NZ610745A - Agricultural spreading apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

An agricultural material distribution means incorporated in a mobile spreading apparatus (141) for spreading wetted fertilizer materials or liming agents to the land is disclosed. The distribution means includes a plurality of agricultural material distribution heads (157), spaced apart from each other and operatively connected by a material supply means (200) wherein the flow of the fertilizer materials or liming agents into each of the distribution heads can be individually controlled. The mobile spreading apparatus further including a plurality of bins (115, 116, 143, 145, 149) or compartments adapted to contain and separate different materials for spreading, wherein the plurality of compartments are each operatively connected to the distribution means to allow the materials to be expelled via distribution heads. Preferably, the apparatus further includes a plurality of mixing means (161) adapted to mix the fertilizer material(s) or liming agent(s) with liquid, wherein the plurality of compartments, plurality of mixing means and the distribution means are operatively connected to each other so that the fertilizer material(s) or liming agent(s) from each of the compartments can be delivered via delivery means to be mixed together to the plurality of mixing means and then delivered to the distribution means to be expelled out from the each of the distribution heads of the distribution means. A control system capable of storing data or information relating to an area of land including the desired nutrient and/or lime application rates for specific regions of the area of land is also disclosed. Preferably, the apparatus includes a sensor adapted to sense at least one parameter of the soil or vegetation in the vicinity of the apparatus as the apparatus moves over the land, and to provide information to the control system. Preferably, the control system is capable of processing pre-loaded data and/or data received while moving over the land, and of controlling the rate at which material is supplied from each of the compartments as the apparatus moves over the land. The control system controls the mixing and distribution of the fertilizer materials and liming agents so as distribute in an area only that which that area requires.

Description

Agricultural Spreading Apparatus and IVIethod The invention relates to agricultural material distribution spinners, a mobile agricultural material distribution means, spreading apparatus for spreading materials used in agriculture, and to a method of operation.

Background of Invention Currently spreading apparatus are used on farms and orchards etc, to spread various fertiliser products, minerals and growth ameliorants in desired quantities and compositions over the land. Such spreading is typically carried out using towable trailers, trucks, airplanes and helicopters with a storage compartment for the material that is to be spread. The material that is spread is typically chosen from a range of commercially available products, to suit the general requirements of the field or farm. Most often a fertilizer blend is mixed prior to being loaded into a spreading device.

However, the specific plant and soil nutrient requirements differ across the farm and intra- paddock. Factor such as contour, aspect, soil type, rainfall, altitude are natural influences on fertility whist paddock design, farm design, water trough placement, stocking rate and type or cropping rate and type are influences resulting from human involvement. The combination of both will influence the soil nutrient availability.

There are five key macro elements that are typically required to different degrees; 1. Nitrogen Nitrogen is a central component of many important aspects of plant cells. It is a forms a vital constituent of chlorophyll which in turn is essential for photosynthesis and a component in amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Nitrogen is a constituent of energy-transfer compounds like as ATP which permit cells to preserve and utilize the energy released during metabolism and is an important constituent ofnucleic acids such as DNA. 2. Phosphate Phosphorus is prominent in its task of capturing and changing energy from the sun into plant useful compounds. It is a key chemical in a plants DNA & RNA as well as having a role to play in an energy carrying unit in plants. Phosphorus is an essential component of ATP 206963NZB spec Formal 20140807.doc which forms during photosynthesis. It is a contributor to the_vigour of plants and whilst deficiency can be difficult to diagnose, not having standout symptoms such as are evident in nitrogen deficiency, generally phosphate deficiency results in ill thrift. Growth factors attributed to phosphorus include development and strength of roots, stems leaves and flowers, increased ability to fix nitrogen in legumes and increased resistance to disease. 3. Potassium Potassium has a role in regulatory processes in plants. It is critical in a wide array of processes essential plant processes including photosynthesis, translocation, protein synthesis, regulation of plant stomata/water use, activation of plant enzymes amongst many others.

Deficiency can result in lower drought tolerance, lower resistance to pests and diseases attacks. 4. Sulphur Sulphur contributes to the fonnation of proteins with cytosine and methionine being vital in plant structure and function. There are a large range of organic sulphur compounds, such as glutathione, sulpho-lipids and other compoxmds such as glucosinolates, phytochelatins, which have a role in physiology and protection against environmental stress and pests.

Sulphur deficiency can result in the loss of plant production, thrift and resistance to environmental stress, pests and disease.

. Calcium Calcium is important to plant physiology and calcium carbonate is also used by farmers to increase soil pH which in turn affects plant physiology and availability of nutrients. Plant available calcium is present in soluble cation form (Ca++) and adsorbed to the soil colloidal complex. Calcium plays a role in cell division, elongation and wall integrity, nitrate uptake, metabolism, action of enzymes and metabolism. Calcium is relatively immobile, therefore continuous supply is essential.

Other products that are required in specific circumstances include: gibberellic acid, humates, falvic acids, inhibitors (Polyacrylamides, DCD, NBPT), and other agri chemicals. 206963NZB spec Formal 20140807.doc In today's modern farming practices it is not uncommon to test samples of soil across a range of locations on a farm, and to produce a map showing the specific nutrient requirements of specific areas of farms and paddocks. In addition it is possible to survey the vegetation and to identify specific nutrient requirements, for example by comparing the relative health of the vegetation in one area compared to an adjacent area.

The application of nutrients is typically an expensive process. And just as the application of the correct nutrients can be beneficial, the application of excess nutrients can be harmful to the soil and vegetation and surrounding environment, for example to waterways. What is needed is a better way of distributing the nutrients so that they can be applied in a more targeted fashion.

When spreading fertilizers with a large range of particle sizes, it is often very difficult to achieve even spreading. When spreading, the larger particles will typically fly further than smaller particles. Some fertilisers such as urea are in a pellet form while the nutrients are often in powdered form. When such powdered or fine nutrients are spread with urea in pellet form, the powder tends to separate and can be carried away in the wind or be spread in an uneven rate across the swath especially due to relative weight difference of each particle.

Fertilizer particle overshoot is a problem in traditional spinner type arrangements and traditional flood nozzle spray applicator techniques. While several spinner spreaders have been. designed to accommodate overshoot, none seems to completely avoid the overshoot problem. Such overshoot on outside runs may have adverse affect to the environment, for example, it may cause contamination of rivers etc.

A typical spray nozzle cannot cope with the varying intra swath spreading rates without constantly changing nozzles and will block given the varying particle sizes. A standard spinner cannot throw varying size particles evenly.

Although product such as urea are often prilled to an even particle size to provide uniform flow and predictable spread pattern, for other reasons it is not always desirable to make all particles exactly the same size and a variation of particle sizes is desirable, for example, some for fast release, some for slow release or some available for leaf absorption and some available for root absorption etc. Since, most fertilizer spinners are designed to spread over 206963NZB spec Formal 20140807.doc large distances and have a cross-over or overshoot, they often lead to contamination outside the desired area and also lead to inadequate distribution of different size particles.

Often the soils have different nutrient requirements. For example, some soil may require more nitrogen and some may require more potassium. Simply spreading the same blend of fertilizer over the entire area can be wasteful.

In this specification unless the contrary is expressly stated, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge; or known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.

Object of the Invention It is an object of the invention to provide an improved agricultural material distribution spinner, mobile agricultural distribution means, improved mobile spreading apparatus and spreading method that ameliorates some of the disadvantages and limitations of the known art or at least provides the public with a useful choice.

Summary of Invention In a first aspect the invention may broadly be said to reside in an agricultural material distribution spinner for spreading wetted fertilizer materials or liming agents to the land having a spinner body wherein the spinner body is rotational about a first rotational axis and is configured to receive a mixture of fertilizer materials or liming agents and a liquid to distribute the fertilizer materials or liming agents at multiple trajectory angles.

