WO2004091293A1

WO2004091293A1 - Hand operated agricultural chemical applicator

Info

Publication number: WO2004091293A1
Application number: PCT/AU2004/000203
Authority: WO
Inventors: Norman Poole; Barry Darko; Neil Halpin; Ian Robb; Fred Langford
Original assignee: The Crown In The Right Of The State Of Queensland Acting Through The Department Of Primary Industries & Fisheries (Forestry)
Priority date: 2003-04-16
Filing date: 2004-02-19
Publication date: 2004-10-28
Also published as: AU2003901817A0; ZA200508365B

Abstract

A hand operated applicator (5) for the application of an agricultural liquid chemical preparation having a lance (10), an applicator head (25A/B, 30A/B), a series of small openings at spaced intervals along the underside of the applicator head (25A/B, 30A/B), a connector (65) for connecting the applicator (5) to a source of the agricultural liquid chemical preparation via a supply line and at least one means (60) to control flow of the agricultural liquid chemical preparation, wherein the applicator (5) has a generally T-shaped configuration formed by the lance (10) and the applicator head (25A/B, 30A/B). An agricultural liquid chemical preparation is pumped to an applicator (5) via a supply line at low pressure, the agricultural liquid chemical preparation is applied as droplets via a series of small openings in the underside of the head (25A/B, 30A/B) of the applicator (5) and the flow of the agricultural liquid chemical preparation is able to be adjusted by at least one flow control means (60) to deliver the agricultural liquid chemical preparation at a desired application rate.

Description

A HAND OPERATED AGRICULTURAL CHEMICAL APPLICATOR

THIS I NENTION relates to hand operated agricultural chemical applicators. BACKGROUND OF THE INNENTION

In conventional applicators for agricultural liquid chemical¹ preparations, the liquid chemical preparation is typically applied as a spray or by means of a wick. Spray applicators have inherent difficulties in relation to overspray and spray drift (in windy conditions). Overspray and spray drift affect plants and animals outside the target area. Depending on the chemical, the above (particularly spray drift) can be hazardous to the operator of the applicator, and also to other plants and animals. Further, as overspray and spray drift wastes valuable chemical, greater amounts of chemical are used with potential adverse environmental consequences. As spray applicators are unable to be used once wind speeds exceed approximately 10 km/hr due to spray drift, this imposes additional limits on the times at which spraying may be undertaken reducing productivity. One way of overcoming the problem of spray drift has been the use of a wick. Chemical is secreted onto the wick and applied by touching or wiping the wick against the target. However, both spray and wick applicators have inherent difficulties in providing effective coverage with efficient application rates of chemical.

Any reference to prior art in this specification does not constitute and should not be taken as an acknowledgement that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or any other country. OBJECT OF THE INNENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved hand operated agricultural chemical applicator, or which at least provides a useful alternative to conventional agricultural chemical applicators. As the chemical is applied as droplets rather than as a spray, the present invention overcomes or at least reduces the difficulties in relation to overspray and spray drift referred to above providing effective coverage and more efficient application rates of chemical. Accordingly, the invention can be used in stronger wind conditions than conventional spray applicators. The invention also permits the operator to control the application flow rate allowing accurate volume calculations to be made and thereby more efficient use of chemical. SUMMARY OF THE INNENTION Throughout this specification, the word "comprises", or grammatic variations thereof such as "comprise" or "comprising", is to be interpreted inclusively, that is, to mean the inclusion of a specified element or integer, or group thereof, but not the exclusion of any other element or integer, or group thereof.

There is disclosed herein a hand operated applicator for the application of an agricultural liquid chemical preparation having: a lance; an applicator head; a series of openings at spaced intervals along the underside of the applicator head; a connector for connecting the applicator to a source of the agricultural liquid chemical preparation via a supply line; and at least one means to control flow of the agricultural liquid chemical preparation (also referred to in this specification as the "flow control means"); wherein the applicator has a generally T-shaped configuration formed by the lance and the applicator head.

In one embodiment of the invention, delivery of the agricultural liquid chemical preparation to the applicator head is through the lance. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, delivery of the chemical to the applicator head is via a delivery tube external to the lance.

