CN117897594A

CN117897594A - Supply tube assembly for measuring the application rate of liquid agricultural products through a supply tube

Info

Publication number: CN117897594A
Application number: CN202280034183.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: L·M·康莱德; R·L·赖斯
Original assignee: Amwack Hong Kong Ltd
Current assignee: Amwack Hong Kong Ltd
Priority date: 2021-03-15
Filing date: 2022-03-01
Publication date: 2024-04-16

Abstract

A supply tube assembly for measuring the application rate of liquid agricultural products. The upstream portion of the supply tube has an upstream portion outlet end. The downstream portion has a downstream portion inlet end. The sensor body assembly includes a sensor body, a first sense plate, and a second sense plate. The sensor body has a sensor inlet end positioned to receive an inlet flow of liquid agricultural product from the upstream portion and a sensor outlet end positioned to receive an outlet flow of liquid agricultural product. The sensor body is a housing having a cross-sectional area greater than the cross-sectional area of the upstream portion of the supply tube and the downstream portion of the supply tube. The electronic component is configured to measure a liquid agricultural product application rate between the first sensing plate and the second sensing plate.

Description

Supply tube assembly for measuring the application rate of liquid agricultural products through a supply tube

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority from U.S. application Ser. No.17/583,479, filed on day 25 at 1 at 2022, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.17/201,988, filed on day 15 at 3 at 2021. U.S. application Ser. Nos. 17/583,479 and 17/201,988 are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to flow sensors. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for sensing the flow rate of fluids, granular solids and discrete particles by measuring the capacitance of a dielectric material and the permeability of a magnetic material.

Background

The dielectric constant of the first material is typically different from the dielectric constant of the second material. The dielectric constant of a substance may vary depending on the thermodynamic state of the substance, such as solid, liquid, or vapor (gas). Thus, the presence of a material can be detected by a process that determines its effective dielectric constant. The state of the material can also be deduced from the value of the effective dielectric constant. Similarly, for magnetic materials, the presence of the material can be detected by a process that determines its effective relative permeability. The state of the magnetic material can also be deduced from the value of the effective relative permeability of the material.

Anhydrous ammonia is a common option for providing nitrogen fertilizer to crops, especially corn, in the western and mid-western regions. Other forms of nitrogen are applied in liquid form, either during sowing or as an auxiliary fertilizer.

For states such as aihua, the annual average export amount of nitrate in surface water in aihua is estimated to be in the range of 204000 to 222000Mg, accounting for about 25% of the nitrate transported by aihua to the gulf of mexico [ k.e. schiling and r.d. libra.embedded baseflow in Iowa during the second half of the 20th century.Journal of American Water Research Association,39:851860,2004]. Therefore, controlling the flow rate of anhydrous nitrogen fertilizer and other nitrogen fertilizer is critical to avoid nitrification of surface and ground water.

An article describing difficulties in administration of anhydrous ammonia was published in state university of aihua, 2001, titled "Improving the uniformity of anhydrous ammonia application", publication No. PM 1875. The disclosure is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

When the anhydrous ammonia applied to the crop rows is insufficient, the field strip (area) will not be able to achieve the desired yield and the cost of cultivation, sowing and harvesting will also be an economic disadvantage. Likewise, controlling the rate of application is critical to the production of food products on farms.

Sensing the flow of anhydrous ammonia is one application of the sensor of the present invention. U.S. patent nos. 6,208,255 and 6,346,888, both of which are incorporated herein by reference, discuss how flow measurements can be made using near-resonance microwave technology. Most row-crop agricultural equipment for applying anhydrous ammonia does not provide a single row with a flow sensor. In addition, liquid spray agricultural equipment does not provide separate row sensing.

Considering anhydrous ammonia application systems, current single sensor systems measure mass per acre, but the line-to-line variation can be as high as 30%. Today's anhydrous ammonia applicators use cooling towers or cooling chambers and pressurized systems, or a combination of both. One common system used has a cooling tower, or apparatus that liquefies the remaining anhydrous ammonia using 5% to 10% of the ammonia vapor that is vented. The vented vapor is often injected with the measured ammonia, resulting in excess application. In addition, evaporation may occur again after the liquid anhydrous ammonia exits the cooling chamber and flow sensor. This results in different application rates due to a number of factors, such as heating of the applicator hose. To keep the flow rates of each row similar, hoses of the same length are typically used. Short-distance hoses are coiled, while long-distance hoses are more straight. However, unless the hose remains parallel to the ground, the anhydrous ammonia liquid will pool in the low region, resulting in a different flow rate. Furthermore, because the rate controller maintains the overall rate constant even if individual hoses are plugged, there is no easy way to discern whether a hose on a particular row is plugged.

A fully pressurized system for anhydrous ammonia is available and provides a liquid flow through the flow sensor system. However, these systems are more costly and require more maintenance. Nor do they typically have row jam detection. Expanding such systems (hybrid systems) with a transfer pump to maintain pressure for higher rates is expensive and more complex, resulting in poorer reliability.

Anhydrous ammonia applied by a typical system is nominally 90% vapor and 10% liquid by volume, but nominally 90% of the mass of ammonia applied is in liquid form. These characteristics make flow sensing challenging.

Sensing the flow rate of particulate matter (such as grains) has also proven to be a challenge. Inaccurate sensing of individual grains in a planter can result in excessive or rare planting, neither of which is beneficial to the farmer.

Bad measurements of other substances may have additional adverse effects in other applications. This is therefore very advantageous when the flow monitoring system is able to detect flow non-uniformities and, where applicable, to control and/or regulate flow uniformities.

Thus, there is a need for an improved method and apparatus for sensing a fluid flow (liquid, vapor or solid, or mixture) to provide uniform application of the fluid.

There is a particular need for improved devices and methods for sensing low flow liquid agricultural products.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, the invention is embodied in a supply tube assembly for measuring the liquid agricultural product application rate of a liquid agricultural product flowing through the supply tube. The supply tube assembly includes a supply tube and a sensor body assembly incorporated in the supply tube. The supply tube has an upstream portion and a downstream portion. The upstream portion has an upstream portion outlet end. The downstream portion has a downstream portion inlet end.

The sensor body assembly includes a sensor body, a first sensing plate, a second sensing plate, and an electronic sensing component. The sensor body has a sensor inlet end positioned to receive an inlet flow of liquid agricultural product from the upstream portion and a sensor outlet end positioned to receive an outlet flow of liquid agricultural product. The sensor body is a housing having a cross-sectional area greater than the cross-sectional area of the upstream portion of the supply tube and the downstream portion of the supply tube. The sensor body is configured and constructed such that the liquid agricultural product does not contact the surface of the housing when flowing from the sensor inlet end to the sensor outlet end.

The first sense plate is located in a first operable position of the sensor body. The second sense plate is located in a second operable position of the sensor body opposite the first sense plate.

The electronic sensing component is operatively connected to the first sensing plate and the second sensing plate. They are configured to measure the application rate of the liquid agricultural product between the first sensing plate and the second sensing plate.

In another aspect, the invention is embodied in a flow sensor device for monitoring directional flow of agricultural product from an application port at a supply tube end. The directional flow has a target directional portion and an off-target portion. The flow sensor device includes a sensor housing and a sensor element. The sensor housing includes a tapered flow receiving element and a sensor body. The tapered flow receiving element has an inlet aperture at a first end and a receiving element outlet at a second end. The first end is smaller than the second end. The size of the inlet orifice is determined by the selected operating characteristics of the directional flow and the target area. The sensor body has a sensor inlet end positioned to receive a target directional portion of the directional flow from a receiving element outlet of the tapered flow receiving element, wherein an off-target portion of the directional flow is not sensed. The sensor housing and sensor element are positioned outside the application port and are thus positioned to provide measurement, targeting, and timing of the agricultural product.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for sensing fluid and particle flow. Another object of the invention is to measure the mass of a material, whether it is stationary or flowing. It is a further object to provide a flow sensing system that does not require a cooling tower or other phase change device to effectively sense flow rate. Another object is to detect the path followed by a particle (such as a single grain) or a bubble in a liquid.

By measuring the capacitance between two conductive plates located on the periphery of a particular volume, the presence and amount of a substance in the volume can be measured. The plates need not be directly opposite each other. However, for example, a volume consisting of a rectangular cross section (one long side and one short side) may have a conductive plate along each long side and a non-conductive plate along the short side. The surface on the third dimension of the volume generally allows the substance to be measured to move into and out of the volume.

In a preferred embodiment, these third dimensional surfaces consist only of virtual surfaces that allow the passage of substances. At least two such sensing volumes may be present in close proximity to each other and arranged in forward flow direction to each other. To measure the flow of a substance or material whose density varies over time, the amount of material is measured in a first sensing volume, then as the substance flows, the material is then measured in a second sensing volume. The cross correlation in time between the amounts of material in each volume will dictate the flow rate, and the mass divided by the cross sectional area times the velocity will be the mass flow rate.

Such flow determination techniques have been used in patents 6,208,255 and 6,346,888. The sensors are placed close enough to each other such that any change in material density over the time taken to traverse the distance between the two sensing volumes is minimized.

