Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
  • A01N25/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application, e.g. seed treatment or sequential application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests
  • A01N25/16—Foams
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
  • A01N25/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application, e.g. seed treatment or sequential application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
  • A01N25/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application, e.g. seed treatment or sequential application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests
  • A01N25/02—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application, e.g. seed treatment or sequential application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests containing liquids as carriers, diluents or solvents
  • A01N25/04—Dispersions, emulsions, suspoemulsions, suspension concentrates or gels
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
  • A01N25/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application, e.g. seed treatment or sequential application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests
  • A01N25/22—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application, e.g. seed treatment or sequential application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests containing ingredients stabilising the active ingredients
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
  • A01N25/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application, e.g. seed treatment or sequential application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests
  • A01N25/26—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application, e.g. seed treatment or sequential application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests in coated particulate form
  • A01N25/28—Microcapsules or nanocapsules
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
  • A01N25/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application, e.g. seed treatment or sequential application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests
  • A01N25/30—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application, e.g. seed treatment or sequential application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests characterised by the surfactants
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
  • A01N37/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing organic compounds containing a carbon atom having three bonds to hetero atoms with at the most two bonds to halogen, e.g. carboxylic acids
  • A01N37/08—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing organic compounds containing a carbon atom having three bonds to hetero atoms with at the most two bonds to halogen, e.g. carboxylic acids containing carboxylic groups or thio analogues thereof, directly attached by the carbon atom to a cycloaliphatic ring; Derivatives thereof
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
  • A01N53/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing cyclopropane carboxylic acids or derivatives thereof
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
  • B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
  • B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
  • B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
  • B01F23/232—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using flow-mixing means for introducing the gases, e.g. baffles
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
  • B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
  • B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
  • B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
  • B01F23/235—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids for making foam
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
  • B65D83/76—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing fluent contents by means of a piston
  • B65D83/768—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing fluent contents by means of a piston the piston or movable bottom being pulled upwards to dispense the contents
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C05—FERTILISERS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF
  • C05G—MIXTURES OF FERTILISERS COVERED INDIVIDUALLY BY DIFFERENT SUBCLASSES OF CLASS C05; MIXTURES OF ONE OR MORE FERTILISERS WITH MATERIALS NOT HAVING A SPECIFIC FERTILISING ACTIVITY, e.g. PESTICIDES, SOIL-CONDITIONERS, WETTING AGENTS; FERTILISERS CHARACTERISED BY THEIR FORM
  • C05G3/00—Mixtures of one or more fertilisers with additives not having a specially fertilising activity
  • C05G3/60—Biocides or preservatives, e.g. disinfectants, pesticides or herbicides; Pest repellants or attractants
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C05—FERTILISERS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF
  • C05G—MIXTURES OF FERTILISERS COVERED INDIVIDUALLY BY DIFFERENT SUBCLASSES OF CLASS C05; MIXTURES OF ONE OR MORE FERTILISERS WITH MATERIALS NOT HAVING A SPECIFIC FERTILISING ACTIVITY, e.g. PESTICIDES, SOIL-CONDITIONERS, WETTING AGENTS; FERTILISERS CHARACTERISED BY THEIR FORM
  • C05G5/00—Fertilisers characterised by their form
  • C05G5/20—Liquid fertilisers

Definitions

• the present invention relates to the field of agrochemical compositions and formulations, as well as the apparatus and methods for applying such compositions and formulations.
• the active ingredient is typically added to a tank and mixed with a diluent such as water before being sprayed on the field or crop.
• the active ingredient may be in one of many known formulation types, for example, an emulsion concentrate (EC), a water- dispersible granule (WG), a microencapsulate (ME), or a suspension concentrate (SC).
• EC emulsion concentrate
• WG water- dispersible granule
• ME microencapsulate
• SC suspension concentrate
• a typical application rate can be from approximately 3-25 gallons/acre. Application to 500 acres at a typical rate thus requires 1500-12,500 gallons of liquid,
• a trac tor carrying a full load of seeds or other plant-generative material cannot accommodate such a high volume of liquid, so fertilizer, insecticide, or other treatment at time of planting requires multiple trips to refill the tractor's tanks. Rather than make these trips, most growers prefer to load seed once and plant uninterrupted all day long. Although this saves valuable planting time, it prevents a grower from applying fertilizer, insecticide, or other beneficial agricultural treatments at the time of planting. Application of treatment post-planting requires additional costs in terms of time, fuel and equipment. It would be beneficial if a grower could load both seed and fertilizer, insecticide, or other beneficial treatments once and plant uninterrupted while applying a planting-time treatment.
• the present disclosure describes a liquid agricultural formulation.
• the formulation contains an agriculturally active ingredient, at least one foaming agen t, and at least one foam stabil izer.
• the liquid agricultural formulation is capable of being applied in a furrow in the form of a foa.ni.
• the agriculturally active ingredient can be a pesticide, for example an insecticide, a fungicide, an herbicide, a fertilizer, or a combination thereof.
• the agriculturally active ingredient is the insecticide bifenthrin.
• the foaming agent- can foe sodium lauryl sulfate, odium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, or a combination thereof.
• the foam stabilizer can be glycerine, xanthan gum, or a combination thereof.
• the liquid agricultural formulation also contains a dispersant and a preservative.
• the dispersant can be an alk l polyglucoside.
• the foaming agent is sodi um lauryi sulfate
• the foam stabilizer is glycerine
• the formulation also contains sodium
• dodecylbenzene sulfonate and xanthan gum dodecylbenzene sulfonate and xanthan gum.
• the liquid agricultural formulation can be foamed to create an agricultural foam.
• the resulting foam contains the liquid agricultural formulation of the previous embodiment, as well as a gas.
• the gas is air.
• the foam is capable of providing a crop- protective effect when administered to a seed in-furrow.
• the foam may have an expansion factor of 15, 25, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100, In another aspect, the foam may have an expansion factor ranging between 40 and 60.
• the agriculturally active ingredient is present in the liquid agricultural formulation in the form of a microemulsion, an oil-in-water concentrated emulsion, a suspension, a suspension concentrate, an emulsifiable concentrate, or a microencapsulate, in a preferred aspect of this embodiment, the agriculturally active ingredient is in the form of a suspension concentrate.
