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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional of patent application Ser. No. 12/321,125, which was filed Jan. 15, 2009. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a spray apparatus and more particularly to an automated apparatus for spraying herbicides on roadsides and other right-of-ways. The sprayer is mounted to a vehicle and is controlled by the operator of the vehicle. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    A right-of-way sprayer typically includes a tank for storing the herbicide and a dilution source, normally water, also stored in a tank. The herbicide and dilution sources are connected to a water pump where a mix occurs. The mix is then fed into a manifold controlled by solenoids that allow the operator to direct the flow of the mix. After traveling through the manifold, the mixture is fed through a series of hoses to individual nozzles, which mount on the ends of the plastic hoses. The nozzles are then mounted on a common platform called a spray head. The spray head can be nutated by any suitable means such as an electric vibrator to create droplet separation at the nozzles. 
         [0006]    The spray head, as well as the nozzles, may be remotely controlled by a vehicle operator, or a weed sensor may be utilized to determine the presence of vegetation. The vehicle operator can change the position of the spray head through the use of a power unit, such as an electric, air, or hydraulic cylinder to change the inclination of the spray head as the cylinder extends or contracts. In addition, individual swaths or nozzles can be controlled by the operator using a single switch, or any combination of switches to achieve a desired spray swath. The switches control the delivery of power to solenoids connected to the manifold. The ability to control the delivery of product to the nozzles using the switch allows the operator to provide a number of different swath patterns according to the type of application preferred. Also, a roadside sprayer may include a means of sensing vehicle speed, such as a ground based radar, or global positioning system (GPS), to help the operator to regulate the speed of the vehicle and the application rate of chemical. 
         [0007]    Current right-of-way sprayers provide several advantages. The sprayers allow for a plurality of individual nozzles to cover swaths at different distances from the vehicle. Also, the nutation speed of the spray head may be adjustable to compensate for wind and to minimize drift, thereby achieving more uniform spray coverage. The spray head can also be positioned at different angles to produce the desired swaths. 
         [0008]    However, in current right-of-way sprayers, the nozzles are not rigidly mounted on the spray head. Instead, the nozzles are threaded into ninety-degree elbows. The elbows are threaded into a series of common manifolds holding sets of spray nozzles. Hoses carry fluid from a remote system of solenoids to the manifolds holding the sets of spray nozzles. This lack of a rigid mounting system for the nozzles can cause several problems. Illustratively, the lack of rigid mounting for the nozzles can create a disproportionate level of nutation in the nozzles. The lack of uniformity in the level of nozzle nutation creates a varying level of droplet sizes among nozzles designed to nutate at the same rate, thereby affecting swath coverage and the saturation level of the herbicide. 
         [0009]    Additionally, nutation of the spray head forces the elbows to rotate with respect to the manifolds, thereby moving the nozzles out of position. In this instance, a spray stream emitted from a nozzle overlaps an adjacent nozzle. In this situation, the chemical is applied unevenly, and the reoriented nozzle produces a spray pattern that lacks uniformity. 
         [0010]    Also, as the ends of the nozzles are not rigidly attached to a rigid structure, the nozzles may point and direct spray to unintended locations producing undesirable swath coverage. The lack of a rigid mounting system also increases the potential of causing nozzles to vibrate loose from their mounting points. 
         [0011]    Still further, the remotely located solenoids create issues with residual product disposed within fluid circuits located beyond the flow control shut-offs. Illustratively, remotely located flow control units leave large quantities of product disposed within the fluid system after a spray. 
         [0012]    The residual fluid remains in the pressurized hoses, and then seeps out of the system as the hoses contract due to the pressure loss. The residual fluid may also drip out of the system during a change in the orientation of the system components, such as during a retraction, thereby delivering unintended drippage, possibly on desirable turf. 
         [0013]    Still, yet further, the prior art utilizes a spray head including high-weight components. As such, a motion inducer is forced to work in a high working load range, thereby increasing the rate of motor and bearing failures. 
         [0014]    Accordingly, a right-of-way sprayer that produces more uniform motion among nozzles, and prevents moving nozzles from pointing in unintended directions, would enable more consistent and accurate swath coverage. Moreover, a fixed nozzle mounting system would reduce nozzle vibration, ensuring that nozzles remain in their mounting points. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    In accordance with the present invention, a right-of-way sprayer mounts the nozzles in a fixed and integral position on a common registration plate. The registration plate is monolithic, and is rigidly mounted to the spray head using support brackets. The registration plate may include a primary face and mounting tabs. The tabs can either be external to the primary face or cut out internally within the primary face of the registration plate depending on the application. The tabs may be coplanar with the primary face or can be angled or moved to create a desired swath coverage. Alternatively, the tabs may be reoriented to modify the spray pattern. With the nozzles rigidly mounted onto the plate, the entire plate is vibrated or nutated. The registration plate is rigid enough to maintain shape during a motion event, yet malleable enough to allow the tabs to be reoriented to adjust the spray pattern. The placement of the nozzles into the monolithic registration plate creates uniform motion among the nozzles. It is therefore an object of the present invention to mount the nozzles on the common registration plate, thereby preventing the nozzles from vibrating or nutating at levels that are not uniform. 
         [0016]    Rigidly mounting the nozzles onto the monolithic registration plate provides the present invention with certain advantages. Having the nozzles rigidly mounted onto a common registration plate provides a more uniform nozzle motion and prevents nozzles from extending to undesired directions due to loosening of separate tabs during a motion event. Providing more uniform motion lessens the variability in droplet size, thereby producing a more accurate spray from the nozzles. Both of these measures aid in providing for more consistent swath coverage. More consistent swath coverage in the sprayer further provides the added benefit of reducing the cost of raw materials, such as herbicide, by enabling operators to more accurately predict an amount of herbicide required for a given application. Furthermore, having the ends of the nozzles securely mounted onto the single piece registration plate eliminates the possibility of the nozzles vibrating free, thereby cutting operating and maintenance costs due to machine failures. 
         [0017]    Additional advantages include the relocation of solenoids closer to the registration plates, thereby reducing a residual flow system length to minimize the amount of fluid remaining within the residual flow system after shut-off. This feature, in combination with a reduced hose diameter, further reduces the amount of fluid remaining in the residual flow system, thereby reducing accidental drippage potential. The system further includes a reduced weight, approximately one-third of the predecessor, thereby allowing the spray head to vibrate or nutate at higher speeds with less damage due to friction on the bearings and motors of the spray head. 
         [0018]    In a third embodiment, a spray head similar to the first embodiment is utilized in a spray system, wherein the spray system is utilized in combination with a vegetation engagement device to create a vegetation engagement system for treating multiple zones of a right-of-way. Illustratively, a first engagement zone is cut, and a second engagement zone is sprayed. 
         [0019]    In a fourth embodiment, an improved spray unit is utilized in the vegetation engagement system disclosed in the third embodiment, and extensions thereof. The improvement includes a spray arm resistant to corrosion by chemicals, wherein the spray unit includes an electromagnetic field and an attractor secured to the spray arm, wherein the electromagnetic field forces the spray arm to move, thereby aiding droplet formation. 
         [0020]    The present invention has other objects, features, and advantages that the following will evidence to those familiar with the art. This scope defines the invention broadly, thus allowing for the inclusion of any combination of related features, elements, or steps described herein as a part of its scope. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]      FIG. 1 a    is an isometric view for a right-of-way spray system according to a first embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 1 b    is a side view of the right-of-way spray system according to the first embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2 a    shows a perspective view of an inner frame and manifold according to the first embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2 b    provides a rear perspective view of the manifold and flow control units according to the first embodiment. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2 c    provides an exploded view of a motion inducer including a cam disposed at an angle to an offset motor shaft according to the first embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2 d    provides a section view of the motion inducer according to the first embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 2 e    provides a section view of an axial relationship between the motor and the cam according to the first embodiment. 
           [0028]      FIG. 2 f    provides a partially exploded view of the motion inducer setup for generating motion in multiple planes according to the first embodiment. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2 g    provides a top view of an axial relationship between the motor and the cam, and a registration plate according to the alternative motion setup of the first embodiment. 
           [0030]      FIG. 2 h    provides a top view of an axial relationship between the motor and the cam, and a registration plate according to a second alternative motion setup of the first embodiment. 
           [0031]      FIG. 3 a    shows a perspective view of the first and second registration plates according to the first embodiment. 
           [0032]      FIG. 3 b    provides a perspective view of the first through seventh flow control units according to the first embodiment. 
           [0033]      FIG. 4  illustrates a flow system from flow control units to nozzles according to the first embodiment. 
           [0034]      FIG. 5 a    illustrates a control system for the right-of-way spray system according to the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 5 b    illustrates an alternative example of the control system for the right-of-way spray system according to the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 6  provides a front view of a control panel according to the first embodiment. 
           [0037]      FIG. 7 a    is a perspective view of the right-of-way spray system according to a second embodiment. 
           [0038]      FIG. 7 b    is a side view for the right-of-way spray system according to the second embodiment. 
