Microfluidic processing system and method of agricultural slurry

Abstract

Abstract A micropump for a microfluidic device, the micropump comprising a first layer, a second layer adjacent the first layer, a resiliently flexible diaphragm arranged at an interface between the first and second layers, the diaphragm having a peripheral edge extending perimetrically around the diaphragm and a first pump chamber formed on a first side of the diaphragm and a second pump chamber formed on a second side of the diaphragm, a plurality of restraining tabs protruding radially inwards from the first layer into the first pump chamber, wherein the restraining tabs abuttingly engage the peripheral edge of diaphragm. Abstract

Description

[0232] The vertical position of the carriage 8050 on guide rails 8027 is controlled by linear-acting carriage actuator 8029. Actuator 8029 is vertically oriented and may be arranged at the vertical geometric centerline between the guide rails as shown. Actuator 8029 operates to lower or raise the carriage relative to the vehicle 8003 and in turn soil surface GS of the soil (see, e.g. FIGS. 6567). Accordingly, the depth of penetration of the knife assembly 330 and coulter blade 331 of collection apparatus 312 into the soil is primarily adjusted by carriage actuator 8029 to which the collection apparatus is mounted in a cantilevered manner. Actuator 8029 may be a pneumatic cylinder type actuator in one embodiment; however, hydraulic cylinders or electric linear actuators may also be used. The actuator 8029 is fixedly mounted to rail frame section 8001-2 at top and at bottom is operably coupled to the rolling carriage 8050 via operating or piston rod 8029-1. By retracting or extending the piston rod, the actuator 8029 selectively raises or lowers the carriage 8050 to which the entire collection apparatus 8002 is mounted and supported relative to the vehicle 8003 and soil surface. Actuator 8029 may raise the carriage 8050 and collection apparatus 8002 mounted thereto to an upper stowed position for transport when not collecting soil samples (see, e.g. FIG. 69). In a lower active position actively engaged with the soil (see, e.g. FIGS. 67-68), the collection apparatus is ready to collect soil samples.

[0233] For convenience of description, the collection assembly 8009 may be considered to define a vertical axis VA coaxial with the carriage actuator 8029 (passing through geometric centerline between guide rails 8027) and a horizontal axis HA passing through the hub 8023 of the coulter blade assembly (identified in FIG. 53). Whereas the vertical axis remains fixed in position relative to the carriage chassis 8058 and collection vehicle 8003, the horizontal axis is vertically movable with the coulter blade 8021 and knife assembly 8020 as the carriage 8050 moves up and down along the guide rails 8027. The elongated collection spool 8040 defines a longitudinal axis LA (identified in FIG. 53) which may change between positions parallel to vertical axis VA and obliquely angled to axis VA (see, e.g. FIGS. 67-68), as further described herein.

[0234] The collection apparatus 8002 (e.g. knife assembly 8020 and coulter blade 8021) is pivotably coupled to the pair of support arms 8022 coupled to the carriage 8050 via a pivot arm 2026204491   11 Jun 2026 linkage 8061. Linkage 8061 has one end pivotably coupled to hub 8023 and an opposite end pivotably coupled to pivot arm bracket 8055 fixedly mounted to the knife assembly 8020. Bracket 8055 may be mounted to the larger front blade element 8031 in one non-limiting embodiment further described below, preferably on the top portion of the element which remains above the soil during sample collection (see, e.g. FIGS. 46-47, 58 and 67). The knife assembly 8020 of the collection apparatus has a pivot axis coinciding with the horizontally oriented rotational centerline of coulter blade hub 8023. Knife assembly 8020 is moveable about its pivot axis in an arcuate path upwards and downwards (see, e.g. FIGS. 67-68).

[0235] Knife positioning actuator 8026 may be a pneumatic cylinder type actuator in one embodiment; however, hydraulic cylinders or electric linear actuators may also be used. Actuator 8026 is configured to act in a linear direction via movable operating or piston rod 8026-1 rotatably coupled at bottom to the knife assembly swing arm bracket 8055 via a clevis and pin assembly 8056. At top, the top of the actuator housing is pivotably coupled to cross plate 8054 rigidly mounted between support arms 8022 of the coulter blade assembly via pinned connection 8057. The actuator 8026 supplies a holding force on the knife swing arm and can be used at at least partially set both the penetration depth of the knife assembly 8020 and coulter blade 8021 in the soil, and the angle of the knife assembly relative to vertical axis VA.

[0236] The knife positioning actuator 8026 serves another useful purpose which protects the collection apparatus 8002 from damage. During use of collection apparatus when collecting a soil sample in the agricultural field AF, an obstruction in the soil may be encountered (e.g. rock, etc.) by the traveling collection apparatus 8002 (see, e.g. FIG. 67). In FIG. 67, the piston rod 8026-1 is in an extended position relative to the actuator housing with the knife assembly 8020 in an angled position (e.g. front side of front blade element 8031 obliquely angled to vertical axis VA) for easier plowing / travel through the soil. If overcoming the obstruction when struck by the knife assembly and / or coulter blade requires greater force than the holding force of the actuator can provide (e.g. air / oil pressure for pneumatic / hydraulic actuator or electric resistance for electric actuator), then the piston rod of the actuator becomes compressed and retracts into the actuator housing, thereby pivotably tilting the knife assembly rearward and raising the collection apparatus to allow the obstruction to pass beneath the knife assembly (compare, e.g. FIGS. 67-68). The front side of front blade element 8031 may be substantially parallel to vertical axis VA now. The cylinder of the knife positioning actuator 8026 thus advantageously serves as a shock absorber to provide a 2026204491   11 Jun 2026 mechanical cushion or “breakaway” mechanism for the collection apparatus when encountering sub-surface soil obstructions to prevent damaging the equipment.