Preferably, the spinner includes at least two angled spouts operatively connected to the spinner body for the distribution of the fertilizer materials or liming agents in trajectory angle, wherein at least one spout is being angled at a different trajectory angle to the other spout or spouts.

Preferably, the spinner includes at least two spouts for distribution of the fertilizer materials or liming agents, a first spout being angled at a first angle relative to the rotational axis of the 206963NZB spec Formal 20140807.doc spinner and at least one other spout being angled at a second and different angle to the rotational axis of the spinner.

Preferably, the second angle is at least five degrees more or less than the first angle.

Preferably, the spouts first exit the spinner body horizontally and are then angled downwards, Preferably, the spouts are connected to the spinner body by an angled or a curved elbow and are removable.

Preferably, each spouts are angled 45 degrees with respect to the first rotational axis of the spinner.

Preferably, a removable nozzle is connected to the end of each spout.

Preferably, the spout, the spinner body or the nozzle is made out of plastic or stainless steel.

Preferably, the or each spout has_break points.

Preferably, the at least one feed pipe is operatively connected to the spinner body for delivering material to the spinner.

Preferably, the spinner is not a closed, pressurised vessel and is designed with a top lip for controlling splash out.

Preferably, the spinner body that is configured to receive the materials is a spinner housing including guiding means adapted to guide the material inside the spinner to the spouts.

Preferably, the operating RPM of the spinner is less than 500 RPM and preferably 100-350 RPM.

Preferably, the spinner is adapted to throw shorter distances and distribute varying particle sizes.

In a second aspect the invention may broadly be said to reside in a mobile agricultural material distribution means for spreading wetted fertilizer materials or liming agents to the land, wherein the distribution means includes a plurality of agricultural material distribution 206963NZB spec Formal 20140807.doc spinners as described above, the spinners being spaced apart from each other and operatively connected by a material supply means wherein the flow of the fertilizer materials or liming agents into each of the spinners can be individually controlled.

Preferably, the rate of delivery of fertilizer materials or liming agents to each of the plurality of distribution means can be individually controlled.

Preferably, the material supply means is a conduit or conduits configured to allow fertilizer materials or liming agents to flow to each material distribution spinner.

Preferably, one or more controllable valves are included in one or more of the supply paths connecting the compartments to the distribution means.

In a third aspect the invention may broadly be said to reside in a mobile spreading apparatus for spreading wetted fertilizer materials or liming agents to the land incorporating at least one mobile agricultural material distribution means as described above, the mobile spreading apparatus further including a plurality of bins or compartments adapted to contain and separate different materials for spreading, wherein the plurality of compartments are each operatively connected to the distribution means to allow the materials to be expelled via spinners.

Preferably, the apparatus further includes a plurality of mixing means adapted to mix the fertilizer material(s) or liming agent(s) with liquid, wherein the plurality of compartments, plurality of mixing means and the distribution means are operatively connected to each other so that the fertilizer material(s) or liming agent(s) from each of the compartments can be delivered via delivery means to be mixed together to the plurality of mixing means and then delivered to the distribution means to be expelled out from the each of the spinners of the distribution means.

Preferably, each of the plurality of mixing means is a mixer unit including a housing inside which at least one circular disc is rotated, the at least one circular disc being adapted to rotate about a first rotational axis by a rotating means that is operatively connected to the mixer unit.

Preferably, the disc is designed to produce a variable particle size, thereby allowing for a leaf absorption of some portion of soluble treatments as well as particle soil absorption. 206963NZB soec Formal 20140807.doc Preferably, the plurality of the compartments is/are in the form of hoppers configured to hold dry material.

Preferably, the plurality of compartments is/are in the form of a tank configured to hold material in liquid form.

Preferably, the liquid is water and or nutrients in a liquid form.

Preferably, the liquid is Agchem or soil or pasture/crop treatment fluid.

Preferably, the delivery means includes at least one conveyor means configured to move material from one or more of the compartments to the mixing means.

Preferably, the speed of the or each conveyor means is controllable.

Preferably, the or each conveyor means is driven by a dedicated drive motor or is driven independently from a common drive motor using suitable transmission means.

Preferably, the conveyor means includes a belt or chain conveyor.

Preferably, wherein the delivery means includes one or more conduits configured to allow material to flow from one or more of the compartments to the mixing means.

Preferably, the apparatus also includes a control system configured to control the rate at which material is supplied from each compartment to the mixing means.

Preferably, the control system controls the rate at which the conveyor means conveys the material.

Preferably, the apparatus further includes a positioning system, for example a global positioning system.

Preferably, the control system is capable of storing data or information relating to an area of land including the desired nutrient and/or lime application rates for specific regions of the area of land.

Preferably, the apparatus includes a sensor adapted to sense at least one parameter of the soil or vegetation in the vicinity of the apparatus as the apparatus moves over the land, and to provide information to the control system.

Preferably, the control system is capable of processing pre-loaded data and/or data received while moving over the land, and of controlling the rate at which material is supplied from each of the compartments as the apparatus moves over the land.

Preferably, the apparatus includes grinding means configured to grind material from one or more of the compartments before the material is received by the distribution means.

Preferably, the mixing means and the grinding means is the same.

Preferably, the apparatus is attached on a trailer or a truck.

Preferably, the apparatus is configured to be transported by an aircraft, for example a fixed wing aircraft or a helicopter.

Preferably, the apparatus is configured for integration with an irrigation system, for example a travelling irrigator with centre pivot.

The term "material" in the context of at least in the above three aspects of the invention is understood to mean any fertilizer material(s) or liming agent(s), unless clearly indicated otherwise.

In a fourth aspect the invention may broadly be said to reside in a mobile spreading apparatus for spreading agricultural fertilizer materials and liming materials, the apparatus having at least one material distribution means and a plurality of compartments for holding a plurality of different materials separate from one another while the different materials are held by the apparatus, and the apparatus being configured such that the rate at which material is supplied from each compartment to the material distribution means is variable and is individually controlled.

Preferably one or more of the compartments is/are in the form of hoppers configured to hold dry material. 20140807.doc Optionally one or more of the compartments is/are in the form of a tank configured to hold material in liquid form.

Optionally the liquid is water and or nutrients in a liquid form.

Optionally liquid is Agchem or soil or pasture/crop treatment fluid.

Preferably the apparatus includes conveyor means configured to move material from one or more of the compartments to the material distribution means.

Preferably the speed of the or each convey or means is controllable.

Preferably each conveyor means is driven by a dedicated drive motor. Alternatively each conveyor can be driven independently from a common drive motor using suitable transmission means.

Preferably the conveyor means includes a belt or chain conveyor.

Optionally the apparatus includes one or more conduits configured to allow material to flow from one or more of the compartments to the material distribution means.

Optionally the apparatus includes one or more controllable valves in one or more of the supply paths connecting the compartments to the material distribution means.

Preferably the apparatus also includes a control system configured to control the rate at which material is supplied from each compartment to the material distribution means.

Preferably the control system controls the rate at which the conveyor means conveys the material.

Preferably the apparatus includes a positioning system, for example a global positioning system.

Preferably the control means is capable of storing data or information relating to an area of land including the desired nutrient and/or lime application rates for specific regions of the area of land.

Optionally the apparatus includes sensor adapted to sense at least one parameter of the soil or vegetation in the vicinity of the apparatus as the apparatus moves over the land, and to provide information to the control system.

Preferably the control system is capable of processing pre-loaded data and/or data received while moving over the land, and of controlling the rate at which material is supplied from each of the compartments as the apparatus moves over the land.

Preferably the apparatus includes grinding means configured to grind material from one or more of the compartments before the material is received by the material distribution means.

Preferably the apparatus includes mixing means configured to mix the material from more than one compartment before the material is received by the material distribution means.

Preferably the material distribution means includes one or more crusher units configured to throw the material from the apparatus as the apparatus moves over the land.

