Patent Publication Number: US-9832987-B2

Title: Rotatable shroud for directional control of application area

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/431,562, filed Mar. 26, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,610,595, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/707,482, filed Sep. 28, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure is generally related to spraying technology, and, more particularly, to controlled droplet applications. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A controlled droplet application (CDA) nozzle operates on a completely different principle than conventional hydraulic nozzles. CDA nozzles deposit liquid fluid to be applied on the inside of a spinning cone. The inside of the cone may be lined with ridges traveling from the narrow end of the cone to the wide end. These ridges help impart rotational energy to the liquid fluid, spinning it faster. The ends of the ridges are used to shear the flowing liquid fluid into droplets. As the CDA cone spins faster, the smaller droplets get sheared and released from the end of the ridges, which enables the spectrum of droplet sizes to be controlled by adjusting the speed of the CDA cone. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aspect of this invention is directed to a controlled droplet application (CDA) system having a frame and a CDA nozzle adjustably coupled to the frame. The CDA nozzle has a cone that is movable relative the frame between a first position having a first axis of rotation and a second position having a second axis of rotation wherein the second axis of rotation is orthogonal to the first axis or rotation. The CDA nozzle further has a directional shroud, the directional shroud having plural arcs. The plural arcs cover all but a portion of a product-dispensing lip of the cone. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
         FIG. 1A  is a schematic diagram that illustrates, in rear elevation view, an example environment in which certain embodiments of controlled droplet application (CDA) systems may be employed according to a first axis of rotation for the CDA nozzle cone. 
         FIG. 1B  is a schematic diagram that illustrates, in overhead plan view, the example CDA systems of  FIG. 1A  and their respective truncated fluid sprays. 
         FIG. 2A  is a schematic diagram that illustrates, in rear elevation view, an example environment in which certain embodiments of CDA systems may be employed according to a second axis of rotation for the CDA nozzle cone. 
         FIG. 2B  is a schematic diagram that illustrates an example embodiment of one of the CDA systems shown in  FIG. 2A  with the CDA nozzle cone rotating along a horizontal axis and its respective fluid spray. 
         FIG. 3A  is a schematic diagram that generally depicts an embodiment of an example CDA system with a CDA nozzle in horizontal orientation and covered in part by a directional shroud. 
         FIG. 3B  is a schematic diagram showing select features in cut-away view of the example CDA system shown in  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 3C  is a schematic diagram showing certain features in exploded view of the example CDA system shown in  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 3D  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an example CDA nozzle cone in a perspective view showing a portion of an interior of the CDA nozzle cone. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an example CDA nozzle having a directional shroud that covers all but a portion of a circumferential lip of a cone of the CDA nozzle. 
         FIG. 5A  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an example directional shroud having a single arc on the surface used to block a single arc portion of a circular spray pattern dispersed from a circumferential lip of a CDA nozzle cone. 
         FIG. 5B  is a schematic diagram that illustrates an example configuration of the single arc depicted in  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an example directional shroud having plural arcs on the surface used to block plural, discontiguous arc portions of a circular spray pattern dispersed from a circumferential lip of a CDA nozzle cone. 
         FIGS. 7A-7D  are schematic diagrams that illustrate an example embodiment of a CDA nozzle system for changing the angle of a spray pattern. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram that illustrates in another example embodiment of a CDA nozzle system. 
         FIG. 9  is a flow diagram of an embodiment of an example CDA method. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     Certain embodiments of a controlled droplet application (CDA) system and method are disclosed that enable a CDA nozzle to control the direction of uniformly sized droplets characteristically produced by CDA-type nozzles. In one embodiment, the CDA system comprises a CDA nozzle cone that is placed within a directional shroud that adjustably limits the direction in which the droplets can travel. The CDA nozzle cone may be configured in the horizontal orientation (e.g., with the center axis of the cone coincident with the horizontal axis), vertical orientation, or any other orientation, for precise control of the direction of the applied fluid spray to the intended target. For instance, the directional shroud may be configured to limit the droplet dispersion area to only the bottom 90 degrees of the CDA nozzle cone. Such a configuration results in the directional shroud collecting the droplets from the 270 degrees to the right, above, and to the left of a horizontally oriented CDA nozzle. In other words, the CDA system enables directional control over the spray. 
     Conventional CDA system designs also produce droplets of uniform size with a lower liquid fluid input than hydraulic nozzles. By producing droplets of uniform size, the volume of liquid fluid wasted in ineffective droplet size may be minimized. However, current CDA systems lack the ability to direct the spray pattern to anywhere but the vertical or near vertical orientation. For instance, conventional CDA nozzle cones are spun in a vertical or near vertical orientation (e.g., within ten (10) degrees of the vertical axis) to provide a circular pattern, possibly wasting liquid fluid (hereinafter, the latter also referred to merely as fluid) where the application of the spray is not needed. In contrast, CDA systems of the present disclosure may operate with the cone oriented in the horizontal, vertical (e.g., in orthogonally different orientations), or any other direction/orientation. In addition, certain embodiments of CDA systems comprise a rotationally adjustable, directional shroud, providing more precise control of the direction of the applied fluid spray, which may result in less waste since areas unintended for fluid treatment are blocked from spray application by the directional shroud. 
