Abstract:
The application is generally directed towards an airfoil for a fluid delivery tube. The airfoil includes a securing member operably connecting the airfoil to the tube, a fin extending downward and outward from the securing member and terminating in a tip, a shield extending inward and downward from the tip of the fin, and an air guide extending from a first end of the shield.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/808,626 filed Jul. 24, 2015 entitled “Valve Assembly for Fluid Delivery,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/838,666 filed Mar. 15, 2013 entitled “Drop Nozzle,” issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,144,192 on Sep. 29, 2015, the contents of both are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates generally to agricultural sprayers, and more specifically to drop nozzles that may reduce spray drift for agricultural sprayers. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE RELEVANT ART 
       [0003]    Drop nozzles are typically used to spray plants and crops with an herbicide, fungicide, plate nutrients, or insecticide. Generally, individual nozzles may be mounted on a boom structure attached to an agricultural sprayer vehicle. The nozzles may be spaced apart on the boom such that each nozzle may spray a separate crop row. 
         [0004]    Typically, drop nozzles are metal or plastic straight tubes that extend 6 to 24 inches and include a spray tip attached to the bottom. Drop nozzles conventionally are used to lower the release point of agricultural sprays, to direct application of pesticides and fertilizers between crop rows and to reduce the contact on top of a crop and direct sprays into the crop canopy. Typically, as a sprayer passes across a field, it creates a wake which disturbs the deposition of droplets within the spray pattern. Additionally, wind travelling across a field may also cause disturbance of the spray pattern and could lead to pesticide drift or reduced deposition. 
         [0005]    In some prior designs, the tubes may break off from the boom when they encounter objects, such as plants, rocks, or hills. Generally, when the tubes break off, they may cause fluid they are distributing (such as pesticide) to be spilled or leaked. Additionally, the spray tips attached to the drop nozzle tubes may hit the ground and break off or become clogged with soil. Both the drop nozzle and spray tips may have to be frequently replaced as they may be easily damaged or broken off. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    Some embodiments of the present disclosure may take the form of a drop nozzle for an agricultural sprayer. The drop nozzle may include a valve assembly including a shutoff valve, a tube operably connected to the valve assembly, and an airfoil connected to the tube. The drop nozzle as described herein may help to reduce spray drift as liquid is applied to crop rows. 
         [0007]    Other embodiments of the present disclosure may take the form of a device for applying liquids to crops, such as pesticides or fertilizers. The device includes an extension member defining a fluid pathway, a valve assembly connected to the extension member and in fluid communication with the fluid pathway, and an airfoil connected to the extension member. The airfoil is configured to direct airflow around one or more portions of the extension member. 
         [0008]    Yet other embodiments of the present disclosure include an agricultural sprayer. The agricultural sprayer includes a boom or other support structure, a reservoir, and a drop nozzle connected to the boom and fluidly connected to the reservoir. The drop nozzle includes a tube defining a fluid pathway and an airfoil connected to the tube. During movement, the airfoil directs air flow around at least a portion of the drop nozzle. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment, an air directing apparatus for a fluid delivery tube is disclosed. The air directing apparatus includes a projection, a platform, and a ramp. The platform is coupled to a bottom edge of the projection and includes a first end and a second end. The ramp is coupled to the second end of the platform and includes a convex curve as it extends from the second end of the platform, the curvature directing air towards an outlet of the fluid delivery tube. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment, an airfoil for a fluid delivery tube is disclosed. The airfoil includes a securing member for operably connecting the airfoil to the fluid tube, a fin extending downward and outward from the securing member and terminating in a tip, a shield extending inward and downward from the tip of the fin, and an air guide extending from a first end of the shield. 
         [0011]    In yet another embodiment, an airfoil for use with a drop nozzle is disclosed. The airfoil includes a bracket configured to be connected to the drop nozzle, a fin extending outward and angled downward from the bracket, and a shield connected to the fin and arranged substantially perpendicularly to the fin to define a surface intersecting with a bottom edge of the fin. 
         [0012]    Other aspects, features and details of the present disclosure can be more completely understood by reference to the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the drawings and from the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an agricultural sprayer including a drop nozzle. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2A  is a side perspective view of the drop nozzle of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 2B  is a front elevation view of the drop nozzle. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2C  is a front perspective view of the drop nozzle. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3A  is an enlarged view of the drop nozzle illustrating an airfoil. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3B  is an enlarged rear perspective view of the drop nozzle. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3C  is an enlarged side elevation view of the drop nozzle. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a cross-section view of the drop nozzle taken along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3A . 
           [0021]      FIG. 5A  is a right side elevation view of a first half of the airfoil removed from the drop nozzle. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5B  is a left side elevation view of the first half of the airfoil removed from the drop nozzle. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged elevation view of the drop nozzle illustrating a valve assembly. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged side perspective view of the drop nozzle illustrating the valve assembly. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a cross-section view of the drop nozzle taken along line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a cross-section view of the drop nozzle taken along line  9 - 9  in  FIG. 7 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 10A  is a front perspective view of a valve housing for the valve assembly. 
