CN115004905A

CN115004905A - System and method for dispensing low ratio agricultural products

Info

Publication number: CN115004905A
Application number: CN202210631517.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: R·L·莱斯; L·M·康莱德; K·伍德拉夫
Original assignee: Amwack Hong Kong Ltd
Current assignee: Amwack Hong Kong Ltd
Priority date: 2018-08-25
Filing date: 2019-08-14
Publication date: 2022-09-06
Also published as: CN113163748A; BR112021003327A2; EP3840573A1; CA3110165A1; ZA202101255B; AR116005A1; CN113163748B; WO2020046586A1; EP3840573A4; MX2021002252A; UY38342A; AU2019331381A1

Abstract

A system for dispensing a plurality of low-ratio agricultural products includes an agricultural product dosing system, a plurality of agricultural product pipes, and an agricultural product dosing system. The agricultural product dosing system is operably connected to a low ratio agricultural product source. The agricultural product pipe is operatively connected to the agricultural product dosing system. The agricultural product dosing system is configured to dispense the low-ratio liquid agricultural product at a low ratio defined as less than 3.7 fluid ounces per thousand row feet.

Description

System and method for dispensing low ratio agricultural products

Divisional application

The present application is a divisional application entitled "system and method for dispensing multiple low-ratio agricultural products" filed on application No. 2019800704015, filed on 2019, 8/14.

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is a continuation of us application No. 16/112,660 entitled "system and method for dispensing multiple low ratio agricultural products" filed on 25.8.2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to agricultural product dispensing systems, and more particularly to systems for dispensing a plurality of low ratio agricultural products.

Background

There are a variety of ways to distribute the seeding liquid and/or granular product into or near the furrow when seeding. For example, commercial devices for dispensing low-rate liquid products into furrows while seeding are not suitable for running newer seed planters that dispense seeded seeds into seed furrows at speeds in excess of 5 miles per hour. The physical design and liquid placement operation of these commercial devices are not suitable for continuous application of liquid agricultural products at very low rates per acre (1/2 gallons per linear acre or less, or less than about 3.7 fluid ounces per thousand row feet on crop rows planted 30 inches apart) to ensure that the product functions effectively; it is also not possible to synchronize the liquid with the delivery of the seeds so that very low doses of liquid are delivered very close to the seeds, i.e. up to 90% (or more) of the spaces or areas between the seeds are not treated with the applied liquid. As will be discussed below, the present invention provides a combination of continuous flow, low ratio liquid application techniques, coupled with liquid pulsating delivery to deliver liquid and seeds simultaneously, leaving untreated spaces between the various seeds, so that the total volume of liquid applied per acre can be reduced by as much as 90% using the present invention, as compared to currently available in-furrow liquid application systems.

For example, the default synchronous or pulsating distribution ratio for a conventional commercial production system is 5 gallons/acre at a speed of 5MPH, while a treated strip of about 3 inches in length is obtained per pulse of liquid applied. In this case, the sown seeds were placed in the 3 inch treated strip. This effect results from having the liquid application process turn on and off (pulsed) at approximately 30 millisecond intervals. To reduce the total amount of liquid chemical applied per acre, it is desirable to be able to synchronize the delivery of liquid chemical with the delivery of seeds while limiting the area or length of the treated soil to strips that are about 1 inch long, with the treated soil strips always being close to (i.e., within 1/2 inches) each sown seed when the planter is operating at speeds greater than 5 MPH. To enable low rate application at such close proximity to the seeds requires that the liquid be pulsed at intervals of about 3 milliseconds. As will be discussed below, the invention described herein is effective to continuously apply low rates of liquid in quantities of 1/2 gallons per acre or less when the planter is operating at speeds greater than 5MPH, and thus can be used with newer, high speed planters. The total volume of liquid applied continuously was reduced to 1/2 gallons per linear acre, corresponding to about 17% of the lower rate liquid continuous application systems currently available. Current low ratio liquid pulsing/synchronizing techniques cannot apply such low ratios because commercially available agricultural product pulsing valves/devices cannot operate at the high speed/short time intervals required and cannot synchronize spray pulsing with seed placement to bring the seeds and liquid close enough to ensure the effect of the applied liquid.

While it is desirable to be able to apply ultra-low rates of liquid product in furrows during high speed sowing, the configuration of current sowing systems using pulsating liquid application systems has significant problems/limitations. As used herein, the term "ultra low ratio" when applied to a liquid refers to a ratio of less than 1.0 fluid ounces per thousand row feet. The term "low ratio" when applied to liquids means a ratio of less than 3.7 fluid ounces per thousand row feet. To meet the high speed, low ratio goals, the actual pulsating apparatus must be closer to the seed area than currently available designs. Continuous application does not require a pulsating device and therefore the application device can be located anywhere relative to the seed zone. In addition, the area available for mounting the pulsating device closer to the landing point for each seed in the seed furrow or furrow is small relative to the available space on the planter for mounting currently available pulsating devices. The current pulsating delivery orifice or jet is mounted 6 to 40 inches from the pulsating device. When applying liquid product at high speed pulsation at very low rates (i.e., ultra-low rates), the amount of fluid between the pulsation device (valve) and the orifice limits the operating speed because the fluid has inertia and the line has to change from low pressure to dispense pressure very quickly. Furthermore, to prevent dripping during very low pressures or when the pressure is zero, a check valve may be required. The check valves used in currently available in-furrow application apparatus have not achieved the high speed operating designs required for high speed seed planting, nor the frequent on/off cycling operating designs required at high speeds. Thus, the placement and operational limitations of the check valve affect achieving precise synchronized application of liquid product at low and ultra-low rates in close proximity to the seed at high seed rates, and the provision of the check valve on currently available application equipment increases the operational limitations of the system so equipped as compared to similar systems without the check valve. Furthermore, where the actual pulsating device is the same physical size as currently available pulsating devices, the physical size of most check valves can interfere with installation near the seed release zone (i.e., the area where the seed leaves the seed transport mechanism before being placed in the seed furrow).

Furthermore, when farmers attempt to apply liquid and dry (e.g., granular) agricultural products during the same sowing operation or pass, the liquid product often wets the dried product, thus affecting the flowability of the dried product, resulting in clogging of the dried product placement tube or reduced flow. Any situation that results in a lower than predetermined ratio of dry or liquid product being applied in a predetermined area adjacent to each seed will result in a reduced efficacy of the applied product. The inventive concept of the present invention solves this problem, as will be disclosed below.

Us patent 6,938,864 uses a brush that collects particles at the end of the seed tube and is pushed away and dispenses the chemical with the seed as the seed falls from the tube. The' 864 system works best at speeds up to about 5MPH and at seed numbers of about 32,000 seeds/acre. However, if an attempt is made to run the' 864 system at a speed greater than 5MPH, the discharge rate of the seeds through the discharge opening of the delivery tube is limited by the brush, while the entry rate of the seeds into the same delivery tube at a location above the brush is not limited. When seeds enter the transport pipe at a faster rate than the discharge rate, clogging of the seed transport pipe occurs, resulting in a decrease in the number of sowings and thus crop yield. In addition, when the' 864 system is operated at speeds greater than 5MPH, product synchronization is adversely affected because the brush does not have sufficient time to collect a sufficient amount of product particles to bend the brush bristles before the next seed passes through the brush, and the product particles are uniformly synchronized close to each seeded seed. This can cause the particles applied near the seeds to be below the effective dose rate because when operating at speeds greater than 5MPH, a portion of the particles of the desired dose rate are distributed in the spaces between the seeds because the bristles cannot bend, trap and hold the chemical particles as quickly as desired. In essence, when the' 864 system is operated at speeds greater than 5MPH, the quality of the synchronization is reduced due to leakage of particles through the brush.

Us patent 7,270,065 discloses the use of electromechanical valves to dispense chemical particles. The '065 patent solves some of the problems of the' 864 patent itself. Currently, many corn planters have air compressors on them. The' 065 patent introduces the option of using an air valve to blow the particles, as opposed to requiring the seeds to pass through the brush, where the product particles are collected on the brush during the time interval that the seeds pass through the brush.

For distributing seeds and pesticides, herbicides, bactericides, nutrients, plant growth regulators or fertilizers during the last decadeSeeding of material and chemical dispensing systems by providing a closed container system that makes the handling of seeds and chemical liquids or particles less harmful to agricultural personnel, such as the systems described in U.S. patent No. 5,301,848 and U.S. patent No. 4,971,255 (incorporated herein by reference), and sold by subsidiary of the united states pioneer company, the company amac chemical

A dispensing system (hereinafter referred to as "SmartBox dispensing system"). Briefly, as described in U.S. patent No. 5,301,848, access to a container in a closed container system is provided through a single opening in the bottom wall of the container, which provides a significant advantage over open-top, non-removable container designs in open container systems.

The closed container system provides a removable container that is pre-filled with a chemical or toxic material, such as pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, or other agricultural products, so that the chemical product bag does not need to be opened and then poured into a storage hopper. Because the closed container system is essentially not open to the outside, agricultural personnel have less opportunity to come into contact with the chemical product, thereby reducing skin contact and inhalation of harmful chemicals.

Currently, products applied in furrow at the time of sowing include nematicides for treating nematodes; insecticides for treating insects; herbicides for controlling weeds; bactericides for the prevention and treatment of diseases; plant health/growth stimulating products for improving plant health; nutritional agents for improving plant health and nutrition, and the like. Research is underway to develop further areas of in-furrow product application, such as RNA silencing or interfering gene technology, that utilize living/bioactive microorganisms, amino acids, proteins, peptides, and gene "switches".

In addition, a relationship has been reported between the application of neonicotinoid insecticides at the time of sowing and the corresponding decline in the overall bee colony. It is believed that air vacuum planters discharge pesticide dust from the planted seeds, which dust adversely affects bee colonies, treated with neonicotinoid pesticides prior to loading into the planter. Bees are an important element in the plant pollination process for many crops, so a reduction in bee populations potentially reduces the overall yield of the crop. If the same insecticide is delivered simultaneously to the furrow at the time of sowing, the insecticide dust from the pretreated seed can be eliminated, which can prove to be an economically efficient alternative.

Today, most granular products are dispensed or applied into furrows at a rate greater than 3 ounces per thousand row feet, and most liquid products are applied at a rate greater than 3.7 fluid ounces per thousand row feet. In-furrow application rates of less than 3 ounces/thousand row feet (dry) or less than 3.7 fluid ounces/thousand row feet require special techniques and special equipment to produce effective results. The present invention addresses these needs as will be disclosed below.

