Agricultural slurry filter unit

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automated, computer-controlled sampling system and related methods for collecting, processing, and analyzing various chemical properties of agricultural samples, such as plant-available nutrients. The sampling system allows for the processing and analysis of multiple samples for different analytes or chemical properties in a simultaneous, concurrent, or semi-concurrent manner. Advantageously, the system can process soil samples in "as collected" condition without the need for drying or grinding. The system generally includes a sample preparation subsystem that receives soil samples collected by a probe collection subsystem and produces a slurry (i.e., a mixture of soil, vegetation, and / or fertilizer and water), and a chemical analysis subsystem that processes the prepared slurry sample to quantify multiple analytes and / or chemical properties of the sample. The sample preparation subsystem and chemical analysis subsystem can be used to analyze soil, vegetation, and / or fertilizer samples. A soil collection system is disclosed that gathers samples and directs them to the sampling system for processing.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 017,789, filed April 30, 2020; U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 018,120, filed April 30, 2020; U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 018,153, filed April 30, 2020; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 017,840, filed April 30, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to agricultural sampling and analysis, and more specifically to fully automated systems for performing soil and other types of agricultural-related sampling and chemical characterization analysis. Background Technology

[0004] Periodic soil testing is an important aspect of agricultural technology. Test results provide valuable information about soil chemical composition, such as the nutrients available to plants and other important properties (e.g., levels of nitrogen, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, pH, etc.), enabling the addition of various amendments to the soil to maximize crop quality and yield.

[0005] In some existing soil sampling procedures, the collected sample is dried, ground, water is added, and then filtered to obtain a soil slurry suitable for analysis. An extractant is added to the slurry to extract nutrients available to plants. The slurry is then filtered to produce a clear solution or supernatant, which is mixed with chemical reagents for further analysis.

[0006] The goal is to improve testing of soil, vegetation, and fertilizers. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure provides an automated, computer-controlled sampling system (hereinafter referred to as the "soil sampling system") and related methods for collecting, processing, and analyzing various chemical properties of soil samples, such as plant-available nutrients. The sampling system allows for the relatively continuous and rapid sequential processing and analysis of multiple samples in a simultaneous or semi-concurrent manner to analyze different analytes (e.g., plant-available nutrients) and / or chemical properties (e.g., pH). Advantageously, the system can process soil samples under "as collected" conditions without the previously described drying and grinding steps.

[0008] This system typically includes a sample preparation subsystem and a chemical analysis subsystem. The sample preparation subsystem receives soil samples collected by a probe collection subsystem and produces a slurry (i.e., a mixture of soil, vegetation, and / or fertilizer and water) for further processing and chemical analysis. The chemical analysis subsystem receives and processes the prepared slurry sample from the sample preparation subsystem to quantify the analytes and / or chemical properties of the sample. The described chemical analysis subsystem can be used to analyze soil, vegetation, and / or fertilizer samples.

[0009] In one embodiment, the sample preparation system typically includes a mixer-filter device that mixes a collected raw soil sample, in “sampled” (e.g., undried and uncrushed) conditions, with water to form a sample slurry. The mixer-filter device then filters the slurry during extraction from the device for processing in a chemical analysis subsystem. The chemical analysis subsystem processes the slurry and performs the general functions of adding / mixing extractants and colorimetric reagents, centrifuging the slurry sample to produce a clear supernatant, and ultimately sensing or analyzing it for the detection of analytes and / or chemical properties (e.g., via colorimetric analysis).

[0010] Although the sampling system (e.g., sample collection, preparation, and treatment) may be described herein in relation to the treatment of soil samples, representing one class of uses of the disclosed embodiments, it should be understood that the same system and related processes, including the device, can also be used to treat other types of agricultural-related samples, including but not limited to vegetation / plants, forage, fertilizer, feed, milk, or other types of samples. Therefore, the disclosure herein should be broadly considered as an agricultural sampling system. Consequently, this disclosure is clearly not limited to treating and analyzing soil samples solely for chemical properties of interest. Attached Figure Description

[0011] This disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which similar elements are similarly labeled, and wherein:

[0012] Figure 1A This is a basic schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the agricultural sample analysis system;

[0013] Figure 1B This is a basic schematic diagram of a second embodiment of an agricultural sample analysis system that includes closed-loop slurry recycling;

[0014] Figure 2 It can be used in Figure 1A or Figure 1B A perspective view of a first embodiment of a slurry density meter in a system;

[0015] Figure 3 This is its first side view;

[0016] Figure 4 This is its second side view;

[0017] Figure 5 This is its first end view;

[0018] Figure 6 This is its second end view;

[0019] Figure 7 This is its top view;

[0020] Figure 8 This is its bottom view;

[0021] Figure 9 This is its first longitudinal sectional view;

[0022] Figure 10 This is its second longitudinal sectional view;

[0023] Figure 11 It is its longitudinal perspective sectional view;

[0024] Figure 12 It can be used in Figure 1A or Figure 1B A first perspective view of a second embodiment of a slurry density meter in a system;

[0025] Figure 13 This is its second perspective view;

[0026] Figure 14 This is a third perspective view of the control system with the circumferential plate removed.

[0027] Figure 15 This is its longitudinal sectional view;

[0028] Figure 16A The image shows a portion of the oscillating tube of a densitometer, illustrating the accumulation of iron particles in the slurry on the inside of the tube, caused by the magnetic field of a permanent magnet attached to the tube.

[0029] Figure 16B A first embodiment of a magnetic isolation component attached to an oscillating tube is shown;

[0030] Figure 16C A second embodiment of a magnetic isolation component attached to an oscillating tube is shown;

[0031] Figure 16D A third embodiment of a magnetic isolation component attached to an oscillating tube is shown;

[0032] Figure 16E A fourth embodiment of a magnetic isolation component attached to an oscillating tube is shown;

[0033] Figure 16FThis illustrates possible directional vibrational motions for an oscillating tube;

[0034] Figure 16G The image shows an oscillating tube mounted in a vertical orientation.

[0035] Figure 17 This is a first perspective view of a first embodiment of a fine filter unit;

[0036] Figure 18 This is its second perspective view;

[0037] Figure 19 This is its bottom view;

[0038] Figure 20 This is its top view;

[0039] Figure 21 This is its side sectional view;

[0040] Figure 22 This is a first perspective view of a second embodiment of the fine filter unit;

[0041] Figure 23 This is its second perspective view;

[0042] Figure 24 This is its end view;

[0043] Figure 25 This is its top view;

[0044] Figure 26 This is its side sectional view;

[0045] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of a pumpless system for mixing soil slurry using pressurized air;

[0046] Figure 28 This is a first graph showing the amount of dilution (e.g., water) added to the slurry in contrast to the slurry density;

[0047] Figure 29 It is its second chart; and

[0048] Figure 30 It is its third chart;

[0049] Figure 31 This is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a microfluidic processing disk with a micropump, the microfluidic processing disk including a plurality of inlet and outlet ports formed in a lower chamber;

[0050] Figure 32 This is a perspective view of the analytical processing wedge of a microfluidic processing disk, which includes an alternative embodiment of a micropump comprising a diaphragm limiting tab;

[0051] Figure 33 It is a perspective view of the active layer of the analytical processing wedge, including the lower part of the micropump;

[0052] Figure 34 This is its top view;

[0053] Figure 35 From Figure 34 An enlarged view of the excerpted miniature pump;

[0054] Figure 36 From Figure 35 A sectional view taken from the cross section;

[0055] Figure 37 yes Figure 35 Top perspective view of the lower chamber of the miniature pump;

[0056] Figure 38 This is a perspective view of a pressure-amplified electro-pneumatic control air valve;

[0057] Figure 39 This is its top view;

[0058] Figure 40 This is its cross-sectional view;

[0059] Figure 41 This is a top view of the analysis processing wedge, showing a fluid-interconnected array of micropumps;

[0060] Figure 42 Is using Figure 38 A schematic diagram of a multi-channel control air system with multiple pressure-amplified electro-pneumatic control air valves to control the operation of an ultrafine filter unit;

[0061] Figure 43 This is a side cross-sectional view of the ultrafine filter unit;

[0062] Figure 44 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mobile soil sampling system according to the present disclosure;

[0063] Figure 45 It is the top-back perspective of its collection components;

[0064] Figure 46 This is its front top perspective view;

[0065] Figure 47 yes Figure 46 Enlarged detail image;

[0066] Figure 48 yes Figure 45 A horizontal cross-sectional view of the tool assembly of the collection component;

[0067] Figure 49 This is the bottom perspective view after the collection of components;

[0068] Figure 50 This is its front bottom perspective view;

[0069] Figure 51 This is its front view;

[0070] Figure 52 This is its rear view;

[0071] Figure 53 This is its left-side view;

[0072] Figure 54 This is its right-side view;

[0073] Figure 55 This is its top view;

[0074] Figure 56 This is its bottom view;

[0075] Figure 57 This is a post-explosion diagram of the collection device for the collection components;

[0076] Figure 58 It is its pre-expansion diagram;

[0077] Figure 59 This is a top perspective exploded view of a part of the spool drive mechanism of the collection device;

[0078] Figure 60 This is its bottom perspective exploded view;

[0079] Figure 61 This is an assembled perspective view of the gear transmission of the reel drive mechanism;

[0080] Figure 62 It is a perspective view of its driven gear connected to the collection reel;

[0081] Figure 63 This is a bottom perspective view of the driven gear assembly;

[0082] Figure 64 This is its top perspective view;

[0083] Figure 65 This is a side sectional view of a gear transmission device;

[0084] Figure 66 It is a perspective view showing a gear transmission device with a drive gear and a driven gear;

[0085] Figure 67 This is a first side view of the collection device in the active soil sample collection position, with the collection device in the first angular rotation position and in contact with the soil.

[0086] Figure 68 This is a second side view of the collecting device with the device in the second angular rotation position;

[0087] Figure 69 This is a side view of the collection device in its retracted position.

[0088] Figure 70 is a front perspective view of the bracket chassis supporting the collection assembly of the rolling bracket, on which the collection device is mounted;

[0089] Figure 71 is its rear perspective view;

[0090] Figure 72 is its front view;

[0091] Figure 73 is its rear view;

[0092] Figure 74 This is its right-side view;

[0093] Figure 75 This is its top view;

[0094] Figure 76 This is its bottom view;

[0095] Figure 77 This is the subsequent exploded diagram;

[0096] Figure 78 It is its pre-expansion diagram;

[0097] Figure 79 This is a rear perspective view of a bracket with wheels or rollers and guide rails; the outer bracket frame has been removed for clarity.

[0098] Figure 80 This is its front perspective view;

[0099] Figure 81 is a perspective view of the collection reel of the collection device;

[0100] Figure 82 is its enlarged perspective view;

[0101] Figure 83 This is a rear perspective view of an alternative dual-spindle embodiment of the collection device, showing the gear transmission of the spindle drive mechanism.

[0102] Figure 84 This is a rear perspective view with a gear-driven motor installed.

[0103] Figure 85 Top perspective view of part of the gearbox, including the driven gear and one of the collection reels;

[0104] Figure 86 It is its exploded perspective view;

[0105] Figure 87This is a left-side view of the tool assembly of the collecting device, showing the reel drive mechanism with the reel positioning actuator support frame removed.

[0106] Figure 88 It is the left-side view of the structure with its supporting frame;

[0107] Figure 89 This is the first left perspective view of the tool assembly;

[0108] Figure 90 This is its second left-side perspective view;

[0109] Figure 91 This is a horizontal cross-sectional view of two reel cutter assemblies;

[0110] Figure 92 This is an exploded perspective view of the driven gear assembly;

[0111] Figure 93 This is its assembled view;

[0112] Figure 94 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a complete reel operation cycle for embodiments using single or dual reels.

[0113] All figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise expressly stated, parts that are numbered in one figure but not in other figures are identical. Unless otherwise expressly stated, references to the full figure numbers appearing in multiple figures with the same full number but different letter suffixes should be interpreted as general references to all such figures.

[0114] Any reference to a drawing number preceded by "P-" is a reference to the same drawing number in WO2020 / 012369. Detailed Implementation

[0115] This document illustrates and describes the features and benefits of the present disclosure by referring to exemplary (“Example”) embodiments. This description of exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which should be considered an integral part of the entire written description. Therefore, this disclosure is not expressly intended to be limited to such exemplary embodiments, which illustrate some possible non-limiting combinations of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features.

[0116] In the description of the embodiments disclosed herein, any references to direction or orientation are merely for convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way. Relative terms (such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” and “bottom”) and their derivatives (e.g., “horizontally,” “downward,” “upward,” etc.) should be interpreted as referring to the orientation as subsequently described or shown in the accompanying drawings. These relative terms are merely for convenience of description and do not require the device to be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms such as “attach,” “fix,” “connect,” “link,” “interconnect,” and similar terms refer to relationships in which structures are directly or indirectly fixed or attached to each other, either through intervening structures, and both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless otherwise expressly indicated.

[0117] As used throughout this document, any scope disclosed herein is used as a shorthand to describe each value within that scope. Any value within a scope may be chosen as the endpoint of that scope. Furthermore, all references cited herein are incorporated herein in their entirety. In the event of any conflict between definitions in this disclosure and those in the cited references, this disclosure shall prevail.

[0118] The following application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: International Application No. PCT / IB2019 / 055862, filed July 10, 2019, claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 696,271, filed July 10, 2018; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 729,623, filed September 11, 2018; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 745,606, filed October 15, 2018; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 792,987, filed January 15, 2019; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 829,807, filed April 5, 2019; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 860,297, filed June 12, 2019.

[0119] The chemicals can be solvents, extractants, and / or reagents. Solvents can be any fluid used to prepare the slurry as described herein. In a preferred embodiment, the solvent is water because it is readily available, but any other solvent can be used. Solvents can be used both as solvents and as extractants. Gases can be any gas. In a preferred embodiment, the gas is air because it is readily available, but any gas can be used.

[0120] Test material refers to supernatant, filtrate, or a combination of supernatant and filtrate. Other forms of test material may also be used when used in a specific form (supernatant or filtrate) as specified in this instruction manual.

[0121] Fluid transporters can be pumps, differential pressure, or a combination of pumps and differential pressure.

[0122] Microfluidic slurry processing system Modification Plan

[0123] Figures 33 to 37 A modified version of the pneumatically actuated diaphragm micropump 5760 is shown, for example, as illustrated in Figures P-256 to P-258 previously described herein. This micropump is an integrated device of the analytical processing wedge 312 of a microfluidic processing disk 310. The micropump 5760 can be used as an extraction pump 330, a slurry pump 331, a reagent pump 332, a delivery pump 333, or other pumps that may be required by a microfluidic agricultural sample slurry processing and analysis system. These micropumps are incorporated into a microchannel network 325 of a microfluidic device, which may be the processing wedge 312 of the microfluidic processing disk 310 previously described herein. The micropump applies power to the fluid to drive it through the microchannel network and various flow-related features of the disk. It is noteworthy that in some other embodiments, the micropump may be embodied in a microfluidic manifold of any suitable polygonal or non-polygonal configuration, rather than in a processing wedge. Therefore, microfluidic devices including micropumps are explicitly not limited to wedge-shaped devices, which may be part of a microfluidic processing disk. Therefore, the term "microfluidic device" should be interpreted broadly; for ease of reference, the processing wedge is used only as a non-limiting example of a microfluidic device.

[0124] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a diaphragm-restricting feature can be provided for forming a micropump 5760 for diaphragm operation. This diaphragm-restricting feature prevents the flexible diaphragm 5763 from spreading when adjacent upper layers 5761 and lower layers 5762 of a multilayer microfluidic processing disk 310 defining the pressure holding boundary of the micropump are compressed and bonded together. This prevents the peripheral edges of the diaphragm from migrating outward beyond the outer boundary of the recess formed by the lower pump chamber 5765 in the lower layer 5762, which could otherwise prevent the formation of a suitable leak-proof seal around the diaphragm and the lower pump chamber, a seal necessary for the pneumatic pressurization of the micropump during operation.

[0125] Figures 33 to 37A non-limiting embodiment of the diaphragm limiting features for a micropump 7510 is shown. Thus, in one embodiment, the micropump 7510 may include a plurality of spaced-apart and inwardly projecting limiting tabs 7500 (described further below) positioned around the periphery of an upper chamber 5764 of the micropump. A peripherally extending sealing channel 7505 is recessed into an upper layer 5761 (e.g., a first layer) around the periphery of the upper pump chamber 5764. A lower layer 5762 previously described herein (see, for example, Figures P-256 to P-258) can be considered a second layer engaging with either the first or upper layer. The channel 7505 is separated from the main central recess 7506 of the upper pump chamber 5764 by a raised, projecting annular lip 7502 disposed at the inner edge of the sealing channel 7505. The lip 7502, when positioned on the upper layer 5761, supports a peripheral portion of the diaphragm 5763 until the layers are compressed and assembled together. The main central recess 7506 defines a flat top surface 5764-2 of the upper pump chamber 5764, as previously described herein (see also Figures P-257 to P-258). Preferably, but not necessarily, the limiting tab 7500 is disposed on a microfluidic device layer (e.g., upper layer 5761) having a flat chamber. Figures 33 to 37 The upper layer 5761, located at the bottom, is shown when the microfluidic device or disk is in the assembled position to keep the diaphragm centered between the tabs 7500 until the upper and lower layers are attached to each other. This is the opposite of the position of the upper and lower layers of the microfluidic processing disk shown in Figures P-257 to P-258 (which does not necessarily have to be in the assembled position).

[0126] The micropump 7510 of the present invention operates in the same manner as described herein with respect to the micropump 5760 to pump fluid. It is also worth noting that, although not in… Figures 32 to 37 As shown, the lower pump chamber 5765, opposite the reconfigured upper pump chamber 5764 shown, may also optionally incorporate the anti-stall groove 5769, which has been described elsewhere herein and is shown in Figures P-256 to P-258.

[0127] As shown in the figure, the limiting tab 7500 protrudes radially inward from the upper layer 5761 of the micropump 7510 in the microfluidic processing disk into the upper pump chamber 5764 and the sealing channel 7505. The tab 7500 can have any suitable polygonal or non-polygonal shape or a combination thereof. In a non-limiting embodiment shown in the figure, the tab 7500 may each have a flat inner surface formed between a pair of arcuately curved side surfaces connected to the upper layer 5761 (ideally in...). Figure 35(As shown in the diagram). The tabs can be integrally formed as part of the overall structure of the upper layer 5761; the layers of the microfluidic processing disk 310 are formed of a preferably clear polymeric material adhered together, as previously described herein. The sealing channel 7505 includes an upwardly opening recess for receiving at least partially the diaphragm material therein when the diaphragm is compressed between the upper layer 5761 and the lower layer 5762 as multiple layers of the analytical processing wedge 312 of the microfluidic processing disk 310 are assembled. This forms a leak-proof seal around the diaphragm and the micropump 7510.

