Patent Description:
This Summary is not intended to identify key factors or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

One or more techniques and systems are described herein for a suspended center frame attached to boom wings and suspended from a fixed center frame. For example, a suspended center frame can be suspended from a fixed center frame with a bearing coupling to allow for movement (e.g., pivoting) in multiple axes (e.g. pitch, roll, yaw). Further, links can connect either side of a lower portion of the suspended frame to the fixed frame, which can control the type and amount of movement about the shaft, and dampers may control the rate of pivoting. The pivot point can be located above a center of gravity of a suspended portion of the system, and the links and dampers can be used to dampen the yaw, pitch and roll of the suspended frame relative to the fixed frame.

According to the invention of a system for coupling a suspended boom frame to a fixed frame as defined in claim <NUM>, a fixed frame is operably, fixedly engaged to a sprayer vehicle. The fixed frame comprises one or more controllable springs, and comprises a fixed coupling that provides a pivot point. In this implementation, a suspended frame is operably coupled with a pair of boom wings to form a suspended portion. The suspended frame comprises a suspended coupling disposed above a center of gravity of the suspended portion. The suspended coupling provides for pivoting of the suspended frame about the fixed coupling in roll, yaw, and pitch axes. The suspended frame comprises one or more dampers operably, pivotably coupled with the fixed frame to dampen movement of the suspended frame in the roll axis. In this implementation, the one or more controllable springs engage with the suspended frame to control a position of the suspended frame with respect to the fixed frame.

The suspended coupling is disposed greater than or halfway from the center of gravity of the suspended portion to a top of the suspended frame.

In another implementation, a suspended boom frame can comprise a pair of boom arms that, in conjunction with the suspended boom frame, form a suspended portion. Further, a suspended coupling can operably, pivotably couple with a fixed coupling on a fixed frame of a boom sprayer, where the suspended coupling is disposed centrally above a center of gravity of the suspended portion. Additionally, a pair of connecting links can respectively be operably disposed at opposing bottom corners of the suspended boom frame. The respective connecting links can extend forward to operably couple with the fixed frame at opposing sides to control yaw pivot and/or pitch pivot of the suspended frame. A pair of dampers can respectively, operably extend inward toward a central bottom of the fixed frame, and operably couple with the fixed frame to dampen roll pivot of the suspended frame.

In another implementation, a frame system for a boom sprayer can comprise a fixed central frame that is operably connected to a boom sprayer vehicle. A suspended frame, can be operably connected to a pair of boom sprayer wings on either side to form a suspended portion.

The suspended frame can comprise a pivot point disposed above a center of gravity of the suspended portion. A suspended coupler can be fixedly engaged with the suspended frame at the pivot point. The suspended coupler can comprise a bearing operably, pivotably engaged with the fixed central frame to allow the suspended frame to pivot in yaw, roll, and pitch axes with respect to the fixed central frame. A pair of connecting links can respectively couple with the suspended frame at opposing bottom corners and extend forward and be coupled with the fixed frame to control yaw pivot and/or pitch pivot of the suspended frame. A pair of dampers can respectively couple between the suspended frame and a central bottom portion of the fixed frame to control roll pivot of the suspended frame.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the following description and annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative aspects and implementations. These are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which one or more aspects may be employed. Other aspects, advantages and novel features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the annexed drawings.

The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are generally used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the claimed subject matter.

A suspended center frame boom can be devised that is suspended from a fixed center frame. In one aspect, a suspended center frame of a boom-type agricultural sprayer can be suspended from a fixed center frame with a shaft and a spherical bearing to allow for movement (e.g., pivoting) in multiple axes, instead of just a fixed rotation of a typical pendulum. Further, links can connect either side of a lower portion of the suspended frame to the fixed frame, which can control the type and amount of movement about the shaft. In this aspect, the pivot point (e.g., shaft and bearing) can be located at a top portion (e.g., above a center of gravity of the suspended frame portion) of the suspended frame, for example, instead of at a center of gravity of the frame, which is often found in current, similar systems. In this aspect, the links can be used to dampen the roll of the suspended frame (e.g., and yaw and pitch), for example, instead of using fixed contact locations used in current systems.

