Abstract:
An apparatus for spraying chemicals in a forestry environment includes a back pack supported reservoir for containing such chemicals and a variable speed pump for urging the chemicals from the reservoir through a rearwardly oriented spraying unit. Positional and delivery rate monitoring equipment may also be incorporated in the design.

Description:
This application claims benefit of the filing date of provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/524,086, filed on Nov. 21, 2003. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to the field of herbicide and chemical application in a forestry setting. More particularly, the present invention relates to precision application of herbicide and chemicals to a forestry setting, In even greater particularity, the present invention relates to backpack application of herbicide to forestry settings using workers walking across the terrain. In still greater particularity the present invention relates to back pack sprayers with reverse or reward application of herbicides and chemicals. 
   Currently, migrant workers are applying herbicide by traditional “wand” methods, and walking through the contaminated foliage without the required protective clothing. The workers often wear these herbicide-soaked clothes day after day. Product labeling related to backpack application is at best unclear and currently under review by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Future work protection requirements will likely require development of new procedures, create the potential for lawsuit problems, and threaten the continued use of the method. 
   Contractors have huge incentives to underreport worker time. The current system provides no clear way for contractors lawfully dispersing herbicides to prove compliance with existing or future regulations., and customers find it difficult to audit herbicide contractors for compliance. Quality control is difficult for backpack operations. Since the individuals actually applying the herbicide are paid on production (per backpack) there are concerns that sometimes product is simply dumped. Missed rows, skips, streaks, over spray, and double sprayed rows are common. There are big differences in walking speeds between workers, thus presenting even application problems. Likewise. Tank mix proportions are often not correct or mixing tanks are oftentimes not agitated. For a variety of reasons spills, leaks, and uneven batching are the norm. Many thousands of acres are applied, banded and broadcast, using this flawed method by a variety of contractors. The principal reason for the continued use of the system is cost efficiency. 
   Precision ground application machines are capital-intensive, low production, and marginally profitable. The most profitable and least capital-intensive methods of ground application are backpack and farm tractor. Farm tractors are only suitable for limited terrain and debris loads. Further, few forestry farm tractor vendors have precision equipment. 
   What is needed is an improved apparatus for precision application of herbicide and chemical treatments to a forestry setting that provides protection to the worker and quality assurance to the contractor. 
   SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
   It is an object of the invention to insure that laborers have minimum contact with herbicide once it has been applied. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide integrated Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) enhanced, differentially-corrected Global Position Satellite (GPS) system to provide parallel swathing, ground speed feedback, and data collection for backpack-applied herbicide. 
   Yet another object of the invention is to provide the ability to input individual worker identification to a backpack to allow worker performance to be evaluated for quality. 
   Still another object of the invention is to allow data to be audited for worker time and activity. 
   These and other objects of the present invention are accomplished through the use of a combination sprayer and GPS backpack for applying herbicides and tracking the application of such herbicides. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     An apparatus embodying the features of the present invention is depicted in the accompanying drawings which form a portion of this disclosure and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a Side perspective view of the apparatus; 
       FIG. 2  is a representation of a spray path of a worker. 
       FIG. 3  is a plan view of multiple units in use. 
       FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of the sprayer apparatus in one embodiment of the invention; and 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of the data logger connected to the GPS, sensors and controls used in the apparatus. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring to the Figures for a clearer understanding of the invention, it may be seen that the preferred embodiment of the invention contemplates a single backpack  10  to be worn by a worker. The backpack  10  has any suitable harness arrangement to provide maximum comfort to the wearer. It has been found that a backpack frame  11 , such as one made by Kelty, which is fully adjustable for worker height and is easily adapted to the present use. A custom built aluminum bracket  13  holds a reservoir or tank  14  and has a spray dispenser arm  15  removably mounted thereto from which herbicides or other chemicals are to be dispersed. The tank  14  may be a Shur-flo, 4 gallon sprayer tank with a battery operated pump  19  and integrally mounted battery  21 . The pump  19  is variable speed, coupled with a rheostat  20  to adjust speed of pump. Alternatively, the reservoir  14  is pressurized to provide motive force from a pressurized gas cylinder, or a manual pump assembly (not shown) may be provided to pressurize reservoir  14 . 
   Spray dispenser arm  15 , in a form to be determined by the type chemical to be dispersed is mounted to the back pack assembly and extends rearwardly with outlet  16  for the spray facing rearwardly. The vertical extent of the dispenser arm  15  should not be so high as to be susceptible to engagement with overhanging limbs or obstructions and the lateral extent should be commensurate with the space needed for the worker to walk between obstacles. Quick disconnect spray arms to allow for multiple arms to help adjust for worker height, speed, terrain, prescription, etc. The spray pattern and specific parameters may be adjusted for particular applications. Therefore we provide interchangeable nozzles, such as those sold under the Teejet brand, to adjust for walking speed and prescription. 
   Also mounted to the frame is a WAAS enabled GPS receiver  17  such as a Garmin model  17   a  or like model. The GPS receiver  17  provides a display to the user to assist him in traversing a precise path during the application. The GPS device  17  is coupled to a small dedicated computing unit or custom built data logger  18  having a memory into which location and track data can be stored to record the area traversed by the worker wearing the backpack. 
   Data logger  18  includes a custom built etched circuit board and processor  23  that is capable of logging to a removable memory  24  inputs from the GPS receiver  17  representing latitude, longitude, date, time, number of satellites supplying WAAS GPS, WAAS enabled on or off. The data logger  18  is also capable of storing and processing switch inputs sensing whether a specific piece of equipment, for example pump  19 , is on, inputs from any condition sensor which may provide data on temperature, humidity, a liquid level inside the tank. The data logger may optionally have outputs any or all equipment, to an LED screen  26 , and is compatible with most off the shelf mapping and GPS programs. Preferably, memory  22  is embodied in a removable memory card for quick and easy download of info stored in the unit. Using the time data obtained from GPS unit  17  stored with and associated with the latitude and longitude the inputs from gps unit  17  the data logger can store or display the track followed by the operator, for example the pattern of application as shown in  FIG. 3 . With this information the processor is programmable to calculate speed at which the operator moved. Using the sensors indicating the liquid level in the tank the rate of application of the liquid to the area traversed may be calculated and a record is available as to the actual herbicide dispersed at various locations by the worker. 
   In another embodiment the data logger processor  22  unit utilizes the GPS information to calculate the speed at which the worker is walking and adjusts the rate of application from the reservoir to provide a consistent application of the herbicide per linear foot of the area traversed. Similarly using these inputs, the unit has the ability to provide Real Time mapping to the worker or provide him with speed information on a custom built speed LED display  26 , which he can mount at a convenient viewing location. 
   As each worker exhausts his supply of chemical and returns to replenish the reservoir or end his shift, the recorded information can be downloaded to a master unit and all of the information can be combined and correlated to show precisely the area covered by the crew and the rate of application of the chemical. Areas which have not be covered can thus be easily pinpointed and the work details assigned to cover the remaining area. Significant saving of chemical and man hours can be achieved and the workers will no longer have walk through areas that they have already sprayed, thereby greatly reducing cost and exposure to herbicides. Preliminary data from three workers using prototype units built in accordance with this invention is presented in the following table. 
   
