An agricultural sample packaging apparatus comprising a chassis, a container holder configured to receive a container containing an agricultural sample, and a piston assembly mounted to the chassis. The piston assembly may comprise a piston and a piston actuator. The piston actuator may be pivotally connected to the chassis and configured to pivot about a first pivot axis to move the piston between a first piston position and a second piston position. The container holder actuator may be configured to move the container holder between a first container holder position and a second container holder position. A force relief may be provided.
A seed-delivery device having a seed meter (128, 328) having a metering disc (202) configured to receive seeds, a seed tube (130, 330) coupled to the seed meter (128, 328), and a seed accelerator (200, 300) having an air inlet and a conduit, the conduit directing an air flow from the air inlet to the seed tube (130, 330) in a direction away from the seed meter (128, 328), the air flow configured to entrain and accelerate a seed in a direction away from the seed meter (128, 328) as the seed passes through the seed tube (130, 330).
A seed firming wheel assembly (600) with resilient suspension for a planting row unit (100) includes a mounting bracket (610), torsion axle (650), and suspension arm (630). The mounting bracket (610) comprises a first end (611) configured to be coupled to a frame (110) of the row unit (100) and a second end (612) to which the torsion axle (650) is coupled. The suspension arm (630) includes an upper end detachably coupled to the torsion axle (650) and a lower end to which a firming wheel rotatably coupled. The firming wheel is supported in a cantilevered manner from the torsion axle (650) by the suspension arm (630). The firming wheel is operable to press seeds into soil within a planting trench as the seed are deposited by the row unit. The second end (612) of the mounting bracket (610) may be free floating. The torsion axle (650) dampens motion of the firming wheel as the row unit (100) travels the agricultural field.
A seed meter (1702, 1802,... 3202) having: a seed disc (1712, 1812,... 3212) having one or more apertures (1914, 2214,... 3214), each of the one or more apertures extending from a seed loading zone of the seed disc to a seed release zone of the seed disc; and a cover (1704, 1804,... 3204) disposed at least partially on the seed disc, the cover having a seed track cutout (1706, 1806,... 3206), the seed track cutout forming a seed track path (1708, 1808,... 3208) on the seed disc, the seed track cutout exposing one or more sections (1715, 1815,... 3215) of at least some of the one or more apertures along the seed track path, the seed disc being configured for rotational movement relative to the cover to motivate, at least in part, one or more seeds to travel along at least a portion of the seed track path.
A seed meter (3502, 3902) having: a seed disc (3512, 3912) having one or more apertures extending from a seed loading zone to a seed release zone of the seed disc; a mask (3609, 3909) comprising a seed track cutout (3607, 3907) exposing one or more sections (3515) of at least some of the one or more apertures along the seed track cutout; and a cover (3504, 3904) disposed at least partially on the seed disc, the cover comprising a seed track path (3508) on the seed disc, the seed track path exposing at least some of the one or more sections of at least some of the one or more apertures along the seed track path, the seed disc being configured for rotational movement relative to the cover to motivate one or more seeds to travel along at least a portion of the seed track path.
01 - Chemical and biological materials for industrial, scientific and agricultural use
07 - Machines and machine tools
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Chemical test kits for analyzing chemical properties of soil
for agricultural use. Machines and machine tools, namely, soil sampling equipment
for collecting and processing soil samples for agricultural
purposes in the nature of machines to grind, mix and analyze
soil samples; mixing machines for chemical processing to
analyze soil samples. Soil sampling apparatus, namely, biological and physical
processing instruments for analysis of soil samples for
agricultural purposes in the nature of apparatus to grind,
mix and analyze soil samples; downloadable computer software
applications featuring software for processing soil samples
for chemical, biological and physical properties, for
agricultural purposes.
Implements include application units for placement of fluid applications with respect to agricultural plants of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, an application unit includes a frame to be positioned in operation between two rows of plants and a plurality of flexible members coupled to the frame in operation such that the plurality of flexible members guide a lateral position of the frame to be approximately equidistant from the two rows of plants based upon whether at least one flexible member of the plurality of flexible members contacts one or more plants of the two rows of plants. The plurality of flexible members include a plurality of fluid outlets for spraying crop input in close proximity to the rows of plants.
A01C 23/00 - Distributing devices specially adapted for liquid manure or other fertilising liquid, including ammonia, e.g. transport tanks or sprinkling wagons
A01C 23/02 - Special arrangements for delivering the liquid directly into the soil
A01M 7/00 - Special adaptations or arrangements of liquid-spraying apparatus for purposes covered by this subclass
A01M 21/04 - Apparatus for destruction by steam, chemicals, burning, or electricity
B05B 1/16 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openingsNozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with strainers in or outside the outlet opening having selectively-effective outlets
B05B 1/20 - Perforated pipes or troughs, e.g. spray boomsOutlet elements therefor
A seed delivery system having: a seed meter (128) comprising a rotatable metering disc (129) configured to hold an array of singulated seeds; a seed accelerator (400) comprising an accelerator wheel (401) configured to dislodge the singulated seeds from the metering disc, and a seed chute (130) configured to receive the seeds dislodged by the accelerator wheel; wherein the accelerator wheel is rotatable to dislodge the seeds from the metering disc in a radial outward direction and accelerate dispensing of the seed to the seed chute; and a method for dispensing seeds for planting, including: forming a trench in soil with a row unit; rotating a metering disc holding an array of singulated seeds; rotating an accelerator wheel; dislodging the seeds from the metering disc in a radial outward direction with the accelerator wheel; and delivering the seeds to the trench.
A seed delivery system having: a seed meter (128) comprising a metering disc (129) configured to hold a plurality of seeds; a seed accelerator (300) comprising an internal passageway configured to flow an airstream therethrough, the seed accelerator including a seed capture shroud (305) defining an inwardly open air entrainment chamber (306) facing the metering disc and forming part of the internal passageway; and a seed dispensing tube (130) coupled to the seed accelerator; wherein the metering disc is rotatable to move the seeds through the seed capture shroud which is configured to extract and entrain each of the seeds in the airstream.
A seed delivery system comprising a seed meter (128, 129) supported by an agricultural row unit frame (110) and comprising a metering disc (120, 129) configured to hold a plurality of seeds; a seed inductor (402) such as an accelerator configured to flow a pressurized airstream therethrough to dislodge seeds from the metering disc (120, 129) which are discharged to a seed dispensing tube (130). The dispensing tube (130) receives the airstream with entrained seeds from the seed accelerator (300, 350) and dispenses the seeds from a discharge opening (130) at bottom into a planting trench (104). The suction side of a fan (210) is fluidly coupled to one side of the seed meter (128, 129) for providing a vacuum thereto and discharge side is fluidly coupled to the accelerator for providing pressurized air to the accelerator. A pressure regulator (215) may be provided to control the air pressure of air discharged by the fan (210) to the accelerator.
A seed-delivery device having a seed meter (128, 328) having a metering disc (202) configured to receive seeds, a seed tube (130, 330) coupled to the seed meter (128, 328), and a seed accelerator (200, 300) having an air inlet and a conduit, the conduit directing an air flow from the air inlet to the seed tube (130, 330) in a direction away from the seed meter (128, 328), the air flow configured to entrain and accelerate a seed in a direction away from the seed meter (128, 328) as the seed passes through the seed tube (130, 330).
In operating an agricultural implement, such as a row crop planter comprising a plurality of row units, for example, maintaining a desired "downforce" between the soil and ground-engaging wheels of each row unit is difficult. Too much downforce can cause a row unit to over- compact the soil which results in crop yield loss, while insufficient downforce can cause a row unit to lose planting depth, resulting in potential emergence failure. Moreover, it is often the case that a row crop planter is pulled across ground that has already been planted which can disrupt the previously-planted seeds and/or overseed the ground. Disclosed herein are row unit systems and a planter (10) that can completely lift the row units (200) off the ground when the row crop planter passes over already-seeded ground.