           [0039]      FIG. 7 c    shows a perspective view of a second registration plate utilized in the second embodiment. 
           [0040]      FIG. 7 d    provides a front view of the registration plates including nozzles according to the second embodiment. 
           [0041]      FIG. 7 e    provides a flow diagram illustrating the control scheme for the nozzles according to the second embodiment. 
           [0042]      FIG. 7 f    provides a front view of the registration plates including nozzles and flow control units according to the second embodiment. 
           [0043]      FIG. 8  shows an alternative registration plate having tabs oriented in varying directions according to an alternative embodiment. 
           [0044]      FIG. 9  shows spray system wherein all of the flow control units are disposed on a single tier according to a second alternative embodiment. 
           [0045]      FIG. 10  illustrates wind shear plates usable on virtually all embodiments of the invention. 
           [0046]      FIG. 11 a    illustrates a vegetation engagement system including a spray system mounted to a vegetation engagement device according to a third embodiment. 
           [0047]      FIG. 11 b    provides a diagram of the spray system according to the third embodiment. 
           [0048]      FIG. 11 c    provides front view of the vegetation engagement system according to the third embodiment. 
           [0049]      FIGS. 11 d -11 f    illustrate alternative extensions of the third embodiment. 
           [0050]      FIG. 11 g    provides a diagram of an alternative spray system according to an extension of third embodiment. 
           [0051]      FIG. 11 h    provides a perspective view of the vegetation engagement system according to the extension of the third embodiment. 
           [0052]      FIG. 12 a    is a side view for the right-of-way spray system including an electromagnet and an attractor according to a fourth embodiment. 
           [0053]      FIG. 12 b    provides a perspective view of a spray arm disposed on the right-of-way spray unit according to the fourth embodiment. 
           [0054]      FIG. 12 c    provides a perspective view of the attractor disposed on the spray unit according to the fourth embodiment. 
           [0055]      FIG. 12 d    provides a perspective view of the spray arm and the attractor in an assembled position according to the fourth embodiment. 
           [0056]      FIG. 12 e    provides a perspective view of the spray arm and the attractor after coating according to the fourth embodiment. 
           [0057]      FIG. 12 f    provides a section view of the spray arm and the attractor in an assembled position according to the fourth embodiment. 
           [0058]      FIG. 12 g    provides a perspective view of a vegetation engagement system according to the fourth embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0059]    As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components or steps. 
         [0060]    A spray system  100 , according to a first embodiment of the present invention, includes a registration plate for positioning and restraining nozzles during a nutation event. The spray system  100  distributes and directs herbicide onto a roadside in a predetermined pattern through the use of a control system. The control system provides the capability to control the trajectory, nutation speed, as well as the flow of herbicide and herbicide components. 
         [0061]    As shown in  FIG. 1 a   , a spray system  100  includes a base frame  150 , an inner frame  170 , a spray head frame  202 , a product circuit  102  a diluent circuit  103 , and a control system  105 . The outer frame  150  includes a base  151  having a first end  161  and a second end  162 . The base  151  is of a steel plate construction, and is securable to virtually any form of structure. In this particular example, the base  151  is welded to a flat-bed of a pickup truck (not shown). However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the base  151  may be secured with fasteners, or the like. One of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize that the frame  150  may be secured to virtually any form of utility vehicle, including trucks, tractors, trailers, and the like, to deliver herbicide to a location adjacent to the utility vehicle. 
         [0062]    The base frame  150  further includes a lateral support  152 , first and second vertical supports  153 - 154 , and a mounting point  155 . The lateral support  152  is of a steel plate construction, and is welded to the second end  162  of the base  151 , such that the lateral support  152  is substantially perpendicular to the base  151 , the lateral support  152  is disposed on top of the base  151 , and the base  151  is substantially centered along the lateral support  152 . The first and second vertical members  153 - 154  are substantially identical in shape and form, and are planar. Both of the vertical supports  153 - 154  include a first end  163  and a second end  164 . The first ends  163  include an acute corner  165 , thereby creating an angled edge  166 . In this particular embodiment, each angled edge  166  is welded to an end of the lateral support  152 , such that the lateral support  152  and the first and second vertical members  153 - 154  form a U-shaped support, and the vertical members  153 - 154  extend away from the base  151 . The first vertical member  153  further includes a first mounting aperture  156 , and the second vertical member  154  includes a second mounting aperture  157 . 
         [0063]    A mounting point  155  is disposed on top of the base  151 . In this particular example, the mounting point  155  is at least one tab including an aperture. While this mounting point  155  has been shown as a tab including an aperture, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that virtually any form of connection point may be utilized to connect the frame  150  to spray system  100  components. 
         [0064]    The inner frame  170  includes first and second side members  171  and  172 , respectively, first and second cross members  173  and  174 , respectively, and a center support member  175 . In this particular embodiment, the center support  175  is disposed between the first and second cross members  173  and  174 , and the first and second cross members  173 - 174  are disposed between the first and second side members  171  and  172 , thereby forming a rigid, substantially planar frame that is slightly smaller in width than an inner clearance of the first and second vertical members  153  and  154 . In this particular example, the first and second cross members  173 - 174  and the center support  175  are formed from square tubing, such that an inner chamber of each square tube is fluidly connected to the others, and open ends are sealed off, thereby forming a manifold. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the integral manifold is a weight-savings feature, and includes at least one inlet and at least one outlet. 
         [0065]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 a -2 b   , a manifold  193  is formed from members  173 - 175 , and includes a manifold inlet  194  and first through seventh outlets  195 - 201 , respectively. While this embodiment has been shown as a manifold that is integral to a frame, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a separate manifold may be utilized. 
         [0066]    The first and second side members  171  ad  172  extend beyond the second cross member  174 , and further include first and second mounting tabs  178  and  179  extending toward the center support  175  at substantially ninety degrees to the side members  171  and  172 . The inner frame  170  further includes third and fourth mounting tabs  180  and  181  disposed at a lower point on the side members  171  and  172 . The first and second mounting tabs  178  and  179  are disposed at a same predetermined height, and are substantially co-planar. The third and fourth mounting tabs  180  and  181  are disposed at a same predetermined height, and are also co-planar to each other. Each mounting tab  178 - 181  includes a registration pin  183 - 186 , respectively. The registration pins  183 - 186  are disposed in a predetermined pattern, thereby creating two pairs of co-planar mounting points. The mounting points further include a vibration dampening media  187 . In this particular example, the registration pins  183 - 186  are threaded and serve as the mounting points. The threaded studs pass through apertures in the mounting tabs  178 - 181 , and support elastomeric bushings for vibration dampening. Accordingly, threaded nuts are threaded onto the threaded studs to secure the objects connecting to the mounting points. While the mounting points have been shown with threaded studs, threaded nuts, and elastomeric bushings, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other forms of connection and vibration isolation are possible. 
         [0067]    The inner frame  170  further includes a first pivot aperture  188  disposed within the first side member  171  and a second pivot aperture  189  disposed within the second side member  172 . The first and second pivot apertures  188 - 189  are located at a height complementary to the first and second mounting apertures  156  and  157  of the outer frame  150 , such that the inner frame  170  can pivot within the confines of the base frame  150  when pivot pins  190 - 191  are installed. In this particular example of the first embodiment, the pivot pins  190 - 191  are shoulder bolts. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that virtually any form of pins may be utilized to rotatably support the inner frame  170 . 
         [0068]    The inner frame  170  still further includes a mounting point  176  disposed on a side of the first cross member  173 . The mounting point  176  is similar in construction to the mounting point  155  of the base  151 , and includes at least one tab having an aperture and a restraining pin. 
         [0069]    The spray system  100  further includes an actuator  158  securable to the mounting points  155  and  176 . The actuator  158  is designed to extend and retract, thereby rotating the inner frame  170  about the first and second pivot pins  190  and  191 . In this particular example, the actuator is an electric actuator, however, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that virtually any form of linear actuation may be utilized. 
         [0070]    The spray head frame  202  includes a first support member  203 , a second support member  204 , and a motion inducer support plate  205 . In this specific example of the spray head frame  202 , the first and second support members  203  and  204  are of a sheet metal construction, and are rigidly secured to the motion inducer support plate  205  utilizing any suitable means, including welding or fasteners. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that all or part of the support plates  203 - 205  may be formed integrally, or separately and then secured together using fasteners, spot welding, or the like. In this particular example, the first support plate  203  includes apertures  206  and  207 , at a spacing complementary to the registration pins  183  and  184  of the inner frame  170 . In similar fashion, the second support  204  includes apertures  208  and  209 , at a spacing complementary to the registration pins  185  and  186  of the inner frame  170 . As such, the spray head frame  202  may be positioned on and supported from the restraint pins  183 - 186 , and secured in position with fasteners. 
         [0071]    In this particular example, the motion inducer support plate  205  includes a motion inducer mounting face  216 , a pass-through face  217 , and a connection face  218 . The motion inducer mounting face  216  is disposed substantially perpendicular to the second support  204 , and includes an aperture for receiving a shaft of a motion inducer  211 , at least one aperture  219  for the passage of product lines, as well as apertures in a pattern complementary to a mounting pattern of the motion inducer  211 . In this particular example, the motion inducer  211  is an electric motor, and is secured to the motion inducer support plate  205  with fasteners. The spray system  100  further includes a first registration plate  213  supported from the motion inducer  211 , such that it will not rotate. 