A sensor placed on the sensing volume measures the capacitance of the substance within the sensing volume. Knowing the dielectric constant of the material (analyte) in the volume, the dielectric mass can be determined and from this the mass of the material in the volume can be inferred. Knowing the mass and volume, the density of the material can be easily extracted. Only one velocity is required to calculate the mass flow rate.

One particular challenge is determining the mass flow rate of a saturated liquid-vapor mixture. A saturated liquid-vapor mixture is defined as a mixture in which liquid and vapor are in equilibrium with each other. This definition includes the case of pure saturated liquids and pure saturated vapors.

The subject of an equilibrated and saturated liquid-vapor mixture is included in a university thermodynamic course, and in any textbook for such a course. One example text is "Fundamentals of Engineering Thermodynamics", moran and Shapiro, wiley, 7 th edition, 2011, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In particular, the mass of the saturated mixture is defined as:

wherein m is _f Is the mass of the liquid in the mixture, m _g Is the mass of vapor in the mixture. Thus, m _g +m _f Is the total mass of the mixture. The density ρ of the saturated mixture is related to mass as follows:

Wherein ρ is _f Is the saturated liquid density ρ _g Is the saturated vapor density. The mass of the substance having a density ρ within the volume V is:

m＝ρV

whether the substance is a solid, a liquid, a vapor, or any combination of these.

When saturated substances, such as anhydrous ammonia applied in the agricultural field, flow within their respective conduits, they may undergo a change in mass and thus a change in dielectric constant (permittivity). Using mass or density results from a single measurement volume (as described above) and measuring velocity or velocity-related values using another technique provides a mass flow rate.

For materials like anhydrous ammonia (or a mixture of anhydrous ammonia and water or other materials), the mass flow rate depends on the temperature or pressure of the fluid, so that a similar mass will exist in the volume as a saturated liquid-vapor mixture depending on the internal temperature or internal pressure. The measurement of mass will depend on knowledge of the dielectric constant of each phase and the volume of each phase.

In the art, materials (such as anhydrous ammonia) are measured using techniques other than capacity (permittivity) measurement, for example by cooling the material to a single phase, and then measuring the material flow rate. In applications such as anhydrous ammonia applicators for crop (field) injection, one concern is the uniformity of application between the various rows formed by the individual injectors. In this application, monitoring and/or controlling parameters such as pressure and/or temperature enhances the uniformity of the measurement.

For example, in one preferred embodiment, a manifold with a single input and multiple outputs, where the flow rate is measured in a single input using a dual sensing volume technique or an alternative technique, allows for flow uniformity between the multiple outputs to be monitored for which the mass of the substance varies and similar pressures and temperatures exist. Uniformity of anhydrous ammonia is a major concern in agricultural applications. Excess nitrogen, one source being anhydrous ammonia, does not increase crop yield but results in losses.

In the following discussion, time delay refers to the time delay between an input signal to the measurement path and an output signal from the measurement path. Since the system is causal, the time delay is positive, however, the differential time delay (i.e., the derivative of radian phase shift with respect to radian frequency) may be negative.

Where θ is the radian phase shift of the output signal relative to the input signal, φ is the degree of phase shift, ω is the measured radian frequency (rad/s), f is the frequency (Hz), t _d Is the time delay τ _d Is a differential time delay. Any of these time delays may be related to the dielectric constant that can be used to infer the density of the material.

In one embodiment of the invention, capacitance measurements are used to infer density, while another form of sensor produces speed or volumetric flow rate. In another embodiment of the invention, two capacitive sensor volumes are used, which are spaced apart by a known distance to determine speed.

Mass flow rate of materialDensity ρ and velocity->(or volumetric flow Rate>) The correlation is as follows:

where a is the cross-sectional area of the volume perpendicular to the flow direction.

In yet another embodiment, the discrete particles are sensed as they pass through and may be time stamped, for example, to a grain seeding apparatus.

Another embodiment of the invention provides a path to locate particles, such as bubbles in a single seed or grain or liquid. In this case, the two conductive plates are tapered. Thus, the distance travelled by the particles between the plates on one side of the volume is greater than on the other side of the volume. The signal that the particle passes on one side of the volume is significantly different from the signal that the particle passes on the other side of the volume.

In another embodiment, a flow sensor device is provided for monitoring a directional flow from an application port, the directional flow having a target directional portion and an off-target portion. The flow sensor device includes: a) A first conductive plate; b) A second conductive plate disposed at a distance from the first conductive plate; c) A first non-conductive surface configured to connect edges of the first and second conductive plates; d) A second non-conductive surface arranged to form a volume, the volume being defined by surfaces comprising the first conductive plate, the second conductive plate, the first non-conductive surface and the second non-conductive surface; e) A signal conditioning circuit having an input and an output, having a first conductive plate and a second conductive plate; f) Means for measuring a time delay from an input to an output of the signal conditioning circuit; g) Means for correlating the measured circuit time delay with the capacitance between the two conductive plates; h) A dielectric constant determination circuit to determine an effective dielectric constant between the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate; and i) calculating a function for correlating the effective dielectric constant with the presence of material within the volume. The first conductive plate, the second conductive plate, the first non-conductive surface, and the second non-conductive surface are positioned outside of the application port.

In another aspect, the invention is embodied in an agricultural product application system. In such embodiments, a removable administration device is provided that includes a flow sensor apparatus for monitoring directional flow from an administration port. The directional flow has a target directional portion and an off-target portion. At least one upwind moisture/humidity sensor is positioned at an upwind location of the mobile applicator. At least one leeward moisture/humidity sensor is positioned at a leeward location of the movable application device. In another embodiment, a sensor that responds to changes in refractive index of a particular chemical may be used.

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a capacitive sensing volume of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an anhydrous ammonia applicator for row crops;

Fig. 3 is a circuit diagram of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a first plot of (φ, f) for two substances having unequal dielectric constants;

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a second plot of (φ, f) for two substances having unequal dielectric constants;

FIG. 7a is a first schematic illustration of a communication and computation flow diagram;

FIG. 7b is a second schematic illustration of a communication and computation flow diagram;

FIG. 7c is a third schematic illustration of a communication and computation flow diagram;

FIG. 7d is a fourth schematic diagram of a communication and computation flow diagram;

FIG. 8a is a side view of a first rotor flow meter flow measurement device with capacitive sensing;

FIG. 8b is a side view of a second rotameter flow measurement apparatus having capacitive sensing;

FIG. 8c is a side view of a third rotameter flow measurement apparatus having capacitive sensing;

FIG. 9 is a side view of a flow measurement device using a piston-spring assembly and capacitive sensing;

FIG. 10 is a side view of a flow measurement device using a piston-spring assembly that blocks the outlet without sufficient pressure and using capacitive sensing;

FIG. 11 is a depiction of a two-phase flow;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a single volume detection system for discrete particles;

FIG. 13 is a side view of a dual volume detection system for discrete particles;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the grain planter;

FIG. 15 is a partially filled conduit containing flowing solid particles;

FIG. 16 is a conduit for transporting widely dispersed solid particles in a fluid;

FIG. 17a is a trend graph showing a first sensor response to discrete particles;

FIG. 17b is a trend graph showing a second sensor response to discrete particles;

FIG. 17c is a trend graph showing a first sensor response versus a first time derivative of discrete particles;

FIG. 17d is a trend graph showing the first time derivative of the second sensor in response to discrete particles;

FIG. 18a is a graph of a first sensor response versus time;

FIG. 18b is a graph of second sensor response versus time;

FIG. 18c is a graph of cross-correlation of first and second sensor responses versus time increment;

FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the compare and alert functions;

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing communication of a plurality of signals from a plurality of sensors;

FIG. 21 is a perspective and cross-sectional view of a single sensor volume using tapered electrodes;

FIG. 22 is a perspective and cross-sectional view of a dual sensor system for two-dimensional position sensing using tapered electrodes;

FIG. 23 is a perspective and cross-sectional view of a dual sensor system using tapered electrodes, all in substantially the same longitudinal position, for three-dimensional position sensing;

FIG. 24 is a perspective and cross-sectional view of a dual sensor system using tapered electrodes, the electrodes of one sensor being upstream of the electrodes of the other sensor for three-dimensional position sensing;

FIG. 25 is a first graph of particle response time through the sensors of the dual sensor system of FIG. 22 or FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a second graph of the response time of particles passing through the sensors of the dual sensor system of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a perspective and cross-sectional view of a single sensor volume using an electrode array;

FIG. 28 is a perspective and cross-sectional view of a dual sensor system using one electrode array and one single electrode;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a first sensor system for detecting magnetic permeability;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a second sensor system for detecting magnetic permeability;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a first sensor system for detecting permittivity and permeability;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a second sensor system for detecting permittivity and permeability;

FIG. 33 is a circuit diagram of a sensor for detecting magnetic permeability; and

FIG. 34 is a graph of (φ, f) for two substances having unequal magnetic fillers in the sensor volume.

Fig. 35 is a side view of another embodiment of a flow sensor device detached from an application port of a planter row unit.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a planter having a sprayer with a rear boom and a separate flow sensor device.

FIG. 37 is a schematic view of a sprayer boom with a separate flow sensor device and moisture sensor.

FIG. 38 is a schematic of an agricultural product application system utilizing a separate flow sensor.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a split dual sensor system using tapered electrodes for position sensing by a sensor.