A seed delivery system comprising a seed meter supported by a row unit frame and comprising a metering disc configured to hold a plurality of seeds; a seed accelerator configured to flow a pressurized airstream therethrough, the accelerator comprising an air entrainment chamber configured to extract and entrain the seeds from the metering disc in the airstream; a seed dispensing tube comprising a top end receiving the airstream with entrained seeds from the seed accelerator and a bottom end defining a discharge opening for dispensing the seeds into a planting trench; and an air deflection baffle disposed adjacent the dispensing tube between the top and bottom ends, the baffle configured to block at least a portion of air from entering the trench which flows downwards along the dispensing tube. The baffle may be mounted to the tube. One or more air vents vent excess air in the tube to atmosphere.
An agricultural row unit having: a frame (110); a trench opening assembly (122) configured to open a trench in a soil surface as the trench opening assembly (122) moves in a forward direction of travel; a sub-trench opener (105) disposed in the trench to open a sub-trench; a seed conduit (130) configured to deposit seeds into the sub-trench; and a trench closing assembly (146) for closing the trench and sub-trench.
A method of rinsing a fluid tank of a sprayer system with sensor detection includes determining, with a sensor, a clean water baseline sensor signal during a calibration mode when fluid from a rinse tank is pumped through a fluid line and through the sensor, upon completing the calibration mode, initiating a rinse mode to begin the rinsing of the fluid tank by pumping the fluid from the rinse tank into the fluid tank, pumping the fluid from the fluid tank through a fluid line and through the sensor, determining a sensor signal of the sensor that is indicative of a characteristic of the fluid exiting the fluid tank during the rinse mode, and comparing the sensor signal of the sensor during the rinse mode with the clean water baseline sensor signal of the sensor during the calibration mode.
01 - Chemical and biological materials for industrial, scientific and agricultural use
07 - Machines and machine tools
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
(1) Chemical test kits for analyzing chemical properties of soil for agricultural use.
(2) Machines and machine tools, namely, soil sampling equipment for collecting and processing soil samples for agricultural purposes in the nature of machines to grind, mix and analyze soil samples; mixing machines for chemical processing to analyze soil samples.
(3) Soil sampling apparatus, namely, biological and physical processing instruments for analysis of soil samples for agricultural purposes in the nature of apparatus to grind, mix and analyze soil samples; downloadable computer software applications featuring software for processing soil samples for chemical, biological and physical properties, for agricultural purposes.
An agricultural row unit (100) having: a frame (110): a trench opening assembly (120) configured to open a trench (104) in a soil surface as the trench opening assembly (120) moves in a forward direction of travel (D): the trench opening assembly (120) comprises a first disc (62), wherein the first disc (62) is notched and has a tooth (64) between notches (63); a seed conduit (130) configured to deposit seeds into the trench (104); and a trench closing assembly (146) for closing the trench (104).
A soil collector including: a first frame configured to attach to a vehicle, wherein the vehicle has a forward direction of travel; a second frame configured to translate on the first frame perpendicular to the direction of travel; an actuator connected to the first frame and the second frame and configured to translate the second frame on the first frame; a motor disposed on the second frame; a coulter connected to the second frame and disposed perpendicular to the direction of travel and in mechanical communication with the motor; and a collection container disposed adjacent to the coulter for collecting soil from the coulter. Also, a method of collecting soil from a field including: moving a vehicle having the soil collector to a location in a field; translating the coulter across a plurality of lanes; and collecting soil from the plurality of lanes.
B28D 1/04 - Working stone or stone-like materials, e.g. brick, concrete, not provided for elsewhereMachines, devices, tools therefor by sawing with circular saw blades or saw discs
G01N 1/08 - Devices for withdrawing samples in the solid state, e.g. by cutting involving an extracting tool, e.g. core bit
An automated programmable processor-controlled system and related methods for packaging an agricultural sample such as soil for testing for various chemical properties such as plant available nutrients. The packaging system includes a sample packaging apparatus processes raw bulk sample material collected in the agricultural field to be expediently and conveniently containerized for processing and analysis. The apparatus may include a grinder, compactor, container magazine, and rotatable carousel which carries a sample container between various processing stations. Bulk sample material is reduced in particle size by the grinder which is then transferred to the compactor. An actuated plunger fills and compacts the sample material into the sample container. A decapper automatically both removes and replaces the container cap before and after filling respectfully. An RFID device reads the container ID tag and writes the GPS sample collection location to the tag. The system is controlled by one or more programmable processors.
An analyzation system for analyzing an agricultural material is disclosed. The analyzation system comprises a chamber configured to receive the agricultural material, a mixing device configured to mix the agricultural material with a liquid to form a slurry, and a sensing system configured to sense the level of the slurry in the chamber. The analyzation system further comprises an acoustic sensor and a deployable acoustic target movable between an undeployed position and a deployed position. In various embodiments, the analyzation system could comprise an acoustic target and a movable acoustic sensor. In various embodiments, the analyzation system can create the acoustic target.
G01F 25/20 - Testing or calibration of apparatus for measuring volume, volume flow or liquid level or for metering by volume of apparatus for measuring liquid level
G01S 7/52 - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group
A method of measuring sodium ion concentration in a sample including: providing an analysis sample; processing the analysis sample through an analysis device that vaporizes the analysis sample and provides emission spectra; measuring a first emission intensity at 589 nm and a second emission intensity at 819 nm for sodium ions; if the first emission intensity at 589 nm is not saturated, obtaining a sodium ion concentration from the first emission intensity at 589 nm; and if the first emission intensity at 589 nm is saturated, obtaining the sodium ion concentration from the second emission intensity at 819 nm.
G01N 21/73 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited using plasma burners or torches
G01N 21/67 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light electrically excited, e.g. electroluminescence using electric arcs or discharges
26.
AGRICULTURAL SAMPLE SLURRY PREPARATION SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS
A grinder-filter apparatus for preparing an agricultural sample slurry may comprise an outer housing defining a vertical centerline and a sealable internal grinding chamber that may be configured to receive agricultural sample material and water. The outer housing may comprise an upper housing and a second housing. The upper housing may be hingably coupled to the lower housing through a hinge and a clamp to selectively allow access to the internal grinding chamber. The apparatus may comprise a paddle rotatably that may be disposed in the chamber and operable to mix the sample material and water to form the sample slurry.
B02C 17/16 - Mills in which a fixed container houses stirring means tumbling the charge
B02C 18/08 - Disintegrating by knives or other cutting or tearing members which chop material into fragmentsMincing machines or similar apparatus using worms or the like with rotating knives within vertical containers
B02C 18/10 - Disintegrating by knives or other cutting or tearing members which chop material into fragmentsMincing machines or similar apparatus using worms or the like with rotating knives within vertical containers with drive arranged above container
A system (1000) for analyzing one or more agricultural materials including: an ion selective electrode (2500) having an upper end, an internal cavity (2501) for containing a fluid, and a first port (2502); a tank (2510) disposed adjacent to an upper end and containing a fluid for supplying the internal cavity (2501); a transfer port (2520) in connection with the first port (2502), wherein the transfer port (2520) has a first tip (2521) disposed in the first port (2502) and a second tip (2522) in communication with the tank (2510), wherein the first tip (2521) is configured to allow air to travel from the internal cavity (2501) through the first tip (2521) and configured to allow fluid from the tank (2510) to flow around the first tip (2521) and into the internal cavity (2501).
A sample unloading system including: a sample staging rack including at least one inclined feed ramp configured for receiving a sample tube configured for holding a sample; a sensor disposed in the at least one inclined feed ramp for detecting the presence or absence of the sample tube; and a controller for receiving a signal from the sensor.
B65G 1/08 - Storage devices mechanical with means for presenting articles for removal at predetermined position or level the articles being fed by gravity
An agricultural sample packaging apparatus, comprising a grinder configured to receive and grind an agricultural sample material; a compactor comprising a feed tube configured to receive ground sample material from the grinder and a plunger linearly movable into and out of the feed tube; a rotatable carousel configured to removably hold a sample container, the carousel operable to receive and rotate the sample container beneath the feed tube; a sample container magazine configured to hold a plurality of sample containers, the container magazine including a container feed mechanism configured to rotate horizontally positioned sample containers to a vertical position for insertion into the rotatable carousel.