• the suspension concentrate is stable over a timescale of two years.
• the liquid agricultural formulation contains bifenthrin. and is insecticidally effective whe administered at a rate of I gallon per acre or less.
• this disclosure describes a liquid agricultural formulatio comprising bifenthrin, glycerine, an alkyl polyghtcoside, a phosphate ester, and an alkyl sulfate.
• the liquid agricultural fortnulation contains bifenthrin at concentrations of at least J 3%, 1.7%, 23%, or 40.
• the alky! sulfate is sodium decyl sulfate, and is present at a concentration of at least 0.5% or 3 .25%.
• the phosphate ester is tridecyl alcohol eihoxylated phosphate ester, and is present at a concentration of at least 1%, 5%, 10%. or 20%.
• FIG. I is a schematic representation of an exemplary delivery system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention .
• FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an exemplary tank mixing system in conjunction with a delivery system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an exemplary injection mix ing system which may be utilized within the delivery system.
• FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective x'iew of an exemplary foam mixing chamber in accordance with an embodiment of the invention
• Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view through the foam mixing chamber of Fig. 4.
• FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of another exemplary foam mixing chamber in accordance with an. embodiment of the invention.
• Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the foam mixing chamber of Fig, 6.
• Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view through the foam mixing chamber of Fig. 6.
• Fig, 9 is a perspective view of a monitoring unit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary discharge nozzle in accordance with an embodi ment of the inventi on.
• Fig. 1 1 is a side elevation view of the discharge nozzle of Fig. 10.
• Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the discharge nozzl e of Fig. 10.
• Figs. 1 - 17 are graphical illustrations of exemplary speeds and planter widths that the present systems can operate within.
• the present disclosure meets the needs for ultra-low-voiume, high-precision applicatio of agricultural active ingredients by providing a formulation capable of being foamed and applied in -furrow during planting.
• the foamable formulations of the present disclosure can be applied at between 0.25-1.00
• the foamable formulations of the present disclosure substantially reduce the volume of liquid that is required to be carried by the tractor, in one embodiment, the foam has an expansion factor between 10- 100, preferably 15-80. In another embodiment, the foam may have an expansion factor ranging between 40-60. Table 1 : Typical Liquid Volumes Needed for Various Delivery Methods (4.6 ph w/ 30 Rows)
• diluted liquid foam formulation is airated and expanded x 25.
• the foamable formulations of the present disclosure are stable, aqueous compositions suitable for generation of air foams in a dynamic system .
• Planting equipment is large, with a substantial distance from the foam generation chamber to the nozzle through which the foam is delivered to the furrow. In order to survive until, delivery in-farrow, the foam must be stable as it flows through the conduit from the foam generation chamber to the nozzle. But the fluid dynamics of that flow can cause a foam to break down.
• foams that are stable when stationary are not necessarily stable when they flow through a conduit.
• the characteristics of a foam generated in an ambient atmosphere can be substantially different than a foam generated within an enclosure, e.g. conduit.
• Foams generated from the formulations of the present disclosure are stable when formed and delivered through the apparatus and corresponding methods as described below.
• Another factor in the development of the foamable formulations of the present disclosure is the important role of water quality and other environmental conditions in affecting the quality of the foam resulting from the present foamable formulations.
• Environmental conditions on a farm are uncontrolled. Weather can vary from cold, humid conditions to hot, dry conditions within a short period of time. Available water sources can vary in their pH and in their hardness.
• the foamable formulations of the present disclosure generate acceptable foams under a wide range of
• the foamable formulations disclosed, herein, and the associated apparatus and methods for deploying these foamable formulations do not require any heat treatments to be applied to the system (i.e. foam or apparatus) components. This advantageously reduces the design complexity, operating costs and power demands of the system.
• heating/cooling capability can be readily incorporated into the present disclosure, if so desired.
• the foamabie formulations disclosed herein can be deposited or ejected from a nozzle which is placed in close proximity to the furrow.
• the nozzle can be located within a furrow at approximately 2 - 4 inches from the ground.
• the positioning of the nozzle in such proximity to the furrow is beneficial as it inhibits or eliminates undesired breakage of the foam and scattering of the foamabie formulation doe to wind gusts and the like.
• the foam generated by the formulations of die present disclosure may be applied through a nozzle directly in-furrow to seeds as they are being planted. This direct, precise application of the active ingredient to where it is most needed further redoces the amoimt of active ingredient that must be applied, further reducing the weight carried on. the tractor.
• the foamabie formulations of the present disclosure include at least one active ingredient, at .least one foaming agent, and at least one foam stabilizer. It is recognized that the foamabie formulations may include more than one active ingredient, foaming agent and/or foam stabilizer. They may be prepared and used without dilution, or they may be diluted with water before use. The formulation may be diluted by mixing with water in the storage tank on the tractor ("tank mixing"), in these embodiments the formulation can be configured such that the mixture will, remain stable upon mixing (i.e. introducing water to the formulation).
• the formulation can be configured such that the mixture will require agitation prior to foaming, wherein the agitation can be provided by a mechanical mixture member (not shown) located within the tank. Additionally or alternatively, the mixing motion can be provided by the vibration and oscillation induced by normal operation of the trac tor over the terrain. In other embodiments, mixing the formulation, with water can occur inline while it is being pumped to the foaming chamber, in an exemplary embodiment, the mixing can occur at a location upstream of the discharge or ejection nozzle(s). [38] Additionally, a vaive(s) ⁇ e.g.
• a solenoid valve can be positioned at a location between the mixture point ⁇ i.e., where water is introduced to the formulation) and the discharge nozzle which can serve to open and close ie conduit on demand. This can be advantageous as it allows for intermittent stoppage of the foam discharge (e.g. during periods when the trac tor is beyond the planting/foaming area) without interfering with or reducing the time required for sufficient interaction between the formulation and the water.
• the valve(s) can be located at a point downstream from the mixture point (i.e. where water Is introduced to the formulation) such that the water has enough time (and length within the conduit ⁇ to interact with the formulation to generate the desired foam consistency and characteristics.
• the valve(s) can then open and close as desired to allow foam to dispense from, the nozzles.
• the vaive(s) When the vaive(s) is closed, the tractor can reposition as needed without wasting any of the foam.