     Having summarized certain features of CDA systems of the present disclosure, reference will now be made in detail to the description of the disclosure as illustrated in the drawings. While the disclosure will be described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit it to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. Further, although the description identifies or describes specifics of one or more embodiments, such specifics are not necessarily part of every embodiment, nor are all various stated advantages necessarily associated with a single embodiment or all embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Further, it should be appreciated in the context of the present disclosure that the claims are not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments set out in the description. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1A , shown is a simplified schematic of a rear end of an agricultural machine embodied as a self-propelled sprayer machine  10 , which provides an example environment in which one or a plurality of controlled droplet application (CDA) systems  12  (e.g.,  12 A,  12 B, and  12 C) may be employed. It should be appreciated within the context of the present disclosure that the example CDA systems  12  may be used on other agricultural machines or machines for other industries with similar or different configurations than those depicted in  FIG. 1A , including as part of a towed implement or affixed to other machines. Certain features of sprayer machines well known to those having ordinary skill in the art are omitted in  FIGS. 1A-2B  to avoid obfuscating pertinent features of CDA systems  12 . The sprayer machine  10  comprises a cab  14  and a tank  16  that mounts on a chassis. The cab  14  comprises operational controls that an operator interfaces with to navigate and/or control functions on the sprayer machine  10 . Note that some embodiments may utilize automated machines that need not have an operator residing in the cab  14 , or in some embodiments, the sprayer machine  10  may be operated via remote control. The tank  16  stores liquid fluid for use in dispensing to targets located in a field traversed by the sprayer machine  10 . The sprayer machine  10  further comprises wheels  18  to facilitate traversal of a given field, though some embodiments may utilize tracks. It should be appreciated that the axle arrangement depicted in  FIGS. 1A-1B  is merely illustrative, and that other arrangements are contemplated to be within the scope of the disclosure. The sprayer machine  10  further comprises a boom  20  branching out from both sides of the sprayer machine  10  and shown in truncated form on the right hand side of  FIG. 1A . The boom  20  comprises conduit(s) (e.g., metal or rubber/plastic tubing, wiring, cable, etc.) for hydraulics, pneumatics, electronics, etc., as well as comprising different motive force devices such as pumps, motors, power sources, etc. to influence the flow of fluids and/or to control the operations and/or positioning of certain devices, such as the CDA systems  12 . 
     The sprayer machine  10  navigates across the field to dispense fluid from the CDA systems  12  to various targets. The CDA systems  12  may spray fluids (e.g., chemicals) on crops, bare ground, pests, etc., as pre-emergence and/or post-emergence herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. In this example, the targets comprise the leafy areas of crops  22  (e.g.,  22 A,  22 B,  22 C, etc.), though other portions of the crops  22  may be targeted depending on the application. Each CDA system  12 , such as CDA system  12 A (used an illustrative example hereinafter, with the understanding that each CDA system may have similar features), comprises a CDA nozzle  24  and an actuator  26  (e.g., rotational actuator), the actuator  26  causing rotation of a cone  28  of the CDA nozzle  24  based on the use of a pulley (not shown). In some embodiments, other mechanisms for causing cone rotation may be used, as is described below. The CDA system  12  may be mounted to the boom  20  directly or via a frame that enables the CDA system  12  to be adjusted to vary the axis of rotation of the cone. In the example depicted in  FIG. 1A , the cone  28  is directed downward, and the axis of rotation  30  is in the vertical direction. As should be appreciated within the context of the present disclosure, the CDA system  12  may be operated in other axes of rotation, and this example is merely illustrative of one implementation. 
     The nozzle  24  further comprises a directional shroud  32  with one or more apertures  34  through which fluid spray passes the directional shroud  32  and impacts the target (e.g., the leafy portion of the crop  22 A). In  FIG. 1A , the dispersed fluid spray is denoted with a dashed arrowhead extending from the aperture  34 . The directional shroud  32  comprises a deflector portion that covers (e.g., sufficient to block fluid discharge) all but a portion (e.g., single portion or multiple contiguous or discontiguous portions) of the fluid discharge end of the cone  28 . The fluid discharge end of the cone  28  provides a circular fluid spray pattern that is modified by the deflector portion of the directional shroud  32 . The apertures  34  are locations where the deflector portions do not cover (e.g., block fluid discharge from) the fluid discharge ends of the cone  28 , enabling a modified or truncated fluid spray to reach the targeted area with precise directional control. The directional shroud  32  further comprises a reclamation portion that lies beneath the deflector portion in  FIG. 1A , and which collects the blocked fluid in a channel and routes the collected fluid back to a reservoir for re-use in the CDA systems  12  or for other uses. The deflector and reclamation portions may be detachably coupled (e.g., modular) sections of the directional shroud  32  in some embodiments, or combined in an integrated (e.g., molded or cast) assembly in some embodiments. The directional shroud  32  enables the nozzle  24  to mount to the boom  20 . 
     The CDA system  12 A is depicted in  FIG. 1A  with two apertures  34 A and  34 B, through which the fluid spray is dispersed to hit the targets  22 A and  22 B, respectively. The blocked fluid spray is collected in the reclamation portion of the directional shroud  32  and routed to a reservoir (e.g., local to the nozzle  24 , or in some embodiments, remote, such as a reservoir configured as the tank  16 ). The CDA systems  12 B and  12 C are each shown with a single aperture to enable the fluid spray to hit the targets  22 B and  22 C, respectively. Some implementations may utilize other CDA system configurations depending on the crop profile and/or conditions (e.g., weather and/or field) for a given field. The configurations depicted in  FIG. 1A  are merely for illustrating certain capabilities of CDA systems  12 , and not intended to be limiting. 
     The manner of configuration of the CDA systems  12  may be manually adjusted based on a crop profile of the field to be traversed. For instance, a map of the crop profile for a given field may be printed out (e.g., remotely or locally to the sprayer machine  10 ) and used by an operator of the sprayer machine  10  to manually configure each CDA system  12 . For instance, the operator may manually adjust the angle at which the CDA system  12  is mounted to the boom  20  (or frame) and/or manually adjust (or replace) the directional shroud  32  of the nozzle  24  to ensure that the fluid spray dispersed from each CDA system  12  precisely and efficiently hits the target. In some embodiments, additional information may be used to assist the operator in adjusting the CDA systems  12 , such as weather conditions, the extent of pest infestation, soil information, among other information. 