[0128] Figure 35 A diaphragm 5763 (shown in dashed lines) is positioned in the upper pump chamber 5764 of the micropump 7510, and the diaphragm 5763 is prepared for assembly between the adjacent upper layer 5761 and lower layer 5762 of the microfluidic processing disk. The peripheral edges 5763-3 of the diaphragm 5763 are shown as slightly contacting and engaging the inner edge or inner surface of the inwardly projecting limiting tab 7500 to properly position the diaphragm. When the upper and lower layers of the disk, together with the diaphragm therebetween, are compressed, the deformable diaphragm will flatten and attempt to expand radially outward in all directions, but its expansion is limited by the limiting tab 7500. This prevents the diaphragm 5763 from migrating outward beyond the sealing channel 7505 (which would otherwise adversely affect the seal), ensuring a proper leak-proof seal is formed around the micropump 7510.

[0129] A process or method for assembling a micropump for a microfluidic device can be summarized as generally comprising: providing a first layer including a first pump chamber; positioning an elastically deformable diaphragm over the first pump chamber on the first layer; positioning a second layer on the first layer and the diaphragm; compressing the diaphragm between the first layer and the second layer to cause the diaphragm to expand radially outward; and engaging the peripheral edge of the diaphragm with a plurality of limiting tabs arranged around the first pump chamber to limit the outward expansion of the diaphragm.

[0130] In one embodiment, a microfluidic pump for a microfluidic device may be considered to generally include: a first layer; a second layer adjacent to the first layer; a resilient, flexible diaphragm disposed at the interface between the first and second layers, the diaphragm having a peripheral edge extending circumferentially around the diaphragm; 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; and a plurality of limiting tabs projecting radially inward from the first layer into the first pump chamber. The limiting tabs engage adjacently with the peripheral edge of the diaphragm to limit the diaphragm.

[0131] Analysis of flow cell formation angle flow path

[0132] According to another aspect of the analytical flow cell 4150, 3800, or 337, a central flow path and internal flow conduits extend through a portion or area of ​​the cell (e.g., flow cell window 4157, Figure P-129) through which the analyte measurement is obtained. These central flow paths and internal flow conduits are preferably oriented at an angle to a horizontal reference plane Hp, which can be imagined as passing through and encompassing the geometric center of an elongated shape of the flow cell window 4157 as shown in Figure P-129. In Figure P-129, the flow cell window 4157 is oriented horizontally parallel to the horizontal reference plane Hp. However, an angled orientation of the flow cell window is advantageous because any air bubbles within the sample fluid (e.g., supernatant) will interfere with and disrupt the measurement readings. However, when the fluid flow path in the measuring portion of the flow cell is vertical or largely vertical, any air bubbles carried from upstream flow components (e.g., pumps, micropumps, mixing chambers, etc.) will float to the top due to their buoyancy. This carries bubbles through and out of the optical measurement path of the flow cell, and these bubbles do not become trapped or accumulate close to the measurement optical path in the flow cell window 4157 (see, for example, Figure P-129). The fluid velocity supplemented by the buoyancy of the bubbles keeps them suspended and moving along the flow path until they rise out of the optical measurement area. Without this combination, bubbles tend to stick to the walls of the flow path, and surface tension makes them difficult to remove.

[0133] Therefore, in various embodiments, the flow cell window (e.g., flow cell window 4157) for measuring the analyte of any embodiment of the flow cell disclosed herein can be oriented between 0 and 90 degrees with respect to the horizontal reference plane Hp, preferably at least 30 degrees. In some embodiments, the flow cell analysis window can be vertically oriented or oriented at 90 degrees with respect to the horizontal reference plane. In some embodiments, this can be achieved by oriented the entire analytical flow cell or the components in which the flow cell is arranged at an angle to the horizontal reference plane such that the measurement flow cell window is also oriented at an angle to the horizontal reference plane. This can be illustrated with reference to Figure P-129 as an example. The analytical flow cell 4150 will be oriented at an angle such that the central flow cell window 4157 through which the colorimetric measurement light passes achieves the aforementioned preferred angular orientation with respect to the horizontal reference plane Hp. When the analytical flow cell 337 is integrally formed within the layer of the analytical processing wedge 312 of the microfluidic processing disk 310 (see, for example, Figure P-263), the entire wedge or disk is oriented at an angle to the horizontal reference plane to position the analytical flow cell window at an angle to the horizontal reference plane.

[0134] In addition to oriented the fluid flow path of the measuring portion (i.e., the flow cell window) of the analytical flow cell at an angle similar to (e.g., nearly vertical in some embodiments) to the horizontal reference plane Hp, it is advantageous to also oriented any fluid chamber immediately upstream of the similarly angled or vertical flow cell. This upstream fluid chamber can be a diaphragm pump, a holding chamber, a fluid passage, or any other chamber that allows gravity and buoyancy to separate bubbles from the flow path when fluid is preferably drawn from the lower portion of the chamber. This primarily minimizes or prevents bubbles from reaching the analytical flow cell apparatus. In some embodiments, this can be achieved by specifically oriented the upstream chamber preferably at at least 30 degrees to the horizontal reference plane and approximately vertical (i.e., 90 degrees to it). In some embodiments, instead of oriented the flow cell windows of these analytical cells at an angle, or otherwise, a degassing device, such as, but not limited to, a commercially available bubble trap, can be used upstream of the non-microfluidic processing disk analytical flow cell 4150 or 3800 disclosed herein.

[0135] The following sections describe various modifications to the aforementioned agricultural sample analysis system and associated apparatus described earlier herein, which process and analyze / measure prepared agricultural sample slurries for use with analytes of interest (e.g., soil nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc., vegetation, fertilizers, etc.). Specifically, the modifications relate to the sample preparation subsystem 3002 and the chemical analysis subsystem 3003 of the soil sampling system 3000 shown in Figure P-1. A broad background is provided for discussing the alternative apparatus and equipment described below. Figure 1A This is a high-level schematic diagram summarizing the processing flow of an agricultural sample analysis system. This example illustrates the density measurement of a static slurry batch model as further described herein. Figure 1B It is the same, but includes a slurry recirculation loop between the fine filtration station and the sample preparation mixing chamber for dynamic continuous mode slurry density measurement.

[0136] Now refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1BThe agricultural sample analysis system 7000 includes, in sequence along the flow path, a soil sample preparation subsystem 7001, a density measurement subsystem 7002, a fine filtration subsystem 7003, an analyte extraction subsystem 7004, an ultrafine filtration subsystem 7005, and a measurement subsystem 7006. The soil sample preparation subsystem 7001 represents the initial portion of the system used to prepare the sample slurry. Therefore, subsystem 7001 may include any of the mixer-filter devices 100 or 200 previously described herein, comprising: a mixing chamber (e.g., mixing chamber 102 or mixing cavity 207a, respectively), where water is added to bulk soil samples to prepare the slurry; and a coarse filter (e.g., a flow groove 218 on filter 146 or baffle 210), which removes larger particles (e.g., small stones, gravel, debris, etc.) from the prepared soil slurry. Additionally, the coarse filter is sized to allow the desired maximum particle size in the slurry to pass through, ensuring uniform flow and density of the slurry used for weight / density measurements in this process, as further described herein. Pumping via slurry pump 7081, or alternatively via supply to pressurized air source 7082 via a fluid connector (in Figure 1A Pressurized air (shown as dashed line in the middle) pressurizes the mixer-filter chamber 102 / 207a, which can transfer the prepared slurry from the mixer-filter equipment to the density measurement subsystem 7002.

[0137] The analyte extraction subsystem 7004 and the measurement subsystem 7006 may include the soil sampling system 3000 shown in Figures P-1, P-79 to P-94, and P-261 and previously described herein, or the microfluidic processing disk 310 arranged in a rotary assembly with an analytical processing wedge 312 shown in Figures P-96 to P-121 and previously described herein. The ultrafine filtration subsystem 7005 may include the ultrafine filter 5757 shown in Figures P-261 to P-262 (as associated with the soil sampling system 3000) or Figure P-263 (as associated with the microfluidic processing disk 310). These systems and associated devices have been described in detail and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0138] It is worth noting that, Figures 1A to 1B The order of the devices and equipment shown (e.g., one or more pumps, valves, etc.) can be switched and repositioned within the system without affecting the functionality of the unit. Furthermore, additional devices and equipment, such as valves, pumps, other flow devices, and sensors (e.g., pressure, temperature, etc.), can be added to control fluid / slurry flow and transmit additional operational information to a system controller that can control the operation of the system shown. Therefore, the system is not limited to the configurations and devices / equipment shown individually.

[0139] Digital slurry density measuring device

[0140] The density measurement subsystem 7002 includes a digital slurry density measuring device 7010 for obtaining the density of slurry at a density of slurry. Figures 1A to 1B The density of a mixed agricultural sample slurry prepared in a sample preparation chamber (e.g., mixer-filter device 100). In one embodiment, the density measuring device 7010 may be... Figure 2 The digital densitometer of the U-tube oscillator type shown in Figure 16 is used to measure the density of a sample slurry, which in a non-limiting example may be a soil slurry. For convenience in describing one possible use, the soil slurry will be used below, recognizing that other types of agricultural samples can be processed, such as plant waste, fertilizer, etc., as previously described herein. However, it should be understood that any type of agricultural sample slurry can be processed in the same system, including soil, vegetation, fertilizer, or others. The density of the slurry is used to determine the amount of diluent (e.g., water) to be added to the soil sample in order to achieve the water-to-soil ratio required for the chemical analysis of the analyte, as further described herein. The U-tube oscillator 7011 is excited via a frequency transmitter or driver 7012 to cause the tube to oscillate at its characteristic intrinsic frequency. In various embodiments, the driver 7012 may be an electromagnetic sensor, a piezoelectric actuator / element, or a mechanical pulse generator, all of which are operable to generate a user-controllable and pre-programmed excitation frequency. A corresponding sensor, such as a receiver or pickup 7013, is provided, configured to detect and acquire vibration measurements of the oscillating tube when excited. The pickup can be an electromagnetic, inductive, piezoelectric receiver / element, optical, or other commercially available sensor capable of detecting and measuring the vibrational frequency response of the oscillating tube 7011 when excited. The pulse or vibrational response motion of the excited oscillating tube 7011 is detected by the pickup 7013, which measures the amplitude of the tube's frequency response, which, when the tube is empty, is highest at the natural / resonant or second harmonic frequency. Alternatively, the phase difference between the driving frequency and the driven frequency can be used to narrow down to the natural frequency.

[0141] In operation, when the oscillating tube 7011 is excited, the vibration frequency of the oscillating tube 7011 changes relative to the density of the slurry. In one embodiment, the slurry is stagnantly filled in the oscillating tube for batch mode density measurement, or in another embodiment, the slurry flows through the U-tube at a preferably continuous and constant flow rate for continuous density measurement. A digital density measuring device converts the measured oscillation frequency into a density measurement value via a digital controller programmed to compare the baseline natural frequency of the empty tube with the baseline natural frequency of the tube filled with slurry.

[0142] Frequency driver 7012 and pickup 7013 are operatively and communicatively coupled to an electronic control circuit, which includes a microprocessor-based densitometer processor or controller 7016-2 mounted to a circuit control board 7016 supported from a base 7014. Controller 7016-2 is configured to transmit a pulse excitation frequency to an oscillating tube 7011 via driver 7012 and to measure the final change in the resonant frequency and phase of the excited oscillating tube. Digital density measuring device 7010 converts the measured oscillation frequency into a density measurement value via the controller, which is pre-programmed and configured with operating software or instructions to perform the measurement and density determination. Controller 7016-2 may be provided and configured with all commonly used auxiliary devices and accessories similar to any controller previously described herein and necessary to provide a fully functional programmable electronic controller. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, these details of the densitometer controller 7016-2 will not be described in further detail.

[0143] Figures 2 to 11A density measuring device 7010 with an oscillating tube according to a first embodiment is shown. The density measuring device 7010 also includes a base 7014, a plurality of spacers 7015, a tube mounting block 7017, a flow connection manifold 7018, at least one or a pair of permanent magnets 7025, an electronic circuit control board 7016, and an electrical communication interface unit 7016-1 configured for both power supply to the board and communication interface with a system controller 2820. The base 7014 is configured to mount the density measuring device on a flat horizontal support surface, a vertical support surface, or a support surface disposed at any angle therebetween. Therefore, any suitable corresponding mounting orientation of the base can be used as desired. Taking into account the gravity on the oscillating tube carrying the slurry, the mounting orientation of the base can be determined by the expected oscillation direction of the oscillating tube 7011. It is generally advantageous to install all slurry passages in the oscillating tube in a manner that maximizes the percentage of horizontal passages possible, such that any particle settling occurs perpendicular to the flow passages rather than in a straight line with them. In one embodiment shown, the base 7019 may be substantially planar and rectangular; however, other polygonal and non-polygonal bases may also be used. The base may optionally include a plurality of mounting holes 7019 to facilitate mounting the base to a support surface using various fasteners (not shown). The base 7019 defines a longitudinal centerline CA of the density measuring device 7010, which is aligned with the length of the oscillating tube 7011 (parallel to the parallel legs of the tube, as shown). In other words, the length of the oscillating tube extends along the centerline CA. In one embodiment, the centerline CA and the flow passage within the oscillating tube 7011 may be horizontal, as shown, such that any settlement occurs perpendicular to the flow through the passage rather than in a straight line with the flow. In other embodiments, at least a majority of the flow passage within the oscillating tube may be horizontally oriented.

[0144] The spacer 7015 may be structurally elongated and space the control plate 7016 from the base 7014, allowing the oscillating tube 7011 to occupy the resulting space 7015-1. Any suitable number of spacers can be used for this purpose. This space is preferably large enough to provide clearance for accommodating the movement of the oscillating tube 7011 and other accessories such as the frequency driver 7012 and the pickup 7013. The planar control plate 7016 may preferably be oriented parallel to the base 7014, as shown.

[0145] In one embodiment, the frequency driver 7012 and the pickup 7013 can be rigidly mounted to the circuit board 7016, such as... Figures 2 to 11 Different examples are shown in the text. For instance... Figures 12 to 15In other possible embodiments shown, the driver and pickup can be rigidly mounted to a separate vertical support 7031 attached to the base 7014. In each case, the driver and pickup are mounted adjacent to and near the permanent magnet 7025, but not in contact with it. The permanent magnet 7025 generates a static magnetic field (magnetic flux lines) that interacts with the driver 7012 and pickup 7013 to excite the oscillating tube 7011 and to measure the oscillation frequency of the oscillating tube 7011 when it is excited.

[0146] The tube mounting block 7017 is configured to rigidly mount the oscillating tube 7011 thereto in a cantilever manner. In one embodiment, the oscillating tube 7011 may be a straight U-shaped tube configuration, as shown, wherein all portions lie in the same horizontal plane. The straight inlet end portion 7011-1 and the straight outlet end portion 7011-2 of the oscillating tube 7011 are mounted to the block 7017 and rigidly supported by the block 7017 (see example). Figure 11 This allows the tube to oscillate similarly to a tuning fork when electrically / electromagnetically excited. Mounting block 7017 includes a pair of through holes 7017-1 that receive end portions 7011-1, 7011-2 of the oscillating tube for complete passage. In one embodiment, the through holes 7017-1 may be parallel. The U-shaped bend 7011-3 of the oscillating tube opposite the inlet and outlet end portions, and the adjacent tube portion between the U-shaped bend and mounting block 7017, are unsupported and can oscillate freely in response to the excitation frequency provided by driver 7012.

[0147] The inlet end portion 7011-1 and the outlet end portion 7011-2 of the oscillating tube 7011 protrude beyond the tube mounting block 7017 through the tube mounting block 7017, and each is received in a corresponding opening or hole 7018-1 of the flow connection manifold 7018, associated with the slurry inlet 7020 and the slurry outlet 7021 defining the flow connection manifold 7018 (see...). Figure 11 (See the slurry flow direction arrow in the image). The through-hole 7018-1 can have any suitable configuration to retain the end portions 7011-1 and 7011-2 of the oscillating tube 7011 in a tight and fluid-tight manner. Suitable fluid seals, such as O-rings, elastic sealants, or the like, can be used to achieve a leak-proof connection between the oscillating tube and the connecting manifold 7018. The connecting manifold 7018 is adjacent to the mating mounting block 7017 to provide an associated connection opening therethrough for fully supporting the end portions of the oscillating tube 7011 by the inlet end portion 7011-1 and the outlet end portion 7011-2 (see example...). Figure 11In other contemplated possible embodiments, the connecting manifold 7018 may be spaced apart from the mounting block 7017, but preferably relatively close to the mounting block 7017.

[0148] Mounting block 7017, flow connection manifold 7018, and base 7014 may preferably be made of a suitable metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, etc.) with sufficient weight and thickness to act as a damper, such that the excitation of the oscillating tube measured by density measuring device 7010 indicates only the frequency response of the filled oscillating tube 7011, without being disturbed by any corresponding parasitic resonances that would otherwise be induced in the base or mounting block and flow connection manifold.

[0149] exist Figures 2 to 11 In the first oscillating tube embodiment shown, the oscillating tube 7011 may have a conventional U-shape as shown herein and previously described. The tube may be oriented parallel to the flat top surface of the base 7014. In a non-limiting embodiment, the oscillating tube 7001 may be formed of a non-metallic material. Suitable materials include glass, for example, borosilicate glass. However, in other possible embodiments, a metallic tube may be used. A permanent magnet 7025 is fixedly and rigidly supported from the oscillating tube 7011 and is mounted to the oscillating tube 7011, for example, on the opposite lateral side of the U-shaped tube near the U-shaped bend 7011-3, as shown. The U-shaped bend is furthest from the cantilever portion of the oscillating tube adjacent to the mounting block 7017 and thus experiences the greatest displacement / deflection when excited by the driver 7012, making the change in the tube's vibration frequency easily detectable by the digital instrument controller 7016-2. The frequency deviation measurement of the oscillating tube 7011 filled with slurry is compared with the natural frequency of the empty tube, which produces the greatest sensitivity; the frequency deviation or difference is used by the controller 7016-2 to measure the slurry density.

[0150] Although laboratory digital densitometers with oscillating tubes are commercially available, they are not fully compatible with shelves used for measuring soil slurries or other agricultural materials that, unlike other fluids, may contain varying amounts of iron (Fe). Iron in the soil slurry causes problems that interfere with accurate slurry density measurements because iron particles in the slurry are attracted to the permanent magnet used in the density measuring device 7010. This causes iron particles to accumulate on the tube section closest to the permanent magnet, thus distorting the density measurement results by adversely affecting the resonant frequency of the oscillating tube when the oscillating tube is loaded with soil slurry and excited by the driver 7012. Figure 16A This illustrates the undesirable situation where Fe particles accumulate in the oscillating tube.

[0151] To address the aforementioned problems when handling slurries containing iron particles, embodiments of the density measuring device 7010 according to this disclosure can be modified to include various magnetic isolation features or components configured to magnetically isolate the permanent magnet from the oscillating tube 7011 and the iron-containing slurry therein. Figures 2 to 11 In the illustrated embodiment, each permanent magnet 7025 can be supported by a non-magnetic standoff 7024 (also in...). Figure 16B and Figure 16C The magnetic isolation member (shown schematically in the diagram) is mounted to the oscillating tube 7011. A support protrudes laterally outward from the lateral side of the oscillating tube in the opposite direction and perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline CA of the density measuring device 7010. The support 7024 is configured with suitable dimensions or length to space the permanent magnet sufficiently away from the oscillating tube 7011 to prevent the generation of a sufficiently strong static magnetic field within the tube that would attract and aggregate iron particles in the soil slurry, for the reasons discussed above. The magnetic field is weakened to the point that it allows particles to move under the force of flow without depositing on the inner side of the oscillating tube. Figure 16B As shown, the magnetic flux lines (dashed lines) circulating and flowing from the north pole (N) to the south pole (S) of the permanent magnet 7025 do not reach the oscillating tube 7011. The magnet support 7024 avoids this... Figure 16A The problem of iron buildup caused by the direct mounting of the permanent magnet 7025 to the oscillating tube 7011 is shown.