• the foam is retained i a "standby" mode within the conduit and is ready for discharge as soon as the valve is re-opened. Accordingly, the system disclosed herein minimizes waste due to unwanted discharge of foam (e.g. when a tractor is repositioning), as well as the dwell time required to prepare the foam for discharge (since the foam can be retained close to the nozzle location rather than in a tank disposed upstream).
• the active ingredient of the foamable formulation is an agriculturally appropriate active ingredient that can he formulated in a suspension concentrate or other appropriate
• the final concentration of the acti ve ingredient in the foamable fonimlation can range from 0.1-6.00 lbs ai./galion, 0.75- 4.00 lbs a /gailon, and preferably from 0.75-2.00 lbs ai./gailoii.
• Suitable active ingredients for the foamable formulations of the present disclosure include the following:
• A2 the class of organophosphates consisting of acephate, azmphos- ethyl, azinphos-methyl, chlorfenvinphos, chlorpyrifos, chlorp rifos-methyL demeton-S-methyl, diazinon, dichlorvos/DDVP, dicrotophos, dimethoate, disulfoton, ethion, fenitrothion, fenthion, isoxathion, maiathion, methamidaphos, methidathion, mevinphos, monocrotophos, oxymethoate.
• A6 the class of spinosyns such as spinosad and spinetoram;
• A.8 juvenile hormone mimics such as hydroprene, kinoprene, methoprene, fenoxycarb and pyriproxyfen;
• A9) selective bomopteran feeding blockers such as pymetrozine, tlomeamid and pyrifiuquina on;
• a 10) mite growth inhibitors such as clofentezme, hexythiazox and etoxazole Al 1) inhibitors of mitochondrial ATP synthase such as diafenthiuron, tsnbutatin oxide and propargite; imcoup
• deltametbrin deltametbrin, esfenvalerate. etofenprox, fenpropathrin, fenvaterate, tlucythrinate, taa-flavalinate. permethrin, sitaf!uofen, tefluthrra and tralomethrin and any suitable combinations thereof.
• Fungicides Bl) azoies selected from die group consisting of bitertanoi., hromuconazole, cyproconazole, difenoconazole, dmiconazole, enilconazole, epoxiconazole, fluqiiinconazole, fenbuconazole, iTusiiazole, flutriafol, hexaconazole, imibenconazole, ipconazole, metconazoie, myc!obutanil.
• carboxamides selected from the group consisting of carboxin, benataxyi, bemdaxyi-M, fenhexamid, flutolaml, furametpyr, mepronil, metalaxyl, mefenoxam, ofurace.
• H-pyrazole-4-c-arboxaniide N-(3',4'-dichk)ro-4- fluorobiphen 1 -2-y 1 )- 1 -methyl-3- d i fluoromethy 1 - 1.
• H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide N ⁇ (3' ,4' ⁇ di iluoro-4-fluorobipheny 1 -2- I ⁇ 1 - methy 1 -3-difluoro.methyl.
• I H- pyrazoIe-4-carboxamide. (3' ⁇ chloro ⁇ 4'-fiuoro ⁇ 4 ⁇
• proquinazid tricyclazole, 2-bntoxy-6-iodo-3-propylchromen-4-one ; , acibenzolar-S-methyi.
• plperalin B5) carbamates selected from the group consisting of mancozeb, maneb, metam, methasulphocarb, nietiram, ferbam, propineb. thiram, zrneb, ziram, diethofencarb, iprovalicarb, benthiavalicarb, propamocarb, propamocarb hydrochlorid, 4-tluorophenyl N-(l ⁇ (l-(4-cyanophenyl ) ⁇ etfaanesulfonyl)btit-2- yljcarbamate.
• organophosphorus compounds entin salts
• organophosphorus compounds edifenphos, iprobenfos, tbseiyl, fosetyl- alurainum.
• phosphorous acid and its salts pyrazophos, toklofos- methyl
• organochiorine compounds diehlofiuanid, fiusulfamide, hexachloro- benzene, phthaiide, pencycuron, quintozene, thiophanaie-methyi, tolylfluanid.
• cyflufenamid cymoxanii, dimethtrimoi, ethirinioL fiiralaxyl, metrafenone and spiroxamme, guazatine-acetate, iminoc- tadrae-triacetate, iminociadine-irisCaibesilaie), kasogarnycin hydrochloride hydrate, dic orophen,
• Herbicides CI) aceiyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitors (ACQ, for example cydohexenone oxtme ethers, such as alioxydini, eiethodim, cloproxydim, cyctoxydim, sethoxydim, tralkoxydim, bimmydirn, defoxydi or tepraloxydim; phenoxyphenoxypropionic esters, such as dodinaibp-propargyl, cyhalofop-b tyl, diclofop-methyl, fenoxaprop-eihyl, fenoxaprop-P-ethy!, fenthiapropethyl, flitazifop-butyl, fluazifop-P-butyl, haloxyfop-ethoxyethyl, haloxyfop-methyl, haloxyfo
• arylarainopropionic acids such as flamprop-methyl or flamprop-isopropy!
• C2 acetoiactate synthase inhibitors for example imidazolinones, such as iroazapyr, imazaquin, Hnazamethabenz-methyl (imazame), imazamox, imazapic or imazethapyr; pyrimidyi ethers, such as pyriihiobac-acid, pyritWobac-sodium, bispyribac-sodiom.
• sulfonamides such as florasulam, flumetsulam or metosuiam
• sulfonylureas such as amidosalf ron, azimsulfuron, bensulfuron-methyl, chlorimiiron-ethyf chtorsulfuroiti, cinosuifuron.
• fiazasisifiiron halosulfuron-methyi, imazosul&ron, metsulfuron-methyl, mcosulfuron, primisulfuron-methyl, prosuifbron. pyrazosiiitwon-ethyl, rimsuifuron, siilfometuron-raethyl, thifensulfuron-methy ' l, trias ifuron, tribenuron-metfcyl, trif usuifuron-methyl, trttosiilfkron, solfosulfuron, ibramsulfuron or iodosidfxiron; C3) amides, for example aliidoehlor (CDAA), benzoylprop-et!iyf bromobutide, chiorfhiamid.
