Patent Publication Number: US-6659374-B1

Title: Spray head

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a spray head. It is known to provide a device which directs sprays of various fluids for, but not limited to, agricultural, industrial, fire and general spraying or application purposes. Efficient and economical spraying of liquids on a proposed target is facilitated by accurate placement of a spray nozzle in relation to the location, size and scope of the proposed target. 
     In an agricultural context, the vast majority of spraying conducted world-wide is catered for by self-propelled sprayers and tractor drawn sprayers with wide booms, as well as misting type blowers. In these applications the operator is protected within the safe environment of an enclosed cab in the vehicle to which the sprayer is attached. 
     Where localised spraying is required or where the target area is inaccessible to purpose built spraying equipment, sprays are applied directly on the target area by an individual using a hand gun on a knapsack sprayer, or a hand gun on a power sprayer with a long hose that retracts on to a hose reel. 
     Manual direct application by an individual is the least desirable spraying method because of the high risk of chemical contamination of the operator. Although operators are recommended to wear fill protective clothing, including special overalls, boots, gloves, head shield and respirator, many operators discard elements of their protective clothing in order to be more comfortable in hot and humid weather conditions. 
     The present invention provides the manoeuvrability and accurate placement of the spray nozzle directing the spray at the target area generally only provided by manual hand spraying, thus removing the need for an individual operator to be in the immediate target area when specific localised spraying is required and eliminates the requirement of unreeling hoses and sprayers prior to operation. Furthermore, the subsequent retraction of hoses prior to vacating to another spraying area is also avoided. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a spray head which includes a plurality of interconnected hollow spindles wherein each of the hollow spindles is arranged to be axially rotated and means is provided for fluid flow through the spindles sequentially. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a cross sectional side view of a spray head of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a plan view and elevations of a first component of the spray head of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the spray head of FIG. 1 in alternative orientations and attached to an orientation adjustment means; 
     FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the spray head of FIG. 1 in an alternative orientation and attached to an orientation adjustment means which is in turn attached to an attachment means being a jib-like apparatus; 
     FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the spray head of FIG. 1 in several alternative orientations; 
     FIG. 6 is a plan view of a remote control console; 
     FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the spray head of the previous figures shown with additional features and attached to an alternative orientation adjustment means; and 
     FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the spray head of FIG. 7 attached to an alternative orientation adjustment means which is in turn attached to an alternative jib-like apparatus. 
    
    
     Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown a spray head  100 . The spray head  100  includes a spray nozzle  1  interconnected to a first hollow spindle  3  which is rotatably interconnected to a second hollow spindle  12 . The second hollow spindle  12  is rotatably interconnected to a third hollow spindle  23 . Further means are provided to enable liquid to flow through sequentially the third hollow spindle  23 , the second hollow spindle  12 , the first hollow spindle  3  and the spray nozzle  1 . 
     The first hollow spindle  3  is provided with a first motor  10  configured so as to facilitate, in use, 360° rotation of the first hollow spindle  3  about a central longitudinal axis of the first hollow spindle  3 . The first hollow spindle  3  is rotated by the first motor  10  through a coupling  8 , wherein the coupling  8  is attached to the first hollow spindle  3  by a roll pin  7 . The first hollow spindle  3  rotates within a swivel block S. Leakage of flowing liquid therebetween is prevented by the provision of O-ring seals therebetween, The first hollow spindle  3  is retained within the swivel block  5  by a circlip  6 . The swivel block  5  is attached to a base  9  by a set of screws, wherein the base  9  provides support for the first motor  10 . The base  9  provides a means of maintaining the first motor  10  in a non-rotating position relative to the second hollow spindle  12  whilst the first hollow spindle  3  rotates. 
     The first hollow spindle  3  is rotatably interconnected and substantially perpendicular to the second hallow spindle  12 . The first hollow spindle  3  and the second hollow spindle are rotatably interconnected via the swivel block  5 . A seal ring  11  is provided therebetween to prevent liquid leaking between the swivel block interface of the first hollow spindle  3  and the second hollow spindle  12 . 