     In some embodiments, the adjustment of all or a portion of the CDA systems  12  may be achieved in an automated or semi-automated manner using all or a portion of the information described above. For instance, the crop profile and/or the other aforementioned information may be loaded onto a disk or memory stick and inserted in a computer  36  (shown in phantom in  FIG. 1A ) located on the sprayer machine  10 . In some embodiments, the same information may be communicated to a communications interface of the computer  36  or other electronics device over a wireless network or radio frequency channel. The operator may review the information on a graphical user interface (GUI) associated with the computer  36  or other device (e.g., located in the cab  14 ) and depress one or more switches on the cab operator console to activate various actuators, such as the example actuator  38  shown associated with the CDA system  12 C. The activation of the actuator  38  may cause auto-adjustment of the CDA system  12  to change the axis of rotation for the associated cone, and/or to cause rotational adjustment of the directional shroud  32 . For instance, in one embodiment, as explained further below, the directional shroud  32  may be rotated relative to the fluid discharge end of the cone  28  to position one or more apertures in the directional shroud  32  as needed, or in some embodiments, components within the directional shroud  32  (e.g., deflectors internal to the outer surface of the shroud  32 ) and moveable relative to the outer surface of the directional shroud  32  may be adjusted to deflect the flow of fluid within each aperture. In some embodiments, a combination of these methods may be used. In some embodiments, the GUI may be used like the print out scenario described above, providing instructions for the operator to physically change the nozzle and/or shroud orientation. Likewise, in some embodiments, the print out may be used by the operator to make the orientation adjustments from a console in the cab (which is communicated from the computer  36  to the actuators  38 ). 
     In some embodiments, one or more sensors, such as sensor  40 , may be affixed to the boom  20  and/or other locations of the sprayer machine  10 . The sensors  40  may operate in the visible range, infrared range, acoustic range, etc., and may be used to determine certain information pertaining to a desired target in the field, such as the height of the leafy parts of the crop or other profile information. In some embodiments, the same or additional sensors may be used to acquire other information, such as weather conditions, soil conditions, topology information, vehicle information, etc. The feedback to the computer  36  from the sensors  40  may be used to trigger control signaling from the computer  36  to the actuators  38  to cause the changes in cone and/or directional shroud orientation. The aforementioned automated controls may be performed in some embodiments with at least some operator intervention (e.g., to confirm the suitability of the change, to prevent erroneous results, etc.). In some embodiments, the computer, sensing, and actuator functionality may be integrated in fewer components. For instance, the sensor  40  may be configured as a smart sensor with computer processing functionality that may control the actuator  38  directly. It should be appreciated within the context of the present disclosure that other variations of control of the cone  28  and/or directional shroud orientation may be employed and hence are contemplated to be within the scope of the disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1B , shown is a simplified schematic in overhead plan view of the sprayer machine  10  and associated components from  FIG. 1A . Of particular focus is the CDA systems  12  and their associated directed or truncated fluid sprays. For instance, and referring to the CDA system  12 A as one illustrative example, the directional shroud  32  is configured to block all but a portion of the circular fluid spray that is dispersed from the discharge end of the cone  28  ( FIG. 1A ), that un-blocked portion depicted in  FIG. 1B  as the truncated fluid sprays (e.g., spray arcs)  42  and  44  that pass through respective apertures  34 A and  34 B (the aperture  34 B obscured from view in  FIG. 1B , but shown in  FIG. 1A ). The fluid sprays  42  and  44  are precisely directed to relevant portions of the crops  22 A and  22 B, based on configuration of the axis of rotation of the cone  28  and the orientation of the directional shroud  32  (or components therein). Similarly, CDA systems  12 B and  12 C provide truncated fluid sprays  46  and  48 , respectively, to impact, with precise directional control, the respective targeted crops  22 B and  22 C. 
       FIG. 2A  provides another illustration demonstrating the precise control of the fluid spray dispersed on crops. It should be appreciated within the context of the present disclosure that the example illustration of  FIG. 2A  is merely one example of many other possible implementations. Certain portions of the boom  20  (e.g., as depicted in  FIG. 1A ) are omitted in  FIG. 2A  to avoid adding further complexity to the figure and to facilitate an understanding of certain features. In this example, the sprayer  10  comprises the CDA nozzles  12  (e.g.,  12 A,  12 B,  12 C, etc.) oriented with a cone axis of rotation  50  that is orthogonal (though not limited to an orthogonal arrangement) to the axis of rotation  30  of  FIGS. 1A-1B . That is, the axis of rotation  50  is in the horizontal orientation. Such a configuration may be used, for instance, when the crops  52  are more mature (e.g., greater in height) and the targeted areas of the crop  52  span a greater length or coverage area. The fluid spray is dispersed from the rotating cone  28  in similar manner as described in association with the vertical axis of rotation  30 . Referring now to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the CDA system  12 A comprises the actuator  26  coupled to a frame  54 , the latter adjustably coupled to the boom  20 . The frame  54  is also adjustably coupled to the nozzle  24  comprising the directional shroud  32 . For instance, as shown in  FIG. 2B , plural slots  56  are disposed in the frame  54 , through which bolts or other securing components may be loosened to enable the rotation of the directional shroud  32 . A fluid spray  58  dispersed from the aperture  34  of the directional shroud  32  is in the form of a truncated spray (e.g., vertical arc) that targets the entire length of the crop  52 , enabling precise and directed control of the fluid spray. In other words, the circular fluid spray dispersed from the cone  28  of the nozzle  24  is modified by a deflector portion of the directional shroud  32 , with the undeflected fluid spray  58  dispersed through the aperture  34  to precisely and controllably reach the target. 