In a further preferred embodiment, the applicator head has at least two dispensing tube portions which are connected to the lance with a connector. The dispensing tube portions are connected to the above connector in any suitable manner including a screw in or snap fit arrangement. n one preferred embodiment, the dispensing tube portions and the lance are connected by a T-piece. In those embodiments where the chemical is delivered through the lance, the T-piece is hollow. In a further preferred embodiment, the dispensing tube portions and the lance are connected by a block shaped connector with channels provided therein to enable the flow of liquid from the lance into the dispensing tube portions. Alternatively, in those embodiments where the chemical is delivered through the delivery tube, the dispensing tube portions and the delivery tube are connected by a block shaped connector with channels provided therein to enable the flow of liquid from the delivery tube into the dispensing tube portions. In a further alternative preferred embodiment, the dispensing tube portions, the lance and the delivery tube are connected by a block shaped connector with channels provided therein to enable the flow of liquid from the delivery tube into the dispensing tube portions.

In one preferred embodiment, the dispensing tube portions each have a removable cap at their respective free ends to allow cleaning of the dispensing tube portions. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the dispensing tube portions each have a removable plug at their respective free ends. i a preferred embodiment, the openings in the underside of the applicator head are holes. In a further alternative preferred embodiment, the openings in the underside of the applicator head are in the form of nozzles. The size and spacing of the openings may be varied to provide effective coverage at the desired application rate, hi a preferred embodiment, the openings in the underside of the applicator head are in the range of approximately .2 to 1mm in diameter and spaced at intervals in the range of approximately 15 to 35mm. i a particularly preferred embodiment, the openings in the underside of the applicator head are approximately .4mm in diameter and spaced at approximately 25mm intervals. hi a preferred embodiment of the invention, the means to control the flow of the agricultural liquid chemical preparation is in the form of a trigger. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the means to control the flow of the agricultural liquid chemical preparation is in the form of a valve. In a further alternative embodiment, in addition to either the trigger or the valve referred to above, the applicator has at least one additional means to further control the flow of the agricultural liquid chemical preparation. Preferably, the additional means to further control the flow of the agricultural liquid chemical preparation is in the form of one or more valves.

The flow rate is able to be adjusted by the flow control means to enable delivery of the agricultural liquid chemical preparation at a desired application rate. The desired application rate varies depending on the particular chemical to be applied and is in accordance with application rates recommended by the manufacturer of the particular chemical or is otherwise readily ascertainable by the person skilled in the art. The size and spacing of the openings in the head of the applicator and the pressure may also be varied to enable delivery of the chemical at the desired application rate.

In a preferred embodiment, the applicator has means for gripping the lance, a a particularly preferred embodiment, the gripping means is in the form of at least one handle to assist the operator in holding and manipulating the unit. Preferably, the applicator is also provided with a shoulder strap to assist the operator in carrying and operating the applicator.

In a preferred embodiment, the applicator has at least one in-line filter. However, in other embodiments an in-line filter is provided in the chemical supply line, for example at the pump. Preferably, the applicator parts and fittings are made from reasonably lightweight materials and, in the case of parts and fittings having contact with the chemical, which are chemically resistant to the classes of agricultural chemical for which the applicator is intended to be used. The best material for use in a particular chemical application may vary depending upon the class of chemical but is readily ascertamable by those skilled in the art. However, typically these parts may be manufactured from metals, plastics with suitable strength (for example, polypropylene or polyvinylchloride (PNC)), or a combination of metal and such plastics. hi use, a supply line (such as a flexible hose or tube) is removably connected to the applicator. The agricultural liquid chemical preparation is pumped to the applicator via the supply line at low pressure from a source of the agricultural liquid chemical preparation (such as a vehicular mounted tank). A number of applicators may be connected to the source of the agricultural liquid chemical preparation and operated simultaneously.

For particularly steep or other areas which are difficult to access by vehicle, in a further alternative embodiment the operator carries the agricultural liquid chemical preparation in a container together with a pump, preferably on a backpack, and pumps the liquid at low pressure via a supply line (such as a flexible tube) from the container to the applicator.