     The second hollow spindle  12  is provided with a second motor  21  configured so as to facilitate, in use, 360° rotation of the second hollow spindle  12  about a central longitudinal axis of the second hollow spindle  12 . The second hollow spindle  12  is rotated by the second motor  21  through a coupling  20 , wherein the coupling  20  is attached to the second Silo hollow spindle  12  by a roll pin  19 . The second hollow spindle  12  rotates within a swivel block  16 . Leakage of flowing liquid therebetween is prevented by the provision of O-ring seals  17  therebetween. The second hollow spindle  12  is retained within the swivel block  16  by a circlip  18 . The swivel block  16  is attached to a base  15  by a set of screws, wherein the base  15  provides support for the second motor  21 . The base  15  also supports the second hollow spindle  12 , the first hollow spindle  3  and the spray nozzle  1 , by a bearing thrust  14  and a washer thrust  13 . The base  15  provides a means of maintaining the second motor  21  in a non-rotating position relative to the third hollow spindle  23  whilst the second hollow spindle  12  rotates. 
     The second hollow spindle  12  is provided with an electrical slip ring  33  which enables continuous 360° rotation of the first hollow spindle  3  and the spray nozzle  1  about the central longitudinal axis of the second hollow spindle  12 . 
     The second hollow spindle  12  is rotatably interconnected and substantially perpendicular to the third hollow spindle  23 . The second hollow spindle  12  and the third hollow spindle  23  are rotatably interconnected via the swivel block  16 . A seal ring  22  is provided therebetween to prevent liquid leaking between the swivel block interface of the second hollow spindle  12  and the third hollow spindle  23 . 
     The third hollow spindle  23  is provided with a third motor  32  configured so as to facilitate, in use, 360° rotation of the third hollow spindle  23 . The third hollow spindle  23  is rotated by the third motor  32  through a coupling  3 ), wherein the coupling  31  is attached to the third hollow spindle  23  by a roll pin  30 . The third hollow spindle  23  rotates within a swivel block  27 . Leakage of flowing liquid therebetween is prevented by provision of bring seals  28  therebetween. The third hollow spindle  23  is retained within the swivel block  27  by a circlip  29 . The swivel block  27  is attached to a base  26  by a set of screws, wherein the base  26  provides support for the third motor  32 . The base  26  also supports the third hollow spindle  23 , by a bearing thrust  25  and a washer thrust  24 . The base  26  also provides a means whereby the spray head may be attached to a vehicle or jib-like attachment. The base  26  provides a means of maintaining the third motor  32  in a non-rotating position relative to a vehicle or jib-like attachment whilst the third hollow spindle  23  rotates. 
     The third hollow spindle  23  is provided with an electrical slip ring  34  which enables continuous rotation of the spray nozzle  1 , the first hollow spindle  3 , and the second hollow spindle  12  about the central longitudinal axis of the third hollow spindle  23 . The third hollow spindle  23  is also provided with a fluid entry port  35 . 
     The first motor  10 , the second motor  21 , and the third motor  32  may be operated independently of one another. Each motor may facilitate continuous 360° clockwise or anti clockwise rotation of the corresponding hollow spindle or an oscillatory rotation of the corresponding hollow spindle in a desired angular range such that a fanning action of the spray nozzle  1  is provided. The fanning action may be performed in either a vertical or horizontal plane, or within any region so chosen by an operator. 
     The spray nozzle  1  may be adjusted to produce a spray pattern which includes a localised jet of liquid or a cone of spray. 
     Referring to FIG. 2 there is shown a means to adjust the spray nozzle  1 . 
     Adjustment of the spray pattern is provided by engaging the spray nozzle  1  with a friction ring  40 . The means by which the spray nozzle  1  and the friction ring  40  are engaged includes a solenoid  44 , an adjuster bracket  43 , an adjuster post  42  and an adjuster ring  41 . The solenoid  44  is attached to the adjuster bracket  43 . Upon activation of the solenoid  44 , the solenoid  44  exerts a force on the adjuster post  42  and adjuster ring  41  such that the friction plate  40  engages the spray nozzle  1 . Engagement of the friction plate  40  with the spray nozzle  1  effects rotation of the spray nozzle  1  about a central longitudinal axis of the spray nozzle  1 . The friction plate  40  may be accurately positioned by an operator by means of a travel screw  46  secured in place by lock nuts  47 . 