     The change in the axis of rotation from  FIGS. 1A-1B  to  FIG. 2A  may be performed manually (e.g., by an operator physically moving the CDA systems  12  on the boom  20  or manipulating controls on an operator console to cause an actuator (e.g., similar to actuator  38  in  FIG. 1A , with a rail or the like upon which the frame  54  may be rotated or angularly adjusted)) to change the orientation, automatically (e.g., using computer and sensing functionality), or according to a combination of operator intervention and automated or semi-automated control. In other words, control may be achieved in similar manner to that described above in association with  FIGS. 1A-1B . 
     Although orthogonal positioning/adjustment of the axes or rotation (e.g., vertical to horizontal) has been described in association with  FIGS. 1A-2B , it should be appreciated that the orientation of the axis of the cone  28  may be adjusted according to a variety of different angles using different mechanisms (e.g., infinitely variable, or variable in stepped increments). 
     Having described an example environment in which certain embodiments of CDA system adjustment have been described, attention is directed to  FIGS. 3A-3D , which depict several illustrations of an embodiment of a CDA system  12 , with each illustration focusing on select features of the system. One having ordinary skill in the art should appreciate in the context of the present disclosure that the CDA system  12  shown in, and described in association with,  FIGS. 3A-3D , is merely illustrative, and that other system arrangements with fewer or additional components are contemplated to be within the scope of the disclosure. As is evident by comparison among  FIGS. 3A-3D , certain features are omitted in each figure to emphasize the features shown in a particular figure. Referring now to  FIG. 3A , shown is an embodiment of an example CDA system  12 . As described above, the CDA system  12  may be secured to a tractor frame, boom, among other agricultural equipment similar to implementations for conventional CDA nozzles. The CDA system  12  exhibits some of the well-known characteristics of conventional CDA nozzles, including the provision of a substantially uniform size fluid droplet based on low flow inputs. 
     The CDA system  12  comprises the CDA nozzle  24  that is depicted in  FIG. 3A  in the horizontal orientation, though any orientation may be used. The CDA nozzle  24  comprises the cone  28  and the directional shroud  32  that covers at least a portion of the fluid-discharge end of the cone  28 . For instance, in one embodiment, the cone  28  comprises a circumferential, outward-directed lip  60  from which the substantially uniform size fluid droplets are dispensed in a circular flow pattern. The directional shroud  32  blocks all but a portion of the dispensed fluid, such as a portion that passes the directional shroud  32  through the aperture  34  of the directional shroud. In one embodiment, the aperture  34  is defined by a single arc (or a plurality of arcs in some embodiments) serving as a deflector and located on or adjacent the surface of the directional shroud  32 . The CDA nozzle  24  also comprises a shaft  62  that runs longitudinally through a portion of the cone  28 . Disposed concentrically within the shaft is a hollow spindle that introduces fluid into the cone  28 , as described further below. The shaft  62  is coupled to the cone  28  and is engaged by a drive system  64  to cause rotation of the cone  28 . The cone  28  rotates to produce droplets from an inputted fluid stream. In one embodiment, the drive system  64  comprises the rotational actuator  26  and a pulley  66 . The pulley  66  engages a wheel  68  of the rotational actuator  26  and also engages the shaft  62  of the nozzle  24  to cause rotation of the cone  28 . The drive system  64  and nozzle  24  are mounted to the frame  54 , the nozzle  24  mounted to the frame  54  by a frame coupling portion  70  of the directional shroud  32 . The frame coupling portion  70  secures the directional shroud  32  to the frame  54 . An input end  72  extending beyond the frame  54  and a nut at the opposite end compress the frame  54 , the pulley  66 , shaft  62 , and the cone  28  together. The directional shroud  32  is mounted independently onto the frame  54 , as noted above, and around the rotating sub-assembly (e.g., pulley  66 , shaft  62 , and cone  28 ), and hence the rotating sub-assembly rotates approximately in the middle of the directional shroud  32 . In some embodiments, the frame coupling portion  70  and the directional shroud  32  may be a single piece construction (e.g., molded part), or in some embodiments, modular, coupled components that are moveable (e.g., rotationally) or fixed (e.g., secured, attached, etc.) relative to each other. The frame  54  may be connected (e.g., in adjustable or in some embodiments, fixed manner) to the boom  20  ( FIG. 1A ) of the sprayer machine  10 , or other machines (e.g., a towed implement). In one embodiment, the frame  54  rigidly secures the aforementioned components with respect to each other. 
     Fluid is provided to the input  72  of the nozzle  24 . The fluid may be provided through a flow control apparatus or system, as is known in the art. For instance, a flow control system may meter a defined volume of fluid into the input  72 , the fluid then flowing through a hollow, stationary spindle  74  for deposit into the interior of the cone  28 . 
     In one example operation, the rotational actuator  26  of the drive system  64  provides rotational motion to rotate the cone  28 . In other words, the pulley  66  transfers the rotational motion of the rotational actuator  26  to the shaft  62 , which through coupling between the shaft  62  and the cone  28 , causes the cone  28  to rotate. The shaft  62  rotates around a stationary spindle  74  that is surrounded by the shaft  62 , as explained below. In one embodiment, an even flow of fluid is injected by a flow control system into the input  72 . The fluid flows through the hollow spindle  74  and is discharged via one or more openings in the spindle  74  into the interior space of the cone  28 . In one embodiment, fins of a fin assembly located internal to the cone  28  divide and compartmentalize the fluid evenly inside the cone  28  and ensure that the cone  28  produces an even distribution of uniformly-sized droplets. In some embodiments, the fin assembly may be omitted. 