FIG. 40 is a schematic perspective view of a flow sensor device for monitoring directional flow of agricultural products according to another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 41 is a side view of the flow sensor device of fig. 40 shown separated from the application port of the planter row unit.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a planter having a sprayer with a rear boom and a separate flow sensor device according to the embodiment of FIG. 40.

FIG. 43A is a side view of a supply tube assembly for measuring the liquid agricultural product application rate of a liquid agricultural product flowing through the supply tube at a low flow rate in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 43B is a top view of the supply tube assembly of fig. 43A.

FIG. 44 is a side view of a supply tube assembly for measuring the liquid agricultural product application rate of a liquid agricultural product flowing through the supply tube in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

A sensor system volume 100 through which a material may pass or in which a material or substance may be contained is shown in fig. 1. Both sides 110 include conductive plates. More than two sides 120 include an electrical insulator. The capacitance between the conductive plates can be measured using methods commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art and explained in textbooks of electrical engineering of the family. The circuits for this purpose are shown in fig. 3 and 5, and their use is described below. Arrow 130 indicates the flow direction, but this direction is not important. In practice, there may be no flow at all.

One application of the present invention is to use an applicator 200 to sense the mass flow rate of anhydrous ammonia, an example of which is shown in FIG. 2. Such applicators are made to apply anhydrous ammonia to multiple rows simultaneously.

Fig. 3 shows an example of an equivalent circuit of the sensor of the present invention. The sum of the input ac signal or various ac signals, known as fourier series signals, is incident on the left side of the circuit, while the output signal will flow out from the right side of the circuit. The frequency(s) of the ac signal(s) may range from slightly above zero (dc) to fully entering the optical region. Not shown are input sources or end loads. The input source and termination load may be relatively simple source and termination resistors. At other times, the source may be comprised of a power divider that allows some power from the source to enter the circuit and other portions of the power to enter a portion of the amplitude-phase measurement circuit. The termination circuit may be comprised of transmission lines, other components, and subsequent terminations. The subsequent terminals may be in an amplitude-phase measurement circuit.

In various configurations, one purpose is to sense the dual port amplitude-phase response of the sensor volume. In many applications, the phase shift of the output signal to the input signal will result in determining the desired characteristics of the sensor volume. In other cases, the input reflection coefficient (a measure of how much the input signal is reflected from the input port) may also be used to determine the characteristics of the volume.

The transmission and reflection parameters of the sensor volume may be determined by scattering parameter techniques, immittance matrix techniques, chain matrix techniques, hybrid matrix techniques, etc., as known to those skilled in the art of circuit characterization. L1 and L2 are input and output coupled inductors, respectively, CA and CB are input and output circuit matching capacitors, and C1, C12 and C2 are capacitors associated with the sensor volume. In one embodiment, C12 will represent a parallel plate capacitor between the input electrode and the output electrode, such as plate 110 of FIG. 1.

The circuit in fig. 3 may be represented in the art as a two-pole filter, where C12 is the coupling capacitor between the two resonators. At a given frequency, the phase shift response of the circuit depends on the value of C12. The resonant frequency of the circuit (e.g., passband center frequency) depends on the value of C12. Increasing C12 will decrease the resonant frequency of the circuit.

The time delay at a given frequency is related to the phase shift through the circuit by:

wherein t is _d Is the time delay through the circuit, θ is the phase shift through the circuit, and ω is the measurement frequency used.

Fig. 4 shows a typical plot of the phase shift of a circuit as a function of frequency, with the leftmost plot being produced by a larger C12 than the rightmost plot. At 40.68MHz (ISM frequency), the sensor shows a nominal negative 60 degree phase shift to negative 120 degree phase shift change. This results in a change in the time delay due to a change in the phase shift at the same frequency.

In one embodiment of the sensor, the time delay may be measured using a phase frequency detector using two D flip-flops and an and function, as is well known to those skilled in the art. The time delay is dependent on the dielectric filler in the volume of the sensor 100.

For those applications in which the analyte is a continuous medium (solid, liquid, vapor or gas), the time delay depends on the permittivity of the material. For other applications where only changes between multiple sensors are indicated or measured, uniformity of time delays between the various sensors is a desirable item.

In a preferred embodiment, the time delay of the signal is less than the period of one cycle of the signal. As described below, in some embodiments of the sensor, the time delay may be longer than one period of the signal. In this case, differential time delay measurement will allow for measurement of the change in dielectric fill.

In those configurations where the time delay is less than the period of one cycle, and because of causality, the time delay through the second path is positive, the time delay of the signal can be measured using a simple exclusive or circuit, as is well known in the art.

Another embodiment of a sensor volume system would use the equivalent circuit of fig. 5, with a similar output phase shift versus frequency. The added resistances R1 and R2 are included to represent losses in the component. The core loss in the inductor appears as a parallel resistance in the equivalent circuit of the inductor.

The variation of C12 used in the graph of fig. 6 is different from that used in the first graph shown above. However, the phase shift relative to C12 can be calibrated to indicate the amount of change in C12, and thus the presence of different dielectric materials in the sensor volume. The value of C12 may be related to the nature of the material in the volume.

Various applications may dictate the bandwidth of the sensor, the number of frequency components of the signal input to the source, the required sensitivity (phase shift versus C12 capacitance change), etc. Various applications may well dictate the use of alternative frequencies other than 40.68MHz, and still other applications may use more than one measurement frequency simultaneously or sequentially.

Other variations may be expected in applications where the permittivity of the volume is measured. In some applications, the phase shift may be easier to measure than the time delay. In other applications, the amplitude response of the circuit may be more readily used to indicate the volumetric permittivity. The phase shift and amplitude response are correlated, as is well known to those skilled in the art. Other sensor circuit configurations may also be used.

As is known in the art, in various applications, measurement of impedance (or return loss) at one terminal of a circuit or using only one terminal (instead of two as shown) can generally be used to quantify the value of C12, or the value of equivalent C12 when the terminal intersection of C2 and C12 is at ground potential.

Other embodiments include those that can quantify and measure the phase of a signal. Due to causality, the time delay through the circuit will be positive. However, the differential time delay that can also be measured may be negative in some regions of the frequency domain. In the preferred embodiment, as shown in the two circuits above, the time delay is measured. For example, the time delay of a pass circuit using a long transmission line in the return path may be made longer than one period of the signal. The time delay measured by measuring the zero crossing will thus be an integer multiple of the error period. However, the differential time delay will still give an indication of the change in time delay within the measurement unit.

The application of the techniques discussed herein may provide for line-to-line sensing of anhydrous ammonia or line-to-line sensing of other sprayer applications.

The mass flow rate of a more complex system can be determined using the techniques described herein and is a useful application. However, to simplify and reduce the cost of the system for anhydrous ammonia, only mass can be measured for many applications. The ammonia tool bar has a distribution manifold. These manifolds have an input port and several output ports. Mounting a mass flow rate sensor on each output port will monitor the mass flow rate of each row.

The planter monitoring system is provided with land speed information and expects a pulse signal from the planter units indicating seed counts. In some embodiments of the invention, when the sensor system is used to measure mass flow rate, the number or frequency of pulses that is dependent on mass flow rate will be output. With respect to ammonia function, the monitor will sense the mass per acre (typically pounds). When monitoring the flow rate of the sowing device and seeds, the seed monitoring function uses a bar graph function to compare the different seed rates of each sensor and sets a warning if the sensor signals do not meet the tolerance. The flow rate of each row may be adjusted manually by a valve system or electronically by an automatic control function. Such an automatic control function would employ an automatic control algorithm such as a proportional, integral, derivative (PID) algorithm. The seed function may be reprogrammed to read the mass or seed flow rate rather than seeds per acre.

This same function may be used to monitor the liquid system and the sprayer, except that the sensor will be used to determine speed rather than mass or in addition to mass. In a liquid system, the density is substantially constant and the flow rate will vary depending on the application rate. The sensor will output a plurality of pulses depending on the flow velocity.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the flow sensing system uses the prior art rotameter flow sensor 800 shown in fig. 8a-8c or similar device in various applications using a truncated cone 810, a ball 820, a cone or other shape with a known resistance coefficient as a function of flow rate. These additional sensors may be mounted vertically to use gravity as a force to position the sensor elements, or use buoyancy to flow down as shown in fig. 8c, or may use spring force to position the sensor elements 910 (fig. 9), 1010 (fig. 10) for applications where pulsing or vibration is not negligible, or when the mounting must be non-vertical.

When microwave frequencies are applied to rotameter 800 or similar flow meter along with current sensor 710, sensor 710 will respond to the total mass in sensor volume 100 when the appropriate materials are used. Since liquids such as ammonia and water have dielectric constants higher than their respective vapors or air, if vapors are present in the flow meter 800, the physical movement of the sensor elements 810, 820 will correspond to the total volume of the flow. Thus, unlike the standard rotameter 800, false measurements caused by non-liquid flow are eliminated.

The flow rate of a fluid such as ammonia may be 90% by volume vapor 1120 and 10% by volume liquid 1110 (see fig. 11), and more accurate flow readings may be obtained without cooling.

The flow sensor 900 shown in fig. 9 provides flow resistance and subsequent force in the downstream direction against the spring force using a piston 910 with a bore 920. The flow sensor 1000 of fig. 10 utilizes a positively sealed piston 1010 with a tapered plug 1020 and a pressure relief line 1030 to balance the pressure between the space above the piston 1010 and the flow outlet 1040.