An automated programmable processor-controlled system and related methods for processing an agricultural sample material such as soil or another to facilitate testing for various chemical properties such as plant available nutrients. The system includes a sample staging rack configured for holding sample tubes filled with sample material, a tube elevator positioned adjacent the staging rack, and a sample unloading apparatus configured for unloading the sample from the tubes. The elevator comprises a chain drive including a circulating chain with a tube lifting member configured to selectively retrieve and carry a sample tube from the staging rack. The elevator translates the lifting member via the chain drive to position the first sample tube along a feed axis of the unloading apparatus. A linearly movable tube loading member engages and pushes the sample tube off the lifting member and into a rotatable carriage which dumps the sample material out of the tube.
B65G 1/08 - Storage devices mechanical with means for presenting articles for removal at predetermined position or level the articles being fed by gravity
B65G 17/12 - Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriersEndless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface comprising a series of individual load-carriers fixed, or normally fixed, relative to traction element
B65G 47/57 - Devices for transferring articles or materials between conveyors, i.e. discharging or feeding devices to or from inclined or vertical conveyor sections for articles
B65G 65/23 - Devices for tilting and emptying of containers
A computer implemented method for identifying biomass includes receiving an input to initiate a continuous process for identifying biomass including plants in the agricultural field, obtaining image data from one or more image sensors of an agricultural implement that is traversing rows of plants in the agricultural field, wherein each image sensor includes RGB filters and a plurality of polarization filters, analyzing a number of independent channels from the image data to determine a plurality of parameters of the biomass including the rows of plants, and classifying the biomass including the rows of plants based on the analysis for 3D reconstruction of the rows of plants.
G06V 10/143 - Sensing or illuminating at different wavelengths
G06V 10/764 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using classification, e.g. of video objects
A seed metering and delivery apparatus (7500, 7503), comprising: a seed meter (128, 129, 7502) comprising a seed meter disc (7504) rotatable about a seed meter disc axis (7506, 8406), the seed meter disc (7504) comprising at least a front face (7508, 7530), the seed meter disc (7504) configured to move one or more seeds (9587) at a first seed meter disc (7504) speed along a seed path (7510) configured on at least the front face (7508, 7530) to a removal location (7512); and a delivery system (200, 7520) having at least one housing (7522, 8406, 8922), the at least one housing (7522, 8406, 8922) comprising: at least one delivery wheel (7524) rotatable about a delivery wheel axis (7526, 7826, 8426, 8526), the at least one delivery wheel (7524) comprising an active surface (9509, 10406), the at least one delivery wheel (7524) positioned adjacent the front face (7508, 7530) of the seed meter disc (7504) such that at least some of the active surface (9509, 10406) at least partially crosses the seed path (7510) at the removal location (7512); at least a side surface (7534, 8434) and an inner wall (7538, 8438, 8938, 9507), the inner wall (7538, 8438, 8938, 9507) arranged opposite the active surface (9509, 10406) of the delivery wheel (7524, 7564, 7824, 8424, 8464, 9535, 10412) forming a pocket space (9511) between the active surface (9509, 10406) of the delivery wheel (7524, 7564, 7824, 8424, 8464, 9535, 10412) and the inner wall (7538, 8438, 8938, 9507), the pocket space (9511) having a pocket space (9511) size (9511), the pocket space (9511) size (9511) configured to receive and accommodate a change in orientation of the one or more seeds (9587), the delivery wheel (7524, 7564, 7824, 8424, 8464, 9535, 10412) configured to: sweep the one or more seeds (9587) off the front face (7508, 7530) of the seed meter disc (7504) at a first delivery wheel (7524) speed into the at least one housing (7522, 8406, 8922); and induce, at least partially, the one or more seeds (9587) to travel in the pocket space (9511) along the inner wall (7538, 8438, 8938, 9507) to a delivery discharge location (7525) proximate to an upper opening (7552) of a dispensing tube (130, 13, 7550, 7551).
A method of identifying and counting a plurality of sample containers including: providing a plurality of sample containers, wherein each sample container has a dual frequency RFID tag attached to the sample container, wherein a first frequency is configured to provide an identification of the sample container and a second frequency configured to count the plurality of sample containers; counting a number of sample containers in the plurality of sample containers by accessing the second frequency of each sample container; and obtaining the identification of each sample container by accessing the first frequency. A plurality if sample containers comprising: a plurality of sample containers, wherein each sample container has a dual frequency RFID tag attached to the sample container, wherein a first frequency is configured to provide an identification of the sample container and a second frequency to count the plurality of sample containers.
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
An imaging device including an image sensor and a lens. In one aspect, the system includes a focusing mechanism configured to selectively adjust the distance between the image sensor and the lens of the imaging device to relatively position the image sensor and the lens at a distance selected from a first distance at which the lens is proximal to the image sensor, a second distance at which the lens is remote from the image sensor, and intermediate distances therebetween, to focus the imaging device; and an applicator configured to apply a bonding agent to the imaging device. In another aspect, the method includes adjusting a distance between the image sensor and the lens to adjust the focus of the imaging device.
A seed orientation system for an agricultural planter having: a row unit having an opener configured to open a seed furrow in a soil surface as the agricultural planter advances in a forward direction of travel through a field; a seed meter configured to discharge singulated seeds; and a helix having a number of degrees of rotation configured to receive the singulated seeds from the seed meter, the helix having: a seed riding surface configured to engage a face of the seed; and a seed guide wall that adjoins to said seed riding surface and is configured to engage a side of the seed when the seed is traversing said helix along said seed riding surface.
An automated computer-controlled sampling system and related methods for collecting, processing, and analyzing agricultural samples for various chemical properties such as plant available nutrients. The sampling system allows multiple samples to be processed and analyzed for different analytes or chemical properties in a simultaneous concurrent or semi-concurrent manner. Advantageously, the system can process soil samples in the “as collected” condition without drying or grinding. The system generally includes a sample preparation sub-system which receives soil samples collected by a probe collection sub-system and produces a slurry (i.e. mixture of soil, vegetation, and/or manure and water), and a chemical analysis sub-system which processes the prepared slurry samples for quantifying multiple analytes and/or chemical properties of the sample. The sample preparation and chemical analysis sub-systems can be used to analyze soil, vegetation, and/or manure samples.
G01N 35/10 - Devices for transferring samples to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices
G01N 35/00 - Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups Handling materials therefor
G01N 35/08 - Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups Handling materials therefor using a stream of discrete samples flowing along a tube system, e.g. flow injection analysis
37.
SOIL WATER COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS SYSTEMS AND RELATED METHODS
An agricultural machine includes a chassis, a product tank containing a fluid, and a fluid distribution system in fluid communication with the product tank. The fluid distribution system includes a plurality of fluid outlet lines configured to deliver a fluid to an agricultural field. At least one pulse width modulation valve is in fluid communication with at least one of fluid outlet line of the plurality of fluid outlet lines. The agricultural machine further includes at least one pressure sensor upstream of the at least one pulse width modulation valve and configured to measure a fluid pressure upstream of the at least one pulse width modulation valve. The agricultural machine further includes a monitoring system configured to determine at least one operating condition of the at least one pulse width modulation valve. Related methods and monitoring systems are also disclosed.
A method of operating a crop sprayer includes determining a duty cycle of a pulse width modulation valve, measuring a flowrate of a fluid through the pulse width modulation valve to determine a measured flowrate, and applying a correction factor to the measured flowrate to determine a corrected flowrate based on the duty cycle. A crop sprayer includes a chassis, a product tank containing a fluid, a boom comprising at least one boom arm configured to laterally extend from the chassis, and a nozzle assembly operably coupled to the at least one boom arm and in fluid communication with the product tank. The nozzle assembly includes a sensor housing, a flow meter, and a pulse width modulation valve. The crop sprayer includes a sensor monitoring system configured to determine a corrected flowrate through the nozzle assembly. Related control systems are also disclosed.
A01C 23/00 - Distributing devices specially adapted for liquid manure or other fertilising liquid, including ammonia, e.g. transport tanks or sprinkling wagons
A01M 7/00 - Special adaptations or arrangements of liquid-spraying apparatus for purposes covered by this subclass
40.