[0237] Knife assembly 8020 comprises a rear blade element 8030, front blade element 8031, top blade mounting bracket 8032, and bottom base plate 8033. Base plate 8033 and mounting bracket 8032 may be horizontally elongated with the blade elements sandwiched therebetween. The blade elements are rigidly mounted at their tops to mounting bracket 8032 and at their bottoms to base plate 8033 via any suitable method, such as for example without limitation threaded fasteners, welding, or other fixed mounting methods to provide rigidity to the knife assembly to counteract the soil pressure applied by pulling the assembly through the soil for sample collection. The rear and front blade elements 8030, 8031 may be mounted to the base plate in a horizontally axially spaced apart manner along horizontal axis HA of the collection apparatus to collectively define a vertically elongated spool slot 8041 therebetween (best shown in FIGS. 42 and 43). Accordingly, slot 8041 is there collectively defined by the space created between each blade element. Slot 8041 has a transverse cross-sectional shape complementary configured to the cross-sectional shape of the spool 8040 which may be circular in one embodiment (see, e.g. FIG. 48). Additional slots 8041 may be provided if more than one spool is incorporated into the knife assembly in other embodiments, as further described hereafter. Spool slot 8041 is configured to rotatably and slideably receive the spool 8040 therein. Specifically, spool 8040 is vertically and slideably movable upwards / downwards in the slot, and rotatably movable as well for capturing and retaining the soil sample as further described herein. Both the slot 8041 and spool 8040 may have circular shapes in transverse cross-section as the spool may have a cylindrical configuration in the illustrated embodiment.

[0238] Rear and front blade elements 8030, 8031 may be formed of generally flat metallic plates in one embodiment; each having opposing right and left lateral major surfaces which are substantially parallel to each other. Any suitable overall general configuration of blade elements 8030, 8031 may be used so long as the elements sufficient support and house the collection spool 8040 and can penetrate the soil. The blade elements may have different shapes in perimetrical outline, which can be polygonal, non-polygonal, or combinations thereof. The front blade 8031 which engages and plows through the soil head on may be larger and more robust to serve this functional purpose. The leading edge of front blade 8031 may be angled or wedge shaped (in transverse cross-section) to better plow through the soil. The smaller rear blade 8030 primarily 2026204491   11 Jun 2026 functions to define the spool slot 8041. It bears noting that the forward coulter blade 331 functions to partially loosen the soil before being encountered by the knife assembly 8020 as it is pulled through the soil. However, the rear and front blade elements 8030, 8031 of knife assembly 8020 extend vertically below the bottom of the coulter blade 8021 and guide ski 8060 (see, e.g. FIGS. 53-54) such the lower portion of the knife assembly encounters soil proximate to the bottom and just below of the furrow or trough plowed by the coulter blade. This soil layer may be somewhat loosed by the coulter blade to reduce frictional resistance on the knife assembly thereby making is easier for the knife assembly to progress forward through the soil to collect the soil samples.

[0239] Knife assembly 8020 includes guide ski 8060 which substantially limits the insertion depth of the knife assembly into the soil as seen in FIGS. 67-68. Ski 8060 has a horizontally elongated body and arcuately upturned front end to accommodate undulations in the soil surface of the agricultural field which naturally occur. The ski may be rigidly mounted to one lateral side of the knife assembly (e.g. front blade 8031) via cylindrical mounting boss 8062. In one embodiment, boss 8062 may be welded to the top of the ski and to the side front blade 8031. This creates a structurally robust attachment capable of maintaining the position of the knife assembly 8020 against the soil surface GS and the holding force of knife positioning actuator 8026 (described elsewhere herein) when undulating soil surface conditions or surface debris (e.g. valleys, ridges, rocks, tree branches, etc.) not uncommon in the agricultural field are encountered by the collection apparatus 8002. Ski 8060 may be preferably made of any suitable durable and strong metal.

[0240] FIGS. 48 and 57-66 show aspects of the soil collection spool 8040 and associated spool drive mechanism in greater detail. In one embodiment, spool 8040 may have an elongated cylindrical body with a laterally and outwardly open collection cavity 8042. The cavity may extend for substantially the entire length of the spool from top end 8043 to bottom end 8044. The top end is configured for mounting to spool positioning actuator 8024 which operates to selectively raise or lower the spool in the knife assembly 8020. The bottom end may be closed to retain the captured soil sample. Cavity 8042 may have an arcuately curved contour or shape from side to side to facilitate removal of the captured sample. Spool 8040 may be formed of a suitable metal such as aluminum or steel for ruggedness and durability for the service conditions. In one embodiment, stainless steel may be used for corrosion protection to ensure smooth rotational and linear movement of the spool in the spool slot 8041 of the knife assembly 330. 2026204491   11 Jun 2026

[0241] Knife assembly 8020 further includes a spool drive mechanism operably coupled to the collection spool 8040 which operates to (1) rotate the spool for capturing and retaining the soil sample, and (2) raise and lower the spool for ejecting the sample into a sample transport system. To accomplish the foregoing dual motions of the spool, the spool drive mechanism comprises a gear drive 8070 for rotational motion of the spool and a spool positioning actuator 8024 for linear up and down motion of the spool. Each motion and function will be described in turn below.

[0242] Gear drive 8070 comprises an electric motor 8072 including drive gear 8074 coupled to the motor’s drive shaft and intermeshed with a main driven gear 8073 (see, e.g. FIG. 66). Driven gear 8073 is operably interfaced with the collection spool 8040, as further described herein. The drive gear and driven gear may be housed in gear box 8071 of any suitable configuration for protection from the elements and environment. The gear box and motor may in turn be mounted on and supported by the gear drive support base or platform 8075, which may be attached to the top of the knife assembly 8020. In some embodiments, the platform 8075 may be configured for coupling to a sample collection / conveyance system to transport the soil sample to the soil sample analysis system for slurry preparation and chemical analysis as previously described herein. Motor 8072 may be supported by the gear box and includes a drive shaft 8074-1 coupled to drive gear 8074, shaft support bearing 8074-2, and shaft sleeve fitting 8074-3 supporting and surrounding the drive shaft between the drive gear and motor housing.