The capacitive sensor 710 of the present invention may be used with these additional sensor elements 800, 900, 1000. The materials used for the ball 820, cone 810, piston 910, plug 1010, or other movable component are selected such that the dielectric constant of the mass is different from the dielectric constant of the fluid being measured. As the beads 820 or sensing elements 810, 910, 1010 are moved by the flow, the sensor system 710 detects the resulting positional change, as described above. The position of the sensing elements 810, 820, 910, 1010 is flow rate dependent and is sensed by measuring incremental changes in the position of the sensing elements 810, 820, 910, 1010 material in the volume. The flow rate is calculated using a known function of the position of the beads or cones and the flow rate. Such known functions are determined by the manufacturer or empirical data.

In addition to system enhancements in the sensor area, system interfaces to other systems and/or vehicles may be enhanced with the use of computing machines as depicted in fig. 7a-7 d. A monitor and operator interface, such as seed monitor 1410 (fig. 14), may be installed in a space occupied by an operator, such as an agricultural tractor.

The sensor 710 is responsive to various analytes-liquids, solids, particles (fig. 12, 13, 15, and 16), liquid/vapor mixtures (fig. 11), and the like. The computing machine of fig. 7a-7d can process various signals from different analytes to give signals indicative of the thermodynamic properties of the material. The computing functions may be performed by one or more of the computer 730, the microcomputer 740, the microcontroller 750, or the microprocessor 760. For example, the signal from the mixture of liquid 1110 and vapor 1120 (see FIG. 11) may be enhanced by input from another sensor, retractor, or tool to account for the characteristics of a particular environment or measurement condition. The signals may be processed to conform to various communication bus 720 architectures for information transfer. The information may be unidirectional or bidirectional and may contain control information or commands in addition to signaling information. Referring now to fig. 11, 15 and 16, for a flow rate determination of a material or substance flowing as a continuum, the response from sensor a may look like the noise signal shown in fig. 18a, while the response from sensor B may look like the noise signal shown in fig. 18B. Using sampling techniques and correlation techniques, a signal similar to that shown in fig. 18c is obtained. The value of Δt at the peak "G" of the signal is the time required for the material to travel between the two measurement volumes. The time difference is smaller for high flow rates where a larger volume of material is passed per unit time, and larger for lower flow rates where a smaller volume of material is passed per unit time. At very low or no flow rates, there will be no discernable signal peaks.

The signals shown in fig. 18a and 18b may be received by an operator interface, such as seed sensor unit 1410. Sampling and correlation may also be performed in the seed sensor unit 1410 and related information displayed to the operator thereon. However, the signals of fig. 18a and 18b may also be received by any one of the computer 730, the microcomputer 740, the microcontroller 750, or the microprocessor 760, and the calculations performed therein. The results of these calculations may then be sent to operator interface unit 1410 via communication bus 720 for display, warning, etc. In the latter case, the result of the signal processing must be provided to the operator interface unit 1410 in a form compatible therewith. As understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the seed monitor 1410 provides information to the operator regarding the performance of the planter and the planting operation, such as whether the operation is within tolerance. When dedicated anhydrous ammonia applications, the operator interface unit 1410 will provide the same kind of information and warnings.

Additionally, the sensor system 710 of the present invention may be used in the flow conditions of FIGS. 11, 15 and 16 to sense material density. Given the density, time delay and volume of the measurement volume 100, the mass flow rate can be calculated.

In fig. 12 and 13, examples of discrete particles 1210 are shown. An example of this is the planter 1400 of fig. 14, wherein a grain (such as corn 1210) descends through a conduit 1420. In the embodiment shown in fig. 12, as shown in fig. 17a, the sensing system 710 senses the passage of particles 1210 as a change in capacity. This signal may be differentiated over time (first time derivative) to obtain a signal such as that shown in fig. 17C, and zero "C" detected to pinpoint the time elapsed for particle 1210. This time may be compared to the time that the next (or previous) particle passed to measure the operation of planter 1400.

The signals shown in fig. 17a and 17b may be received by a seed sensor unit 1410, which is typically used to monitor the performance of the planter. The time derivative may also be calculated in the seed sensor unit 1410 and related information displayed thereon. However, the signals of fig. 17a and 17b may also be received by any one of the computer 730, the microcomputer 740, the microcontroller 750, or the microprocessor 760, and the calculations performed therein. The results of these calculations may then be sent to seed sensor unit 1410 for display, warning, etc.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 13, two sensor systems 710 (a and B) are disposed apart from each other in the flow direction, sensor system a being upstream of sensor system B. In this case, the signals of the sensor systems a and B shown in fig. 17a and 17B are sensed, respectively. In this embodiment, the signals from the two sensors may be differentiated with respect to time to produce the signals in fig. 17c and 17 d. Again, the instants of zero points "C" and "D" for each signal are detected. In this case, the two moments of the zero point are subtracted to indicate the time taken to pass the distance between the two sensor systems 710 (a and B) to provide a velocity value.

Fig. 19 shows a communication bus 720 in communication with an operator interface 1410. In the operator interface, the signal is compared with at least one tolerance value in a comparator function 1910. The tolerance value may be a low threshold or a high threshold, or both. If the signal does not meet one or more tolerances, a warning signal is provided to the operator in a warning function 1920.

In fig. 20, a plurality of sensors 710 are in communication with a computing function 2010, wherein signals are processed in an appropriate manner, such as shown in fig. 17a-17d or fig. 18a-18 c. The results are sent over communication bus 720 to operator interface 1410 where the results are displayed, compared, and made available to the operator in a readily understandable manner. The plurality of signals received from the plurality of sensors 710 may be compared to one another in a comparator function 1910 to determine if the application in each row is substantially uniform.

The computing function 2010 may, for example, provide a signal that is fully compatible with the seed monitoring system 1410 used during sowing. The seed monitor 1410 may then accurately compare in the manner in which it performs this function for a sowing operation, as shown in fig. 19. In addition, tolerances can be adjusted to meet operator and operational needs.

In many cases, it is important to know not only the presence and size of the particles 1210 being sensed, but also the path that the particles 1210 follow in the conduit. For purposes herein (including the claims), particles 1210 are defined as individual solid particles 1210 (such as seeds) or bubbles in a liquid. For example, in a seed sowing operation, it is desirable to know that the seed 1210 is not off the tube side and that its position as it exits the tube can be monitored so that its sowing position can be controlled, especially for high planter speeds.

The signal derived from sensing the position of the particle 1210 may be used in a feedback control system to control the particle 1210 release mechanism designed to control the particle path within the volume 100.

A capacitor between two conical plates 2100 as shown in fig. 21 may be used to monitor particle position. It should be noted that the capacitance may not be measured directly, but the permittivity of the material filling the sensing volume will change the capacitance between the electrodes. This change in capacitance will change the response of the sensing circuit and indirectly measure the inferred capacitance, thereby measuring the permittivity. In a similar manner, if the electrode is changed to a current loop, the magnetic properties in the sensing volume can be measured in a similar manner. Thus, this embodiment includes: the two conductive plates are tapered in a lateral direction of the flow of the substance and a lateral position of the substance between the two tapered conductive plates is sensed.

The position sensing system of fig. 21 can be extended to locate particles in all three dimensions by adding a second sensor on the adjacent wall of the volume as shown in fig. 23 and 24. Considering the orientation of the volumes of fig. 23 and 24, two tapered plates 2100 indicate position in the horizontal plane, while two tapered plates 2300 indicate position in the vertical plane. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the embodiments shown in fig. 23 and 24 may be disposed in any desired orientation and are not limited to determining horizontal and vertical positions.

In fig. 24, two tapered plates 2100 are shown upstream of two tapered plates 2300. This arrangement helps to avoid electric field interference from the two sensors and may be advantageous in determining particle velocity.

As shown in fig. 22, the response from two such sensors 710 in the flow path further helps ensure that the particles 1210 follow the path without deflecting from the walls of the volume 100. There is a path followed by particles 1210 with deflection (path a) that provides the same position response signal as the particle flow 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140 without deflection. However, the time between sensor responses is different between the direct paths 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140 and the path with deflection (path a). Between the two sensor volumes 100, the diagonal path a resulting from deflection shows a longer path than the direct paths 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140 or the diagonal path without deflection (path B), and thus shows a difference in the sensed travel time.

Path B of fig. 22 shows a path through two sensor electrode volumes 100 that passes at different lateral positions of the two volumes 100 and is to be detected as being different. Fig. 25 shows three different possible example responses. Note that the top trend 2530, which represents the response of path 2130, has two equal amplitude and equal pulse width responses, which are separated by a time Δt. The path 2130 passes directly through the duct parallel to the longitudinal direction.

Response 2530 is compared to the response of path a, as shown by bottom response 2500A in fig. 25. Path a includes a deflection 2210 in the path of the particle 1210. Also shown in trend 2500A are two equal amplitudes and pulse widths w _A Except that these impulse responses are farther apart in time than the impulse responses in response 2530. The predetermined time delay data stored in the computing functions 730, 740, 750, 760 may be determined by manual input or computation and allow the system to identify this path as a path with deflection.