           [0028]      FIG. 10B  is a cross-section view of the valve housing taken along line  10 B- 10 B in  FIG. 10A . 
           [0029]      FIG. 11A  is a top perspective view of a base of the valve assembly. 
           [0030]      FIG. 11B  is a bottom perspective view of the base of  FIG. 11A . 
           [0031]      FIG. 12  is a side perspective view of an arm of the valve assembly. 
           [0032]      FIG. 13  is an enlarged cross-section view of the valve assembly similar to  FIG. 9 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 14A  is a top perspective view of the drop nozzle with select features hidden for clarity to illustrate the hinge assembly. 
           [0034]      FIG. 14B  is an enlarged rear elevation view of the drop nozzle. 
           [0035]      FIG. 15  is a top perspective view of a hub of the valve assembly. 
           [0036]      FIG. 16  is a cross-section view of the hub taken along line  16 - 16  in  FIG. 15 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 17  is a side elevation view of the drop nozzle with select features hidden for clarity to illustrate the hinge assembly. 
           [0038]      FIG. 18A  is a side perspective view of the drop nozzle in a rotated position. 
           [0039]      FIG. 18B  is an enlarged view of the drop nozzle in  FIG. 18A . 
           [0040]      FIG. 19  is a cross-section view similar to  FIG. 9 , illustrating the valve in a closed position. 
       
    
    
     OVERVIEW 
       [0041]    Embodiments of the present disclosure may take the form of a spray drift reducing drop nozzle system for an agricultural sprayer. In some embodiments herein the drop nozzle may be used to reduce spray drift or reduce off-target movement of spray droplets from their intended target or field. The drop nozzle may include an enhanced aerodynamic shape, which may reduce drift due to wind forces. In some embodiments, the drop nozzle may include an airfoil connected to a bottom portion of a distribution tube. The airfoil may direct air flow around the drop nozzle, as well as act to provide cover for liquid as it flows from an outlet the nozzle to reduce the liquid from drifting away from the intended or desired spray area. For example, the airfoil may reduce spray shear that typically occurs due to forward travel of the sprayer. In particular, the airfoil or wing may create an air wake such that the fluid sheet (deposited by the sprayer tip at the end of the drop nozzle) breakup resulting in droplet formation may occur at a relatively quiescent environment in the absence of a cross-sheet shear force. 
         [0042]    Additionally, the airfoil may help to control the point at which the spray pattern breaks up and disperses, as well as direct airflow downwards to direct the spray down towards the target area. In other words, the airfoil may help liquid distributed from the tube to reach its intended target without substantial drift. 
         [0043]    The airfoil may be formed as a separate component attachable to the drop nozzle or formed integrally therewith. The airfoil may have a fin or wing shape where a length of the airfoil may have a larger dimension than the thickness or width. The width may be smaller than a width of a tube of the drop nozzle. The airfoil may extend from a first portion of the tube outwards and downwards at an angle. A shield or cover may form the bottom surface of the airfoil and the shield may extend from a first end or tip of the airfoil back towards the tube. The shield may have a ramp or air guide extending from an end of the shield. The air guide may be curved upwards away from the ground towards a top of the drop nozzle and may direct air to flow over the shield reducing wind shear. 
         [0044]    The drop nozzle may also include a shutoff valve to prevent leakage or spillage. For example, if the drop nozzle encounters an object (such as a raised portion of land, rock, or portion of a crop) that causes the drop nozzle to break off of the boom, the shutoff valve may close, restricting or substantially preventing fluid flow if the drop nozzle is damaged or pulled off of a spray arm of the boom. 
         [0045]    The drop nozzle may also include a breakaway hinge. The breakaway hinge may allow the drop nozzle to encounter one or more objects or obstacles and rather than break off of the boom, may rotate and spring back into position. In other words, the breakaway hinge may rotatably connect the drop nozzle to the boom, allowing the drop nozzle to rotate relative to the boom. Accordingly, as the drop nozzle is pulled by the sprayer vehicle, the drop nozzle may not break off of the boom when encountering an object, but may rotate upwards and then be pulled back into position. This may allow the nozzle at the end of the drop nozzle tube to be better protected and may resist the nozzle from breaking off the tube, as the entire tube may rotate in response to encountering an object. 
         [0046]    The breakaway hinge and airfoil may allow the drop nozzle to be positioned closer to the target area than conventional nozzles. This allows for a closer release point for the fluid deposited by the nozzle, improving deposition and reducing drift risk. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0047]    Turning now to the figures, the drop nozzle will be discussed in further detail.  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an agricultural sprayer  100 . The agricultural sprayer  100  may include a reservoir  102 , a boom  104  or nozzle support arm, as well as a plurality of drop nozzles  106  extending from the boom  104 . The agricultural sprayer  100  may be a vehicle, such as a tractor, that may pull boom  104  and nozzles  106  across one or more fields or crops. The reservoir  102  holds one or more liquids to be deposited by the drop nozzles  106  onto the crops. For example, the reservoir  102  may hold herbicide, pesticide, fertilizer, water, and/or insecticide. The liquid may vary based on the types of crops, time of year, or desired nutrients or defenses to be applied to the plants. 
