mode to a dispense mode, wherein when the pump system  200  is in the dispense mode, the formulation flows from the pump system  200 , through the outlet  206 , through conduit  600 , and finally out of the nozzle assemblies  100 . The foregoing steps may be completed in any reasonable order. 
         [0056]    In some embodiments, the invention provides an automated caged bird spray applicator system  1 , configured to deliver to an avian animal in need thereof a safe and effective amount of a liquid formulation. The liquid formulation may include any formulation required to be delivered to avian animals in the form of a spray of droplets. In particular embodiments, the droplets are less than about 1,000 nanometers (nm) in diameter. In other embodiments, the droplets may be less than about 900 nm, less than about 800 nm, less than about 700 nm, less than about 600 nm, less than about 500 nm, less than about 400 nm, less than about 300 nm, or less than about 200 nm. The skilled person will appreciate that any desired droplet size may be obtained through the routine variation of pressure and/or nozzle type. 
         [0057]    In some embodiments, the liquid formulation may be selected from an immunological formulation, a vaccine formulation, an antibiotic formulation, an antifungal formulation, an anticoccidial formulation, a probiotic or prebiotic formulation, a feed additive formulation and combinations thereof. 
         [0058]    In some embodiments, the spray applicator comprises:
       a. a plurality of nozzle assemblies  100 , fluidly connected to one another and to a pump  210 ;   b. a portable pump system  200  comprising a pump  210 , which is fluidly connected to the nozzle assemblies  100  and to a supply of the liquid formulation; and   c. a portable backpack system, which comprises a tank for holding the supply of the liquid formulation  320 , which tank  310  is fluidly connected to the pump;
           wherein system components a, b, and c are configured to be reversibly attachable to an automated poultry feeder system.   
               
 
         [0063]    In some embodiments of the spray applicator system  1 , each nozzle assembly  100  comprises the following:
       a. a nozzle holder  101  (including a quick-release nozzle holder), for holding a nozzle  120 , and configured to be reversibly attachable to a nozzle body  111 ;   b. a quick connect tubing connector  102  for connecting to a liquid formulation supply line conduit  600 , which connector  102  is either contiguously molded as part of the nozzle body  111 , or, is configured to be reversibly attachable to the nozzle body  111 ;   c. a stud  103  for mounting the nozzle body to a nozzle body mount  115 , wherein the stud  103  is either contiguously molded as part of the nozzle body  111 , or, is configured to reversibly attach to the nozzle body  111 ;   d. two pivot balls  104 ,  116 :
           i. the first pivot ball  104  configured to be operably connected to a pivot ball mount  109 , and, configured to function together with a clamp  106 , to allow the nozzle  120  to be positioned in a plurality of directions;   ii. the second pivot ball  116  configured to be operably connected to a support  118 , and, configured to function together with the clamp  106 , to allow the nozzle  120  to be positioned in a plurality of directions; and,   wherein the support  118  is configured to connect to a nozzle assembly base  119 , which base is configured to reversibly attach to an automatic poultry feeder (for example, by the further attachment to the base  119  of a permanent magnet);   
           e. a screw cap  105 , configured to reversibly engage with a screw anchor  108 , to loosen or tighten a pivot arm clamp  106  around the first pivot ball  104  and second pivot ball  116 , wherein the reversible loosening or tightening allows a user to lock the nozzle assembly  100  such that the nozzle  120  points in a desired direction;   f. a pivot arm clamp  106 , configured to clamp around the first and second pivot balls when the screw cap and the screw anchor are sufficiently tightened;   g. two pivot ball stems  107 ,  117 , the first stem  107  configured to connect the first pivot ball  104  to the pivot ball mount  109 ; and, the second stem  117  configured to connect the second pivot ball to the support  118 , which support connects the stem  117  to the nozzle assembly base  119 ;   h. a screw anchor  108 , configured to reversibly engage with the screw cap  105 ; and   i. optionally, a wing/ear molded portion  112  of the nozzle holder  101 .       
 