• CDAA aliidoehlor
• auxin herbicides for example pyridiaecar oxylk acids, such as cJopyralid or picloram; or 2,4 ⁇ D or benazolin; C5) auxin transport inhibitors, for example naptalame or diflufenzopyr; C6) carotenoid biosynthesis inhibitors, for example benzofenap, clomazone (diraethazone), difiiifenican. fluorochloridone. fhradone.
• auxin herbicides for example pyridiaecar oxylk acids, such as cJopyralid or picloram; or 2,4 ⁇ D or benazolin
• auxin transport inhibitors for example naptalame or diflufenzopyr
• carotenoid biosynthesis inhibitors for example benzofenap, clomazone (diraethazone), difiiifenican. fluorochloridone. fhradone.
• enolpy wlshikimate-3-phosphate synthase inhibitors EPSPS
• tor example glyphosate or sulfosa e
• C8 glntamine synthetase inhibitors, for example bila.iia.fos (bialaphos) or glufosinate-ammonium
• C9 lipid biosynthesis inhibitors, for example anilides, such as aniiofos or mefenacet; chloroacetanilides, such as dimethenamid, S-dimetlienamid, acetochlor, alaeliior, butachlor, butenachlor, diethatyl-ethy
• thioureas such as but late, cycloate, di.-a.Hate, diraepiperate, EPTC esprocarb, molinate, pebulate, prosulfocarb, mtobencarb (benthiocarb), tri-allate or vemoiate; or beniuresate or perfhudone; CIO) mitosis inhibitors, for example carbamates, such as asulam, carbeiarnki, chiorpropham, orbencarb.
• pronamid (propyzaniid), propliam or tiocarbazii; dinitroaniiines, such as benefin, burralin, dinitramin, ethalfiuralin, fluchloralin, oryzalin, pendimethalin, prodiamine or trifiuralin; pyridines, such as ditiiiopyr or thiazopyr; or butamifos, chlormai-dimethyl (DCPA) or raaleic hydrazide; C I I ) protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase inhibitors, for example diphenyl ethers, such as acifluorfen, acifluorfen-sodium, aclonifen, bifenox, chlomitr fen.
• diphenyl ethers such as acifluorfen, acifluorfen-sodium, aclonifen, bifenox, chlomitr
• CNP CNP
• ethoxyfeii fluorodifen, fluoroglycofen-ethyl, fomesafen, turyloxyfen, lacfcofen, nitrofen, nitrofluorfen or oxyfluorfen; oxadiazoles, such as oxadiargyl or oxadiazon; cyclic irnides.
• bromofenoxim, dmoseh, dkoseb-acetate, dinoterb or DNOC dipyridylenes such as cyperquat- chloritle, difenzoquat-methylsulfaie, diquat or paraquat-dkhloride; ureas, such as chlorbromnron, ehlorotoiiiroo, diienoxuron, ctiinefuron, diuron, ethidimuron, fetmron, -flnometaron,
• triazkes such as ametryn, atrazine, cyanazine, desraeia, dimethamethryn, hexazinone, prometon, prometryn, propamine, simazine, simetrya, terbumeton, terbutryn, terbutySazine or trieiazine; triazinones, such as metamitron or metribuzin; uracils, such as bromacil, lenacil or terhaeil; or biscarbamates, such as desmedipham or phenmedipham; C I 3) synergists, for example oxitanes, such as tridiphane; C I4) CIS cell wall synthesis inhibitors, for example isoxaben or dichlobenil; C16) various other herbicides, for example dichloropropionic acids, such as dalapon; dihydrobenzofurans, such as ethofomesate
• napropamide napropanilide
• nitralin oxaciclomefone
• phenisopham piperophos
• procyazine profluralin
• pyributicarb secbumeton
• sulfallaie CDEC
• terbiicarb tria iftam, triazofenamid or triraeturon; or their environmentally compatible salts or
• Dl Antiauxins, such as clofibric acid, 2,3,5-tri- iodobenzoic acid; D2) Auxins such as 4-CPA, 2,4-D, 2,4 «DB, 2,4-DEP, dichlorprop, fenoprop , IAA , ⁇ , naphiiiaieneacetamide, a-naphthaleneacetic acids, l-naphthol, naphthoxyac tic acids, potassium naphthenate, sodium naphthenate, 2,4,5-T; D3) cylokroins, such as 2IP,
• benzyladenme 4-hydroxyphenethyl alcohol, kinetin, zeatin; D4) defoliants, such as calcium cyanamide, dimethipin, endothal, eihephon, merphos, metoxuron, pentachiorophenol, thidiazuron, tribufos; D5) ethylene inhibitors, such as avig!ycine, I-metliyicyclopropeoe:.
• suitable combination of any one of insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, nematicides and plant growth promoters are provided to expand and provide better coverage in the furrow.
• Hie active ingredient may be added to the foamable formulations of the present disclosure in any appropriate conventional form, for example an emulsion concentrate (EC), a suspension concentrate (SC), a suspo «emulsion (SE), a capsule suspension (CS), a water dispersible granule (WG), an emuisifiable granule (EG), a water in oil emulsion (£0), an oil in water emulsion (EW), a micro-emulsion (ME), an oil dispersion (OD), an oil miscible flowable (OF), an oil miscible liquid (OL), a soluble concentrate (SL), an ultra-low volume suspension (SU), an ultra-low volume liquid (UL), a dispersible concentrate (DC), a wettable powder (WP) or any technically feasible formulation in combination with agriculturally acceptable adjuvants.
• EC emulsion concentrate
• SC suspension concentrate
• SE suspo «emulsion
• CS capsule suspension
• WG water dispersible granule
• Suitable foaming agents may be nonionic surfactants, including alkanolamides
• alkylaryl- and arylsulfonates such as sodium lauryl sarcosinate and such as sodium alkylbenzenesulfbnate
• alkyl-, alkylaryl- and arylsuifates protein hydrolysates
• derivatives of polycarboxylic acid such as ammonium lauryl ether carboxylate
• olefin sulfonates such as sodium alpha olefin sulfonate
• sarcosinates such as ammonium cyclohexyl palmitoyl taur
• foaming agents are Bio-Soft D-40, Bioterge AS-40, Ammonyx DO, Ammonyx LO, Steol CA-330, Cedepal TD-407, and Poiystep B-25.
• the total concentration of foaming agents in the formulation will be dependent on the foaming agents used, and may comprise between about 0.1% and about 50% of the final formulation, preferably between about 0.3% and about 30%, more preferably between about 5% and 25%, and even more preferably between about 37% and about 23%.