     In a further embodiment, adjustment of the spraying pattern by rotation of the barrel of the spray nozzle  1  about the central longitudinal axis of the spray nozzle  1  may be facilitated by the provision of an extended spindle between the spray nozzle  1  and the swivel block  5  wherein electrical slip rings are attached to the extended spindle, configured so as to electrically connect to a motor, drive mechanism and base so as to facilitate, in use 360° rotation of the spray nozzle barrel about the central longitudinal axis of the spray nozzle  1 . Alternatively, a linear actuator may be provided to adjust the spray pattern of the nozzle. Referring to FIGS. 3,  4  and  5  there is shown a spray head  100  as in the present invention attached to a head support arm  101  and a jib extension arm  201 . 
     A head support arm  101  is shown in FIGS. 3,  4  and  5 . The head support arm  101  includes a bracket member  102  having the spray head  100  attached. 
     The head support arm  101  is provided with a plurality of protection rings  103  which are clamped to the head support arm  101  by a clamp  106 . In use, the protection rings are adjusted to a desired position by relaxing the clamp  106 , positioning the protection rings  103  as desired, then tightening the clamp  106 . The purpose of the protection rings  103  is to prevent the spray head  100  from being fouled or damaged within tree branches. 
     The head support arm  101  is also provided with a spring loaded breakaway  105 . In use, when the spray head  100  engages another object, the spring loaded breakaway  105  facilitates the spray head  100  to flex away from the object. The purpose of the spring loaded breakaway  105  is to prevent or minimise damage of the spray head  100  or the spray focus. 
     The head support arm  101  is also provided with a head support hydraulic cylinder  104  to facilitate, in use, 150°-270° pivotal movement in the vertical plane. Operation of the head support hydraulic cylinder  104  enables the head support arm  101  to pivot such that the spray heads  100  mounted thereon may be moved through any portion of a 150°-270° arc. The purpose of this function is to enable the spray head  100  to be directed downwards over the top of any foliage or directed upward underneath any foliage. 
     A jib-extension arm  201  is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. It may be appreciated that the spray head  100  and head support arm  101  may be attached to a jib-extension arm  201 , wherein the jib-extension arm  201  provides additional reach and extension. Various orientations and directional adjustments of the spray head  100  and head support arm  101  in use with the jib-extension arm  201  will become apparent by referral to FIG.  5 . 
     The motion of the jib-extension arm  201  will now be described. The motion of the jib-extension arm  201  is dependant on the motion of a jib extension hydraulic cylinder  202  wherein when extended, facilitates the jib-extension arm  201  to move upward in a vertical direction to a filly open position in line with a main jib arm  301 , as shown in FIG.  5 . This configuration provides maximum reach for the spray head  100 , A rubber stop  303  is located on the main jib arm  301  adjacent to pivotal connection between the jib-extension arm and the main jib arm. The rubber stop  303  is provided to stop over travel of the jib-extension arm  201  when fully extended in an upward vertical direction. When the jib extension hydraulic cylinder  202  retracts, it facilitates the jib-extension arm  201  to pivot 180° vertically in a downwards direction until it is finally engaged with a retainer  302  provided in the proximity of the lower end of the main jib arm  301 . Sideways movement of the jib-extension arm  201  is prevented when the retainer  302  and the jib-extension arm  201  are engaged. Although the main purpose of this particular configuration is to protect the jib-extension arm  201  during transport, the spray head is operable in this configuration also. 