The response of path B, shown as intermediate trend 2500B in fig. 25, has two responses w of different widths _B1 、w _B2 Because the particles 1210 pass between different widths of the sensing electrodes 2100 of the respective sensors 710. It should also be noted that the time delay between pulses is slightly longer than the direct path time delay of response 2530.

Referring now to fig. 26, the time it takes for a particle 1210 to pass through a virtual plane placed across its path until it approaches the edge of the cone-shaped sensor varies depending on the path it follows within the tube.

If the signal response is plotted starting at a time equal to zero (i.e., when the particle 1210 passes through a virtual plane within the tube), then a different normalized response time relationship for the single electrode volume 100 shown on the left side of FIG. 26 will result. Then, as the particle 1210 approaches the edge of the tapered electrode volume 100, the signal starts to rise and the rise time varies for different paths, as the distance from the virtual plane to the tapered edge of the electrode varies according to the path of the particle 1210 (i.e., the lateral position of the particle 1210 passing between the electrode pairs).

However, the time at which the particle 1210 approaches the sensor 710 is not known in advance. An important parameter of the response is the time difference Δt between the time the particle 1210 approaches the volume 100 of the sensor electrode 2100 and the time the particle 1210 leaves the volume 100 of the sensor electrode 2100 ₁ 、Δt ₂ 、Δt ₃ 、Δt ₄ As shown by plotting the response as seen on the right side of fig. 26.

Some acceleration of the particles 1210 is possible over the distance traveled within the electrode volume 100 of the sensor 710, but where the sensor size is small enough relative to the velocity in the sensor volume 100 times the time, the difference in velocity can be ignored. In addition, the expected time delay versus path relationship will be nominally known using historical data determined computationally by the system or that has been manually entered. For example, when the particles 1210 experience gravitational acceleration, the expected velocity (and thus the time of distance knowledge) will be nominally known. However, the nominal speed may also be quantified by knowing the time response between the volumes 100 of two different sensors 2100 within the flow path.

In applications where the mechanical design is such that the likelihood of the particles 1210 deflecting from the catheter wall, for example, a single tapered electrode 2100 sensor 710 may be sufficient to indicate the lateral position of the particles 1210.

By way of explanation, in fig. 21 and 22, dashed lines are shown between the sensor electrodes to visually elucidate where the flow path is for the response shown in fig. 26, and where the particles 1210 are arranged vertically in the conduit. The paths 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140 shown in fig. 21 are shown as virtual cross sections into the flow tube, traveling through the virtual cross section between the sensor electrodes 2100, and then exiting the volume 100 via the outlet virtual cross section. Although four different flow paths 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140 are shown, there are flow paths (including angled paths, i.e., not parallel to the longitudinal direction) that the mass of particles 1210 can follow and traverse the virtual cross-section anywhere. The response of the sensor 710 to the particles 1210 will nominally have the same magnitude and be independent of their vertical position as they pass, as shown in the figure.

Fig. 27 shows a representation of a sensor electrode volume 100 comprising two electrode arrays 2700. In a similar embodiment as shown in fig. 28, one of the electrode arrays 2700 is replaced by a single electrode 2800 surrounding one of the surfaces. The distance between the individual components of the electrode array 2700 must be small relative to the size of the array. If all of the electrodes within the array 2700 on a single side are in electrical communication with each other, their electrical overall response is substantially the same as the response from a single electrode 2800 covering the same area. This is due to the presence of fringing fields at the edges of the individual electrodes comprising the electrode array or at a portion of the electrode array. Thus, the individual electrodes appear to be larger than their physical dimensions.

Summing responses from different groups of array electrodes can make the summed response appear to simulate a cone or stepped sensor electrode volume. Summing the responses from a set of electrodes or the sensed responses from the individual electrodes will thus indicate the location in the volume through which the particle 1210 passes.

The time delays of the responses from the electrodes on the inlet side and the outlet side also indicate the average speed. These measurements and calculations can be accomplished relatively easily using the computing power available from the various forms of current computer processors 730, 740, 750, 760. The array electrode arrangement is somewhat more complex and expensive than the arrangement of non-array electrodes.

The frequency(s) of the ac power source and the frequency(s) of the signal generator selected for measurement depend on several factors. To obtain a reasonable value for the transfer through the measurement volume, the frequency should be high enough that the impedance of the capacitance between the set of input and output electrodes 2100 is approximately the same order of magnitude as the impedance level selected for the circuitry of the sensor 710. In many cases, the detection circuitry of sensor 710 operates at nominally 50 ohms, but may be some other impedance value.

In addition, the frequency is selected to be low enough so that the cross-sectional area of the input and output of the particle 1210 or fluid flow is small enough so that the waveguide formed by the housing (forming an electromagnetic waveguide) does not allow electromagnetic energy to escape over the input and output regions.

These and other microwave circuit design considerations generally relate to the selection of frequencies and dimensions of the circuit, and are described in Introduction to Microwave Circuits, radio Frequency and Design Applications, robert J.Weber, IEEE Press, ISBN 0-7803-4704-8, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The microwave effect may be determined by parasitic or distributed effects associated with the sensor 710 circuitry and its components, or by the selection of the measurement frequency relative to the size of the sensor 710.

The invention is not limited to any frequency range. However, frequencies in the Radio Frequency (RF) and microwave ranges may be selected and are actually advantageous. In other applications, the optical frequency may be advantageous.

As described above, by measuring the transfer inductance value, the sensing electrode can be changed into a loop to directly measure the magnetic properties of the material, such as magnetic permeability, effective magnetic permeability, and the like. In a sensor having two volumes, one volume can measure the capacitance value and the other volume can measure the magnetic permeability value of the flow, with one volume using a capacitive plate and the other volume using an inductive loop.

When monitoring the transport of magnetic particles or magnetic fluids (e.g. ferrofluids or magnetorheological fluids), it is advantageous to use the sensor volume 100 comprising the inductive loop to sense the amount and/or presence of material.

For example, in magnetorheological fluids, the iron particles may settle under gravity or in a magnetic field. It is desirable to know whether this has occurred and/or the number of particles in the fluid. Counting of magnetic particles of steel screws, such as falling or flowing into a queuing or transport container, etc., can be done with the magnetic sensor volume.

Fig. 29 shows a perspective view of a sensor volume 100 with a sensing circuit 2910 in place of the sensing plates 2100, 2700. As shown, the sensing loop 2910 may be a multi-turn or simple loop. The sensing loop 2910 generates a magnetic field in the sensor volume 100. The magnetic material passing through the volume will change the transimpedance of the sensor volume 100 and thus the electromagnetic energy transmitted through the sensor volume 100.

In fig. 30, the sensor circuit is shown as a platelet 3010 instead of a circuit. However, these plates 3010 are electrically grounded at one end, rather than free floating as in capacitance measurement. Balls on the ends of the loop 3010 are used to indicate that the loop 3010 is grounded to the surrounding conductive boundary.

The cross-hatched 2930 area represents a conductive boundary surrounding a dielectric material that directs magnetic particles or fluid through the sensor volume 100. The cross-section of the surrounding conductive boundary and the particle or fluid-conducting dielectric material may be rectangular or circular, as well as have other cross-sectional geometries. The present invention is not limited to a particular shape of cross section.

Sometimes it may be advantageous to know the permittivity of the medium carrying the magnetic material. A sensor for detecting magnetic permeability and permittivity is shown in fig. 31, in which a loop 2910 and a capacitive plate 3110 are arranged perpendicular to each other. In fig. 32, loop 2910 and capacitive plate 3110 are arranged on the same wall side of sensor volume 100.

For flow in the direction of arrow 2920, the relative positions of loop 2910 and plate 3110 in fig. 31 and 32 means that the magnetic properties (permeability) are measured first, and then the dielectric properties (permittivity) are measured as the measured material is transported through sensor volume 100. However, plate 3110 and loop 2910 may be reversed with respect to flow direction, and dielectric properties are measured first, then magnetic properties are measured.

With careful design, the loop 2910 shown in fig. 31 can be moved adjacent to the capacitive plate 3110 and simultaneously measured magnetic and dielectric properties, as is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is not limited to any particular measurement sequence.

Fig. 33 shows a schematic diagram of an equivalent circuit 3300 of the sensor volume 100.

The inductances L1, L12 and L2 represent the sensor volumes. Elements C1, L3 and C3 represent means for matching the impedance of the sensor volume 100 to an appropriate value. Also, elements C4, L4 and C2 represent means for matching the sensor volume 100 to appropriate values. These values are such that with the measured ac power on the left and the load on the right, the circuit response will give the desired amplitude and phase response of the circuit. In this case, L12 depends on the magnetic material filler in the sensor volume. Likewise, the circuit may be changed to a two-pole filter configuration, where L12 represents the coupling between the input resonator and the output resonator.

Fig. 34 shows a representative phase curve of the varying magnetic fill (L12 variation). The time delay may then be empirically or theoretically related to the magnetic filler in the sensor volume 100. As known to those skilled in the art, a measurement on the input port of the equivalent circuit 3300 may be used to indicate the value of L12, and thus the magnetic filler in the sensor volume 100.

Fig. 34 shows a typical plot of phase shift versus frequency for this circuit, with the leftmost plot resulting from a larger magnetic filler than the rightmost plot. The sensor shows the change in the degree of phase shift due to the amount of magnetic filler. This results in a change in the time delay due to a change in the phase shift at the same frequency.