         [0048]    The boom  104  may be connected to the sprayer  100  and extend along a back end of the sprayer  100 . The boom  104  may have a length determined by the number of crop rows or crop area to be sprayed at one time. Generally, the boom  104  may have a length sufficient to cover a plurality of crop rows. The boom  104  may include a plurality of fluid pathways (not shown) that may fluidly connect each of the drop nozzles  106  to the reservoir  102 . The fluid pathways may be rigid (e.g., pipes) or may be flexible (e.g. hoses). 
         [0049]    The plurality of drop nozzles  106  may extend from the boom  104  and are fluidly connected to the reservoir  102 . The drop nozzles  106  may have a length sufficient to be positioned above the ground or crops at the desired spray distance. For example, in some instances, the drop nozzles  106  may be positioned 18 to 24 inches above the crop. However, the distance above the crop may be varied based on a number of factors, such as, type of crop, terrain of the fields, speed of the vehicle, and/or winds or other weather. 
         [0050]    An illustrative drop nozzle  106  will now be discussed in more detail.  FIGS. 2A-2C  are various views of the drop nozzle  106 . Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2A-2C , the drop nozzle  106  may be connected to the boom  104  such that the airfoil may be positioned between the vehicle and the sprayer or nozzle. In other words, the pointed end of the airfoil may form a front side of the drop nozzle. However, it should be appreciated, that in other embodiments, the drop nozzle may be differently oriented. The drop nozzle  106  may have a length based on the desired spray height, as well as the boom height. For example, typically, the drop nozzle may have a length between 6 inches to 24 inches. However, in other embodiments, the drop nozzle length may be less than 6 inches or greater than 24 inches. 
         [0051]    With reference to  FIGS. 2A-2C , the drop nozzle may include an attachment collar  114 , a valve assembly  112 , a tube  110 , an airfoil  108 , and a sprayer collar  116 . The attachment collar  114  connects the drop nozzle  106  to the boom  104 , e.g., by attaching to one or more hoses, pipes, or the like, that are fluidly connected to the reservoir  102 . The attachment collar  114  may be configured to be selectively removable, allowing the drop nozzle  106  to be removed from the boom  104 . The attachment collar  114  configuration may be varied depending on the boom and the desired connection between the nozzle  106  and the boom  104 . 
         [0052]    The valve assembly  112  will be discussed in more detail below, but generally includes a breakaway hinge and shutoff valve to accommodate instances where the nozzle  106  encounters an object. 
         [0053]    The tube  110  extends from the valve assembly  112  and defines a fluid channel  118  (see  FIG. 4 ) therein. The tube  110  provides fluid as received from the reservoir  102  to one or more spray tips or nozzles connected to the sprayer collar  116 . The tube  110  may be generally cylindrical and may be constructed out of a rigid and/or flexible material. In some embodiments, the tube  110  may be plastic, metal, one or more metal alloys, or other substantially rigid materials. In other embodiments, the tube  110  may be a generally flexible length of tubing, such as a hose. In these embodiments, the tube  110  may be a flexible material, such as rubber, plastic, or the like. Additionally, in instances where the tube may be flexible, the valve assembly  116  may extend downwards along a length of the tube to help support the tube and maintain its orientation. 
         [0054]    Additionally, although the tube  110  is illustrated as being substantially straight, it should be noted that other configurations are envisioned. 
         [0055]    The sprayer collar  116  provides an attachment mechanism for one or more nozzles or sprayers. For example, the drop nozzle  106  may include a spray tip  115  or nozzle that connects to sprayer collar  116  to further direct the liquid as it exits the drop nozzle  106 . In some embodiments, the spray tip  115  may be configured to vary a flow rate and/or pressure from the drop nozzle to control the fluid deposition on the target area. 
         [0056]    The sprayer tip  115  may also determine the initial flow pattern as the fluid exits the drop nozzle. However, in other embodiments. The spray tip  115  may have a length, outlet aperture size, and shape based on the crops that may be sprayed with the drop nozzle, the ground topography, and/or the liquid to be applied. Accordingly, the discussion of any particular spray tip  115  is meant the spray tip  115  may be omitted. In these embodiments, the terminal end of the tube  110  may form the outlet of the drop nozzle  106  and the sprayer collar  116  may be omitted. In yet other embodiments, the sprayer collar  116  may be contoured or otherwise shaped to act as a nozzle or sprayer for the drop nozzle  106 . 