     It should be appreciated within the context of the present disclosure that variations of the aforementioned CDA system  12  are contemplated and considered to be within the scope of the disclosure. For instance, in some embodiments, the drive system  64  may include a belt, gears, chain, hydraulic motor, pneumatic motor, etc. In some embodiments, the depicted drive system  64  may be omitted in favor of drive system that includes a direct coupling between a motor and the cone  28 . In some embodiments, additional structure and/or components may be included, such as a precise speed control of the cone  28 , a fan to assist droplet travel and penetration (e.g., into foliage), among other structures. Although not limited to a specific performance, some example performance metrics of the CDA system  12  may include a minimum flow rate of approximately 0.05 gallons per minute (GPM), a maximum flow rate of approximately 0.3 GPM, a minimum cone speed of approximately 2500 RPM, and a maximum cone speed of approximately 5000 PRM. These metrics are merely illustrative, and some embodiments may have greater or lower values. 
     Attention is now directed to  FIG. 3B , which provides a cutaway view of certain features of the CDA system  12  shown in  FIG. 3A . Note that in some embodiments, the CDA system  12  may comprise the nozzle  24  and the drive system  64  coupled to the frame  54 . In some embodiments, the CDA system  12  may comprise fewer or greater numbers of components. Recapping from the description above, the CDA system  12  comprises the CDA nozzle  24 . The CDA nozzle  24  comprises the cone  28 , the directional shroud  32 , the shaft  62 , and a spindle  74 . In one embodiment, the cone  28  comprises a geometrical configuration that includes the circumferential lip  60  from which droplets are dispersed to a target according to a circular spray pattern. In one embodiment, the lip  60  is directed outward from the central axis of the cone  28 . In some embodiments, the lip  60  is not directed outward relative to the central axis of the cone  28 . The cone  28  also comprises a wide portion  76  and a narrow portion  78  that includes a base  80 . The narrow portion  78  includes a diameter that decreases from the wide portion  76  to the base  80 . In some embodiments, within the cone  28  corresponding to an interior surface of the narrow portion  78  is a fin assembly, as described further below. The interior surface of the cone  28  corresponding to the lip  60  and the wide portion  76  (and partially the narrow portion  78 ) comprises a plurality of longitudinal ridges  82 , each pair of ridges  82  defining grooves therebetween to channel the fluid as the cone  28  rotates to provide a circular flow pattern of droplets released at the lip  60 . In other words, the uniform droplets are dispersed from grooves (the grooves formed by plural ridges  82  in the interior surface of the cone  28 , the ridges breaking off the droplets as the fluid flows from the grooves) at the lip  60  in circular fashion. All but a portion of the dispersed fluid is blocked by the directional shroud  32 . The unblocked fluid dispersed from the lip  60  passes the directional shroud  32  via the aperture  34  and hence is directed to a target, such as the ground or foliage (e.g., crops, weeds, etc.). The blocked fluid is captured and routed by an internal channel  84  created by a reclamation portion of the directional shroud  32  and fed to a fluid reclamation system. 
     The nozzle  24  further comprises the shaft  62 , which extends from one end of the cone  28  and is coupled to the interior surface of the cone  28 . The shaft  62  surrounds (e.g., concentrically) at least a partial length of the hollow spindle  74 . The hollow spindle  74  receives fluid (e.g., from a flow control system) from the input  72  and dispenses the fluid into the interior of the cone  28  corresponding to the narrow portion  78  (e.g., proximal to the base  80 ). The spindle  74  is coupled to the base  80  of the cone  28 . Introduced in  FIG. 3B  is a circular cap  86  that segments the interior of the cone  28  in a plane proximal to the transition between the wide portion  76  and the narrow portion  78 . In one embodiment, the cap  86  is integrated (e.g., molded, cast, etc.) with the shaft  62 . In some embodiments, the cap  86  is coupled to the shaft  62  according to other known fastening mechanisms, such as via welding, riveting, screws, etc. In one embodiment, the cap  86  is also mounted to a fin assembly as described further below, although in some embodiments, the fin assembly may be omitted and the shaft  62  coupled to the cone  28  according to other fastening mechanisms. For purposes of brevity, the remainder of the disclosure contemplates the use of a fin assembly, with the understanding that the fin assembly may be omitted in some embodiments. The shaft  62  further comprises a hexagonal key portion  88  and bearing assembly  90  disposed between the frame  54  and the cone  28 . The key portion  88  provides an area of engagement for the pulley  66  of the drive system  64 , at the nozzle  24 , the other area of engagement at the wheel  68  associated with the rotational actuator  26  of the drive system  64 . The bearing assembly  90  (along with a bearing assembly on an opposing end of the spindle  74 , as described below) enables the spindle  74  to guide the rotation of the shaft  62  and cone  28  relative to the stationary spindle  74 , as driven by the drive system  64 . 