Optionally the material distribution means is a boom with spinners.

Optionally the material distribution means includes spray apparatus configured to spray the material onto the land as the apparatus moves over the land.

Preferably the apparatus is configured to be transported on a trailer or a truck.

Optionally the apparatus is configured to be transported by an aircraft, for example a fixed wing aircraft or a helicopter.

Optionally the apparatus is configured for integration with an irrigation system, for example a travelling imgator with centre pivot.

In a fifth aspect the invention may broadly be said to reside in a spreading apparatus for spreading agricultural material on to land, the apparatus having a plurality of bins or compartments adapted to contain and separate different materials for spreading, a material formulation determination means, and material distribution means, and the apparatus is configured such that the material formulation determination means operates while the vehicle is moving, and is configured to determine the required formulation of material for a particular section of land, and to control the rate at which material is transferred from each of the compartments to the material spreading means to achieve the required formulation and application rate for the particular section of land.

Preferably the apparatus includes delivery means which moves material from each of the compartments to the material spreading means.

Preferably the material formulation determination means controls the rate of operation of each of the material moving means.

Preferably the material formulation determination means includes a microprocessor.

Optionally the apparatus includes a sensor adapted to measure at least one parameter of the vegetation on the land in the vicinity of the apparatus and to supply data to the material formulation determination means .

Preferably, the apparatus includes at least one mixing apparatus, each having at least one disc centrally mounted in a mixing chamber, wherein the or each of the mixing chambers are operatively connected between the compartments and the material distribution means.

Preferably, the or each mixing apparatus is configured to cmsh, grind or blend the fertilizers.

Preferably, disc comprises a circular plate member having a perimeter wall and apertures therein.

Preferably, the or each disc has a diameter less than the diameter of the mixing chamber to cause there to be a gap there between.

Preferably, the apparatus includes at least one mixing tank located at a discharge end of the housing.

Preferably, the apparatus includes five bins with a water tank located between them at a lower position wherein the water tank has a triangular cross section.

Preferably, the material moving means is positioned on a lower edge of the bins.

Preferably the material moving means includes at least an upper and lower movable chain or belt member.

Preferably, the apparatus includes a crushing apparatus.

In a sixth aspect the invention may broadly be said to reside in a mobile spreading apparatus for spreading agricultural fertilizer materials and liming materials, the apparatus having a plurality of compartments for holding a plurality of different particulate materials separate from each other while the different materials are held by the apparatus, at least one liquid storage compartment, at least one material distribution means, and delivery means for delivering the particulate material to the material distribution means, the apparatus being configured such that liquid is mixed with the particulate material prior to the particulate material being received by the material distribution means and the rate at which the material is supplied from each compartment to the material distribution means is variable and is individually controllable.

Preferably, the liquid storage compartment is a tank configured to hold water and/or nutrients in a liquid form such as Agchem or soil or pasture/crop treatment fluid.

Preferably, one or more of the compartments is/are in the form of hoppers configured to hold dry material.

Preferably, the one or more compartments are adjustable in size.

Preferably, the delivery means is a conveyor means configured to move material from one or more of the compartments to the material distribution means.

Preferably, the speed of the conveyor means is controllable.

Preferably, each conveyor means is driven by a dedicated drive motor. Alternatively each conveyor can be driven independently from a common drive motor using suitable transmission means.

Preferably, the conveyor means includes a belt or chain conveyor.

Preferably, the apparatus includes one or more conduits configured to allow material to flow from one or more of the compartments to the material distribution means.

Preferably, the apparatus includes one or more controllable valves in one or more of the supply paths connecting the compartments to the material distribution means.

Preferably, the apparatus also includes a control system configured to control the rate at which material is supplied from each compartment to the material distribution means.

Preferably, the control system controls the rate at which the conveyor means conveys the material.

Preferably, the apparatus includes a positioning system, for example a global positioning system.

Preferably, the control means is capable of storing data or information relating to an area of land including the desired nutrient and/or lime application rates for specific regions of the area of land.

Preferably, the apparatus includes sensor adapted to sense at least one parameter of the soil or vegetation in the vicinity of the apparatus as the apparatus moves over the land, and to provide information to the control system.

Preferably, the control system is capable of processing pre-loaded data and/or data received while moving over the land, and of controlling the rate at which material is supplied from each of the compartments as the apparatus moves over the land.

Preferably, the apparatus includes at least one mixer unit configured to mix material from one or more of the compartments with liquid before the material is received by the material distribution means.

Preferably, the at least one mixer unit configured to crush and/or grind material from one or more of the compartments before the material is received by the material distribution means.

Preferably, the one or more material distribution means is configured to throw the material from the apparatus when the apparatus moves over the land.

Preferably, the material distribution means includes spray apparatus configured to spray the material onto the land as the apparatus moves over the land.

Preferably, the material distribution means is a boom with spinners.

Preferably, the apparatus is configured to be transported on a trailer or a truck.

Preferably, the apparatus is configured to be transported by an aircraft, for example a fixed wing aircraft or a helicopter.

Preferably, the apparatus is configured for integration with an irrigation system, for example a travelling imgator with centre pivot.

In a seventh aspect the invention may broadly be said to reside in a spreading apparatus for spreading agricultural material on to land, the apparatus having a plurality of bins or compartments adapted to contain and separate different materials for spreading, at least one mixing means adapted to mix the material or materials with liquid, material formulation determination means, and material spreading means, and the apparatus is configured such that the material formulation determination means operates while the vehicle is moving, and is configured to determine the required formulation of material for a particular section of land, and to control the rate at which material is transferred from each of the compartments to the material spreading means to achieve the required formulation and application rate for the particular section of land.

Preferably the apparatus includes material moving means which moves material from each of the compartments to the material spreading means.

Preferably the material formulation determination means controls the rate of operation of each of the material moving means.

Preferably the material formulation determination means includes a microprocessor.

Optionally the apparatus includes a sensor adapted to measure at least one parameter of the vegetation on the land in the vicinity of the apparatus and to supply data to the material formulation determination means.

Preferably, the at least one mixing means is a mixer unit having at least one rotatable disc and a mixing chamber wherein the at least one disc is centrally mounted in a mixing chamber.

Preferably, the disc is a circular plate member having a plurality of apertures therein.

Preferably, the disc comprises a circular plate member having plurality of blades circumferentially surrounding the disc.

Preferably, the blades are twisted.

Preferably, the disc comprises at least one elongate rib.

Preferably, each disc has a diameter less than the diameter of the mixing chamber to cause there to be a gap there between.

Preferably, the apparatus includes at least one tank located at a discharge end of the housing.

Preferably, the apparatus includes six bins with a water tank located between them at a lower position wherein the water tank has a triangular cross section.

Preferably, the apparatus includes one or more liquid tanks for storing Agchem or agricultural chemicals or soil/pasture/crop treatment fluids.

Preferably, the apparatus the material moving means is positioned on a lower edge of the bins.

Preferably the material moving means includes at least an upper and lower movable chain or belt member.

In a eighth aspect the invention may broadly be said to reside in a method of operating a spreading apparatus as disclosed where the following steps includes at least the following steps; - fill or load all compartments with specified materials, - vehicle is moved over an area of land, - material formulation determination means operates to assess the localised fertiliser and/or liming agent requirements, - the apparatus is controlled to supply the desired material formulation, - the apparatus spreads the desired material formulation over the land in the vicinity of the vehicle as the vehicle moves over the land.