         [0072]    The motion inducer  211  is an apparatus that generates movement in the spray system  100  to force droplet separation. In this particular example, the motion inducer  211  is an electric motor  146  having a shaft  147 , a cam  148  disposed on the shaft  147 , and a cam housing  718  securable to the first registration plate  213 . The cam  148  includes a shaft aperture  705 , first through fourth shoulders  701 - 704 , respectively, and restraint apertures  707  leading to the shaft aperture  705 . The first through fourth shoulders  701 - 704  step down in size to accommodate assembly of the motion inducer  211 . The restraint apertures  707  are threaded for receiving fasteners  706 , thereby securing the motor shaft  147  in the shaft aperture  705 . The shaft aperture  705  is disposed in the cam  148  at a slight angle, and is slightly offset from a centerline of the cam  148 . Illustratively, the shaft aperture  705  is disposed in proximity to the range of two to five degrees. The first shoulder  701  engages an oil seal  715  on assembly, and the second shoulder  702  engages an inner race of a first bearing  716  disposed on the cam housing  718 . The fourth shoulder engages an inner race of a second bearing  717  disposed on the cam housing  718 . The cam  148  further includes a restraint groove  708  disposed near an end of the fourth shoulder  704  for receiving a retaining ring  709 . 
         [0073]    The cam housing  718  is cylindrical in shape, and includes an axial bore. The axial bore includes first through fourth inner diameters  719  through  722  of varying sizes to accommodate varying components. The first inner diameter  719  is complementary to an outer diameter of the oil seal  715 , and the second inner diameter  720  is of a size complementary an outer race of the first bearing  716 . The third inner diameter  721  is slightly larger than the third shoulder  703 , such that a cavity is created between the third shoulder  703  and the third inner diameter  721  for holding a lubricating oil. The fourth inner diameter  722  is complementary in size to an outer race of the second bearing  717 . The cam housing further includes a lobe  149  and a flange  725  housing first and second restraint apertures  723 - 724 . 
         [0074]    The motion inducer  211  still further includes a cover  710  and a gasket  714 . The gasket is complementary in shape to the cover  710 . The gasket  714  and the cover  710  include first and second apertures  711  and  712 , whereby fasteners  713  pass through the first and second apertures  711  and  712 , the first registration plate  212 , and are secured to threads disposed within restraint apertures  723  and  724 . As such, the cam housing  718  secures to the first registration plate  212 . 
         [0075]    On assembly, the oil seal  715  is placed into the first inner diameter of the cam housing  718 , and the cam  148  is secured to the shaft  147 . Next, the cam  148  is inserted into the axial bore of the cam housing  718  such that the second shoulder  702  aligns with the first bearing  716  and the fourth shoulder  704  aligns with second bearing  717 . In this configuration, the end of the restraint groove  708  is disposed in proximity to the lobe  149 , and the retaining ring  709  is placed into the restraint groove  708 . 
         [0076]    Next, the lobe  149  is placed into the aperture  212  of the registration plate  213 , and the gasket  714 , cover  710  and cam housing  718  are secured to the registration plate  213 . At this point, the cam housing  718  is filled with lubricant. Upon assembly, the shaft  147  and the cam  148  rotate within the cam housing  718  when the motor  146  is powered. 
         [0077]    As shown in  FIG. 2 e   , an axis of the shaft  147  is not collinear with an axis of the cam  148 , and, the centerline of the shaft  147  is offset from the centerline of the cam, and, therefore, the cam  148  generates motion in multiple planes when the motor  146  is powered. Accordingly, operation of the cam  148  and the offset shaft  147  delivers force components in multiple planes, as shown in  FIG. 2   f.    
         [0078]    While this embodiment has been shown with a cam disposed at a slight angle to the shaft, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other forms of angled engagement are possible, including a motor having a cam disposed perpendicularly on a shaft, wherein the motor and shaft are disposed at a slight angle to the engaging object to create force components in multiple planes, as show in  FIG. 2   g.    
         [0079]    While this embodiment has been shown with a motion inducer  211  delivering a nutating motion, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that motion in a single plane is possible by utilizing a motion inducer that delivers force components along a single force plane, as shown in  FIG. 2 h   . One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a vibration may be achieved by utilizing a cam  148  with a lobe  149 , wherein an axis of the cam  148  is collinear with an axis of a motor shaft  147 , and the cam  149  is disposed perpendicularly to an engaging object. 
         [0080]    While this embodiment has been shown with an offset shaft  147  and an angled relationship between the shaft  147  and the cam  148  utilized in combination, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that either will deliver a nutating motion, and may be utilized separately to generate the nutating motion described herein. 
         [0081]    Accordingly, in this first embodiment, the first registration plate  213  nutates when the motion inducer  211  is powered. While this particular embodiment has been shown with an electric motor and a cam disposed at an angle, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that virtually any form of nutation inducer may be utilized to create the nutation of the first registration plate  213 . One of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize that a motion event may include nutation or vibration motion, or a combination thereof. 
         [0082]    The first registration plate  213  includes a primary face  257  and a secondary face  258  disposed at an angle of approximately thirty degrees. In this particular example, the first registration plate  213  is a single component, and, therefore, the secondary face  258  may be construed as a tab that is integrally formed with the primary face  257 , thereby eliminating the possibility of registration plate components loosening during a vibratory event. The primary face  257  and the secondary face  258  include apertures  221 - 236  for receiving spray nozzles. The apertures  231 - 236  are disposed in a predetermined pattern to effect a desired spray content. Specifically, the first registration plate  213  may be formed from a sheet metal gage suitable to maintain its shape during all motion events, including nutation and vibration. While the first registration plate  213  is rigid, it is of a reduced size to minimize weight, as well as the loads applied to the motion inducer  211 . Illustratively, the apertures  221 - 222  and  227 - 236  are disposed along the edges of the primary face  257 , and in a linear pattern along the secondary face  258 . Accordingly, nozzles disposed within the apertures  223 - 226  are angled to deliver a spray pattern in proximity to the device. 
         [0083]    The pass through face  217  is substantially planar, and includes at least one pass-through to allow the passage of product lines. In this particular example, the pass through face  217  is disposed approximately thirty degrees from the motion inducer mounting face  216 , and extends upward, thereby providing support for a second bank. In this particular example, the connection face  218  is disposed at an angle of approximately thirty degrees relative to the pass through face  217 , and includes a means for restraining a second registration plate  214 . In this specific example, the second registration plate  214  is a rigid, curved plate that provides a nozzle registration pattern through the use of apertures at a predetermined spacing. The second registration plate  214  if formed from sheet metal or plate, and extends toward the first registration plate  213 . The curved second registration plate  214  further includes seventeenth through twenty-fifth apertures  237 - 245  disposed in a single vertical line along the curved second registration plate  214 . The apertures  237 - 245  are of a diameter complementary to nozzles to be described later. The second registration plate  214  further includes at least one mounting aperture  246  for attachment and restraint. In similar fashion to the first registration plate  213 , the second registration plate  214  is of a gage suitable to maintain its shape during a motion event, thereby maintaining the desired spray pattern. 
         [0084]    As shown in  FIG. 3 b   , the first through seventh flow control units  121 - 127  include a valve, a valve actuator, and a manifold connected to an outlet of the valve. In this particular example, the flow valves are solenoid activated. The first through fourth flow control units  121 - 124  are supported by the inner frame  170 , and include one inlet port and four outlet ports each. The first through fourth flow control units  121 - 124  include first through fourth inlets  130 - 133 , and outlets  50 - 65 , respectively. The inlets  130 - 133  of the first through fourth flow control units  121 - 124  are connected to the first through fourth manifold outlets  195 - 198 , respectively, and, therefore, are exposed to any fluid pressure in the manifold  193 . The fifth through seventh flow control units  125 - 127  are disposed on a higher tier of the inner frame  170 , and include inlet ports  134 - 136 , respectively, and three outlet ports each,  66 - 74 , respectively. The inlets  134 - 136  of the fifth through seventh flow control units are connected to the fifth through seventh manifold outlets  199 - 201 , respectively. 