     
       
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
           
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
           
         
             
                 
             
             
                 
                 
                 
               Linear 
                 
                 
                 
               Gross 
                 
               % of 
               Actual 
               Acual 
             
             
                 
               # of 
               Linear 
               fee 
               % rows 
                 
                 
               acres 
                 
               time 
               oz 
               oz 
             
             
                 
               tanks 
               feet 
               double 
               double 
               Acres 
               Gross 
               per 
               Avg. 
               within 
               acre 
               acre 
             
             
               worker 
               sprayed 
               applied 
               sprayed 
               sprayed 
               treated 
               acres 
               hour 
               speed 
               target 
               #1 
               #2 
             
             
                 
             
           
           
             
                 
             
           
        
         
             
               1 
               6 
               8352 
               164 
               2 
               2.3 
               5.5 
               1.2 
               2.2 
               85 
               2.17 
               26.04 
             
             
               2 
               6 
               10061 
               390 
               4 
               2.8 
               6.7 
               1.5 
               2.1 
               84 
               1.80 
               21.61 
             
             
               3 
               6 
               7490 
               74 
               1 
               2.1 
               5.0 
               1.1 
               2.1 
               83 
               2.42 
               29.03 
             
             
               totals 
               18 
               25,903 
               628 
               7 
               16.9 
                 
               1.3 
               2.1 
               84 
               2.13 
               25.56 
             
             
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   As may seen from the table the present invention allows the contractor and customer to accurately monitor the application of the herbicide to the terrain. With multiple plots of application such as shown in  FIG. 3  overlain over the area of interest the application of herbicide is easily quantified. 
   It is to be understood that the form of the invention shown is a preferred embodiment thereof and that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention or scope as defined in the following claims.