Methods of Operating a Pulse Width Modulation Valve, and Related Agricultural Machines and Monitoring Systems
An agricultural machine includes a chassis, a product tank containing a fluid, and a fluid distribution system in fluid communication with the product tank. The fluid distribution system includes at least one fluid outlet line configured to deliver a fluid to an agricultural field, at least one pulse width modulation valve in fluid communication with the at least one fluid outlet line, and at least one magnetometer configured to measure at least one magnetic property caused by actuation of the at least one pulse width modulation valve. The agricultural machine further includes a monitoring system configured to determine at least one of a duty cycle or a modulation frequency of the at least one pulse width modulation valve based on the at least one magnetic property. Related methods and monitoring systems are also disclosed.
G05D 7/06 - Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means
A01C 23/00 - Distributing devices specially adapted for liquid manure or other fertilising liquid, including ammonia, e.g. transport tanks or sprinkling wagons
A01C 23/02 - Special arrangements for delivering the liquid directly into the soil
A01C 23/04 - Distributing under pressureDistributing mudAdaptation of watering systems for fertilising-liquids
A01M 7/00 - Special adaptations or arrangements of liquid-spraying apparatus for purposes covered by this subclass
41.
Methods of Operating a Pulse Width Modulation Valve, and Related Agricultural Machines and Monitoring Systems
An agricultural machine includes a chassis, a product tank containing a fluid, and a fluid distribution system in fluid communication with the product tank. The fluid distribution system includes at least one fluid outlet line configured to deliver a fluid to an agricultural field, at least one pulse width modulation valve in fluid communication with the at least one fluid outlet line, and at least one pressure sensor upstream of the at least one pulse width modulation valve, the at least one pressure sensor configured to measure a fluid pressure proximate the at least one pulse width modulation valve. The agricultural machine further includes a monitoring system configured to determine at least one of a duty cycle or a modulation frequency of the at least one pulse width modulation valve based on the fluid pressure. Related methods and monitoring systems are also disclosed.
A01C 23/00 - Distributing devices specially adapted for liquid manure or other fertilising liquid, including ammonia, e.g. transport tanks or sprinkling wagons
A01C 23/02 - Special arrangements for delivering the liquid directly into the soil
A01C 23/04 - Distributing under pressureDistributing mudAdaptation of watering systems for fertilising-liquids
A01M 7/00 - Special adaptations or arrangements of liquid-spraying apparatus for purposes covered by this subclass
G05D 7/06 - Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means
42.
Methods of Operating a Pulse Width Modulation Valve, and Related Agricultural Machines and Monitoring Systems
An agricultural machine includes a chassis, a product tank containing a fluid, and a fluid distribution system in fluid communication with the product tank. The fluid distribution system includes at least one fluid outlet line configured to deliver a fluid to an agricultural field, at least one pulse width modulation valve in fluid communication with the at least one fluid outlet line, and at least one of an accelerometer and a magnetometer. The agricultural machine further includes a monitoring system configured to determine at least one operating condition of the at least one pulse width modulation valve. Related methods and monitoring systems are also disclosed.
A01C 23/00 - Distributing devices specially adapted for liquid manure or other fertilising liquid, including ammonia, e.g. transport tanks or sprinkling wagons
A01M 7/00 - Special adaptations or arrangements of liquid-spraying apparatus for purposes covered by this subclass
43.
EXPANDABLE NETWORK ARCHITECTURE FOR COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS
Expandable network architectures with communication systems having multiple networks for communications between machines and implements for field operations. In one embodiment, a communication system includes a first communication module including at least one port of a first network, at least one input port and at least one output port of a second network, and a first network gateway to translate between a first protocol for the first network and a second protocol for the second network. A second communication module is communicatively coupled to the first communication module. The second communication module includes at least one port of the first network, and at least at least one input port and at least one output port of the second network. The second communication module is configurable to expand a network architecture of the communication system by being capable of communicatively coupling to at least one additional communication module.
H04L 67/12 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
44.
SYSTEM AND METHOD UTIIZING A PRESSURE SENSOR TO MONITOR DIAGNOSTICS OF A PULSE WIDTH MODULATION VALVE DURING FLUID APPLICATION
In an aspect, there is provided a method of monitoring operations of a pulse width modulation (PWM) valve and nozzle assembly for a fluid application of an agricultural implement. The method includes applying a current during one or more time periods to open the PWM valve during a fluid application of the agricultural implement, monitoring pressure of a pressure sensor of the PWM valve and nozzle assembly during the one or more time periods, determining whether pressure spikes of the pressure of the pressure sensor correspond to a commanded frequency of the PWM valve during the one or more time periods, and determining whether the PWM valve is stuck fully open, fully closed, or partially open when the pressure spikes of the pressure of the pressure sensor do not correspond to the commanded frequency of the PWM valve during the one or more time periods.
A01M 7/00 - Special adaptations or arrangements of liquid-spraying apparatus for purposes covered by this subclass
B05B 1/20 - Perforated pipes or troughs, e.g. spray boomsOutlet elements therefor
B05B 12/08 - Arrangements for controlling deliveryArrangements for controlling the spray area responsive to condition of liquid or other fluent material discharged, of ambient medium or of target
45.
System and Method to Reduce Power Consumption of a Pulse Width Modulation Valve During Fluid Application
In an aspect, there is provided a method of operating a pulse width modulation (PWM) valve for a fluid application of an agricultural implement. The method includes applying full current for a first period of time to fully open the PWM valve, applying a reduced current for a reduced current value that is from 0 up to a dissipating threshold value that is below full current for a second period of time to rapidly dissipate energy in the PWM valve that is fully open, and applying a holding current for a third period of time to hold the PWM valve fully open for the fluid application.
A01M 7/00 - Special adaptations or arrangements of liquid-spraying apparatus for purposes covered by this subclass
B05B 1/08 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to produce a jet, spray, or other discharge of particular shape or nature, e.g. in single drops of pulsating nature, e.g. delivering liquid in successive separate quantities
B05B 12/08 - Arrangements for controlling deliveryArrangements for controlling the spray area responsive to condition of liquid or other fluent material discharged, of ambient medium or of target
F16K 31/06 - Operating meansReleasing devices electricOperating meansReleasing devices magnetic using a magnet
46.
EXPANDABLE NETWORK ARCHITECTURE FOR COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN MACHINES AND IMPLEMENTS
Expandable network architectures with communication systems having multiple networks for communications between machines and implements for field operations. In one embodiment, a communication system includes a first communication module including at least one port of a first network, at least one input port and at least one output port of a second network, and a first network gateway to translate between a first protocol for the first network and a second protocol for the second network. A second communication module is communicatively coupled to the first communication module. The second communication module includes at least one port of the first network, and at least at least one input port and at least one output port of the second network. The second communication module is configurable to expand a network architecture of the communication system by being capable of communicatively coupling to at least one additional communication module.
H04L 67/12 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
A computer implemented method includes collecting as-applied data of a first agricultural implement and associated first machine that is traversing a first region of an agricultural field and performing an agricultural operation on the agricultural field, displaying on a display device data including one or more of the as-applied data and data metrics based on user input, receiving data from a second agricultural implement and associated second machine that is traversing a second region of the agricultural field and performing the agricultural operation, and displaying on the display device a graphical representation of the second agricultural implement and associated second machine along with the data including one or more of as-applied data, data metrics, and an event of the second agricultural implement and associated second machine in order to monitor an operating mode of the second agricultural implement and associated second machine.
G06Q 90/00 - Systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial or supervisory purposes, not involving significant data processing
49.
METHOD AND SPRAYER SYSTEM FOR CALIBRATING DOSING VALVES FOR FLUID INJECTION
A method of calibrating dosing valves of a sprayer system of an agricultural implement comprises initiating calibration by filling a calibrating tube with fluid having a fluid from an auxiliary tank of the sprayer system, measuring a volume of the fluid filled into the calibration tube, pumping the fluid in the calibration tube to the dosing valves to calibrate the dosing valves with respect to flow characteristics of the fluid with the dosing valves being capable of a high fluid flow rate to a low fluid flow rate ratio of at least 100:1 for the fluid. The method also includes pumping, during a pump from concentration tank mode, the fluid in the concentration tank to the dosing valves and then to a mixing apparatus with the fluid to be mixed with a carrier fluid from a primary tank of the sprayer system.