         [0085]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the spray system  100  further includes first through twenty-fifth nozzles  260 - 284 , respectively, disposed in the first through twenty-fifth apertures  221 - 245 , respectively. The nozzles  260 - 284  are rigidly secured into their respective apertures  221 - 245  to eliminate the possibility of the nozzles  260 - 284  vibrating free during the motion event. Illustratively, the nozzles  260 - 284  include a shoulder that mates with the registration plate and a threaded portion that passes through the respective aperture, and a fastener including threads complementary to the threads of the threaded nozzle, wherein the fastener is disposed on the side opposite of the shoulder, thereby restraining the nozzle in the respective aperture. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that additional locking mechanisms may be employed to permanently secure the nozzles  260 - 284  in their respective apertures, including lockwashers, wiring of the nuts, threads locking compounds, and the like. As such, the nozzles  260 - 284  are permanently secured in their respective apertures. The nozzles  260 - 284  are routine in the art, and are utilized to deliver a fluid spray. The nozzles  260 - 284  may have adjustable tips that allow a user to adjust a spray stream by moving a nozzle cone relationship. The spray system  100  further includes first through twenty-fifth nozzle tubes  285 - 309  that are fluidly connected to the first through twenty fifth nozzles  260 - 284 , respectively. The inlets of the nozzle tubes  285 - 309  are also connected to outlets  50 - 74  of the first through seventh flow control units  121 - 127 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0086]    Still further, the outlets  50 - 74  of the manifolds of the flow control units  121 - 127  are disposed in an upward direction to reduce the amount of fluid moving toward a nozzle after a flow control unit is shut off. The flow control units  121 - 127  are disposed in close proximity to the nozzles to reduce a residual hose length (hoses located beyond the flow control units) in the spray system  100 . The spray system further includes a reduced hose diameter to further decrease the amount of product disposed within the residual hose length. This feature, in combination with the upward facing manifold outlets  50 - 74  of the flow control units  121 - 127 , reduces the amount of residual product remaining within the product lines after a shut-off, thereby minimizing the possibility of residual drainage after shut-off. 
         [0087]    Illustratively, the first flow control unit  121  is coupled to the first through fourth nozzles  260 - 263 , the second flow control unit  122  is fluidly connected to the fifth through eighth nozzles  264 - 267 , the third fluid control unit  123  is connected to the ninth through twelfth nozzles  268 - 271 , and the fourth flow control unit  124  is in fluidly connected to the thirteenth through sixteenth nozzles  272 - 275 . In similar fashion, the fifth flow control unit  125  is fluidly connected to the seventeenth through nineteenth nozzles  276 - 278 , the sixth flow control unit  126  is fluidly connected to the twentieth through twenty-second nozzles  279 - 281 , and the seventh flow control unit  127  is in fluid communication with the twenty-third through twenty-fifth nozzles  282 - 284 . As such, each flow control unit regulates the passage of fluid through the nozzles fluidly connected to it. Illustratively, fluid flows through the flow control unit when the flow control unit is in an on position, and the flow of fluid is halted at the flow control unit when the flow control unit is in an off position. In this particular example, the first through seventh flow control units  121 - 127  create first through seventh swaths. The swaths are disposed laterally adjacent or vertically adjacent to each other to create a desired spray pattern. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a swath may include spray from a single nozzle in combination with a single flow control unit, or may include spray from multiple nozzles controlled by a single flow control unit or multiple flow control units. Accordingly, a variety of flow control units and nozzle combinations may be utilized to create a same swath or spray pattern. 
         [0088]    While this embodiment has been shown with a solenoid actuated flow control unit, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other forms of valve actuation are possible, including manual actuation of valves. 
         [0089]    The control system  105  includes a controller  106  in electrical communication with flow control components, including a pump  107 , at least one product pumping device  108 , first through seventh flow control units  121 - 127 , a flow meter  112 , a ground speed sensor  111 , and the like. The flow meter  112  is well known in the art of flow controls, and delivers flow information to the controller  106 . The ground speed sensor  111  provides signals to the controller  106  indicative of vehicle speed, to aid in product delivery. 
         [0090]    A product circuit  102   a  commences at a remote product source (shown), and includes the at least one product pumping device  108 . The product circuit  102   a  further includes at least one product line that extends from a discharge port of the at least one product pumping device  108  and into the diluent pump  107 . In this particular example, the at least one product pumping device  108  is a peristaltic pump, however, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that virtually any form of pump may be utilized, provided that it is compatible with the chemicals being pumped. One of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize that it is possible to provide multiple remote product sources delivering product at a predetermined rate to create a mixture of chemicals. As shown in  FIG. 5 a   , this particular example delivers product from three product sources through the use of three peristaltic pumps  108   a - 108   c , each of which delivers to an independent product line  102   a ,  102   b , or  102   c , respectively. 
         [0091]    A diluent circuit  103   a  commences at a remote diluent source, and continues through a diluent line that feeds into an inlet of the diluent pump  107 , wherein a diluent is mixed with the product moving out of the pumps  108   a - 108   c.    
         [0092]    A mixed product circuit  104   a  commences at the inlet of the diluent pump  107  and extends into the manifold  193  housing the flow control units  121 - 127 . The pump  107  pressurizes the mixture, thereby moving the mixture to the flow control units  121 - 127 . The mixed product circuit  104   a  further includes manifolds at the exit end of the flow control units  121 - 127  that are connected to inlets of nozzle tubes  285 - 309 . The nozzle tubes  285 - 309  pass through the motion inducer support plate  205  and connect to nozzles  260 - 284  disposed within the apertures  221 - 245  of the registration plates  213 - 214 . 
         [0093]    Illustratively, the first flow control unit  121  includes an outlet port  50  connected to an inlet of a first nozzle tube  285 , and an outlet of the first nozzle tube  285  is connected to the first nozzle  260  that is disposed within a first nozzle aperture  221  of the first registration plate  213 . 
         [0094]    In this particular example, the first nozzle  260  includes threads on at least a portion of an outer surface, and is secured to the first registration plate  213  with a nut disposed on an opposite side of the first registration plate  213 , thereby rigidly securing the first nozzle  260  in the first nozzle aperture  221 . While the first nozzle  260  has been shown with threads and a securing nut, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other means for securing the nozzle  260  to the registration plates  213 - 214  may be utilized, such as e-clips, pins, threaded apertures, and the like. 
         [0095]    In similar fashion, the fifth flow control unit  125  includes an outlet port  66  connected to an inlet of the seventeenth nozzle tube  301 , and an outlet of the seventeenth nozzle tube  301  is connected to the seventeenth nozzle  276  disposed within the seventeenth nozzle aperture  237  of the second registration plate  214 . Accordingly, the first nozzle  260  and the seventeenth nozzle  276  deliver mixed product at different heights. Based on the placement of the nozzles, the direction of spray delivery may be altered. Ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the additional flow control units provide the capability to cease or commence the flow of the fluid in a swath, a swath portion, a predetermined pattern, distance, or direction. In similar fashion, the fifth flow control unit  125  may deliver fluid to the seventeenth through nineteenth nozzle tubes  301 - 303  and the seventeenth through nineteenth nozzles  276 - 278 . Accordingly, mixed product is delivered to nozzles in both the first and second registration plates  213 - 214  if the respective flow control units are in an open position. 
         [0096]    The additional flow control units in combination with nozzle tube and nozzles deliver mixed product to nozzles disposed in both registration plates  213 - 214 . After buildup, the motion inducer  211  supports the cam, the first registration plate  213 , the cover, the bearings, the nozzles, and the nozzle tubes. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the new scheme provides a weight-reduction for the motion inducer  211 , and, therefore, prolongs motor and bearing life. One of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize that a particular registration plate may include additional flow control units, nozzles, and nozzle tubes to provide increased delivery capability. 
         [0097]    The control system  105  may be operated in two modes, a passive mode wherein the operator has no intervention, and an active mode wherein the operator is able to manually adjust various settings, such as nutation speed, flow, sprayer height, chemical selection, and the flow of product to each nozzle. 
         [0098]    Upon powering the spray system  100  in the passive mode, the control system  105  opens the flow control units  121 - 127  for a predetermined pattern. Illustratively, the control system  105  may activate the pump  107  and open all of the nozzles  260 - 284  currently fluidly connected to the pump  107 . The control system  105  also delivers power to the motion inducer  211 , and monitors the flow meter  112 , the width of the spray swaths, the ground speed radar  111 , and the rate of product selected per acre to determine if adequate product is flowing from the chemical injection pumps  108  for the current speed of the vehicle. If the flow of concentrated product is below a threshold for the current speed, the controller  106  increases the speed of the pumps  108   a - 108   c  to get the desired amount of chemical to the spray swaths. If the flow of concentrated product is greater than that required for the current vehicle speed, the controller  106  decreases the speed of the pumps  108   a - 108   c , thereby reducing the flow of the concentrated product and ensuring that proper amounts of concentrated products are being delivered for a current speed of the spray vehicle and swath width. 
         [0099]    As the mixture is sprayed, the motion inducer  211  is energized by a power source. In this embodiment of the invention, the motion inducer  211  is an electric motor in combination with a cam, whereby the motor shaft is slightly offset from the center of the cam and disposed at a slight angle into the cam. This ensures that the cam  148  delivers force components in multiple planes to the first registration plate  213  and, to a lesser extent, due to internal damping of the structure, a vibration in the second registration plate  214 . The nutation, accordingly, causes nozzles  260 - 275  and  276 - 284  to nutate or vibrate with their respective registration plate  213  or  214 , and break up the mixed product projecting from nozzles  260 - 275  into droplets. 