         [0057]    The airfoil  108  reduces wind shear experienced by the drop nozzle  106  and shelters the spray as it exits the drop nozzle  106 .  FIGS. 3A-30  illustrate various views of the airfoil attached to the tube.  FIG. 4  is an enlarged cross-section view of the drop nozzle taken along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3A . With reference to  FIGS. 3A-4 , the airfoil  108  is attached to the tube  110  and extends outwards and downwards from its connection point. As briefly mentioned above, in some embodiments, when connected to the boom  104 , the airfoil  108  may extend from the tube  110  towards the vehicle and thus may be positioned between the vehicle and the outlet of the tube. In other words, the drop nozzle  106  may be operably connected to the boom  104  so that the airfoil forms a front end of the drop nozzle  102  assembly. The position of the airfoil  108  relative to the spray tip  115  may be varied as desired and may depend on the type of spray tip  115  and/or length of the spray tip  115 . In particular, the airfoil  108  may be moved upwards or downwards on the tube  110  to accommodate different spray tips  115 . For example, a bottom of the airfoil  108  may be positioned ¼″ to 2″ above the spray tip  115 . However, in other embodiments, the airfoil may be positioned further above or closer to the spray tip. 
         [0058]    As generally discussed above, the airfoil may direct air flow to create a desired spray deposition. In some instances, the airfoil may exert a force on the air stream flowing around the drop nozzle, causing the air steam to be deflected downward, creating a flow region that is more co-directional with the spray sheet of liquid as it exits the sprayer tip  115  than the ambient air steam and may be more quiescent than the flow behind than a blunt object or component. 
         [0059]    The airfoil  108  may be integrally formed with the tube  110  (e.g., through injection molding, machining, or the like), or may be a separate component attached thereto. In embodiments where the airfoil  108  may be separate from the tube  110 , the airfoil  108  may be removable and interchangeable. For example, a number of different airfoils having different dimensions or shapes may be connected to the tube  110 . This allows the drop nozzle to be used with a variety of different types of crops and group topography. The airfoil  108  may generally be positioned on a bottom half to the tube  110  and typically towards the bottom quarter of the tube  110 . As an example, the airfoil  108  may be positioned closer towards the terminal end of the drop nozzle  106  than to the proximal end. 
         [0060]    In one embodiment, the airfoil  108  may include two halves  120 ,  122  or shells that connect to each other and around the tube  110 .  FIGS. 5A and 5B  are perspective views of one of the halves  120 ,  122 . Each of the halves  120 ,  122  may be substantially similar and so the discussion of the first half  120  is meant to encompass the features of the second half  122 , which may be a mirror image thereof. Each of the halves  120 ,  122  may include a bracket  138  including a curved wall  136 . The curved wall  136  defines a tube recess  148  to receive a portion of the tube  110 . The brackets  138  for each half  120 ,  122  of the airfoil  108  meet halfway around the tube  110  to surround at least a portion of the tube. A flange  142  extends from the curved wall  136  away from the tube  110 . 
         [0061]    With reference to  FIGS. 3A-5B , a fin  126  extends downwards and outward from the curved wall  136  of the bracket  138 . The fin  126  is angled away from the tube  110  and terminates at a tip  124 . The fin  126  may have a front side  134  (see  FIG. 3B ) and a back side  132 . The back side  132  may extend from a bottom portion of the curved wall  136  substantially parallel to the front side  134 , but at an inflection point  146  may extend downwards substantially parallel with the tube  110 . 
         [0062]    A shield  128  may form a bottom surface of the airfoil  108 . The shield  128  may have a larger width than the backside  132  of the fin  126 . The shield  128  may extend outwards from its attachment to the bottom of the fin  126  and may angle outwards and slightly downwards from the tip  124 . In this manner, the shield  128  may form a substantially triangular platform that is angled from the trip  124  downwards towards the sprayer collar  116 . It should be noted that in these embodiments, the bottom surface of the fin  126  may also be angled, such that the tip  124  may be higher than a back end  144  of the fin  126 . Typically the shield  128  may have a width at its largest portion that may be selected to approximately match the width of a spray sheet of fluid as it exits the sprayer tip  115  or may be larger than the spray sheet, e.g., 2 to 3 times as large as the desired or expected spray sheet width. 
         [0063]    At the backend  144  of the fin  126 , the shield  128  may transition to form an air guide  130  or ramp. The air guide  130  curves outward and downwards from the backend  144 . In some embodiments, the air guide  130  may have an angle of curvature ranging between 0 to 30 degrees and in some instances the curvature of the air guide  130  may range between 0.1 to 1.2 times the length of the fin  126 . The air guide  130  directs air downwards towards the outlet of the tube and the sprayer, as will be discussed in more detail below. upwards and over across the shield. 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the airfoil  108  is operably connected to the tube  110  by placing the curved walls  136  of the brackets  138  for each half  120 ,  122  around the tube  110 . In other words, the tube  110  may be received in the tube recess  148  defined by the curved walls  136 . The flange  142  portions of each of the brackets  138  may then be fastened together (e.g., through welding, adhesive, or the like). The brackets  138  may be securely connected to the tube  110  and support the fin  126  and other portions of the airfoil  108  on the tube  110 . It should be noted that although the airfoil  108  is illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-4  as including two separate components that are attached to the tube  110 , in some embodiments, the airfoil  108  may include a single component that connects to the tube  110  or the airfoil may be integrally formed with the tube (e.g., through die cast machining, injection molding, or the like). 