Brief Description Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective side view of the compartments of the spreader apparatus in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention, Figure 2 is a schematic cross sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a schematic end view of the apparatus of Figure 1 showing grinding/mixing units, Figure 4 is a schematic side elevation view showing the flow from a number of compartments into a grinding/mixing unit, Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of a disc of the grinding unit, Figure 6 is a perspective view of the compartments of the apparatus in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention showing the front part, Figure 7 is a front perspective view of the compartments of the apparatus in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention showing the rear part, Figure 8 is a schematic top plan view of the compartments of the apparatus of Figure 6, Figure 9 is a schematic side elevation view of the compartments of the apparatus of Figure 6, Figure 10 is a cross sectional view of the apparatus from E-E plane of Figure 9, Figure 11 is an end view of the apparatus of Figure 6 showing grmding/mixing units, Figure 12 (a) is a perspective view of the compartments of the apparatus in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the invention showing the rear part, Figure 12 (b) is a perspective view of a material agricultural distribution means (200) of Figure 12 (a).

Figure 13 (a) is a schematic top plan view of the compartments of the apparatus of Figure 12 (a), Figure 13 (b) is a schematic side view of the apparatus of Figure 12 (a) showing the mixer units, Figure 14 (a) is a schematic front view of the apparatus of Figure 12 (a), Figure 14 (b) is a schematic end view of the apparatus of Figure 12 (a) showing mixer units and booms, Figure 15 (a) is a perspective view of the mixer unit of Figure 12 (a), Figure 15 (b) is a side elevation view of the mixer unit of Figure 15 (a), Figure 15 (c) is a cross sectional view of the mixer unit of Figure 15 (b), Figure 16 (a) is a top plan view of the mixer unit of Figure 15 (a) - (c) showing the top plate, Figure 16 (b) is a top plan view of the mixer unit of Figure 15 (a) - (c) showing the first rotating disc, Figure 16 (c) is a top plan view of the mixer unit of Figure 15 (a) - (c) showing the second rotating disc, Figure 16 (d)is a top plan view of the mixer unit of Figure 15 (a) - (c) showing the bottom plate, Figure 17 (a) is a top plan view of a spinner, Figure 17 (b) is a perspective view of the spinner of Figure 17 (a), Figure 17 (c) is a side elevation view of the spinner of Figure 17 (a), Figure 18 (a) is a side elevation view of an alternative spinner, Figure 18 (b) is a perspective view of the spinner of Figure 18 (a), Figure 18 (c) is a top plan view of the spinner of Figure 18 (a), Figure 18 (d) is a cross sectional view of the spinner of Figure 18 (a) along A-A axis, Figure 18 (e) is a perspective view of the spinner housing of Figure 18 (a), Figure 18 (f) is a top plan view of the spinner housing of Figure 18 (e), Figure 18 (g) is a cross sectional view of the spinner housing of Figure 18 (f) along A-A axis, Figure 19 (a) is a perspective view of the collector used in the mixer unit of Figure (a), Figure 19 (b) is a side elevation view of the collector of Figure 19 (a).

Description of Drawings The following description will describe the invention is relation to a preferred embodiments of the invention. The invention is in no way limited to these preferred embodiments as they are purely to exemplify the invention only and that possible variations and modifications would be readily apparent without departing from the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLE ONE The following description will describe a first example of the invention in relation to preferred embodiment of the invention, namely a mobile spreading apparatus (11). The mobile spreading apparatus (11) seeks to individually house material such as fertilizers, macro nutrients, micro nutrients and liming agents, and to supply these materials in a desired formulation to a spreading system. A key feature of the invention is an ability to alter the formulation to suit localised requirements while the mobile spreading apparatus (11) is moving over the land.

Modem farming practices often involve the analysis of soils and pastures to determine the nutrient requirements and/or the requirements for liming agents. It is often evident that the requirements for these materials are not the same across all the land on a farm, or even across individual paddocks or fields.

Despite this, present day fertiliser practices generally involve the application of a single fertiliser formulation right across an entire farm, or at least across an entire paddock. The present invention is an apparatus that is able to deliver a tailored formulation to the individual areas of land to suit the localised requirements. That is because the mobile spreading apparatus (11) has been designed to hold a number of different fertiliser products, and to alter the mix of the different products to suit the localised requirements.

Figures 1 - 5 show the mobile spreader apparatus (11) according to the first embodiment of the invention having a number of storage compartments. In this example the apparatus (11) includes seven different compartments. The compartments keep a number of different materials separate from one another while they are held in storage by the apparatus (11).

Some of the compartments are in the form of bins suitable for dry materials and some are in the form of tanks for liquid materials. Fours bins (13), (15), (17) and (19) form the main structure of the body of the apparatus (11). These bins (13), (15), (17) and (19) are configured to house dry products such as urea pellets or phosphate. A tank (21) is typically intended to carry water or a liquid fertiliser. And a forward supplemental compartment (23) and an aft supplemental compartment (25) are intended to carry concentrated nutrients that can also be added to the formulation that is spread by the apparatus (11). The concentrated nutrients can be in a liquid form for example. Optionally, the forward supplemental compartment (23) and an aft supplemental compartment (25) can carry chemicals for treatments ofsoil/pasture/crops.

The apparatus (11) also includes a material distribution or spreading means (27) (see Figure 3) by which can be in the form of spinner or a boom. The rate at which material is supplied from each compartment to the material distribution means (27) is variable. Material flows separately from each compartment to the material distribution means (27) and the flow rate of each material is individually controllable.

In this example the apparatus (11) includes conveyor means (29) configured to move material from bins (13), (15), (17) and (19) to the material distribution means (27). The speed of each conveyor means (29) is individually controllable since each is driven by a dedicated drive motor. Each of the conveyor means (29) includes a belt conveyor.

Preferably, the belts that convey the material from bins (17) and (19) runs in a separate channel that is located below and is parallel to the belts that convey the material from bins (13) and (15). More preferably, there are two channels on each side of the water tank (21) and hence, four channels for four bins (13, 15, 17 and 19).

While not shown in the schematic style drawings, the apparatus also includes conduits configured to allow material to flow from compartments (21), (23) and (25) to the material distribution means (27). Controllable valves control the flow rate through the supply paths connecting these compartments to the material distribution means (27).

The apparatus (11) also includes a control system, or a material formulation determining means, which is configured to control the rate at which material is supplied from each compartment to the material distribution means (27). The control system controls the rate at which the conveyor means conveys material, and the rate at which the material flows though the control valves.

The apparatus (11) includes a positioning system, for example a global positioning system.

This allows the apparatus to determine its position when operating across a field. The control means is capable of storing data or information relating to an area of land for example data produced from a survey of the nutrient levels in the soil in an area of land. The data can also include the desired nutrient and/or lime application rates for specific regions of the area of land.

The apparatus (11) can also include a sensor adapted to sense at least one parameter of the soil or vegetation in the vicinity of the apparatus as the apparatus moves over the land, and to provide information to the control system. For example a sensor such as optical sensor can detect the colour of the vegetation to determine the localised nitrogen requirements.

The control system is capable of processing pre-loaded data and/or data received while moving over the land, and of controlling the rate at which material is supplied from each of the compartments to the material distribution means (27) as the apparatus (11) moves over the land.

In this example the apparatus (11) also includes crushing or grinding means (31) configured to grind material from one or more of the compartments before the material is received by the material distribution means (27). For example the grinding means (31) can be used to grind urea pellets into finer particulate material.

The apparatus (11) uses a mixing means (33) which configured to mix the material from more than one compartment before the material is received by the material distribution means (27). The crushing or grinding means (31) can also be used as mixing means (33).

The apparatus (11) is configured such that it can be mounted on a movable vehicle such as a trailer or a truck.

As shown in figure 5 the grinding means (31) comprises a machine having crushing discs (35) inside a cylindrical grinding chamber (37). It is envisaged that the discs (35) can optionally be formed from four parts allowing the diameter of the discs (35) to be varied to allow the gap (39) between the disc perimeter and mixing chamber interior wall to be varied to control particle size. Optionally, the disc can be one piece and the grinding chamber (37) can have outside walls which screw in or out to achieve the same result.