         [0100]    During the nutation event, the first registration plate  213  maintains shape and resonates at a desired nutation frequency, and the nozzles  260 - 275  remain rigidly fixed, and, therefore, nutate with the first registration plate  213 . Similarly, the second registration plate  214  maintains shape and experiences transferred vibration from the nutation of the first registration plate  213 . The nozzles  276 - 284 , accordingly, move with the second registration plate  214 . As such, a concise and consistent spray pattern is created, and movement of the spray vehicle creates a predetermined swath, thereby ensuring proper herbicide dosage and delivery. Areas disposed further from the vehicle are sprayed with increasing droplet sizes to minimize atomization and to reach greater distances. The nozzles covering swaths further from the vehicle may also have larger orifice openings than those covering swaths closer to the vehicle, which also enables control of the droplet sizes. The preferred swaths are nozzles that are grouped together to create swaths that are laterally adjacent or vertically adjacent to each other. While this embodiment has been shown with an electric motor having a cam, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other forms of nutation inducers may be utilized to generate a nutating motion. One of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize that different speeds of the electric motor create varying resonance frequencies. 
         [0101]    In the active mode, the spray system  100  further includes a flow switch panel  116  controlled by an operator. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the flow switch panel  116  includes first through seventh nozzle switches  88 - 94 , a power switch  87 , an elevation control switch  97 , and a vibration speed adjustment knob  96 . The power switch  87  provides a means for the operator to supply power to the spray system  100 , and the switch  97  allows the operator to adjust the elevation of the spray head by pressurizing or depressurizing the actuator  158 . The vibration speed adjustment knob  96  allows the operator to increase or decrease the speed of the electric motor, thereby adjusting the resonant frequency of the induced nutation. Nozzle activation switches  88  through  94  allow the operator to independently open or close the individual flow control units  121 - 127 . Illustratively, moving nozzle activation switch  88  to an on position opens the first flow control unit  121 , thereby allowing the mixed product to flow to, and be expelled from, the first through fourth nozzles  260 - 263 . One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that each of the remaining nozzle activation switches is similarly connected to the remaining flow control units, and the remaining flow control units  122 - 127  may be opened by the operator when a respective nozzle activation switch  89 - 94  is activated. 
         [0102]    While this example has been shown with flow meters, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the control system  105  may be utilized without flow meters by allowing the pumps  108   a - 108   c  to regulate the delivery of the concentrated products. One of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize that the controller is able to monitor and control the revolutions per minute of any or all product pumps. 
         [0103]    In an alternative example, the spray system  100  could include a product circuit that is injected into a high-pressure side of the system, in lieu of a product circuit having a pump that injects product into an inlet of the diluent pump  107  disposed on a low-pressure side of the spray system. As shown in  FIG. 5 b   , a control system  105   a  includes a controller  106  in electrical communication with flow control components, including a pump  107 , at least one product pumping device  108 , first through seventh flow control units  121 - 127 , an in-line mixer  115 , a ground speed sensor  111 , and the like. The ground speed sensor  111  provides signals to the controller  108  indicative of vehicle speed, to aid in product delivery. 
         [0104]    A product circuit  102   b  commences at a remote product source (shown), and includes the at least one product pumping device  108 . The product circuit  102   b  further includes a product line connected to a discharge port of the at least one product pumping device  108 . In this particular example, the product line extends to an inlet of the in-line mixer  115 . In this particular example, the at least one product pumping device  108  is a piston pump, however, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that virtually any form of pump may be utilized, provided that the pump is usable in the pressure range of a pressure line, and is compatible with the chemicals being pumped. 
         [0105]    A diluent circuit  103   b  commences at a remote diluent source, and moves into an inlet of the pump  107 . After pressurizing in the pump  107 , the diluent circuit  103   b  extends into the in-line mixer  115 . 
         [0106]    A mixed product circuit  104   b  commences at a mixing chamber of the in-line mixer  115 , and extends to the flow meter  112 , and to the flow control units  121 - 127 . The pump  107  pressurizes the mixture, thereby moving the mixture to the flow control units  121 - 127 . The mixed product circuit  104   b  further includes a manifold  193 , flow control units  121 - 127  that include manifolds having outlets  50 - 74  that are connected to inlets of nozzle tubes  285 - 309 . The nozzle tubes  285 - 309  pass through the nutation inducer support plate  205  and connect to nozzles  260 - 284  disposed within the apertures  221 - 245  of the registration plates  213 - 214 . 
         [0107]    Operation of the control system  105   a  of the alternative example is identical to the operation of the control system  105  of the spray system  100 , and, therefore, will not be further described. 
         [0108]    While the previous embodiments have been shown utilizing flowmeters, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that different flow control schemes may be utilized to control the flow of the fluids disposed within the spray system. Illustratively, portion control pumps may be utilized to deliver measured quantities of either product or diluent. Accordingly, the control systems of the spray systems of the previous embodiment may be adapted to utilize alternative components, and should be construed as part of this invention. One of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize that the controller is able to monitor and control the revolutions per minute of any or all product pumps. 
         [0109]    In a second example including a different delivery pattern, a spray system  320  includes a base frame  150  and inner frame  170  having upper registration pins  183 - 184  and lower registration pins  185 - 186  that align with and attach to a spray head frame that houses a first registration plate  331  and a second registration plate  330 , as described in the first embodiment. In this particular example, the spray system  320  includes a spray head support frame  325 , preferably constructed from sheet metal components. Illustratively, the spray head support frame  325  includes a first support member  326 , a second support member  327 , and a third support member  328 . The first support member  326  is substantially planar, and includes mounting apertures  311  for receiving the mounting pins  183 - 184  disposed on the inner frame  170 . The first support member  326  further includes a second set of mounting apertures  312  for securing the second support member  327 , and a third set of mounting apertures  313  for adapting to the second registration plate  330 . The first support member  326  extends from the inner frame  170  at an angle of approximately sixty degrees, and terminates at an upper registration plate  330 . The second support member  327  is substantially planar, and includes two flanges  332 - 333  disposed at an angle of approximately thirty degrees. The flanges  332 - 333  include apertures  314  for receiving fasteners passing through the second set of mounting apertures  312  of the first support member  326 , thereby separating the planar portion of the second support member  327  from the first support member  326  when the fasteners are secured. In similar fashion to the first embodiment, the second registration plate  330  is monolithic to eliminate the possibility of multiple registration plate components separating during a vibratory event. In this particular example, the second registration plate  330  is formed from a sheet metal gage suitable to maintain its shape during a motion event, thereby delivering a consistent spray pattern. The second registration plate  330  includes a planar primary face  334 , a first flange  335 , and a second flange  336 . The first flange  335  is disposed substantially perpendicular to the primary face  334 , and includes mounting apertures  337  disposed at either end to accept fasteners passing through the third set of mounting apertures  313  of the second support member  327  and the mounting apertures  337 , thereby securing the second registration plate  330  substantially perpendicular to the second support member  327 . 
         [0110]    The third support member  328  includes a planar first face  339  and a motion inducer mounting face  340  disposed substantially perpendicular to the first face  339 . The first face  339  includes a pair of mounting apertures  341  disposed in alignment with the mounting pins  185 - 186  of the inner frame  170 . The motion inducer mounting face  340  further includes mounting apertures  342  for receiving fasteners that pass through the mounting apertures  338  of the second flange  336  of the registration plate  330 . As such, the second registration plate  330  and the motion inducer mounting face  340  are permanently secured to each other in substantially a thirty-degree relationship. The motion inducer mounting face  340  further includes a shaft relief for receiving a shaft of a motion inducer  343 , as described in the first embodiment. Illustratively, the motion inducer mounting face  340  includes a hole pattern that is complementary to a bolt pattern of the motion inducer  343 . In this second embodiment, the motion inducer  343  delivers a nutation motion, as described in the first embodiment. 
         [0111]    The first registration plate  331  includes integral tabs having at least one aperture. The tabs are integral to eliminate the possibility of separate tabs loosening during the nutation event. As shown in  FIGS. 7 a -7 d   , the first registration plate  331  includes a primary face  342  that is planar, and includes first through sixteenth tabs  345 - 360  that include first through sixteenth apertures  371 - 386 , respectively. The apertures  371 - 386  are of a size complementary to nozzles, as described in the first embodiment. 
         [0112]    In similar fashion, the second registration plate  330  includes seventeenth through twenty-sixth tabs  361 - 370  that include seventeenth through twenty-fifth apertures  387 - 395 . Likewise, the apertures  387 - 395  are of a size complementary to the nozzles described in the first embodiment. 
         [0113]    In similar fashion to the first embodiment, the spray system  320  includes first through seventh flow control units  421 - 427  disposed in an arrangement identical to the first embodiment, and, therefore, produce first through seventh swaths, respectively. As shown in  FIG. 7 d - e   , the first flow control unit  421  is fluidly connected to the first through fourth nozzles  396 - 399 ; the second flow control unit  422  is fluidly connected to the fifth through eighth nozzles  400 - 403 ; the third flow control unit  423  is fluidly connected to the ninth through twelfth nozzles  404 - 407 ; the fourth flow control unit  424  is fluidly connected to the thirteenth through the sixteenth nozzles  408 - 411 ; the fifth flow control unit  425  is fluidly connected with the seventeenth through the nineteenth nozzle  412 - 414 ; the sixth flow control unit  426  is fluidly connected with the twentieth nozzle through the twenty second nozzle  415 - 417 ; and the seventh flow control unit  427  is fluidly connected with the twenty third through twenty fifth nozzles  418 - 420 . 