• the tank mix chemical formulation has a
• Such viscosity can range from 3 to .10,000 cps, preferably 0 to 7000 cps. in at.
• the viscosity of the formulation is adjusted to the speed of the
• apparatus to provide optimal foaming at a range of speeds including approximately 4 - 16 ounces of chemical formulation per acre, and 24- 64 ounces of water per acre and a
• the present invention provides the delivery of the chemical formulation with at least 0.75 lbs
• a.i./gaSlon to be delivered at a rate of at least 0,25 gallons/acre.
• Suitable foam stabilizers act to stabilize the foam generated from the liquid, foamable formulation.
• suitable foam stabilizers include glycerine, Kelzan, carrageenan, xanthan gum, guar gum, gum Arabic, gum tragacanth, poiyox, alginin, and sodium alginate. Glycerine and Kelzan are particularly preferred.
• the total concentration of foam stabilizers in the formulation will be dependent on the foami ng agents used, and may comprise between 0.1% and 15% of the total formulation, preferably 1 -14%, more preferably 7-12%.
• the foamable formulations of the present invention may also include dispersants, and/or preservatives.
• Suitable dispersants include nonionic and/or ionic substances, for exaraple from the classes of the alcohol-POE and/or -POP ethers, acid and/or POP POE esters, alkylaryl and/or POP POE ethers, fat and/or POP POE adducts, POE- and/or POP-polyol derivatives, POE-and/or POP-sorbitan or -sugar adducts, alkyl or aryl sulfates, alkyl- or arylsulfonates and alkyl or ar l phosphates or the corresponding .PO-ether adducts, and .mixtures thereox. Alkyl polyglucosides and phosphate esters are preferred dispersants.
• Suitable preservatives include but are not limited to C 12 to C 15 alkyl benzoates, alkyl p-hydroxybenzoates, aloe vera extract, ascorbic acid, benzalkonium chloride, benzoic acid, benzoic acid esters of C 9 to C 15 alcohols, butylated hydroxytoluene, butyl aied hydroxyanisole, tert-btttylhydroquinone, castor oil, cetyl alcohols, chlorocresol, citric acid, cocoa butter, coconut oil, diazolidiny!
• urea diisopropyS adipate, dimethyl polysiloxane, DMDM hydantoin, ethanol, ethylaiediarainetetraacetic acid, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, hexadec l alcohol, hydroxybenzoate esters, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, isononyl iso-nonanoate, jojoba oil, lanolin oil, mineral oil, oleic acid, olive oil, parabens, polyeihers, polyoxypropylene butyl ether, polyoxypropylene cetyl ether, potassium sorbaie.
• propyl gallate silicone oils, sodium propionate, sodium benzoate, sodium bisulfite, sorbic acid, stearic fatty acid, sulfur dioxide, vitamin E, vitamin E acetate and derivatives, esters, salts and mixtures thereof.
• Preferred preservatives include sodium o- phenylphenate, 5-chioro-2-meihyl-4-isotliiazolin-3-one ! 2-niethyi-4-isothiazolin-3-one ! and 1 ,2- benisothiazolin-3-one.
• Agricultural agent means a bioactive agent used in agriculture, such as a herbicide, pesticide, insecticide, fungicide, or fertilizer.
• Bioactive agent means a substance such as a chemical that can act on a cell, virus, organ or organism, including but not limited to insecticides, fungicides and herbicides, which substance creates a change in the functioning of the cell, virus, organ or organism.
• a particle size, D90 shall mean thai at least about 90% of the particles in the composition are smaller than the given D90, as measured by Horiba LA 20 particle size analyzer,
• Example 1 Bifenthrin technical ( 514.29 g) was combined with Agnique®
• PG9116 (35.00 g, available from Cog is Corp,), DextrolTM OC-I 80 (35.00 g, available from Ashland Inc.), and deionized water (815.71. g), then milled until the bifenihrin was reduced to a D90 of less than 2 microns.
• the resulting bifenthrin SC was then mixed in a low-speed mixer with glycerine, Stepwet® DF-95 (available from Stepan Co.), Bio-soft® D-40 (available from Stepan Co.), Ammoityx® DO (available from Stepan Co.), KatlionTM CG/iCP (available from Dow Chemical Co,), elzan® (2 aqueous solution), and deioni zed water to create 1 8 foamable formulations.
• Compositions are given as weight percent of total formulation in the following tables.
• Example.5 Bifeithrin technical (95.8%) was added to Agnique PG9116 and Dextrof OC-180 and milled until reduced to a D 3 ⁇ 4> of less than 4 microns. The remaining ingredients were added in the proportions given below and mixed in a low speed mixer:
• This formulation was tested on a field test unit to determine its foaming characteristics, including stability when pumped through a conduit and expansion factor.
• the formulation was tank mixed with water, to an active ingredient concentration of 4.6%, and the resulting fluid was foamed and applied with a four-row configuration at a speed of 5.2 ra h and a rate of 32 oz./ac.re (0.1 lbs a J. /acre).
• the four rows generated expansio -factors o 40.0, 5.7, 46.7, and 44.5 (mean 44.2).
• the apparatus and corresponding methods of this deli very system can be incorporated into an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) design and fabricated as a new machine, or
• t e delivery system is described herein integrated with agricultural equipment, it is further contemplated that components of the system may be incorporated in a standalone delivery system, for example, a backpack delivery system that can be uti lized by an individual farmer.
• the system applies a foaming formulation, as described above, into the furrow with a total volume of water and chemical used of, for example, 32 to 64 ounces per acre.
• the system utilizes water, compressed air, and the foaming chemical formulation to generate the high expansion aqueous foam which is then delivered to the individual seed row furrows.
• system 10 described herein automatically adjusts the amount of water and chemical being used to maintain the proper apphcation rate depending on section width and speed of the planter, as well as distributing the foam evenly between rows and monitoring the flow of foam to each these rows for volume, quality and blockage.
• the delivery system 10 includes a control module 12, a tank and pump assembly 100, 200, a valve
• the control module 12 includes a "computing device” or “electronic device” that includes a processor and non-transitory, computer-readable memory.
• the memory may contain. programming instructions that. when, executed by the processor, cause the computing device to perform one or more operations according to the programming instructions.