         [0065]    The valve assembly  112  will now be discussed in more detail.  FIGS. 6-7  are various enlarged perspective views of the drop nozzle illustrating the valve assembly.  FIG. 8  is a cross-section view of the drop nozzle taken along line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 9  is a cross-section view of the drop nozzle taken along line  9 - 9  in  FIG. 7 . The valve assembly  112  is operably connected to a top end of the tube  110  and may connect the tube  110  to the attachment collar  114 . For example, a coupling member  149  may be threadingly connected to the valve assembly  112  and the attachment collar  114 . The coupling member  149  may define a flow pathway  180  therethrough to fluidly connect the drop nozzle to the reservoir. Additionally, the valve assembly  112  may be received onto a top end  164  or inlet of the tube  110 . As will be discussed in more detail below, the valve assembly  112  may actuate a valve to prevent or reduce fluid flow in instances where the spray tip  115  or the tube  110  is broken off of the drop nozzle assembly. 
         [0066]    With reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the valve assembly  112  may include a valve housing  150 , a base  158 , two arm members  152 ,  154 , and a hinge assembly  162 , each of the preceding components will be discussed in detail below. It should be noted that the valve assembly and housing may be implemented in a variety of different manners and the description of any particular embodiment is meant as illustrative only. 
         [0067]    The valve housing  150  houses a shutoff valve  160 . The valve housing  150  connects to the coupler  148  and forms a top portion of the valve assembly  112 .  FIG. 10A  is a top elevation view of the valve housing  150 .  FIG. 10B  is a cross-section view of the valve housing taken along line  10 B- 10 B in  FIG. 10A . With reference to  FIGS. 9-10B , the valve housing  150  may include a valve arm  186  that extends upwards from a roof  184  of the housing  150 . The roof  184  defines a plurality of fastening apertures  190 . The fastening apertures  190  may receive one or more fasteners (not shown) to connect the valve housing  150  to the base  158  and/or arms  152 ,  154 . 
         [0068]    The valve arm  186  is generally cylindrical and defines a receiving aperture  188  that connects to the coupler  148 , as well as a ball cavity  172 . The valve arm  186  defines a fluid passage therethrough. The fluid passage varies in diameter as it extends through the valve arm  186 . With reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10B , a seat  176  and a second seat  178  are defined on either end of the ball cavity  172 . The seats  176 ,  178  have a reduced diameter as compared to the ball cavity  172  and form a seating portion for the shutoff valve  160 , as will be discussed in more detail below. The valve arm  186  further defines a spring cavity  174  in communication with the ball cavity  172  and a spring groove  182 . 
         [0069]    An interior of the roof  184  may define a fluid recess  192 . The fluid recess  192  is in communication with the cavities and fluid passageways defined in the valve arm  186 . The fluid recess  192  interacts with the base  158  to define a fluid passageway, discussed in more detail below. 
         [0070]    The base  158  will now be discussed in more detail.  FIG. 11A  is a top perspective view of the base  158 .  FIG. 11B  is a bottom perspective view of the base  158 . With reference to  FIGS. 9, 11A, and 11B , the base  158  connects with the valve housing  150  to form an intermediate portion of the valve assembly  112 . The base  158  may generally conform to the shape of the valve housing  150  and may attach to a bottom surface of the housing  150 . 
         [0071]    The base  158  may include a fluid channel  204 , which as shown in  FIG. 9 , interacts with the fluid recess  192  in the valve housing  150  to define a fluid passageway  166  through the valve assembly  112 . Referring to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , the base  158  may further define two fluid apertures  200 ,  202 . The fluid apertures  200 ,  202  may be defined on opposing ends of the fluid recess  192 . The first fluid apertures  200  may be in fluid communication with the first arm  152  and the second fluid aperture may be in fluid communication with the second arm  154 . 
         [0072]    The base  158  may further include a plurality of fastening apertures  198 . The fastening apertures  198  may be aligned with the fastening apertures  190  on the valve housing  190 , such that a plurality of fasteners may extend through the fastening apertures  190  in the valve housing  150  through the fastening apertures  198  in the base  158 . 
         [0073]    With reference to  FIG. 11B , the base  158  may include two hinge supports  206 ,  208 . The hinge supports  206 ,  208  extend from a bottom surface of the base  158  and define support structures for the hinge assembly  162 , discussed in more detail below. Each of the hinge supports  206 ,  208  may include a pin support defining pin apertures  216 ,  218  therethrough and a stop portion  210 ,  212  including an engagement surface  214 ,  215 . The engagement surface  214 ,  215  may engage an end surface of a hub, discussed in more detail below. The engagement surface  214 ,  215  of each of the hinge supports  206 ,  208  may be a relatively planar surface extending vertically downwards from the bottom of the base  158 . 
         [0074]    The arms  152 ,  154  will now be discussed in more detail.  FIG. 12  is a perspective view of one arm of the valve assembly. It should be noted that each of the arms  152 ,  154  may be substantially the same and so the discussion of one arm may be applied to the other arm. With reference to  FIGS. 9 and 12 , each of the arms  152 ,  154  may form a fluid flow branch for the valve assembly  112 . The arms  152 ,  154  may have a branch body  224  defining a branch pathway  228  therethrough, the branch pathway  228  being in fluid communication with the pathway  166  defined by the valve housing  150  and the base  158 . 