         [0114]    One of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the operations of the first and second examples of the invention may be operated identically, either manually or through the use of a controller  106 , as described in the first embodiment. 
         [0115]    The use of monolithic registration plates  330 - 331  clearly provides advantages over registration plates formed from multiple components, because the number of components on the registration plates is reduced to one. As such, the registration plates include integral tabs that resonate with the registration plate, thereby delivering a consistent spray pattern, as well as a consistent swath when a spray vehicle is in motion. 
         [0116]    While this embodiment has been shown with tabs disposed in a planar orientation, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various forms of registration plates may be utilized, and that registration plates in shapes other than planar may be desired, and should be construed as part of this invention. In particular, a tab  430  may be reoriented by bending, twisting, or the like, to deliver fluid in a particular direction, thereby creating a desired spray pattern, as shown in  FIG. 8 . One of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize that a registration plate utilizing both internal and external tabs is possible. The registration plates  213 - 214  are of a sufficient stiffness, such that they do not flex during a motion event, but the tabs may be reoriented with a predetermined amount of force. Additionally, a density of apertures for receiving the nozzles may be increased to deliver increased amounts of the desired fluid to a particular area. 
         [0117]    One of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize that the orientation of the flow control units may be adjusted to accommodate varying registration plate requirements. Illustratively, all of the flow control units  431 - 437  may be placed onto a lowest support member of the inner frame to provide clearance for increased size registration plates, as shown in FIG.  9 . One of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize that the quantity of the flow control units may be increased or decreased, dependent upon flow/mixing requirements. As such, a single flow control unit in combination with a single nozzle is both possible and within the scope of this invention. 
         [0118]    The first and second embodiments have been shown without protection from branches and wind. This invention may further include a first wind shear plate  168  and a second wind shear plate  169  to reduce the amount of wind experienced by the nozzles, and to protect the device from branches during use. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the first and second wind shear plates  168 - 169  may be secured to the base frame  150 , the inner frame  170 , or even the spray head frame  202 , dependent upon configuration requirements. 
         [0119]    While the first and second embodiments have been shown with a nutating motion applied to the first registration plate, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that an induced motion in a single plane is possible, as described in  FIG. 2 e    of the first embodiment, and, therefore, should be considered part of this invention. 
         [0120]    In a third embodiment, a vegetation engagement system  428  includes a spray system  450  having a spray unit similar to the spray unit  320  of the second embodiment mounted to a vegetation engagement device, however, the control system has been modified to more particularly address an implement/sprayer combination. 
         [0121]    As shown in  FIG. 11 a   , the vegetation engagement system  428  includes a service vehicle  456  pulling vegetation engagement device  457  with a spray unit  462  disposed on top of the vegetation engagement device  457 . In this particular example of this third embodiment, the service vehicle  456  is a tractor. Tractors are routinely employed to cut or maintain a right-of-way disposed along a roadway  451 . Due to the high costs of tractors, mowers, fuel, and labor, in many situations, maintenance crews make only a single pass next to the roadway  451 , thereby leaving undesirable tall weeds or brush outside of a cut area. In this particular example of this third embodiment, the vegetation engagement device  457  is a rotary cutter, commonly known in the art as a “rotocycle,” and includes a deck  454 . While this third embodiment has been shown with a rotary cutter as the vegetation engagement device  457 , one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other vegetation engaging implements may be utilized in combination with the spray unit  462 , including mowers, shredders, and the like. One of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize that various sizes of tractors may be utilized to pull varying sizes of vegetation engagement devices. 
         [0122]    The spray unit  462  is disposed on a side of the deck  454  that is opposite of the roadway  451 , such that the sprayer unit  462  is able to deliver spray from the deck  454  of the vegetation engagement device  457  as the tractor passes over a first engagement zone  452  of a right of way. In this particular example, the first engagement zone  452  is disposed adjacent to the roadway  451 , and is cut by the rotary cutter as the tractor or service vehicle  456  passes over the first engagement zone  452 . Accordingly, a second engagement zone  453  is defined as the portion of right-of-way that lies within a spraying distance of the spray unit  462 . As such, the second engagement zone  453  may be adjusted by activating or deactivating flow control units disposed on the spray unit  462 , as described in the first and second embodiments of this disclosure. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that swaths controlled by flow control units may be delivered adjacent to each other to create a broader swath or treatment band. Accordingly, the spray unit  462  may deliver a single swath or multiple swaths disposed adjacent to or separate from each other. 
         [0123]    The spray system  450  includes a portable storage tank  463 , a control system  455 , at least one product circuit  464  including a pump  459 , and a by-pass circuit  466  including a pressure regulator  460 . The portable storage tank  463  is known in the art, and is located on the deck  454 . The portable storage tank  463  may be refillable, replaceable, and is rigidly secured to the deck  454  to prevent the storage tank  463  from becoming separated from the vegetation engagement device  457 . The portable storage tank  463  includes an inlet for filling, and an outlet for connection to the product circuit  464 . The product circuit  464  extends from the outlet of the storage tank  463  to an inlet of the spray unit  463 . The pump  459  may be any form of pump known in the art, such as centrifugal, roller, piston, diaphragm, and the like, provided the operating pressure ranges of the system are within the designed pressure ranges of the pump, and the liquids being pumped are compatible with the materials of the pump  459 . In this particular example of the third embodiment, the pump  459  is disposed between the outlet of the storage tank  463  and the inlet of the spray unit  463 . 
         [0124]    The by-pass circuit  466  includes an inlet connected to the product circuit  464  between an outlet of the pump  459  and the inlet of the spray unit  462 , and an outlet connected to the product circuit  464  between the outlet of the storage tank  463  and the inlet of the pump  459 , thereby allowing elevated pressures in the product circuit  464  to vent through the pressure regulator  460 , and to the lower pressure portion of the product circuit  464 . 
         [0125]    In this particular example of the third embodiment, the spray unit  462  includes a manifold having four outlets, wherein first through fourth flow control units  471 - 474  are connected, thereby placing the first through fourth flow control units  471 - 474  in fluid communication with the product circuit  464 , for delivery to at least four nozzles  486 - 489 , thereby generating four swaths that, collectively, form a wider swath than a single nozzle swath. While this example has been shown with multiple swaths that together form an increased width swath, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the one or more of the swaths may be used, if desired, thereby delivering increased amounts of product to a particular portion of the second treatment zone  453 . 
         [0126]    In this particular example of the spray system  450 , the spray unit  462  is disposed on a tower  479  to elevate the spray unit  462 . The tower  479  may be any structure suitable to rigidly support the spray unit  462  during cutting, driving, and the like. In this particular example, the tower  479  is a structure welded from steel structural members. Alternatively, the spray unit  462  may be secured to the deck  454  of the implement  457 . 
         [0127]    The control system  455  includes a control unit  458  having a control panel  478  for housing control switches for ceasing and commencing the flow of the liquid disposed within the spray system  450 . The control unit  458  includes a controller  461  electrically connected to a battery source of the service vehicle  456 , and first through fourth swath activation switches  482 - 485  that are electrically connected to the first through fourth flow control units  471 - 474 . The control panel  478  further houses a pump activation switch  481  for controlling the delivery of power to a pump driver that is engaged with the pump  459 . In this particular example of the third embodiment, the control unit  458  is disposed in a cab  465  of the service vehicle  456 , such that an operator may toggle the switches  481 - 485  from an operator&#39;s seat. While this particular embodiment has been shown with the control unit  458  disposed within the cab  465  of the service vehicle  456 , one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the control unit  458  may be placed on the vegetation engagement device  457  in proximity to the spray unit  462 , if required. 
         [0128]    In this particular example, the product circuit  464 , the pump  459 , the regulator  460  and the by-pass circuit  466  are all disposed on the deck  454  of the vegetation engagement device  457 , such that they are in close proximity to the spray unit  462 . 
         [0129]    While the components of the spray system  450  have been described as being disposed in particular locations, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the components may be utilized in alternative locations, dependent upon equipment availability, storage requirements, and the like. As shown in  FIGS. 11 d - f   , the various components may be disposed in a cab  465  of the service vehicle  456  or on the deck  454  of the vegetation engagement device  457  or on a trailer that is pulled behind the vegetation engagement device  457 .  FIG. 11 d    illustrates a spray system  450 , wherein the spray unit  462  is disposed on a deck  454  of a vegetation engagement device  457 , and a fluid storage tank  463  is disposed on a trailer  490 . In this configuration, the control system  455  may be disposed on the deck  454 , in the cab  465 , or on the trailer  490 . In an alternate configuration, as shown in  FIG. 11 e   , the complete spray system  450  is disposed on a trailer  490 . In a further option, as shown in  FIG. 11 f   , the spray unit  462  and the water storage tank  463  are disposed on a trailer  490 , and the control unit  458  is disposed within a cab  465  of the service vehicle  456 , thereby allowing an operator to toggle the switches  481 - 485 , as required. Still further, the diluent tank may be mounted on a front of the service vehicle or as saddle tanks. As such, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that multiple configurations are possible, and should be construed as part of this invention. 