Traditionally, systems for in-furrow particle placement have used plastic hoses and metal brackets to establish the location of the particles in the furrow. Wind and field gradients can affect product placement. Because the product is placed behind the upper depth wheels of the planter, the positioned carriages are prone to misalignment due to contact with crop residue, clods of soil, and other field problems such as ditches and furrows. Moreover, since furrow closure is determined by soil conditions, furrows can be closed after a chemical (i.e., agricultural product) tube applies the chemical to the furrow. When the product discharge point is located behind the depth wheel, the wind will blow the product off the target in the windy environment prevailing during sowing. With conventional baling devices, product is often placed on the downhill side of a row in a field having a large slope that extends in a direction somewhat perpendicular to the direction of the row. The particulate product bundling equipment initially installed by the planter manufacturer is typically too wide to provide nearly wind protection, which can blow the product off the desired application area.

Conrad, U.S. patent No. 9,820,431 discloses a method and system for accurately applying a low ratio dry/granular agricultural product in a furrow. The' 431 patent addresses several problems associated with obtaining effective results when applying product in furrow at low rates while seeding.

U.S. patent publication US 2018/0000070, published by FMC Corporation on 2018, 1-4, discloses foaming formulations of agriculturally active ingredients, and methods of use thereof. The formulation is said to enhance the delivery of the active ingredient by being able to "achieve high levels of active ingredient delivery with low dosage formulations". The' 070 publication discloses that the product is applied at an amount of less than 1 gallon per acre input, in other words, the amount of active ingredient plus carrier is less than 1 gallon per acre input, and the FMC foaming system expands the amount of active ingredient plus carrier by a factor of 15-50 times the input, so that the amount of produce dispensed into the furrow is actually more gallons (i.e., about 15 to 50 gallons) when considering the total volume of liquid and air in the foamed product.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, the invention is embodied in a system for dispensing a plurality of low-ratio agricultural products, comprising an agricultural product dosing system, a plurality of agricultural product pipes, and an agricultural product dosing system. The agricultural product dosing system is operably connected to a low ratio agricultural product source. The agricultural product pipe is operatively connected to the agricultural product dosing system. The agricultural product dosing system is configured to dispense the low-ratio liquid agricultural product at a low ratio defined as less than 3.7 fluid ounces per thousand row feet.

In a preferred embodiment, the agricultural product dosing system comprises a syringe-based pump system.

In a preferred embodiment, a system for dispensing a plurality of low-ratio agricultural products includes a seed sensing device configured to sense placement of seeds from a seeding machine, a pulsation system, and an agricultural product dosing system. A pulsation system is operably coupled to the output end of the agricultural product pipe and the seed induction device and is configured to synchronize the placement of the low ratio agricultural product relative to the placement of the seeds. The agricultural product dosing system may also be configured to dispense the liquid agricultural product at an ultra-low rate defined as less than 1.0 fluid ounces per thousand row feet.

In one aspect, the invention is embodied in a system for dispensing a plurality of low-ratio agricultural products and seeds. The system includes a seed sensing device, an agricultural product dosing system, an agricultural product pipe, and a pulsation system. The seed sensing device is configured to sense placement of seeds from the seeding machine. The agricultural product dosing system is operably connected to a low ratio agricultural product source. The agricultural product pipe is operatively connected to the agricultural product dosing system. A pulsation system is operably coupled to the output of the agricultural product pipe and the seed induction device and is configured to synchronize the placement of the low rate and/or ultra-low rate agricultural product relative to the placement of the seed.

In one embodiment, the seed sensing device is configured to sense the placement of seed from a planter that is caused to operate at a high planter speed, defined as greater than 5 mph. In other embodiments, the seed sensing device is configured to sense placement of seed from a planter configured to operate at a planter speed in a range of about 2mph to 7 mph. In some embodiments, the agricultural product dosing system is configured to dispense the dry flowable low ratio agricultural product at a low ratio defined as less than 3 fluid ounces per thousand row feet. In some embodiments, the agricultural product dosing system is configured to dispense the low-ratio liquid agricultural product at a low ratio defined as less than 3.7 fluid ounces per thousand line feet. In some embodiments, the agricultural product dosing system is configured to dispense the liquid agricultural product at an ultra-low rate defined as less than 1.0 fluid ounces per thousand row feet. In some embodiments, the pulsing system is configured to simultaneously place the low-rate and/or ultra-low rate agricultural product in close proximity to, adjacent to, or between individually placed individual seeds or groups of seeds as desired.

In one aspect, a system for dispensing a plurality of low-ratio agricultural products includes a plurality of low-ratio agricultural (MLRA) product application devices configured to cooperate with a sowing apparatus monitoring assembly positioned to sense seeds discharged from a high-speed sowing apparatus.

In a preferred embodiment, each MLRA product application device includes a common housing for a plurality of low ratio agricultural product input assemblies. The present invention therefore alleviates the problems described above with respect to interference of the liquid with the dry flowable product placement tube, thereby causing the tube to clog.

In one aspect, the invention is embodied in a system for dispensing a low-ratio liquid agricultural product comprising an agricultural product dosing system and at least one agricultural product pipe. An agricultural product dosing system includes a syringe-based pump system operatively connected to a low rate liquid agricultural product source. The agricultural product pipe is operatively connected to the agricultural product dosing system. The agricultural product dosing system is configured to continuously apply the low-ratio liquid agricultural product at a low ratio defined as less than 3.7 fluid ounces per thousand row feet.

In one aspect, the invention is embodied in a system for dispensing an ultra-low ratio liquid agricultural product comprising an agricultural product dosing system and at least one agricultural product pipe. An agricultural product dosing system includes a syringe-based pump system operatively connected to an ultra-low ratio liquid agricultural product source. The agricultural product pipe is operatively connected to the agricultural product dosing system. The agricultural product dosing system is configured to apply a low-ratio liquid agricultural product at an ultra-low rate defined as less than 1.0 fluid ounces per line foot in synchronization with placement of seeds from the seeding machine.

As noted above, FMC' 070 discloses that the liquid product is applied in an amount of less than 1 gallon (128 fluid ounces) per linear acre (17,424 linear rows feet per acre when the rows are spaced 30 inches apart; 128 fluid ounces per 17,424 row feet equals 7.346 fluid ounce outputs per thousand row feet). In another aspect, however, the present patent application is directed to an effective liquid application rate of less than 64 fluid ounces output per linear acre (3.673 fluid ounces per thousand row feet). As previously mentioned, the actual output of the' 070FMC system is 15 to 50 times the input, in other words, more gallons output per acre. Furthermore, the FMC' 070 system discusses placement in a continuous flow, meaning that liquid is applied in all spaces between the sown seeds. In another aspect, the invention enables the application of the liquid product in a continuous flow or in a pulsating process that synchronizes the liquid with the delivery of the seeds, thereby forming a significant strip of untreated soil in the spaces between the seeds in the furrow. The FMC' 070 system mixes the product prior to application. In another aspect, the present invention provides for the simultaneous and separate application of multiple agricultural products, even products that may be incompatible, during a single sowing operation, while enabling the precise placement of separate dry and/or liquid products to a desired location, such as on, between, and in or adjacent to seed furrows. Furthermore, since the FMC system relies on the foaming process, the available ingredients are limited to products that can be formulated to produce an effect in the foamed state.

It will be appreciated by the present disclosure that various combinations of products from multiple containers can be made by this technique during a single sowing.

In another aspect, the invention is embodied in a system for dispensing a plurality of agricultural products. The system includes a plurality of low ratio agricultural (MLRA) product application devices configured to cooperate with a planting device monitoring assembly positioned to sense seeds discharged from a high speed planting device.

The range of application rates of the system of the present invention allows for ease of handling and shipping of the package. The container of the present invention is smaller and lighter than currently used containers, reducing manufacturing and shipping costs, and improving the environmental footprint. In addition, the smaller volume of product reduces the storage and handling requirements for the entire distribution channel and planter.

In some embodiments, the product container is rigid. In some embodiments, the product container may be disposable (if a disposable product container is used, the contents of the disposable container are transferred to or used in conjunction with one or more configurable rigid product storage devices).

The system of the present invention employs a precision placement device, which typically includes a placement tube assembly. In one embodiment, each placement tube assembly is mounted between depth stop wheels of a depth control wheel assembly of the planter in a manner that enables placement of an applied product or products in a furrow. In some embodiments, the precision placement apparatus comprises a baler. In some embodiments, the baler is mounted behind the depth control wheel assembly and in front of the planter closure wheel assembly. In some embodiments, the baler includes a wind deflector thereon.

Some products require application adjacent the seed furrow or seed furrow, rather than directly into the same furrow in which the seed is placed by the planter. Some products are placed next to or near the furrow because some products can cause phytotoxic or adverse effects on the seed or seedling. In this case, the agronomic performance is improved if the seeds can germinate and start to grow without being in direct contact with the applied product, recognizing that if the seedling roots can grow rapidly into the area where the applied product can be obtained due to the precise placement already during sowing, the overall agronomic performance will be improved relative to not using the product. In some cases, it may be preferable to place the product in the seed furrow, but synchronize in association with the delivery of each seed so that the seed is placed in a location where no product is applied. Thus, in some cases, product treatment stripes appear between each seed, allowing the newly germinated seed to extend its roots into a product treatment zone present or beginning in the seed furrow, rather than having to reach a product treatment zone resulting from the product being precisely placed in a contiguous row. During a single pass of the planter, the dry and liquid products can achieve precise placement of multiple products, with the products being placed in or adjacent the furrow, e.g., one or more products being applied in the furrow and another one or more products being applied adjacent the row, on one or both sides of the row.

In certain embodiments, the memory associated with the cartridge is part of an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag. In various embodiments, current user identity data, such as an authorization code, is read from a user identification source associated with the dispensing device to allow dispensing through the dispensing device. In some embodiments, each entity holding the cartridge is tracked and the memory associated with the cartridge is updated with the entity holding data. In one embodiment, the method further comprises designating the cartridge as a cartridge for use by or on behalf of a particular user with a particular product, such as a selected agricultural product.