A01M 7/00 - Special adaptations or arrangements of liquid-spraying apparatus for purposes covered by this subclass
A01C 23/00 - Distributing devices specially adapted for liquid manure or other fertilising liquid, including ammonia, e.g. transport tanks or sprinkling wagons
A01C 23/04 - Distributing under pressureDistributing mudAdaptation of watering systems for fertilising-liquids
B05B 12/08 - Arrangements for controlling deliveryArrangements for controlling the spray area responsive to condition of liquid or other fluent material discharged, of ambient medium or of target
Agricultural sprayer system comprised primarily of power operated sprayers for herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, and fertilizers and parts therefor.
52.
LASER-INDUCED BREAKDOWN SPECTROSCOPY (LIBS) ENABLED FIELD EQUIPMENT
A soil analysis apparatus may comprise a vehicle, at least one control-logic processor, a sensor housing, and a Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) sensor. The LIBS sensor may be contained, at least in part, in the sensor housing. The vehicle may be configured to traverse an agricultural field. The LIBS sensor may be in connection to the vehicle and in communication with the control-logic processor. The LIBS sensor may comprise a laser source, a spectrometer, and at least one light collecting element. The laser source and/or the spectrometer may be in non-contacting proximity with the soil. The LIBS sensor may be configured to traverse a surface of the agricultural field via the connection to the vehicle. The LIBS sensor may be configured to conduct in situ soil analysis of the agricultural field during the traverse of the surface of the agricultural field.
G01N 21/62 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light
G01N 21/71 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited
An automated computer-controlled sampling system and related methods for collecting, processing, and analyzing agricultural samples for various chemical properties such as plant available nutrients. The sampling system allows multiple samples to be processed and analyzed for different analytes or chemical properties in a simultaneous concurrent or semi-concurrent manner. Advantageously, the system can process soil samples in the “as collected” condition without drying or grinding. The system generally includes a sample preparation sub-system which receives soil samples collected by a probe collection sub-system and produces a slurry (e.g., mixture of soil, vegetation, and/or manure and water), and a chemical analysis sub-system which processes the prepared slurry samples for quantifying multiple analytes and/or chemical properties of the sample. The preparation sub-system may comprise a slurry recirculation flow loop configured with devices to stir, measure, and adjust a water to solids ratio of the slurry.
B01F 25/53 - Circulation mixers, e.g. wherein at least part of the mixture is discharged from and reintroduced into a receptacle in which the mixture is discharged from and reintroduced into a receptacle through a recirculation tube, into which an additional component is introduced
B01F 25/52 - Circulation mixers, e.g. wherein at least part of the mixture is discharged from and reintroduced into a receptacle with a rotary stirrer in the recirculation tube
B01F 25/54 - Circulation mixers, e.g. wherein at least part of the mixture is discharged from and reintroduced into a receptacle provided with a pump inside the receptacle to recirculate the material within the receptacle
G05D 11/13 - Controlling ratio of two or more flows of fluid or fluent material characterised by the use of electric means
Systems and methods are provided for monitoring crop loss associated with a header arrangement operably couplable to an agricultural harvesting machine. One or more transceiver sensors are coupleable, in use, to the header arrangement and configured, in use, for transmitting measurement signals and receiving reflections thereof from an object within a sensing region of the sensor which at least partly includes a region below the header arrangement. Sensor data therefrom is processed to identify crop constituents present within the sensing region and a loss metric for an agricultural operation performed by the header arrangement is determined in dependence thereon. Operation of operable components of or otherwise associated with the header arrangement and/or the agricultural harvesting machine can be controlled in dependence on the determined loss metric.
In one embodiment, a method includes in response to an input to initiate a continuous process for scouting, obtaining image data from one or more sensors of a device, analyzing one or more input images from the image data, generating a grid of two dimensional (2D) reference points that are projected onto a ground plane to create a matching set of three dimensional (3D) anchor points, and their positions in a 3D space of the agricultural field using augmented reality (AR), providing the one or more input images, tracking grid, and the positions in the 3D space of the agricultural field to a machine learning (ML) model having a convolutional neural network (CNN), and generating inference results with the ML model including an array of detected objects and selecting most likely inferred plant locations and classifications for the array of detected objects.
G06T 7/70 - Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras
G06V 10/764 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using classification, e.g. of video objects
G06V 10/82 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using neural networks
G06V 20/20 - ScenesScene-specific elements in augmented reality scenes
Systems and methods are provided for monitoring crop loss associated with a header arrangement operably couplable to an agricultural harvesting machine. A sensor response is received from a sensing element of a sensor arrangement provided as part of or otherwise associated with a sample unit, the sensor response being dependent on material constituents present within the sample unit, and where the sample unit is operably coupled to one or more functional components of the header arrangement. A measure of crop constituents provided by the sample unit is determined based on the sensor response and used to determine a loss metric for an agricultural operation performed by the header arrangement. Operation of one or more operable components of or otherwise associated with the header arrangement and/or the agricultural harvesting machine is then controlled in dependence on the determined loss metric.
An agricultural slurry analysis system includes a grinder configured to combine agricultural sample solid with a diluent to form a sample slurry and stirring device configured to stir the slurry. The grinder is fluidly coupled to the stirring device via a flow conduit which is sloped at an angle to a horizontal reference plane which is greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees. A velocity and associated flow rate of the slurry is maintained through the flow conduit to prevent solid particles s in the slurry from dropping out of suspension. The flowrate/velocity is selected with a corresponding slope of the flow conduit to maintain the solid particles in suspension. An appropriate relationship between slope and flow velocity/flow rate may be applied to flow conduits routed between other fluidic devices in the system which convey sample slurry.
A device for processing an agricultural sample slurry includes a housing defining an internal cavity configured to receive an agricultural sample slurry and a level sensor supported by the housing. The sensor may be a non-contact type level sensor having an exposed face and a line of sight into the internal cavity for obtaining slurry level measurements. A sensor cleaning apparatus comprises a selectively movable cleaning head including one or more cleaning elements configured to slideably engage and wipe across the face of the level sensor to remove fouling and debris from the slurry, thereby ensuring accurate slurry level measurements. An actuator of the apparatus translates the cleaning head between projected and retracted positions during the sensor cleaning operation. In one embodiment, the sensor is an ultrasonic level sensor. The device may be a slurry stirring/mixing apparatus with rotary agitator.
A sample unloading system for unloading a core of sample material from a tubular sample container includes an enclosure with inner chamber, a sample loading port to insert the container into the chamber, and a sample unloading port configured to discharge the sample from the chamber when unloaded from the container. A carriage rotatably disposed in the inner chamber receives and releasably retains the sample container. The carriage is rotatable between a first position to receive the container from the loading port, and a second position in which the sample container is held by the carriage in an inverted upright position aligned with the unloading port. A fluidic knife includes a fluid jet nozzle which emits a timed burst of high pressurized fluid into the chamber to sever and separate the sample core from the container which falls through the unloading port. A programmable controller automatically controls the process.
(1) Parts and accessories for agricultural machines, namely, a liquid and granular fertilizer control system comprised of an electronic control module connected to a valve, pump or motor for controlling the amount of liquid or granular fertilizer applied to a field.
Parts and accessories for agricultural machines, namely, a liquid and granular fertilizer control system comprised of an electronic control module connected to a valve, pump or motor for controlling the amount of liquid or granular fertilizer applied to a field.
A microfluidic manifold for processing an agricultural sample fluid having: a micropump codefined between a liquid layer and an air layer of the manifold, the micropump having a pump chamber collectively formed by an air-side recess in the air layer and a liquid-side recess in the liquid layer, and a resiliently deformable diaphragm separating the air-side and liquid-side recesses; wherein the liquid-side recess comprises a plurality of anti-stall grooves recessed into the liquid layer.