Figure 3 shows the discharge end which in this example is located at the rear of the compartments or vehicle. After the material has been mixed (and optionally crushed), the material is then moved to material distribution means (27). In this example the mixed material is directed to a common manifold where it can be pumped to booms. While not shown in the schematic drawings, pumps to move liquid material about the apparatus, for example to pump the mixture to the boom with applicators or spray nozzles or flood jets.

A method of operating the spreader apparatus (11) is also disclosed which can involve a number of the following steps the following steps of: -fill or load bins and tanks with specified materials, -vehicle is moved over the land, - the specific material formulation required at each location across the land is determined based on: preloaded nutrient requirement data, local position and/or local pasture condition, - the feed rates of specific materials to the material distribution means (27) is set by the apparatus controller, and - material of the desired formulation is spread over the land adjacent to the apparatus (11).

The method will generally also include the step of mixing water with the required material formulation, especially if it is to be spread using a boom.

The method can also include grinding some of the material before it reaches the material distribution means (27).

EXAMPLE TWO Figures 6-11 show the mobile spreader apparatus (41) according to the second embodiment of the invention having a number of storage compartments. In this example, the apparatus (41) includes eight different compartments. The compartments keep a number of different materials separate firom one another while they are held in storage by the apparatus (41).

Some of the compartments are in the form of bins suitable for dry materials. There is a liquid storage unit in the form of tank (51) and for storing liquid materials and a front compartment (50) for storing liquid nutrients or agricultural chemicals for treatment of soil/pasture/crops.

Six bins (43), (45), (47), (49), (53) and (55) and the tank (51) form the main structure of the body of the apparatus (41). These bins (43), (45), (47), (49), (53) and (55) are configured to house dry products such as urea pellets or phosphate. A tank (51) is typically intended to carry water or a liquid fertiliser.

The apparatus (51) also includes a material distribution or spreading means (57) which can be in the form of spinners or a boom. The rate at which material is supplied from each compartment to the material distribution means (57) is variable. Ivtaterial flows separately from each compartment to the material distribution means (57) and the flow rate of each material is individually controllable.

In this example the apparatus (41) includes at least one convey or means (59) configured to move material from bins (43), (45), (47) and (49) to the material distribution means (57). At it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the bins (55) and (53) having funnelled shaped interior do no require conveyor means specifically due to the nature of their shape and their location. The speed of the or each conveyor means (59) is individually controllable since each is driven by a dedicated drive motor. Each of the conveyor means (59) includes a belt or chain conveyor. Preferably, the belts that convey the material from bins (47) and (49) runs in a separate channel that is located below and is parallel to the belts that convey the material from bins (43) and (45). More preferably, there are two channels on each side of the water tank (21) and hence, four channels for four bins (43, 45, 47 and 49).

While not shown in the schematic style drawings, the apparatus also includes conduits configured to allow material to flow from the tank (51) and/or the front compartment (50) to the material distribution means (57). Controllable valves control the flow rate through the supply paths connecting the tank (51) and/or the front compartment (50) to the material distribution means (57).

The apparatus (41) also includes a control system, or a material formulation determining means, which is configured to control the rate at which material is supplied from each compartment to the material distribution means (57). The control system controls the rate at which the conveyor means conveys material, and the rate at which the material flows though the control valves.

The apparatus (41) includes a positioning system, for example a global positioning system.

This allows the apparatus to determine its position when operating across a field. The control means is capable of storing data or information relating to an area of land for example data produced from a survey of the nutrient levels in the soil in an area of land. The data can also include the desired nutrient aad/or lime application rates for specific regions of the area of land, The apparatus (41) can also include a sensor such as an optical sensor adapted to sense at least one parameter of the soil or vegetation in the vicinity of the apparatus as the apparatus moves over the land, and to provide information to the control system. For example a sensor can detect the colour of the vegetation to determine the localised nitrogen requirements.

The control system is capable of processing pre-loaded data and/or data received while moving over the land, and of controlling the rate at which material is supplied from each of the compartments to the material distribution means (57) as the apparatus (41) moves over the land.

In this example the apparatus (41) also includes mixing means (61) which may also function as crushing or grinding means configured to grind material from one or more of the compartments before the material is received by the material distribution means (57) via distribution conduit (62). For example the mixing means (61) can be used to grind urea pellets into finer particulate material.

The apparatus (41) uses a mixing means which configured to mix the material from more than one compartment before the material is received by the material distribution means (57).

The apparatus (41) is configured such that it can be mounted on a movable vehicle such as a trailer or a truck.

Just like the first embodiment, the mixing/grinding means (61) of this second embodiment also comprises a machine having crushing discs (35) inside a cylindrical grinding chamber (37) as shown in Figure 5. It is envisaged that the discs (35) can be formed from four parts allowing the diameter of the discs (35) to be varied to allow the gap (39) between the disc perimeter and mixing chamber interior wall to be varied to control particle size.

Figures 10 and 11 show the discharge end which in this example is located at the rear of the compartments or vehicle. After the material has been mixed (and optionally crushed), the material is then moved to material distribution means (57). In this example the mixed material is directed to a common manifold where it can be pumped to material distribution means or booms. While not shown in the schematic drawings, pumps to move liquid material about the apparatus, for example to pump the mixture to the boom for spray or spinner application.

A method of operating the spreader apparatus (41) is also disclosed which can involve a number of the following steps the following steps of: -fill or load bins and tanks with specified materials, -vehicle is moved over the land, - the specific material formulation required at each location across the land is determined based on: preloaded nutrient requirement data, local position and/or local pasture condition, - the feed rates of specific materials to the material distribution means (57) is set by the apparatus controller, and - material of the desired formulation is spread over the land adjacent to the apparatus (41).

The method will generally also include the step of mixing water with the required material formulation, especially if it is to be spread using a boom.

The method can also include grinding some of the material before it reaches the material distribution means (57).

EXAMPLE 3 Figures 12(a), (b) and 13 (a) - (b) and 14 (a) - (b) show the mobile spreader apparatus (141) according to the third embodiment of the invention having a number of storage compartments (143, 145, 147, 149, 153 and 155). In this example the apparatus (141) includes six different particulate material storage compartments and a tank (151). There is also a front storage compartment (152) for storage of liquid nutrients or agricultural chemical for treatment or soil/pasture/crops.

The compartments (143, 145, 147, 149, 153 and 155) are separated from each other using lateral partitions (115) extending laterally within the apparatus (141) and a longitudinal partition (116) extending longitudinally in the apparatus (141) as shown in the Figure 12 (a).

The lateral partitions (115) and the longitudinal partition (116) keep a number of different materials separate from one another while they are held in storage by the apparatus (141).

The compartments (143, 145, 147, 149, 153 and 155) are in the form of bins suitable for housing dry materials. A total of six bins/compartments (143, 145, 147, 149, 153 and 155) and a tank (151) form the main structure of the body of the apparatus (141). These bins (143), (145), (147), (149), (153) and (155) are configured to house dry products such as urea pellets or phosphate. The tank (151) is typically intended to carry water or a liquid fertiliser.

As mentioned above, the front storage compartment (152) is typically intended for storage of liquid nutrients or agricultural chemical for treatment or soil/pasture/crops.

The apparatus (141) also includes several material distribution or spreading means (157) which can be in the form of spinners and/or booms.

There are four mixer units (161) that are mainly intended to mix the dry fertilizer with liquid or water to turn the fertilizer into liquid or paste or just a wet fertilizer.

In this example the apparatus (141) includes conveyor means (159) configured to move material from compartments (143), (145), (147) and (149) to the mixer units (161). As it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the compartments (155) and (153) having a funnelled shaped interior do not require conveyor means specifically due to the nature of their shape and their location directly above their respective mixer unit (161). The materials of those bins (155) and (153) are fed to the mixer units (161) directly due to gravity.