In some embodiments, the method includes repeatedly detecting a change in geographic location of the cartridge at least during dispensing of the product, and repeatedly inputting and updating geographic information for successive geographic locations and the applied product data at the geographic locations into a memory associated with the cartridge. In certain embodiments, an application map is generated to record the amount of product application assigned to successive geographic locations in the target area. In one embodiment, the application map is compared to the designated map to generate a difference map that indicates at least a difference between the designated information and the application information that is greater than a selected amount of error, such as a deviation of greater than two or three percent of the designated value, where the information relates to the amount and type of product actually dispensed at successive geographic locations of the target area. In another embodiment, the application product data is compared to the specified application data and when the difference is greater than a selected amount of error between the specified information and the application information, an error message is generated wherein the information relates to the amount and type of product actually dispensed at successive geographic locations of the target area.

The present invention also includes systems and methods for automatically monitoring product usage data, such as the type and amount of product stored in and dispensed from at least one cartridge as appropriate for at least one of agricultural and horticultural use over time and/or according to geographic location. The monitored data is stored in a memory, such as a tag on the cartridge, and in certain embodiments, the monitored data is transmitted to a server and/or an input/output device, such as a tablet or other mobile device, for storage, aggregation, and analysis. The cartridge may be authenticated before being authorized for dispensing the product. The cartridge can be automatically filled with only the appropriate type and amount of product required. To ensure that only the appropriate type of product can be introduced into the cartridge during the filling process, in certain embodiments, the cartridge and the container from which the filled contents are dispensed are validated. The system for dispensing the contents of the cartridge may be automatically calibrated based on product parameters, such as the weight and/or bulk density (or liquid viscosity) of the product in the cartridge. Data may be automatically aggregated from multiple cartridges.

Drawings

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a seeding machine equipped with a system for dispensing a plurality of low-ratio agricultural products in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is another perspective view of the seeding machine of fig. 1, partially exploded to show various low ratio agricultural product application devices of the present invention.

Fig. 3A is an enlarged side view of a portion of the seeding machine depicted in fig. 2, showing seeds falling in the furrow.

Fig. 3B shows the dry flowable agricultural product applied.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of various low ratio agricultural (MLRA) product applicators of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a view taken along line 5-5 of fig. 4.

Fig. 5A is a partially cut-away perspective view of an example of a valve.

Fig. 6 is a schematic view of a system for dispensing a plurality of low ratio agricultural products including two plurality of low ratio agricultural (MLRA) product devices positioned at different locations on a seeding machine.

Fig. 7A is a view of the MLRA product applicator with the plate removed.

FIG. 7B shows the liquid agricultural product inlet line adjusted to dispense at a different angle than that shown in FIG. 7A.

Fig. 8 is a simplified schematic of the system for dispensing a plurality of low ratio agricultural products of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a dry flowable agricultural product input assembly allowing application in two directions.

Fig. 10 is a photograph of an exemplary test of a plurality of low ratio agricultural product application devices used with a single dry flowable agricultural product input assembly showing particles dispensed in a concentrated manner adjacent to the seed.

FIGS. 11A-11C are sequential photographs of the synchronized delivery of seeds and liquid.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of a syringe pump that can be used to apply liquid product at a low rate in the furrow.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary display for a pulsing valve controller.

Throughout the drawings, identical elements or components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and equivalent elements are provided with a prime.

Detailed Description

Referring now to the drawings and the reference numbers thereon, fig. 1 and 2 show a simplified diagram of a system for dispensing a plurality of low ratio agricultural products, generally designated 10, positioned on a seeding machine 12. The system 10 includes a variety of low-ratio agricultural (MLRA) product application devices 14 configured to cooperate with a planting device monitoring assembly 16 (i.e., a seed sensing device) positioned to sense seeds discharged from a planting device (i.e., the planter 12).

The MLRA product application device (i.e., "targeting device") 14 includes a common housing 18 for a plurality of low ratio agricultural

product input assemblies

20, 21. As will be discussed in more detail below, the low ratio agricultural

product input assemblies

20, 21 have an outlet supported by the common housing 18.

Referring now to fig. 3A, 3B, 4 and 5, each MLRA product applicator 14 includes two

plates

22, 24 securely supported in spaced apart positions. The

plates

22, 24 preferably include mounting holes 26 that provide for adjustment of the low ratio agricultural

product input assemblies

20, 21 to achieve a desired specified discharge.

The seed sensing device 16 is particularly adapted to sense the placement of seeds from a planter configured to operate at high planter speeds. As defined herein, a "high planter speed" is greater than 5 mph. However, the seed sensing device may alternatively be used to sense the placement of seeds from a planter configured to operate at a lower planter speed, such as in the range of about 2mph to 5 mph.

One type of low ratio agricultural product input assembly is a liquid agricultural product input assembly 21. Common liquid agricultural products may include, for example, synthetic or biological insecticides, fungicides, nematicides, inoculants, herbicides, fertilizers, and the like. Another type of low ratio agricultural product input assembly 20 is a dry flowable agricultural product input assembly 20. Common dry flowable agricultural products may include, for example, synthetic or biological insecticides, nematicides, inoculants, herbicides, bactericides, fertilizers and other agricultural products. Liquid and dry agricultural products may also include growth hormones, growth promoting products and other crop yield enhancing products.

The dry flowable agricultural product input assembly 20 includes a dry flowable agricultural product input line 30; an air line/line member 32 connectable to an air source 34; an air valve 36; a combined portion 38; and a dry flowable/combined air outlet portion 40. An air valve 36 is operatively connected to the air line/line member 32. The combining portion 38 is positioned to receive the dry flowable agricultural product from the dry flowable agricultural product input line 30 and the air from the air valve 36. The combining portion 38 is configured to receive and contain the dry flowable agricultural product until air from the dam 36 expels the dry flowable agricultural product. A dry flowable/air combined outlet portion (or vent portion) 40 is connected to the combined portion 38 and is configured to discharge a dry flowable agricultural product. The liquid agricultural product intake assembly 21 includes a liquid agricultural product intake line 42. The fluid line/line assembly 44 may be connected to a source of fluid 46. A liquid valve 48 is operatively connected to the liquid line/circuit member 44 for regulating the discharge of the liquid agricultural product.

Thus, the air valve 36, liquid valve 48, and system components associated with the air valve 36 and liquid valve 48 collectively comprise a pulsating system operatively coupled to the output of the dry flowable agricultural product input line 30 and/or the output of the liquid agricultural product input line 42 (i.e., the agricultural product pipes 30, 42). The pulsation system is also operatively coupled to the seed induction device. The pulsation system is configured to synchronize the placement of the low-rate agricultural product relative to the placement of the seeds. Thus, in some embodiments, the pulsation system includes an electro-pulsation valve physically placed on the output end of the agricultural product pipe.

In a preferred embodiment, air valve 36 and/or liquid valve 48 may comprise, for example, a modified automotive fuel injection valve type. As best shown in fig. 5, air valve 36 and liquid valve 48 are the same type of mechanical device. As shown in parenthesis in this figure, the active (i.e., operational) portion of the

valves

36, 48 may be, for example, about 1 ¹ / ₄ Inches long and about 1/2 inches in diameter. This allows multiple agricultural product input assemblies (including the valves of the assemblies) to be installed within the same MLRA product application device 14.

Referring to fig. 5A, an example of a liquid or air valve 36 (or 48) is shown. Valve 36 includes structure known in the automotive fuel injection art such as valve housing assembly 23, armature 25, coil 27, output orifice 29 and return spring 31. In addition, there are air/liquid lines and appropriate lines. With such valves, the use of multiple valves within a single MLRA product application device 14 may be achieved.

The valve 36 (or 48) of each of the plurality of low ratio agricultural product application devices 14 may be about 1 ¹ / ₄ Inches long and about 1/2 inches in diameter. Adding lines, hoses and mounting housings increases the size somewhat, but can be designed to fit the length and width of the area requirements. Commercially available valves for pulsing fluid on corn planters are available from Capstan AG systems, copeka, Kansas. On the other hand, unlike the current valve 36 (or 48), the Capstan section is about 6 inches long and about 2 inches wide. Furthermore, the Capstan part is typically split into two or more parts so that it matches the available space. In Capstan parts, the large size results in the pulsating part of the valve being a long distance from the dispensing tip or orifice, some parts being up to three feet, thereby reducing performance.

As shown with reference to fig. 6, in one embodiment of the system 10, a plurality of devices (i.e., MLRA product application devices) 14', 14 "may be mounted on the planter 12. Each device may contain a variety of low ratio agricultural

product input assemblies

33, 35, 37, 39. The agricultural product input assembly may be various dry and/or liquid or combinations thereof agricultural product input assemblies. The device 14", a precision placement apparatus, includes a placement tube assembly, an agricultural product input assembly, operatively connected to the low ratio dosing device to place the agricultural product in a desired location to exert the effect of the agricultural product. In this example, each placement tube assembly (i.e., agricultural product input assembly) is mounted between depth wheels of a depth control wheel assembly of the planter for placing agricultural product in furrows between the depth control wheels. Fig. 6 shows one depth control wheel 41 with the other removed to show the device 14 "between the depth control wheels. An attachment arm 19 for a depth control wheel 41 is provided. Each

placement tube assembly

33, 35 comprises an

elongated placement tube

37, 39, the

elongated placement tubes

37, 39 being arranged from a portion of the machine frame 41 behind the depth control wheels 41 down between the depth control wheels. The device 14 is located in front of the seed tube 65, preferably positioned between the open trays. One of the open disks 43 is shown with the other open disk removed to show the device 14'. Thus, both devices 14' and 14 "are protected from wind, debris and other obstructions in the soil. In other embodiments, instead of using two discs, one plate (e.g., attached to a metal strip) may be applied in a common housing.

Referring again to fig. 1, in one embodiment, the planting device monitoring assembly (i.e., seed sensing device) 16 includes an in-cab monitor 50 having a seed status light 52. Planter assembly control module 54 is operatively connected to the cab monitor 50 for receiving input signals from planter sensors. Planter assembly control module 54 acts as a master controller. The planter sensors can be of various different types that provide input to the operator regarding the operation of the planter, for example, from seed feed tubes, seed meter pressure sensors, seed storage tank pressure sensors (not shown), ground speed sensors 56 (see fig. 1), seed unit ground pressure sensors 58 (fig. 2), and the like. Planter assembly control module 54 is also used to control the operation of the planter (e.g., ground speed, tank pressure, seed meter vacuum status, row unit ground pressure, liquid and dry flowable product application control). Other methods of locating the monitor 50 exist. The monitor 50 may be positioned as desired on the planter, for example, below the seed hopper.