     Also depicted in  FIG. 3B , the directional shroud  32  mounts to the frame  54  via the frame coupling portion  70 , as described above. The directional shroud  32  may be adjusted (e.g., in height) to enable the cone  28  to disperse the fluid in a fully circular spray of fluid or positioned to enable a truncated spray pattern. For instance, the directional shroud  32  may be offset from the outlet (e.g., lip  60 ) of the cone  28  (e.g., lifted closer to the frame  54 ) to avoid interfering with the discharge of the fluid droplets and hence enable a fully circular spray pattern of uniform droplets from the lip  60 . In some embodiments, the directional shroud  32  may be in a fixed position relative to the distance between the shroud  32  and the cone  28 . In some embodiments, the directional shroud  32  may be positioned to block all but a portion of the circular spray pattern of the dispersed fluid, enabling a truncated spray pattern (e.g., in the form of a single arc spray pattern or plural arc spray patterns). The positioning of the directional shroud  32  may be achieved through manual adjustment, or in some embodiments, automatically (e.g., as controlled by a stepper motor or driven gear assembly coupled to the frame  54 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 3C , an exploded view of certain features of the CDA system  12  of  FIGS. 3A-3B  is shown. The frame  54  comprises the slots  56  to enable rotational adjustment of the directional shroud  32  (which may include embodiments where arcs or deflectors located within the directional shroud  32  are rotated independent of the directional shroud  32 ), as described above. The wheel  68 , pulley  66 , and shaft  62  have already been described in association with  FIGS. 3A-3B , and hence further discussion of the same is omitted here for brevity except where noted below. Of particular focus for purposes of  FIG. 3C  is a fin assembly  92 , which includes a ring  94 , a plurality of fins  96  coupled to or integrated with the ring  94 , and a plurality of pins  98  disposed between each pair of fins  96 . The fin assembly  92  depicted in  FIG. 3C  is one example configuration, and it should be appreciated that other configurations of the fin assembly (e.g., with a fewer or greater number of pins  98  or fins  96 ) are contemplated to be within the scope of the disclosure. The fin assembly  92  is connected to the interior surface of the cone  28  corresponding to the narrow portion  78 , and in particular, connected via the pins  98 . Further, the cap  86  of the shaft  62  mounts to the fin assembly  92  via the pins  98  and the cap holes  100  of the cap  86 . The cap  86  rests on an edge  102  of each fin  96  of the fin assembly  92 . Note that the shaft  62  and the cap  86  are depicted as an integrated assembly (e.g., molded or cast piece), though in some embodiments, may be affixed to each other by known fastening mechanisms. Note that the spindle  74  comprises one or more holes  104  that permit the release of the fluid, inserted at the input  72  ( FIG. 3B ) and carried through the hollow spindle  74 , to the interior of the cone  28 . At the base  80  of the cone  28  is a bearing assembly  106 , as indicated above. 
     Turning attention now to  FIG. 3D , shown in perspective is a portion of the interior of one embodiment of the cone  28  (with some features omitted for purposes of brevity of discussion, such as the cap  86 ). It should be appreciated within the context of the present disclosure that variations in the depicted structure are contemplated for certain embodiments, such as fewer or additional fins, and/or the extension (or reduction) of the quantity of ridges along a greater (or lesser) area of the interior surface of the cone  28 . As depicted in  FIG. 3D , the cone  28  comprises the hollow spindle  74 . The spindle  74  comprises the openings  104  (one shown) proximal to the fin assembly  92 , the holes  104  permitting the deposit of the fluid into the interior space of the cone  28 . The cone  28  further comprises the longitudinal, discontiguous ridges  82  disposed on at least a portion of the interior surface (e.g., corresponding to the lip  60 , wide portion  76 , and a part (e.g., less than the entirety) of the narrow portion  78  ( FIGS. 3A-3C ). In some embodiments, the ridges  82  may occupy a larger amount of the interior surface, or a smaller part in some embodiments, or be contiguous throughout the interior surface of cone  28 . Between the ridges  82  are grooves which enable the channeling of fluid injected from the spindle  74  to dispersion as droplets in a circular spray pattern beyond the lip  60 . 
     The interior of the cone  28  further comprises the fin assembly  92 , as described above in association with  FIG. 3C . In one embodiment, the fin assembly  92  is disposed in an interior space adjacent the narrow portion  78  (e.g., the narrow portion  78  having a decreasing diameter from the wide portion  76  to the base  80  ( FIGS. 3A-3C )). As described above, the fin assembly  92  comprises the ring  94  that, in one embodiment, encircles a central or center region of the cone  28  occupied by the spindle  74 . In one embodiment, a central axis of the ring  94  is coincident with a central axis of the spindle  74 . The ring  94  is integrated with (e.g., casted or molded, or in some embodiments, affixed to) the plurality of the fins  96 . The fins  96  extend from a location longitudinally adjacent the spindle  74  to the interior surface of the cone  28 . In one embodiment, one or more edges of each fin  96  is flush (e.g., entirely, or a portion thereof) with the interior surface of the cone  28 . In some embodiments, one or more edges of each fin  96  is connected (e.g., along the entire edge or a portion thereof in some embodiments) to the interior surface of the cone  28 . In some embodiments, a small gap is disposed between one or more edges of each fin  96  (or a predetermined number less than all of the fins  96 ) and the interior surface closest to the fin  96 . In some embodiments, the fins  96  may be affixed to the ring  94  by known fastening mechanisms (e.g., welds, adhesion, etc.) or integrations (e.g., molded, cast, etc.). The ring  94  further comprises the plural pins  98  that enable the mounting of the cap  86  ( FIG. 3C ) of the shaft  62  ( FIG. 3A ) to the fin assembly  92 , which also enables the shaft  62  to cause the rotation of the cone  28 . The pins  98  also secure the fin assembly  92  to the interior surface of the narrow portion  78 . 