[0152] In one embodiment where the oscillating tube 7011 is formed of a non-metallic and non-magnetic material (e.g., glass or plastic), the support 7024 may be integrally formed as a single-piece, monolithic structural part of the tube. In other embodiments, the support with the permanent magnet may be a separate, discrete element, which is fixedly connected to the oscillating tube 7011, for example, via adhesives, clips, or other suitable mechanical methods of connection. In the case of a metallic oscillating tube, the support 7024 is formed of a non-metallic material (e.g., plastic or glass), which is attached or adhered to the oscillating tube by suitable means (e.g., adhesives, clips, supports, etc.).

[0153] Other possible arrangements for mounting the permanent magnet 7025 to the oscillating tube 7011 and the magnetic isolation member, which shields or guides the magnetic flux lines generated by the magnet away from the tube, can be used. For example, Figure 16D A permanent magnet assembly including a magnetic isolation member is shown. The magnetic isolation member includes a metal magnetic shielding member 7030 dispersed between the permanent magnet and the oscillating tube to guide the magazine magnetic flux lines (dashed lines) away from the oscillating tube. In the illustrated embodiment, the shielding member 7030 is configured as a metal plate. Figure 16E The U-shaped or cup-shaped shielding member 7030 is shown, which is similar to Figure 16DExecution. Any suitable shape of metal magnetic shielding component can be used, as long as the magazine flux lines are reoriented and do not reach or penetrate the oscillator tube 7011.

[0154] Figure 16F The direction in which the oscillating tube 7011 is excited via the placement of the frequency driver 7012 and pickup 7013 can be, for a horizontally oriented tube, either in the stiffest direction (e.g., left / right, indicated by the arrows representing the tube's oscillating motion) or in the least stiff and most flexible direction (e.g., up / down). This will significantly affect the natural frequency of the oscillating tube, which forms a baseline that is compared to the excited tube filled with slurry to determine the slurry density (weight). The side-to-side excitation / motion direction of the tube will have a higher natural frequency, while the more flexible up-down direction will have a lower natural frequency. Either orientation or different angular orientations of the oscillating tube can be used. In some embodiments, it is further advantageous to make the tube significantly stiffer in the direction of gravity (i.e., the vertical direction) than in the direction of loading / excitation (i.e., the horizontal direction, indicated by the arrows representing the tube's oscillating motion), such as... Figure 16B As shown, this helps reduce system noise that can interfere with the accuracy of density measurements.

[0155] The density measuring device 7010 operates in a conventional manner known in the art for this type of U-tube densitometer to obtain a density measurement value from the soil slurry. The slurry density measurement value is transmitted to a control system 2800 (programmable controller 2820), which is operatively coupled to the density measuring device 7010, as shown in [reference needed]. Figures 1A to 1B These measurements are used by the controller to automatically determine how much water (diluent) needs to be added to the slurry to achieve a pre-programmed target water-to-soil or other agricultural sample material ratio, based on the type of material being sampled and analyzed.

[0156] An exemplary method / process for preparing agricultural sample slurry will now be described, which uses slurry density measurements obtained by means of a density measuring device 7010 (densitometer) and a pre-programmed closed-loop control scheme implemented by the controller 2820 of the control system 2800 via appropriate programmed instructions / control logic. For ease of description, this example will use soil as the sample, but is not limited to it, and may use other agricultural sample materials (e.g., plants, fertilizers, etc.). Based on the environmental conditions and soil type of the farmland, given any amount of soil in the collected sample and any associated soil moisture content, the soil slurry will be diluted to achieve the desired target density reading, thereby ensuring reproducible analytical results. Since not all soil samples consist of particles of the same density depending on the soil properties (i.e., sandy, clay, sub-clay, etc.), the system will have different desired density targets based on these and other characteristics of the sample being analyzed. The target is a constant ratio of soil mass to water mass, which is represented by the target density.

[0157] Figures 28 to 30 This is a curve showing the dilution amount of a diluent (e.g., water) added to the slurry compared to the slurry density, which is used by controller 2820 to determine the amount of diluent required to achieve a pre-programmed target water-to-soil ratio. The target water-to-soil ratio can be pre-programmed into the controller as a target slurry density, since the density of the diluent used is a known fixed factor, and therefore the target slurry density can be directly equated to that ratio. Because the known density of the diluent being used (e.g., water with a density of 0.998 g / mL) is also pre-programmed into the controller, as more and more diluent is added to the slurry in the system, the slurry mixture will eventually approach the density of the diluent, but can never reversibly become dilute than the density value of the diluent. Therefore, Figure 28 The relationships and curves shown are generated by controller 2820 and used to achieve the target slurry density (soil-water ratio). The dilution amount (Y-axis) is the total volume added to achieve dilution. The slope of the curve will change when different amounts of soil, soil moisture, and water (diluent) are added to form the initial slurry mixture, but the overall shape will remain the same.

[0158] See also Figures 1A to 1B The collected raw soil sample and a known amount of water are initially mixed in the mixer-filter device 100 as indicated to prepare a slurry. Once the soil slurry has been mixed and homogenized in the mixer, a densitometer senses a first density measurement and transmits it to the controller 2820. Figure 28 Point 7090A on the curve indicates the first density measurement obtained.

[0159] To more accurately determine the relationship between dilution and slurry density in real time, in a next step, a known amount of water is metered by controller 2820 and added to mixer-filter device 100 (e.g., 20 mL) via operably connected water control valve 7091, and the resulting slurry density is measured a second time. Figure 29 Point 7090B on the curve indicates the second measured value. A linear relationship (represented by the solid line between these two points on the curve) can then be generated by the controller between the two slurry density points 7090A and 7090B. For a given pre-programmed target slurry density (soil-to-water ratio), the target density can then be input into this relationship, and the output calculated by the controller 2820 is a first estimate of the total amount of diluent (e.g., water) required to achieve the target.

[0160] Next, controller 2820 measures an estimated amount of additional diluent necessary to achieve the target slurry density and adds it to the slurry mixture, which is then mixed with the slurry via mixer-filter device 100. The slurry density is measured a third time. Figure 30 Point 7090C on the curve indicates the third measurement obtained, which continues to add data points to the linear relationship (see the longer solid line on the curve). Once the controller has obtained at least three slurry density measurements and their corresponding points on the slurry density curve, it can perform a polynomial regression on the data to provide a more accurate curve fit. Based on and using a pre-programmed target density, the controller 2820 then calculates the required total amount of diluent based on the updated curve and adds that amount to the slurry to achieve the target slurry density. This process can be iterated to improve the accuracy of the regression model or until the actual density is sufficiently close to the target density.

[0161] Figures 12 to 15An alternative second embodiment of a cantilevered U-shaped oscillating tube 7032 for use with a density measuring device 7010 is shown, contrasting with the straight U-shaped oscillating tube 7011 previously described herein. In this embodiment, the oscillating tube 7032 has a recurvant U-shaped tube shape, wherein a 180-degree main U-shaped bend 7032-3 extends rearward over the top of the straight inlet end portion 7032-1 and the outlet end portion 7032-2 of the oscillating tube, which is fixed to a tube mounting block 7017 and a flow connection manifold 7018. This is achieved by adding two additional 180-degree secondary U-shaped bends 7032-4 between the straight end portions 7032-1, 7032-2 and the main U-shaped bend 7032-3. A secondary U-shaped bend 7032-4 is disposed upstream of the main U-shaped bend 7032-3 in the slurry inlet leg of the oscillating tube, while another secondary U-shaped bend 7032-4 is disposed downstream of the main U-shaped bend in the slurry outlet leg of the oscillating tube, as shown. In this folded-back oscillating tube embodiment, a support 7024 is disposed on the secondary U-shaped bend and protrudes laterally outward in the opposite lateral direction to hold the permanent magnet 7025 in a spaced-apart relationship with the oscillating tube. The frequency driver 7012 and the pickup 7013 are supported from the base 7014 by separate vertical supports 7031 located near the permanent magnet to excite the oscillating tube 7032, as previously described herein.

[0162] In the folded vibrating tube 7032, the slurry flow follows the direction of... Figure 14 The directional flow arrows indicate the path. With the aid of the main U-shaped bend 7032-3 and the secondary U-shaped bend 7032-4, the slurry flow moves twice in a first direction parallel to the centerline axis CA, and also twice in the opposite direction parallel to the centerline axis CA. The main U-shaped bend 7032-3 is oriented horizontally, while the secondary U-shaped bend 7032-4 is oriented vertically. In this design, the centerline CA and most of the flow path within the oscillating tube 7011 can remain horizontally oriented as shown, such that any settling that occurs is perpendicular to the flow through the path rather than in a straight line with the flow.

[0163] As described above Figure 2Compared to the first U-shaped oscillator tube 7011, the triple-bend folded-back oscillator tube 7032 design is advantageous because the vibration displacement is mirrored between the left and right sides of the tube (i.e., the vertical bends 7032-4 bend towards each other and then move away from each other as the tube oscillates). Because of this, equal and opposite forces always cancel each other out during vibration, and thus external influences on the mass, stiffness, or damping of the base and other components do not affect the vibration. Previous straight U-tube oscillator designs, lacking counterweight for the oscillation, would easily propagate vibration to the base, resulting in some vibration throughout the system. Since the entire system vibrates, any external influences on the mass, stiffness, or damping of the entire system will artificially alter the natural frequency, thus adversely affecting accuracy to some extent. Nevertheless, without inappropriate external influences, the straight U-tube oscillator would remain acceptable.

[0164] The remaining parts of the density measuring device 7010 setup and components are essentially the same as those of the embodiment utilizing the oscillating tube 7011, and will not be described further here for the sake of brevity.

[0165] In some embodiments, a single device combining the aforementioned functions of both a frequency transmitter or driver 7012 and a receiver or pickup 7013 can be provided instead of separate units. As a non-limiting example, such a device could be an ultrasonic transducer. For the combined single driver / pickup device 7012 / 7013, the device can be activated to excite the oscillating tube 7011, causing the oscillating tube to stop oscillating several times, and then reactivated to measure the final oscillation frequency response of the tube. In the combined design, only a single permanent magnet 7025 is required, arranged close to the driver / pickup unit.

[0166] Fine filtration Filter

[0167] Now will describe further. Figure 1A and Figure 1BThe filter unit of the fine filtration subsystem 7003 is shown. In testing, the inventors have found that "fine" filtration (e.g., 0.010 inch / 0.254 mm) directly from the mixer-filter device can, in some cases, adversely and significantly affect the ability to obtain a consistent soil-water ratio (e.g., 3:1) across all types of soil that may be encountered, sampled, and tested. Therefore, it is beneficial to understand and measure the density of the mixed raw soil sample slurry from the mixer-filter device 100 before performing fine filtration. Thus, a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed agricultural sample analysis system 7000 includes a coarse filter 146 upstream of the density measuring device 7010 and a fine filter 7050 or 7060 downstream of the density measuring device; each of which will be described in more detail below. Two different exemplary configurations of an agricultural sample analysis system including this two-stage slurry filtration are disclosed; one configuration is as follows: Figure 1B The diagram shows a slurry recycling system that returns from the fine filter unit to the mixer-filter device 100, and a configuration as shown. Figure 1A The example shown does not recycle, which will be discussed further here.

[0168] The agricultural sample analysis system uses a first coarse filter 146 with a very coarse screen (e.g., in one possible implementation, a maximum particle size passage of about 0.04 inches to 0.08 inches / 1 mm to 2 mm) to initially screen and filter out larger-sized stones, gravel, and coagulants from the slurry to avoid clogging / blocking the flow conduit (pipe) line upstream of the microfluidic processing disc 310, while still allowing accurate density measurements to be performed in the density measurement device 7010. In one embodiment as previously described herein, the coarse filter 146 may be incorporated into the mixer-filter device 100, or it may be a separate downstream unit. Following the coarse filtration, fine filtration is performed in a fine filter unit 7050 or 7060 with fine sieving (e.g., in one possible embodiment, a maximum particle size pathway of less than 0.04 inches / 1 mm, for example, about 0.010 inches / 0.25 mm) to allow agricultural slurry samples to pass through the microfluidic flow network and the analytical processing wedge 312 of the microfluidic processing disk 310 shown in Figures P-96 to P-121 without causing flow obstruction / clogging. For soil, these extremely small particles passing through the fine filter unit constitute the vast majority of the soil's nutrient content, so it is acceptable to use the finely filtered slurry for final chemical analysis in the system. It is worth noting that the fine filtration step and filter units 7050, 7060 can be used and are applicable to slurries composed of other agricultural materials to be sampled (e.g., vegetation, fertilizers, etc.), and are therefore not limited to soil slurries only.

[0169] Figures 17 to 21A first embodiment of a fine filter unit 7050 is shown, which can be used in... Figures 1A to 1B Any of the soil slurry preparation and analysis systems shown. The fine filter unit 7050 is configured particularly with Figure 1B It is used in conjunction with a slurry recirculation setup, which includes a closed recirculation flow loop 7059 between a fine filter unit 7050 (or 7060) and a mixer-filter device 100, as shown in the figure.

[0170] The filter unit 7050 includes a longitudinal axis LA, a pre-filtered slurry inlet nozzle 7051, a pre-filtered slurry outlet nozzle 7052, multiple filtrate outlets 7053 (after filtration), an internal pre-filtered slurry chamber 7057, an internal filtrate chamber 7054, and one or more filter components, such as a screen 7055 arranged between the chambers. In one embodiment, the screen 7055 may be arc-shaped and positioned on top of the slurry chamber 7057, as shown in... Figure 21 As best shown in the diagram. Any number of screens can be installed. A pair of annular seals 7056 fluidly seal the inlet nozzle 7051 and outlet nozzle 7052 to the body of the filter unit, allowing the filter screen 7055 to be initially placed within the filter unit before the inlet and outlet nozzles are secured to the body. The body can be block-shaped, cylindrical, or other shapes. The nozzles can be detached from the central filter body to access the interior of the filter unit and to initially install or periodically replace the screen. Threaded fasteners 7058 or other suitable coupling devices can be used to connect the inlet and outlet nozzles to opposite ends of the body. The slurry inlet nozzle 7051 and outlet nozzle 7052 can have any suitable configuration to accept any suitable type of tubing connector to fluidly connect the system slurry tubing 7088 to the filter 7050. A non-limiting example of a tubing connector that can be used is the commercially available JohnGuest plastic half-box connector. Other tubing connectors can be used. Any suitable non-metallic (e.g., plastic) or metallic material can be used to construct the filter unit 7050, which includes a screen 7055. In one embodiment, the body of the filter unit may be plastic and the screen 7055 may be metallic, for example, a mesh defining mesh openings.

[0171] In operation and in reference Figure 1B Describing the slurry flow path through the fine filter unit 7050, the unfiltered slurry flows sequentially (from upstream to downstream) from the coarse filter 146 through the density measuring device 7010 and enters the fine filter unit through the inlet nozzle 7051. The slurry flows axially and linearly through the pre-filtered slurry chamber 7057 and then exits the filter through the outlet nozzle 7052, returning to the mixer-filter device 100 (see, for example...). Figure 1B (The "sample preparation chamber" in the text). A slurry recirculation pump 7080 can be configured to fluidly drive the recirculation flow in the closed recirculation flow loop 7059 and return the slurry that has not yet been finely filtered to the mixer-filter device. Any suitable type of slurry pump can be used. In some embodiments, the recirculation pump can be omitted if the main slurry pump 7081 provides sufficient fluid power to drive the slurry flow through the entire closed recirculation flow loop 7059. The system continuously recirculates the coarsely filtered slurry back to the main blending chamber of the mixer for a period of time. Compared to using the mixer alone, this recirculation can advantageously help to obtain a homogeneous slurry mixture for analysis more quickly by continuously recirculating the slurry through the mixer and coarse filter in the closed recirculation flow loop 7059. During density measurement, the previously described control system 2800 (including a programmable controller 2820) automatically meteres water and adds it to the mixer-filter device 100 based on system monitoring of the slurry density measured by the density measuring device 7010, which is operatively coupled to the controller to achieve a pre-programmed water-to-soil ratio. This continuous slurry recirculation allows for better slurry mixing.

[0172] Once a homogeneous slurry with the desired water-to-soil ratio is obtained from coarse filtration, a small portion of the recirculated slurry stream can be bypassed and extracted from the fine filter unit 7050 for initial treatment in the analyte extraction subsystem 7004 and subsequent chemical analysis (see, for example...). Figure 1B The extracted slurry flows laterally through filter screen 7055 into filtrate chamber 7054, and then outwards through filtrate outlet 7053 to the analyte extraction subsystem. If desired, the flow of the extracted slurry can be controlled by a suitable control valve 7070, the position of which can be varied between open full flow, closed no flow, and throttled partially open flow. Valve 7070 can be operated manually or automatically by controller 2820, opening at the appropriate time once a homogeneous slurry with the desired water-to-soil ratio has been achieved, or otherwise pre-programmed. Additional valves can also be used to open the water flow to backwash the filter during cleaning cycles, preparing for the next sample.

[0173] Although Figures 17 to 21Two filtrate outlets 7053 are shown, but other embodiments may have more than two or fewer filtrate outlets (i.e., one outlet). Each filtrate outlet 7053 is fluidly connected to and supplies the finely filtered slurry (filtrate) to a single one in the dedicated soil sample slurry processing and analysis chain or system previously described herein (e.g., the analytical processing wedge 312 shown in Figures P-96 to P-121 or others); each chain is fluidly isolated from the other chains and is configured to quantify the concentrations of different analytes of interest (e.g., plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc.) in parallel.

[0174] It is worth noting that the term "pre-filtration" used above refers only to the fact that the soil slurry has not yet been filtered relative to the fine filter unit 7050 described herein. However, the slurry may have already been, for example, filtered in… Figures 1A to 1B The coarse filter 146 shown in the image has undergone previous filtration or screening upstream. Therefore, the slurry can be filtered before reaching the downstream fine filter unit 7050.

[0175] The fine filter unit 7050 is configured to eliminate the passage of soil particles or other particles in the slurry that cause blockage or otherwise impede them in the very small diameter microfluidic flow paths / conduits and flow components of the microfluidic processing disk (e.g., valves, pumps, and chambers formed within the analytical processing wedge 312 of the microfluidic processing disk 310 shown in P-96 to P-121 and previously described herein). Therefore, the filter screen 7055 of the fine filter unit 7050 is sized to allow passage of soil particles compatible with the microfluidic processing disk, and the size of the filter screen 7055 is smaller than the size of the soil particles screened out by the upstream coarse filter 146 associated with the mixer-filter device. The filter screen 7055 has multiple openings, each configured to remove particles larger than a predetermined size from the slurry to produce a filtrate. In one embodiment, the screen 7055 may be formed of a mesh-like metal mesh defining mesh openings for filtering the slurry.