Just as in the case of dielectric properties, the time delay through the magnetic sensor volume 100 can be used to measure the presence and relative amount of magnetic material in the sensor volume 100.

All the same applications and functions shown in fig. 1 and fig. 7a-20 apply to the induction loop type sensor volume 100 as well as to the capacitive plate type sensor volume 100 of the present application.

Referring now to fig. 35, another embodiment of a flow sensor device 3510 is shown on a corn drill row unit (generally designated 3520). The flow sensor device 3510 is located outside of the application port 3522 of the supply tube, generally designated 3524. The supply tube 3524 may be, for example, a liquid tube or a particle tube. The separate flow sensor device 3510 is mounted via a support bracket 3526 attached to the planter frame of the row unit 3520. The bracket may be attached to a side bolt or other portion of the planter frame to which the supply tube 3524 is attached such that it is stationary relative to the supply tube 3524. Although this embodiment has been described with respect to a corn planter row unit, it can be used on other types of row units or other application devices.

Referring now to fig. 36, another application device is shown in which an attached flow sensor apparatus may be used. Fig. 36 shows a self-propelled sprayer vehicle 3600 having a rear boom 3610.

Fig. 37 shows an enlarged portion of a sprayer boom 3610 having a nozzle (which may alternatively be referred to as a discharge port or an application port) 3612. The nozzle 3612 is operably positioned relative to an associated separate flow sensor 3614 configured to measure the volume of spray and the pattern of spray at a location below the application port (i.e., nozzle) 3612. Preferably, above the boom, a separate humidity sensor 3616 is positioned to measure the humidity (i.e., moisture content) of the air. Alternative mounting locations for the separate humidity sensor 3616 may be provided for mounting on the cab or elsewhere on the self-propelled sprayer vehicle 3600. Such an optional separate humidity sensor 3618 can be seen in fig. 36. A suitable sprayer boom mounting bracket 3620 is used.

FIG. 38 is a schematic of a field with indicated wind direction and sensors to determine movement of spray drifting away from a target area. Fig. 38 shows how the sensor is positioned to monitor spray drift out of the target area or field being treated. Sensor a (i.e., upwind moisture/humidity sensor) is located upwind. The moisture/humidity sensors B1, B2, etc. may be mounted on the spray vehicle or spray wand. The entire agricultural product application system (which may be a planter application or a spray application) may include a downwind moisture/humidity sensor C. The flow of spray to non-target areas can be measured by comparing the readings of sensors A, B and C. Depending on the field conditions and wind conditions, the number and location of the sensors may be varied to more accurately measure flow. The various flow sensor devices described above and below may be used with such agricultural product application systems.

Fig. 39 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a split sensor system for position sensing by a sensor using tapered electrodes 3910, 3912, 3914, 3916. The tapered electrodes have different responses that are used to determine the direction of the material (i.e., the contents) flowing through the sensor. If the material passes over a wider portion of the source electrode 1, it produces a signal that is detected by the detector electrode 1. As the material passes through the narrower portion of the source electrode 2, it produces another signal that is detected by the detector electrode 2. Comparing the amplitudes of the two signals, it is possible to determine the position of the material in the sensor body and thus the path taken by the material through the sensor body. The sensor body includes any physical housing, electrodes, and suitable circuitry that allows for the attachment of a separate sensor system to various devices. Thus, as in the previous embodiment, the method involves defining a volume by a surface comprising a first conductive plate, a second conductive plate that is not in physical contact with the first conductive plate, and at least two sides of the same defined volume that are made of an electrically insulating material. In a preferred embodiment, the source electrode emits alternating current. The detector electrodes and the interface circuit are reactive circuit elements. The material flowing through the sensor causes a change in reactance in the circuit.

The electrode pairs facilitate determining the path taken by the material through the volume between the electrode pairs. The response, amplitude, or phase of the sensing system connected between the first pair of electrodes (i.e., spaced apart plates) 3910, 3912 and the second pair of electrodes 3914, 3916, in combination with determining the time of material passage between the electrodes, helps determine whether the material passes one side, the middle, or the other of the volume. As shown in fig. 39, it is assumed that material enters the front of the sensor and exits the back of the sensor, and that when the path taken by the material is to the left of the volume (i.e., path 3), the sensing system response is significantly longer between the first pair of electrodes 3910, 3912 than the sensing system response apparent from the second pair of electrodes 3914, 3916. When the path taken by the material is along the middle of the volume (i.e., path 2), the responses of the two sensing systems will be substantially equal in duration. Further, if the amplitude response of the sensing system of each of the two pairs of electrodes is substantially equal, a comparison of the sensing system amplitude response from the first pair of electrodes to the sensing system amplitude response from the second pair of electrodes indicates the path taken by the material. When the path is to the left, the amplitude response of the sensing system to the first pair of electrodes will be higher than the amplitude response of the sensing system to the second pair of electrodes. The amplitude response of each pair of electrodes will be substantially equal as the material takes a path along the middle of the volume. When the path is to the right (i.e., path 1), the amplitude response of the sensing system of the first pair of electrodes will be lower than the amplitude response of the sensing system of the second pair of electrodes. When used in a comparative detection system, the absolute magnitude of the response from each pair of electrodes is not required to determine the location of the material channel. By comparing the amplitude responses from the two sensing systems in a relative amplitude manner, the path taken by the material can be determined.

Position source and detector electrodes 3910, 3912, 3914, 3916, such as shown in fig. 39 and particularly for seeding tube applications, have a width of about 1.5 inches and a height of 5/8 inches in one preferred sensor embodiment. In a preferred embodiment, they are positioned such that the seeds or particles travel through a volume where the centerline-to-centerline distance of the tapered electrode in the direction of travel is nominally 1.75 inches. The position sensor for a typical liquid-based applicator may have a larger size and a different aspect ratio. As is well known to those skilled in the art, the maximum size is limited such that at the frequencies used in the sensing system, the electromagnetic field established in the sensor volume remains evanescent and does not propagate outside the sensor.

Refractive index is the square root of the relative permittivity. Incorporating a sensor responsive to changes in refractive index of a particular chemical into the device of sensor 3614 facilitates tracking and placement of the particular chemical as determined by the herbicide, pesticide, etc. In a preferred embodiment, microsensors (such as described in "Patterning of nanophotonic structures at optical fiber tip for refractive index sensing", shawana Tabassum, yifei Wang, jikang Qu, qiugu Wang, seval Oren, robert j.weber, meng Lu, ratnesh Kumar, liang Dong, sentors 2016, caribe Royale All-Suite Hotel and Convention Center, orlando, FL, 30-11 months 2-2016, 2016) can be readily incorporated into the volume of sensor 3614. By reasonably positioning such sensors in the sensor 3614, a plurality of such sensors helps to determine not only the amount of chemical passing through the volume, but also their application location.

In some embodiments, as the output of each of the plurality of sensors changes, additional computing operations and generated alert(s) may be utilized to indicate that there is no flow or flow restriction when there should be flow or full flow.

Referring now to FIG. 40, another embodiment of a flow sensor apparatus is shown and is generally designated 4010. In this embodiment, a flow sensor device 4010 monitors the directional flow (designated generally as 4012) of agricultural product from an application port (i.e., nozzle 4014) at the end of a supply tube (i.e., hose 4016), as in other embodiments. The flow sensor arrangement 4010 comprises a sensor housing, generally designated 4016. The sensor housing 4018 comprises a tapered flow receiving element 4020 having an inlet aperture 4022 at a first end and a receiving element outlet 4024 at a second end, and the first end is smaller than the second end. The sensor element 4025 is positioned within the sensor housing 4018.

The size of the inlet orifice is determined by the selected operating characteristics of the directional flow and the target area. The selected set of operating characteristics may include, for example, flow rate, flow pattern, and target size.

The sensor housing 4018 includes a sensor body 4026 having a sensor inlet end 4028 positioned to receive a target directional portion 4030 of the directional flow 4012 from a receiving element outlet of the tapered flow receiving element 4020. Off-target portion 4032 of directional flow 4012 is not sensed. The material of the sensor housing 4018 is typically metal or plastic. The flow rate is typically in the range of about 3 ounces to 1 gallon per acre.

The tapered flow receiving element 4020 is positioned external to the application port 4014 and is thus positioned to provide measurement, targeting, and timing of agricultural products.

The target area is a point at the furrow near the seed, or may be a desired location between seeds.

Thus, in summary, if the flow is in the correct direction, it passes through the inlet aperture 4022 at the upper end of the tapered flow receiving element 4020, flows through the sensor housing 4018, and then impinges on a target (e.g., seed) in the furrow. If the flow is not in the correct direction, all or a portion of the flow will miss the hole 4022 and slide down the outer surface of the sensor housing 4018. In a preferred embodiment, partial flow, no flow, or offset directed flow is then measured by sensor element 4025. Then, if there is a problem, the operator will be notified. The controller may also be used to receive a timing signal from the sensor element 4025 to inform whether the liquid will strike the seed.

Referring now to fig. 41, a flow sensor arrangement 4010 is shown on a corn planter row unit (designated generally as 4034). As shown in fig. 35, the flow sensor housing 4018 is positioned outside of the application port 4014 of the supply tube 4016.