An agricultural sample packaging apparatus includes a grinder configured to receive and grind an agricultural sample material, a compactor comprising a feed tube configured to receive ground sample material from the grinder and a plunger linearly movable into and out of the feed tube, a rotatable carousel configured to removably hold a sample container, a sample container magazine configured to hold a plurality of sample containers, and an actuator connected to the sample container magazine. The carousel is operable to rotate the sample container beneath the feed tube. The magazine includes a container feed mechanism configured to rotate horizontally positioned sample containers to a vertical position for insertion into the carousel. The actuator has a ram that can be removably inserted and removed from a passageway in the magazine. An RFID reader/writer positioned under the feed tube to read/write data associated with an RFID tag on the sample container.
B65B 43/50 - Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up stateFeeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging positionLocating containers or receptacles at the filling positionSupporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation using rotary tables or turrets
B65B 1/04 - Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles
B65B 1/24 - Reducing volume of filled material by mechanical compression
B65B 29/00 - Packaging of materials presenting special problems
B65B 43/44 - Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up stateFeeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging positionLocating containers or receptacles at the filling positionSupporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation from supply magazines
B65B 61/26 - Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for marking or coding completed packages
B65D 8/00 - Containers having a curved cross-section formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal, plastics, wood or substitutes therefor
B65B 7/28 - Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Downloadable software for farm operations management featuring software for managing a mixed fleet of farming vehicles to provide interconnectivity and data sharing among the vehicles; Downloadable software in the nature of a mobile application for farm operations management featuring software for managing a mixed fleet of farming vehicles to provide interconnectivity and data sharing among the vehicles Software as a service (SAAS) services featuring software for reviewing and analyzing agricultural data collected from a mixed fleet of farming vehicles
A seed orientation system for an agricultural planter includes a row unit having an opener configured to open a seed furrow in a soil surface as the agricultural planter advances in a forward direction of travel through a field; a seed meter configured to discharge singulated seeds; and a curved pathway configured to receive the singulated seeds from the seed meter, the curved pathway including: a seed riding surface configured to engage a face of the seed; and a seed guide wall that adjoins to said seed riding surface and is configured to engage a side of the seed when the seed is traversing said curved pathway along said seed riding surface.
A seed-delivery device (126) includes a seed meter (128) having a metering disc (202) configured to receive seeds, a seed tube (130) coupled to the seed meter and having a helical channel (304) formed in a wall thereof, an insert (302) within the seed tube, and a drive mechanism (132) configured to rotate the insert. A row unit (100) and method of planting with such seed-delivery device are also disclosed.
A computer-implemented method includes receiving (204), with a graphical user interface, a user input for selecting a parameter for an agricultural data layer having as-applied data being collected from an implement (140, 1240) or agricultural vehicle during one or more application passes in a field (302), determining (206) data values of as-applied data of the agricultural data layer for the selected parameter for a first region of the field having a first application pass (320, 420) for a field view, and determining (206) data values of combined as-applied data of the agricultural data layer for the selected parameter for a second region (350, 450) of the field having two or more application passes for the field view with data values for the first application pass (320, 420) and data values for a second application pass (330, 430) being summed for the second region of the field.
A planter row unit (100) comprising: a frame (110); an opening system (160) for opening a trench disposed on the frame (110); a gauge wheel system (170) for adjusting the depth of the opening system (160), wherein the gauge wheel system (170) comprises a first gauge wheel arm (172-1), a first gauge wheel (171-1) connected to the first gauge wheel arm (172-1), a second gauge wheel arm (172-2), and a second gauge wheel (171-2) connected to the second gauge wheel arm (172-2); a closing system (250) connected to the frame (110) through a connection bracket (1540), wherein the connection bracket (1540) comprises a first bolt (1541) disposed closer to the opening system (160) than a second bolt (1542), and a nut (1543) with an eccentric (1544) disposed about the second bolt (1542) for adjusting a relative position of the closing system (250) with the opening system (160).
An automated computer-controlled sampling system and related methods for collecting, processing, and analyzing agricultural samples for various chemical properties such as plant available nutrients. The sampling system allows multiple samples to be processed and analyzed for different analytes or chemical properties in a simultaneous concurrent or semi-concurrent manner. Advantageously, the system can process soil samples in the “as collected” condition without drying or grinding. The system generally includes a sample preparation sub-system which receives soil samples collected by a probe collection sub-system and produces a slurry (i.e. mixture of soil, vegetation, and/or manure and water), and a chemical analysis sub-system which processes the prepared slurry samples for quantifying multiple analytes and/or chemical properties of the sample. The sample preparation and chemical analysis sub-systems can be used to analyze soil, vegetation, and/or manure samples.
A seed metering and delivery apparatus (705, 751, 773, 775, 777, 803, 903, 1003, 1103, 1203), comprising: a seed meter (128, 707) comprising a seed meter disc (709, 714) rotatable about a seed meter disc axis (711), the seed meter disc (709, 714) comprising at least a front face (713) configured to move one or more seeds (1387) at a first seed meter disc (709, 714) speed along a seed supply path (715) to a removal location (717); and a delivery system (723), comprising: a seed belt (735, 935, 1439) configured to traverse a seed delivery path (737) around a first seed belt wheel (725, 727) and a second seed belt wheel (731), the seed belt (735, 935, 1439) having at least an active surface (1309) which supports the one or more seeds (1387) and a wheel surface (292, 210, 212, 1305, 1307, 1309, 1313, 1315, 1317), the first seed belt wheel (725, 727) positioned adjacent the front face (713) of the seed meter disc (709, 714) such that at least some of the active surface (1309) at least partially crosses the seed supply path (715) at the removal location (717); and a seed belt housing (739) positioned to at least partially cover at least a portion of the seed delivery path (737) opposite the active surface (1309) of the seed belt (735, 935, 1439), the seed belt housing (739) comprising at least an exterior surface (1305) and an interior surface (1307), the interior surface (1307) arranged opposite the active surface (1309) of the seed belt (735, 935, 1439) forming a pocket space (1311) between the active surface (1309) of the seed belt (735, 935, 1439) and the interior surface (1307).
A seed metering and delivery apparatus including: a seed meter (128) comprising a seed meter disc (129) rotatable about a seed meter disc axis (RA1), the seed meter disc (129) comprising at least a front face (129-3), the seed meter disc (129) configured to move one or more seeds at a first seed meter disc speed along a seed path configured on at least the front face (129-3) to a removal location; and a preparation system having at least one housing, the at least one housing having: at least one of: a delivery wheel (401) rotatable about a delivery wheel axis (RA2), or an air source. The seed metering and delivery apparatus can orient seeds for placement in a seed trench.
A method of extracting calcium ions from soil including: mixing soil with a solvent to produce a soil slurry; mixing the soil slurry with ammonium acetate to produce an extracted sample; filtering the extracted sample to produce a first filtrate; mixing the first filtrate with a precipitation reagent to produce precipitated calcium oxalate and a liquid solution; and separating the calcium oxalate from the liquid solution; wherein the precipitation reagent comprises from about 0.15 to about 0.35 M of an oxalate salt dissolved in a buffer having a pH from about 7.1 or more. Also, a system and a kit using the method.
G01N 31/02 - Investigating or analysing non-biological materials by the use of the chemical methods specified in the subgroupsApparatus specially adapted for such methods using precipitation
G01N 31/22 - Investigating or analysing non-biological materials by the use of the chemical methods specified in the subgroupsApparatus specially adapted for such methods using chemical indicators
A method for quantifying the magnesium ion amount in a soil sample, the method including: extracting calcium ions from a soil sample to produce a soil sample substantially free of calcium: mixing the substantially free calcium soil sample with ethylene glycol-bis(β-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid tetrasodium salt (EGTA) to produce a first sample; mixing the first sample with an indicator reagent to produce a second sample; and determining the magnesium ion amount of the second sample; wherein the indicator reagent comprises o-cresolphthalein complexone (OCPC) and tetrabutyl ammonium hydroxide (TBAH). Also, a system and a kit using the method.