[0243] A pair of gear bearings 8076 of suitable type support the driven gear 8073 for rotational movement (see, e.g. FIGS. 59 and 65). The driven gear assembly may include a tubular hollow drive sleeve 8073-1 inserted through central through passage 8073-2 of the gear hub 8073-3. Collection spool 8040 is received in and slideable upwards / downwards through the through passage 8073-5 of the drive sleeve when the spool is raised and lowered. Externally, the drive sleeve may include a plurality of longitudinal splines 8073-4 which may be removably and insertably keyed to mating longitudinal grooves 8073-5 formed inside the gear hub through passage 8073-2 to rotationally interlock the sleeve and driven gear 8073 such that the sleeve rotates in unison with the driven gear (see, e.g. FIGS. 59-60). The splines 8073-4 may be separate parts attached to the exterior of the drive sleeve in mating longitudinal slots as illustrated, or may be integrally formed as a unitary structural part of the drive sleeve tubular body. Drive sleeve 80731 is intended to be an easily replaceable and less costly component than the driven gear 8073 if replacement is required due to wear. 2026204491   11 Jun 2026

[0244] Drive sleeve 8073-1 forms an axially slideable but rotationally interlocked interface with the collection spool 8040 via sample ejector 8081, which may be fixedly attached to the drive sleeve inside through passage 8073-5 of the sleeve by any suitable means. In one embodiment, a pinned connection may be created by pins 8081-1; however, threaded fasteners or other means may be used for a fixed attachment. Ejector 8081 may be mounted to the bottom end of the drive sleeve 8073-1 such that the upper pinned portion of the ejector resides inside the lower portion of the drive sleeve taps 8073-5 while the wedge-shaped lower portion protrudes downwards below the drive sleeve and driven gear (see, e.g. FIG. 62). Sample ejector 8081 is rotationally locked to and nested at least partially within the collection cavity 8042 of collection spool 8040 in a manner which allows axial longitudinal movement of the spool relative to the ejector. The ejector is configured and operable to eject the captured soil sample from the collection cavity for collection and further processing / analysis by the soil analysis system. The ejector 8081 remains stationary in vertical position but rotatable with the gear drive while the collection spool 8040 can be selectively moved axially up / down by spool positioning actuator 8024 through the drive sleeve and driven gear. Ejector 8081 may have an angled wedge-shaped scraper end configured to wedge the soil sample out from the collection cavity 8042 of collection spool 8040 when the spool is raised.

[0245] The gear drive 8070 is operable to rotate the collection spool 8040 via engagement with ejector 8081 between an open position for capturing a soil sample, and a closed position for retaining the captured sample. It bears noting that as opposed to manually-operated handheld core extraction devices or probes which vertically pierce the soil in an axial direction, are pushed down to a desired depth, and collect a core sample that is simply retained in the tool as it is straight pulled back out, the present spool 8040 plows through the soil in a direction of travel parallel to the soil surface GS. This captures the soil sample which is forced into the collection cavity 8042 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of spool LA and parallel to the direction of travel of the collection apparatus as it (i.e. coulter blade and knife assembly) plows through the soil at a preselected depth.

[0246] Spool positioning actuator 8024 may be a pneumatic cylinder type actuator in one embodiment; however, hydraulic cylinders or electric linear actuators may also be used. Actuator 8024 may be supported by substantially vertical actuator support frame members 8024-2 from the gear drive support platform 8075 and / or knife assembly 8020. The support frame is configured to 2026204491   11 Jun 2026 coaxially align the piston rod with the collection spool 8040 along the longitudinal axis LA of the spool. Actuator 8024 is configured to act in a linear direction via movable operating or piston rod 8024-1 coupled via intermediate elements to the top end of the spool 8040.

[0247] Referring particularly to FIGS. 59-60 and 65-66, the bottom end of the spool positioning actuator piston rod 8024-1 may be rigidly coupled to a hollow tubular connector 8077 comprising a longitudinal through passage 8077-1 extending between and through the connector body ends. In one embodiment, a threaded coupling may be provided; however, other forms of rigidly coupling including without limitation pinned connections, shrink fit, threaded fasteners, etc. as some non-limiting examples. Connector 8077 in turn is coupled to freely-rotatable swivel coupling 8078 which is coupled to collection spool 8040. Swivel coupling 8078 includes collar 8080, fastening member 8079, and at least one or a pair of bearings 8082 which rotatably support the fastening member. Collar 8080 may be flanged comprising an annular radially protruding flange 8080-1 which is fixedly attached to the bottom of connector 8077 by a plurality of threaded fasteners 8080-2 such that the collar is not rotatable relative to the connector. The fasteners member 8079 may be a threaded fastener in one non-limiting embodiment (as shown) which extends through a central passage 8080-3 of collar 8080 to threadably engage the top end 8043 of the collection spool 8040. The top end of the spool is received in the lower portion of central passage 8080-3 to engage the fastening member 8079. Operation of the spool positioning actuator 8024 selectively raises and lowers the collection spool 8040 between a lower position for capturing / retaining the soil sample and an upper position for rejecting the soil sample.

[0248] Referring to FIG. 65, the connector 8077 and swivel coupling 8078 may be assembled by first attaching the bearings 8082 and fastening member 8079 to the top of the flanged collar 8080 and top end of the collection spool 8040. The head of the fastening member and bearings are inserted through the bottom end of the connector through passage 8077-1. The collar flange 80801 is then fastened to the connector 8077, which traps the bearings and fastening member inside the connector via the flange in a rotatable manner.

[0249] A process or method for capturing a soil sample from an agricultural field using the collection apparatus 8002 will now be briefly described. FIG. 94 shows the complete cycle of the collection spool 8040 from start to finish through sample collection, retention, and ejection. First, the vehicle 8003 is driven or pulled to the desired starting location in the agricultural field. The collection apparatus 8002 is in an upper position relative to the soil surface GS and vehicle during 2026204491   11 Jun 2026 transport. The collection apparatus is then lowered to actively penetrate and engage the soil. The desired depth of penetration of the knife assembly and coulter blade 8021 for collecting the soil sample may be adjusted and set by the vertical position of the carriage 8050 via operating the carriage actuator 8029 as previously described herein. This may be performed while the vehicle is stationary, or alternatively while moving. The angular orientation of the knife assembly 8020 may be adjusted by operating the knife positioning actuator 8026 as previously described herein. In one embodiment, the knife assembly may be set to an obliquely angled position to vertical axis VA of collection apparatus 8002 (i.e. front side / edge of front blade 8031) to more readily plow through the soil (see, e.g. FIG. 59). The collection apparatus comprises rotatable coulter blade 8021 and knife assembly 8020 arranged proximate to the coulter blade and comprising at least one rotatable collection spool 8040 comprising the collection cavity 8042. The collection spool may initially be in a lower position in the knife assembly 8020, which may be a lowest position (see, e.g. FIG. 59) set by operating spool positioning actuator 8024 as previously described herein. The bottom end of spool may therefore be positioned at the bottom end of the collection cavity 8042 engaging the top surface of the base plate 8033. The collection cavity 8042 of collection spool 8040 may facing forward or rearward and shield from the lateral openings on each side of the knife assembly 8020 at the spool slot 8041, as shown by Position 1 in FIG. 94.