A connection device such as a suitable wiring 60 is operatively connected between the control module 54 and the planter sensors by a planter monitoring assembly harness/connector 62. The wiring harness/connector 62 may be used as a power distribution box. In one embodiment, the electrical box 62 is operatively connected to a secondary power source (not shown).

In one embodiment, the planting device monitoring assembly includes a seed tube integration unit 64, and the seed tube integration unit 64 includes a seed status light 66. In some embodiments, the seed status lights are mounted on a separate module rather than on the seed tube integration unit 64. The seed pipe integration unit 64 is mounted on the seed pipe 65. A control module 68, such as a seed status LED light interface module, is operatively connected to the seed tube integration unit 64 (i.e., seed sensing electronics) for receiving input signals from the planter sensors and for controlling planter operation (e.g., ground speed, reservoir pressure, seed meter vacuum status, row unit ground pressure, liquid and dry flowable product application control). The control module 68 serves as an auxiliary control for actuating the dosing device. The control module 68 receives command data from the main controller 54, the seed tube integration unit 64, and the seed status lights 66 through the switchbox.

A connection device, such as a suitable wiring 70, is operatively connected between the control module 68 and the planter sensors (e.g., seed status lights 66) via the planter monitoring assembly harness/connector 62.

In one embodiment, a plurality of low ratio agricultural product applicators are configured to dispense a dry flowable (e.g., granular) agricultural product at a low application rate, with the "low application rate" of the dry flowable agricultural product being defined as a rate of less than 3 ounces per thousand line feet.

In a preferred embodiment, the low application rate of the dry flowable agricultural product is 1.0-2.0 ounces per thousand row feet. In one embodiment, the agricultural product is a pesticide.

In one embodiment, the low application rate of the dry flowable agricultural product is 2.0-2.99 ounces per thousand row feet. In another embodiment, the low application rate of the dry flowable agricultural product is less than 2.0 ounces per thousand row feet. In another embodiment, the low application rate of the dry flowable agricultural product is 0.01-1.9 ounces per thousand row feet.

Various low-ratio agricultural product applicators are configured to dispense liquid agricultural products at low application rates, defined as rates below 3.7 fluid ounces per thousand row feet.

For liquid agricultural products, the low ratio is limited by the type of formulation and the particle size suspended in the liquid. If the pores are not large enough for the formulation or particles to pass through, clogging can occur; it is also limited by the fact that if the holes are too small, a spray may form, making it difficult for the product to reach the target area. If purified water is used, the application rate can be reduced to 4 or 5 fluid ounces per linear acre, or 4 or 5 fluid ounces per 17,424 line feet at a 30 inch line spacing.

Referring again to fig. 4 and 5, it can be seen that the low ratio agricultural product input assemblies (i.e., discharge guides) 20, 21 can be angled appropriately by fasteners 45. The fasteners may be of various types, such as plastic or metal bolts or screws. Components such as zipper tape fasteners may be used. Thus, referring to fig. 7A and 7B, a liquid agricultural product intake assembly 21 is shown adjusted to different angles. Further, the dry flowable agricultural product input assembly 20 is shown with an improved dry flowable agricultural product input line 30, the input line 30 being bent to meet the requirements of the planter frame.

Referring again to fig. 4 and 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the outlet portion (i.e., the dry flowable/air combination outlet portion 40) includes a slot 47 at the end of a chemical tube 49, where the agricultural product is collected. Air valve 36 is mounted at one end of slot 47. The upper entry point for the dry flowable agricultural product (pellets) is between the dam 36 and the discharge port 49. The air valve 36 is fired to blow the particles through the slot 47. The discharge end of the slot 47 has a U-shaped discharge guide 51.

The U-shaped discharge guide 51 has several functions:

1. the discharge port 49 is protected from foreign matter entering to block it.

2. In one embodiment, the discharge guide 51 may be tilted in a range of about 90-120 degrees to guide the particles to the target point, thereby eliminating the need for complex electronics to ensure accuracy. The ejection guide 51 may have an additional insert to change the angle to reach the target point.

3. It also prevents liquid draining from liquid valve 48 (and from any other source of liquid contamination) from entering trough 47, which could cause product clogging and otherwise failing to reach the target area.

4. A U-shaped discharge guide 51 is preferred over a tubular discharge because the open side of the guide 51 prevents the accumulation of particles during discharge due to debris, wet soil in the field, passing wet spots, etc.

5. The opening front side prevents debris such as plant stalks from getting stuck in the discharge port.

Referring again to fig. 6, in one embodiment, a brush 53 may be used instead of the U-shaped discharge guide 51. The use of such a brush 53 allows a better setting to be achieved under certain sowing conditions, such as heavy debris and humid conditions.

In an air valve system, another brush (not shown) may be used between the particle inlet and the discharge port, and thus may function like a seed dispensing device. Such brushes may reduce inadvertent and ineffective application of minute amounts of product during the time intervals between air pulse segments.

The present invention allows different products to be introduced into the furrow at desired locations relative to the seed. In one embodiment, only one signal need be sent to any one set of valves to fire them. This means that the position at which the product is applied into the channel is determined by the valve position. Thus, incompatible products may be applied simultaneously at different locations. As above, the valve assembly may be mounted behind the seed tube or in front of the seed tube. There is sufficient space to accommodate up to three valve assemblies depending on the product desired to reach the seed furrow location. Moreover, the normal seed spacing for corn is about 6 inches. The normal seed spacing for soybeans is about 1 to 4 inches, depending on the line width. Whenever a signal from the seed sensor is emitted, the valve can be positioned to arrive at the appropriate time and location.

One reason for pulsing the particles and liquid is that the particles can be more easily designed for timed release, while the liquid is better at rapid control. In one embodiment, for example, if an immediate response to a pest attacking corn seeds in an application is desired, and later control of corn rootworm is required, encapsulated particles and liquids can be used. Likewise, if it is desired that the applied liquid and/or particulate products are not completely compatible with each other when in the same solution or direct contact, the products can be pulsed to different locations within or near the furrow.

The signal for driving the device of the invention may be provided in a number of ways. There are several commercially available controllers, such as a seed spray machine controller from Capstan AG systems, a seed planter set from Great Plains, a controller from 360Yield Center. Since the device of the present invention can be manually adjusted, it can be controlled/driven by directly connecting the device to the planter monitor, the Y-ed seed stream sensor connector, and/or a magnetic/electromotive force/electric field sensor with separate circuitry can be used for each row. Also, if electrical timing is required, a "delay line" module can be used without complex electronics and processors. "delay lines" are commonly used for signal processing.

In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 1-2, the rigid product container 130 may be used for low rate, dry flowable agricultural products. By way of example, liquid product container 131 is shown proximate rigid product container 130; however, there is great flexibility in the positioning of the liquid product container 131. Additionally, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, there may be a variety of different rigid product containers and/or liquid product containers. Each liquid product container may include a pump, or may be connected to a liquid supply pump.

In certain embodiments, a rigid container may be used. The use of rigid containers for low rate drying of flowable agricultural products can maintain the integrity of the agricultural product during transport and storage. This will be discussed in more detail below.

Although not preferred, pallets of bagged products may also be used. In the past, bagged products were commonly used, which were stacked in warehouses four or five pallets high for months. The usual method is to drop the bag onto the ground or floor, breaking up lumps that may form in the bag due to storage. Standard application equipment has a rotor to help grind the agglomerates. This is somewhat effective for application rates higher than the low rates previously described herein, as the control apertures in the bottom of many currently available ejectors are large enough to pass the clumps that remain after the bag is dropped as previously described. If the non-broken up lumps (or clumped material) are small enough, the lumps may be forced through the hole due to the rotating action of the rotor positioned before the dosing device. However, at the low application rates described herein, the control orifice must be small enough to control the flow rate so that substantially any clumping can cause clogging and prevent the dispensing device from consistently and effectively applying the product. Furthermore, the problem with paper bags is that cutting, tearing or other opening methods can cause the paper to enter the application system, which can also lead to plugging problems. Finally, loading planter equipment from a non-closed system with an open lid can allow debris such as dust, seed residue, etc. to enter the system, causing clogging, which is particularly problematic in windy weather.

The use of rigid product containers avoids the problems described above.

A low application rate dosing device (i.e., agricultural product dosing system) 132 operatively connected to the rigid product container 130 is configured to dose agricultural product from the product container (i.e., from a plurality of low application rate agricultural product sources) 130.

The material dispensing system of the present invention may be used with other types of agricultural implements, but is primarily used with seed planting equipment. Although the figures show a single row seeding apparatus, typical seeding machines include multiple rows, for example, up to 48 rows or more.

Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a simplified schematic diagram of one embodiment of the major components of the system of the present invention, generally designated 140. The duct integration unit 64 provides signals to the lamp interface module 68. Alternatively, the in-cab monitor 50 may provide a signal to the light interface module 68. Light interface module 68 sends signals to air valve 36 and/or liquid valve 48 to apply liquid agricultural product and/or dry flowable agricultural product.

Although only two arrangements of liquid and dry flowable agricultural product input assemblies are shown above, it should be understood that the arrangement of these input assemblies depends on the product supplied, the type of planter used, and how the product needs to be placed. For example, although the arrangement has been described above as including one liquid input assembly and one dry flowable input assembly, it should be understood that in some cases there may be multiple liquid input assemblies and/or dry flowable input assemblies.

Referring now to fig. 9, an alternative embodiment of a dry flowable agricultural product input assembly, generally designated 144, is shown that allows application in two directions. The dry flowable product input tube 146 and the air valve 148 cooperate with front and rear application ports 152 and 154 in a bi-directional housing 150 to expel the dry flowable agricultural product in multiple directions when desired. A unique feature of this embodiment is that it is capable of pulsing out a more uniform product line than an input assembly having a single output port. Thus, it can operate at very low rates and pulsate a continuous agricultural product line in the furrow. For example, if the device pulses a six inch line of product, the product may be applied continuously with a firing every six inches. Thus, if the seed spacing is six inches, pulsing with the seed can effect a continuous stream of product applied in-furrow. Another example of pulsing at a low rate is to pulse every 6 inches (depending on distance traveled) instead of pulsing the product in synchronization with the seeds, producing the same effect as pulsing the seeds together.

Preferably sensor means are included which detect when the delivery point of the agricultural product deviates from the desired delivery point. As a general matter of background, in order to synchronize the application work, the farmer needs to be informed if for any reason the applied product is not correctly placed close to the seed. For example, if the applied strip is very short, the pulsation may work well, but if the nozzle is misaligned, the treated strip will not be in the correct position relative to the seed, and the desired effect on the crop will not be achieved. Thus, if the product delivery point is not where it should be, the sensing device notifies the farmer.