While not shown in the drawings, the apparatus can also include conduits configured to allow liquid material to flow from the tank (151) and/or the front storage compartment (152) to the mixer units (161). Contro liable valves (not shown) control the flow rate through the supply paths connecting the tank (151) and/or the front storage compartment (152) to the mixer units (161).

The apparatus (141) can also include a control system, or a material formulation determining means, which is configured to control the rate at which material is supplied from each compartment to the material distribution means (157). The control system controls the rate at which the conveyor means conveys material, and the rate at which the material flows though the control valves.

The apparatus (141) can also include a positioning system (not shown), for example a global positioning system. This allows the apparatus (141) to detennine its position when operating across a field. The control means is capable of storing data or information relating to an area of land for example data produced from a survey of the nutrient levels in the soil in an area of land. The data can also include the desired nutrient and/or lime application rates for specific regions of the area of land.

The apparatus (141) can also include a sensor, such as an optical sensor adapted to sense at least one parameter of the soil or vegetation in the vicinity of the apparatus as the apparatus moves over the land, and to provide information to the control system. For example a sensor can detect the colour of the vegetation to determine the localised nitrogen requirements.

The control system is capable of processing pre-loaded data and/or data received while moving over the land, and of controlling the rate at which material is supplied from each of the compartments (143, 145, 147, 149, 153 and 155) to the material distribution means (157) as the apparatus (141) moves over the land.

In this example, each of the mixer units (161) is primarily configured to mix material from one or more of the compartments (143, 145, 147, 149, 153 and 155), either separately or together, with water or liquid before the material is received by the material distribution means (200) via distribution conduit (162). In the example shown, there are four mixer units (161). Preferably, two of the mixer units can be used for materials from the four smaller compartments (147, 149, 155 and 153) and the other two can be used for materials from the larger compartments (143 and 145). The resultant mix from the mixer units (161) will be in the form of liquid or fluid or paste or a just wet fertilizer.

If desired, the mixer units (161) can also include crushing and grinding means (136) to crush and/or grind material from one or more of the compartments (143, 145, 147, 149, 153 and 155) before the material is received by the material distribution means (157) via distribution conduits (162). For example the mixer units (161) can be used to crush or grind urea pellets into finer particulate material.

The apparatus (141) is configured such that it can be mounted on a movable vehicle such as a trailer or a truck.

A preferred embodiment of the mixer units (161) will now be described in detail.

The mixer units (161) of this third embodiment comprises a machine having rotating discs (140, 150) housed inside a casing (137) having a top plate (130) and a bottom plate (160) as shown in Figure 14 (a) - (g).

As shown in Figure 16 (a), the top plate (130) comprises an entry port (133) and a fluid injection port (132). The entry port (133) is in the form of an aperture in the top plate (130).

The first rotating disc (140) (see Figure 16b) is located directly below the top plate (130).

The rotating disc (140) comprises at least one elongated rib (174) that is/are mounted on the upper surface of the first rotating disc (140). The first rotating disc (140) is surrounded circumferentially by at least one blade (172). Each blade (172) is radially spaced around the circumference and extends at least a portion of the radius of the first rotating disc (140). The edges of each of the blade (172) can be sharp or non-sharp and between each of the two adjacent edges of the blades (172) is a slot (173). Each of the blades (172) is not necessarily in the same plane and preferably is variably located in different planes. In other words, the blades (172) are preferably twisted so that they are at different angles from each other. The first rotating disc (140) is rotatably mounted to the shaft (131).

The second rotating disc (150) (see Figure 16c) is located directly below the first rotating disc (140). The second rotating disc (150) is of similar structure as the first rotating disc (140) and comprises at least one elongated rib (174') that is/are mounted on the upper surface of the second rotating disc (150). The second rotating disc (150) is surrounded circumferentially by at least one blade (172'). Each blade (172') is radially spaced around the circumference and extends at least a portion of the radius of the second rotating disc (150). The edges of each of the blades (172') can be sharp or non-sharp and between each of the two adjacent edges of the blades (172') is a slot (173'). The blades (172') are not necessarily located in the same plane and are preferably located in different planes. In other words, the blades (172') are preferably twisted so that they are at different angles from each other. In the preferred embodiment, the diameter of the second rotating disc (150) is larger than the diameter of the first rotating disc (140). The second rotating disc (150) is also rotatably mounted to the shaft (131) just like the first rotating disc (140).

The first rotating disc (140) and the second rotating disc (150) together form the crushing or grinding means (136). The second rotating disc (150) is larger than first rotating disc (140) (thereby forming beehive shaped structure), to increase the speed of particles and increase the crushing efficiency. However, as the first rotating disc (140) is responsible for most of the crushing it is equally possible to have an inverted the beehive shape wherein the first rotating disc (140) is larger and operating at a higher tip speed than the second rotating disc (150) and smaller particles falling to a second disc (150). In such inverted beehive shaped structure, since the second rotating disc (150) needs to cope with smaller particles, the second rotating disc (150) will have lower tip speed than the first rotating disc (140).

The bottom plate (160) (see Figure 16d) is located directly below the second rotating disc (150). Preferably, the diameter of the bottom plate (160) is same or larger than the diameter of the second rotating disc (150). The bottom plate (160) comprises a scraper (184) at or near the centre of the upper surface of the bottom plate (160) and extending radially closer to the edge of the bottom plate (160). The scraper (184) can revolve over the upper surface of the bottom plate (160) analogous to the hands of a clock but in either (clockwise or anti- clockwise) direction or both (clockwise and anti-clockwise) directions.

There is a shaft (131) (see Figure 15c) passes through the top plate (130), first rotating disc (140), second rotating disc (150), scraper (184) and bottom plate (160) respectively from the top to the bottom. The top plate (130) and the bottom plate (170) are fixedly mounted to the shaft (141) and the first rotating disc (140), second rotating disc (140), scraper (184) are rotatably mounted to the shaft (131). As such, first rotating disc (140), second rotating disc (150) and scraper (184) are can spin about the longitudinal axis of the shaft (131) using motor (not shown).

The components (130, 140, 150, 184, and 160) of the mixer units (161) are enclosed by a single piece or a multiple piece casing (137) having the shape as shown in Figures 15 (a) - (c). The lattice wear plate or plates sitting between discs (140, 150) and the casing (137) is/ are removable from the casing and is/are therefore designed to be individually replaceable.

There is a collector (190) that is fluidly and/or operatively connected to the exit port located at the bottom of the casing or below the bottom plate (180). Figures 19 (a) and (b) show the collector (190) in detail.

During operation, fertilizers from the compartments are either conveyed or gravity fed to the respective mixer units (161). For each mixer unit (161), the fertilizer enters via the entry port (133) on the top plate (130). The water or liquid can be introduced to each mixer unit (161) from the tank (151) and/or front storage compartment (152) or an external source via the fluid injection port (132), Inside each mixer unit (161), the fertilizer and liquid first hit the upper surface of the first rotating disc (140). The blades (172) and elongated ribs (174) cuts, grinds, blends or cmshes the fertilizer and mixes the fertilizers with water, thereby forming the fertilizer paste. Alternatively, the blades (172) and elongated ribs (173) only mix the fertilizer with water, thereby forming the either a wet fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer or a fertilizer paste. As the blades (172) are twisted, they even create "an airfoil effect" by blowing the air down. A further cutting, grinding, blending, crushing and/or mixing occurs in the second rotating disc (150) having similar structure as the first rotating disc. Due to the force of the gravity and air, the wet or liquid or paste fertilizer is moved on the upper surface of the bottom plate. The wet or liquid or paste fertilizer is then scraped by the spinning scraper (184) and collected onto the collector (190).

Preferably, the mixer units (161) can be equipped with existing third party crop sensing or variable rate spreading equipment (not shown) to operate with control valves and variable rate pumps.

It is also possible that such optional third party crop sensing or variable rate spreading equipment to operate with control valves and variable are located in another part of the apparatus (141).