While an in-line filter may be provided in the applicator, in an alternative embodiment an in-line filter may be provided in the chemical supply line, for example at the pump.

There is also disclosed herein a method of applying an agricultural liquid chemical preparation in which the agricultural liquid chemical preparation is pumped to an applicator via a supply line at low pressure, the agricultural liquid chemical preparation is applied as droplets via a series of small openings in the underside of the head of the applicator, and in which the flow rate is able to be adjusted by at least one flow control means to deliver the agricultural liquid chemical preparation at a desired application rate. The desired application rate varies depending on the particular chemical to be applied and is in accordance with application rates recommended by the manufacturer of the particular chemical or is otherwise readily ascertamable by the person skilled in the art. The size and spacing of the openings in the head of the applicator and the pressure may also be varied to enable delivery of the chemical at the desired application rate.

In one embodiment of the above method, the agricultural liquid chemical preparation is pumped from a remote source. Preferably, the remote source is a vehicular mounted tank. However, for areas which are difficult to access by vehicle, in an alternative embodiment the operator carries the agricultural liquid chemical preparation in a container together with a pump and pumps the liquid to the applicator at low pressure via a supply line (such as a flexible tube) from the container, hi one embodiment, an in-line filter may be provided in the chemical supply line, for example at the pump.

In a further embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a method of applying an agricultural liquid chemical preparation in which the agricultural liquid chemical preparation is pumped via a hose at low pressure and in which the agricultural liquid chemical preparation is applied as droplets by means of a hand operated agricultural chemical applicator as hereinbefore described.

It will be appreciated that the invention can be used for a broad range of agricultural chemicals including the application of herbicides and other liquid chemical preparations for agricultural use such as fertilizers. It will also be appreciated that the invention described herein may also be used to apply other pesticides such as insecticides.

The invention has numerous agricultural applications and uses including in relation to farmland, plantations, vineyards, bowling greens, golf courses, various sporting fields, and also forests, parkland and bushland. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an applicator according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the applicator of Figure 1 from above. Figure 3 is a side view of the applicator of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a perspective view of an applicator according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of an applicator according to a further alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 is a plan view of the applicator of Figure 5. Figure 7 is a side view of the applicator of Figure 5. Figure 8 is a detailed front view of the block shaped connector of

Figures 5 to 7.

Figure 9 is a detailed rear view of the block shaped connector of Figures 5 to 7.

Figure 10 is a detailed side view of the block shaped connector of Figures 5 to 7.

Figure 11 is a detailed top view of the block shaped connector of Figures 5 to 7.

Figure 12 is a detailed perspective view of the block shaped connector of Figures 5 to 7. Figure 13 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the block shaped connector of Figures 5 to 7 along the lines A-A in Figure 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, in Figures 1 to 3 there is depicted an agricultural chemical applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention. The applicator 5 of Figure 1 has a generally T-shaped configuration (offset to one side) formed by a lance 10 and an applicator head (otherwise referred to as a "head bar") generally indicated at 15. The applicator head 15 has a connector in the form of T-piece 20 and right and left dispensing tube portions 25 A and 25B which are connected at T-piece 20. The dispensing tube portions 25A and 25B have a series of holes (not shown) of approximately .4mm diameter and are spaced at 25mm intervals along the underside of the dispensing tube portions 25 A and 25B for dispensing the agricultural liquid chemical preparation. The dispensing tube portions 25A and 25B each have a cap 30A and 30B at their respective free ends. The dispensing tube portions 25A and 25B and the caps 30A and 30B are removable to allow cleaning of the dispensing tube portions. The agricultural liquid chemical preparation is delivered to the dispensing tube portions 25 A and 25B through the lance 10 via valve 35 (which regulates the flow of the agricultural liquid chemical preparation from the lance 10 to the dispensing tube portions 25A and 25B) and T-piece 20. Bracing rods 40A. and 40B are fixed to the lance 10 and to the dispensing tube portions 25 A and 25B. A stiffener plate 45 also provides the lance 10 with additional strength. The operator holds and manipulates the applicator by handle 50. Handle 50 is fixed to the lance 10 with a bidirectional adjustable bracket 55 to enable the operator to adjust the position of the handle so that the applicator head 15 can be held comfortably by the operator approximately 20cm above the ground. A removable shoulder strap (not shown) can also be removably attached to the lance 10 at the stiffener plate 45 by any suitable fastening means at about the point of balance.