         [0130]    With the control system  455  described herein, an operator is only able to deliver a liquid that is disposed within the storage tank  463 . The liquid may be a diluent, an herbicide, a growth retardant, a fertilizer, or a mixture thereof. The liquid remains in the storage tank  463  until the pump  459  is powered. Once the pump  459  is powered, the liquid is pressurized, forced to the spray unit  463 , and moves through the first through fourth flow control units  471 - 474  and to the first through fourth nozzles  486 - 489 , respectively, when the flow control units  471 - 474  are in an open position. As shown in  FIG. 11 c   , the four streams are disposed adjacent to each other, thereby covering the entire cross-section of the second treatment zone  453 . When the flow control units  471 - 474  are in a closed position, the flow of the liquid stops at the flow control units  471 - 474 . One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a single flow control unit  471  may be opened or any combination of the flow control units  471 - 474  may be opened to deliver the liquid to a respective portion of the second treatment zone  453 . 
         [0131]    In use, the operator orients the service vehicle  456  along a roadway  451  and over a first treatment zone  452  of a right-of-way, such that the spray unit  462  is disposed on a side opposite the roadway  451  and facing the second treatment zone  453 . The operator then commences the cutting of the vegetation with vegetation engagement device  457 , and the spraying of the desired product through the spray unit  462  by activating switches  481 - 485  on the control panel  478 . The operator then maneuvers the service vehicle  456  over the first treatment zone  452 , thereby cutting the vegetation disposed in the first treatment zone  452 , and, simultaneously, spraying vegetation disposed in the second treatment zone  453 . As such, an extended treatment band  480  is created with the combination of the cutting and spraying action. The extended treatment band  480  width decreases the number of passes required to treat the right-of-way, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing the costs associated with the cutting action alone. 
         [0132]    While this embodiment has been shown with first and second treatment zones disposed adjacent and parallel to each other, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the first treatment zone and the second treatment zone may be slightly offset or may slightly overlap without detriment to the scope of this invention. 
         [0133]    While this embodiment has been shown with a spray head mounted to a deck  454  of a vegetation engagement device  457 , one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the spray head may be mounted to a side of the vegetation engagement device  457 , or may be attached to a side of a service vehicle. One of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize that a regulator is not required, but the by-pass circuit broadens the range of acceptable working pressures. 
         [0134]    The sprayer unit  462  may further include a motion inducer, as described in the first and second embodiments that provides motion in multiple planes to achieve droplet separation. 
         [0135]    In an extension of the third embodiment, a vegetation engagement system  500  includes a vegetation engagement device  457 , as described in the third embodiment, in combination with a spray system  550  that includes increased capabilities. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that some spray systems include additional features, such as variable motor speed control, ground speed radar or satellite positioning and control systems that adjust the amount of delivered chemical based upon vehicle speed. 
         [0136]    As shown in  FIG. 11 g   , the spray system  550  includes a diluent circuit  501  that extends from an outlet of a storage tank  563  to an inlet of a pump  559 , and a mixed product circuit  505  that extends from an outlet of the pump  559  to an inlet of the spray unit  562 . The spray system  550  further includes a by-pass circuit  566  housing a pressure regulator  560 , as described in the third embodiment, wherein excessive pressures from a pressurized side of the mixed product circuit  505  bleed to an unpressurized portion of the diluent circuit  501 , thereby relieving excessive pressures. The spray system  550  further includes a first product circuit  502  and a second product circuit  503 . The first product circuit  502  extends from a first concentrate source  506  to an inlet port disposed in an end of the diluent circuit  501  nearest the pump  559 . The first product circuit  502  further includes a first injection pump  508  driven by a first pump driver  509 . The second product circuit  503  extends from a second concentrate source  507  to an inlet port disposed in an end of the diluent circuit  501  nearest the pump  559 . The second product circuit  503  further includes a second injection pump  510  driven by a second pump driver  511 . In this particular example, the first and second pump drivers  509  and  511  are electric variable speed motors. As such, a corresponding pump speed is dependent upon a current delivered to the motor. In this particular example of this extension of the third embodiment, the injection pumps  508  and  510  are peristaltic pumps; however, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that virtually any form of pump may be utilized to deliver product from the concentrate sources  506 - 507  to the inlet of pump  559 . 
         [0137]    The spray unit  562  is substantially identical to the spray unit  462  of the third embodiment, and includes a manifold having four outlets, wherein first through fourth flow control units  571 - 574  are connected, thereby placing the first through fourth flow control units  571 - 574  in fluid communication with the mixed product circuit  505  for delivery to at least four nozzles  591 - 594 , thereby generating four swaths that, collectively, form a wider swath than a single nozzle swath. While this example has been shown with multiple swaths that together form an increased width swath, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the one or more of the swaths may slightly overlap, thereby delivering uniform amounts of product to the second treatment zone  453 . 
         [0138]    The control system  555  includes a control unit  558  having a control panel  578  for housing control switches for ceasing and commencing the flow of the liquid disposed within the spray system  550 . The control unit  558  includes a controller  561  electrically connected to a battery source of the service vehicle, and first through fourth swath activation switches  582 - 585  that are electrically connected to the first through fourth flow control units  571 - 574 . The control panel  578  further houses first and second chemical selection switches  586 - 587 , respectively, and a mixed-product pump activation switch  581  for controlling the delivery of power to the pump driver  512  and the pump  459 . The control panel  578  further includes a first pump motor speed control  588  that reads the speed of the injection pump and keeps the pump  509  at a correct revolution per minute based on the speed of the tractor, the swath width being sprayed, and the rate of concentrated product used per acre. The speed of the motor  509  increases or decreases as the three variables of speed, swath width, and rate per acre change. The control panel  578  still further includes a second pump motor speed control  589  for controlling the speed of the second pump driver  511 . 
         [0139]    In operation, a first product disposed within the first concentrate source  506  flows to the first injection pump  508 , and a second product disposed within the second concentrate source  507  flows to the second injection pump  510 . An operator must toggle at least one chemical selection switch  586  or  587  to power the first or second injection pump drivers  509  and  511 , thereby powering either the first or second injection pump  510  or  512 , respectively, or both may be selected. The operator must also energize the mixed product pump driver  512  by toggling the pump motor activation switch  581 , thereby forcing a diluent to move from the storage tank  563  to mix with the initialized products. The operator must further activate any desired swaths by opening the respective flow control units  571 - 574 , thereby allowing the mixed product to move through the flow control units and to the respective nozzles  591 - 594 . Excessive pressures move through the regulator  560  disposed in the bypass circuit  566 , thereby relieving the high-pressure end of the spray system  550 . While this embodiment has been shown with a bypass circuit  566 , one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the bypass circuit  566  is not required. 
         [0140]    Alternatively, the spray system  550  may be operated in a semi-automatic mode, wherein the controller  561  monitors a speed of the service vehicle  556 , a width of the spray swath being delivered, and the rate of chemical selected to determine the precise speed or revolutions per minute of the injection pumps  508  or  510  for all combinations of the three variables. In this mode, the controller  561  adjusts the current applied to the pump drivers  509  and  511  to adjust the injection pump speeds  508  and  510 . 
         [0141]    Use of the vegetation engagement system  500  is substantially identical to the vegetation engagement system of the third embodiment, wherein a first treatment zone  452  is cut and a second treatment zone  453  is sprayed to create an extended treatment band  480 , and, therefore, will not be further described. 
         [0142]    While this extension of the third embodiment has been shown with a pressure regulator  560  disposed in a bypass circuit  566 , one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that regulators  560   a - 560   d  may be placed at an outlet end of the flow control units  571 - 574 , as shown in  FIG. 11   g.    
         [0143]    While the third embodiment and extension of the third embodiment have been shown with examples of spray systems and specific configurations of spray units, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that virtually any form of spray unit may be utilized to create an extended treatment band formed from a first zone created by cutting vegetation and a second zone created by spraying vegetation, and, therefore, should be construed as part of this invention. 
         [0144]    In a fourth embodiment, a vegetation engagement system similar to the third embodiment utilizes a spray head, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,369, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,369 utilizes a mechanized spraying apparatus mountable to a mobile vehicle. As shown in  FIG. 1  of the referenced patent, a spray apparatus  10  is disposed on a motor vehicle V, and includes a liquid supply means and pumping means for delivering at least one swath from the motor vehicle V through the use of a control system controlling a solenoid bank and an electromagnet. 