[0176] Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the system's first coarse filter 146 is configured to allow slurry having a first maximum particle size to pass through, and the second fine filter unit 7050 is configured to allow slurry having a second maximum particle size smaller than the first maximum particle size to pass through. Furthermore, the ultrafine filtration subsystem 7005 includes a third ultrafine filter 5757 (which may be incorporated into or associated with the microfluidic processing disk 310 or with the soil sampling system 3000), configured to allow slurry having a third maximum particle size smaller than the first and second maximum particle sizes to pass through. As previously described herein, the ultrafine filter 5757 is a microporous filter that can replace the centrifuge 331 and is configured to produce a clear filtrate from the soil slurry and extractant mixture, which is used as a supernatant for chemical analysis. Therefore, the ultrafine filter 5755 outperforms both the coarse and fine filters in terms of the minimum maximum passable particle size. As a non-limiting example, a representative pore size that can be used in the ultrafine filter 575 is from about 0.05 μm to 1.00 μm and includes 0.05 μm to 1.00 μm. It is worth noting that the terms "first," "second," and "third" above are used to indicate when the slurry passes through... Figures 1A to 1B The system shown represents the filter units that the slurry encounters sequentially from upstream to downstream. Therefore, as the slurry passes through each filter unit in turn, the maximum slurry particle size continuously decreases.

[0177] In conventional filter operation, all flow is directed through a screen, and anything that doesn't pass through the screen remains and accumulates. This necessitates draining or backwashing the screen periodically to maintain its cleanliness and proper function for its intended purpose. If a large amount of particulate material needs to be filtered out, this results in a short period of time before the filter needs cleaning. For this reason, new screen fine filter units 7050 and 7060 were designed, operating on the principle of extracting only a small amount of soil slurry for testing from the main slurry recirculation flow path as described above, rather than intercepting all the slurry flow for fine filtration. Since only a small portion of the slurry flow is extracted and travels laterally through the screen in the direction of the slurry flow through the filter unit, this advantageously allows the filter to remain clean for a considerably longer period. Furthermore, the main slurry flow path, preferably oriented parallel to the plane occupied by the screen 7055, continuously scrubs and cleans the filter screen 7055 through the shearing action of the flow (see, for example...). Figures 20 to 21This prevents particles from agglomerating on the screen. It is also worth noting that the fine filter units 7050 and 7060 advantageously avoid internal regions with low pressure or low flow rates where particles can agglomerate. It is also desirable to avoid oriented the inner surfaces of the filter where particles agglomerate due to gravity. Therefore, embodiments of the fine filter units 7050 and 7060 can preferably be oriented such that the filter screens 7055 and 7065 are preferably positioned above the main flow and junction point in a direction transverse to the main flow path of the slurry through the filter body, at which a bypass slurry flow is drawn for chemical analysis (see, for example...). Figure 21 (and Figure P-238).

[0178] Figures 22 to 26 A second embodiment of the fine filter unit 7060 described above is shown. The fine filter unit 7060 includes a plurality of optional replaceable filter screen assemblies or units 7068. In this embodiment, by contrast with the fine filter unit 7050, the filter screen units can be removed and replaced without disrupting the end fluid connection to the system piping / pipeline, thereby greatly facilitating periodic replacement of the screens over time. The filter unit 7050 has an internally mounted screen 7055, which is accessible by removing the slurry inlet nozzle 7051 and outlet nozzle 7052 as previously described herein. In some embodiments, the filter screen units 7068 can be configured to be disposable so that new screen units can be interchanged with used, clogged screen units when needed.

[0179] The fine filter unit 7060 has an axially elongated body defining a longitudinal axis LA, a pre-filtered slurry inlet 7061, a pre-filtered slurry recirculation outlet 7062, a plurality of filtrate outlets 7063 (after filtration), a pre-filtered internal main slurry chamber 7067 in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet, and a plurality of filter screen units 7068, each of said filter screen units 7068 including filter elements, such as a screen 7065 arranged between the chamber 7067 and a filtrate outlet 7063. The inlet 7061 and outlet 7062 may preferably be located at opposite ends of the fine filter unit body at each end of the chamber 7067, thereby allowing the main slurry chamber to define a slurry distribution manifold in fluid communication with each filtrate outlet 7063. In some embodiments, the screen 7065 may be convexly curved and dome-shaped (in... Figure 26(best shown in the diagram). The main slurry chamber 7067 extends axially between the inlet 7061 and the outlet 7062 below the screen unit 7068. Although the fine filter unit 7060 is convex, it can be used in the orientation shown, such that the portion of the screen 7065 exposed to the slurry in the main slurry chamber 7067 can be considered substantially horizontal and oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis LA and the axial flow of the slurry through the screen of the main slurry chamber. When the fine filter unit 7060 is used in the preferred horizontal position, the flow through the screen is further in an upward direction (transverse to the longitudinal axis LA and the axial flow of the slurry in the chamber). This combination is advantageous for both: (1) scrubbing and cleaning the screen 7065 as the slurry flows through the screen in the slurry chamber 7067, thereby preventing slurry particles from agglomerating on the screen until the filtrate is extracted, and (2) counteracting the effect of gravity that causes particles to agglomerate on the screen, as the slurry enters the screen from the bottom, thus holding the particles below the screen until filtrate extraction occurs.

[0180] The fine filter unit 7060 is axially elongated, so that the screen units 7068 can be arranged in a single longitudinal array or row as shown, and the main slurry chamber 7067 is linear and straight to avoid internal dead flow and low-pressure areas in the slurry flow path in which particles in the slurry may accumulate.

[0181] In one embodiment, an annular seal 7066, which may be an elastic gasket, can be directly coupled to each filter screen unit 7068 as part of an assembly to fluidly seal the screen unit to the body of the filter unit. In one embodiment, the screen unit 7068 may have a cup-shaped configuration (in... Figure 26 (Best shown in the image), wherein a convex, curved, dome-shaped screen 7065 protrudes outward / downward from one side of the seal 7066 into the main slurry chamber 7067. Each screen unit 7068 is received in a complementary, upwardly open container 7069 formed in the body of the filter unit 7060, the container 7069 being in fluid communication with the main slurry chamber 7067 of the filter unit. A screen retainer 7064 may be detachably coupled to the filter unit body and is at least partially received in each container to retain each screen unit, as shown in the image. Figure 26 As best shown. The body can be block-shaped, cylindrical, or other shapes. In one embodiment, the filtrate outlet 7063 can be an integral part of the screen retainer 7064, and in some embodiments can terminate with a conventional tubing barb, as shown, for easy connection to the system's flow conduit tubing. Other types of fluid end connections can be used. The filtrate outlet 7063 extends completely through the retainer from top to bottom. Figure 26(The filter unit is divided into segments). In some embodiments, the retainer 7064 may have a generally stepped cylindrical configuration. A threaded fastener 7058 or other suitable coupling device may be used to removably attach the retainer 7064 to the body of the filter unit. The retainer 7064 holds the filter screen unit 7068 in a container 7069. Any suitable non-metallic material (e.g., plastic) or metallic material may be used to construct the filter unit 7060 including the screen 7065. In one embodiment, the body of the filter unit may be plastic, and the screen 7065 may be metallic.

[0182] Similar to filter unit 7050 and screen 7055, screen unit 7068 has screens 7065, each of which is configured to remove particles larger than a predetermined size from the slurry to produce filtrate. Therefore, the filter screen 7065 has a plurality of openings, each configured to allow slurry with a predetermined maximum particle size to pass through. In one embodiment, screen 7065 may be formed of a mesh-like metal mesh defining mesh openings for filtering the slurry. Other embodiments of screen 7065 or 7055 may use polymer mesh. In other possible embodiments, other types of filter media may be used to perform the desired slurry screening.

[0183] An exemplary process for exchanging filter screen unit 7068 includes removing threaded fasteners 7058, retracting retainers 7064 laterally from each container 7069 at the longitudinal axis LA of the filter unit body, laterally retracting the filter screen unit, inserting a new screen unit laterally at the longitudinal axis LA into each container, re-inserting the retainer into the container, and reinstalling the fasteners.

[0184] An overview of a non-limiting method for preparing agricultural sample slurries using slurry recycling and double filtration generally includes the following steps: mixing an agricultural sample with water in a mixing apparatus to prepare a slurry; filtering the slurry for the first time; measuring the density of the slurry; recycling the slurry back to the mixing apparatus; and extracting a portion of the recycled slurry through a secondary fine filter to obtain a final filtrate. The first filtration of the slurry passes through a slurry comprising particles having a first maximum particle size, and the second filtration passes through a slurry comprising particles having a second maximum particle size smaller than the first maximum particle size. The final filtrate then flows to any of the agricultural sample analysis systems disclosed herein, which are configured to further process and measure analytes in the slurry.

[0185] It is worth noting that the fine filter units 7050 and 7060 can be coupled with the following steps without slurry recirculation. Figure 1AThis is used in conjunction with an agricultural sample analysis system, where the steps involve simply closing the corresponding recirculation outlet nozzle via a blockage or via a closed valve fluidly connected to the outlet nozzle. Alternatively, after the slurry passes through a fine filter, it can flow to waste. In this case, while the slurry is flowing through the filter, it will be necessary to extract the filtrate from the slurry.

[0186] replace Figure 1B Pump recirculation system, Figure 27 This is a schematic diagonal diagram, which instead illustrates an alternative equipment layout and method for recirculating coarsely filtered slurry through fine filter unit 7050 or 7060 using pressurized air. Two mixing chambers are fluidly connected to the inlet and outlet of fine filter unit 7050 or 7060, as shown by a flow conduit network layout, which may be the pipe or tubing 7086 shown. At least one of the mixing chambers may be provided by mixer-filter device 100A for the initial preparation of water and soil slurry. The other mixing chamber may be an additional mixer-filter device 100B, or alternatively, simply an empty pressure vessel. As shown, four slurry valves 7085A, 7085B, 7085C, and 7085D are fluidly arranged between the fine filter unit and each chamber for controlling the slurry flow during mixing. In operation, if the slurry is first prepared in the mixer-filter device 100A (sample preparation chamber #1), valves 7085B and 7085C are opened and valves 7085A and 7085D are closed. The mixer-filter device 100A is pressurized with air from a pressurized air source 7086 with valves, which causes the slurry to flow through the density measuring device 7010 and the fine filter unit 7050 or 7060 to reach the mixer-filter device 100B. Then, valves 7085B and 7085C are closed, and valves 7085A and 7085D are opened. The mixer-filter device 100B is then pressurized, causing the slurry to flow in the opposite direction through the fine filter unit 7050 or 7060 and the density measuring device 7010 back to the mixer-filter device 100A. This sequential cycle is repeated multiple times to continue slurry blending. The valve assembly and pressurized air source can be operably connected to and controlled by the system controller 2820 pressure, which can be programmed to cause this back-and-forth flow to occur very rapidly. The slurry density can be continuously measured each time the slurry flows through the densitometer. Once the slurry has been thoroughly blended as needed, the filtrate outlet from the fine filter unit is opened to guide the filtered slurry to… Figure 1BThe extraction subsystem 7004 shown is for processing and chemical analysis. In some embodiments, a single pressurized air source can be used instead of separate sources for each mixing chamber. In another embodiment, the second chamber can be mounted directly above the first sample preparation chamber with a valve therebetween. Gravity will allow the slurry to flow downwards back into the first chamber, without pressurizing the second chamber.

[0187] System slurry flow catheter Set size

[0188] Slurry flow conduit (e.g., Figures 1A to 1B The inner diameter (ID) of the slurry pipe (7088) shown is critical for the proper operation of the agricultural sample analysis system 7000 without clogging the pipe. The likelihood of clogging increases when slurry containing larger particles is moved through a smaller pipe. For near-laminar flow, the velocity at the wall is close to zero, which exacerbates clogging. With smaller pipes, friction becomes greater due to the higher friction on the slurry. If these frictions become too large, particles will fall out of the fluid and accumulate in the pipe, causing flow to stop. Additionally, larger particles can wed into the smaller pipe along with other larger particles, causing blockage and flow cessation. However, having very large pipes is also problematic because it is difficult to achieve a flow sufficient to keep particles suspended and prevent soil particle settling.

[0189] The inventors have discovered that the inner diameter of the slurry pipe 7088 and the passage should be designed such that the minimum cross-sectional inner diameter is twice the maximum particle size in the slurry. That is, as an example, if particles are sieved to a size of 2 mm (e.g., diameter) by the coarse filter 146 or the fine filter unit 7050 or 7060, the ID of the pipe should be no less than a diameter of 4 mm. In contrast, the inner diameter of the pipe and the passage should be designed such that the cross-sectional inner diameter is at most ten times the maximum particle size (e.g., diameter). That is, as an example, if particles are sieved to a size of 2 mm, the ID of the pipe should be no greater than a diameter of 20 mm. Therefore, the preferred inner diameter of the slurry pipe 7088 has a critical range between at least twice the maximum particle size / diameter and no more than ten times the maximum particle size / diameter.

[0190] In some embodiments, the tubing material used may preferably be flexible and formed of a fluoropolymer, such as, but not limited to, FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene) in a non-limiting example. Other fluoropolymers include, for example, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), ETFE (polyethylene tetrafluoroethylene), and PFA (perfluoroalkoxy polymer resin). The dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) associated with these fluoropolymers also affects the preferred range of the tubing inner diameter, as the tubing material generates frictional resistance to slurry flow. Each of FEP, PTFE, ETFE, and PFA has a DCOF in the range of 0.02 to 0.4, inclusive, as measured according to the ASTM D1894 test protocol. Therefore, in some embodiments, the tubing material for slurry tubing 7088 associated with the above-mentioned critical tubing inner diameter range preferably also has a DCOF in the range of 0.02 to 0.4, inclusive, and more specifically, with respect to FEP, a DCOF in the range of 0.08 to 0.3, inclusive. Tests conducted by the inventors have confirmed that the use of FEP tubing within the critical tubing inner diameter range avoids the aforementioned slurry flow blockage problem. In other possible embodiments, nylon or other types of tubing materials may be used.

[0191] Multi-channel pneumatic control system with pressure amplification control air valve

[0192] Figures 38 to 40 A non-limiting embodiment of a pressure-amplified electro-pneumatic control air valve 7600 is shown. This valve allows multiplexing with a single electro-pneumatic actuated valve shared among similar functions of multiple analyses, which can be performed simultaneously by the slurry processing / analysis system disclosed herein. As a non-limiting example, when multiple analyses are performed in parallel for different analytes in different slurry processing chains or slurry analysis processing wedges 312, each of these analyses, for example, uses one or more slurry filters or other flow components associated with it, through which the flow of slurry or water fluid must be controlled (e.g., flow on / off), a common pressure-pneumatic air signal can be sent from the upstream control air valve 7600 to as many filters or flow components as needed, such that they all simultaneously actuate each separate function. This advantageously avoids the need for multiple, more expensive electro-pneumatic valves for each single function of each slurry filter or other flow component. The fluid flow for each filter or flow component in the complete slurry processing system can then be controlled via a very inexpensive air pilot valve that receives a pressure signal from the control air valve 7600. This system arrangement is described in further detail below.

[0193] Continue to refer to Figures 38 to 40In one embodiment, the pressure amplification electro-pneumatic control air valve 7600, as shown in the figure, can be a lift valve. The valve 7600 typically includes a valve body 7604, an air inlet 7601, a fluid inlet 7602 communicating with a fluid inlet passage 7610, a fluid outlet 7603 communicating with a fluid outlet passage 7611, a flexible air diaphragm 7608, a flexible fluid diaphragm 7606, and a multiplier plunger 7607 disposed therebetween. The plunger 7607 is coupled to the diaphragm at each end. The plunger is slidably disposed in a central bore 7613 and can be arranged along and parallel to the valve's actuation centerline CL. The fluid diaphragm 7606 is configured to alternately seal the fluid inlet passage 7610 and the fluid outlet passage 7611 at a valve seat surface 7615. The valve seat surface 7615 is disposed in a fluid chamber 7609 formed between the fluid inlet passage and the fluid diaphragm 7606. An air chamber 7608 is formed on the air side of an air diaphragm 7608, which receives control air signals from an air intake passage 7612 and an air intake port 7601. The valve body 7604 can be formed of any suitable non-metallic or metallic material. In one embodiment, the valve body can be plastic. Diaphragms 7605 and 7606 can be formed of any suitable elastomeric material. In some embodiments, as shown, the valve body 7604 can be formed of two or more removably connected body segments 7604-1, 7604-2, and 7604-3. This allows internal valve components (e.g., diaphragms and plungers) to be easily assembled. As a non-limiting example, the valve body segments can be fastened together in any suitable manner, for example, via threaded fasteners (not shown – see fastener mounting holes at each corner of the valve body). In other possible embodiments, these segments can be permanently joined together, for example, via a suitable adhesive.

[0194] The control valve 7600 may also include an electronic valve actuator 7620, which in some embodiments may be directly coupled to the valve body 7604 to form a compact valve unit. The actuator 7620 is activated and controlled via an electronic control signal operatively coupled to the actuator (see, for example...). Figure 42 The system controller 2820 (see, for example, Figure P-302 and previously described herein) transmits the communication link (dashed line). The control valve 7600 is fluidly connected to the upstream control air source 7701 and fluidly connected downstream to the operating valve of at least one filter (e.g., an ultrafine filter 5757) or other flow components of the agricultural slurry analysis system described further below.

[0195] The plunger 7607 is axially movable between an unactuated position in which no control air signal is applied to the diaphragm 7608 and an actuated position in which control air is applied. In the actuated position, the fluid diaphragm 7606 engages the valve seat surface 7615 to cut off fluid flow through the valve. This position represents the closed position of the valve 7600. In the unactuated position, the fluid diaphragm disengages from the valve seat surface 7615 to allow flow through the valve, as... Figure 40 As shown. This position indicates the valve's open position.

[0196] The pressure-amplified pneumatically operated control air valve allows a relatively low-pressure air signal to actuate the valve for control and to provide a relatively high downstream pressure. The diameter D1 and surface area A1 of the air diaphragm 7605 are greater than the diameter D2 and corresponding area A2 of the fluid diaphragm 7606. The fluid inlet passage 7610 has a diameter D3 and corresponding area A3 at its penetration point through the valve seat surface 7615. In a non-limiting example illustrating the pressure amplification aspect of the valve 7600, the air signal pressure P1 × air diaphragm area A1 = plunger force. Even when P2 is greater than the air signal pressure P1, the plunger force / A2 is greater than the controlled fluid pressure P2. Once the valve is closed, it is able to block fluid even at upstream fluid inlet pressures as high as P1 × A1 / A3.

[0197] Figure 42 This is an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a multi-channel control air system using the pressure-amplified electro-pneumatic control air valve 7600 described above. The multi-channel control air system uses valve 7600 to control the operation of multiple flow components (e.g., ultrafine filter units 7700) in different slurry processing and analysis chains or processing wedges 312. Each ultrafine filter unit 770 is configured and operable to produce a substantially clear filtrate, which provides a supernatant for chemical analysis and quantification of the corresponding slurry analyte of interest (e.g., soil nutrients or others) in each chain or wedge, after the addition of an extractant to separate analytes from the slurry but before the addition of reagents for analysis. Figure 43 This is a cross-sectional view of a non-limiting exemplary configuration of the ultrafine filter unit 7700, which will be described first before the description of the multi-channel control air system.