Referring now to fig. 42, another application apparatus is shown in which an attached flow sensor device 4010 may be used. Fig. 42 shows a self-propelled sprayer vehicle having a rear boom similar to that of fig. 36 described above.

The sensor element 4025 may utilize microwave technology or capacitive technology, as discussed above with respect to the previous embodiments. It may sense seeds and particulate material using optical sensing techniques known in the art, or using other suitable types of non-mechanical flow sensing systems.

Thus, referring back now to, for example, fig. 19-20, in some embodiments, the sensor element 4025 may be configured to notify (i.e., inform or alert) the operator of the system of the following potential conditions:

1. the system synchronization input operates as intended and the synchronization pulses of the crop input are placed in correct proximity to the individually sown seeds to deliver the desired biological effect.

2. The system synchronization input pulses as expected, but the synchronization pulse of the crop input is placed near the seed that is sown alone, so that the desired biological effect will not be achieved.

3. The system synchronization input does not form as expected pulses, thus providing an indication that the synchronization pulse of the crop input is not placed in close enough proximity to the seed being sown alone to deliver the desired effect.

In a preferred embodiment, the measured flow rate is in the range of between about 0.5 fluid ounces to 1 gallon per linear acre. The synchronous application provides the ability to close the application process in the space between the seeds. Thus, the actual volume of the liquid agricultural product is greatly reduced as compared to the application process of continuously applying liquid agricultural products currently in use.

Referring now to fig. 43A, 43B and 44, other embodiments of the present invention are shown as a supply tube assembly for measuring the liquid agricultural product application rate of liquid agricultural products flowing through the supply tube at low speeds.

Referring specifically to fig. 43A and 43B, a first embodiment of such a supply tube assembly is shown and is generally designated 4310. The supply tube assembly 4310 includes a supply tube 4312 and a sensor body assembly 4314.

The supply tube 4312 has an upstream portion 4314 and a downstream portion 4316. The upstream portion 4314 has an upstream portion outlet end 4318, and the downstream portion 4316 has a downstream portion inlet end 4320.

The sensor body assembly 4314 is incorporated into the supply tube 4312. The sensor body assembly 4314 includes a sensor body 4322, a first sense plate 4324, a second sense plate 4326, and an electronic sense member 4328.

Sensor body 4322 has a sensor inlet end 4330 positioned to receive an input stream of liquid agricultural product from upstream portion 4314 and a sensor outlet end 4332 positioned to receive an output stream of liquid agricultural product. Sensor body 4322 is a housing having operative positions (i.e., sides) 4334, 4336, 4338, and 4340 of sensor body 4322. The cross-sectional area of the side (i.e., operable position) is greater than the cross-sectional area of the upstream portion of the supply tube 4312. Sensor body 4322 is configured and constructed such that the liquid agricultural product does not contact the sides (i.e., surfaces) when flowing from sensor inlet end 4330 to sensor outlet end 4332.

The first sense plate 4324 is positioned on a side 4336 of the sensor body 4322. The second sense plate 4326 is positioned on a second side 4338 of the center body 4322 opposite the first sense plate 4324. Electronic sensing component 4328 is operably connected to first sensing plate 4324 and second sensing plate 4326 and is configured to measure the application rate of the liquid agricultural product between first sensing plate 4324 and second sensing plate 4326.

In one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of upstream portion outlet end 4318 of supply tube 4312 is large enough that liquid agricultural product accumulates on upstream portion outlet end 4318 and falls as droplets due to gravity. The sensor body 4322 is preferably oriented substantially vertically. Although the sensor body 4322 has been shown as having a rectangular cross-section, other shapes are possible, such as cylindrical. However, the first operative position (i.e., side) and the second operative position (i.e., side) should be substantially parallel and opposite each other on the sensor body such that the liquid agricultural product flows between the two sensing plates.

Referring now to FIG. 44, another embodiment of a supply tube assembly is shown and is generally designated 4350. In the supply tube assembly 4350, a flow element 4352 is positioned within the sensor body 4354. The flow element upper end 4356 is physically connected to the upstream portion outlet end 4358. Flow element 4352 extends through sensor body 4360 and terminates at a flow element lower end 4362 at the sensor outlet end to provide a conduit for the flow of liquid agricultural product through sensor body 4360.

In a preferred embodiment, flow element 4352 comprises a wire. In one embodiment, the flow rate is in the range of between one-fourth of a fluid ounce per acre and one gallon per acre (i.e., ultra low range). In another embodiment, the flow rate is in another ultra-low range between about one-fourth of a fluid ounce per acre to one quart per acre. In a preferred embodiment, the flow rate is about three drops per second. The operator adjusts the flow by counting drops. The sense plate may be a charged material such as copper, aluminum, or other material capable of holding an operational charge. The three sense plates may use capacitive or microwave sensors to count the drops and determine the amount of material in each drop.

Techniques for sensing ultra low speed flow are needed, but so far are relatively ineffective. In general, current sensing techniques measure the flow velocity through a particular space and convert the measurement into a volume. Typically, measurement of capacitance is currently used for seeds and can be used for flow. The ultra-low sensing systems of fig. 43A and 43B require measuring the flow through free space. In other words, the flow does not fill the total sensor volume. In addition, the flow may leave the sensor area by gravity or be pumped out of the area below the sensor.

As shown in fig. 44, if a more continuous flow is desired, a flow element 4352 (such as a small plastic, e.g., u-groove or thin piece of material) may be placed at an angle between the output and input to accommodate ultra-low flow.

If it is detected by electronic sensing component 4328 that the agricultural product is not being applied at the proper rate, the operator is notified.

It should be understood that while the invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, the foregoing embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and do not limit or define the scope of the invention. Various other embodiments, including but not limited to the following, are also within the scope of the claims. For example, the elements and components described herein may be further divided into additional components or joined together to form fewer components for performing the same functions.

Any of the functions disclosed herein may be implemented using means for performing the functions. Such means include, but are not limited to, any of the components disclosed herein, such as the computer-related components described below.

The techniques described above may be implemented, for example, in hardware, one or more computer programs tangibly stored on one or more computer-readable media, firmware, or any combination thereof. The techniques described above may be implemented in one or more computer programs executing on (or executable by) a programmable computer, including any combination of any number of the following: a processor, a storage medium readable and/or writable by the processor (including, for example, volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storage elements), an input device, and an output device. Program code may be applied to inputs entered using the input device to perform the functions described and to generate output using the output device.

Embodiments of the invention include features that are merely possible and/or practical to implement using one or more computers, computer processors, and/or other elements of a computer system. Such features are not possible or practical to implement mentally and/or manually. For example, embodiments of the present invention may read data and write data to electronic memory devices (such as RFID tags) and/or distributed ledgers (such as blockchains), which are functions that cannot be performed mentally or manually.

Any claims herein that are certain to require a computer, processor, memory, or similar computer-related element are intended to require such element and should not be construed as being absent from or required by such claim. These claims are not intended to, and should not be construed to, cover the method and/or system without the recited computer-related elements. For example, any method claims herein reciting that a claimed method is performed by a computer, processor, memory, and/or the like, are intended to, and should only be construed to, encompass the method performed by the recited computer-related element(s). Such method claims should not be interpreted to include, for example, methods performed mentally or manually (e.g., using pencils and paper). Similarly, any product claims herein that recite an article of manufacture to include a computer, a processor, a memory, and/or similar computer-related elements are intended to and should only be construed to cover articles of manufacture that include the recited computer-related element(s). Such a product claim should not be construed to cover, for example, products that do not include the recited computer-related element(s).

Each computer program within the scope of the following claims may be implemented in any programming language, such as assembly language, machine language, a high-level procedural programming language, or an object-oriented programming language. The programming language may be, for example, a compiled or interpreted programming language.

Each such computer program may be implemented in a computer program product tangibly embodied in a machine-readable storage device for execution by a computer processor. The method steps of the invention may be performed by one or more computer processors executing a program tangibly embodied on a computer readable medium to perform the functions of the invention by operating on inputs and generating outputs. Suitable processors include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors. Generally, a processor receives (reads) instructions and data from a memory (such as a read-only memory and/or a random access memory) and writes (stores) the instructions and data to the memory. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include, for example, all forms of non-volatile memory, such as semiconductor memory devices (including EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices), magnetic disks (such as internal hard disks and removable disks), magneto-optical disks, and CD-ROMs. Any of the foregoing may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, specially-designed ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits) or FPGAs (field-programmable gate arrays). A computer may also typically receive (read) and write (store) programs and data from and to a non-transitory computer readable storage medium such as an internal disk (not shown) or a removable disk. These elements may also be found in conventional desktop or workstation computers, as well as other computers suitable for executing computer programs that implement the methods described herein, which may be used in conjunction with any digital print engine or marking engine, display monitor, or other raster output device capable of producing colored or gray scale pixels on paper, film, display screen, or other output medium.

Any of the data disclosed herein may be implemented, for example, in one or more data structures tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Embodiments of the present invention may store such data in such data structures and read such data from such data structures.