Trigger 60 is used by the operator to turn the flow of the liquid chemical preparation on or off. An in-line filter 65 filters debris reducing the risk of blockage in the line and minimises the amount of debris entering the applicator 5.

In use, a supply line in the form of a flexible hose (not shown) is removably connected to applicator 5 at hose connector 70. The agricultural liquid chemical preparation is pumped to applicator 5 via the hose at low pressure from a remote source such as a vehicular mounted tank. The agricultural liquid chemical preparation flows through the hose to hose connector 70, through in-line filter 65 to trigger 60. When trigger 60 is activated by the operator, liquid flows through the lance 10 to the dispensing tube portions 25 A and 25B via the flow regulator valve 35 and T- piece 20. The agricultural liquid chemical preparation is applied as droplets through the holes (not shown) on the underside of the dispensing tube portions 25A and 25B.

In Figure 4, there is depicted an applicator 110 according to a further alternative embodiment of the invention. The applicator 110 of Figure 4 has a generally T-shaped configuration formed by a lance 115 and an applicator head generally indicated at 120 therwise referred to as the "head bar"). The applicator head 120 has right and left dispensing tube portions 125 A and 125B which are connected at T-piece 130. The dispensing tube portions 125 A and 125B have a series of holes (not shown) of approximately .4mm diameter and spaced at approximately 25mm intervals along the underside of the dispensing tube portions 125 A and 125B for dispensing the agricultural liquid chemical preparation. The dispensing tube portions 125A and 125B each have a cap 130A and 130B at their respective free ends. The dispensing tube portions 125 A and 125B and the caps 130A and 130B are removable to allow cleaning of the dispensing tube portions. The agricultural liquid chemical preparation is delivered to the dispensing tube portions 125 A and 125B through the lance 115. A handle may be provided on the lance although this is not shown. A valve 135 is used by the operator to turn the flow of the agricultural liquid chemical preparation on or off and to regulate the flow of the agricultural liquid chemical preparation. When valve 135 is open, the agricultural liquid chemical preparation flows through reducer 140 along the lance 115 through a further reducer 145, nipple 150, T-piece 130 and into dispensing tube portions 125A and 125B.

For particularly steep or other areas which are difficult to access by vehicle, the operator may carry the agricultural liquid chemical preparation in a container together with a pump, preferably on a backpack, and pump the liquid at low pressure via a flexible supply tube (not shown) from the container to the applicator

110. hi this embodiment, an in-line filter (not shown) is provided on the pump rather than the applicator and is therefore not shown. However, the in-line filter still operates to reduce the risk of blockage in the line and minimises debris entering the applicator 110. As the volume of liquid which may be carried by the operator on a backpack will be limited, where large volumes are required, it may still be necessary to pump the agricultural liquid chemical preparation to applicator 110 via a supply line (such as a hose or tube) from a remote source. i use, a supply line in the form of a flexible tube or hose (not shown) is removably connected to applicator 110 at a connector in the form of barb 155. The agricultural liquid chemical preparation is pumped to applicator 110 via the supply line at low pressure from the source of the agricultural liquid chemical preparation. The agricultural liquid chemical preparation flows through the supply line to barb 155 and through to valve 135. When valve 135 is open, the agricultural liquid chemical preparation flows through the lance 115 to the dispensing tube portions 125 A and 125B via the reducers 140 and 145, nipple 150 and T-piece 130. The agricultural liquid chemical preparation is applied as droplets through the holes (not shown) on the underside of the dispensing tube portions 125 A and 125B. hi Figures 5 to 7, there is depicted an applicator 210 according to a further alternative embodiment of the invention. The applicator 210 has a generally T- shaped configuration formed by lance 215 and an applicator head generally indicated at 220 (otherwise referred to as the "head bar"). The applicator head 220 has right and left dispensing tube portions 225A and 225B which are connected at connector 230. The dispensing tube portions 225 A and 225B screw in to connector 230 (although this could also be achieved by other means such as a snap fit arrangement).