     The main jib arm  301  is operated by a main jib hydraulic cylinder  304  which enables the main jib arm  301  to move through an arc of 97° in the vertical direction. Movement of the main jib arm provides means of achieving maximum height or maximum horizontal reach of the spray head  100  in relation to the vehicle to which the main jib arm  301  is attached. A stewing spindle  401  supports and facilitates rotation of the main jib arm  301  about the vertical axis and through an arc of 360° in the horizontal plane. The slewing spindle  401  is provided with a hydraulic gear motor  402  or other driving mechanism from which it is driven at its lower end. The rotational speed of the slewing spindle  401  is determined by a gear reduction ratio within the hydraulic control valve. The upper end of the slewing spindle  401  is attached to a main jib support  403  which facilitates the pivotal connection between the slewing spindle  401  and the main jib arm  301 . The main jib support  403  provides anchorage at one end for the main jib hydraulic cylinder  304 . A rubber stop  404  is also attached at the other end of the main jib support  403 . The purpose of the rubber stop  404  is to prevent over extension of the main jib arm  301 . 
     There is further shown in FIG. 4 a support frame  501  provided with means to be attached to a vehicle chassis. The support frame  501  carries the slewing spindle  401  within two flange type ball bearings  503  which are bolted to bearing brackets  504  attached to an upright pillar  502 . The upright pillar  502  is provided at its base with a horizontal torsion member  505  which also acts as a bumper for approaching obstacles such as fallen trunks of trees. The horizontal torsion member  505  is secured to two side arms  506  that are bolted to the sides of the vehicle. The side arms  506  may be adjusted to different widths to cater for variations in vehicles. 
     A remote control console is shown in FIG.  6 . It may be appreciated that operation of the global spray head  100 , head support arm  101  and jib-extension arm  201  may be effected by remote control. Various orientations and directional adjustments of the spray head  100  and head support arm  101  in use with the jib-extension arm  201  will become apparent by referral to FIG.  6 . 
     A remote control console is provided with a spraying pattern adjustment switch  606  to adjust the spraying pattern of the spray nozzle  1  from a localised jet of liquid to a cone of spray. The spraying pattern adjustment switch  606  is a three position switch—momentary forward/off/momentary reverse. Both the forward and reverse positions are spring loaded momentary. When the switch is moved to either the momentary forward or momentary reverse positions, two circuits simultaneously activate the first motor  10  which causes spray nozzle  1  to rotate and solenoid  44  which exerts a force on the adjuster post  42  and adjuster ring  41  such that the friction ring  40  engages barrel of the spray nozzle  1 . When the spraying pattern adjustment switch  606  is moved forward, the first motor  10  rotates the spray nozzle  1  in an anti-clockwise direction, and at the same time the adjuster ring  41  is brought into contact with the barrel of the spray nozzle  1  which adjusts the spraying pattern to a solid cone of liquid. 
     When the spraying pattern adjustment switch  606  is moved backwards, the first motor  10  rotates the spray nozzle  1  in a clockwise direction, and at the same time the adjuster ring  41  is brought into contact with the barrel of the spray nozzle  1  which adjusts the spraying pattern to a direct localised jet of liquid. The remote control console is also provided with two spray nozzle positioning switches  602 A and  602 B. When switch  602 A is depressed, the first gear motor  10  facilitates clockwise rotation of the first hollow spindle  3  and the spray nozzle  1 . When switch  602 B is depressed, the first gear motor  10  facilitates anti-clockwise rotation of the first hollow spindle  3  and the spray nozzle  1 . Releasing either switch halts movement of the spray nozzle in the respective direction. 
     The remote control console is also provided with an oscillation control switch  603 . The oscillation control switch  603  is a two position switch. One position allows the operator to manually oscillate the spray nozzle by alternately depressing spray nozzle  1  positioning switches  602 A and  602 B. The arc of oscillation of the spray nozzle  1  in operation is proportional to the period of time that each of switches  602 A and  602 B is depressed The alternate position of the oscillation control switch  603  effects automatic oscillation of the spray nozzle  1 . The arc of oscillation of the spray nozzle  1  in operation is determined by an oscillation amplitude potentiometer  604 . The oscillation amplitude potentiometer  604  varies the degree of arc of oscillation about its last manually set position. 