Any step or action disclosed herein as being performed by or capable of being performed by a computer or other machine may be performed automatically by the computer or other machine, whether or not explicitly disclosed herein. The steps or actions performed automatically are performed solely by a computer or other machine without human intervention. The automatically performed steps or actions may, for example, operate only on inputs received from a computer or other machine, rather than from a human. The automatically performed steps or actions may, for example, be initiated by a signal received from a computer or other machine, rather than from a human being. The automatically performed steps or actions may, for example, provide output to a computer or other machine instead of to a human.

The above-described embodiments are preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto. It is therefore evident that many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claim (modification according to treaty 19)

1. A supply tube assembly for measuring the liquid agricultural product application rate of a liquid agricultural product flowing through the supply tube, comprising:

a supply tube having an upstream portion and a downstream portion, the upstream portion having an upstream portion outlet end and the downstream portion having a downstream portion inlet end;

a sensor body assembly incorporated in the supply tube, comprising:

a) A sensor body having a sensor inlet end positioned to receive an inlet flow of the liquid commodity from the upstream portion and a sensor outlet end positioned to receive an outlet flow of the liquid commodity, the sensor body being a housing having a cross-sectional area greater than the cross-sectional areas of the upstream portion of the supply tube and the downstream portion of the supply tube, the sensor body being configured and constructed such that the liquid commodity does not contact a surface of the housing when flowing from the sensor inlet end to the sensor outlet end;

b) A first sense plate located at a first operable position of the sensor body;

c) A second sense plate located at a second operable position of the sensor body opposite the first sense plate; the method comprises the steps of,

d) An electronic sensing component is operatively connected to the first and second sensing plates and configured to measure a liquid agricultural product application rate between the first and second sensing plates.

2. The supply tube assembly of claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional area of an upstream portion outlet end of the supply tube is large enough such that the liquid commodity accumulates on the upstream portion outlet end and drips as a droplet under gravity, the sensor body being oriented substantially vertically.

3. The supply tube assembly of claim 2, further comprising a flow element positioned within the sensor body and having a flow element upper end physically connected to the upstream portion outlet end, the flow element extending through the sensor body and terminating at a flow element lower end at the sensor outlet end to provide a conduit for liquid agricultural product to flow through the sensor body.

4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the flow element comprises a wire.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the flow rate is in a range of between one-quarter fluid ounce per acre and one gallon per acre.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the flow rate is in a range between one-quarter fluid ounce per hour and one quart per acre.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flow rate is about three drops per second.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein an operator is notified when the agricultural product is not being applied at an appropriate rate as measured by the electronic sensing component.

9. A method for measuring the liquid agricultural product application rate of a liquid agricultural product flowing through a supply pipe, comprising:

a) Providing a supply tube assembly, the supply tube assembly comprising:

a sensor body assembly incorporated in the supply tube, comprising:

i. a sensor body having a sensor inlet end positioned to receive an inlet flow of the liquid commodity from an upstream portion of the supply tube and a sensor outlet end positioned to receive an outlet flow of the liquid commodity, the sensor body being a housing having a cross-sectional area greater than a cross-sectional area of the upstream portion of the supply tube and a downstream portion of the supply tube, the sensor body being configured and constructed such that the liquid commodity does not contact a surface of the housing when flowing from the sensor inlet end to the sensor outlet end;

A first sense plate located in a first operable position of the sensor body;

a second sense plate located in a second operable position of the sensor body opposite the first sense plate;

an electronic sensing component operatively connected to the first sensing plate and the second sensing plate,

and configured to measure a liquid agricultural product application rate between the first and second sensing plates; and

b) Flowing a liquid agricultural product through the sensor body assembly; the method comprises the steps of,

c) Measuring, with the electronic sensing component, a liquid agricultural product application rate between the first sensing plate and the second sensing plate.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the cross-sectional area of the upstream portion outlet end of the supply tube is large enough that the liquid commodity accumulates on the upstream portion outlet end and drips as droplets under the force of gravity, the sensor body being oriented substantially vertically.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the sensor body assembly further comprises a flow element positioned within the sensor body, the flow element comprising a flow element upper end physically connected to the upstream portion outlet end, the flow element extending through the sensor body and terminating at a flow element lower end at the sensor outlet end to provide a conduit for liquid agricultural product to flow through the sensor body.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the flow element comprises a wire.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the flow rate is in a range between one-quarter fluid ounce per acre and one gallon per acre.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the flow rate is in a range between one-quarter fluid ounce per hour and one quart per acre.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein the flow rate is about three drops per second.

16. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of notifying an operator when the electronic sensing component detects that the agricultural product is not being applied at an appropriate rate.

17. A flow sensor device for monitoring a directional flow of agricultural product from an application port at a supply tube end, the directional flow having a target directional portion and an off-target portion, the flow sensor device comprising:

a sensor housing comprising:

e) A conical flow receiving member having an inlet aperture at a first end and a receiving member outlet at a second end,

the first end is smaller than the second end,

the size of the inlet orifice is determined by the selected operating characteristics of the directional flow and a target area; the method comprises the steps of,

f) A sensor body having a sensor inlet end positioned to receive a target directional portion of the directional flow from a receiving element outlet of the tapered flow receiving element, wherein an off-target portion of the directional flow is not sensed; the method comprises the steps of,

a sensor element positioned within the sensor housing,

wherein the sensor housing and the sensor element are positioned outside the application port and are thus positioned to provide measurement, targeting, and timing of the agricultural product.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the selected operating characteristics comprise: flow rate, flow pattern, and target size.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the measured flow rate is in a range between about 0.5 fluid ounces and one gallon per linear acre.

20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein an operator is notified when the agricultural product is not applied in a position relative to seeds dispensed from a planter.

21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the operator is notified when the system synchronization input operates as intended and a synchronization pulse of crop input is placed near the individually sown seed to deliver the desired biological effect.

22. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the operator is notified when the system synchronization input pulses as expected, but the synchronization pulse of the crop input is placed near the seed that is sown alone such that the desired biological effect cannot be achieved.

23. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the operator is notified when the system synchronization input pulses as expected to deliver a desired effect, but provides an indication that the synchronization pulse of the crop input is not placed near a seed that is sown alone.

24. A method for monitoring a directional flow of agricultural product from an application port at a supply tube end, the directional flow having a target directional portion and an off-target portion, the method comprising:

a) Providing a flow sensor device, the flow sensor device comprising:

a sensor housing comprising:

i. a tapered flow receiving element having an inlet aperture at a first end and a receiving element outlet at a second end, the first end being smaller than the second end,

a sensor body having a sensor inlet end positioned to receive a target directional portion of the directional flow from a receiving element outlet of the tapered flow receiving element, wherein an off-target portion of the directional flow is not sensed; the method comprises the steps of,

A sensor element positioned within the sensor housing; the method comprises the steps of,

b) Directing the directional flow to the flow sensor device, wherein the sensor housing and the sensor element are positioned outside the application port and are thus positioned to provide measurement, targeting, and timing of the agricultural product.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the selected operating characteristics comprise: flow rate, flow pattern, and target size.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein the measured flow rate is in a range between about 0.5 fluid ounces and one gallon per linear acre.

27. The method of claim 24, wherein an operator is notified when the agricultural product is not applied in place relative to seeds dispensed from a planter.

28. The method of claim 24, wherein the operator is notified when the system synchronization input operates as intended and a synchronization pulse of crop input is placed near the individually sown seed to deliver the desired biological effect.

29. The method of claim 24, wherein the operator is notified when the system synchronization input pulses as expected, but the synchronization pulse of the crop input is placed near the seed that is sown alone such that the desired biological effect cannot be achieved.

30. The method of claim 24 wherein the operator is notified when the system synchronization input pulses as expected to deliver the desired effect, but provides an indication that the synchronization pulse of crop input is not placed near a seed that is sown alone.

Claims

a sensor body assembly incorporated in the supply tube, comprising:

b) A first sense plate located at a first operable position of the sensor body;

c) A second sense plate located at a second operable position of the sensor body opposite the first sense plate;

the method comprises the steps of,

4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the flow element comprises a wire.

a) Providing a supply tube assembly, the supply tube assembly comprising:

a sensor body assembly incorporated in the supply tube, comprising:

i. a sensor body having a sensor inlet end positioned to receive an inlet flow of the liquid commodity from the upstream portion and a sensor outlet end positioned to receive an outlet flow of the liquid commodity, the sensor body being a housing having a cross-sectional area greater than the cross-sectional areas of the upstream portion of the supply tube and the downstream portion of the supply tube, the sensor body being configured and constructed such that the liquid commodity does not contact a surface of the housing when flowing from the sensor inlet end to the sensor outlet end;

A first sense plate located in a first operable position of the sensor body;

an electronic sensing component operatively connected to the first and second sensing plates and configured to measure a liquid agricultural product application rate between the first and second sensing plates; and

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the flow element comprises a wire.

a sensor housing comprising:

e) A tapered flow receiving element having an inlet aperture at a first end and a receiving element outlet at a second end, the first end being smaller than the second end,

a sensor element positioned within the sensor housing,

a) Providing a flow sensor device, the flow sensor device comprising:

a sensor housing comprising:

a sensor body having a sensor inlet end positioned to receive a target directional portion of the directional flow from a receiving element outlet of the tapered flow receiving element, wherein an off-target portion of the directional flow is not sensed; and a sensor element positioned within the sensor housing; the method comprises the steps of,