In some embodiments, and preferably, a sensing device is included that detects when the point of delivery of the agricultural product is not where it should be. An example of such a sensing device is disclosed and claimed in U.S. patent No. 15/822,181 entitled "capacitance-based flow sensor".

Referring now to FIG. 10, a single still image photograph taken from a high/slow motion video taken during an exemplary test of the operational advantages of the system 10 is shown. In this test setup, a variety of low ratio agricultural product application devices were used with a single dry flowable agricultural product input assembly. A dry flowable agricultural product, in this case a control white granule calibration product, was used with dyed corn seeds. Corn seeds were applied using a precision seeding high speed unit mounted on a John Deere row unit. The paper is used below the row unit traveling at the planter speed. The seed spacing in this example is 13 inches. It can be readily seen that the particles are distributed in a concentrated pattern close to the seed. This results in little or no chemical being received in the area between the seeds. This is one example of the synchronization of seed delivery with the drying of the flowable agricultural product.

Fig. 11A, 11B, 11C are successive still pictures of liquid delivered in synchronism with a single seed. In fig. 11A, the flow of liquid output from the liquid agricultural product input assembly is shown. In a synchronized manner, seeds are output from the precision seeding high speed unit. Fig. 11B shows the liquid lines dispensed on the paper while the seeds are still airborne. Fig. 11C shows the seed ready to collide with the liquid on the paper. High speed video is used.

As with the case of dry flowable products, in another example, the low ratio liquid may be pulsed asynchronously. Instead of pulsing the product in synchronism with the seeds, pulsing every 6 inches (depending on the distance traveled) produces the same result as pulsing the seeds together. Instead of using output nozzles that spray a direct current, spray-type nozzles are used, such as flat fan jet nozzles, which produce a product line parallel to the direction of sowing at the bottom of the furrow. The advantage of pulsing in this manner is that larger orifices can be used in the output device so that clogging is less likely to occur with higher concentrations of product.

Observing the soil behind the seeding machine is a standard procedure for checking the accurate placement of agricultural granular product applied in the furrow at the time of seeding. In the system of the present invention, the rate of application of the agricultural product is typically low and difficult or even impossible to observe with the naked eye. In the present system, where the testing process is conducted in a building having a floor, the product placement can be set and the product placement visually confirmed by operating both the agricultural product application system and the seed dispensing mechanism simultaneously when the planter is stationary and in the planting position, and recording the placement of the product relative to the individual seeds or groups of seeds when the product and seeds impact the ground or any surface beneath the planter.

The system of the present invention is particularly suited for use with planters configured to operate at high planter speeds. The term "high planter speed" as used herein refers to speeds greater than 5 mph. However, it is emphasized that in some embodiments, the system of the present invention may operate at slower planter speeds, for example in the range of between about 2mph to 5 mph. Thus, the seed sensing device is configured to appropriately sense the placement of seeds from the seeding machine with a corresponding seeding machine speed for a particular purpose.

Agricultural product dosing systems may include various types of systems. For example, the agricultural product dosing system may be a solenoid system or a syringe-based pump system. Various pumps can be used to apply the liquid product at a low rate in the furrow. For example, referring to FIG. 12, a syringe-based pump assembly is shown, generally indicated at 158.

The syringe-based pump assembly 158 includes a stepper motor 160 connected to a drive gear 162, the drive gear 162 being operatively connected to two screw motors 164. A common rod 166 operatively connected to two

syringe assemblies

168, 170 is housed within a pump assembly housing 172. Each

syringe assembly

168, 170 includes a syringe piston 172 and a syringe element 174. The liquid output from the pump is synchronized with the delivery of the seeds by using the same seed (sowing) sensor as described above.

The use of the syringe-based pump assembly 158 in combination with the synchronized pulsing technique described herein enables the dispensing of low ratio liquid agricultural products by cooperation, as described above, with an ultra-low ratio defined as less than 0.9 fluid ounces per thousand row feet. The concept of reducing the total amount of liquid product applied with a syringe pump is consistent with the results of the previously described ultra-low rate liquid application, wherein the dripping of the liquid product is limited to areas as small as one-quarter inch of a row spacing, within one-quarter inch of an individually placed seed or group of seeds. The process of controlling the pulsing of the liquid product using the seed sensing device such that the dripping (application) of the liquid product in the target area is synchronized with the individual seeds or groups of seeds is consistent with the injection pump ultra low ratio liquid application and the ultra low ratio liquid synchronized application achieved by the improved fuel injector assembly as previously described herein. Although the manner in which the liquid product is pumped or pushed through the application orifice is significantly different for syringe pumps and improved fuel injectors, the goal is to synchronize the ultra-low ratio liquid product with a single seed or group of seeds, and embodiments where these differences are significant indicate that one skilled in the art may devise alternative methods of accomplishing this task.

Thus, when operated at speeds of 5mph or less than 5mph or greater than 5mph, the syringe pump can achieve continuous application of a single liquid product at a low rate of less than 3.7 fluid ounces per thousand line feet. Further, when operated at speeds of 5mph or less than 5mph or greater than 5mph, the syringe pump can achieve simultaneous application of a single liquid product at ultra-low rates of less than 1.0 fluid ounce per thousand line feet.

An advantage of certain embodiments of the present invention is that many complex electronic drive systems may be avoided. However, in some embodiments, an electronic drive system may be used. For example, a distributed control system may be used that includes a master microcontroller that communicates with a plurality of sub-controllers (as used herein, a terminal sub-controller may alternatively be referred to as a secondary controller, a slave controller, or a row controller). The sub-controller executes the received instructions from the main control unit by supplying power to the dosing system. The agricultural product container may include a memory device for storing information relating to the material in the container and the dosing device of the dosing system. The main control unit (i.e., the main microcontroller or main controller) and sub-controllers use this information to properly dispense the product.

In some embodiments, the material distribution system is a distributed control system that employs a master singlechip either located in the cab or integrated into the tractor's on-board master display and control system. The main controller sends command and control information to sub-controllers connected to each dosing system via a high speed serial communication link, a distribution box. Each row corresponds to a row in the field where sowing is performed. Each individual dosing system is controlled by its slave controller or row controller. The dosing system comprises an electronic storage circuit and an expelling or dispensing device. The dosing system may be permanently attached to an engagement means that enables product to flow from the product container to the ejector, the product container also being attached to the engagement means. The dosing system may be attached using known tamper evident securing systems. The row controller includes a material flow sensor integral with the row controller. The material flow sensor detects whether there is a flow of product from the product container.

The main microcontroller unit may include a display and a keyboard for an operator interface. In some embodiments, a speed sensing device such as a radar, GPS, or wheel speed sensor is connected to the main control unit to track/monitor ground speed. The ground speed is used to modify the material distribution ratio to accommodate the speed of the planter. The main control unit is connected to a plurality of junction boxes. The junction box is operatively positioned between the switchbox and the auxiliary controller via a high-speed serial communication link. The primary controller is in continuous communication with a secondary controller 60 located on the planter via a communication link.

In some embodiments, the secondary controller (i.e., row control unit) makes it possible to implement a method of multiplexing signals to the primary controller. One benefit is that the main controller can control the planter with only nine wires to the junction box. One pair of wires is used for serial communication and three pairs of wires are used to power the row control unit and the proportioning device. Three pairs of wires are used for supplying power, so that the current demand distribution is more uniform. The distribution box eliminates the need for the main controller to supply power to the auxiliary controllers. The switchgears are individually connected to a power source indicated by the numerical designation. The switchbox is also connected to a lift switch. The switchbox has three serial ports for connection to the junction boxes. The distribution box includes a suitable electronic overload protector to prevent system damage. The lift switch prevents the dosing device from operating when the seeding machine is lifted, i.e. not in the seeding position, and thus prevents product from being dispensed when the seeding machine is not lowered into the seeding position.

The host controller also contains suitable non-volatile memory units such as flash memory, memory cards, and the like. Information about the use and application of the agricultural product is stored in the non-volatile memory unit. This information is used to prepare printed reports that meet EPA reporting requirements. Currently, farmers manually prepare these written reports, however, some product containers are equipped with RFID tags or other devices that electronically communicate information about the applied product, thereby enabling the automatic creation of application records without the need for manual or operator input.

A preferred junction box may connect up to eight row control units to the electrical box. If there are more than eight rows of the planter, additional terminal boxes can be connected to the electrical box. The lifting switch is connected with the distribution box. The switch indicates when the planter is not in the run position. Other interfaces to the main control unit may be provided (e.g., serial or parallel links) for sending information to other computer systems or printers.

The row control unit has storage means and logic means within it for modifying and executing instructions from the main controller. The row control unit may read information from the container storage circuit attached to the container and may process instructions from the main controller to operate the dosing device correctly. For example, if the product concentration or usage rate on row 1 is different from the product concentration or usage rate on row 8, the row control unit may modify the instructions of the main controller to properly dispense product to each row. The row control unit also reads the metering device calibration data from the container memory circuit and modifies the main controller instructions to accommodate performance differences of different metering devices.

The programming function of the master controller can be changed completely by the row control unit. For example, if a preprogrammed row control unit is placed on the liquid herbicide sprayer, the main controller can read the dispenser type information and operate as a liquid sprayer controller.

One embodiment shown in the figure uses one row control unit to control one dosing device and one storage unit. The row control unit may control more than one device, for example, two dosing devices and storage units, or one dosing device and storage unit and one seed hopper and seed sowing mechanism.

The seed planting mechanism typically includes a plurality of agricultural product pipes operatively connected to an agricultural product dosing system.