[0198] initial reference Figure 43The ultrafine filter unit 7700 includes an elongated filter body 7704 defining a filter centerline axis CF and including a first end portion such as a top end portion 7715, opposing second ends such as a bottom end portion 7716, and an internal central passageway 7712 extending along the centerline axis CF between these ends. In one embodiment, the filter body 7704 may have a generally cylindrical configuration; however, in other embodiments, other shaped bodies may be used. In one embodiment, the filter body may have a one-piece integral structure, which may be cast or molded from any suitable chemically inert nonmetallic or metallic material that will not react with the slurry. In one embodiment, the filter body may be formed of plastic / polymer.

[0199] A filter media holder 7720 is removably positioned and received in a central passage 7712 of the filter body 7704. The filter media holder 7720 may be elongated, having a first end portion 7722 defining a first end and an opposing second end portion 7723 defining a second end. As shown, in one embodiment, the end may be flanged; however, in other embodiments, the end may be flangeless. Each end portion 7722, 7723 is configured to mount and support an axially elongated filter media 7721 therebetween. The filter media 7721 may have a tubular configuration defining an internal filtrate chamber 7714 that receives filtered slurry (i.e., filtrate) radially inwardly passing through the filter media from an annular slurry inlet pressurization chamber 7713 defined between the filter body and the filter media. Similar to the microporous media previously described herein with respect to ultrafine filter 5757, any suitable microporous media can be used for ultrafine filter media 7721, such as, but not limited to, microporous polymeric materials or sintered metals or ceramics. An “ultrafine” filter used to produce a filtrate (or supernatant) of a suitable maximum particle size for chemical analysis of the system can be defined in some non-limiting embodiments as a filter media having a maximum particle size that passes through in the range of 0.1 micrometers to 10 micrometers.

[0200] In one embodiment, the ultrafine filter unit 7700 includes a plurality of inlet and outlet ports, including but not limited to a slurry inlet port 7705, a filtrate outlet port 7710, waste outlet ports 7709 and 7711, an exhaust / overflow port 7708, a filter pressurized air inlet port 7706, an air port 7726, and a filter backwash inlet port 7707. The air port 7726 may be configured as a bidirectional port to introduce pressurized air into the filter unit and to exhaust air from the unit during initial slurry filling, as further described herein. The air port 7726 and the filtrate outlet port 7710 may be oriented parallel to the filter centerline axis CF and the filter medium 7721. All the other ports described above are oriented laterally and tangentially to the axis CF and the filter medium to create a vortex / mixing effect in the annular slurry inlet pressurization chamber 7713.

[0201] Each of the aforementioned ports has an associated pneumatic air pilot valve 7724, which is fluidly connected to the port on the process liquid or fluid side (e.g., slurry, water, air, etc.) to control the flow of fluid to / from the ultrafine filter unit 7700. Figure 43 All valves shown are air-pilot valves; only a few are labeled for clarity. Figure 42 As shown, depending on the port type (e.g., water, air, slurry), each air pilot valve 7724 is sequentially fluidly connected on the control air side to a dedicated and associated control air valve 7600. The control air valve 7600 delivers pulsed air to operate each air pilot valve 7724 to control its open or closed position. In one embodiment, the air pilot valve can be configured to open with air pressure and close with air or spring via a included return spring (single-pilot pneumatic valve) or close with air pressure (double-pilot pneumatic valve). Such air pilot valves are commercially available from many sources and are relatively inexpensive compared to pneumatic pressure amplification control air valves 7600, which require an electrical signal to operate the valve's electronic valve actuator 7620. It is noteworthy for the ultrafine filter unit 7700 disclosed herein that a single filter unit associated with a single slurry processing / analysis chain or processing wedge 312 would require 11 air pilot valves 7724.

[0202] The ultrafine filter unit 7700 can be operated according to the following general procedures and methods. The process described below can be fully automated and controlled sequentially by appropriate program instructions executed by the processor of the electronic system controller 2820 described earlier herein. Preferably, the filter unit is vertically oriented such that end 7715 is at the top (i.e., the top portion) and end 7716 is at the bottom (i.e., the bottom end portion). However, other orientations of the filter unit may be used. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, references below to the open or closed ports of the filter unit are controlled by an air pilot valve 7724 associated with each of these ports.

[0203] To begin the process, at a point after the extractant has been thoroughly mixed with the slurry, the slurry and extractant mixture is injected from the upstream slurry extraction manifold of the slurry analysis and processing system through the open slurry inlet port 7705 into the filter. This can be analogous to the extraction point in the process shown in Figure P-261 (Slurry Processing System 3000) or Figure P-263 (Slurry Analysis and Processing Wedge 312) using an ultrafine filter 5757 as previously described herein. This is in the current Figure 43 The extractant mixing section 7730 of the slurry treatment system is shown in the image. The slurry flows circumferentially around the filter medium 7721 and flows downwards towards the opposite bottom end 7716 of the filter unit in an annular slurry inlet pressurization chamber 7712 near the top end 7715 of the filter unit. During this process, the exhaust / overflow port 7708 is opened to allow residual air contained in the annular pressurization chamber during the slurry filling procedure (which may include a small amount of slurry overflow) to escape into the waste at atmospheric pressure.

[0204] Air pressurization exhaust port 7726 via Figure 43 The exhaust air pilot valve 7724 shown opens to allow residual air in the internal filtrate chamber 7714 within the filter medium 7721 to escape to the atmosphere via an air manifold 7728 fluidly connected to port 7726, as illustrated. Therefore, both the filtrate chamber 7714 and the slurry inlet pressurization chamber are exhausted to ambient atmospheric pressure. The exhaust air pilot valve is fluidly connected to the pressurized air exhaust port 7726 via the air manifold 7728, which also includes air pilot valves associated with low-pressure and high-pressure air supplies fluidly connected to port 7726, as illustrated. These air supply pilot valves are initially closed and remain closed at this stage of the process.

[0205] Next, the filter unit and slurry outlet flow conduit 7725 (e.g., pipe) are pre-filled. The pre-fill filtrate exhaust valve 7724-2, fluidly connected to the slurry outlet flow conduit, is opened. Slurry supplied to the filter unit via the slurry inlet port 7705 fills the outer annular pressurization chamber 7713 and flows radially inward from the pressurization chamber through the filter medium 7721 into the inner filtrate chamber 7714 via the pressure drop between the pressurization chamber and the low-pressure filtrate chamber. The filtrate is diverted to waste via the filtrate exhaust valve 7724-2 for a short time sufficient to start the filter unit and slurry outlet flow conduit. Notably, during the pre-filling operation, the filtrate supply air valve 7724-1, associated with transferring the filtrate / supernatant to the downstream chemical analysis section 7731 of the slurry treatment and analysis system, is closed. After the start-up step is stopped, the low-pressure air valve and the filtrate exhaust valve 7724-2 are closed.

[0206] Following the infusion step, the annular slurry inlet pressurization chamber 7713 is pressurized by establishing a high-pressure filtered air flow from a pressurized air source to the filter pressurized air inlet port 7706. The slurry passes through the filter medium 7721 and enters the inner filtrate chamber 7714, where the filtered slurry (filtrate) is collected to form a supernatant for chemical analysis. It is noteworthy that the pressurized air source for supplying all the aforementioned low-pressure and high-pressure air to the inner filtrate chamber 7714 and the high-pressure air for the slurry inlet pressurization chamber 7713 can be a single source, such as the air compressor 3030 and air tank 3031 shown in Figure P-1, or other suitable available air sources described herein. Air is supplied to the respective air ports of the ultrafine filter unit 700 via appropriately configured and valved air ducts (e.g., tubing).

[0207] Then, the filter is vented back to the ambient atmosphere by opening the air pressurization vent port 7726, which is fluidly connected to the filtrate chamber 7714 inside the filter, and the exhaust / overflow port 7708, which is fluidly connected to the annular slurry inlet pressurization chamber 7713. To supply the filtrate / supernatant to the downstream chemical analysis section 7731 of the slurry processing system, the low-pressure air supply pilot valve 7724 and the filtrate pilot valve are opened. Reagents are then added to the filtrate / supernatant mixture, and the analyte levels are subsequently measured in the manner previously described herein.

[0208] A filter rinsing step, a backwashing step, and subsequently an air drying step are performed to prepare an ultrafine filter unit 7700 for processing the next slurry sample. The rinsing step is performed by opening a pressurized water supply air pilot valve 7724, fluidly connected to the filter backwash inlet port 7707 and the lower waste ports 7709, 7711. A swirling flow of water forcefully removes excess / residual slurry from the slurry inlet pressurization chamber 7713 while tangentially scrubbing residual slurry particles from the outer surface of the filter media 7721. The backwashing step is performed by first injecting water from the pressurized water supply into the filtrate chamber 7714 through the pressurized air discharge port 7726. This forces water to pass radially outward through the filter media 7721 in the opposite direction to the previously filtered slurry. The water collected in the slurry inlet pressurization chamber (containing slurry particles expelled from the filter media) is directed to the waste via the exhaust air pilot valve. The water flow is stopped, and then a high-pressure clean air pulse is applied through the air pressurization discharge port 7726 into the filtrate chamber 7714 inside the filter unit. This creates a hammering effect to knock away any remaining slurry particles from the filter media 7721. This air pressure, supplied by a high-pressure air supply, is higher than... Figure 43The "filtration pressure" or "low pressure" air is indicated to facilitate proper micropore cleaning by expelling smaller particles that would otherwise remain embedded in the surface of the filter media due to the zero pressure differential across the medium. The filter air pressure supply can be at an intermediate pressure, higher than the low-pressure air supply but lower than the high-pressure air supply pressure. The low-pressure air supply is at a selected pressure to allow the filtrate to move gently through and out of the filter unit. A higher intermediate filtration pressure air supply is at a selected pressure to force the slurry through the filter media to produce filtrate. A still higher high-pressure air supply is at a selected pressure, compared to producing filtrate with sufficient force to expel particles trapped on the filter, to cause the clean air to "back-impact" through the filter media in the opposite second direction. In some embodiments, the cleaning pressure provided by the high-pressure air supply is preferably at least 1.5 to 2 times the filtration pressure to satisfactorily expel and remove trapped particles from the filter media. The air drying step is then performed by opening air pilot valve 7726, associated with a higher-pressure air source, to allow "high"-pressure air to push residual water from filtrate chamber 7714 to slurry inlet pressurization chamber 7713, while "filtered" air, fluidly connected to inlet pressurization chamber 7713, subsequently pushes residual water to atmospheric ports 7709 and 7711 for waste. This creates a vortex airflow drying effect within the filter. In one embodiment, drying can be facilitated by multiple tangential air inlet ports at the top of the filter and multiple waste outlet ports perpendicular to the unit at the bottom of the filter. Preferably, an even number of air inlet and waste outlet ports can be provided to balance the flow. This axial separation and offset of the ports at the top and bottom, along with a large volume of air, creates a vortex effect conducive to rapid drying, allowing for rapid and continuous filtration of the next slurry sample for the next analysis cycle.

[0209] Figure 42The multi-channel pneumatically controlled air system shown presents a combination of the more expensive pneumatically controlled air valve 7600 and a greater number of cheaper air pilot valves 7724, providing a cost-effective solution to meet the control air requirements of multiple ultrafine filter units 7700; each filter unit includes multiple associated air pilot valves for controlling the various functional requirements of the aforementioned operating process. In the illustrated embodiment, each filter unit has 11 associated air pilot valves (which can be used more or less in other system variations). Since each air pilot valve in each filter unit has the same function, each function can be simultaneously actuated across all filter units through multiplexing to produce a more economical control air system, which is advantageous for this slurry processing system, where multiple slurry analyses are desired to process and chemically quantify different analytes contained in the same agricultural sample (e.g., soil) in parallel. This produces faster results, allowing for faster processing of the next agricultural sample.

[0210] As an example used solely for the purpose of describing a multi-path pneumatically controlled air system, and for the sake of simplicity... Figure 42 Only four ultrafine filter units 7700 are shown, designated 7700-1 to 7700-4. Each filter unit is shown as having four ports and associated air pilot valves 7724, labeled valves "1 to 4". Each air pilot valve 1 to 4 is fluidly connected via a corresponding dedicated and fluid-isolated shared air distribution manifold 7703-1 to 7703-4 to a corresponding upstream dedicated control air valve 7600, labeled 7600-1 to 7600-4. For example, air pilot valve 1 is fluidly connected to and shares the first shared air distribution manifold 7703-1, and in this example, this is similar for the remaining air pilot valves 2 to 4. Each control air valve 7600-1 to 7600-4 is fluidly connected upstream to a common air supply manifold 7702, which in turn is fluidly connected to a common air source 7701, which may be the air compressor 3030 and associated air tank 3031 shown in Figure P-1, or any other air source previously described herein.

[0211] Figure 42The advantage of the multi-channel pneumatic control air system of the present invention shown is that only the control air valves 7600-1 to 7600-4 need to be operatively and communicatively coupled to the system controller 2820 to control the supply of control air to the ultrafine filter units 7700-1 to 7700-4 and the air pilot valves "1 to 4" of each unit. This greatly simplifies the control system wiring and controller programming required to control the slurry filtration and post-filtration cleaning operations of each of the aforementioned filter units. The control air system allows for multiplexing with electro-pneumatic valves shared among similar functions in multiple analyses. When multiple analyses exist, each analysis uses its own one or more filters, and a common pneumatic signal can be sent to as many filters as needed, so that they all simultaneously actuate each function without the need for additional, expensive electro-pneumatic valves for each incremental analysis.

[0212] In operation, as an example, when the system controller 2820 is pre-programmed and timed to simultaneously activate the same filter function (which can be any of the functions described above) associated with opening the air pilot valve "1" of each of the four filter units 7700-1 to 7700-4, the controller sends an electrical control signal to control air valve 7600-1. Valve 7600-1 opens to simultaneously transmit the control air signal flow through the shared distribution manifold 7703-1 to each air pilot valve "1" of each of the ultrafine filter units 7700-1 to 7700-4. Thus, the air pilot valves open concurrently upon receiving the control air signal. The cessation of the control air signal causes each valve to close concurrently at the appropriate time controlled by the system controller 2820. The same method of operation applies to each of the remaining air pilot valves "2 to 4," which will be opened simultaneously by the controller at the appropriate time.

[0213] Therefore, the control air system allows for multiplexing with electro-pneumatic control air valves, which are shared among similar functions in each filter unit for multiple analyses. When multiple analyses exist and are run in parallel, each analysis uses its own one or more filters, so a common pneumatic signal can be sent to as many filters as needed, causing them all to actuate each function simultaneously without the need for additional, expensive electro-pneumatic valves for each incremental analysis.

[0214] In one aspect, a method for filtering slurry can be broadly summarized as comprising: providing a slurry filter including a body defining an internal central passage, a filter medium disposed in the central passage and defining an internal filtrate chamber, and an annular slurry inlet pressurizing chamber disposed between the body and the filter medium; causing slurry to flow into the slurry inlet pressurizing chamber at a first end of the body; pressurizing the slurry inlet pressurizing chamber to force the slurry radially inward through the filter medium to deposit filtrate in the filtrate chamber; and pressurizing the filtrate chamber to force the filtrate to flow to a filtrate outlet port at a second end of the body opposite the first end.

[0215] In another aspect, a slurry filter unit for ultrafine slurry filtration typically includes: a body defining a central axis; a first end, an opposing second end, and an internal central passage extending between the two ends along the central axis; a retainer supporting an elongated filter medium in the central passage, the filter medium defining an internal filtrate chamber and an annular slurry inlet pressurization chamber disposed between the body and the filter medium; a slurry inlet port and a filtrate outlet port, the slurry inlet port being radially oriented with respect to the central axis at the first end, and the filtrate outlet port being oriented parallel to the central axis at the second end; a filter pressurization air inlet port, which is radially oriented with respect to the central axis and fluidly connected to the annular slurry inlet pressurization chamber, for forcing the slurry in the pressurization chamber radially through the filter medium into the filtrate chamber; and an air port, which is oriented parallel to the central axis and fluidly connected to the filtrate chamber, for forcing the filtrate to flow to the slurry outlet.

[0216] Microfluidics processing fluid mixing

[0217] Mixing occurs when fluid suddenly flows from a larger passage to a smaller passage. This process can be used, particularly within the microchannel flow network of the microfluidic processing disk 310, for mixing slurries, extractants, reagents, or other fluids. A set of micropumps can be provided for mixing. For example, when two components are mixed together to form a mixture, the size of a micropump with an associated pump chamber can be set for a specific volume of each component necessary to form the final mixture in the desired proportions. A single, larger micropump and chamber can also be provided, its size set to punch through the total volume of a mixture consisting of two or more components.

[0218] exist Figure 41In the non-limiting examples shown and discussed below, the pneumatically actuated diaphragm micropump MP1 is sized to accommodate 2500 μL of agricultural slurry (e.g., soil slurry in one embodiment), the micropump MP2 is sized to accommodate 7500 μL of extractant, and the micropump MP3 is sized to accommodate mixtures between 10000 μL and 10200 μL. The goal is that MP3 always has a volume sufficient to hold at least all the fluid from the micropumps MP1 and MP2. Considering manufacturing variability, the volume and displacement of the micropump MP3 will be slightly higher than the sum of MP1 and MP2. The aforementioned micropumps can be formed and configured... Figure 41 The slurry analysis processing wedge 312 of the microfluidic processing disk 310 shown and previously described herein is in a layer. A micropump may comprise the entire wedge or only a portion of the processing wedge 312. A pneumatically actuated diaphragm micropump is fluidly coupled to a pneumatically actuated diaphragm microvalve via a network of flow microchannels 322, as described below. Microvalves used in the microfluidic processing disk 310, such as a pneumatically actuated diaphragm microvalve 328, have been previously described herein.

[0219] Exemplary steps in the treatment / method for preparing and mixing a fluid containing a slurry will now be described. The term "open" pump chamber, as used below, means that the lower pump chamber 5765 of the micropumps MP1, MP2, or MP3 is opened to its maximum volume to receive the fluid as shown in Figure P-257. The upper pump chamber 5764 is not pressurized by control air via inlet 5768, so the diaphragm 5763 is in an undeformed upward position, which "opens" the lower chamber to allow fluid to enter for pumping. A "closed" pump chamber means that pressurized air is applied to the upper pump chamber 5764, causing the diaphragm 5763 to move and deform to take a downward position near the bottom surface 5765-2 of the lower chamber 5765 (see, for example, Figure P-258). This squeezes and pumps fluid from it via fluid outlet port 5767 for further processing of the slurry mixture.