[0250] The collection apparatus 312 (knife assembly 8020 and coulter blade 8021) is then moved and plowed through the soil at the desired depth in a direction of travel parallel to a surface GS of the soil. The coulter blade creates a furrow or trough ahead of the knife assembly which travels at least partially therein for capturing the soil sample. At a predetermined time (which may be part of a preprogrammed timed sequence), the collection spool 8040 is then rotated full 180 degrees from (1) a first closed position via the first 90 degrees of rotation in which the collection cavity 8042 is shielded from the soil (see, e.g. FIG. 48) to a laterally open position in which the collection cavity is exposed to the adjoining soil so that the soil sample is captured in in the collection cavity 8042, to a (2) opposite second closed / shielded position via the second 90 degrees of rotation for retaining the soil sample. This is represented by Position 2 in FIG. 94. The collection spool is rotated by gear drive 8070 at predetermined times to both capture and retain the soil sample. In some methods, the spool may rotate continuously through the foregoing first closed position -laterally open soil capture position - second closed positions. The rotational speed of the collection spool 8040 may be selected to allow sufficient time of soil to be forced into the exposed collection 2026204491   11 Jun 2026 cavity 8042. Alternatively, the spool may be first rotated 90 degrees to the laterally open position, held in the open position for a predetermined period of time sufficient to allow soil to be forced into and enter the collection cavity, and then rotated 90 further back to the second closed position for retaining the sample. Either approach may be used as needed and / or desired to collect a complete sample which preferably may fill at least a majority of the spool collection cavity 8042 for its exposed length.

[0251] Once the soil sample has been captured, the collection spool 8040 may be raised while in the second closed position (Position 2, FIG. 94) to an upper position relative to knife assembly 8020 via actuation and linear operation of spool positioning actuator 8024. As the spool is raised, the ejector 8081 exposed immediately below the driven gear 8073 in the gear drive support platform and above the top of the knife assembly 8020 slides through and scrapes the sample out of the spool collection cavity 8042 for capture by a sample collection / conveyance system for further processing to prepare the sample slurry and to ultimately chemically analyze the slurry to quantify concentration of the analyte of interest. It bears noting that because the ejector 8081 is positioned above the knife assembly 8020, the sample may be positively ejected from the spool 8040 while still in the second closed position without further rotation of the spool. Portions of the collection cavity 8042 above the knife assembly are therefore exposed.

[0252] After the sample has been ejected, the method may continue by rotating the spool back to the first closed position (Position 1, FIG. 94) while the spool is still in the upper position, and then lowering the collection spool 8020 in the knife assembly back down to the initial lower position. In alternative implementations of the method, the spool may be lowered without rotation while in the second closed position (Position 2, FIG. 94). Since both lateral sides of the knife assembly 8020 are open at the spool slot 8041 as shown in FIG. 48, the foregoing sample collection cycle may be repeated in the same manner previously described above but from the second lateral side of the knife assembly as the spool is rotated from Position 2 back to Position 1. Using such an approach, a sample may be collected with each 180 degree rotation of the collection spool 8040 and cavity 8040 from front to rear, and rear to front. This doubles the number of samples collected with each 360 degree rotation of the spool. Accordingly, the spool need not be rotated back to the initial starting position (Position 1) of the collection cavity after sample ejection for each time a sample is to be collected. 2026204491   11 Jun 2026

[0253] It bears noting that the collection spool 8040 may be rotated in either direction during the soil sample capture and ejection process. In some embodiments if reversible motors 8072 are used, the spool may rotate 90 degrees in a first direction from an initial closed position to an open position to capture the sample, and then rotate back 90 degrees in an opposite direction back to the same initial closed position to reclose the collection cavity 8082 to retain the sample and raise the spool for sample ejection. Accordingly, numerous variations of the foregoing method are possible which are all contemplated by the present disclosure.

[0254] In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment referring to FIG. 59, the foregoing sample collection process or method may be automatically controlled by a programmable controller, such as without limitation system controller 2820 previously described herein or a separate dedicated collection controller which may be operably linked to and communicating with the system controller 2820 to coordinate the entire cycle of sample collection, processing, and analysis. The carriage actuator 8029, knife positioning actuator 8026, and spool positioning actuator 8024 may thus be operably and communicably coupled to and under the control of system controller 2820 which activates each actuator at the desired time which may be preprogrammed and / or based on input from a human operator via any suitable wired or wireless electronic processor-based personal input device (e.g. smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.) which establishes two-way communications. In the case of pneumatic or hydraulic actuators, it bears noting that control may comprise the system controller 2820 operating air or oil control valving associated with the actuator, which in turn controls operation of these type actuators. In the case of electric linear actuators, the controller 2820 may be directly coupled to and act on the actuator to electrically control its operation. Various other control schemes are possible.

[0255] FIGS. 83-93 depict a two-spool embodiment of a collection apparatus 8002A according to the present disclosure. The support frame 8001 and other elements of the collection assembly 8009 previously described herein for the single spool embodiment of FIGS. 44-82 remain the same in structure and operation. They will not be described in repetitive detail again for sake of brevity. Only additional or different aspects of the dual spool embodiment will be further described as necessary. Elements previously assigned numerical designations for the foregoing single spool embodiment description have the suffix “A” added for the two-spool embodiment presently being described. 2026204491   11 Jun 2026

[0256] The primary difference in the present two-spool embodiment is that two spools 8020A are rotatably supported by the knife assembly 8020A which is modified to include two parallel elongated spool slots 8041A; one each rotatably and axially slideably receiving a spool. This allows a greater number of soil samples to be collected with each pass of the knife assembly through the field. In addition, the timing with which each spool 8040A will be open for collecting a sample, or closed for shielding the collection cavity 8042A or retaining a collected sample may be timed via the system controller 2820 to ensure that only a single sample is collected at a given time. Advantageously, one spool 8020A may be in the lower position collecting a soil sample while the second spool is in the upper position for ejecting the sample. The two spools then alternate and switch position as the collection apparatus 8002A travels, thereby allowing samples to be collected with greater frequency for a given distance of travel through the field by the knife assembly 8020A. For example, for 20 feet of linear travel of the vehicle 8003 and collection apparatus 8002 in a row through the soil, twice the number of soil samples may be collected in comparison to the foregoing single spool collection apparatus embodiment with a shorter linear distance between the collection points for each sample. When the samples are analyzed by the system, this data can be used to generate greater detailed mapping of levels of soil nutrients (e.g. nitrogen, potassium, etc.) or other analyte of interest for the agricultural field. It bears noting that in some embodiments, more than two spools may be provided which are movably carried by the knife assembly to further reduce the distance between soil sampling points in the field.