Each container provides a discharge or dispensing means which allows for controlled application rates under different conditions. The dosing device may be an electromechanical solenoid driven device for drying material. For other materials, such as liquids, other types of dispensers may be used. One type of dosing device is described in us patent No. 7,171,913 entitled "self-aligning ejector with ejector internal disperser". Another type of metering device is described in U.S. patent 5,524,794 entitled "delivery valve for a particulate material dispensing system". Another type of dosing device for dry particulate material is described in us patent 5,156,372 entitled "dosing device for particulate material". Another type of dosing device is described in US publication No. US20170043961a1 entitled "brush auger discharger", which describes a device for discharging a granular or powder product having a discharger housing, an auger housing located within the discharger housing, a rotatable auger brush mounted within the auger housing, a first discharge opening near one end of the auger housing for discharging the granular or powder product, and another opening near the other end of the auger housing for discharging the granular or powder product that is not discharged through the first discharge opening, wherein the auger housing has an inlet for receiving the granular or powder product. U.S. patents 7,171,913, 5,687,782, 5,524,794, 5,156,372 and U.S. publication No. US20170043961a1 are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

The primary and secondary controllers are configured to provide a defined set of rows to an operator. Each row in the group has an operator specified dispensing ratio and an operator specified agricultural product. In some embodiments, the operator is a pre-established electronic protocol rather than an operator. During operation, the distribution ratio and agricultural product can be controlled by the operator, depending on the seeding or field requirements. Such individual row control is typically provided by electronic scheme mapping. The main controller 10 and the supplementary controller 60 are configured to control a plurality of sets of rows simultaneously. A set of rows may comprise a single row. Thus, for example, for a 48 row planter, 48 different products can be applied, each at its own specific rate, where the rate is fully variable so that the rate can be increased, decreased, or zero based on the geographic location of the planter or application system. In addition, each product and its corresponding ratio may be recorded by the master controller 10 for record keeping.

The combination of the electronic memory and the product container with the respective dosing device attached may, in combination, form a material container that is capable of electronically memorizing and storing important data about the container, the material dispensing system, the agricultural product and the geographic location when the product is dispensed, as well as the travel route of the seeding machine when in the seeding position. The data that can be stored are: the unique serial number of the container, the product lot number, the product type, the discharge calibration, the fill date, the amount of material in the container, the amount of material dispensed (including the particular application rate at any given location), and the field being processed. These stored data can be recalled and updated as needed. The stored data may also be used by the discharge controller or pumping system to make the required adjustments by accessing a unique specific calibration number for the container, to sound an alarm when a certain volume of product in the container is reached, or to track the usage of the container for scheduled maintenance. Electronically created application records may also be provided to interested parties (e.g., government agencies, food buyers or processing parties, or consumers) as evidence of the products applied in the field of crop production or in different areas or locations in the field, as well as the rate of product application.

In one embodiment, after configuration, the operator can set the product and application rate set. In such embodiments, there are multiple row groups defined by the operator. The main controller and the auxiliary controller are configured to control a plurality of row groups simultaneously. However, in this embodiment, it is also within the scope of the invention for the operator to define a single group. The different groupings will be discussed in detail below. The operator can define the ratio and product for each row.

In some embodiments, the features and functions of the material dispensing system include:

1) the material application rate under different operating conditions was controlled. The application rate may be set by an operator from an operator's console or may be automatically read from a material container discharge unit.

2) If a ground speed sensor is installed, actual ground speed information is provided. Common ground speed sensors include GPS, wheel speed sensors, and radar. Instead of a ground speed sensor, a fixed sowing speed can be input and used to calculate the application rate of the product material.

3) The system monitors material flow and alerts the operator to the absence of flow, empty containers, or a blocked flow condition.

4) The system can monitor and track the container level for each row.

5) The system provides control information and data to the non-volatile memory for future download.

6) The system monitors the planter so that product can be applied only when the planter is in the planting position.

The general use of the system is:

1) in some embodiments, for new product containers, the dosing device and storage unit may be attached to the product container by the container manufacturer or may be at the container filling site. In other embodiments, the dosing device and storage unit may be attached to the product container by the seeder.

2) The computer is connected to the dosing device and the storage unit (in some embodiments this may be done at the time of filling). The following information may be electronically stored in a storage device:

a) date of day

b) EPA chemical ID number

c) Container serial number

d) Suggested dosages, such as specific ounces per lineal foot for rootworms, or specific ounces per acre for grubs, and the like. These ratios are specified by the manufacturer.

e) Discharge calibration information based on type of dosing device

f) Self weight of container

g) Weight of the filled container

3) The product container is sealed for shipment.

4) The user attaches the product container to a dispensing implement, such as a planter, sprayer, incubator, etc. The main controller receives information from the dosing device and the memory unit about the appropriate application rate and prompts the user to select the desired rate. The row control unit reads the dosing device calibration information from the dosing device and the storage unit. This information is used in conjunction with instructions from the main controller to properly control the operation of the dosing device. The user may enter the field ID number and any other desired information, such as the number of rows, the width between rows, etc. The user applies the product to the field. The master controller monitors the ground speed and varies the dispense rate to maintain a constant rate per acre. When the user completes the product application for one field, the other fields may be processed. The field data including the field ID number, the crop being processed and the application amount are recorded in the nonvolatile memory of the main controller. This information may also be recorded in the dosing device and storage unit for later use by the user, by the agrochemical distributor or by the product supplier.

The rows may be grouped. For example, sixteen rows of planters may be grouped into four groups, group a, group B, group C, and group D. The grouping feature allows the seeder (operator) to apply the appropriate product to a given row at different rates in a single seeding operation. This example shows that group A includes rows 1-2, applied at a rate of 1.5 ounces per thousand row feet

An insecticide. Group B includes rows 3-8, applied at a rate of 2.5 ounces per thousand row feet

An insecticide. Group C includes rows 9-14, applied at a rate of 2.9 ounces/thousand row feet

Insecticide. Group D includes rows 15-16, applied at a rate of 2.3 ounces/thousand row feet

An insecticide.

This feature enables the seeder to use different or the same products at different rates, due to the different seed traits on a given row. For example, this feature allows for the use of a lower ratio of product for triple or quadruple stacked corn seeds (rootworm resistant traits) on most rows of the seeder, while the seeder can seed refuge corn seeds (rootworm-free traits or non-transgenic corn) on a given row. This allows for a higher rate of product to be used for the asexual corn.

In some embodiments, color or another tracking mechanism, such as by size difference detection, may be employed to identify discharge of inline products onto the seed. This may enable product differential application. For example, by making the seed sensor color sensitive, the ratio or product for different colored seeds can be switched. Other seed characteristics may provide this difference, such as infrared detection (by heating the seed), magnetic detection, and the like.

The above grouping feature enables the seeder to use different products at different rates, so that a comparative evaluation can be made of which product and rate work best for their farming and production practice.

The grouping feature enables the seeder to adopt different products and rates according to the needs of the third party. For example, this feature may be used for seed corn production, where male rows typically receive a partial ratio of insecticide.

The grouping feature allows the seed corn company to run different product and ratio tests on new seed stock production tests to determine the optimal ratio and product for a particular seed. For example, certain parental seed stocks may respond (positive or negative) to certain crop protection products and product rates. This grouping feature allows the study to be completed in a timely manner.

The row groups are arranged so that the seeder can close some rows while maintaining flow from the remaining row units as needed, which saves product and cost.

In some embodiments, the systems for dispensing agricultural products of the present invention may include multiple sets of agricultural product containers. Each group of agricultural product containers is associated with a respective row in the field. The agricultural product of each agricultural product container is dispensed according to operator-defined instructions to the master controller. During sowing, instructions may be provided to the main controller to enable control of the dispensing of individual product containers. The instructional data can be of various types and can come from a variety of input sources including, for example, field mapping using satellite telemetry combined with GPS positioning, last year production data input, soil analysis, soil moisture distribution maps, topography maps.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the

product containers

130, 131 each have an identification device 133, and the identification device 133 may be positioned in association with the product container for providing identification information to the master controller. The identification device 133 is typically secured to the

container

130, 131. The identification device is preferably a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip for providing identification information to the host controller. In one embodiment, the master controller 10 dispenses the

product containers

130, 131 and their operatively connected dosing devices to a particular row. The identification information typically includes product name, ratio, net weight of the product, and the like. Preferably, the operatively connected dosing device will not operate if the product is identified as an unauthorized product. Each

product container

130, 131 typically includes its own RFID tag 133.

In one embodiment of a seeding machine according to the principles of the present invention, sixteen groups of agricultural product containers may be used on the seeding machine, for example, side-by-side. For example, one of the containers may have an insecticide for controlling insects, e.g.

An insecticide. The other container may include, for example, a growth regulator for promoting plant growth. In other embodiments, one or more containers may include a liquid. Thus, in one embodiment, there may be multiple ejectors per row, each ejector being operatively connected to a product in a group of product containersA container.

Application of the product directly to the furrows with seeds eliminates pesticide dust but still protects the seeds. In addition, some seed treatments shorten the life of the seed, so that the seed cannot be stored until the next year. Furthermore, the treatment at the time of sowing gives flexibility to the farmer, who may use different seed treatments in addition to the seed treatment that the seed company has applied. Another use is in connection with soil inoculants. Soybeans are inoculated and repackaged, but a high proportion of the inoculum is killed when sown. Applying an inoculant or other biological agent to the soil at the time of sowing can greatly reduce the amount of product used, as it can be stored under better conditions. Farmers have more options for the products that can be applied when seeding, and more than one product can be applied by the seeder.

Furthermore, split-planter plots have shown that when two different soil pesticides are applied at the time of planting, one pesticide may provide a different yield effect than the other pesticide. This is because different insecticides work against different insect species. The population of insects will vary depending on the soil type and conditions. Corn nematodes are more likely to be in sandy soils and soybean nematodes may vary depending on the pH of the soil. Other soil pest populations vary depending on the amount and type of organic matter and the soil moisture in the field. If the planter is equipped with different pesticides, the pesticides can be applied to the desired area by using GPS. Seeders have been provided with the ability to change corn hybrids as soil types and characteristics change.

Thus, the planter can be equipped with a variety of different products and applied as desired. Further, the product may be applied in a number of different ways as desired. The product containers may be mounted in a variety of locations on the planter as required for application. As described above, there are a number of different placement options for placing the product into or onto the soil. For example, the present invention may include, for example, in-furrow placement and/or strip placement over the furrow. As discussed, the system may run, for example, 48 rows of cells, each row having a different product or ratio. The products may be applied together or to different areas. For example, one product may be applied in the furrow and another product may be placed in the strip. In addition, sometimes a plurality of products such as a seed treatment agent for diseases and an inoculant are applied to seeds at the same time, but the sowing time is limited because they affect each other and lose activity unless sown within a specific time. Applying the individually packaged products during a single pass of the planter improves operational efficiency and gives farmers more flexibility.

Although the figures only show two containers of a group of containers, a group of containers may include many product containers. Higher crop prices also make multiprocessing more economical. The present invention provides for applying multiple products to the same row while seeding. With the development of agricultural science in the future, more products will be available. The present invention enables the application of these products during seeding depending on the soil type, insect pest pressure, soil fertility and plant requirements.