• computing device or “electronic device” may be a single dev ice, or any number of devices ha ving one or more processors that communicate with each oilier and share data and/or instructions.
• Examples of computing devices or electronic devices include, without limitation, personal computers, servers, mainframes, and portable electronic devices such as smartphones, personal digital assistants, tablet computers, laptop computers and the like.
• the control module 12 may be a standalone device or may be integrated with computing or electronic devise already provided on the agricultural equipment.
• the control module 12 is configured to communicate with the agricultural equipment to monitor the operating state of the agricultural equipment, for example, the ground speed of the equipment and the operational state of each planter (e.g. planting or not planting, seed delivery rate).
• the control module 12 is also configured to communicate with various components of the delivery system to receive operational information from the components and to send control signals to the components as will be described in more detail hereinafter.
• the control module 12 may also be configured to communicate with a remote network.
• the control module 12 may send information to the remote network, for example, operating history of the delivery system 10, such that the information may be stored, analyzed or otherwise used apart from the delivery system 10,
• the control, module 12 may receive information from the remote network which may assist with control of the components. For example, historical data on chemical selection and application rate for a given crop in a given region may be communicated to the control module 12 to facilitate optimization of the delivery system 10. Other storage, processing and control may be completed utilizing the control module 12, alone or in combination with the remote network.
• tank mixing the chemical formulatio and water are contained within a single tank 102 (referred to as "tank mixing" herein).
• the tank 102 has a sufficient capacity (e.g. 150 gallons).
• the water conduit (or line, wiiich may be used interchangeably throughout this disclosure) 104 is coupled to the tank 1.02 to provide water from an external source for mixing with the chemical formulation.
• the water conduit includes a valve 105 for controlling the flow of water and. can be operated on a. continuous or intermittent basis, as so desired.
• a tank rinse nozzle 106 can be incorporated into water conduit 104 which can accelerate and disperse the water about the i nterior of the tank at sufficient pressure to remove any chemical residue or debris.
• conduit 104 can accelerate and disperse the water about the i nterior of the tank at sufficient pressure to remove any chemical residue or debris.
• the mixed solution exits the tank through a line 108 and a hand controlled ball valve 1 10 into a strainer 1 12.
• the Sine contains a tee that will allow for a vacuum switch 114, which monitors the line to verify that there is solution in the system.
• the vacuum switch is preferably in communication with the control module 12, and if no solution is detected, the control module 12 can generate an alarm to alert an operator to check for blockages, or a shut off signal to terminate the system operation.
• the pump 1 16 and agitation line 1 18 are provided to deliver a medium, e.g. water, into the tank, at a controlled pressure so as to stir up the solution.
• a medium e.g. water
• the chemical formulation employed, within the system may remain stable and dispersed without the need for agitation, thereby rendering the agitation pump and line unnecessary.
• the mai line JOS then enters a pump 20 which is monitored by the control module 12 to maintain an optimal flow rate.
• the speed of the pump is adjusted by the control module 12 to maintain the desired rate based on various factors, for example, ground speed or section width of the planter.
• the pump 120 is a 12- volt electric positive displacement metering pump that is rated for a maximum flow of 44 ounces per minute.
• the pump is preferably a positive displacement, non-return metering pump.
• Downstream of the pump 120, the fluid stream (i.e. mixture of chemical formulation and water) then continues to a solenoid valve manifold block 20 through line 1 ,
• a monitoring unit 70 may be positioned along the line 14 to insure the flow has not been interrupted.
• FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary monitoring unit 70. As shown, the monitoring unit
• the 70 includes a housing 72 with an internal chamber 78 with an inlet 74 and an outlet 76.
• a contact 71 is provided at the bottom of the chamber 78 and a cartridge 79 is configured to move within the chamber 78.
• the cartridge 79 is configured such thai when proper flow exists between the inlet 74 and the outlet 76, the cartridge 79 is suspended within the chamber 78 and spaced from the contact 71. If the flow is blocked or otherwise improper, the cartridge 79 drops and contacts the contact 71 , thereby causing a signal indicating improper flow to be sent through wires 73 (or wirelessly) to the control module 12. Upon receipt of such a signal, the control module 12 can generate an alarm to alert an operator to check for blockages aod/or a shut off signal to terminate the system operation.
• the manifold 20 di vides the fluid stream into four separate sub-streams 22a ⁇ dL with each sub-stream directed towards a respective foam mixing chamber 40.
• Manifold 20 houses a valve (e.g. solenoid) for each of the sub-streams 22a ⁇ d, which can operate
• a first line can be operated in a first mode (e.g. continuously) while a second line can be operated in a second mode (e.g. intermittingly).
• a compressed air line 16 is also provided which includes one or more compressors 130, 132. From the compressors), the air line passes thru a relief valve 134 which allows the high pressure air that can buildup on the compressor diaphragm, to be evacuated.
• the small diaphragm compressors that are being used will not start with high pressure on them, and to help with -power consumption form the -tractor, the compressors) are started wi th only
• Manifold 30 houses a valve (e.g. solenoid) for each of the sub-streams 32a-d, which can operate independently of each other under the control of the control module 12. Accordingly, only select lines 32a-d can be operated at a given time. Likewise, a first line can be operated in a first, mode (e.g. continuously) while a second line can be operated in a second mode (e.g.
• the chemical formulation and medium e.g. water
• the chemical formulation and medium are housed in separate containers, metered by separate systems and mixed in line and downstream of their respective containers ⁇ "injection mixing"). More specifically, the water is stored in a first tank 202 and the chemical is kept in a separate tank 202. While only one chemical tank is illustrated, it is contemplated that more than one chemical tank may be provided whereby the control module 12 may select a desired chemical for a specific application and/or may mix multiple chemicals to achieve the desired foamable formation.
• the chemical stream exits the chemical tank 204 thru a line 206 and a hand controlled ball valve 208 into a strainer 210.
• the line 206 contains a tee that will allow for a vacuum switch 212 which will monitor the line to verify that there is chemical in the system and no blocks in the supply line.
• the vacuum switch 212 is preferably in communication with the control module 12, and if no chemical is detected, the control module 12 can generate an alarm to alert an operator to check for blockages, or a shut off signal to terminate the system operation.
• the chemical line then enters a metering pump 214.