[0220] The process / method can be summarized as follows: (1) opening the slurry inlet micro-valve 7650; (2) opening the pump chamber of MP1 to introduce a precise volume of slurry equal to the discharge rate of MP1 into MP1; (3) closing the slurry inlet micro-valve 7650; (4) opening the extractant inlet micro-valve 7653; (5) opening the intermediate micro-valve 7654 between MP1 and MP2; and (6) opening the pump chamber of MP2, which causes suction through MP1 to introduce the extractant into MP1, forming a slurry-extractant mixture from the existing slurry. As the extractant mixes with the slurry in MP1, some of the slurry-extractant mixture enters MP2 until MP2 is finally full and an amount of extractant equal to the discharge rate of MP2 has been drawn into the system and mixed with the slurry. The process continues with the following steps: (7) closing the extractant inlet microvalve 7653; (8) simultaneously closing MP1 and opening MP3; (9) closing the intermediate microvalve between MP1 and MP2; and (10) closing MP2. At this point, the full amount of MP1+MP2 has been mixed with the precise amount of slurry+extractant and incorporated into pump chamber MP3. The process is accomplished by the following steps: (11) opening the outlet microvalve 7656; and (12) closing pump MP3 to pump and transfer the mixed slurry / extracted sample mixture to a downstream slurry processing stage, for example, using a three-stage / ultrafine filtration process such as the microporous ultrafine filter 5757 shown in Figure P-261, or other filters. The ultrafine filter is configured to produce a clear filtered supernatant that can be chemically analyzed, for example, via colorimetric analysis or other analytical techniques used in the art, for the analytes of interest contained in the supernatant. It is worth noting that in Figure 41 In this case, P2 and P3 are not isolated from each other by a miniature valve.

[0221] exist Figure 41 In this configuration, the micropump MP1 can be further fluidly connected to a microvalve 7652, which controls the inflow of a "standard" fluid typically used to test the accuracy of a slurry analysis system. This standard will contain a known concentration (parts per million – ppm) of the analyte (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, etc.), which is ultimately measured via the analytical flow cell of the system previously described herein. The micropump MP1 can also be further fluidly connected to a microwater valve 7651, which controls the inflow of water into the micropump for periodically flushing away any residual slurry remaining in the lower pump chamber.

[0222] Knife-type soil sample Collection System

[0223] Traditional agricultural soil sampling for nutrient analysis purposes is performed using static systems, which require inefficient investments in time and labor. This includes manual extraction of soil samples for testing. Machine-powered, non-static, or "on-the-go" automated sampling is desirable for faster and less labor-intensive collection.

[0224] According to the automated mobile soil sample collection system disclosed herein, the system includes a collection device comprising a support frame and containing one or more rotatable soil collection reels configured to penetrate the soil at predetermined time intervals for sample collection. Each reel includes a hollow tubular body having an internal collection cavity included within the cross-sectional geometry of the hollow tubular body to collect samples representing the depth of a soil slice. Reel rotation actuation can be achieved by various methods, including but not limited to electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic power distribution using individual or combined motors and gear trains, linear cylinders, racks and pinions, solenoids, and / or actuators. For sample collection, the reel typically begins in a downward (i.e., into the soil) closed position to reach soil preventing further entry into the collection cavity. At predetermined intervals, the reel alternately rotates 180 degrees around its longitudinal centerline in a cycle. The collection chamber cycles and changes as it rotates between concealed conditions relative to the soil (the soil collection chamber is covered or blocked), exposed conditions (soil samples are collected), and a return to concealed conditions (collected samples are retained in a reel). The sample collection device can be controlled by a microprocessor-based system controller, such as the controller 2820 previously described herein or other controllers. A support frame with the collection device is configured for mounting on a motor vehicle operable to traverse farmland and collect samples "in motion".

[0225] Figures 44 to 8 Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of a mobile soil sampling system 8000 according to the present disclosure. The system includes... Figure 55The collection assembly 8009 shown has a front portion 8005, a rear portion 8006, a left lateral side 8007, and a right lateral side 8008 for easy reference when describing the assembly. Assembly 8009 typically includes a support frame 8001 and a collection device 8002 movably mounted to and supported by the frame. The frame 8001 is configured to be detachably mounted to the rear portion of any type of mobile trailer / equipment or self-powered wheeled vehicle 8003 operable to travel across farmland containing soil AF to dynamically collect “in-movement” samples while the vehicle is in motion. This differs from traditional stationary sampling techniques. As some non-limiting examples, if the vehicle 8003 is self-powered, it can be driven by a gas-powered, electric, or hybrid type engine. Vehicle 8003 can be used solely for soil sample collection, or it can be any type of general-purpose self-propelled wheeled vehicle or equipment commonly used in agriculture, such as pickup trucks or other trucks, tractors, harvesters, etc. The type of powered vehicle or trailer / equipment used is not limited to that disclosed. Figure 44 In the embodiment shown, the collection device 8002 is configured to be towed by a vehicle 8003 across the farmland to collect samples.

[0226] The support frame 8001 typically includes a foremost main frame segment 8001-1 configured for detachable direct or indirect mounting or coupling to a vehicle; a rearmost collection device frame segment 8001-3; and an intermediate track frame segment 8001-2 mounted therebetween, supporting a bracket chassis 8058. In one embodiment, the main frame segment 8001-1 may include a horizontally elongated mounting rod 8001-4 configured for coupling to a vehicle 8003. In one embodiment, the rod 8001-4 may be cylindrical. Multiple mounting dampers 8004 at the vehicle mounting location are adapted for upward / downward movement of the collection device 8002 and to reduce vibration as the collection device penetrates and is pulled through the soil by the vehicle 8003. This prevents cracking of the mounting components. In one embodiment, a spring 8004-1 may be used as a damper, for example, a pair of dampers with springs: a spring is mounted on each opposite end of the rod 8004-1, as shown. Other numbers of dampers and mounting locations can be used.

[0227] The intermediate track frame segment 8001-2 of the support frame 8000 supports a bracket chassis 8058, which includes a vertically movable bracket 8050 for adjusting the vertical position of the collection device 8002 relative to the vehicle 8003 and the surface or ground plane of the soil. As further described herein, the collection device 8002 is movably coupled to and supported by the bracket, which in turn is supported by the track frame segment. The track frame segment 8001-2 may include a pair of laterally spaced and elongated vertical support rods 8001-5, which are rigidly coupled to a horizontal mounting rod 8001-4 by a plurality of generally horizontal angled struts 8001-6. The horizontal struts cantilever the track frame segment 8001-2 and the collection device 8002 coupled thereto from the vehicle 8003. In a non-limiting embodiment, the struts 8001-6 may be mounted near the top portion of the rods 8001-5. Therefore, the track frame segment remains stationary relative to the main frame segment 8001-1 and the vehicle 8003. In one embodiment, the rod 8001-5 may have a tubular body with a rectangular or square polygonal cross-sectional shape; however, other polygonal and non-polygonal cross-sectional shapes (e.g., circular) may be used. The rod extends vertically between the upper mounting bracket 8051 and the lower mounting bracket 8052. The top and bottom portions of each track 8001-5 are rigidly connected to the brackets in the manner shown.

[0228] The bracket chassis 8058 includes a pair of laterally spaced vertical guide rails 8027, each of which is rigidly connected and supported at its end to, via corresponding upper chassis 8058-1 and lower chassis 8058-2, the upper bracket 8051 and lower bracket 8052 of the intermediate track frame segment 8001-2 of the support frame. The rails 8027 are spaced rearward from and parallel to the support rods 8001-5. In one embodiment, the rails may be cylindrical with a circular cross-section to engage with cylindrical rollers 8053 mounted to the bracket 8050, as further described herein.

[0229] It is worth noting that the various frame segments 8001-1, 8001-2, and 8001-3 described above, as well as the bracket chassis 8058, may include a number of additional sub-components, parts, fasteners, brackets, bearings, sleeves, collars, or other elements besides the main components shown in the figures, which would be necessary to perform their intended support and mounting functions. Such secondary components are provided entirely within the scope of those skilled in the art and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0230] Continue to refer to Figures 44 to 82. The soil sample collection device 8002 typically includes a cutter assembly 8020 (which rotatably supports and houses at least one collection reel 8040 shown and described in this embodiment), rotatable plow blades 8021, a reel positioning actuator 8024, a cutter positioning actuator 8026, a rolling bracket 8050 with a bracket actuator 8029, and at least one guide slide 8060 configured to slidably engage the ground or soil surface GS. In one embodiment, the plow blades 8021 are forward-mounted near the cutter assembly 8020 to form a trench or furrow in the soil, at least the upper portion of which subsequently penetrates the trench or furrow as the collection device travels through the soil. Samples are collected from within the furrow. For the subsequent follow-up cutter assembly, the blades initially break and loosen the soil. This facilitates easier operation of the cutter assembly due to the inclusion of a movable collection reel. The tool assembly 8020 and the plow blade 8021 are substantially axially aligned with each other, as shown. Figure 37 As best shown, this is to accomplish the task. As used herein, the term "basic" implies that the tool assembly can be slightly offset laterally from the plow blade along the horizontal axis HA, but will still functionally travel within and benefit from the furrows created by the blade. Figure 44 and Figures 67 to 68 As shown, the cutter assembly 8020 and the plow blade 8021 partially penetrate the surface of the soil to a pre-selected depth for collecting soil samples.

[0231] The plow blade 8021 may be formed from a metal plate having a generally circular shape and may have a sharp (i.e., tapered or wedge-shaped) peripheral edge extending circumferentially around the blade body for better cutting through the soil. In some embodiments, the blade may have a fan-shaped design as shown, or in other embodiments it may be conventional. The plow blade 8021 is rotatably connected to a hub 8023 at its center by a pair of support arms 8022, the pair of support arms 8022 being laterally spaced on opposite sides of the blade. The arms 8022 may be vertically elongated, each arm having a bottom end 8022-1 and a top end 8022-2, the bottom end 8022-1 being connected to one side of the hub in a manner that allows the blade 8021 to rotate, and the top end 8022-2 being fixedly connected to the body of the bracket 8050.

[0232] The bracket 8050 includes a plurality of rollers 8028 configured to rollably engage with and move up and down along the guide rail 8027. Figures 79 to 80(Best visible in the middle). Each roller may have an arcuate, recessed track engagement surface configured to complement the circular cross-sectional shape of the guide rail to maintain active engagement as the carriage moves up and down on the track. To maintain smooth rolling engagement between the rollers and the guide rail, in one embodiment, each guide rail may be engaged by multiple vertically spaced pairs of front rollers 8028-1, rear rollers 8028-2, and outer rollers 8028-3. The front and rear rollers stabilize the carriage's movement on the track in the front-to-back direction. The outer rollers stabilize the carriage's movement in the lateral left-to-right direction. Notably, a set of rollers 8028 on the carriage 8050 further serves to mitigate the front-to-back and left-to-right forces, which are the forces exerted on the collection device 8002 supported by the carriage when the device encounters rough and uneven soil conditions or rocks at the soil surface GS; neither of these is unexpected in the agricultural field.

[0233] The vertical position of the bracket 8050 on the guide rail 8027 is controlled by a linearly acting bracket actuator 8029. The actuator 8029 is vertically oriented and can be arranged, as shown, at the vertical geometric centerline between the guide rails. The actuator 8029 operates to lower or raise the bracket relative to the vehicle 8003 and subsequently relative to the soil surface GS (see, for example...). Figures 65 to 67 Therefore, the depth to which the cutter assembly 330 and plow blade 331 of the collection device 312 penetrate the soil is primarily adjusted by the bracket actuator 8029, to which the collection device is cantilevered. In one embodiment, the actuator 8029 may be a pneumatic cylinder type actuator; however, a hydraulic cylinder or an electric linear actuator may also be used. The actuator 8029 is fixedly mounted at the top to the track frame section 8001-2 and operably coupled at the bottom to the rolling bracket 8050 via an actuation or piston rod 8029-1. By retracting or extending the piston rod, the actuator 8029 selectively raises or lowers the bracket 8050 relative to the vehicle 8003 and the soil surface, which mounts and supports the entire collection device 8002. When no soil samples are being collected (see, for example...), Figure 69 Actuator 8029 can lift bracket 8050 and collection device 8002 mounted thereon to an upper retracted position for transport. In the lower active position, which actively engages with the soil (see, for example...), Figures 67 to 68 The equipment is prepared to collect soil samples.

[0234] For ease of description, the collecting assembly 8009 can be considered to define a vertical axis VA (passing through the geometric center line between the guide rails 8027) coaxial with the bracket actuator 8029 and a horizontal axis HA (as shown in the image) passing through the hub 8023 of the plow blade assembly. Figure 53(As indicated). Although the vertical axis remains fixed in place relative to the bracket chassis 8058 and the collection vehicle 8003, the horizontal axis is movable vertically along with the plow blade 8021 and the cutter assembly 8020 as the bracket 8050 moves up and down along the guide rail 8027. The elongated collection reel 8040 defines the longitudinal axis LA (in Figure 53 The center marker (VA) can be changed between a position parallel to the vertical axis VA and a position inclined at an angle to the axis VA (see example). Figures 67 to 68 (as further described in this article).

[0235] A collection device 8002 (e.g., a cutter assembly 8020 and a plow blade 8021) is pivotally coupled to a pair of support arms 8022, which are connected to a bracket 8050 via a pivot arm link 8061. One end of the link 8061 is pivotally coupled to a hub 8023, and the opposite end of the link 8061 is pivotally coupled to a pivot arm bracket 8055, which is fixedly mounted to the cutter assembly 8020. In a non-limiting embodiment further described below, the bracket 8055 may preferably be mounted on the top portion of a larger front blade element 8031, which is held above the soil during sample collection (see, for example...). Figures 46 to 47 , Figure 58 and Figure 67 The tool assembly 8020 of the collecting device has a pivot axis that coincides with the horizontally oriented rotation center line of the plow blade hub 8023. The tool assembly 8020 is movable up and down in an arcuate path about its pivot axis (see example). Figures 67 to 68 ).

[0236] In one embodiment, the tool positioning actuator 8026 may be a pneumatic cylinder type actuator; however, a hydraulic cylinder or an electric linear actuator may also be used. The actuator 8026 is configured to act in a linear direction via a movable operating or piston rod 8026-1, which is rotatably coupled at its bottom to the tool assembly swing arm support 8055 via a U-clamp and pin assembly 8056. At its top, the top of the actuator housing is pivotally coupled via a pin connection 8057 to a cross plate 8054, which is rigidly mounted between the support arms 8022 of the plow blade assembly. The actuator 8026 supplies a holding force on the tool swing arm and can be used to at least partially set both the penetration depth of the tool assembly 8020 and the plow blade 8021 in the soil and the angle of the tool assembly relative to the vertical axis VA.

[0237] The tool positioning actuator 8026 serves another useful purpose: protecting the collection device 8002 from damage. When collecting soil samples from farmland AF, the moving collection device 8002 may encounter obstacles in the soil (e.g., rocks, etc.) during use (see example...). Figure 67 ).exist Figure 67 In this configuration, the piston rod 8026-1 is in an extended position relative to the actuator housing, with the cutter assembly 8020 in an angled position (e.g., the front side of the front blade element 8031 ​​is angled to the vertical axis VA) to facilitate plowing / traversing the soil. If overcoming an obstacle requires a force greater than the holding force that the actuator can provide (e.g., air / oil pressure for a pneumatic / hydraulic actuator, or resistance for an electric actuator) when the cutter assembly and / or plow blades strike the obstacle, the actuator's piston rod becomes compressed and retracts into the actuator housing, thereby pivotally tilting the cutter assembly backward and raising the collecting device to allow obstacles to pass under the cutter assembly (compare, e.g.) Figures 67 to 68 Now, the front side of the front blade element 8031 ​​can be substantially parallel to the vertical axis VA. Therefore, the cylinder of the tool positioning actuator 8026 is advantageously used as a shock absorber to provide mechanical cushioning or a "detachment" mechanism for the collection equipment when encountering underground soil obstacles to prevent damage to the equipment.

[0238] The cutter assembly 8020 includes a rear blade element 8030, a front blade element 8031, a top blade mounting bracket 8032, and a bottom base plate 8033. The base plate 8033 and mounting bracket 8032 can extend horizontally while clamping the blade elements therebetween. The blade elements are rigidly mounted at their tops to the mounting bracket 8032 and at their bottoms to the base plate 8033 via any suitable method, such as, but not limited to, threaded fasteners, welding, or other securing methods, to provide rigidity to the cutter assembly, thereby counteracting the soil pressure exerted by pulling the assembly through the soil for sample collection. The rear blade element 8030 and the front blade element 8031 ​​can be mounted to the base plate in a horizontally axially spaced manner along the horizontal axis HA of the collection device to jointly define a vertically elongated reel slot 8041 between them. Figure 42 and Figure 43 (Best shown in the diagram). Therefore, slot 8041 is collectively defined by the space created between each blade element. Slot 8041 has a transverse cross-sectional shape configured to complement the cross-sectional shape of spool 8040, which in one embodiment may be circular (see example...). Figure 48If more than one reel is incorporated into the tool assembly in other embodiments, an additional slot 8041 may be provided, as further described below. The reel slot 8041 is configured to rotatably and slidably receive the reel 8040 therein. Specifically, the reel 8040 is vertically and slidably movable up / down within the slot, and is also rotatably movable for collecting and holding soil samples, as further described herein. Both the slot 8041 and the reel 8040 may have a circular cross-section, as the reel may have a cylindrical configuration in the illustrated embodiment.

[0239] In one embodiment, the rear blade element 8030 and the front blade element 8031 ​​may be formed from a generally flat metal plate; each blade element has opposing left and right main surfaces that are substantially parallel to each other. Any suitable general configuration of the blade elements 8030, 8031 ​​can be used, as long as these elements are sufficient to support and accommodate the collection reel 8040 and can penetrate the soil. The blade elements may have different shapes in their peripheral profiles, which may be polygonal, non-polygonal, or a combination thereof. The front blade 8031, which engages and plows through the soil head, may be larger and more robust to serve this function. The leading edge of the front blade 8031 ​​may be angled or wedge-shaped (in cross-section) for better soil plowing. The smaller rear blade 8030 primarily serves to define the reel groove 8041. Notably, the forward-facing plow blade 331 is used to partially loosen the soil before the blade assembly 8020 encounters it while being pulled through the soil. However, the rear blade element 8030 and the front blade element 8031 ​​of the tool assembly 8020 extend vertically below the bottom of the plow blade 8021 and the guide slide 8060 (see example). Figures 53 to 54 This allows the lower part of the cutter assembly to encounter the soil near the bottom and directly below the furrow or trench plowed by the plow blades. This soil layer can be slightly loosened by the plow blades to reduce frictional resistance on the cutter assembly, making it easier for the cutter assembly to move forward through the soil to collect soil samples.

[0240] The tool assembly 8020 includes a guide slide 8060, which essentially limits the depth to which the tool assembly inserts into the soil, such as... Figures 67 to 68As seen in the document. The slide plate 8060 has a horizontally elongated body and an arc-shaped, upturned front end to accommodate natural undulations in the soil surface of farmland. The slide plate can be rigidly mounted to a lateral side of the cutter assembly (e.g., the front blade 8031) via a cylindrical mounting boss 8062. In one embodiment, the boss 8062 can be welded to the top of the slide plate and welded to the front blade 8031. This creates a structurally robust attachment when the collecting device 8002 encounters, as is not uncommon in farmland, undulating soil surface conditions or surface debris (e.g., valleys, ridges, rocks, branches, etc.), which maintains the position of the cutter assembly 8020 against the soil surface GS and the holding force of the cutter positioning actuator 8026 (described elsewhere herein). The slide plate 8060 can preferably be made of any suitable, durable, and robust metal.

[0241] Figure 48 as well as Figures 57 to 66 Aspects of the soil collection reel 8040 and the associated reel drive mechanism are shown in more detail. In one embodiment, the reel 8040 may have an elongated cylindrical body with a collection cavity 8042 that opens laterally outward. This cavity extends substantially the entire length of the reel from a top end 8043 to a bottom end 8044. The top end is configured for mounting to a reel positioning actuator 8024, which operates to selectively raise or lower the reel in the cutter assembly 8020. The bottom end can be closed to retain the collected soil sample. The cavity 8042 may have an arcuate profile or shape from one side to the other to facilitate removal of the collected sample. The reel 8040 may be formed of a suitable metal (e.g., aluminum or steel) for robustness and durability for service conditions. In one embodiment, stainless steel may be used for corrosion resistance to ensure smooth rotation and linear movement of the reel in the reel slot 8041 of the cutter assembly 330.

[0242] The tool assembly 8020 also includes a reel drive mechanism operably coupled to a collection reel 8040, the reel drive mechanism being operated to (1) rotate the reel for collecting and holding soil samples and (2) raise and lower the reel for ejecting samples into a sample transport system. To achieve the above-mentioned dual actions of the reel, the reel drive mechanism includes a gear transmission 8070 for the rotational action of the reel and a reel positioning actuator 8024 for the linear up-and-down action of the reel. Each action and function will be described below in sequence.

[0243] The gear transmission device 8070 includes an electric motor 8072, which includes a drive gear 8074 connected to the drive shaft of the motor and meshing with a main driven gear 8073 (see example). Figure 66 Driven gear 8073 is operatively engaged with collection reel 8040, as further described herein. The drive gear and driven gear can be housed in a gearbox 8071 of any suitable configuration for protection from components and the environment. The gearbox and motor can then be mounted on and supported by a gear drive support base or platform 8075, which can be attached to the top of the cutter assembly 8020. In some embodiments, platform 8075 can be configured for coupling to a sample collection / transfer system to deliver soil samples to a soil sample analysis system for slurry preparation and chemical analysis as previously described herein. Motor 8072 can be supported by the gearbox and includes a drive shaft 8074-1 coupled to drive gear 8074, a shaft support bearing 8074-2, and a bushing fitting 8074-3 supporting and surrounding the drive shaft between the drive gear and the motor housing.

[0244] A suitable pair of gear bearings 8076 support the driven gear 8073 for rotary motion (see example). Figure 59 and Figure 65 The driven gear assembly may include a tubular hollow drive sleeve 8073-1, which is inserted through a central through-passage 8073-2 through the gear hub 8073-3. When the reel is raised and lowered, a collection reel 8040 is received in the through-passage 8073-5 of the drive sleeve and is slidable up / down through the through-passage 8073-5. Externally, the drive sleeve may include a plurality of longitudinal splines 8073-4, which may be removably and insertably keyed to engaging longitudinal grooves 8073-5 formed in the through-passage 8073-2 of the gear hub to rotatably interlock the sleeve and the driven gear 8073 such that the sleeve rotates in unison with the driven gear (see, for example...). Figures 59 to 60 Spline 8073-4 can be a separate component, attached to the outside of the drive sleeve in the meshing longitudinal slot as shown, or it can be integrally formed as a tubular body of the drive sleeve. If replacement is required due to wear, the drive sleeve 8073-1 is intended to be a more easily replaceable and less expensive component than the driven gear 8073.

[0245] The drive sleeve 8073-1 forms an axially slidable but rotationally interlocked interface with the collection reel 8040 via a sample ejector 8081, which can be securely attached to the drive sleeve within the through passage 8073-5 of the sleeve by any suitable means. In one embodiment, a pin connection can be created by a pin 8081-1; however, threaded fasteners or other devices can be used for a secure attachment. The ejector 8081 can be mounted to the bottom end of the drive sleeve 8073-1 such that the upper pin portion of the ejector resides within the lower portion of the drive sleeve tap 8073-5, while the wedge-shaped lower portion protrudes downward beneath the drive sleeve and the driven gear (see, for example...). Figure 62 The sample ejector 8081 is rotatably locked to and at least partially nested within the collection cavity 8042 of the collection reel 8040 in a manner that allows longitudinal movement of the reel relative to the ejector axis. The ejector is configured and operable to eject the collected soil sample from the collection cavity for soil collection and further processing / analysis by a soil analysis system. The ejector 8081 remains stationary in a vertical position but can rotate with a gear drive, while the collection reel 8040 can be selectively moved axially upward / downward by a reel positioning actuator 8024 via a drive sleeve and a driven gear. The ejector 8081 may have an angled wedge-shaped scraper end configured to wed the soil sample out of the collection cavity 8042 of the collection reel 8040 when the reel 8040 is lifted.

[0246] The gear drive 8070 is operable to rotate the collection reel 8040 between an open position for collecting soil samples and a closed position for holding the collected samples via engagement with the ejector 8081. It is noteworthy that, in contrast to a manually operated handheld core extractor or probe (which vertically pierces the soil in the axial direction) being pushed down to the desired depth and having its core sample collected (simply retained in the tool) as it is pulled straight back, the reel 8040 plows through the soil along a direction of travel parallel to the soil surface GS. This collects a soil sample, which is pressed into the collection chamber 8042 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the reel LA and parallel to the direction of travel of the collection device as the collection device (i.e., the plow blade and cutter assembly) plows through the soil to a preselected depth.

[0247] In one embodiment, the reel positioning actuator 8024 may be a pneumatic cylinder type actuator; however, a hydraulic cylinder or an electric linear actuator may also be used. The actuator 8024 may be supported by a generally vertical actuator support frame member 8024-2 from a gear-driven support platform 8075 and / or a tool assembly 8020. The support frame is configured to align the piston rod coaxially with the collection reel 8040 along the longitudinal axis LA of the reel. The actuator 8024 is configured to act in a linear direction via a movable actuation or piston rod 8024-1, which is coupled to the top end of the reel 8040 via an intermediate element.

[0248] Especially refer to Figures 59 to 60 and Figures 65 to 66 The bottom end of the reel positioning actuator piston rod 8024-1 can be rigidly coupled to a hollow tubular connector 8077, which includes a longitudinal through-passage 8077-1 extending between and through the ends of the connector body. In one embodiment, a threaded connection may be provided; however, other forms of rigid connection include, but are not limited to, pin connections, shrink fits, threaded fasteners, etc., as some non-limiting examples. The connector 8077 is then coupled to a freely rotatable swivel connector 8078, which is coupled to a collection reel 8040. The swivel connector 8078 includes a collar 8080, a fastening member 8079, and at least one or a pair of bearings 8082, which rotatably support the fastening member. The collar 8080 may have a flange including an annular radially projecting flange 8080-1, which is securely attached to the bottom of the connector 8077 by a plurality of threaded fasteners 8080-2, such that the collar is not rotatable relative to the connector. In a non-limiting embodiment (as shown), the fastener member 8079 may be a threaded fastener extending through the central passage 8080-3 of the collar 8080 to threadably engage the tip portion 8043 of the collection reel 8040. The tip portion of the reel is received in the lower portion of the central passage 8080-3 to engage the fastener member 8079. Operation of the reel positioning actuator 8024 selectively raises and lowers the collection reel 8040 between a lower position for collecting / retaining soil samples and a higher position for rejecting soil samples.

[0249] Reference Figure 65Connector 8077 and rotary coupling 8078 can be assembled by first attaching bearing 8082 and fastening member 8079 to the top of flanged collar 8080 and the top end of collection reel 8040. The head of the fastening member and bearing are inserted through the bottom end of connector through passage 8077-1. Then, collar flange 8080-1 is secured to connector 8077, which rotatably captures bearing and fastening member within the connector via flange.

[0250] The process or method for collecting soil samples from farmland using collection device 8002 will now be briefly described. Figure 94 The diagram illustrates a complete cycle of collection reel 8040 from start to finish, including sample collection, retention, and ejection. First, vehicle 8003 is driven or pulled to the desired starting position in the farmland. During transport, collection device 8002 is in a high position relative to the soil surface GS and the vehicle. Then, the collection device is lowered to actively penetrate and engage the soil. The desired penetration depth of the cutter assembly and plow blade 8021 used for collecting soil samples can be adjusted and set via the vertical position of bracket 8050 by operating bracket actuator 8029, as previously described herein. This can be performed when the vehicle is stationary, or alternatively, while the vehicle is moving. The angular orientation of the cutter assembly 8020 can be adjusted by operating cutter positioning actuator 8026, as previously described herein. In one embodiment, the cutter assembly can be set at an angle to the vertical axis VA of collection device 8002 (i.e., the front side / front edge of the front blade 8031) to facilitate plowing through the soil (see, for example...). Figure 59 The collection device includes a rotatable plow blade 8021 and a cutter assembly 8020, the cutter assembly 8020 being arranged close to the plow blade and including at least one rotatable collection reel 8040, the collection reel 8040 including a collection cavity 8042. The collection reel can initially be in a lower position within the cutter assembly 8020, the lower position being a lowest position set by operating a reel positioning actuator 8024 (see, for example...). Figure 59 As previously described herein, the bottom end of the reel can therefore be positioned at the bottom end of the collection cavity 8042 that engages with the top surface of the substrate 8033. The collection cavity 8042 of the collection reel 8040 can face forward or backward, and lateral openings are isolated at the reel slot 8041 on each side of the cutter assembly 8020, as described above. Figure 94 Position 1 is shown in the image.

[0251] Then, the collection device 312 (cutter assembly 8020 and plow blade 8021) moves in a direction of travel parallel to the soil surface GS and plows through the soil to the desired depth. The plow blade creates a groove or furrow in front of the cutter assembly, which travels at least partially in the groove or furrow for collecting soil samples. At a predetermined time (which may be part of a pre-programmed timing sequence), the collection reel 8040 then rotates a full 180 degrees from (1) a first closed position (in which the collection cavity 8042 is isolated from the soil (see, for example)). Figure 48 (2) By rotating 90 degrees to a laterally open position, in which the collection chamber is exposed to the adjacent soil, a soil sample is collected in the collection chamber 8042, and (3) by rotating 90 degrees to a relatively closed / isolated position for retaining the soil sample. This is achieved by Figure 94 Position 2 is indicated in the diagram. The collection reel is rotated a predetermined number of times by a gear drive 8070 to both collect and retain soil samples. In some methods, the reel can be rotated continuously through the aforementioned first closed position, a laterally open soil collection position, and a second closed position. The rotational speed of the collection reel 8040 can be selected to allow sufficient time to force soil into the exposed collection chamber 8042. Alternatively, the reel can first be rotated 90 degrees to the laterally open position, held in the open position for a predetermined period of time sufficient to force soil into the collection chamber, and then further rotated 90 degrees back to the second closed position for sample retention. Either method can be used as needed and / or as desired to collect a complete sample, which preferably fills at least a majority of the exposed length of the reel collection chamber 8042.

[0252] Once the soil sample has been collected, the collection reel 8040 can be in the second closed position (position 2). Figure 94 Simultaneously, the reel is raised to a higher position 8024 relative to the tool assembly 8020 via actuation and linear operation of the reel positioning actuator. As the reel is raised, the ejector 8081, immediately below the driven gear 8073 exposed in the gear-driven support platform and above the top of the tool assembly 8020, slides through the reel collection chamber 8042 and scrapes a sample from it for collection by the sample collection / transfer system for further processing to prepare a sample slurry and ultimately for chemical analysis to quantify the concentration of the analyte of interest. Notably, because the ejector 8081 is positioned above the tool assembly 8020, the sample can be reliably ejected from the reel 8040 while the reel is still in the second closed position without further rotation of the reel. Therefore, a portion of the collection chamber 8042 above the tool assembly is exposed.

[0253] After the sample has been ejected, the method can rotate the reel back to the first closed position (position 1) while the reel is still in the high position. Figure 94 To continue, the collection reel 8020 in the tool assembly is then lowered back to its initial lower position. In an alternative implementation of this method, when the reel is in the second closed position (position 2), Figure 94 Simultaneously, the reel can be lowered without rotation. This is because the two lateral sides of the tool assembly 8020 open at the reel slot 8041, as... Figure 48 As shown, as the reel rotates from position 2 back to position 1, the aforementioned sample collection cycle can be repeated in the same manner as described above, but from the second lateral side of the tool assembly. Using this method, samples can be collected every 180 degrees as the collection reel 8040 and cavity 8040 rotate from front to back and from back to front. This doubles the number of samples collected per 360-degree rotation of the reel. Therefore, each time a sample is to be collected, the reel does not need to rotate back to the initial starting position (position 1) of the collection cavity after the sample is ejected.

[0254] It is worth noting that the collection reel 8040 can rotate in either direction during the soil sample collection and ejection process. In some embodiments, if a reversible motor 8072 is used, the reel can rotate 90 degrees from an initial closed position in a first direction to an open position to collect a sample, and then rotate 90 degrees in the opposite direction back to the same initial closed position to reclose the collection chamber 8082 so as to retain the sample and raise the reel for ejecting the sample. Therefore, many variations of the foregoing method are possible, all of which are contemplated by this disclosure.

[0255] In reference Figure 59In a preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment, the aforementioned sample collection process or method can be automatically controlled by a programmable controller, such as, but not limited to, the system controller 2820 previously described herein or a separate dedicated collection controller, which can be operatively linked to and communicate with the system controller 2820 to coordinate the entire cycle of sample collection, processing, and analysis. Thus, the carriage actuator 8029, the tool positioning actuator 8026, and the reel positioning actuator 8024 can be operatively and communicatively coupled to and under the control of the system controller 2820, which activates each actuator via any suitable wired or wireless electronic processor-based personal input device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.) (which establishes bidirectional communication) at a desired time that can be pre-programmed and / or based on input from the operator. In the case of pneumatic or hydraulic actuators, it is worth noting that control may include a system controller 2820 that operates an air or oil control valve device associated with the actuator, which in turn controls the operation of these types of actuators. In the case of electric linear actuators, the controller 2820 may be directly coupled to the actuator and act on it to electrically control its operation. Various other control schemes are possible.

[0256] Figures 83 to 93 An embodiment of the dual-reel collection device 8002A according to this disclosure is shown. This document previously addressed... Figure 44 The other elements of the support frame 8001 and the collection assembly 8009 described in the single-reel embodiment of Figure 82 are identical in structure and operation. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail again. Only additional or different aspects of the dual-reel embodiment will be further described where necessary. Elements indicated by the previously designated reference numerals for the single-reel embodiment described above have the added suffix "A" for the dual-reel embodiment described below.

[0257] The main difference in this dual-reel embodiment is that the two reels 8020A are rotatably supported by a cutter assembly 8020A, which is modified to include two parallel elongated reel slots 8041A; each of the elongated reel slots 8041A rotatably and axially slidably receives a reel. This allows for the collection of a larger number of soil samples each time the cutter assembly passes through the farmland. Furthermore, the timing for opening each reel 8040A to collect samples or closing each reel 8040A to isolate the collection chamber 8042A or retain collected samples can be timed via a system controller 2820 to ensure that only a single sample is collected at a given time. Advantageously, one reel 8020A can be in a lower position for collecting soil samples, while the second reel is in a higher position for ejecting samples. Then, as the collection device 8002A moves forward, the two reels alternate and switch positions, allowing samples to be collected at a higher frequency over a given distance traveled by the cutter assembly 8020A through the farmland. For example, with vehicle 8003 and collection device 8002 traveling through the soil in a linear distance of 20 feet in a row, twice the number of soil samples can be collected compared to the aforementioned embodiment of a single-reel collection device (where the straight-line distance between two collection points is shorter for each sample). When the samples are analyzed by the system, this data can be used to generate more detailed maps of soil nutrient levels (e.g., nitrogen, potassium, etc.) or other analytes of interest in the agricultural field. Notably, in some embodiments, more than two reels can be provided, movably carried by the cutter assembly, to further reduce the distance between soil sampling points in the farmland.

[0258] To accommodate the independent rotation and axial linear movement of the two reels 8020A, a modified gear drive 8070A and a separate reel positioning actuator 8024A are provided for each reel. Notably, for the operation and deployment of the dual-reel collection device 8002A, only a single bracket actuator 8029 and tool positioning actuator 8026 are required again. The dual-reel gear transmission 8070A includes: two sets of electric motors 8072A, each set having a rotatable drive gear 8074A and an associated, meshing driven gear 8073A; two drive sleeves 8073-1A, each drive sleeve 8073-1A being rotatably interlocked with the driven gear 8073A; two sample ejectors 8081A; and two sets of reel positioning actuator-to-collection reel 8040A couplings, each coupling including a connector 8077A and a rotary connector 8078A connected thereto, as well as the same sub-components previously described herein. Notably, each combination of driven gear 8073A and drive gear 8074A can act and rotate independently of each other, thereby allowing the timing for rotating each reel to collect, retain, or eject soil samples to be independently controlled.

[0259] To accommodate two reels, the tool assembly 8020A is modified to incorporate two reel slots 8041A. Therefore, using the same manufacturing method as the single-reel collecting tool assembly 8020, this dual-reel tool assembly 8020A includes a rear blade element 8030A, a front blade element 8031A, an intermediate blade element 8030-1A, a top blade mounting bracket 8032A, and a bottom substrate 8033A. The rear blade element, front blade element, and intermediate blade element can be mounted to the substrate in a horizontally axially spaced manner along the horizontal axis HA of the collecting device 8002A to jointly define a pair of vertically elongated reel slots 8041A therebetween (see, for example...). Figures 89 to 91 The blade element can have any suitable configuration and is... Figures 67 to 68 The blade element is fixedly attached to and between the substrate 8033A and the mounting bracket 8032A in the same manner as previously described herein (e.g., fasteners for detachable connections or welding for permanent connections).

[0260] Each collection reel 8040A of the dual-reel collection device 8002A operates according to the same method / process described previously for the single-reel embodiment, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity. The collection cycle can be automatically controlled by the system controller 2820 in the same manner. Using the controller, the timing and order of collection, retention, and ejection of samples for each of the pair of reels can be pre-programmed and automatically implemented in the manner previously described above.

[0261] In one embodiment, a method for collecting soil samples from farmland may include: providing a collection device including rotatable plow blades and a cutter assembly, the cutter assembly being arranged close to the plow blades and including a rotatable first collection reel and a second collection reel, each of the first and second collection reels including a collection cavity configured for collecting soil samples; placing each of the first and second collection reels in a first closed position; plowing the soil to a certain depth along a direction of travel parallel to the surface of the soil using the collection device; rotating the first collection reel from the first closed position to an open position, in the first... The method further includes: in the closed position, the collection chamber is isolated from the soil; in the open position, the collection chamber is exposed to the soil to collect a first soil sample in the collection chamber; rotating the first collection reel to a second closed position to retain the first soil sample; raising the first collection reel in the second closed position and ejecting the first soil sample from the collection chamber; and simultaneously raising the first collection reel while rotating the second collection reel from the first closed position to the open position, in the first closed position, the collection chamber is isolated from the soil; in the open position, the collection chamber is exposed to the soil to collect a second soil sample in the collection chamber of the second collection reel. The method may also include: rotating the second collection reel to the second closed position to retain the second soil sample; and raising the second collection reel in the second closed position and ejecting the second soil sample from the collection chamber. The method may also include simultaneously raising the second collection reel while lowering the first collection reel.

[0262] Example: The following is a non-restrictive example.