In certain embodiments, the effectiveness of chemicals applied to soil at the time of planting can be increased by introducing seeds and chemical particles into the same seed distribution tube, transporting the chemicals and seeds in close proximity to one another in such a way that the chemicals are dispersed with the seeds as they pass through the seed distribution tube. For example, U.S. patent No. 6,938,564 issued to Conrad et al entitled "method and system for increasing the concentration of chemical particles around sown seeds" discloses a system wherein chemical particles are dispensed through a particle tube into a seed distribution tube, wherein the particle tube is connected to the seed distribution tube at a location above a lower opening of the seed distribution tube, and wherein the lower opening of the seed distribution tube is covered with a brush. The seeds are dispensed through a seed dispensing tube. The brush retains the chemical particles within the seed dispensing tube such that the chemical particles accumulate within the seed dispensing tube, the brush passing the seeds and the accumulated chemical particles through the lower opening as the seeds are dispensed through the seed dispensing tube.

Thus, precise placement of chemicals around the seed may optimize chemical utilization. In certain embodiments, the agricultural product may be dry, while in other embodiments, the agricultural product may be a liquid.

As described above, in some embodiments, a rigid product container 130 is used to contain a low application rate agricultural product. Such rigid product containers are designed to maintain product integrity during shipping and storage. The preferred rigid container is made of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). The density of the high density polyethylene can range from about 0.93g/cm3 to 0.97g/cm 3. An example of a suitable rigid container is made of Mobil (TM) HYA-21HDPE or equivalent material. The wall thickness is preferably about 0.17 to 0.28 inches.

For low ratio products, when the weight of the inert ingredient (i.e., carrier) is reduced while the weight of the active ingredient remains approximately constant, the consistency remains within controlled parameters and the infestation remains within acceptable parameters.

The particles used as carriers may for example comprise the following:

amorphous silica-having a bulk density in the range of about 0.160 to 0.335g/mL,

support-bulk density in the range of about 0.64-0.79g/mL,

clay-bulk density in the range of about 0.40 to 1.12g/mL,

sand-bulk density is about 1.6-2.1 g/mL.

The chemical-loaded particles typically have a bulk density of about 10 to 30% greater than the above values.

Typical clay particles weigh about 0.07-0.09 mg. In general

The weight of the particles was about 0.2 mg. The weight of the silica particles is about 0.02-0.05 mg. The sand weight can be up to about 5mg (coarse).

An example of particles used as a carrier is particles having a bulk density of 0.866g/mL, an average particle size of 510 microns, and an average particle weight of 0.082 mg.

The agricultural product may be a pesticide or various other crop enhancing agricultural products such as fungicides, Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs), micronutrients and the like.

Most existing dosing devices for dry/granular products are designed with a moving rotor inside, which acts as a closing device and keeps the product rotating inside the insecticide hopper. When the application rate is reduced, the percentage of the particles being ground up relative to the total amount of product applied is affected, and thus the application rate. If a low application rate is used, the discharge outlet may be less than the free flow rate of the particles and will result in more grinding and uneven product flow. Also, when closed, the discharge paddles form a pool of product around the aperture that flows out as the planter turns at the end row. Diel corporation (John Deere & Company) and Kinze manufacturing Company have made improvements to reduce this effect at the levels currently used, but these improvements are ineffective at the low application rates indicated herein.

In one embodiment, the low application rate proportioning device 132 has a larger orifice than previous conventional proportioning devices, so the device 132 can flow freely at a lower rate. Preferably, the hole diameter is in the range of 0.20-0.50 inches. One example of such a low application rate dosing device is embodied in a SmartBox dispensing system having an orifice diameter of 0.25-0.50 inches depending on the application rate of the product used. The pore diameter must be large enough to achieve the intended product free-flow delivery. Pulsing of the dosing device is one way to adjust the application rate of the product.

In today's industry, the use of seed treatments is very common. The seeds are treated with a bactericide or insecticide in an amount limited to the amount that can be applied to the exterior of the seeds. Conventional dispensing systems are often limited by the application of the product as a coating on the exterior of the seed. However, it would be a great advantage if the product could be applied in furrows. The present invention provides such advantages. In this embodiment, the agricultural product is not applied directly to the seed itself as a seed treatment, but is applied in the seed area, i.e., in the furrow. The features of the present invention enable such placement. The seeds themselves need not be treated, but the soil. The use of seed coatings can lead to equipment problems, germination problems/difficulties, reduced seed vigor, seed storage time problems, and the like. According to the present invention, small-sized seeds can be used as a carrier. Provides more choices for farmers and solves the problem of storing seeds for a long time.

Although the system for dispensing agricultural products at low rates of ratios of the present invention has been discussed with respect to placement on a planter row unit, the system may be positioned on a planter outside of the row unit. The system can be placed on another part of the planter frame due to space limitations, avoiding direct placement on the planter row units.

Referring now to FIG. 13, an exemplary display (i.e., user interface screen), generally designated 174, of a controller for pulsing the liquid valve 48 and the air valve 36 is shown. The display 174 may be part of the in-cab monitor 50 or a separate controller. The open time is the time each time the valve is triggered to apply product. The off time is the valve off time when the "start/stop" button is pressed for checking or calibration. The start/stop button operates the valve in the absence of a seed signal according to the on and off time settings. This is used to physically set the timing and mark the pulse position when the planter is operating in a stationary mode (i.e., still in the store). If the operator marks the position where the seed reaches the bottom of the furrow, he can tie the agricultural product application location to the seed. Due to the low ratio, multiple pulses are required to obtain a sufficient amount to view the agricultural product application location. When in the "click mode", the operator may put down a number of points instead of a continuous bar. For example, an operator may pulse multiple points in a 2 inch strip with one millisecond timed on and off adjustments according to on/off settings. The result is still a continuous process line, but in a plurality of spots. The plurality of points are triggered by the seed. The cycle setting determines the number of valve firings on/off during the seed triggering of the valve to fire. In other cases, if the cycle time is set to 2 cycles, the valve will open, then close, open, then close.

The liquid input supply may come from any liquid supply system. The supply controller settings may be made for ounces per acre so that the supply controller can maintain flow as the speed changes. In general, for a common fixed orifice spray type nozzle, to double the flow rate, the spray pressure must be increased by a factor of 4. The presently known technology employs increasing the flow range without much pressure increase. One is to use a new sprayer nozzle with a flexible orifice made of a flexible material that expands as pressure increases, similar to a rubber nipple on a baby bottle. Another possibility is to improve the common nebulizer check valve. Standard check valves have only an on/off mode and are designed not to affect the flow control of the nozzle. With the modified design of the standard gas/liquid pressure regulator, we can replace the ball in the check valve with a conical needle held in place by a spring. As the pressure increases, the flow rate increases without increasing much of the pressure. This modification may be a separate add-on in the supply line or incorporated into the variable ratio flow nozzle.

Using the techniques described above:

1. high velocity pulses in the target region

2. Flexible hole

3. Improved check valve nozzle

Various methods may be used to increase the range of ounces per acre without substantially increasing the supply pressure.

In some embodiments, a common signal may activate multiple valves simultaneously.

Information from the RFID tag of the closed delivery container may be combined with the spatial location information of the application device to create and store a geo-referenced record on a memory device separate and distinct from the RFID tag of the container that accurately indicates the specific location and time of product dispensing and application from the container.

The automatically generated electronic records accurately indicate the location of application of the product from the RFID-tagged container, eliminating the need for the user to manually record application information associated with the product dispensed from the RFID-tagged container, while also eliminating the possibility of human error associated with handwriting or manually entering notes or records.

Automatically generated electronic records that accurately indicate the specific product, product quantity and product location dispensed from an RFID-tagged container ensure that a uniform record is made of all products applied from that container. Because the information confirming the applied product is from the encoded information on the RFID tag of the container, all products applied from containers having the same encoding can be recorded using information recorded in the same format. This uniformity of data makes it easier, faster, and more accurate to aggregate and analyze application data for multiple containers, users, and locations. Accurate, low-cost analysis of aggregated data enables better and more accurate use recommendations to be provided for future applications of the same product.

In addition to the product quantity data, the system may also update various "when applied" data in the label as the product is dispensed from the cartridge. For example, the application-time data may include any one or more of the following in any combination:

an identifier of the product dispensed from the cartridge;

the rate at which product is dispensed from the cartridge;

the current position of the cartridge; and

the current time.

Any data disclosed herein, such as application-time data, may include one or more timestamps that indicate one or more times associated with the data, such as the time of data acquisition, creation, or transmission. Similarly, any data disclosed herein, such as application-time data, may include geographic information, such as geographic coordinates indicating a location associated with the data (such as a location of data acquisition, creation, or transmission). Any such geographic information may be obtained automatically, for example, by using GPS technology. The system may include, for example, a GPS module (not shown), such as that described in U.S. patent application publication No. 2017/0265374a1 by Wintemute et al, which generates an output indicative of the current location of the system. Time may also be provided remotely, for example by a GPS signal or by a separate clock or other timing device. The system may use the output of such a GPS module to generate and store any of the location data disclosed herein. Embodiments of the invention may use any of the timestamps and/or geographic information disclosed herein to associate various data with one another. For example, any two data units having the same or similar timestamps may be associated with each other. Similarly, any two data units having the same or similar geographic location may be associated with each other.

One reason for sending and storing the as-applied data over time is to enable the server to create a "as-applied map" of the product as it is actually applied to the field over time. For example, the system may apply the product based on preselected data represented by a designated map indicating the amount of product expected to be applied at each of the locations of the field. The application-time map and the designation map are described below. The system may change the rate of application of the product at different locations in the field in an attempt to apply the product at each location with the amount of product that should be applied at that location specified by the specified map. However, the actual amount of product applied by the system at any particular location in the field may deviate from the amount that the specified map indicates should be applied. The system may use measurements of actual amounts of product applied at various locations of the field to create a map of the application time of the product. The system may then compare the specified map with the application time map to identify any changes between the amount of product specified to be applied at each of the locations and the amount of product actually applied at each of those locations.

One advantage of the techniques disclosed above for tracking changes in use of the product stored in each cartridge (e.g., changes in the amount of product over time) is that these techniques may be performed in real-time, i.e., while the amount of product is being added to and/or dispensed from the cartridge. The term "real-time" as used herein in connection with tracking a changing quantity of a product refers to tracking such changes and accordingly repeatedly updating the tag at repeated intervals without significant delay between the change in the quantity of the product or other usage parameter and the resulting update to the corresponding product usage data (e.g., product quantity data and/or product type data) in the tag.