G01N 21/31 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
G01N 31/02 - Investigating or analysing non-biological materials by the use of the chemical methods specified in the subgroupsApparatus specially adapted for such methods using precipitation
G01N 31/22 - Investigating or analysing non-biological materials by the use of the chemical methods specified in the subgroupsApparatus specially adapted for such methods using chemical indicators
76.
LIQUID DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS, CROP SPRAYERS, AND RELATED METHODS
A liquid distribution system of a crop sprayer includes a product tank configured to contain a liquid, a pump in fluid communication with the product tank, at least one nozzle carried by a boom and configured to receive the liquid from the pump through a supply line, a recirculation line connecting the at least one nozzle to the product tank, and a manifold between the supply line and the recirculation line, the manifold comprising a flow control valve comprising one of a three-way valve or a four-way valve, the flow control valve in fluid communication with the supply line and a fluid line configured to receive the liquid from the flow control valve during a spraying operation or from the at least one nozzle during a recirculation operation. Related crop sprayers and methods are also disclosed.
Aspects generally relate to systems, apparatuses, and methods for calibrating an infrared light reflectance system. Additional aspects relate to liquid compositions adapted for the calibration of an infrared light reflectance sensing system. In accordance with one aspect, a method is provided for calibrating an infrared reflectance device using a liquid composition. The method typically includes providing a composition comprising a plurality of particles and a liquid carrier; emitting an infrared light at the composition using a light source to produce a reflected light; and sensing the reflected light from the composition using a sensor.
G01N 21/27 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands using photo-electric detection
G01N 21/3577 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light for analysing liquids, e.g. polluted water
78.
System for Agricultural Sample Slurry Analysis and Related Methods
A system for analyzing an agricultural sample in one embodiment includes a stir chamber and a controller. The stir chamber has a housing which defines an internal cavity configured to receive an agricultural sample. A longitudinal axis extends along the internal cavity from a bottom end to a top end. First and second sensors are fluidly coupled to the internal cavity and located at first and second locations with respect to the longitudinal axis. The controller receives a plurality of signals from the first and second sensors and uses at least one of the plurality of signals to compute a density of the sample within a first region of the internal cavity located between the first and second sensors.
G01N 9/26 - Investigating density or specific gravity of materialsAnalysing materials by determining density or specific gravity by measuring pressure differences
G01N 9/36 - Analysing materials by measuring the density or specific gravity, e.g. determining quantity of moisture
79.
Agricultural Sample Slurry Preparation System and Related Methods
A grinder-filter apparatus for preparing an agricultural sample slurry in one embodiment includes a housing defining a grinding chamber, a rotatable paddle disposed in the chamber, a peripheral grinding ring fixedly mounted in the chamber, and a perforated baseplate inside the grinding ring. The grinding ring includes vertically elongated slots each having portions extending above and below the baseplate. The paddle may be formed of a resiliently deformable material. The rotating paddle mixes water and the sample material which may be soil in one embodiment to form the slurry, and forces the slurry into the slots which is deposited in a collection chamber beneath the baseplate. The slots filter out soil particles exceeding a predetermined maximum size as the slurry flows through the slots to the collection chamber. The grinding chamber includes an openable waste door to flush debris out of the chamber between preparing batches of slurry.
Method for uncapping and emptying a sample tube, preferably containing a soil sample, using a machine to uncap and rotate the sample tube into an inverted position and thereafter eject the contents of the sample tube, the sample tube preferably having a top cap and a bottom cap. The ejection step may involve the use of a piston-plunger that pushes out the bottom push cap from the tube.
A sample unloading system comprising: a sample staging rack comprising at least one inclined feed ramp configured for receiving an elongated sample tube configured for holding the sample, the sample tube including a first end cap and a second end cap; an unloading apparatus coupled to the staging rack, the unloading apparatus configured to receive the sample tube from the staging rack; and a transfer mechanism operable to transfer the sample tube from the staging rack to the unloading apparatus.
An agricultural row unit (10) having a frame (16); an opening unit (18) connected to the frame (16) for opening a trench as the row unit (10) moves in a direction of travel; a positive pressure seed meter (13) disposed on the row unit (10); a conduit (14) connected to an outlet of the positive pressure seed meter (13); and a seed orientation device (30) in fluid communication with the conduit (14).
A method of maintaining seed spacing including: forming a trench (899); depositing a foam (889) into the trench; and depositing seed (879) from a seed tube (28) or seed conveyor (200) into the foam in the trench, wherein the foam prevents movement of the seed in the trench so that the seed maintains spacing between seeds.
A seed boot (700) having a leading edge (701): a channel (702) for transporting seed opposite the leading edge (701), wherein the channel (702) has a first end (703) and a second end (704), and further comprising a channel exit (705) at the second end (704): a wedge (707) for forming a trench disposed at a bottom of the seed boot (700)), wherein the wedge (707) extends from the leading edge (701) and terminates before the channel exit (705).
A sample unloading system comprising: a sample staging rack comprising at least one inclined feed ramp configured for receiving an elongated sample tube configured for holding the sample, the sample tube including a first end cap and a second end cap; an unloading apparatus coupled to the staging rack, the unloading apparatus configured to receive the sample tube from the staging rack; and a transfer mechanism operable to transfer the sample tube from the staging rack to the unloading apparatus. Method for unloading a sample container.
A seeding system having a seed meter; a conduit for receiving seeds released from the seed meter at a first end of the conduit; a gas source connected to the conduit proximate the first end for accelerating seed in the gas; and a seed orientation coil assembly connected to the second end to receive the accelerated seed.
A cable splice assembly with an electrical cable that runs along a width of a toolbar that services row units. The cable has an insulative jacket that surrounds and electrically isolates a plurality of conductors. The cable splice assembly has a row unit wiring tail having a plurality of wires and a splice clamp at one end row unit wiring tail that connects the row unit wiring tail to the cable. The splice clamp has a clamp housing that forms a channel shaped to receive the cable and has a plurality of conductive blade-shaped conductors configured to cut through the jacket and into the conductors. A keying mechanism ensures that there is only one way that the cable can be received in the splice clamp when the splice clamp housing is in the closed condition.
Systems, methods and apparatus for imaging and characterizing a soil surface and a trench in the soil surface formed by an agricultural implement. The sensors are disposed on the agricultural implement in data communication with a processor to generate the soil surface and trench images which may be displayed to the operator. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more time of flight cameras for determining a depth of the trench and other characteristics of the surrounding soil surface and the trench, including detection of seeds, soil or other debris in the trench and moisture lines within the trench. The system may control operating parameters of the implement based on the generated images.
A01B 63/16 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements drawn by animals or tractors with wheels adjustable relatively to the frame
A01B 35/16 - Other machines for working soil with rotating or circulating non-propelled tools
A01C 5/06 - Machines for making or covering drills or furrows for sowing or planting
F04B 13/02 - Pumps specially modified to deliver fixed or variable measured quantities of two or more fluids at the same time
F04B 15/02 - Pumps adapted to handle specific fluids, e.g. by selection of specific materials for pumps or pump parts the fluids being viscous or non-homogeneous
F04B 43/067 - Pumps having fluid drive the fluid being actuated directly by a piston
F04B 53/02 - Packing the free space between cylinders and pistons
G01N 21/15 - Preventing contamination of the components of the optical system or obstruction of the light path
G01N 21/73 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited using plasma burners or torches
91.
SAMPLE ANALYSIS APPARATUSES COMPRISING A PLASMA TORCH DEVICE
F04B 13/02 - Pumps specially modified to deliver fixed or variable measured quantities of two or more fluids at the same time
F04B 15/02 - Pumps adapted to handle specific fluids, e.g. by selection of specific materials for pumps or pump parts the fluids being viscous or non-homogeneous
F04B 43/067 - Pumps having fluid drive the fluid being actuated directly by a piston
F04B 53/02 - Packing the free space between cylinders and pistons
G01N 21/15 - Preventing contamination of the components of the optical system or obstruction of the light path
G01N 21/73 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited using plasma burners or torches
92.