• the pump 21.4 may be, for example, a 12- volt electric positive displacement pump that is rated for a maximnm flow of 20 ounces per minute.
• the pump is monitored by the control module 12 for flow rate.
• the control module 12 may monitor the pump's speed with a magnet wheel and a Hall Effect sensor.
• the speed of the pump 214 is adjusted by the control module 12 to maintain the desired rate based on ground speed, width and/or GPS derived prescription.
• the chemical stream then, continues thru a monitoring unit 70, as described above, that monitors if the flow of chemical has been interrupted.
• the chemical line then continues on to a cross with an electronic pressure transducer 21 and a hydrostatic relief valve 218 to protect the pump 214.
• the chemical line then continues through a check valve 220 and on to a tee or mixing device 240.
• the line contains a tee that will allow for a vacuum switch 228 which monitors the line to verify that there is water in the system and no blocks in the supply line.
• the vacuum switch 228 is preferably in communication with the control module 12, and if no water is detected, the control module 12 can generate an alarm to alert an operator to check for blockages, or a shut off signal to terminate the system operation.
• the water Sine then enters a metering pump 230.
• the pump 230 may be, for example, a 12-volt electric positive displacement pump that is rated for a maximum flow of 40 ounces per minute.
• the pump 230 is monitored by the control module 12 for flow rate.
• the control module 12 may monitor the pump's speed with a magnet wheel and a Hall Effect sensor.
• the speed of the pump 230 is adjusted by the control module 12 to maintain die desired rate based on ground speed, width and/or GPS derived prescription.
• the water stream then continues thru a monitoring unit 70, as described above, that monitors if the flow of chemical has been interrupted.
• the water line then continues to a cross with an electronic pressure transducer 232 and a hydrostatic relief valve 234 to protect the pump 230.
• the water line then continues through a check valve 236 and on to the tee or mixing device 240.
• the now mixed solutio of water and foamable formulation continues on to a valve manifold block 20 via the line 14 simila and continues therefrom as described with respect to the previous embodiment
• a flush line 242 may be connected with the line 1.4 via a check: valve 244.
• a compressed air line 16 is also provided which includes one or more compressors 250. 252. From the compressors), the air Sine passes thru a relief valve 254 which allows the high pressure air that can buildup on the compressor diaphragm to be evacuated. The small diaphragm compressors that are being used will not start with high pressure on them, and to help with power consumption form the tractor, the compressors) are started with only atmospheric pressure on them. From the relief valve 254, the high pressure air flows to the pressure regulator 18 and then continues in the manner described with respect to the previous embodiment.
• each foam mixing chamber 40 includes a chamber body 42 and a mixing tee 50.
• the chamber body 42 includes a tube 44 with a hollow interior chamber 45.
• the chamber 45 is communication with an inlet port 43 and a. manifold head 48 via an internal passage 47.
• the manifold head 48 defines a plurality of outlet ports 49, In the illustrated embodiment, the manifold, head 48 is provided with six outlet ports 49, however, more or fewer outlet ports 49 may be provided. Additionally, ports 4 which are not needed may be capped.
• a flange 46 is provided about the inlet port 43 for connection with the mixing tee 50.
• the mixing tee 50 includes a body 52 with a connection flange 54 extending about the tee outlet port 53.
• a seat 55 is provided to receive the flange 46 such that the tee outlet port 53 is in communication with the inlet port 43. in the ilkistrated embodiment, the flange 46 connects within the seat 55 with an interference fit.
• the mixing tee 50 can be formed integrally with the chamber body 42 such that the assembly is a unitary component.
• the tee body 52 defines an air connection 56 with an inlet port 57 and a fluid connection 58 with an inlet port 59. Both ports 57 and 59 are in communication with the tee outlet port 53.
• air coming from the air line 32a- d preferably passes through a check valve strainer 65 and ati orifice plate 67 as it enters the port 59.
• the orifice plate 67 includes a through hole sized to permit passage of a desired air flow.
• fluid coniing from the fluid line 22 a-d passes through a check valve strainer 65, an orifice core 69 and an orifice plate 67.
• the orifice plate 67 again includes a through hole sized, to permit passage of a desired fluid flow while the orifice core 69 engages the fluid flow and begins to agitate the toamabie formulation.
• the interior chamber 45 houses a foaming medium 66 configured to agitate the foaniable formulation as it passes through the chamber 45.
• the foaming medium 66 includes a plurality of glass spheres 68 packed tightly within the chamber 45.
• the spheres 68 are chosen to have a. size which provides a desired amount of surface contact area to achieve the desired foam expansion .
• the spheres 68 may have a diameter of 5-6 mm.
• the length of the chamber 45 may similarly be selected to achieve a desired expansion, it is contemplated that other foaming mediums may be utilized, for example, steel wool, provided the medium provides a predictable rate of expansion.
• an upper screen 63 is positioned over the internal passage 47 and a lower scree 61 is maintained by a locking plug 60 positioned in the inlet port 43.
• the locking plug 60 includes a through passage 62 to allow flow Into the chamber 45.
• the Socking plug 60 may have an interference fit, threaded fit or the like,
• the mixture of chemical formulation and water enterers the foam mixing chamber 40 through the inlet port 59 on the mixing tee 50 and the compressed air stream enters the inlet port 59 of the mixing tee 50.
• the pressured air flow through the inlet port 59 drives the solution into the Interior chamber 45 such that the solution passes through foaming medium 66 and foams.
• the foamed solution exits through the internal passage 4? into the manifold head 48 from which the foamed solution is distributed through the outlet: ports 49.
• the foam mixing chamber 40 is preferably oriented in a vertical orientation with the outlet ports 49 above the inlet ports 57. 59. Such vertical orientation is believed to improve the foam quality and/or prevent the solution from pooling in the mixing chamber 45.
• the foam mixing chamber 300 generally includes an outer housing member 300, a mixing tee 320 and an internal divider member 330.
• the outer housing member includes a tube 304 with a hollow interior chamber 305 extending between an open end 303 to a ciosed end 306.
• a manifold head 308 is provided proximate the open end 303 and defines a plurality of outlet ports 309 in communication with the interior chamber 305.