         [0076]    In some embodiments of the spray applicator system  1 , the portable pump system  200  comprises:
       a. a pump  210 ;   b. a pressure gauge  201 , which indicates the pressure of the liquid formulation;   c. outlet fittings, which allow for operable connection to conduit  600 , which provides for fluid communication between the nozzle assemblies  100  and the pump system  200 ;   d. shut-off valves  203 ;   e. a pressure regulator  204 , for regulating the pressure of the liquid formulation;   f. a recirculation outlet  205 , which provides for recirculation of the liquid formulation when the system  1  is not delivering liquid formulation to the nozzle assemblies  100 ;   g. an inlet  206  from the pump  210  contained within the portable pump system  200 ;   h. strapping guide slots  207  for attachment to mounting straps; a carrying handle  208 ; and an enclosure clasp  209  for keeping the pump system closed;   i. a power supply, for supplying power to the pump.       
 
         [0086]    In some embodiments, the spray applicator system comprises:
       a. a pump system  200  comprising: a pressure gauge  201 ; outlet fittings  202  that allow for operable connection to a conduit  600 , which provides for fluid communication between the nozzle assemblies  100  and the pump system  200 ; shut-off valves  203 ; a pressure regulator  204 ; a recirculation outlet  205 ; an inlet  206  from pump  210  inside the pump system; strapping guide slots  207  for attachment to mounting straps; a carrying handle  208 ; and an enclosure clasp  209  for keeping the pump system closed; and   b. a plurality of nozzle assemblies  100 , each assembly comprising: a nozzle holder  101 ; a tubing connector  102  (including a quick-release connector); a stud  103  for mounting the nozzle body  111  to a mount  115 ; two pivot balls  104 ,  116 : the first pivot ball  104  configured to be operably connected to a pivot ball mount  109 , and, configured to function together with a clamp  106 , to allow the nozzle  120  to be positioned in a plurality of directions; the second pivot ball  116  configured to be operably connected to a support  118 , and, configured to function together with the clamp  106 , to allow the nozzle  120  to be positioned in a plurality of directions; wherein the support  118  is configured to connect to a nozzle assembly base  119 , which base is configured to reversibly attach to an automatic poultry feeder; and wherein the nozzle holder  101  optionally comprises a wing/ear molded portion  112 .       
 
         [0089]    In some embodiments, the spray applicator system  1  is installed on an automated poultry feeder  400 . 
         [0090]    In all of the embodiments, any connector may be of the “quick-connect” variety. Moreover, any depicted connector may be replaced with any suitable connecting means (e.g. threaded connector, quick-connect, snap-connect, and the like). 
         [0091]    In another aspect, the invention provides a nozzle assembly  100  for use with the spray applicator system  1 , comprising:
       a. a nozzle holder  101 , for holding a nozzle  120 , and configured to be reversibly attachable to a nozzle body  111 ;   b. a quick connect tubing connector  102  for receiving a conduit that is fluidly connected to a supply of liquid formulation (for example, via its fluid communication with a pump  210 , which pump  210  is in fluid communication with the liquid formulation supply), wherein the connector  102  is either contiguously molded as part of the nozzle body  111 , or, is configured to reversibly attach to the nozzle body  111 ;   c. a stud (including a threaded stud)  103  for mounting the nozzle body  111  to a nozzle body mount  115 , wherein the stud  103  is either contiguously molded as part of the nozzle body  111 , or, is configured to reversibly attach to the nozzle body  111 ;   d. two pivot balls  104 ,  116 :
           i. the first pivot ball  104  configured to be operably connected to a pivot ball mount  109 , and, configured to function together with a clamp  106 , to allow the nozzle  120  to be positioned in a plurality of directions;   ii. the second pivot ball  116  configured to be operably connected to a support  118 , and, configured to function together with the clamp  106 , to allow the nozzle  120  to be positioned in a plurality of directions; and,   wherein the support  118  is configured to connect to a nozzle assembly base  119 , which base is configured to reversibly attach to an automatic poultry feeder (for example, by the further attachment to the base  119  of a permanent magnet);   
           e. a screw cap  105 , configured to reversibly engage with a screw anchor  108  to loosen or tighten a pivot arm clamp  106  around the first pivot ball  104  and second pivot ball  116 , wherein the reversible loosening or tightening allows a user to lock the nozzle  120  into a desired position/orientation;   f. a pivot arm clamp  106 , configured to clamp  106  around the first pivot ball  104  and the second pivot ball  116  when the screw cap  106  and the screw anchor  108  are engaged;   g. two pivot ball stems, the first stem  107  configured to connect the first pivot ball  104  to the nozzle-side pivot ball mount  109 , which mount is configured to connect to the nozzle body mount  115 , and the second stem  117  configured to connect the second pivot ball  116  to a support  118 , which support is configured to connect to the nozzle assembly base  119 ;   h. a screw anchor  108 , configured to reversibly engage with the screw cap  106 ; and   i. optionally, a wing/ear molded portion  112  of the nozzle holder  101 .       
 