     Control of the spray liquid flowing to the spray head  100  is facilitated by a liquid control switch  607 . The liquid control switch  607  is a three position switch—momentary on/off/on. Selection of the pulse position enables short bursts of liquid to flow through the spray head  100 , whereas selection of the on position enables a continuous flow of liquid through the spray head  100 . 
     The remote control console is provided with a joystick  601  which controls the movements of second motor  21  and third motor  32 . A forward and backward positioning of the joystick  601  will result in clockwise and anti-clockwise rotation, respectively, of second hollow spindle  12 , the first hollow spindle  3 , and the spray nozzle  1  about the central longitudinal axis of the second hollow spindle  12 . Positioning of the joystick  601  to the left or right position will result in anti-clockwise and clockwise rotation, respectively, of the third hollow spindle  23 , the second hollow spindle  12 , the first hollow spindle  3 , and the spray nozzle  1  about the central longitudinal axis of the third hollow spindle  23 . The result of combining the forward-backward movements and sideways movements of the joystick is to direct the spray nozzle simultaneously in the vertical and horizontal planes. 
     Referring to FIG. 6 there is shown a control console provided with a head support arm switch  611 , a jib extension switch  609 , a main jib switch  608  and a stewing spindle switch  610 . The purpose of the head support arm switch  611  is to operate the hydraulic system necessary to raise and lower the head support arm  101 . The head support arm switch  611  is a three position switch—momentary on/off/momentary on. Movement of the switch to the forward position extends and lowers the head support arm  101  and the spray head  100  to its most extendable position. When the head support arm switch  611  is in the rear position, the head support arm  101  and the spray head  100  are retracted and raised onto a parked or travelling position. 
     The purpose of the jib extension switch  609  is to operate the hydraulic system necessary to raise and lower the jib-extension arm  201 . The jib extension switch  609  is a three position switch—momentary on/off/momentary on. Movement of the jib extension switch to the forward position extends and raises the jib-extension arm  201  to its most extended position. When the jib extension switch  609  is in the rear position the jib-extension arm retracts and to is lowered into a parked or travelling position. 
     The purpose of the main jib switch  608  is to operate the hydraulic system necessary to raise and lower the main jib arm  301 . The main jib switch  608  is a three position switch momentary on/off/momentary on. Movement of the main jib switch  608  to the forward position extends and lowers the main jib arm  301  to its most extended position. When the main jib switch  608  is in the rear position the main jib arm  301  retracts and is raised into a parked of travelling position. 
     The purpose of the slewing spindle switch  610  is to operate the hydraulic system which enables the stewing spindle  401  to rotate. The slewing spindle switch  610  is a three position switch—momentary on/off/momentary on. Movement of the stewing spindle switch  610  to the left or right enables the stewing spindle to rotate in an anti-clockwise or clockwise direction, respectively. 
     The remote control console is also provided with a home position switch  612  which is a momentary on/off switch. The purpose of the home position switch  612  is to simultaneously operate the spray head  100 , head support arm  101 , main jib arm  301  and jib-extension arm  201 , such that they return to a parked or travelling position. A microprocessor is provided which receives positioning information from several potentiometers coupled to the respective shafts of the first motor  10 , second motor  21  and third motor  32  as well as the solenoids operating the jib arm hydraulic cylinders  106 ,  202 ,  304 . 
     A remote control console isolation switch  613  is also provided with an on/off function which enables an operator to disconnect power from the various switches on the remote control console. Accidental operation of the console functions during travelling may be avoided. 
     An auxiliary switch  605  with a two position on/off functionality is also provided. The auxiliary switch  605  controls a solenoid which diverts spray liquid to an alternative outlet other than the spray head  100 . 
     Alternatively, it will be appreciated that operation of the spray head  100 , and various orientation adjustment means may be effected by a joystick-type control which incorporates and integrates all possible operations within the one joystick-type unit. 
     Referring to FIG. 7 there is shown a spray head  100  having additional features and attached to an alternative orientation adjustment means  700 . It will be appreciated that like numbers denote like features described previously. 