• the manifold head 308 is provided with six outlet ports 309, however, more or fewer outlet ports 309 may be provided. Additionally, ports 309 which are not needed may be capped, in the illustrated embodiment, a flange 310 is provided about the open end 303 for connection with the mixing tee 320,
• the mixing tee 320 is similar to the previous embodiment and includes a body
• the tee body 322 defines an air connection 326 with an inlet port 327 and a fluid connection 328 with an inlet port 329. Both ports 327 and 329 are in communication with the tee outlet port 323.
• a check valve strainer 65, ait orifice plate 67 and/or an orifice core 69 may be positioned in the ports 327, 329.
• the internal divider member 330 includes a tubular body 332 defining an interior chamber 335 extending between an inlet port 333 and an outlet port 337.
• a flange 334 is provided about the inlet port 333 such that when it is seated in the seat 325 of the mixing tee 320, the inlet port 333 is aligned with the tee outlet port 323.
• the interior divider member 330 defines a passage 31 1 between the outer housing member 302 and the interior divider member 330.
• the passage 31 1 communicates between the outlet port 337 and the outlet ports 309.
• the flange 334 seals with respect to the outer housing member 302 such that the tee outlet 323 is not in communication with the passage 31 1, an instead flow from the mixing tee 320 must flow through the plug passage 62 and into the interior chamber 335 as indicated by arrow A.
• the interior chamber 335 contains a mixing medium 66, for example glass spheres 68, similar to the previous embodiment.
• the incoming solution flows through the foaming medium 66 and the foam flows out of the outlet 337.
• the foam is redirected by the closed end 306 to flow through the passage 31 1 to the outlet ports 309, as indicated by the arrows B and C.
• the manifold head 308 distributes the foam to flow out of the outlet ports 309 as indicated by arrow D.
• both foaming chamber configurations are advantageous in that they provide for forming of a foam internally, i.e., without exposure to ambien conditions such as wind or excess water which may undesirably dilute the chemical, foramlation.
• forming the foam at a location upstream from the dispensing nozzles, as disclosed herein is beneficial in that it can provide additional dwell time for the formulation to mix or dissolve within the water. This additional dwell time provides a more consistent mixture and for a "fully developed" hydrodynamic flow profile to be established within conduit leading to the dispensing nozzles.
• a monitoring unit 70 and a control valve 80 are positioned along each specific line.
• the monitoring unit 70 as described above, is configured to monitor if a sufficient foam flow is passing therethrough, if the control module 12 receives a signal indicating that foam flow is not sufficient, the control module 12 can generate an alarm to alert an operator to check for blockages and/or a shut off signal to terminate the system operation.
• the control valves 80 are controlled by the control module 12 and can be control to close the row line to stop the stream of foam when the planter is, for example, stopped or turning. Additionally, the system can be configured such that the valve 80 is controlled for intermittent applicatio of the foam. For example, the foam may be applied only directly to each seed and the flow stopped during the travel between seeds.
• Each nozzle 84 includes an i nternal passage 86 extending from a proximate end 88 to a. distal end 90.
• the proximate e d 88 is configured with a diameter which allows the proximate end 88 to he readi ly inserted within the foaming line.
• the proximate end 92 can also be tapered or pointed to further ease the insertion of the nozzle into the foaming Sine.
• the nozzle 84 includes a flange 92 disposed between the two ends of the nozzle which serves as a stop member to prevent o ver-insertion o f the nozzle within the foaming line.
• the distal end 90 of the nozzle 84 acts as the dispensing orifice.
• tapered dispensing end 90 may include.de a sharp degree of taper which is beneficial in that in. facilitates dispensing or release of the foam rope, as compared to blunt nozzle discharge orifices wherein the foam often clings to the nozzle and expand or grow to the size of thai blunt end.
• An additional benefit of the tapered dispensing end 90 is that it does not reduce foam discharge velocity (as blunt orifices are known to do) and in some instances can serve to accelerate the velocity of the foam being dispensed, thereby providing a more continuous discharge rope within a furrow, particularly when the planter is traveling at high speeds.
• the foam dispensing system described herein can be incorporated into a seed planting device such that the seed and foam are dispensed simultaneously.
• the foam discharge nozzle can be located to di spense foam either in front of the seed tube or behind the seed tube depending on customer practices and preferences.
• the foaming discharge rate can be adjusted as needed in applications in which the foam is dispensed in advance of the seed to ensure that the proper amount of foam is deposited in the fiuxow so as to avoid over saturating or filling the furrow and "floating' 1 the seed such that there is too little contact with the soil.
• the nozzle can be configured to articulate so as to provide a non-linear (e.g. zig-zag) rope of foam into the furrow.
• the valves within the lines can he operated independently to control the f ow of water, air and/or chemical formulation to discharge foam on a conti nuous or intermittent basis, as so desired.
• Flow Ranges [100] The apparatus and methods disclosed herein provide m optimal foaming system that is capable of operating over a range of speeds, while minimizing the volume of chemical formulation, employed.
• some exemplary ranges include approximately 4 - 16 ounces of cbemicai formulation per acre, and 24- 64 ounces of water per acre with a planter having a ground speed ranging from 2-7 miles per hour.
• Figs. 13-17 depict graphical representations of exemplary speeds and plantar width ranges of the delivery system 10 when using, for example, a 12-vo!t electric positive displacement pump. Other results may be achieved utilizing other equipment.
• the graphs represent the significant flexibility of the delivery system 10 by controlling the various
• Example 5 The objecti ve of these tri als was to determine if the efficacy of Example 5 formulation is equal or better than the currently marketed by FMC Corporation, Capture® LFR® Insecticide which is a formulation, that also contains bifenthrin as active ingredient; and a commercial Corn Rootworrn standard treatment using Force® 3G, which .contains teflothrin insecticide distributed by AMVAC.
• Example 5 formulation further exhibited equal to or better than control of corn rootworm feeding tha that of Capture®LFR ⁇ > and Force® 3G.
• the level of feeding damage prevention was statistically equal to the comparative formulations (P ⁇ 0.1O, Duncan's New MKT),
• Example 5 formulation of bifenthrin applied at low total volume rates per acre provide com rootworm feeding damage protection that, is statistically equal to or better than Capture® LFR® applied at 5 gallons/acre of liquid fertilizer and statistically equal to Force ⁇ 3G.

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• 2014
  • 2014-09-30 AU AU2014324442A patent/AU2014324442B2/en active Active
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