         [0145]    In this fourth embodiment, a vegetation engagement system  600  includes a service vehicle  456 , as described in the previous embodiments, wherein the service vehicle  456  includes a vegetation engagement device  557  to engage vegetation in a first treatment zone and a spray system  650  that delivers at least one fluid in at least one swath to a second treatment zone. In the example illustrated, the vegetation engagement device  557  is a rotary mower that cuts vegetation as the vegetation engagement device  557  passes over the vegetation. 
         [0146]    The spray system  650  is similar to the spray systems of the previous embodiments, wherein the spray system stores a product or products, pressurizes the product or products, and delivers the product or products in a controlled fashion through flow control units disposed in a spray unit, thereby delivering the fluid through the flow control units when the flow control units are in an open position, and ceasing the flow of the fluid when the flow control units are in a closed position. However, the spray system  650  is, additionally, adapted to alternately energize an electromagnet to force an attractor disposed on a spray arm to be drawn toward the electromagnet, thereby forcing the spray arm to move. 
         [0147]    As shown in  FIG. 12 a   , a spray unit  622 , of similar construction to the spray head  22  of the referenced patent has been renumbered and renamed to align the spray head  22  with the current disclosure. The spray unit  622  includes a support  612 , a spray head support  613  rotatably connected to the support  612 , and a cylinder means  620  connected to both supports, whereby the cylinder means  620  is actuated to move the spray head support  613 , thereby adjusting a spray angle. 
         [0148]    The spray unit  622  further includes a solenoid bank  652  that houses flow control units  654 - 661 . An inlet of the solenoid block  652  is in fluid communication with a supply line  653 , thereby delivering at least one fluid to the solenoid block  652  when the supply line  653  is pressurized. The flow control units  654 - 661  are connected to inlets of flexible lines  641 - 648 , and the outlets of the flexible lines are connected to nozzles  623 - 637 . The spray unit  622  further includes electrical communication equipment, thereby providing the ability to remotely activate the flow control units, either manually or through a control system. 
         [0149]    The spray unit  622  further includes an electromagnet  618  extending from the spray head support member  613 . The electromagnet  618  includes positive and negative terminals, and, therefore, the electromagnet  618  may be alternately energized by placing voltage across the terminals. 
         [0150]    The spray unit  622  further includes a spray arm  615  similar to the spray arm  15  disclosed in the referenced patent. The spray arm  615  includes a plate portion  619  that has apertures  662  for restraining the nozzles  623 - 637 . The plate portion  619  is formed from stainless steel to aid in corrosion resistance and to reduce the incidence of cracking and breaking. In this fourth embodiment, the nozzles  623 - 637  are secured to the plate portion  619  of the spray arm  615  in similar fashion to the first through third embodiments, whereby they are rigidly secured to the spray arm  615 , and, therefore, are removable. In similar fashion to the referenced patent, the plate portion  619  is connected to a support bracket  614  at a restraint slot  663 , and, in this particular example, the plate portion  619  is shaped so that it curves underneath the spray head support frame  613  in such a manner that it&#39;s unconnected end  665  is in close proximity to electromagnet  618  which is secured to the lower underneath portion of spray head support member  613 . 
         [0151]    Restraint slot  663  receives fasteners  616  and  617 . The plate portion  619  further includes a nozzle slot  664  for aiding in the adjustment of the placement of nozzles delivering fluid to the furthest swaths, a first side plate  666 , and a second side plate  667 . The side plates  666 - 667  are rectangular plates that are formed from stainless steel, and are welded to the unconnected end  665  of the plate portion  619 , such that a cavity  669  is disposed between the side plates  666  and  667 . In this particular example of the fourth embodiment, the side plates  666 - 667  include a first end  668  and a second end  669 , and first and second restraint apertures  670  and  671 , respectively. The first restraint apertures  670  are disposed collinearly, such that a fastener  673  may pass through the first restraint apertures  671 . The spray arm  615  still further includes an attractor  675 . As shown in  FIG. 12 c   , the attractor  675  is of a shape complementary to a space between the side plates  666  and  667  of the spray arm  615 . In this particular example, the attractor  675  is block shaped, and includes a width  678 , a length  679 , and a height  680 . In this particular example of the fourth embodiment, the width  678  is less than a distance between the side plates  666  and  667 , and the height  680  is complementary to a portion of a height of the side plates  666 - 667 . The length  679  of the attractor  675  is slightly less than a distance between the first end  668  of the side plates  666 - 667  and the unsupported end  665  of the plate portion  619 , such that a gap  674  is disposed between the attractor  675  and the unsupported end  665 . The attractor  675  further includes a first restraint aperture  676  and a second restraint aperture  677  that extend parallel to the width dimension. The first and second restraint apertures  676  and  677  are disposed collinearly with the first and second restraint apertures  670  and  671 , respectively. As such, the attractor  675  may be placed between the side plates  666  and  667 , and fasteners  673  may pass through the first side plate  666 , the attractor  675 , and the second side plate  667 , thereby secure the attractor  675  in position when a nut, or other suitable restraint, is installed onto the fasteners  673 . 
         [0152]    The spray arm  615  still further includes a coating  681  disposed over the side plates  666 - 667 , the attractor  675 , the fasteners  673 , any attached nuts, and the welded portion of the spray arm  615 . The coating  681  extends beyond the second ends  669  of the spray plates  666 - 667 , thereby filling the gap  674  disposed between the attractor  675  and the unsupported end  665  of the plate portion  619 , and covering at least a portion of the curved plate portion  619  disposed nearest the second ends  669  of the side plates  666 - 667 . In this particular example of the fourth embodiment, the coating  681  is a vulcanizing compound or plastic compound, whereby the coating  681  dries onto the exposed surfaces of the spray arm  615 . As such, the coating  681  prevents contact between sprayed fluids and the coated surfaces. The coating  681  is of a thickness that does not degrade the electromagnetic attraction of the attractor  675  to the electromagnet  618 , and, therefore, the unsupported end of the spray arm  615  advances toward the electromagnet  618  or is repelled from the electromagnet  618  when the electromagnet  618  is alternately energized. 
         [0153]    Operation of the spray unit  622  is substantially identical to the spray head  22  of the referenced patent, wherein the electromagnet is alternately energized and de-energized by a variable power source, thereby forcing the spray arm  615  to vibrate or nutate, dependent upon an orientation of the electromagnet  618 . 
         [0154]    In use, the vegetation engagement system  600  includes a vegetation engagement device  557  passing over a first engagement zone  452  to cut vegetation disposed within the first engagement zone  452 , and a spray system  650  disposed on the vegetation engagement device  557  to deliver at least one fluid to a second engagement zone  453 , wherein the spray system  650  includes a spray unit  622 . As described in the previous embodiments, the at least one fluid may be stored in a tank  563  that is coupled to the supply line  653 , wherein the supply line  653  is pressurized through the use of a pump, wherein the pump is disposed in proximity to the spray unit  622 . The spray system  650  may further include a by-pass circuit housing a regulator  560 , thereby preventing excessive pressure buildups. The spray system  650  further includes a control unit  558  for housing a controller, system software, and a control panel that is accessible by an operator of the service vehicle  456 . As described in the previous embodiments, the components may be situated in different areas of the service vehicle, the vegetation engagement device  557 , or may be disposed on a trailer and pulled behind the service vehicle, the vegetation engagement device  557 , or a combination thereof. 
         [0155]    In this particular example, the spray unit  622  includes eight flow control units  654 - 661 , thereby providing the ability to deliver eight swaths individually, together, or in any combination thereof, dependent upon the activation of the flow control units  654 - 661 . 
         [0156]    While this fourth embodiment has been shown with multiple flow control units, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a single flow control unit may be utilized to deliver a single swath. 
         [0157]    While this fourth embodiment has been shown with a single attractor disposed between the side plates  666  and  667 , one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that multiple attractors formed from thinner plates may be utilized to achieve a predetermined attraction force, as well as a desired displacement. 
         [0158]    While this fourth embodiment has been shown with a gap  674  disposed between the attractor  675  and the unsupported end  665 , one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the gap  674  is not required. 
         [0159]    The improved vibration arm in  FIG. 12 b    may be utilized in U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,369 to eliminate corrosion and breakage of the mild steel arm. 
         [0160]    Although the present invention has been described in terms of the foregoing preferred embodiment, such description has been for exemplary purposes only and, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, many alternatives, equivalents, and variations of varying degrees will fall within the scope of the present invention. That scope, accordingly, is not to be limited in any respect by the foregoing detailed description; rather, it is defined only by the claims that follow.

Summary:
An improvement to a roadside sprayer fixates spray nozzles on a registration plate. The registration plate may include integral tabs depending on the application. Inclination of the tabs is adjustable to place streams and droplets in a desired swath coverage. With the nozzles rigidly mounted onto the plate, the entire plate is nutated. The use of the registration plate in a spray unit creates a uniform nutation among the nozzles, thereby reducing variability in droplet placement, and providing a more predictable spray from the nozzles. In other embodiments, the spray unit is utilized in a spray system adaptable to service vehicles, and may be utilized in conjunction with a vegetation engagement device, such as a cutter to engage multiple zones of a roadway right-of-way. Additionally, an improved spray unit includes an electromagnetic field and an attractor to generate plate motion.