[0257] To accommodate independent rotary and axial linear motion of the two spools 8020A, a modified gear drive 8070A and separate spool positioning actuator 8024A are provided for each spool. It bears noting that only a single carriage actuator 8029 and knife positioning actuator 8026 is again needed for operation and deployment of the dual-spool collection apparatus 8002A. The two-spool gear drive 8070A includes two sets of electric motors 8072A each with a rotatable drive gear 8074A and an associated intermeshed driven gear 8073A, two drive sleeves 8073-1A each rotationally interlocked with a driven gear 8073A, two sample ejectors 8081A, and two sets of spool positioning actuator to collection spool 8040A couplings each including a connector 8077A and swivel coupling 8078A coupled thereto with the same previously described herein sub-parts. It bears noting that each driven gear 8073A and drive gear 8074A combination may act and rotate independently of the other thereby allowing the timing for rotating each spool to collect, retain, or eject a soil sample be independently controlled 2026204491   11 Jun 2026

[0258] To accommodate two spools, the knife assembly 8020A is modified to incorporate two spool slots 8041A. Using the same fabrication methodology as the single spool collection knife assembly 8020, the present dual spool knife assembly 8020A therefore comprises a rear blade element 8030A, front blade element 8031A, intermediate blade element 8030-1A, and top blade mounting bracket 8032A and bottom base plate 8033A. The rear, front, and intermediate blade elements may be mounted to the base plate in a horizontally axially spaced apart manner along the horizontal axis HA of the collection apparatus 8002A to collectively define a pair of vertically elongated spool slots 8041A therebetween (see, e.g. FIGS. 89-91). The blade elements may have any suitable configuration and act in the manner shown in FIGS. 67-68 and previously described herein for collecting soil samples. The blade elements are fixedly attached to and between base plate 8033A and mounting bracket 8032A in the same manner previously described herein (e.g. fasteners used for detachable coupling or welding used for permanent coupling).

[0259] Each collection spool 8040A of the two-spool collection apparatus 8002A operates according to the same method / process previously described herein for the single spool embodiment, which will not be repeated here for the sake brevity. The collection cycle may be controlled automatically by the system controller 2820 in the same manner. Using the controller, the timing and sequencing for collection, retaining, and ejection of the samples for each of the pair of spools may be preprogrammed and automatically implemented in the manner previously described above.

[0260] In one embodiment, a method for capturing soil samples from an agricultural field may comprise: providing a collection apparatus comprising a rotatable coulter blade, and a knife assembly arranged proximate to the coulter blade and comprising rotatable first and second collection spool each comprising a collection cavity configured for capturing soil samples; placing each of the first and second collection spools in a first closed position; plowing through the soil at a depth with the collection apparatus in a direction of travel parallel to a surface of the soil; rotating the first collection spool from a first closed position in which the collection cavity is shielded from the soil to an open position in which the collection cavity is exposed to the soil to capture a first soil sample in the collection cavity; rotating the first collection spool to a second closed position for retaining the first soil sample; raising the first collection spool in the second closed position and ejecting the first soil sample from the collection cavity; and simultaneous with raising the first collection spool, rotating the second collection spool from a first closed position in which the 2026204491   11 Jun 2026 collection cavity is shielded from the soil to an open position in which the collection cavity is exposed to the soil to capture a second soil sample in the collection cavity of the second collection spool. The method may further comprise rotating the second collection spool to a second closed position for retaining the second soil sample; and raising the second collection spool in the second closed position and ejecting the second soil sample from the collection cavity. The method may further comprise lowering the first collection spool simultaneous with raising the second collection spool.

[0261] Examples: The following are nonlimiting examples.

[0262] Example 1, a micropump for a microfluidic device, the micropump comprising: a first layer; a second layer adjacent the first layer; a resiliently flexible diaphragm arranged at an interface between the first and second layers, the diaphragm having a peripheral edge extending perimetrically around the diaphragm; and a first pump chamber formed on a first side of the diaphragm and a second pump chamber formed on a second side of the diaphragm; a plurality of restraining tabs protruding radially inwards from the first layer into the first pump chamber; wherein the restraining tabs abuttingly engage the peripheral edge of diaphragm.

[0263] Example 2, the micropump according to Example 1, further comprising an air inlet fluidly coupled to the first chamber, a fluid inlet fluidly coupled to the second pump chamber, and a fluid outlet fluidly coupled to the second pump chamber.

[0264] Example 3, the micropump according to Example 2, wherein the restraining tabs are perimetrically spaced apart from each other around a perimeter of the first pump chamber.

[0265] Example 4, the micropump according to any of Examples 1 to 3, further comprising a circumferential sealing channel recessed into the first layer around a perimeter of the first pump chamber, the sealing channel at least partially receiving the diaphragm therein.

[0266] Example 5, the micropump according to any of Examples 1 to 4, further comprising a raised annular lip arranged at an inner edge of the sealing channel, the annular lip separating the sealing channel from a main central recess of the first pump chamber.

[0267] Example 6, the micropump according to any of Examples 1 to 5, further comprising a plurality of anti-stall grooves formed in the second pump chamber.

[0268] Example 7, a method for assembling a micropump for a microfluidic device comprising: providing a first layer including a first pump chamber; positioning a resiliently deformable diaphragm on the first layer above the first pump chamber; positioning a second layer on the first 2026204491   11 Jun 2026 layer and diaphragm; compressing the diaphragm between the first and second layers which causes the diaphragm to grow radially outwards; and engaging peripheral edges of the diaphragm with a plurality of restraining tabs arranged around the first pump chamber to restrain the outward growth of the diaphragm.