         [0075]    A connection flange  220  extends from a top end of the branch body  224 . The connection flange  220  defines a plurality of fastening apertures  226  therethrough. A lip  230  extends around a bottom portion of the branch body  224  with a bottom end  234  of the branch body  224  extending past the lip  230 . An annular groove  232  is defined around the bottom end  234  and may be configured to receive an O-ring or other sealing member. 
         [0076]    The shutoff valve  160  will now be discussed in more detail.  FIG. 13  is an enlarged view of the cross-section of  FIG. 9  illustrating the shutoff valve. With reference to  FIGS. 9 and 13 , the shutoff valve  160  may include a ball  168  or sealing member and a biasing member  170  or spring. The ball  168  may be supported within the ball cavity  172  by the biasing member  170 . The biasing member  170 , which may be a coil spring, exerts a biasing force against the ball  168  pushing the ball  168  towards the upper seat  178 . 
         [0077]    The ball  168  has a diameter configured to allow fluid to flow around the ball  168  when the ball  168  is within the ball cavity  172  (i.e., a diameter smaller than a diameter of the ball cavity), but may be sufficiently large to seal against the upper seat  178  and/or the lower seat  176  to prevent fluid into or out of the ball cavity  172 . Actuation of the ball will be discussed in more detail below, but generally the ball may be forced by an increased fluid flow or fluid pressure into the lower seat  176 , sealing the outlet to the ball cavity. 
         [0078]    One or more coils or flexible elements of the biasing member  170  may be received into the spring groove  182  defined in the valve housing  150 . The spring groove  182  secures the biasing member  170  to the valve housing  150 . The operation of the shutoff valve  160  will be discussed in more detail below. Briefly, the shutoff valve  160  may restrict or prevent flow entering into the drop nozzle  106  by selectively varying fluid flow entering and/or exiting the ball cavity  172 . 
         [0079]    The hinge assembly  162  will now be discussed in more detail.  FIG. 14A  is a top perspective view of the drop nozzle with certain components hidden for clarity.  FIG. 14B  is an enlarged elevation view of the drop nozzle. With reference to  FIGS. 14A and 14B , the hinge assembly  162  allows the tube  110  to rotate relative to the valve housing  150 . The hinge assembly  162  may include a hub  156 , a return member  240 , and retaining pins  251 ,  253 . 
         [0080]    The return member  240  may be a spring or other biasing member. In some embodiments, the return member  240  may be a torrid or coil spring. The return member  240  may include hooks  246  on either end. The hooks  246  may be used to secure the return member  240  to the drop nozzle  106  and will be discussed in more detail below. 
         [0081]    The hub  156  may be rotatably connected to each of the arms  152 ,  154 .  FIG. 15  is a top perspective view of the hub.  FIG. 16  is a cross-section view of the hub taken along line  16 - 16  in  FIG. 15 . With reference to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the hub  156  may include a main body  260  and a tube coupler  262  extending vertically from the main body  260 . The main body  260  may define a central aperture longitudinally therethrough. The central aperture  258  may be in fluid communication with the arms  152 ,  154 . A hub aperture  264  may be defined through the tube coupler  262  and may be in fluid communication with the central aperture  258 . In some embodiments, fluid may flow through the central aperture  258  in a first direction and change directions to flow through the hub aperture  264  in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the flow direction within the central aperture  258 . 
         [0082]    The main body  260  may further include two hinge supports  242 ,  244  extending from a top surface. The hinge supports  242 ,  244  may be substantially similar to the hinge supports formed on the base  158 . For example, each of the hinge supports  242 ,  244  may include a pin aperture  248  defined therethrough and a stop portion  250 ,  252 . Each of the stop portions  250 ,  252  may define an engagement surface  254 ,  256 . The engagement surfaces  254 ,  256  may be configured to engage the corresponding engagement surfaces  214 ,  215  of the hinge supports of the base  158 , as will be discussed in more detail below. 
         [0083]      FIG. 17  is a side elevation view of the drop nozzle  106  with one of the arms hidden for clarity. With reference to  FIGS. 8, 14A, and 17 , a first retaining pin  251  may be received into the pin apertures  216  defined on the hinge supports  206 ,  208  on the base  158  and a second pin  253  may be received through the pin apertures  248  defined through the hinge supports  242 ,  244  on the hub  156 . The hooks  246  of the return member  240  may be received around each of the retaining pins  251 ,  253  and the return member  240  may extend along the outer surface of the hub  156  between the two sets of hinge supports  206 ,  208  and  242 ,  244 . In a first position, the engagement surfaces  214 ,  215 ,  254 ,  256  of the respective stops  210 ,  212 ,  250 ,  252 , may engage one another along their vertical surfaces. The position of the stops may determine the angle that the hub  156  extends from the base  158  and because the tube  110  is connected to the hub  156 , may also determine the angle that the tube  110  extends from the base  158 . 