As labelled in Figure 12 (a) and (b), the material distribution means (200) comprises a boom for supporting four spinners (157, 257). The material distribution means (200) has four individual supply lines or distribution conduits (162) fluidly and/or operatively connected to the collectors (190) of the four mixer units (161) and the four spinners (157, 257). Such configuration allows each spinner (157, 257) to be controlled separately, i.e. to provide a specific mixture of nutrients from each mixer unit (161) to spinners (157, 257). The supply lines/ distribution conduits (162) may comprise control mechanism such as valves for controlling the flow rate of materials to the spinners (157, 257) in the material distribution means.

The spinner could be any spinner, previously known in the art such as but not limited to flood jets, sprayers etc.

Preferably, the distribution angle of the spinner can be adjusted manually and/or electrically using actuators or similar and hence, the distribution angle can be varied.

Figures 17 (a) - (c) show one preferred embodiment of a spinner that can be used in the apparatus (141) of Figure 12 (a).

The spinner (157) includes a spinner body (193). In this exemplary embodiment there are four spouts (194) that are connected to the spinner body (193). The spinner body (193) is rotatably mounted to the spinner shaft (196). In the embodiment shown, it can be seen that each spout (194) first exit horizontally from the side of the spinner body (193) before being angled downwardly at 45 degrees to direct flow. This configuration allows the fertilizer materials to enter the spouts (194) in a radial direction and thereby reduces the chance of clogging. It is to be understood that not all spouts need to be angled at 45 degrees to the horizontal and may be angled less or more than 45 degrees. Also, the dimensions of angle of one spouts (194) can be different to than to the other spouts.

Figures 18 (a)-(g) show another preferred embodiment of a spinner that can be used in the apparatus (141) of Figure 12(a).

Similar to the spinner (157) of Figures 17 (a) - (c), the spinner (257) also includes a spinner body (293). In this example, there are four spouts (294) that are connected to the spinner body (293). The spinner body (293) is rotatably mounted to the support frame (296).

As it can be seen in Figures 18 (a) and (d), the side of the spinner body contains four spaced apart horizontal tubes (291). The spouts (294) are connected to the horizontal tubes (291) using elbows (292) that are angled at 45 degrees. This allows materials flow to first exit horizontally from the side of the spinner body (293) before being angled downwardly at 45 degrees. It is to be understood that not all spout (294) need to be angled at 45 degrees to the horizontal and may be angled less or more than 45 degrees. To change the angle of distribution, one may use a differently angled elbow. Also, one spout of the spinner (257) can be oriented at a different angle than the other spout depending upon the required spread pattern. Also, one may manually rotate the elbow (292) to control the spread pattern.

Each spout can comprise a nozzle (295) at the end to direct flow. The nozzles (295) are advantageous for higher water rate applications or applications of products that are highly soluble, therefore forming more of a solution than slurry. In the embodiment shown the nozzle (295) has a rectangular outlet although other shapes or configuration can be chosen depending upon application rate, application material and/or desired spray pattern. The nozzles (295) are removable as they may not be required in all applications as with viscous fluids, or fluids with greater proportion of larger particles it will cause blockages.

Spinner housing (293), spouts (294) and nozzles (295) are preferably made out of plastic.

The plastic spouts can have break points to reduce damage in case of accidental impacts.

Since, spouts tend to break more easily in high impact; incorporating break point in spouts (294) can reduce damage to spinner housing (293) or drive motor. As such, break points can reduce repair costs. The drive motor that allows rotation of the spinner can be electric to reduce weight, however, hydraulic motors are equally possible.

The spinner housing (293) is designed to include a top lip to reduce splash out from the spinner housing (293).

Due to greater circumfereace of the spinner housing (293), the materials need to be guided to each inlet of the horizontal tubes using guiding means (297). The spinner (257) in this example, includes internal guide varies (297) to assist the flow of fertiliser materials/ fertilizer slurry to the spouts (294).

Optionally, the entry angle of the spouts (294) as the material enter the spinner housing (293) could be made to suit/match the angle of exit created by the guide vanes (297) in the spinner housing to reduce potentially blockages.

In the embodiment shown, the spinner (257) contains four feed pipes (298) as input tubes for use in the apparatus of Figure 12 (a), and particularly for use in the four individual supply lines or distribution conduits (162) that are fluidly and/or operatively connected to the collectors (190) of the four mixer units (161). Hence, each of the four conduits (162) can be connected to one feed pipe (298), during use. Such configuration allows each spinner (257) to be controlled separately, i.e. to provide a specific mixture of nutrients from each mixer unit (161) to spinner (257). Electronically controlled valves (not shown) can be used to control the flow through each feed pipes (298). Optionally, Agchem or liquid products can be introduced to each spinner (257) at uniform or varying rates independently to fluid fertilizer/ fertilizer materials.

The operating RPM of the spinner (257) will be less than 500 RPM and preferably in the range of 100-300 RPM depending on application rate and product type. Unlike previously known spinners, the spinner (257) is not designed to maximise distance thrown, but to evenly distribute variable particle sizes and rates of product.

Spinner bearings (299) are not in direct contact with fluid and low RPM means that plastic or polymer bearings can be used.

Other materials such as stainless steel are also a viable option for nozzles, spinner housing (293) and spouts.

A method of operating the spreader apparatus (141) is also disclosed which can involve a number of the following steps the following steps of: -fill or load bins and tanks with specified materials, -vehicle is moved over the land, - the specific material formulation required at each location across the land is determined based on: preloaded nutrient requirement data, local position and/or local pasture condition, - the feed rates of specific materials to the material distribution means (200) is set by the apparatus controller, - the fertilizer is mixed with water or liquid inside the mixer unit and - the fertilizer mixed with water or liquid is then spread over the land adjacent to the apparatus (141).

Variations Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof.

In the examples shown above the spreading apparatus (11, 41 or 141) is configured for use on a trailer or truck. However, optionally the spreading apparatus (11, 41 or 141) can be configured for use in with an aircraft, for example a fixed wing aircraft or a helicopter. And as a further option the spreading apparatus (11, 41 or 141) could be configured for use with an irrigation system, for example for use with a travelling imgator with centre pivot.

Several bins or tanks are shown but equally there can be a main bin with the other bins being formed as separate inner bins or they can be formed as compartments as required. The shapes and dimensions of the bins can be varied. The location of the discharge of materials can be located anywhere convenient on the housing or vehicle, such as adjacent the front, or below the compartments.

In the examples shown above the spreading apparatus (11, 41 or 141) uses at least one disc grinder, or cmshing or grinding means (61) or mixer unit (61), however it is envisaged that alternative crushing or grinding or mixing apparatus could be used including hammer mills, pin mills, ball mills or high pressure water crushing.

In the third example, the mixer units (161) include grinding or crushing means (136). In the alternative embodiment, the crushing or grinding means (136) could be replaced with any agitation means such as agitator bars, for simply mixing the fertilizer with a liquid.

In the third example, the apparatus (141) uses four mixer unit (161), four spinners or booms (157) and four supply lines (162). However, any number ofmixer units, spinners/ booms or supply units. For example: There could be only one mixer unit (161) and only can be used that a skilled person may envisage one spinner or boom (157) fluidly and/or operatively connected by only one supply line (162). The shape and size of each components of the mixer unit (151) may be modified according to the requirement. Similarly, the shape and size of the spinners (157, 257) may also be varied according the requirement.

Each mixer unit (161) can receive a material from only one compartment, mix that material with liquid and then transfer the wet or liquid material to the material distribution means (157). It is also equally possible for each mixer unit (161) to receive a material from multiple compartments, mix those materials together and with liquid prior to transferring the liquid mixture/wet mixture to the material distribution means (157).