     It is envisaged that the third hollow spindle  23  may be provided with an additional third motor  32   a  on an opposing end of the third hollow spindle  23 , configured so as to facilitate, in use, 360° rotation of the third hollow spindle  23  about the central longitudinal axis of the third hollow spindle  23 . The additional third motor  32   a  is arranged to operate with the third motor  32  in order to facilitate 360° rotation of the third hollow spindle  23  about the central longitudinal axis of the third hollow spindle. 
     It will also be envisaged that the additional third motor  32   a  is provided with a corresponding base  26   a  to provide a support for the additional third motor  32   a . The bases  26 ,  26   a  also provide a means whereby the spray head  100  may be attached to the alternative orientation adjustment means  700  shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. 
     As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the alternative orientation adjustment means  700  includes two diverging connecting members  710 , wherein each diverging connecting member  710  is arranged to be endwise connected with the corresponding base  26 ,  26   a . Opposing ends of each diverging connecting member  710  are fixedly attached to a pivot member  720 . 
     The pivot member  720  is pivotally connected to a jib extension arm  840  at pivot point  721 . The pivot member  720  is provided with a pivot member hydraulic cylinder  730  which is also attached to the jib extension arm  840  to facilitate, in use, 150°-270° pivotal movement in the vertical plane about pivot point  721 . Operation of the pivot member hydraulic cylinder  730  enables the pivot member  720  to pivot such that the spray head  100  mounted on the diverging connecting members  710  may be moved through any portion of a 150°-270° arc. The purpose of this function is to enable the spray head  100  to be directed downwardly from above foliage or directed upwardly from beneath foliage. 
     In FIG. 8 there is shown the spray head  100 , an alternative adjustment means  700  and an alternative jib-like apparatus  800 . The alternative jib-like apparatus  800  includes a support base  810 , a slewing means  820 , a jib arm  830  and a jib extension arm  840 . 
     The support base  810  includes a substantially horizontal lower end member  811  and a substantially horizontal upper end member  813  endwise interconnected by a substantially vertical first web member  815 . The lower end member  811  is provided with two substantially horizontal transversely aligned foot members  812 . Each foot member  812  is disposed adjacent a lower end of the web member  815 . An intermediate portion of the first web member  815  is provided with a downwardly inclined support member  817 . The support member  817  is aligned with the lower end member  811  and is disposed on the appropriate side of the support base  810  from the lower end member  811 . 
     The slewing means  820  is arranged to be housed and supported by the support base  810 . The stewing means  820  includes a substantially vertical stewing spindle  814  which is disposed adjacent respective free ends of the upper and lower end members  811 ,  813  and is to arranged to interconnect said upper and lower end members  811 ,  813 . An upper portion of the slewing spindle  814  is provided with an outwardly extending upper arm  822  which is pivotable about the stewing spindle  814 . An intermediate portion of the stewing spindle  814  is provided with an outwardly extending intermediate arm  824  which is also pivotable about the stewing spindle  814 . The upper and intermediate arms  822 ,  824  are fixedly interconnected by a substantially vertical second L-shaped web member  823 . A lower portion of the stewing spindle  814  is provided with an outwardly extending lower arm  826  which is also pivotable about the stewing spindle  814 . An underside of an outermost end of the intermediate arm  824  is fixedly attached to one end of a first hydraulic cylinder  821 . An opposing end of the first hydraulic cylinder  821  is fixedly attached to the lower arm  826 . An end of a second hydraulic cylinder  827  is also fixedly attached to the lower arm  826 . An opposing end of the second hydraulic cylinder  827  is fixedly attached to one of the transversely aligned foot members  812  The first hydraulic cylinder  821  is arranged, in use, to pivot the intermediate arm  824  and the upper arm  822  about the slewing spindle  814 . The second hydraulic cylinder  827  is arranged, in use, to pivot the lower, intermediate and upper arms  826 ,  824 ,  822  about the slewing spindle. Pivotal movement of the jib arm  830  is afforded by sequential expansion of the first and second hydraulic cylinders  821 ,  827 . The second hydraulic cylinder  827  is arranged, in use, to pivot the intermediate and upper arms  824 ,  822  in relation to the lower arm  826 . Pivotal movement of the jib arm  830  in an opposing direction is facilitated by sequential contraction of the second hydraulic cylinder  827  and of the first hydraulic cylinder  821 . In this way the slewing means facilitates pivotal movement of the jib arm  830  and the jib extension arm  840  about the slewing spindle  814 . Preferably the arc of rotation of the jib arm  830  and the jib extension arm  840  is 280 degrees. 