<FIG> and <FIG> are component diagrams illustrating different views of one example implementation of a suspended frame system <NUM> for a boom sprayer, in accordance with systems disclosed herein. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, in the exemplary system <NUM>, a fixed center frame <NUM> can be operably fixed to a sprayer apparatus, such as a self-propelled sprayer or one that is towed. The fixed center frame <NUM> is comprised of fixed framework <NUM> for support, brackets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM> for connections between the fixed center frame <NUM> and a suspended frame <NUM>, and one or more bumper brackets <NUM>, <NUM>' for supporting frame roll bumpers <NUM>. One or more fixed link brackets <NUM>, <NUM>' can be disposed on either side of the fixed framework <NUM> to operably couple with connecting links <NUM>, <NUM>'. A fixed damper bracket <NUM> can be disposed centrally at a bottom portion of the fixed framework <NUM> to operably couple with one or more frame dampers <NUM>, <NUM>'. A top, fixed-frame coupling bracket <NUM> can be disposed centrally at a top portion of the fixed framework <NUM> to operably couple with the suspended frame <NUM>.

The suspended frame <NUM> can be comprised of a suspended framework <NUM> that is suspended from a fixed coupling <NUM> at a top, central portion of the suspended frame <NUM>. In this implementation, a shaft <NUM> can extend from the top, fixed-frame coupling bracket <NUM> (e.g., orthogonally from the fixed frame <NUM>). Further, the shaft coupling <NUM> can be operably engaged with the shaft <NUM> to provide pivotal movement of the suspended frame <NUM> with respect to the fixed frame <NUM>. Respective one or more dampers <NUM>, <NUM>' can be operably coupled with the suspended frame <NUM> at a suspended damper bracket <NUM>, <NUM>'. Respective one or more connecting links <NUM>, <NUM>' can be operably coupled with the suspended frame <NUM> at a suspended link bracket <NUM>, <NUM>'.

<FIG> and <FIG> are component diagrams illustrating alternate implementations of one or more portions of a fixed frame <NUM>, <NUM> of the exemplary system <NUM>. With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, in these implementations, the fixed framework <NUM>, <NUM> comprises an upper cross-member <NUM>, and lower cross-member <NUM>. However, various alternates are envisioned for the fixed framework <NUM>, such as more or fewer cross members, and/or alternate arrangements. For example, in some implementations, as illustrated in 3A, the fixed frame <NUM> can comprise a framework <NUM> with one or more mid cross-members <NUM> to provide additional support. Further, in these implementations, the fixed framework <NUM>, <NUM> can also comprise a pair of vertical frame members <NUM>, <NUM>'. Again, this implementation is merely one embodiment of a fixed central frame; it is anticipated that alternate embodiments may be devised using sound engineering principles to serve the same or similar purpose. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, in some implementations, one or more additional vertical members <NUM>, <NUM> may be utilized to provide additional support to the framework <NUM>.

The example fixed frame <NUM>, <NUM> comprises the top, fixed-frame coupling bracket <NUM> that is fixedly engaged with the fixed framework at a central portion of the upper cross-member <NUM>. The fixed-frame coupling bracket <NUM> is disposed proximate the top of the fixed frame <NUM>, <NUM>, and is configured to operably engage with a fixed coupling <NUM>, coupled with a shaft <NUM>, such as using one or more fasteners. Alternately, in some example, the fixed coupling <NUM> and shaft 164can be fixed to the top, fixed-frame coupling bracket <NUM>, such by welds or the like, and the top, fixed-frame coupling bracket <NUM> may be fastened to the top cross-member <NUM>. The respective one or more fixed link brackets <NUM>, <NUM>' can be fixed to the fixed framework at corresponding vertical frame members <NUM>, <NUM>', such as by welding, or may be fixedly engaged by one or more fasteners. The respective one or more fixed link brackets <NUM>, <NUM>' can be configured to couple with an end of the corresponding link <NUM>, <NUM>', such as by receiving a pin <NUM>, <NUM>' through one or more coupling bores <NUM>, <NUM>', and the corresponding link <NUM>, <NUM>' (e.g., through a bore in the end of the link). Alternately, the coupling links <NUM>, <NUM>' can be coupled using a ball joint. In some implementations, the link <NUM>, <NUM>' is allowed to pivot with respect to the fixed link bracket <NUM>, <NUM>', for example, by pivoting about the pin <NUM>, <NUM>' in a vertical (e.g., yaw) axis, and/or pivoting about the pin <NUM>, <NUM>' in a horizontal (e.g., pitch) axis.