Another advantage of the techniques disclosed above for tracking the number of products over time is that these techniques may be performed automatically, i.e., without human intervention. For example, existing systems typically require the operator of the tractor or planter to manually record the amount of product that has been applied to the field. Such manual processes have various disadvantages. For example, manually recording product application is error prone for various reasons, such as difficulty in manually measuring the amount of product that has been dispensed and limitations on operator memory. As another example, manually recorded product applications are susceptible to intentional fraud. As yet another example, manual recording may require a significant amount of work, which may result in a delay in the recording process. Embodiments of the present invention address all of these issues. For example, embodiments of the present invention may automatically (i.e., without manual input) track changes in the product in the cartridge (e.g., changes in product type, increases in product quantity, and decreases in product quantity). Such automatic tracking may be performed in operations such as cartridge filling operations, updating label operations as product is dispensed, and updating application data operations. Such automatic tracking eliminates the need for an operator to manually perform the tracking, thereby avoiding all of the problems of manual tracking described above. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention may even inhibit an operator from manually recording or modifying automatically recorded information (e.g., product quantity data, product type data, cartridge ID, and application time data), thereby eliminating the risk of inadvertent human error and the risk of intentional fraud.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention may automatically track and record product related data in real time. The combination of these features enables changes in the type and quantity of products to be tracked more quickly, easily, and reliably than prior systems that relied on manual input. For example, by automatically monitoring the rate at which product is applied at various locations over time, associating such information with the ID of the cartridge dispensing the product, and transmitting all such data to a server for storage in measurement data, embodiments of the present invention can create a map of the application time of the product actually applied to the field without involving an operator or farmer at all. This capability provides a real inventory management benefit to the manufacturer of the product and the supply chain between the cartridge manufacturer and the cartridge end user. Furthermore, by enabling the application-time data to be sent wirelessly, automatically, and in real-time to the server, the above-described features eliminate the burden of having to store (e.g., in a flash drive or other physical medium) the application-time data locally and then physically transfer it to the computer.

The ability to automatically generate an on-time map of application enables tracking of agricultural products applied to a particular crop without relying on the authenticity or accuracy of manual reports from the farmer. This ability to track specific products applied to individual crops independently of farmer reports is particularly useful to satisfy the need from consumers to know which products to apply to the food they purchase, as well as to satisfy the need of regulatory agencies and food processors to be able to access field specific agricultural product usage.

The retailer invoices the farmer for the amount of product the farmer uses from the cartridge. The billing process may be performed in any of a variety of ways. For example, the cartridge interface device may include a product usage determination module. In general, the product usage determination module may determine the amount of product (e.g., the amount of product dispensed from the cartridge and/or the total area or row in the field treated with the product) used by the farmer since the farmer acquired the cartridge, since the cartridge was last filled, or since the farmer last settled to use the product and/or the cartridge. The product usage determination module may generate an output signal indicative of the amount of product used.

The product usage determination module may generate the product usage signal in any of a variety of ways. For example, the tag reader may generate a read data signal representing some or all of the data read from the tag by the tag reader based on the data read from the tag by the tag reader. For example, the read data signal may represent all data read from the tag by the tag reader. If the read data already includes data representing the amount of product used by the farmer, the product usage determination module may identify the amount in the read data signal and output the amount in the product usage signal. As another example, if the read data signal includes data representing a previous amount of product in the cartridge (e.g., an amount of product contained in the cartridge when a farmer previously obtained the cartridge or filled the cartridge with product) and data representing a current amount of product in the cartridge, the product usage determination module may calculate a difference of the two amounts and output the resulting difference in the product usage signal (e.g., the current amount minus the previous amount).

The product usage determination module may calculate an invoice amount based on the identified amount of product used in any of a variety of ways and output a signal representative of the calculated invoice amount. For example, the product usage determination module may identify a unit price of the product (e.g., unit price per unit volume, mass, length of processed row, and/or area of processed field), multiply the unit price by an amount of the product used (e.g., volume, mass, length, or area) (represented by the product usage signal), generate a product representing an invoice amount, and the product usage determination module may include the product in the invoice amount signal.

The product usage determination module may identify the unit price of the product in any of a variety of ways. For example, the product usage determination module may identify the type of product, such as by identifying the type of product based on product type data read from the tag by the tag reader and included in the read data. The product usage determination module can identify a unit price for the product based on the type of the product, such as using the product type to look up a corresponding unit price in a mapping of product type to unit price (e.g., a database table).

No matter what way the actual amount of product is calculated, the farmer is charged only for the amount of product actually used by the farmer, which can both reduce the cost of using each cartridge by the farmer and encourage the farmer to use the cartridge because the price paid by the farmer for the cartridge is limited by the amount of product actually used by the farmer.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments of the devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will be understood by those within the art that each function and/or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment, portions of the subject matter described herein may be performed by an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a General Purpose Processor (GPP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), or other integrated format. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented efficiently in integrated circuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and/or firmware would be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light of this disclosure.

Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that some of the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative embodiment of the subject matter described herein applies regardless of the particular type of signal bearing media used to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of signal bearing media include, but are not limited to, the following: recordable type media such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, Compact Disks (CDs), Digital Video Disks (DVDs), digital tapes, computer memories, etc.; and a transmission type medium such as a digital and/or an analog communication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wired communications link, a wireless communication link (e.g., transmitter, receiver, transmission logic, reception logic, etc.)).

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the prior art has evolved to the point where there is little difference between hardware, software, and/or firmware implementations of aspects of the system; the use of hardware, software, and/or firmware is often (but not always, in that in certain contexts the choice between hardware and software can become significant) a design choice representing a cost versus efficiency tradeoff. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are various vehicles by which processes and/or systems and/or other technologies described herein can be effected (e.g., hardware, software, and/or firmware), and that the preferred vehicle will vary with the context in which the processes and/or systems and/or other technologies are deployed. For example, if the implementer determines that speed and accuracy are paramount, the implementer may opt for mainly hardware and/or firmware; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, the implementer may opt to have software predominate; or, again alternatively, the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. Thus, there are several possible mediums through which the processes and/or apparatus and/or other techniques described herein can be implemented, none of which is inherently superior to the other mediums in that any medium that is to be utilized is a choice dependent upon the context in which the medium is deployed and the particular concerns (e.g., speed, flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any of which may vary. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the optical aspects of the embodiments will typically employ optically-oriented hardware, software, and/or firmware.

As described above, other embodiments and configurations may be devised without departing from the spirit of the inventions and the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for dispensing a low-ratio crop-enhancing agricultural product, comprising:

an agricultural product dosing system operatively connected to a low rate crop enhancement agricultural product source; and

at least one agricultural product pipe operatively connected to the agricultural product dosing system,

wherein the agricultural product dosing system is configured to dispense a low-ratio liquid crop enhancement agricultural product at a low ratio defined as less than 3.7 fluid ounces per thousand row feet;

a seed sensing device configured to sense placement of seeds from the seeding machine; and the number of the first and second groups,

a pulse system operatively coupled to the output of the agricultural product pipe and the seed sensing device and configured to synchronize the placement of the low ratio agricultural product relative to the placement of the seeds.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the agricultural product dosing system includes a syringe-based pump system.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a seed sensing device configured to sense placement of seeds from the seeding machine; and (c) a second step of,

a pulse system operatively coupled to the output end of the agricultural product pipe and the seed sensing device and configured to synchronize the placement of the low ratio agricultural product relative to the placement of the seed, wherein the agricultural product dosing system is configured to dispense the low ratio liquid agricultural product at an ultra-low rate defined as less than 1.0 fluid ounce per thousand row feet.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein:

the agricultural product dosing system includes a syringe-based pump system.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein:

the seed sensing device is configured to sense placement of seeds from a seeding machine configured to operate at a seeding machine speed in a range of about 2mph to 5 mph.

6. A system for dispensing a low rate crop enhancing agricultural product and seed comprising:

a seed sensing device configured to sense placement of seeds from the seeding machine;

an agricultural product dosing system operatively connected to a low rate crop enhancement agricultural product source;

at least one agricultural product pipe operatively connected to the agricultural product dosing system; and

a pulse system operatively coupled to the output of the agricultural product pipe and the seed induction device and configured to synchronize the placement of the low-rate crop-enhancing agricultural product relative to the placement of the seeds.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein:

the seed sensing device is configured to sense placement of seed from a seeding machine configured to operate at a high seeding machine speed, the high seeding machine speed defined as greater than 5 mph.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein:

the seed sensing device is configured to sense placement of seed from a seeding machine configured to operate at a seeding machine speed in a range of about 2mph to 5 mph.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein:

the agricultural product dosing system is configured to dispense a dry flowable low ratio agricultural product at a low ratio defined as less than 3 ounces per thousand row feet.

10. The system of claim 6, wherein:

the impulse system includes an electrical impulse valve physically placed on the output end of the agricultural product pipe.

11. The system of claim 6, wherein:

the agricultural product dosing system is configured to dispense a low-ratio liquid agricultural product at a low ratio defined as less than 3.7 fluid ounces per thousand row feet.

12. The system of claim 6, wherein:

the agricultural product dosing system is configured to dispense a low-ratio liquid agricultural product at an ultra-low ratio defined as less than 0.9 fluid ounces per thousand row feet.

13. The system of claim 6, wherein:

the agricultural product dosing system is configured to dispense a dry flowable low ratio agricultural product at a low ratio defined as less than 3 ounces per thousand row feet; and dispensing the low-ratio liquid agricultural product at a low ratio defined as less than 3.7 fluid ounces per thousand row feet.

14. The system of claim 6, wherein:

the pulse system is configured to place the low-ratio agricultural product close to or in synchronism between the seeds as desired.

15. The system of claim 6, wherein:

the pulse system is configured to synchronize the placement of the low-rate agricultural product at a desired location relative to the seeds.

16. The system of claim 6, wherein:

the agricultural product dosing system includes a syringe-based pump system.

17. The system of claim 6, wherein the agricultural product dosing system comprises a solenoid system.

18. A method for dispensing a low-ratio liquid agricultural product, comprising:

providing an agricultural product dosing system operatively connected to a low ratio liquid agricultural product source; and

utilizing at least one agricultural product pipe operatively connected to the agricultural product dosing system,

continuously applying the low rate liquid agricultural product at a low rate defined as less than 3.7 fluid ounces per thousand row feet using the agricultural product dosing system.