     An outermost end of the upper arm  822  is pivotally connected to an end of the elongate jib arm  830 . A mid portion of the elongate jib arm  830  is pivotally attached to an end of a third hydraulic cylinder  825 . An opposing end of the third hydraulic cylinder  825  is fixedly attached to an upper side of the outermost end of the lower arm  824 . The third hydraulic cylinder  825  is arranged, in use, to pivot the elongate jib arm  830  vertically about the outermost end of the upper arm  822  of the stewing means  820 . 
     An opposing end of the elongate jib arm  830  is pivotally connected with an end of the elongate jib extension arm  840 . The elongate jib arm  830  is provided with a fourth hydraulic cylinder  832  which is arranged and configured to facilitate vertical pivotal movement of the jib extension arm  840  about the end of the elongate jib arm  830 . Thus, in an extended position the jib extension arm  840  is outwardly extended from and substantially longitudinally aligned with the jib arm  830 , and in a folded position the jib extension arm  840  is disposed adjacent the length of the jib arm  830 . 
     It will be appreciated that alternative means for adjustment of the spray nozzle  1  may be provided. Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown a solenoid  711  and a lever  712  mounted on one of the diverging connecting members  710 . The lever  712  is movable between an extended and retracted position. The solenoid  711  is arranged to actuate the lever between the extended and retracted positions. Adjustment of the spray nozzle  1  is facilitated by rotating the spray head  100  about the central longitudinal axis of the third hollow spindle  23  until an outer housing of the spray nozzle  1  engages with tie lever  712  in the extended position Rotation of the spray head  100  about the central longitudinal axis of the third hollow spindle  23  causes the outer housing of the spray nozzle  1  to tighten or to loosen in either direction in response to engagement with the extended lever  712 , thereby adjusting the spray discharge pattern of the spray nozzle  1 . 
     Alternatively, it will be envisaged that the spray nozzle  1  may be provided with direct drive geared motor which is configured and arranged in use to tighten or loosen the outer housing of the spray nozzle  1  to adjust the spray discharge pattern of the spray nozzle  1 . 
     It is also envisaged that each hollow spindle will be provided with at least one transformer device  70 . Preferably, the or each transformer device comprises an electrically conducting coil set  72  arranged, in use, to be integral with a wall of the hollow spindle. The coil set  72  includes a primary winding  74  and a secondary winding  76  in close proximity. Preferably, the primary and secondary windings  74 ,  76  are made from ferrite around which a solenoid type coil is wound, an amorphous wound metal ribbon, or litz wire made from many insulated strands. 
     The primary winding  74  has a first annulus of indefinite length longitudinally aligned and integral with the wall of the hollow spindle. The secondary winding  76  has a second annulus of indefinite length longitudinally aligned and integral with the wall of the hollow spindle. It will be appreciated that the first annulus may be arranged to encompass the second annulus in order to facilitate current flow between the first and second windings  74 ,  76  of the electrically conducting coil set  72 . Alternatively, it Will be appreciated that a face of the first annulus may be disposed adjacent a face of the second annulus to facilitate current flow between the first and second windings  74 ,  76  of the electrically conducting coil set  72 . 
     The provision of an electrically conducting coil set for each hollow spindle allows for communication of electrical power, control signals and sensing to the respective motor, thereby eliminating external electrical conduits to each motor. 
     In this way, the spray head provides a parallel passage for fluid flow and current flow through the hollow spindles of the spray head without the necessity for extraneous hollow tubing and electrical cables. Consequently, continuous rotation of the three perpendicularly aligned hollow spindles of the spray head is afforded without restriction. Furthermore, the respective passages for fluid flow and current flow are discrete although combined in the one spray head device. 
     Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.