The lateral partitions (115) and longitudinal partitions (116) are not necessarily fixed. In other words, it is possible that the lateral partitions (115) and longitudinal partitions (116) are movable. Preferably, the lateral partitions (115) are movable in the longitudinal direction of the apparatus (141) and the longitudinal partition is (116) movable in the lateral direction of the apparatus (141) thereby, allowing the size and the housing capacity of each compartment (143,145,147,149,153 and 155) to be varied according to the requirement(s).

The rate at which material is supplied from each compartment to the material distribution means (200) via the mixer units (161) can be variable. Material can flow separately from each compartment (143, 145, 147, 149, 153 and 155) to the material distribution means (200) and the flow rate of each material can be individually controlled.

The speed of each conveyor means can be individually controlled since each conveyor means is driven by a dedicated drive motor (not shown). Each of the convey or means may include a belt convey or. Preferably, the belts that convey the material from bins (147) and (149) runs in a separate channel that is located below and is parallel to the belts that convey the material from bins (143) and (145). More preferably, there are two channels on each side of the water tank (151) and hence, four channels for four bins (143, 145, 147 and 149).

The conveyor means may be a belt or chain conveyor. The conveyor means in at least one channel may not move to control the material formulation over the land and move only to convey the materials for supply to grinding means (61) or mixer units (161) which may then supply the mixture to the valves above the spinners or booms which control the application rate. This principle may apply to any embodiment or embodiments discussed above, The embodiments of Examples 1 and 2, may optionally contain one or more buffer tank that is/are configured to hold mixture from the grinding means (61). This buffer tank or tanks can be similar to the collectors (190) as described in the embodiment of Example 3.

The conveyor means in at least one channel may not move to control the material formulation over the land and move only to convey the materials for supply to grinding means (61) or mixer units (161) which may then supply the mixture to the buffer tank(s) or collectors (190) and the application rate of the mixture may be controlled by the valves above the spinners or booms.

Preferably, each spinner (157, 257) can cover the width of 5 meters and therefore four spinners can cover the width of 20 meters making the apparatus suitable for dairy farms.

However, larger versions booms covering the width of 30 meters or more are equally possible to be fitted to the apparatus (141) for large cropping farms.

The mixer units (161) and/or material distribution means (200) as described in Example 3 may be operatively used in the apparatus as described in Examples 1 and/or 2 above.

Similarly, the spinners (157) and/or distribution means as described in Example 3 can be operatively used in the apparatus described in Examples 1 and/or 2 above.

Throughout the description of this specification, the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprising" and "comprises", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

It will also be understood that where a product, method or process as herein described or claimed and that is sold incomplete, as individual components, or as a "kit of Parts", that such exploitation will fall within the ambit of the invention.

These and other features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the method of operation and functions of the related elements of structures and the combination of parts and economics of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures.

For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal" and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is hereinbefore described.

ADVANTAGES Thus it can be seen that at least the preferred form of the invention provides an agricultural spreading apparatus, material distribution spinners and a mobile agricultural material distribution means which can apply fertilisers and/or liming agents in an optimum formulation to suit local soil requirements. The apparatus can be used to minimise the amount of each nutrient type used when applying fertiliser, reducing the overall fertilising cost. At the same time the impact of fertilisers on the environment can be minimised by the occurrences where excessive quantities of some fertilisers are applied.

The apparatus can source different nutrients from separate bins and process (crush & mix or just mix) and then apply as a fluid (which may contain additives such as Gibberellic acid, Ag chem., inhibitors or fertiliser enhancers) across the ground.

The apparatus can source different nutrients from separate bins and process (crush & mix or just mix) and then apply at different rates across the swath as a fluid (which may contain additives such as Gibb acid, agricultural chemical or fertiliser enhancers) across the ground.

The apparatus is multipurpose - can spread traditional granular fertiliser and lime via quick retro-fit of conventional spinners.

The apparatus can mix the fertilizers with water/liquid to create a suspension that can be applied via booms.

The apparatus can grind large particles to form a range of particle sizes.

Increase urea efficacy means users can reduce urea use and maintain similar production.

The apparatus will allow cheaper commodity less granulated or processed products to be used.

Spreading of nutrients, especially expensive micronutrients more evenly over the swath will allow better root interception.

Similarly the efficacy of macro nutrients such as phosphate can be improved in certain soil types by applying in fluid form which reduces soil fixation.

The object of the most spinner design is to throw product further. As mentioned above, a typical spray nozzle cannot cope with the varying intra swath spreading rates without constantly changing nozzles and will block given the varying particle sizes. A standard spinner cannot throw varying size particles evenly. However, the preferred form of spinner more accurately controls the fluid particle distribution at smaller distances which will facilitate intra-swath production type and rate variation. The spinner of the current invention is designed to achieve the novelty of sourcing from different bins, cmshing/fluidising and applying at different rates across a swath.

Claims (18)

Claims:

1. An agricultural material distribution vehicle having; • a plurality of material storage compartments, • a plurality of material transfer conduits, and 5 « aplurality of material distribution heads; and the agricultural material distribution vehicle is configured such that; • material from each of the material storage compartments is supplied to one or more of the material transfer conduits, • and each of the material transfer conduits is connected with each of the 10 material distribution heads, and the flow of material from each of the material transfer conduits to each of the material distribution heads is individually controllable using a flow control valve.

2. The agricultural material distribution vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein each flow control valve is an electronically controllable flow control valve. 15

3. The agricultural material distribution vehicle as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the vehicle also includes one or more mixing units, and each mixing unit is configured to receive material from two or more of the material storage compartments and to mix the materials together prior to transferring the mixed material to at least one of the material transfer conduits. 20

4. The agricultural material distribution vehicle as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the vehicle also includes one or more grinding units, and each grinding unit is configured to receive material from one or more of the material storage compartments and to grind the material together prior to transferring the ground material to at least one of the material transfer conduits. 25 5. The agricultural material distribution vehicle as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the vehicle also includes one or more mixing and grinding units, and each mixing and grinding unit is configured to receive material from two of more of the material storage compartments and to grind and mix the materials together prior to transferring the ground and mixed material to at least one of the material transfer conduits.

5

6. The agricultural material distribution vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the material storage compartments is configured to hold material in a liquid form.

7. The agricultural material distribution vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a pump is provided in each of the material transfer conduits. 10

8. The agricultural material distribution vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the material transfer conduits includes a loop which allows continuous flow through at least the loop section of each material transfer conduit while the agricultural material distribution vehicle is operating.

9. The agricultural material distribution vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein the 15 material distribution heads are each connected to the material transfer conduits in the looped section of each material transfer conduit.

10. The agricultural material distribution vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the liquid is water.

11. The agricultural material distribution vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, 20 wherein the material distribution heads each include one or more spray nozzles.

12. The agricultural material distribution vehicle as claimed in claim 11, wherein each spray nozzle is a deflector style spray nozzle.

13. The agricultural material distribution vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the material distribution heads each include a rotatable material distributor. 25

14. The agricultural material distribution vehicle as claimed in claim 13, wherein each rotatable material distributor includes a plurality of nozzles, and the nozzles are configured to direct material in a number of different trajectories.

15. The agricultural material distribution vehicle as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein each of the material distribution heads includes a drive motor configured to rotate its rotatable material distributor.

16. The agricultural material distribution vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, 5 wherein the vehicle also includes a scanning system configured to scan the soil or plant life within the swath width of the vehicle when it is travelling over agricultural land.

17. The agricultural material distribution vehicle as claimed in claim 16, wherein the scanning system is configured to detect the colour of the soil or the plant life. 10

18. The agricultural material distribution vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the vehicle also includes a controller configured to receive data from an external source, or data collected by the vehicle, and to process the data and to provide control to the individually controllable flow control valves to control the flow rate and/or mixture of materials applied to specific areas within the area covered by 15 the swath width of the vehicle as it travels over agricultural land. PIPERS Attorneys for NHANCE TECHNOLOGIES (NZ) LIMITED