         [0104]    In another aspect, the invention provides a portable pump system  200  for use with a spray applicator system  1 , comprising:
       a. a pump  210 , in fluid communication with a liquid formulation supply  320  and at least one nozzle assembly  100 , and operable to pump liquid formulation from the supply  320  to the nozzle assembly  100 ;   b. a pressure gauge  201 , in fluid communication with the pump  210 , and configured to indicate the pressure of the liquid formulation;   c. outlet fittings  202  that allow for operable connection to a conduit, which provides for fluid communication between the nozzle assembly  100  and the pump system  200 ;   d. shut-off valves  203 , operable to reversibly interrupt the flow of liquid formulation;   e. a pressure regulator  204 , operable to regulate the pressure of the liquid formulation;   f. a recirculation outlet  205 , which provides for recirculation of the liquid formulation;   g. an inlet  206  configured to be in fluid communication with the liquid formulation supply, to allow the formulation to flow into the pump  210 ;   h. strapping guide slots  207  for attachment to mounting straps;   i. a carrying handle  208 ; and   j. an enclosure clasp  209  for keeping the pump system closed.       
 
         [0115]    In another aspect, the invention provides a portable backpack system  300  for use with a spray applicator system  1 , comprising:
       a. a means for connecting conduits  600  that transfer liquid formulation to the pump system  200 ;   b. strapping points  301  for mounting the backpack system  300  to a poultry feeder  400 ;   c. a wide mouth lid  302  for receiving the liquid formulation;   d. a circulation return inlet connect  303 ; and   e. an outlet  304  for providing fluid communication to the pump system  200 .       
 
         [0121]    In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method of applying a spray of liquid formulations, including vaccine and probiotic formulations, to caged avian animals, comprising the steps of:
       a. providing the spray applicator system of claim  1 ;   b. attaching the system to an automated poultry feeder  400 ;   c. directing the nozzles  120  in a direction that will effectively deliver liquid formulation to the caged avians, wherein the liquid formulation is delivered in the form of a spray of sub-micron-sized droplets;   d. starting the spray applicator system  1 ; and   e. adjusting the pressure to precisely and accurately deliver to the avians an effective amount of liquid formulation, thereby applying the liquid formulation to the avians.       
 
         [0127]    In some embodiments of the method, the pressure adjustment is made to optimize the accuracy and precision of liquid formulation application or administration, and is based upon the speed of the automated feeder. 
         [0128]    In some embodiments, the pressure is increased for relatively faster automated feeders, and decreased for relatively slower automated feeders. 
         [0129]    In some embodiments, the pressure automatically adjusts based upon the speed of the automated feeder. 
         [0130]    In other embodiments, when the poultry feeder comes to a stop, the liquid formulation is automatically switched from delivering to the nozzles (i.e. dispensing/application mode) to recirculating (i.e. recirculation mode). 
         [0131]    The invention will now be recited in the following non-limiting claims.