The dispensing tube portions 225A and 225B have a series of holes (not shown) of approximately .4mm diameter spaced at intervals along the underside of the dispensing tube portions 225A and 225B for dispensing the agricultural liquid chemical preparation. The dispensing tube portions 225 A and 225B each have a cap 235A and 235B at their respective free ends. The dispensing tube portions 225A and 225B and the caps 235 A and 235B are removable to allow cleaning and replacement of the dispensing tube portions. Accordingly, if one of the dispensing tube portions 225A and 225B breaks or becomes blocked, this may be easily replaced by the operator in the field. Further, as the dispensing tube portions 225A and 225B fit into either the left or right hand side of the connector 230, they are interchangeable and therefore less replacement parts are required.

In this embodiment of the invention, instead of flowing through the lance 215, the agricultural liquid chemical preparation is delivered to the dispensing tube portions 225 A and 225B by a flexible delivery tube 240 via block-shaped connector 230 (shown in greater detail in Figures 8 to 13). As the diameter of the delivery tube is narrower than lance 10 in the first embodiment or 115 in the alternative embodiment described above, this reduces the volume flow rate at which the chemical preparation is delivered to the dispensing tube portions 225 A and 225B. Further, as this arrangement avoids contact of the lance with the chemical, this reduces the risk of corrosion of the lance 215 and therefore allows greater flexibility in the choice of materials from which the lance may be manufactured. A stiffener plate 245 also provides the lance 215 with additional strength. The operator holds and manipulates the applicator by handle 250. Handle 250 is fixed to the lance 215 with a bi-directional adjustable bracket 255 to enable the operator to adjust the position of the handle so that the applicator head 220 can be held comfortably by the operator approximately 20 cm above the ground. A removable shoulder strap (not shown) can also be attached to the lance 215 at the stiffener plate 245 by any suitable fastening means at about the point of balance.

Flow control valves 260 and 265 control the flow of the agricultural liquid chemical preparation. In this embodiment, the in-line filter (not shown) is provided on the pump rather than the applicator to reduce the risk of blockage in the line and minimise debris entering the applicator 210. i use, a supply line in the form of a flexible hose (not shown) is removably connected to applicator 210 at hose connector 270. The agricultural liquid chemical preparation is pumped to applicator 210 via the hose at low pressure from a remote source such as a vehicular mounted tank. The agricultural liquid chemical preparation flows through the hose to hose connector 270, through flow control valve 265, to flow control valve 260. When flow control valve 260 is activated by the operator, liquid flows through the delivery tube 240 to the dispensing tube portions 225A and 225B via the connector 230. The agricultural liquid chemical preparation is applied as droplets through the holes (not shown) on the underside of the dispensing tube portions 225A and 225B.

The above description is by way of illustrative examples only. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments disclosed and that there may also be other features, variations, modifications and substitution of parts and elements, not explicitly referred to herein but which will be apparent to persons skilled in the art, without departing from, and which are encompassed by, the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A hand operated applicator for the application of an agricultural liquid chemical preparation having:

3. løllCC_j an applicator head; a series of small openings at spaced intervals along the underside of the applicator head; a connector for connecting the applicator to a source of the agricultural liquid chemical preparation via a supply line; and at least one means to control flow of the agricultural liquid chemical preparation; wherein the applicator has a generally T-shaped configuration formed by the lance and the applicator head.

2. A hand operated agricultural chemical applicator according to claim 1 wherein delivery of the agricultural liquid chemical preparation to the applicator head is through the lance.

3. A hand operated agricultural chemical applicator according to claim 1 wherein delivery of the chemical to the applicator head is via a delivery tube external of the lance. .

4. A hand operated agricultural chemical applicator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator head has at least two dispensing tube portions.

5. A hand operated agricultural chemical applicator according to claim 4 wherein the dispensing tube portions and the lance are connected by a T-piece.

6. A hand operated agricultural chemical applicator according to claim 5 wherein the T-piece is hollow.

7. A hand operated agricultural chemical applicator according to claim 4 wherein the dispensing tube portions and the lance are connected by a block shaped connector with channels provided therein to enable the flow of liquid from the lance into the dispensing tube portions.

8. A hand operated agricultural chemical applicator according to claim 4 wherein the dispensing tube portions and the delivery tube are connected by a block shaped connector with channels provided therein to enable the flow of liquid from the delivery tube into the dispensing tube portions.

9. A hand operated agricultural chemical applicator according to claim 8 wherein the dispensing tube portions, the lance and the delivery tube are connected by a block shaped connector with channels provided therein to enable the flow of liquid from the delivery tube into the dispensing tube portions.

10. A hand operated agricultural chemical applicator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the dispensing tube portions each have a removable cap at their respective free ends.

11. A hand operated agricultural chemical applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the dispensing tube portions each have a removable plug at their respective free ends.

12. A hand operated agricultural chemical applicator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the openings in the underside of the applicator head are holes.

13. A hand operated agricultural chemical applicator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the openings in the underside of the applicator head are nozzles.

14. A hand operated agricultural chemical applicator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the openings in the underside of the applicator head are in the range of approximately .2 to 1mm diameter and spaced at intervals in the range of approximately 15 to 35mm.

15. A hand operated agricultural chemical applicator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the openings in the underside of the applicator head are .4mm diameter and spaced at 25mm intervals.

16. A hand operated agricultural chemical applicator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the means to control the flow of the agricultural liquid chemical preparation is in the form of a trigger.

17. A hand operated agricultural chemical applicator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the means to control the flow of the agricultural liquid chemical preparation is in the form of a valve.

18. A hand operated agricultural chemical applicator according to claims 16 or 17 wherein the applicator has at least one additional means to further control the flow of the agricultural liquid chemical preparation.

19. A hand operated agricultural chemical applicator according to claim 18 wherein the additional means to further control the flow of the agricultural liquid chemical preparation is in the form of one or more valves.

20. A hand operated agricultural chemical applicator according to any one of the preceding claims having at least one in-line filter.

21. A hand operated agricultural chemical applicator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the applicator has means for gripping the lance.

22. A hand operated agricultural chemical applicator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the gripping means is at least one handle.

23. A hand operated agricultural chemical applicator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the applicator is provided with a shoulder strap.

24. A hand operated agricultural chemical applicator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the parts and fittings in contact with the chemical are manufactured from materials resistant to the chemicals intended to be used.

25. A hand operated agricultural chemical applicator substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples.

26. A method of applying an agricultural liquid chemical preparation in which the agricultural liquid chemical preparation is pumped to an applicator via a supply line at low pressure, the agricultural liquid chemical preparation is applied as droplets via a series of small openings in the underside of the head of the applicator, and in which the flow of the agricultural liquid chemical preparation is able to be adjusted by at least one flow control means to deliver the agricultural liquid chemical preparation at a desired application rate.

27. A method of applying an agricultural liquid chemical preparation according to claim 26 in which the agricultural liquid chemical preparation is pumped from a remote source.

28. A method of applying an agricultural liquid chemical preparation according to claim 27 in which the remote source is a vehicular mounted tank.

29. A method of applying an agricultural liquid chemical preparation according to claim 26 in which the operator carries the liquid chemical preparation in a container together with a pump, and pumps the liquid from the container to the applicator via the supply line.

30. A method of applying an agricultural liquid chemical preparation according to any one of claims 26 to 29 in which an in-line filter is provided in the supply line.

31. A method of applying an agricultural liquid chemical preparation according to any one of claims 26 to 30 while using a hand operated agricultural chemical applicator of the type having: . 1SHC©₅ an applicator head; a series of small openings at spaced intervals along the underside of the applicator head; a connector for connecting the applicator to a source of the agricultural liquid chemical preparation via a supply line; and at least one means to control flow of the agricultural liquid chemical preparation; wherein the applicator has a generally T-shaped configuration formed by the lance and the applicator head.

32. A method of applying an agricultural liquid chemical preparation in which the agricultural liquid chemical preparation is applied by means of a hand operated agricultural chemical applicator substantially as hereinbefore described.