AGRICULTURAL SAMPLE PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS
F04B 13/02 - Pumps specially modified to deliver fixed or variable measured quantities of two or more fluids at the same time
F04B 15/02 - Pumps adapted to handle specific fluids, e.g. by selection of specific materials for pumps or pump parts the fluids being viscous or non-homogeneous
F04B 43/067 - Pumps having fluid drive the fluid being actuated directly by a piston
F04B 53/02 - Packing the free space between cylinders and pistons
F25B 43/04 - Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquidsArrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat for withdrawing non-condensible gases
93.
AGRICULTURAL WASTE HANDLING SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for calibrating an agricultural analysis system are disclosed herein. In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, provided is a method for utilizing an instrument adapted for analyzing an agricultural sample, the method comprising continuously providing (e.g., delivering) a calibration stream to the instrument adapted for analyzing an agricultural sample, the calibration stream having a composition that changes over a period of time.
G01N 1/38 - Diluting, dispersing or mixing samples
G01N 21/73 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited using plasma burners or torches
An agricultural sample processing-analysis system includes an analysis apparatus comprising at least one hybrid pump (M1-M4), a plasma torch device (200), and spectrometer (300). The hybrid pump (M1-M4) includes a deformable diaphragm (144) coupled to a pumping cavity (112) formed in the pump body (110). A syringe pump (115) operates the diaphragm (144) and is integrated directly into the pump body (110) within an internal pump bore (116). The syringe pump (115) when actuated displaces pilot fluid which deforms the diaphragm (144) to pump a process fluid such as a sample fluid to the plasma torch (201) where it is ignited to form a plasma. The spectrometer (300) captures spectra data from the plasma and quantifies the concentration of an analyte of agricultural interest in the sample fluid, such as plant nutrients. Additional hybrid pumps used to process the sample fluid and calibrate the spectrometer (300) may be physically and fluidly coupled together in a flow network to collectively form a self-supported housing (501).
G01N 21/73 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited using plasma burners or torches
F04B 13/00 - Pumps specially modified to deliver fixed or variable measured quantities
F04B 13/02 - Pumps specially modified to deliver fixed or variable measured quantities of two or more fluids at the same time
F04B 15/02 - Pumps adapted to handle specific fluids, e.g. by selection of specific materials for pumps or pump parts the fluids being viscous or non-homogeneous
F04B 43/067 - Pumps having fluid drive the fluid being actuated directly by a piston
F04B 53/02 - Packing the free space between cylinders and pistons
G01N 21/15 - Preventing contamination of the components of the optical system or obstruction of the light path
96.
SAMPLE ANALYSIS APPARATUSES COMPRISING A PLASMA TORCH DEVICE
A sample analysis apparatus comprises a plasma torch device (200), which includes a plasma chamber (202) and a plasma torch (201) disposed at least partially in the plasma chamber (202), wherein the plasma torch (201) is configured to connect to an electric power source. The sample analysis apparatus further includes a spectrometer (300) having a line of sight into the plasma chamber (202), which is operable to detect an analyte of interest in the sample fluid when the sample fluid discharged by the plasma torch (201) is vaporized to form a plasma via energizing the plasma torch (201). The spectrometer (300) may capture spectra data from the plasma and quantify the concentration of an analyte of agricultural interest in the sample fluid, such as plant nutrients.
G01N 21/73 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited using plasma burners or torches
F04B 13/00 - Pumps specially modified to deliver fixed or variable measured quantities
F04B 13/02 - Pumps specially modified to deliver fixed or variable measured quantities of two or more fluids at the same time
F04B 15/02 - Pumps adapted to handle specific fluids, e.g. by selection of specific materials for pumps or pump parts the fluids being viscous or non-homogeneous
F04B 43/067 - Pumps having fluid drive the fluid being actuated directly by a piston
F04B 53/02 - Packing the free space between cylinders and pistons
G01N 21/15 - Preventing contamination of the components of the optical system or obstruction of the light path
97.
AGRICULTURAL SAMPLE PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS
An agricultural sample processing-analysis system includes an analysis apparatus comprising at least one hybrid pump, a plasma torch device, and spectrometer. The hybrid pump includes a deformable diaphragm coupled to a pumping cavity formed in the pump body. A syringe pump operates the diaphragm and is integrated directly into the pump body within an internal pump bore. The syringe pump when actuated displaces pilot fluid which deforms the diaphragm to pump a process fluid such as a sample fluid to the plasma torch where it is ignited to form a plasma. The spectrometer captures spectra data from the plasma and quantifies the concentration of an analyte of agricultural interest in the sample fluid, such as plant nutrients. Additional hybrid pumps used to process the sample fluid and calibrate the spectrometer may be physically and fluidly coupled together in a flow network to collectively form a self-supported housing.
F04B 43/067 - Pumps having fluid drive the fluid being actuated directly by a piston
F04B 53/02 - Packing the free space between cylinders and pistons
F04B 13/00 - Pumps specially modified to deliver fixed or variable measured quantities
F04B 13/02 - Pumps specially modified to deliver fixed or variable measured quantities of two or more fluids at the same time
F04B 15/02 - Pumps adapted to handle specific fluids, e.g. by selection of specific materials for pumps or pump parts the fluids being viscous or non-homogeneous
F25B 43/04 - Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquidsArrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat for withdrawing non-condensible gases
The invention relates to a sample analysis system with lens defogging apparatus. The system comprises a plasma torch device (200) comprising a body defining a plasma chamber (202) and a plasma torch (201) supported by the body in the plasma chamber (202). The plasma torch (201) is electrically coupled to a power source and operable to form a plasma in the plasma chamber (202) from a sample fluid when energized. The system further comprises a spectrometer (300) configured to analyze the plasma to measure an analyte of interest in the sample fluid via light emitted by the plasma. The spectrometer (300) includes a light collection tube (301) in visual communication with the plasma chamber (202), the light collection tube (301) including a proximal end and a distal end equipped with a lens (302) configured to collect light emitted by the plasma. The light collection tube (301) is at least partially inserted into the central passageway (616) of a gas shroud (610), such that the distal end of the light collection tube (301) with the lens (302) is at least partially enclosed by the gas shroud (610). The distal end (612) of the gas shroud (610) includes a gas inlet port (618) fluidly coupled to a pressurized gas source and a gas outlet port (619) and is configured to discharge a stream of gas across an exposed surface of the lens (302) to at least minimize fogging of the lens (302).
G01N 21/73 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited using plasma burners or torches
G01N 21/15 - Preventing contamination of the components of the optical system or obstruction of the light path
F04B 13/00 - Pumps specially modified to deliver fixed or variable measured quantities
F04B 13/02 - Pumps specially modified to deliver fixed or variable measured quantities of two or more fluids at the same time
F04B 15/02 - Pumps adapted to handle specific fluids, e.g. by selection of specific materials for pumps or pump parts the fluids being viscous or non-homogeneous
F04B 43/067 - Pumps having fluid drive the fluid being actuated directly by a piston
F04B 53/02 - Packing the free space between cylinders and pistons
F04B 13/02 - Pumps specially modified to deliver fixed or variable measured quantities of two or more fluids at the same time
F04B 15/02 - Pumps adapted to handle specific fluids, e.g. by selection of specific materials for pumps or pump parts the fluids being viscous or non-homogeneous
F04B 43/067 - Pumps having fluid drive the fluid being actuated directly by a piston
F04B 53/02 - Packing the free space between cylinders and pistons
G01N 21/15 - Preventing contamination of the components of the optical system or obstruction of the light path
G01N 21/73 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited using plasma burners or torches
100.
AGRICULTURAL SAMPLE PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS
F04B 13/02 - Pumps specially modified to deliver fixed or variable measured quantities of two or more fluids at the same time
F04B 15/02 - Pumps adapted to handle specific fluids, e.g. by selection of specific materials for pumps or pump parts the fluids being viscous or non-homogeneous
F04B 43/067 - Pumps having fluid drive the fluid being actuated directly by a piston
F04B 53/02 - Packing the free space between cylinders and pistons
G01N 21/15 - Preventing contamination of the components of the optical system or obstruction of the light path
G01N 21/73 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited using plasma burners or torches