         [0084]    Operation of the drop nozzle  102  will now be discussed in more detail. With reference to  FIGS. 1, 2A, and 3A , the attachment collar  114  connects the drop nozzle  106  to the boom  104  and fluidly connects the drop nozzle  106  to the reservoir  102 . The sprayer vehicle  100  may begin traveling along a terrain including a plurality of crops, fields, or other plants. The reservoir  102  may include a pump or other distribution mechanism that may then provide fluid (such as insecticide, herbicide, water, or the like) at a predetermined flow rate to the drop nozzle  106 . The flow rate may be selected by the pump and also the sprayer tip  115  connected to the drop nozzle. The flow raw may be constant, variable, or otherwise selected by a user. As the vehicle  100  pulls the boom  104  across the terrain, the drop nozzle  106  may experience wind forces due to the movement of the drop nozzle  106  and weather forces. Due to the curved shape of the air guide  130 , air may be directed downwards towards the sprayer  115 , exerting a force on the spray exiting from the spray tip  115  downwards towards the target area. For example, air may flow over the length of the shield and be directed over the curved air guide  130  downwards (see  FIG. 3A ). 
         [0085]    As the air travels around the airfoil it is directed downward, carrying with it the droplets of the fluid exiting the tube  110  and sprayer tip  115 . The air flow directs droplets that in conventional drop nozzles may be carried off-target by irregular air movement, (such as air flow due to the travel of the sprayer vehicle across the field or a crosswind); however, with the airfoil, the drop nozzle of the present disclosure helps to direct the spray toward the target. For example, as described above, the airfoil may create an air wake that prevents turbulent flow at the fluid sheet, allowing the fluid to break into droplets in a substantially quiescent (e.g., airflow dead zone) location. 
         [0086]    While the vehicle  100  is pulling the drop nozzle  106  fluid is traveling form the reservoir  102  into the drop nozzle  106 . For example, with reference to  FIGS. 2A, 8 and 9 , fluid may enter into the fluid pathway  180  of the coupling  149  and then may flow around the ball  168  into the ball cavity  172 . When the shutoff valve  160  is open, fluid flows into the fluid passageway  166  defined by the base  158  and valve housing  150  and then into each of the passageways  228  defined in the arms  152 ,  154 . From the arms  152 ,  154 , the fluid flows into the central aperture  258  and the hub aperture  264  defined in the hub  156 . The fluid then travels through the flow pathway  118  in the tube  110  towards the outlet and the sprayer collar  116 . The fluid may then exit the tube  110  through the spray tip  115  onto the terrain or may exit through a nozzle or sprayer. 
         [0087]    The hinge assembly  162  operates to allow the drop nozzle  106  to encounter one or more objects, such as hills or changes in topography of the terrain, plants, or the like, without being damaged. In other words, the hinge  162  allows the drop nozzle  106  to deflect when encountering the object, reducing the risk of damage to the drop nozzle  106  or other components of the sprayer  100 . With reference to  FIGS. 18A and 18B , if the tube  110 , the airfoil  108  or other components of the drop nozzle  106  encounter an object as the drop nozzle  106  is pulled by the vehicle  100 , the tube  110  may swing upwards (e.g., in rotation direction R 1 ) due to the force. Rather than breaking off of the attachment point to the boom  104 , the hub  156  allows the tube  110  to rotate relative to the valve assembly  112  and the coupler  149 . This may prevent both the sprayer tip  115  and the tube  110  from breaking off of the valve assembly or the boom. 
         [0088]    With reference to  FIGS. 17, 18A, and 18B , in some instances, the impact force on the spray tip  115  and/or tube  110  may cause the hub  156  to rotate, causing the return member  240  to expand. Because the hub  156  and the tube  110  are interconnected, the rotation of the hub  156  will also cause the tube  110  to rotate. As the tube  110  and hub  156  rotate, the return member  240  may expand or stretch, allowing the rotational movement. 
         [0089]    Once the impact force has been removed, the return member  240  (along with a gravitational force) may act on the tube  110  to return the tube  110  to its original position. In other words, the return member  240  may rotate the hub  156  and the tube  110  in a second rotation direction R 2 . The return member  240  after being expanded due to the impact force may retract, causing the hub to rotate accordingly. 
         [0090]    The stop portions  210 ,  212 ,  250 ,  252  on the hinge supports for the base  158  and the hub  156 , respectively, may limit the rotation of the hub  156  in the second rotation direction R 2 . For example, once the return member  240  has rotated the hub  156  in the second rotation direction R 2 , the engagement surfaces  214 ,  215 ,  254 ,  256  may engage, preventing further rotation in the second rotation direction R 2 . In other words, the return member  240  may act to return the hub and the tube to their original orientations after they have been rotated by an impact force. 