[0269] Example 8, a method for preparing a slurry mixture in a microfluidic device, the method comprising: providing in the microfluidic device a first micropump, a second micropump fluidly coupled to the first micropump by a first microchannel comprising a microvalve, and a third micropump fluidly coupled to the second micropump by a second microchannel; each of the micropumps comprising a chamber comprising a pneumatically deformable diaphragm changeable between a closed position for discharging pumping a fluid and an open position for receiving the fluid; opening a slurry inlet microvalve fluidly coupled to the first micropump; changing position of the first micropump from the closed position to the open position; drawing slurry into the first micropump; closing the slurry inlet microvalve; opening an extractant inlet microvalve fluidly coupled to the first micropump; opening an intermediate microvalve disposed in the first microchannel between the first and second micropumps; changing position of the second micropump from the closed position to the open position; drawing extractant into the first micropump; and mixing the slurry and extractant form a slurry-extractant mixture.

[0270] Example 9, the method according to Example 8, further comprising drawing the slurryextractant mixture from the first micropump into the second micropump as a result of changing position of the second micropump from the closed position to the open position.

[0271] Example 10, the method according to Example 9, further comprising: changing position of the first micropump from the open position to the closed position, and simultaneously changing position of a third micropump from the closed position to the open position, the third micropump fluidly coupled to the second micropump; and closing the intermediate microvalve between the first and second micropumps; and changing position of the second micropump from the open position to the closed position which pumps the slurry-extractant mixture into the third micropump.

[0272] Example 11, the method according to Example 10, further comprising changing position of the third micropump from the open position to the closed position which pumps the slurryextractant mixture to an ultrafine filter configured to produce a clear filtered supernatant capable of being chemically analyzed for an analyte in the slurry-extractant mixture. 2026204491   11 Jun 2026

[0273] Example 12, a multiplexed pneumatic control air system for slurry filtration, the system comprising: a plurality of filter units configured for filtering a slurry; each filter unit comprising a plurality of air pilot valves including at least a first air pilot valve associated with a first functional purpose, a second air pilot valve associated with a second functional purpose, and a third air pilot valve associated with a third functional purpose; the first air pilot valves of each filter unit fluidly coupled to a first shared air distribution manifold fluidly coupled to a first electro-pneumatic control air valve fluidly coupled to an air source; the second air pilot valves of each filter unit fluidly coupled to a second shared air distribution manifold fluidly coupled to a second electro-pneumatic control air valve fluidly coupled to the air source; the third air pilot valves of each filter unit fluidly coupled to a third shared air distribution manifold fluidly coupled to a third electro-pneumatic control air valve fluidly coupled to the air source; a system controller operably coupled to the first, second, and third electro-pneumatic control air valves to control a closed and open position each electro-pneumatic control air valve; the controller being configured to transmit control signals to change position of the first, second, and third electropneumatic control air valves to selectively initiate or stop a flow of air to the first, second, or third shared air distribution manifolds from the air source.

[0274] Example 13, the system according to Example 12, wherein the first air pilot valve of every filter unit is simultaneously changed between opened and closed positions by initiating or stopping the flow of air to the first air distribution manifold.

[0275] Example 14, the system according to Example 12 or 13, wherein each of the first, second, and third air pilot valves of each filter unit is fluidly coupled to a different port of its respective filter unit.

[0276] Example 15, the system according to Example 14, wherein the first air pilot valves are fluidly coupled to a slurry inlet port of each filter unit, the second air pilot valves are fluidly coupled to a slurry outlet of each filter unit, and the third air pilot valves are fluidly coupled to a filter pressurization air inlet port operable to drive slurry through a filter medium of each filter unit.

[0277] Example 16, the system according to any of Examples 12 to 15, wherein the slurry is an agricultural slurry.

[0278] Example 17, a method for filtering a slurry, the method comprising: providing the slurry filter comprising a body defining an internal central passage, a filter media arranged in the 2026204491   11 Jun 2026 central passage and defining comprising an internal filtrate chamber and an annular slurry inlet plenum arranged defined between the body and filter media; flowing slurry into the slurry inlet plenum at a first end of the body; pressurizing the slurry inlet plenum to force the slurry radially inwards through the filter media to deposit a filtrate in the filtrate chamber; pressurizing the filtrate chamber to force the filtrate to a filtrate outlet port at a second end of the body opposite the first end.

[0279] Example 18, a slurry filter unit comprising: a body defining centerline axis; a first end, an opposite second end, and an internal central passage extending between the ends along centerline axis; a holder supporting an elongated filter media in the central passage, the filter media defining an internal filtrate chamber and an annular slurry inlet plenum arranged defined between the body and filter media; a slurry inlet port oriented radially to the centerline axis at the first end and a filtrate outlet port at the second end oriented parallel to the centerline axis; a filter pressurization air inlet port oriented radially to the centerline axis and fluidly coupled to the annular slurry inlet plenum for forcing slurry in the plenum radially through the filter media into the filtrate chamber; and an air port oriented parallel to the centerline axis and fluidly coupled to filtrate chamber for forcing filtrate therein to the slurry outlet.

[0280] Example 19, the system according to Example 18, further comprising an air manifold fluidly coupled to the air port, the air manifold fluidly coupled to a first air valve fluidly coupled in turn to a low pressure source of air at a first pressure, and a second air valve fluidly coupled in turn to a high pressure source of air at a second pressure higher than the first pressure.

[0281] Example 20, the system according to Example 19, wherein the manifold is further fluidly coupled to a vent valve in communication with atmosphere for venting air from the filter unit.

[0282] Example 21, the system according to any one of Examples 18-20, further comprising filter pressurization air inlet port fluidly coupled to the slurry inlet plenum and a filter pressurization air valve.

[0283] Example 22, the system according to any one of Examples 18-21, further comprising a filter backwash inlet port fluidly coupled to the slurry inlet plenum and a filter backwash valve fluidly coupled to a pressurized source of water, and a waste port fluidly coupled to the slurry inlet plenum at a location distal to the filter backwash inlet port. 2026204491   11 Jun 2026

[0284] Example 23, the system according to any one of Examples 18-22, further comprising a programmable system controller operably coupled to the filter unit and configured to control operation of the filter unit.

[0285] Example 24, a soil sample collection apparatus comprising: a support frame configured for mounting to a vehicle; a collection apparatus comprising: a coulter blade rotatably coupled to the frame; a knife assembly coupled to the frame proximate to the coulter blade; and a collection spool movably mounted to the knife assembly, the collection spool defining a longitudinal axis and comprising a collection cavity configured to capture a soil sample; a spool drive mechanism operably coupled to the collection spool and configured to rotate the collection spool; wherein the collection spool is rotatable between an open position for capturing the soil sample, and a closed position for retaining the soil sample in the collection cavity.

[0286] Example 25, the apparatus according to Example 24, wherein the collection spool has an elongated cylindrical tubular body and is rotatably and axially slideably received in a complementary configured elongated slot in the knife assembly.

[0287] Example 26, the apparatus according to Examples 24 or 25, wherein the spool drive mechanism includes a rotatable gear drive operably coupled the collection spool, the gear drive operable to rotate the spool between the open and closed positions.

[0288] Example 27, the apparatus according to Example 26, wherein the spool drive mechanism further comprises spool positioning actuator operably coupled to the collection spool, the spool drive mechanism operable to move the collection spool in a vertical axial direction between a lower position for capturing the soil sample, and an upper position for ejecting the sample from the collection cavity.

[0289] Example 28, the apparatus according to Example 27, wherein the spool positioning actuator is electrically, pneumatically, or hydraulically powered.

[0290] Example 29, the apparatus according to any one of Examples 27 or 28, further comprising a sample ejector slideably disposed at least partially within the collection cavity of the collection spool, the ejector configured and operable to eject the captured soil sample from the collection cavity when the collection spool is moved from the lower position to upper position.

[0291] Example 30, the apparatus according to Example 29, wherein the ejector has an angled scraper end configured to wedge the soil sample out from the collection cavity. 2026204491   11 Jun 2026

[0292] Example 31, the apparatus according to Examples 29 or 30, wherein the sample ejector is rotationally interlocked with the collection spool via the collection cavity such that rotating the gear drive rotates the collection spool in turn therewith between the open and closed positions.

[0293] Example 32, the apparatus according to any one of Examples 29-31, wherein the sample ejector is fixedly mounted to the gear drive in a stationary position relative to the collection spool such that as the collection spool is raised or lowered, the ejector slides up and down within the collection cavity of the collection spool.

[0294] Example 33, the apparatus according to any one of Examples 26-32, wherein the gear drive comprises a motor having a drive gear and a driven gear operably interfaced with the collection spool via the sample ejector.

[0295] Example 34, the apparatus according to Example 27, wherein the spool positioning actuator comprises a piston rod operably coupled to the collection spool, the piston rod extendible to lower the collection spool in the knife assembly and retractable to raise the spool in the knife assembly.

[0296] Example 35, the apparatus according to Example 34, wherein the piston rod is coupled to the collection spool by a swivel coupling, the swivel coupling configured to allow the collection spool to freely rotate relative to the piston rod when the collection spool is rotated by the gear drive.

[0297] Example 36, the apparatus according to Example 35, wherein the swivel coupling comprises a collar fixedly coupled to the piston rod, and a fastening member rotatably supported by the collar and fixedly attached to the collection spool, the fastening member and collection spool rotatable relative to the collar.

[0298] Example 37, the apparatus according to Example 36, further comprising at least one bearing rotatably supporting the fastening member on the collar.

[0299] Example 38, the apparatus according to Example 36, further comprising a tubular connector fixedly coupled to the collar and piston rod top form a rigid connection therebetween.

[0300] Example 39, the apparatus according to Example 38, wherein the connector tubular comprise a longitudinal through passage which receives the fastening member of the swivel coupling therein. 2026204491   11 Jun 2026

[0301] Example 40, the apparatus according to any one of Examples 24-39, wherein the knife assembly is pivotably coupled to the coulter blade for movement in an arcuate path between a first angled position and a second angled position.

[0302] Example 41, the apparatus according to Example 40, wherein the knife assembly is vertically oriented in the second angled position and obliquely angled to vertical in the first angled position.

[0303] Example 42, the apparatus according to Examples 40 or 41, further comprising a knife positioning actuator operably coupled to knife assembly, the knife positioning actuator operable to move the knife assembly between the first and second angled positions.

[0304] Example 43, the apparatus according to any one of Examples 40-42, further comprising a pivot arm linkage pivotably coupled at opposite ends to a central hub rotatably supporting the coulter blade and the knife assembly.

[0305] Example 44, the apparatus according to Example 43, wherein the hub defines a pivot axis of the knife assembly.

[0306] Example 45, the apparatus according to any one of Examples 24-44, wherein the collection apparatus is mounted to a movable carriage supported by the support frame, the carriage vertically movable between an upper position for transport and a lower position for collecting the soil sample.

[0307] Example 46, the apparatus according to Example 45, wherein the carriage comprises a plurality of rollers which rollingly engage a pair of guide rails for raising and lowering the carriage and collection apparatus.

[0308] Example 47, the apparatus according to Example 46, wherein each guide rails is engaged by a pair of front rollers, a pair of rear rollers, and a pair of lateral outboard rollers to stabilize movement of the carriage.

[0309] Example 48, the apparatus according to any one of Examples 45-47, wherein the carriage is coupled to a carriage actuator operable to raise and lower the carriage on the guide rails.

[0310] Example 49, the apparatus according to any one of Examples 45-48, wherein the support frame comprises a substantially horizontal primary frame section configured for direct or indirect detachable mounting to the vehicle, a rearward-most collection apparatus frame section which supports the collection apparatus, and a substantially vertical intermediate rail frame section which supports a carriage chassis to which the carriage is movably mounted. 2026204491   11 Jun 2026

[0311] Example 50, the apparatus according to any one of Examples 24-49, further comprising a second collection spool rotatably supported by the knife assembly and operably coupled to the a spool drive mechanism, wherein the second collection spool is rotatable independently of the collection spool between an open position for capturing the soil sample, and a closed position for retaining the soil sample in a collection cavity of the second collection spool.

[0312] Example 51, a method for capturing a soil sample from an agricultural field comprising: providing a collection apparatus comprising a rotatable coulter blade, and a knife assembly arranged proximate to the coulter blade and comprising at least one rotatable collection spool comprising a collection cavity configured for capturing the soil sample; plowing through the soil with the collection apparatus in a direction of travel generally parallel to a surface of the soil; rotating the collection spool from a first closed position in which the collection cavity is shielded from the soil to an open position in which the collection cavity is exposed to the soil; capturing the soil sample in the collection cavity of the collection spool; and rotating the collection spool to a second closed position for retaining the soil sample.

[0313] Example 52, the method according to Example 51, further comprising raising the collection spool in the second closed position; and ejecting the soil sample from the cavity.

[0314] Example 53, the method according to Example 52, further comprising rotating the collection spool back to the first closed position after the ejecting step; and lowering the collection spool in the knife assembly.

[0315] Example 54, the method according to any one of Examples 52 or 53, wherein the ejecting step comprises scraping the soil sample out of the collection cavity of the collection spool with a stationary ejector slideable within the collection cavity when collection spool is raised.

[0316] Example 55, the method according to Example 54, wherein the ejector is fixedly mounted to a gear drive operable to rotate the collection spool between the closed and open positions, the ejector forming a rotational interlock with the collection cavity of the collection spool for rotating the collection spool via operation of the gear drive.

[0317] Example 56, the method according to any one of Examples 52-55, further comprising a spool positioning actuator operably coupled to the collection spool and operable to raise and lower the collection spool.

[0318] Example 57, the method according to any one of Examples 52-56, wherein the collection cavity of the collection spool faces forward or rearward in the knife assembly when in the first or 2026204491   11 Jun 2026 second closed positions, and faces laterally outwards from the knife assembly when in the open position.

[0319] Example 58, a method for capturing soil samples from an agricultural field comprising: providing a collection apparatus comprising a rotatable coulter blade, and a knife assembly arranged proximate to the coulter blade and comprising rotatable first and second collection spools each comprising a collection cavity configured for capturing soil samples; placing each of the first and second collection spools in a first closed position; plowing through the with the collection apparatus in a direction of travel generally parallel to a surface of the soil; rotating the first collection spool from a first closed position in which the collection cavity is shielded from the soil to an open position in which the collection cavity is exposed to the soil to capture a first soil sample in the collection cavity; rotating the first collection spool to a second closed position for retaining the first soil sample; raising the first collection spool in the second closed position and ejecting the first soil sample from the collection cavity; simultaneous with raising the first collection spool, rotating the second collection spool from a first closed position in which the collection cavity is shielded from the soil to an open position in which the collection cavity is exposed to the soil to capture a second soil sample in the collection cavity of the second collection spool.

[0320] Example 59, the method according to Example 58, further comprising rotating the second collection spool to a second closed position for retaining the second soil sample; and raising the second collection spool in the second closed position and ejecting the second soil sample from the collection cavity.

[0321] Example 60, the method according to Example 59, further comprising rotating the first collection spool back to the first closed position and lowering the first collection spool.

[0322] While the foregoing description and drawings represent some example systems, it will be understood that various additions, modifications and substitutions may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope and range of equivalents of the accompanying claims. In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that embodiments of the present disclosure may be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, sizes, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. In addition, numerous variations in the methods / processes described herein may be made. One skilled in the art will further appreciate that the embodiments of the present disclosure may be used 2026204491   11 Jun 2026 with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, sizes, materials, and components and otherwise, used in the practice of the embodiments of the present disclosure, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles of the present embodiments of the present disclosure. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof, and not limited to the foregoing description or embodiments. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A micropump for a microfluidic device, the micropump comprising:a first layer;a second layer adjacent the first layer;a resiliently flexible diaphragm arranged at an interface between the first and second layers, the diaphragm having a peripheral edge extending perimetrically around the diaphragm; anda first pump chamber formed on a first side of the diaphragm and a second pump chamber formed on a second side of the diaphragm;a plurality of restraining tabs protruding radially inwards from the first layer into the first pump chamber;wherein the restraining tabs abuttingly engage the peripheral edge of diaphragm.

2. The micropump according to claim 1, further comprising an air inlet fluidly coupled to the first chamber, a fluid inlet fluidly coupled to the second pump chamber, and a fluid outlet fluidly coupled to the second pump chamber.

3. The micropump according to claim 2, wherein the restraining tabs are perimetrically spaced apart from each other around a perimeter of the first pump chamber.

4. The micropump according to claim 1, further comprising a circumferential sealing channel recessed into the first layer around a perimeter of the first pump chamber, the sealing channel at least partially receiving the diaphragm therein.

5. The micropump according to claim 1, further comprising a raised annular lip arranged at an inner edge of the sealing channel, the annular lip separating the sealing channel from a main central recess of the first pump chamber.

6. The micropump according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of anti-stall grooves formed in the second pump chamber.

7. A method for assembling a micropump for a microfluidic device comprising: providing a first layer including a first pump chamber;2026204491   11 Jun 2026positioning a resiliently deformable diaphragm on the first layer above the first pump chamber;positioning a second layer on the first layer and diaphragm;compressing the diaphragm between the first and second layers which causes the diaphragm to grow radially outwards; andengaging peripheral edges of the diaphragm with a plurality of restraining tabs arranged around the first pump chamber to restrain the outward growth of the diaphragm.

8. A method for preparing a slurry mixture in a microfluidic device, the method comprising:providing in the microfluidic device a first micropump, a second micropump fluidly coupled to the first micropump by a first microchannel comprising a microvalve, and a third micropump fluidly coupled to the second micropump by a second microchannel;each of the micropumps comprising a chamber comprising a pneumatically deformable diaphragm changeable between a closed position for discharging pumping a fluid and an open position for receiving the fluid;opening a slurry inlet microvalve fluidly coupled to the first micropump;changing position of the first micropump from the closed position to the open position;drawing slurry into the first micropump;closing the slurry inlet microvalve;opening an extractant inlet microvalve fluidly coupled to the first micropump;opening an intermediate microvalve disposed in the first microchannel between the first and second micropumps;changing position of the second micropump from the closed position to the open position;drawing extractant into the first micropump; andmixing the slurry and extractant form a slurry-extractant mixture.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising drawing the slurry-extractant mixture from the first micropump into the second micropump as a result of changing position of the second micropump from the closed position to the open position.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising:2026204491   11 Jun 2026changing position of the first micropump from the open position to the closed position, and simultaneously changing position of a third micropump from the closed position to the open position, the third micropump fluidly coupled to the second micropump; andclosing the intermediate microvalve between the first and second micropumps; andchanging position of the second micropump from the open position to the closed position which pumps the slurry-extractant mixture into the third micropump.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising changing position of the third micropump from the open position to the closed position which pumps the slurry-extractant mixture to an ultrafine filter configured to produce a clear filtered supernatant capable of being chemically analyzed for an analyte in the slurry-extractant mixture.

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