The fixed damper bracket <NUM> can be fixedly engaged with the fixed framework <NUM> at the lower cross-member <NUM>, such as by welding or the like, or by fastening. The fixed damper bracket <NUM> can be configured to operably couple with the respective one or more dampers <NUM>, <NUM>' in a pivotal arrangement, such as in a roll axis, which allows the dampers <NUM>, <NUM>' to operably pivot about the coupling with the fixed damper bracket <NUM>. In some implementations, the coupling between the fixed damper bracket <NUM> and damper <NUM>, <NUM>' can be implemented by a pin, rod, or fastener <NUM> that is disposed through one or more ball joints <NUM> engaged with (e.g., or through a bore in) the fixed damper bracket <NUM>, and through a bore (e.g., or onto another ball joint) in the end of the damper <NUM>, <NUM>'.

As illustrated in <FIG>, one or more bumper brackets <NUM>, <NUM>' can be fixedly engaged (e.g., welded, fastened) to the fixed frame <NUM>, such as at the upper cross member <NUM>. A frame roll bumper <NUM>, <NUM>' can be disposed on respective brackets <NUM>, <NUM>', such as underneath. The frame roll bumpers <NUM>, <NUM>' can be configured to provide a stop (e.g., which may be cushioned) for the suspended frame <NUM>, such as during a roll event (e.g., when the suspended frame pivots on the shaft <NUM>). Alternately, as illustrated in <FIG>, one or more cylinder brackets <NUM>, <NUM>' can be fixedly engaged (e.g., welded, fastened) to the fixed frame <NUM>, such as at the upper cross member <NUM>. In this implementation, a hydraulic stop cylinder <NUM>, <NUM>' can be engaged with the respective cylinder brackets <NUM>, <NUM>'. The hydraulic stop cylinder <NUM>, <NUM>' can be configured to provide a stop (e.g., which may be pressurized) for the suspended frame <NUM>, such as during a roll event (e.g., when the suspended frame pivots on the shaft <NUM>). In some implementations, a hydraulic fluid supply system <NUM> can be coupled with the respective hydraulic stop cylinders <NUM>, <NUM>' to control the cylinders. For example, a cylinder can be extended and retracted to adjust the position of the stop for the suspended frame <NUM>, by adjusting the length of the hydraulic stop cylinder <NUM>, <NUM>'.

Further, a pair of spring brackets <NUM>, <NUM>' (e.g., alternate arragements in <FIG> and <FIG>) can be engaged with the fixed frame, and respectively configured to operably hold a frame spring <NUM>, <NUM>'. In some implementations, the frame spring <NUM>, <NUM>' may comprise a rubber or polymer unit that provides a stop. As another example, the frame spring <NUM>, <NUM>' can comprise a controllable spring, such as an air spring, hydraulic cylinder, or some other spring that allows an amount of biasing force to be adjusted. That is, for example, the frame spring <NUM>, <NUM>' can be operably adjusted to increase or decrease an amount of force applied by the spring to a portion of the suspended frame <NUM>. In operation, for example, compressed air can be added to a first air spring (e.g., <NUM>'), and air can be released from a second air spring (e.g., <NUM>), resulting in suspended frame <NUM> to be shifted (e.g., pivoted) to one side (e.g., the right side). As another example, a hydraulic spring (e.g., or other type of linear actuator) may be used in place of the air springs to perform a similar operation. In this way, for example, the frame spring <NUM>, <NUM>' can be used to recenter the suspended frame <NUM> with respect to the fixed frame <NUM>, such as during traversal over varied terrain. Further the springs can help decelerate roll movement of the suspended frame, to mitigate violent and sudden shifts from side to side.

As illustrated in <FIG>, one or more frame pitch bumpers <NUM>, <NUM>' can be fixed to the fixed frame <NUM>, such as at respective vertical frame members <NUM>, <NUM>'. In some implementations, the frame pitch bumpers <NUM>, <NUM>' are configured to provide a stop (e.g., having a plate or cushion disposed thereon) for the suspended frame <NUM> when the suspended frame <NUM> pivots in a pitch axis (e.g., and/or in a yaw axis), which can result in the suspended frame <NUM> contacting the fixed frame <NUM>. In this way, for example, the frame pitch bumpers <NUM>, <NUM>' may mitigate the suspended frame <NUM> contacting the fixed frame <NUM>, as the suspended frame <NUM> can be stopped by the frame pitch bumpers <NUM>, <NUM>'.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are component diagrams that illustrate alternate implementations of one or more portions of the suspended frame <NUM>. <FIG> is one implementation of the suspended frame <NUM>, <FIG> is one implementation of the suspended framework <NUM>, and <FIG> is another alternate implementation of the suspended frameword <NUM>. With continued reference to <FIG>, the suspended framework <NUM> can comprise a plurality of frame members 502a-f, which form the structural elements of the suspended framework <NUM>. It should be appreciated that, while <FIG> illustrates one implementation of the arrangement of the frame members 502a-f, it is anticipated that alternate arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art. The suspended framework <NUM> is configured to operably couple with a pair of boom arms (not shown), such as at the respective boom arm coupling brackets <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>, <NUM>'. That is, for example, a pair of upper boom arm coupling brackets <NUM>, <NUM>' may couple (e.g., pivotably) with upper portions of respective boom arms, and a pair of lower boom arm coupling brackets <NUM>, <NUM>' may couple with lower portions of respective boom arms.

Further, the suspended frame can comprise one or more suspended damper coupling brackets <NUM>, <NUM>' that are respectively configured to operably couple with a damper <NUM>, <NUM>' in a pivotal engagement (e.g., in a roll pivot arrangement). As an example, a pin may couple the respective suspended damper coupling brackets <NUM>, <NUM>' with the corresponding damper <NUM>, <NUM>'. In this way, for example, the dampers can operably dampen oscillation (e.g., side to side roll) of the suspended frame <NUM> with respect to the fixed frame <NUM>, through the coupling of respective dampers <NUM>, <NUM>' between the suspended damper coupling brackets <NUM>, <NUM>' on the suspended frame <NUM> and the fixed damper bracket <NUM> engaged with the fixed framework <NUM>.

Additionally, the suspended frame can comprise one or more suspended link coupling brackets <NUM>, <NUM>' that are configured to operably couple with a connecting link <NUM>, <NUM>', such as in a pivotal engagement (e.g., a yaw pivot, from side-to-side). As an example, a connecting link <NUM>, <NUM>' can be coupled with the corresponding suspended link coupling bracket <NUM>, <NUM>' using a pin or fastener that holds the coupling link <NUM>, <NUM>', or a ball joint, in pivotal engagement with the suspended link coupling bracket <NUM>, <NUM>'. In this way, for example, the other end of the connecting link <NUM>, <NUM>' can be engaged with the one or more fixed link brackets <NUM>, <NUM>' on the fixed frame <NUM>, to operably connect the fixed frame <NUM> with the suspended frame <NUM> at or near the bottom of the suspended frame. In this way, for example, the coupled links <NUM>, <NUM>' can help operably mitigate undesired movement of the suspended frame <NUM>, such as during a roll event.

In some implementations, as illustrated, the suspended link coupling brackets <NUM>, <NUM>' can comprise an extension arm <NUM>', <NUM> that is fixed to the suspended frame <NUM>, and extends (e.g., substantially orthogonally) rearward from the frame <NUM>. In this implementation, the connecting link <NUM>, <NUM>' can be engaged with the coupling bracket <NUM>, <NUM>' at a rear end of the extension arm <NUM>', <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the length of the extension arm <NUM>', <NUM> may be dependent on the length of the connecting link <NUM>, <NUM>'. That is, for example, a longer connecting link <NUM>, <NUM>' may result in a longer extension arm <NUM>', <NUM>. As an example, the length of the extension arm <NUM>', <NUM> can be configured to operably dispose the other end of the connecting link <NUM>, <NUM>' in alignment with the fixed link brackets <NUM>, <NUM>' on the fixed frame <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that the connecting links <NUM>, <NUM>' may comprise a solid link, damper, a hydraulic or air cylinder, <NUM>-bar linkage, or the like, configured to mitigate yaw and/or pitch movement of the suspended frame <NUM> with respect to the fixed frame <NUM>. During operation, for example, in some implementations the connecting links <NUM>, <NUM>' may lengthen and shorten based on the yaw or pitch movement, and may pivot left and right, up and down, depending on the roll movement of the suspended frame <NUM>. In this way, the connecting links <NUM>, <NUM>' can mitigate yaw and/or pitch movement, and also may help mitigate roll movement. In some implementations, the connecting links <NUM>, <NUM>' may be controllable with respect to adjustment of their length. For example, a first connecting link <NUM> may be lengthened and a second connection link <NUM>' may be shortened to adjust the position of the suspended frame <NUM> with respect to the fixed frame <NUM>. Alternately, both connecting links <NUM>, <NUM>' may be either shortened or lengthened to adjust the frame's position.

In this way, for example, a rate of roll or movement of the suspended frame <NUM> can be controlled with respect to the fixed frame <NUM>. As an example, controlling a rate of movement of the suspended frame <NUM> may be useful when the boom sprayer moves over uneven terrain, turns a corner, moves up or down a rise, or moves along the side of a hill. That is, for example, controlling the rate and type of movement of the suspended frame <NUM> may help keep the boom arms substantially level with the ground during operation.

As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>one or more stop plates <NUM>, <NUM>' (e.g., alternate arrangements in <FIG> and <FIG>) can be fixed to a top of the suspended framework <NUM>. The stop plates <NUM>, <NUM>' can be configured to align with the respective frame roll bumpers <NUM>, <NUM>' or hydraulic stop cylinders <NUM>, <NUM>' coupled with the fixed frame <NUM>. That is, for example, the stop plates can provide a stop (e.g., at approximately <NUM> to <NUM> degrees of roll) for the suspended frame when the suspended frame rolls from side to side. Further, one or more spring stop plates <NUM>, <NUM>' and/or spring stop bumpers <NUM>, <NUM>' can be fixedly engaged with the suspended framework <NUM>. The spring stop plates <NUM>, <NUM>' and spring stop bumpers <NUM>, <NUM>' can be configured to provide a stop for the fixed frame springs <NUM>, <NUM>' when the suspended frame <NUM> rolls from side to side.

As illustrated in <FIG>, with continued reference to <FIG>, a shaft coupling <NUM> is operably, fixedly engaged with a shaft <NUM> coupling bracket <NUM> disposed at a top of the suspended framework <NUM> of the suspended frame <NUM>. In this implementation, a shaft <NUM> can be operably, fixedly engaged with the top, fixed-frame coupling bracket <NUM>, such as with one or more fasteners, or it may be otherwise fixed by welding, etc. In this implementation, the shaft coupling <NUM> can comprise a bearing <NUM> that provides for reduced friction between the shaft <NUM> and a shaft coupling <NUM>. In one implementation, the bearing <NUM> can comprise a spherical bearing <NUM> (e.g., or similar) that is operably, fixedly engaged with the shaft <NUM>, such as by friction fit, keyway fit, and/or using one or more clips. That is, the spherical bearing <NUM> can operably remain stationary and affixed to the shaft <NUM>. Further, the bearing <NUM> can comprise a raceway <NUM> that is movably coupled with the spherical bearing <NUM>, such that the raceway <NUM> can operably rotate and pivot around the spherical bearing <NUM>. For example, the raceway <NUM> can comprise a concave internal wall that is complementary to the rounded surface of the spherical bearing <NUM> to allow for reduced friction movement in a variety of directions (e.g., roll, yaw, pitch axes).

In one implementation, the bearing <NUM>, with the raceway <NUM> and spherical bearing <NUM>, can be fixedly engaged with the shaft coupling <NUM>, such as by friction fit, or using clips, fasteners, etc. The shaft coupling <NUM> can be operably engaged with the shaft <NUM>, such that the spherical bearing <NUM> is operably fixed on the shaft <NUM>, and the raceway <NUM> is operably fixed in the shaft coupling <NUM>. The shaft coupling <NUM> can be fastened to the coupling bracket <NUM> that is operably fixed to the suspended framework <NUM>. For example, the shaft coupling <NUM> with the bearing <NUM> operably allows the suspended frame <NUM> to pivot in multiple directions (e.g., yaw, roll, pitch) around the shaft <NUM>, by way of the spherical bearing <NUM>.

As an exemplary implementation, as illustrated in <FIG>, in operation a pair of boom wings <NUM>, <NUM> can be engaged with the suspended frame <NUM>. The fixed frame <NUM> can be engaged with a sprayer <NUM> (e.g., self-propelled or towed), and the suspended frame <NUM> can be pivotably engaged with the fixed frame <NUM>, and the suspended framework <NUM> can be coupled to the fixed framework <NUM> by the connecting links <NUM>, <NUM>' and dampers <NUM>, <NUM>'. During operation, for example, as the sprayer <NUM> traverses a field, the sprayer <NUM> engaged with the fixed frame <NUM> may roll from side to side, pitch up and down, and turn from side to side. In this example, the inertia of the suspended frame <NUM> and coupled boom wings <NUM>, <NUM> can result in the suspended frame <NUM> pivoting in a pitch, roll and/or yaw axis with respect to the fixed frame <NUM>.

In this example, in an effort to keep the boom wings <NUM>, <NUM> relatively parallel to the ground when traveling over uneven ground, along the side of a hill, or in a turn, air springs <NUM>, <NUM>' may be used to adjust the position of the suspended frame <NUM> with respect to the fixed frame <NUM>. That is, the air spring <NUM> is fixed to the spring bracket <NUM> on the fixed framework <NUM>. The spring <NUM> can be activated by adding air pressure, which reduces an amount of pivot travel of the suspended frame <NUM>, as the spring <NUM> impact the spring stop bumper <NUM> on the spring stop plates <NUM>. Further, as illustrated in <FIG> showing the suspended framework <NUM> in a neutral position with respect to the fixed framework <NUM> (e.g., centered). In <FIG>, the suspended framework <NUM> is shown pivoted to the left in a clockwise direction with respect to the stationary framework <NUM>.

In this implementation, the left damper <NUM>' is extended and the right damper <NUM> is retracted. The dampers <NUM> reduce the rate of pivot in the roll axis (e.g., mitigate oscillation). In some implementations, the dampers <NUM>, <NUM>' can be adjusted to adjust the dampening coefficient, for example, to control the rate of pivot to a desired rate. Further, the left <NUM>' and right <NUM> connection links are skewed, and help reduce the rate of pivot in the yaw direction. Of note, the left bumper <NUM>' is in contact with the left bumper stop <NUM>', mitigating roll of the suspended frame past the left bumper stop <NUM>' (e.g., about eight degrees of roll).

During operation, the center of gravity of the system <NUM>, while coupled with boom wings <NUM>, <NUM> can be disposed behind the fixed frame <NUM>, such as at the pivot point of the shaft <NUM> and shaft coupling <NUM>. In this way, for example, in a neutral position (e.g., on flat ground), the suspended frame <NUM> may be disposed in substantially central alignment with the fixed frame <NUM>. That is, for example, in the neutral position the suspended frame is not subject to roll, yaw or pitch pivoting. As another example, when the boom wings <NUM>, <NUM> are folded forward, the center of gravity may be disposed forward of the pivot point, resulting in the suspended frame pivoted in a yaw axis (e.g., the bottom may be tilted forward). In this example, the frame pitch bumpers <NUM>, <NUM>' may provide a stop (e.g., which may be cushioned) for the suspended frame <NUM>, stopping it from hitting the fixed frame <NUM>.

The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or. Further, At least one of A and B and/or the like generally means A or B or both A and B. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application and the appended claims may generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.

Furthermore, the claimed subject matter may be implemented as a method, apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or any combination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosed subject matter. The term "article of manufacture" as used herein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier or media. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications may be made to this configuration without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter Also, although the disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art based upon a reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. The disclosure includes all such modifications and alterations and is limited only by the scope of the following claims. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary implementations of the disclosure. In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "includes," "having," "has," "with," or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising.

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>) for coupling a suspended boom frame (<NUM>) to a fixed frame (<NUM>), the system (<NUM>) comprising:
a fixed frame (<NUM>) operably, fixedly engaged to a sprayer vehicle, the fixed frame (<NUM>) comprising one or more controllable springs (<NUM>, <NUM>'), the fixed frame (<NUM>) comprising a fixed coupling (<NUM>) providing a pivot point;
a suspended frame (<NUM>) operably coupled with a pair of boom wings (<NUM>, <NUM>) to form a suspended portion, the suspended frame (<NUM>) comprising:
a suspended coupling disposed above a center of gravity of the suspended portion, the suspended coupling providing for pivoting about the fixed coupling (<NUM>) in roll, yaw, and pitch axes; and
one or more dampers (<NUM>, <NUM>') operably, pivotably coupled with the fixed frame (<NUM>) to dampen movement of the suspended frame (<NUM>) in the roll axis;
wherein the one or more controllable springs (<NUM>, <NUM>') engage with the suspended frame (<NUM>) to control a position of the suspended frame (<NUM>) with respect to the fixed frame (<NUM>), characterized in that
the suspended coupling is disposed greater than or equal to halfway from the center of gravity of the suspended portion to a top of the suspended frame (<NUM>).