         [0091]    Activation of the shutoff valve will now be discussed in more detail.  FIGS. 9 and 13  illustrate the shutoff valve in the open position.  FIG. 19  is a cross-section view of the valve assembly with the shutoff valve in the closed or off position. As briefly described above, the sprayer tip  115  may regulate the fluid flow as it exits the tube  110 ; however, the line pressure from the reservoir to the valve assembly may be determined by a pump fluidly connected to the reservoir. In instances where either the sprayer tip  115  and/or the tube  110  encounters an object and breaks off, the flow rate exiting the tube  110  may no longer be restricted. In other words, the flow rate restriction typically caused by the sprayer tip  115  (e.g., due to a restricted orifice or aperture) may be eliminated, causing an increase in flow rate from the reservoir into the ball cavity. However, the fluid pressure may remain substantially constant as it may be determined by the pump or other element. 
         [0092]    As the flow rate exiting the drop nozzle is no longer restricted, the fluid flow rate through the drop nozzle increases. This flow rate increase exerts a down force on the ball  168 , compressing the biasing member  170  and forcing the ball into the lower seat  176 . As discussed above, the ball  168  may have a sufficiently large diameter that when seated in the seat  176 , may substantially seal the outlet to the ball cavity, thereby sealing the tube  110  or the valve assembly. 
         [0093]    The drop nozzle  106  as disclosed herein may provide for lower spray heights and boom heights, even in rough terrain. For example, typically agricultural sprayers may travel at speeds between 10 to 20 mph. On hilly or rough terrain, the height of the boom is typically raised to about 36 to 48 inches above the crop or solid. The raised height may allow the sprayer vehicle to travel faster. However these higher heights have increased spray drift and may not be as effective in spraying the crops. 
         [0094]    With the drop nozzle  106 , the boom heights may be lowered and the spray height (even over hilly terrain) may be about 18 to 24 inches. The reduced spray height may provide for more accurate fluid distribution, as well as reduced spray drift once the fluid exits the drop nozzle. The lower spray heights are possible, because the drop nozzle  106  may rotate if it encounters an object, preventing it from breaking off. In other words, the flexibly of the drop nozzle allows for the lower spray heights. Additionally, the drop nozzle may include the shutoff valve for instances where it may be broken off. The shutoff valve may prevent spillage of fluid from the reservoir, which may reduce the risk for a broken nozzle and thus allows for lower drop heights. Moreover, the airfoil may further help to direct fluid from the tube towards the target area, further reducing spray drift. In some instances, the drop nozzle may reduce drift potential by two to three times as compared to conventional drop nozzle designs (e.g., a reduction in spray drift of approximately 50% as compared to conventional drop nozzle designs). 
         [0095]    Table 1 below illustrates experimental data comparing a conventional nozzle system with the drop nozzle  106 . In the experiment for Table 1, the airfoil was omitted and the drop nozzle tested included the hinge assembly and valve assembly, which as described above allows the drop nozzle to be positioned closer to the target area with a reduced risk of breaking or damaging the drop nozzle. As shown in Table 1, the drop nozzle improves drift or off-target movement of a fluid or treatment as compared to conventional nozzle systems. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Spray Tip - XR 11002 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Nozzle Type 
                 Treatment 
                 Off-Target Movement 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Conventional 
                 RoundUp 
                 21.3 feet 
               
               
                 Nozzle 
                 PowerMax_Class Act NG 
               
               
                 Drop Nozzle 106 
                 RoundUp 
                  6.7 feet 
               
               
                   
                 PowerMax_Class Act NG 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0096]    In Table 1, both the conventional nozzle system and the drop nozzle  106  used the same spray tip, XR 11002 by TEEJET nozzles, which may emit a generally flat spray pattern. Additionally, both the conventional nozzle system and the drop nozzle  106  used the same treatment fluid, in this case RoundUp PowerMax. As shown in Table 1, using the same boom height, the off-target movement for the drop nozzle  106  reduced off-target movement by a factor of 10. 
         [0097]    As another example, Table 2 below illustrates experimental data comparing the conventional nozzle system with the drop nozzle  106 , using a different spray tip as compared to the data in Table 1. Similarly to the experiment performed in Table 1, the drop nozzle used did not include the airfoil, but included the hinge assembly and the valve assembly. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Spray Tip - AIXR 11002 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Nozzle Type 
                 Treatment 
                 Off-Target Movement 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Conventional 
                 RoundUp 
                 4.7 feet 
               
               
                 Nozzle 
                 PowerMax_Class Act NG 
               
               
                 Drop Nozzle 106 
                 RoundUp 
                 0.8 feet 
               
               
                   
                 PowerMax_Class Act NG 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0098]    As shown in Table 2, both systems used the same spray time, again by TEEJET, but the spray tip including air induction to further reduce drift. Accordingly, as shown in Table 2, the drift was reduced for both the conventional nozzle system and the drop nozzle  106  as compared to Table 1. However, the drop nozzle  102  again reduced drift significantly as compared to the conventional nozzle system. 
         [0099]    It should be noted that Tables 1 and 2 illustrate experimental data and although certain spray tips were used with the drop nozzle  106 , other spray tips may be used. Additionally, although a select treatment was used to obtain the results illustrated in Tables 1 and 2, many other fluids may be used with the drop nozzle. 
       CONCLUSION 
       [0100]    Although the present disclosure has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood the disclosure has been made by way of example, and changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims.