Kansas Patent of the Month – March 2025
CapstanAG has introduced a breakthrough in aerial spray technology designed to dramatically reduce chemical drift and improve coverage precision. The new system enables individual nozzle control across an aircraft’s spray width, tailoring fluid output to match exact distribution goals.
Adaptive nozzles powered by real-time data
Traditional aerial spraying often struggles with uneven distribution due to wind drift, variable airspeed, and inconsistent droplet sizes. CapstanAG’s innovation overcomes this by using onboard sensors and a smart controller to analyze environmental conditions and aircraft movement. It then adjusts each nozzle’s emission rate accordingly—down to individual sections of the spray path.
This means nozzles can release different amounts of fluid based on local wind speed, droplet size needs, and target area conditions. The system can even create complex spray shapes—like sharp edges or tapered zones—to avoid overspray and minimize waste.
Maximizing impact, minimizing harm
The potential benefits are significant. With better accuracy, farmers can use less product while achieving greater crop coverage. This reduces costs and limits environmental impact from runoff or drift onto non-target areas.
By integrating real-time weather, aircraft dynamics, and fluid physics into one responsive system, CapstanAG is setting a new standard in precision agriculture. This smart spraying approach could reshape how aerial treatments are applied—making them safer, more efficient, and far more effective.
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