       FIG. 4  provides a close-up schematic of the directional shroud  32  of the CDA system  12 . As depicted in  FIG. 4 , the directional shroud  32  covers all but a portion of the cone  28 , and in particular, all but a portion of the lip  60  of the cone  28 . The directional shroud  32  has a saucer-like shape, and comprises an aperture  34  that enables the fluid dispersed from the lip  60  to pass through the directional shroud  32 . The balance of the fluid dispersed from the lip  60  is blocked by the arc portion(s) of the directional shroud  32 , and channeled via the channel  84  ( FIG. 3B ) to a drain  108  to be recovered at a reservoir of the fluid or other reservoir (e.g., tank  16 ,  FIG. 1A ). The arc portion or portions (deflector(s)) may be integrated with, coupled to, or adjacent the directional shroud  32  and adjacent the frame coupling portion  70 . In some embodiments, the arc portion(s) may be integrated with, or coupled to, or adjacent both the bottom and frame coupling portion  70  of the directional shroud  32 , or entirely integrated with, coupled to, or adjacent the frame coupling portion  70 . Reference to the term “shroud” or “directional shroud” contemplates each of these embodiments. As indicated above, the frame coupling portion  70  may be integrated with the directional shroud  32  as a single piece, or configured as a multi-piece assembly. The directional shroud  32  further comprises a reclamation portion  110  located in  FIG. 4  in the bottom portion of the directional shroud  32  (e.g., directly beneath (and adjacent to) the arc(s) or deflector(s) of the shroud  32 ). Hereinafter, the terms arc and deflector are used interchangeably, in singular format (unless plural for explanation), with the understanding that plural arcs or deflectors may be used. The reclamation portion  110  encircles at least a portion of the cone  28  and collects (via the channel  84 ) the fluid spray that is blocked by the deflector, routing the blocked and collected fluid through the drain  108  to a reservoir. In some embodiments, the deflector and reclamation portion  110  may be an integrated assembly (e.g., molded or cast), and in some embodiments, these components may be modular components that are assembled together to comprise the directional shroud  32 . The truncated fluid spray dispersed from the aperture  34  is directed out of the paper ( FIG. 4 ) in an arc-like pattern, similar to that shown in  FIG. 1B . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5A , shown is a schematic diagram that illustrates, from the perspective of the lip  60  and looking above the lip into the interior of the cone  28 , an embodiment of an example directional shroud  32  having a single arc on the surface used to block a single arc portion of a circular spray pattern dispersed from the circumferential lip  60  of the nozzle  24  ( FIGS. 3A-3D ). As evident from  FIG. 5A , the frame coupling portion  70  of the directional shroud  32  is omitted to reveal the arc structures of the directional shroud  32 . Although illustrated as integrated into the surface of the directional shroud  32  (where the frame coupling portion  70  is mounted to, or integrated with, the bottom portion of the shroud  32  and the collective assembly is rotatable relative to the cone  28 ), in some embodiments, the arc structure may be integrated into or coupled to (in a modular configuration) the frame coupling portion  70  (or both the lower portion of the shroud  32  and the frame coupling portion  70 ). In some embodiments, the frame coupling portion  70  and bottom portion of the directional shroud  32  may be rotatable relative to each other. In some embodiments, the arc may be disposed on a rail or other slide-enabling surface adjacent the interior surface of the directional shroud  32 , the arc moveable (e.g., rotatable) relative to the directional shroud  32 , the movement permitting the aperture  34  to have a variably adjusted outlet area. In the latter embodiment, for plural arcs, the arcs may be moveable in kind or independently moveable in some embodiments. Also shown is the reclamation portion  110  of the directional shroud  32 . It should be appreciated within the context of the present disclosure that the configuration of the directional shroud  32  shown in  FIG. 5A  is one among many possible configurations. The directional shroud  32  covers all but a portion (i.e., corresponding to the aperture  34 ) of the lip  60  of the cone  28 . The shaft  62  is shown surrounding in concentric manner the spindle  74 , where one end of the spindle  74  is obscured by the surface of the cap  86  that is disposed in the interior of the cone  28  and integrated with, or coupled to, the shaft  62 . Grooves are shown more clearly in  FIG. 5A , such as groove  112  defined between adjacent ridges  82 A and  82 B. The grooves  112  channel the fluid within the interior of the cone  28 , the channeled fluid broken into uniform size droplets at the lip  60  by the ridges  82 . Also shown in  FIG. 5A  is an arc  114 , as generally described above, in one embodiment disposed on the surface of the directional shroud  32  to which the frame coupling portion  70  mounts (e.g., integrated with or coupled to), the arc  114  extending radially from approximately, using a clock analogy, the one o&#39;clock position to the eight o&#39;clock position when viewed in perspective. Other radial lengths of the arc  114  are contemplated to be within the scope of the disclosure. The arc  114  comprises a surface that radially covers the lip  60 , except at the aperture  34 . Functionally, the arc  114  enables the directional shroud  32  to block at least partially the circular spray dispersed at the lip  60 , enabling a portion of the spray (e.g., a truncated portion of the circular spray) to pass through the aperture  34  and be applied to the target. In other words, in one embodiment, the arc  114  blocks the spray except in the gap corresponding to the aperture  34 . The blocked portion is channeled via the channel  84  and through the drain  108  as described above. 
     The arc  114  comprises a leading edge  116  and a trailing edge  118 , which are two edges that cut into the spray of the droplets. Referring now to  FIG. 5B , shown is a portion of the droplets, represented by lines  120 , dispersed from the lip  60  of the cone  28 . It should be appreciated that the entire circular spray is dispersed from the cone  28 , but only a portion is depicted here. The leading edge  116  of the arc  114  of the directional shroud  32  comprises a sharp geometric configuration that cuts into the spray to reduce the transition area that may include an intermediate number of droplets. The trailing edge  118  of the directional shroud  32  has a hooked-configuration (e.g., the hook directed inward toward the center of the cone  28 ) to direct the fluid back around towards the bottom (e.g., when in vertical orientation) of the directional shroud  32 , enabling the blocked fluid to be channeled to a reservoir. 
     Note that some embodiments may omit the hooked configuration of the trailing edge  118 , or have a different configuration (e.g., “L” shaped, etc.) to direct fluid back to the bottom of the directional shroud  32 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , shown is another embodiment of a directional shroud, denoted as directional shroud  32 A. In this example embodiment, the directional shroud  32 A comprises plural arcs  122  and  124  that block the circular fluid spray dispersed from the lip  60  of the cone  28 . As with the single arc  114  of  FIG. 5A , the plural arcs  122  and  124  may be integrated into, or coupled to, the frame coupling portion  70 , the bottom portion of the directional shroud  32 A, or a combination thereof as part of a single-piece shroud structure or modular configuration (with the assembly collectively moving together or the frame coupling portion  70  and bottom portion of the directional shroud  32 A moveable relative to each other). Also, in some embodiments, the plural arcs  122  and  124  may be slidably rotated relative to the directional shroud  32 A along an adjacent surface, either collectively as a whole or individually moved according to independently moveable rails or surfaces. It should be appreciated that the quantity of arcs may be greater in some embodiments. Apertures  126  and  128  allow the fluid to pass the directional shroud  32 A, whereas the arcs  122  and  124  block the circular spray in a manner similar to that described above, with the blocked fluid flowing in the channel  84  located at the bottom of the directional shroud  32 A and routed to a reservoir via the drain  108 . Similar to the structure described above, each of the arcs  122  and  124  comprise a leading and trailing edge, though some embodiments may omit such configurations or use only for select arcs. 
     Although the rotatably adjustable directional shrouds  32  and  32 A are shown with fixed arc configurations (e.g., the spray pattern adjusted via the rotation of the directional shroud), in some embodiments, a plurality of moveable arcs may be disposed on a rail running circumferentially on or within a fixed-position directional shroud and positioned manually, or via automated control (e.g., a motor, gear assembly, etc.), as set forth above. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7A-7D , shown is an embodiment of a CDA system  12 A configured for automated or semi-automated rotation of the aperture  34  to provide an adjustable spray pattern angle (e.g., to control the direction of the spray arc). It should be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art in the context of the present disclosure that the mechanism for adjusting the aperture  34  (and hence spray pattern angle) is one example among many different mechanisms for enabling the rotation, and hence some embodiments may utilize these other mechanisms. Focusing in particular on some select features in  FIGS. 7A-7D , the CDA system  12 A comprises the cone  28  and shroud  32  coupled to a frame  54 A via the frame coupling portion  70 . As noted, column-like extensions of the frame coupling portion  70 , such as extension  130 , insert through the respective plural slots  56 , secured there with a head  132  (and possibly other hardware, such as a bushing, etc.), which enables the directional shroud  32  to rotatably slide to enable the aperture  34  to correspondingly rotate relative to the fluid dispersing end of the cone  28 . The frame  54 A comprises, in one embodiment, an angled portion  134 . In some embodiments, another securing member may be coupled (e.g., screwed, bolted, etc.) to the frame  54 A to serve the same function. The angled portion  134  has secured to it a pinion  136  that is in engageable contact with a bottom rack  138  and a top rack  140  (see  FIGS. 7B-7C ). The rack  138  is coupled to a circular rail  144 , which in turn is coupled to the directional shroud  32  via connector  146  to ensure guided movement. In one embodiment, the rack  138  is coupled to the circular rail  144  through the use of tabs  148  extending from the rack  138  through one or more slots  150  in the rail  144 , as best shown in  FIG. 7D . Note that other mechanisms for ensuring coincident movement between the rack  138  and the rail  144  may be used in some embodiments. When the pinion  136  rotates, causing for instance the rack  138  (and hence rail  144 ) to rotate to the left in  FIG. 7A , the directional shroud  32  moves left by virtue of the connector  146  connecting the directional shroud  32  to the rail  144 , causing the aperture  34  to also move left relative to the fluid dispersed from the cone  28 . A motor  142  (e.g., servo) may be used to provide the motive force for the rack and pinion system, and may be energized hydraulically, electrically, pneumatically, or mechanically. In some embodiments, the motor  142  may be replaced with an actuator that is powered from elsewhere. 
       FIG. 8  shows another embodiment of a CDA system  12 B, wherein two rack and pinion arrangements are used to control not only the direction of the spray but also the scope or arc of the spray independently. Like numbered items from  FIGS. 7A-7D  are shown in  FIG. 8 , with similar functionality that is not described here for the sake of brevity. In addition, the CDA system  12 B comprises another motor  152  coupled to an angled portion  154  similar to angled portion  134 , the motor  152  configured to drive an additional pinion  156  along rack  158 . In the depicted embodiment, the upper rack  158  and lower rack  138  operate independently. For instance, to change the spray arc(s), both pinions  156  and  136  operate in opposing directions (rotations) at the same time, causing the respective racks  158  and  138  (and rails) to move in opposing directions using a similar mechanism to that described for  FIGS. 7A-7D , yet extended using two subsystems. Also, to change the direction of the spray arc(s), both pinions  156  and  136  operate in the same direction to cause the respective racks  158  and  138  (and rails) to move in the same direction. As an example, and referring to  FIG. 2B , the arc  58  may be narrowed from a maximum spray arc  58  by virtue of the pinions  156  and  136  moving in opposing rotations (causing their respective racks/rails to move in opposing directions), whereas the direction of the spray arc  58  may be moved to another orientation by the coincident rotations of the racks and rails at the same time. In one embodiment, the top rail may be molded into the top part of the shroud  32 . In some embodiments, a ring may be used (e.g., having four (4) holes, the ring sandwiched in between the shroud extension  130  ( FIG. 7C ) and the frame  54  with a washer or other securing mechanisms. 
     Having described certain embodiments of a CDA system  12 , it should be appreciated within the context of the present disclosure that one embodiment of a CDA method (e.g., as implemented in one embodiment by the CDA system  12 , though not limited to the specific structures shown in  FIGS. 1A-8 ), denoted as method  160  and illustrated in  FIG. 8 , comprises causing a CDA nozzle cone to first rotate along a first axis of rotation, the first rotation causing a circular fluid spray to be dispersed from the cone with substantially uniform size droplets ( 162 ). The method  160  further comprises adjusting the orientation of the nozzle ( 164 ). For instance, as described above, adjustment may be achieved manually or automatically (or a combination of both). The method  160  further comprises, subsequent to the adjustment, causing the CDA nozzle cone to second rotate along a second axis of rotation orthogonal to the first axis of rotation, the second rotation causing the circular fluid spray to be dispersed from the cone with substantially uniform size droplets ( 162 ). As explained above, adjustment may be made according to additional axes of rotation. 
     Any process descriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood as merely illustrative of steps performed in a process implemented by a CDA system, and alternate implementations are included within the scope of the embodiments in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure. 
     It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.