[0263] Example 1, a micropump for a microfluidic device, the micropump comprising: a first layer; a second layer adjacent to the first layer; a resilient flexible diaphragm disposed at the interface between the first layer and the second layer, the diaphragm having a peripheral edge extending circumferentially around the diaphragm; 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 limiting tabs projecting radially inward from the first layer into the first pump chamber; wherein the limiting tabs are adjacently engaged with the peripheral edge of the diaphragm.

[0264] Example 2, the micropump according to Example 1, further includes an air inlet fluidly connected to the first chamber, a fluid inlet fluidly connected to the second pump chamber, and a fluid outlet fluidly connected to the second pump chamber.

[0265] Example 3, the micropump according to Example 2, wherein the limiting tabs are spaced apart from each other peripherally around the periphery of the first pump chamber.

[0266] Example 4, the micropump according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, further includes a circumferential sealing channel recessed into the first layer around the periphery of the first pump chamber, the sealing channel receiving the diaphragm at least partially therein.

[0267] Example 5, the micropump according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, further includes a raised annular lip disposed at the inner edge of the sealing channel, the annular lip separating the sealing channel from the main central recess of the first pump chamber.

[0268] Example 6, the micropump according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, further includes a plurality of anti-retention grooves formed in the second pump chamber.

[0269] Example 7, a method for assembling a micropump for a microfluidic device, the method comprising: providing a first layer including a first pump chamber; positioning an elastically deformable diaphragm over the first pump chamber on the first layer; positioning a second layer on the first layer and the diaphragm; compressing the diaphragm between the first layer and the second layer, thereby causing the diaphragm to expand radially outward; and engaging a peripheral edge of the diaphragm with a plurality of limiting tabs arranged around the first pump chamber to limit the outward expansion of the diaphragm.

[0270] Example 8, a method for preparing a slurry mixture in a microfluidic device, the method comprising: providing a first micropump, a second micropump, and a third micropump in the microfluidic device, the second micropump being fluidly coupled to the first micropump via a first microchannel including a microvalve, and the third micropump being fluidly coupled to the second micropump via a second microchannel; each of the micropumps including a chamber comprising a pneumatically deformable diaphragm changeable between a closed position for pumping out fluid and an open position for receiving the fluid; opening a slurry inlet microvalve fluidly coupled to the first micropump; changing the 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 micropump and the second micropump; changing the position of the second micropump from the closed position to the open position; drawing extractant into the first micropump; and mixing the slurry and the extractant to form a slurry-extractant mixture.

[0271] Example 9, according to the method of Example 8, further includes drawing the slurry-extractant mixture from the first micropump into the second micropump by changing the position of the second micropump from the closed position to the open position.

[0272] Example 10, according to the method of Example 9, further includes: changing the position of the first micropump from the open position to the closed position, and simultaneously changing the position of the third micropump from the closed position to the open position, the third micropump being fluidly connected to the second micropump; and closing the intermediate microvalve between the first micropump and the second micropump; and changing the position of the second micropump from the open position to the closed position, thereby pumping the slurry-extractant mixture into the third micropump.

[0273] Example 11, according to the method of Example 10, further includes changing the 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 analytes in the slurry-extractant mixture.

[0274] Example 12, a multi-channel pneumatically controlled air system for slurry filtration, the system comprising: a plurality of filter units configured for filtering slurry; each filter unit including a plurality of air pilot valves, the 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 valve of each filter unit being fluidly connected to a first shared air distribution manifold, the first shared air distribution manifold being fluidly connected to a first electro-pneumatically controlled air valve, the first electro-pneumatically controlled air valve being fluidly connected to an air source; the second air pilot valve of each filter unit being fluidly connected to a second shared air distribution manifold, the second shared air distribution manifold being fluidly connected to a second electro-pneumatically controlled air valve, the second electro-pneumatically controlled air valve being fluidly connected to... A third air pilot valve of each filter unit is fluidly connected to a third shared air distribution manifold, which is fluidly connected to a third electro-pneumatic control air valve, which is fluidly connected to the air source; a system controller is operatively connected to the first, second, and third electro-pneumatic control air valves to control the closed and open positions of each electro-pneumatic control air valve; the controller is configured to transmit control signals to change the positions of the first, second, and third electro-pneumatic control air valves to selectively initiate or stop airflow from the air source to the first, second, or third shared air distribution manifold.

[0275] Example 13, the system according to Example 12, wherein the first air pilot valve of each filter unit simultaneously changes between an open position and a closed position by initiating or stopping airflow to the first air distribution manifold.

[0276] Example 14, the system according to Example 12 or 13, wherein each of the first air pilot valve, the second air pilot valve and the third air pilot valve of each filter unit is fluidly connected to a different port of its respective filter unit.

[0277] Example 15, the system according to Example 14, wherein the first air pilot valve is fluidly connected to the slurry inlet port of each filter unit, the second air pilot valve is fluidly connected to the slurry outlet of each filter unit, and the third air pilot valve is fluidly connected to the filter pressurized air inlet port, the filter pressurized air inlet port being operable to drive slurry through the filter medium of each filter unit.

[0278] Example 16, the system according to any one of Examples 12 to 15, wherein the slurry is an agricultural slurry.

[0279] Example 17, a method for filtering slurry, the method comprising: providing the slurry filter, the slurry filter including a body, a filter medium, and an annular slurry inlet pressurization chamber, the body defining an internal central passage, the filter medium disposed in the central passage and defining an internal filtrate chamber, the annular slurry inlet pressurization chamber being disposed between the body and the filter medium; causing the slurry to flow into the slurry inlet pressurization chamber at a first end of the body; pressurizing the slurry inlet pressurization chamber to force the slurry radially inward through the filter medium to deposit filtrate in the filtrate chamber; and pressurizing the filtrate chamber to force the filtrate to flow to a filtrate outlet port at a second end of the body opposite the first end.

[0280] Example 18, a slurry filter unit comprising: a body defining a central axis; a first end, an opposing second end, and an internal central passage extending between the two ends along the central axis; a retainer supporting an elongated filter medium in the central passage, the filter medium defining an internal filtrate chamber and an annular slurry inlet pressurization chamber arranged to define the body and the filter medium; a slurry inlet port and a filtrate outlet port, the slurry inlet port being radially oriented with respect to the central axis at the first end, and the filtrate outlet port being oriented parallel to the central axis at the second end; a filter pressurization air inlet port, radially oriented with respect to the central axis and fluidly coupled to the annular slurry inlet pressurization chamber, for forcing slurry in the pressurization chamber radially through the filter medium into the filtrate chamber; and an air port, oriented parallel to the central axis and fluidly coupled to the filtrate chamber, for forcing filtrate therein to flow to the slurry outlet.

[0281] Example 19, the system according to Example 18, further includes an air manifold fluidly connected to the air port, the air manifold fluidly connected to a first air valve and a second air valve, the first air valve being fluidly connected to a low-pressure air source at a first pressure, and the second air valve being fluidly connected to a high-pressure air source at a second pressure higher than the first pressure.

[0282] Example 20, the system according to Example 19, wherein the manifold is further fluidly connected to an exhaust valve in communication with the atmosphere for discharging air from the filter unit.

[0283] Example 21, the system according to any one of Examples 18 to 20, further includes a filter pressurized air inlet port and a filter pressurized air valve that are fluidly connected to the slurry inlet pressurization chamber.

[0284] Example 22, the system according to any one of Examples 18 to 21, further includes a filter backwash inlet port and a filter backwash valve and a waste port, the filter backwash inlet port being fluidly connected to the slurry inlet pressurization chamber, the filter backwash valve being fluidly connected to a pressurized water source, and the waste port being fluidly connected to the slurry inlet pressurization chamber at a location distal to the filter backwash inlet port.

[0285] Example 23, the system according to any one of Examples 18 to 22, further includes a programmable system controller operatively coupled to the filter unit and configured to control the operation of the filter unit.

[0286] Example 24, a soil sample collection device, comprising: a support frame configured for mounting to a vehicle; a collection device including: a plow blade rotatably coupled to the frame; a cutter assembly coupled to the frame proximal to the plow blade; and a collection reel movably mounted to the cutter assembly, the collection reel defining a longitudinal axis and including a collection cavity configured to collect a soil sample; and a reel drive mechanism operably coupled to the collection reel and configured to rotate the collection reel; wherein the collection reel is rotatable between an open position for collecting the soil sample and a closed position for retaining the soil sample in the collection cavity.

[0287] Example 25, the device according to Example 24, wherein the collection reel has an elongated cylindrical tubular body and is rotatably and axially slidably received in an elongated slot of complementary configuration in the cutter assembly.

[0288] Example 26, the device according to Example 24 or 25, wherein the reel drive mechanism includes a rotatable gear transmission operably coupled to the collection reel, the gear transmission being operable to rotate the reel between the open position and the closed position.

[0289] Example 27, the device according to Example 26, wherein the reel drive mechanism further includes a reel positioning actuator operably coupled to the collection reel, the reel drive mechanism being operable to move the collection reel in the vertical axial direction between a lower position for collecting the soil sample and a higher position for ejecting the sample from the collection cavity.

[0290] Example 28, the device according to Example 27, wherein the reel positioning actuator is electrically, pneumatically, or hydraulically driven.

[0291] Example 29, the device according to any one of Examples 27 or 28, further includes a sample ejector at least partially slidably disposed within the collection cavity of the collection reel, the ejector being configured and operable to eject the collected soil sample from the collection cavity when the collection reel moves from the lower position to the higher position.

[0292] Example 30, the device according to Example 29, wherein the ejector has an angled scraper end configured to wedge the soil sample out of the collection chamber.

[0293] Example 31, the device according to Example 29 or 30, wherein the sample ejector is rotatably interlocked with the collection reel via the collection cavity, such that rotation of the gear drive causes the collection reel to rotate between the open position and the closed position.

[0294] Example 32, the device according to any one of Examples 29 to 31, wherein the sample ejector is fixedly mounted to the gear drive in a rest position relative to the collection reel so that the ejector slides up and down in the collection cavity of the collection reel as the collection reel is raised or lowered.

[0295] Example 33, the device according to any one of Examples 26 to 32, wherein the gear transmission includes a motor having a drive gear and a driven gear, the drive gear and the driven gear being operably engaged with the collection reel via the sample ejector.

[0296] Example 34, the device according to Example 27, wherein the reel positioning actuator includes a piston rod operably coupled to the collecting reel, the piston rod being extendable to lower the collecting reel in the tool assembly and retractable to raise the reel in the tool assembly.

[0297] Example 35, the device according to Example 34, wherein the piston rod is coupled to the collection reel via a rotary coupling, the rotary coupling being configured to allow the collection reel to rotate freely relative to the piston rod when the collection reel is rotated via the gear drive.

[0298] Example 36, the device according to Example 35, wherein the rotary coupling includes a collar and a fastening member, the collar being fixedly coupled to the piston rod, the fastening member being rotatably supported by the collar and fixedly attached to the collection reel, the fastening member and the collection reel being rotatable relative to the collar.

[0299] Example 37, the device according to Example 36, further includes at least one bearing that rotatably supports the fastening member on the collar.

[0300] Example 38, the device according to Example 36, further includes a tubular connector fixedly coupled to the collar and the piston rod to form a rigid connection therebetween.

[0301] Example 39, the device according to Example 38, wherein the tubular connector includes a longitudinal through passage in which the fastening member of the rotary connector is received.

[0302] Example 40, the device according to any one of Examples 24 to 39, wherein the cutter assembly is pivotally coupled to the plow blade for movement in an arcuate path between a first angular position and a second angular position.

[0303] Example 41, the device according to Example 40, wherein the tool assembly is vertically oriented in the second angular position and is angled to the vertical direction in the first angular position.

[0304] Example 42, the device according to Example 40 or 41, further includes a tool positioning actuator operatively coupled to a tool assembly, the tool positioning actuator being operable to move the tool assembly between a first angular position and a second angular position.

[0305] Example 43, the device according to any one of Examples 40 to 42, further includes a pivot arm link pivotally connected at opposite ends to a central hub, the central hub rotatably supporting the plow blade and the cutter assembly.

[0306] Example 44, the device according to Example 43, wherein the hub defines the pivot axis of the tool assembly.

[0307] Example 45, the device according to any one of Examples 24 to 44, wherein the collection device is mounted to a movable bracket supported by the support frame, the bracket being vertically movable between a higher position for transport and a lower position for collecting the soil sample.

[0308] Example 46, the device according to Example 45, wherein the bracket includes a plurality of rollers that tactilely engage a pair of guide rails for raising and lowering the bracket and the collecting device.

[0309] Example 47, the device according to Example 46, wherein each guide rail is engaged by a pair of front rollers, a pair of rear rollers and a pair of transverse outer rollers to stabilize the movement of the bracket.

[0310] Example 48, the device according to any one of Examples 45 to 47, wherein the bracket is coupled to a bracket actuator operable to raise and lower the bracket on the guide rail.

[0311] Example 49, the device according to any one of Examples 45 to 48, wherein the support frame comprises: a generally horizontal main frame section configured for detachable direct or indirect mounting to the vehicle; a rearmost collection device frame section supporting the collection device; and a generally vertical intermediate track frame section supporting a bracket chassis on which the bracket is movably mounted.

[0312] Example 50, the device according to any one of Examples 24 to 49, further includes a second collection reel rotatably supported by the cutter assembly and operably coupled to the reel drive mechanism, wherein the second collection reel is rotatable independently of the collection reel between an open position for collecting the soil sample and a closed position for retaining the soil sample in a collection cavity of the second collection reel.

[0313] Example 51, a method for collecting soil samples from farmland, the method comprising: providing a collection device including rotatable plow blades and a cutter assembly, the cutter assembly being arranged adjacent to the plow blades and including at least one rotatable collection reel, the at least one rotatable collection reel including a collection cavity configured for collecting the soil sample; plowing the soil with the collection device along a direction of travel generally parallel to the surface of the soil; rotating the collection reel from a first closed position to an open position, in the first closed position the collection cavity being isolated from the soil, and in the open position the collection cavity being exposed to the soil; collecting the soil sample within the collection cavity of the collection reel; and rotating the collection reel to a second closed position to retain the soil sample.

[0314] Example 52, according to the method of Example 51, further includes raising the collection reel in the second closed position; and ejecting the soil sample from the cavity.

[0315] Example 53, according to the method of Example 52, further includes rotating the collection reel back to the first closed position after the pop-out step; and lowering the collection reel in the tool assembly.

[0316] Example 54, the method according to any one of Examples 52 or 53, wherein the ejection step includes scraping the soil sample from the collection cavity of the collection reel using a stationary ejector that can slide within the collection cavity of the collection reel when the collection reel is raised.

[0317] Example 55, according to the method of Example 54, wherein the ejector is fixedly mounted to the gear drive, the gear drive being operable to rotate the collection reel between the closed position and the open position, the ejector forming a rotational interlock with the collection cavity of the collection reel for rotating the collection reel via operation of the gear drive.

[0318] Example 56, the method according to any one of Examples 52 to 55, further includes a reel positioning actuator operably coupled to the collection reel and operable to raise and lower the collection reel.

[0319] Example 57, according to any one of Examples 52 to 56, wherein when the collection reel is in the first closed position or the second closed position, the collection cavity of the collection reel faces forward or backward in the tool assembly, and when the collection reel is in the open position, the collection cavity of the collection reel faces outward from the tool assembly.

[0320] Example 58, a method for collecting soil samples from farmland, the method comprising: providing a collection device including rotatable plow blades and a cutter assembly, the cutter assembly being arranged adjacent to the plow blades and including a rotatable first collection reel and a second collection reel, each of the first collection reel and the second collection reel including a collection cavity configured for collecting soil samples; placing each of the first collection reel and the second collection reel in a first closed position; plowing the soil with the collection device along a direction of travel generally parallel to the surface of the soil; rotating the first collection reel from the first closed position to an open position, in the first... In the closed position, the collection chamber is isolated from the soil; in the open position, the collection chamber is exposed to the soil to collect a first soil sample in the collection chamber. The first collection reel is rotated to a second closed position to retain the first soil sample. The first collection reel is raised in the second closed position and the first soil sample is ejected from the collection chamber. While raising the first collection reel, the second collection reel is rotated from a first closed position to an open position, in which the collection chamber is isolated from the soil in the first closed position and in the open position, the collection chamber is exposed to the soil to collect a second soil sample in the collection chamber of the second collection reel.

[0321] Example 59, according to the method of Example 58, further includes: rotating the second collection reel to a second closed position to retain the second soil sample; and raising the second collection reel in the second closed position and ejecting the second soil sample from the collection cavity.

[0322] Example 60, the method according to Example 59, further includes: rotating the first collection reel back to the first closed position and lowering the first collection reel.

[0323] While the foregoing description and figures illustrate some example systems, it should be understood that various additions, modifications, and substitutions can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. In particular, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of this disclosure can be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, dimensions, and other elements, materials, and components without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Furthermore, various variations can be made to the methods / processes described herein. Those skilled in the art will further understand that embodiments of this disclosure can be used with many modifications to structure, arrangement, proportions, dimensions, materials, and components, and can be used in the practice of this disclosure, with modifications particularly suitable for specific environments and operational requirements without departing from the principles of the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments currently disclosed are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects, and the scope of embodiments of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents, and is not limited to the foregoing description or embodiments. More precisely, the appended claims should be interpreted broadly to include other variations and embodiments, which can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure and the scope of their equivalents.

Claims

1. An agricultural slurry filter unit, comprising: The main body, which defines the central axis; A first end, an opposite second end, and an internal central passage extending between the first end and the opposite second end along the central axis; A retainer that supports an elongated filter medium in the internal central passage, the elongated filter medium defining an internal filtrate chamber and an annular slurry inlet pressurization chamber defined between the body and the elongated filter medium; The slurry inlet port and the filtrate outlet port are provided, wherein the slurry inlet port is radially oriented with respect to the centerline at the first end, and the filtrate outlet port is oriented parallel to the centerline at the opposite second end. The filter pressurized air inlet port is radially oriented and fluidly connected to the annular slurry inlet pressurization chamber, forcing the slurry in the annular slurry inlet pressurization chamber radially through the elongated filter medium into the inner filtrate chamber; An air port, which is oriented parallel to the centerline axis and fluidly connected to the internal filtrate chamber, is used to force the filtrate therein to flow to the filtrate outlet port; An exhaust overflow port is fluidly connected to the annular slurry inlet pressurization chamber, and the exhaust overflow port is located on the side of the body that is higher than the top of the elongated filter medium; and The filter backwash inlet port is fluidly connected to the annular slurry inlet pressurization chamber and the pressurized water supply device. The filter backwash inlet port is configured and operable to inject a swirling water flow that powerfully removes residual slurry from the annular slurry inlet pressurization chamber while tangentially scrubbing residual slurry particles from the outer surface of the elongated filter media. The filter backwash inlet port is oriented laterally and tangentially to the centerline of the body to generate the swirling water flow.

2. The agricultural slurry filter unit according to claim 1 further includes an air manifold fluidly connected to the air port, the air manifold fluidly connected to a first air valve and a second air valve, the first air valve being fluidly connected to a low-pressure air source at a first pressure, and the second air valve being fluidly connected to a high-pressure air source at a second pressure higher than the first pressure.

3. The agricultural slurry filter unit according to claim 2, wherein, The air manifold is further fluidly connected to an exhaust valve in communication with the atmosphere for discharging air from the agricultural slurry filter unit.

4. The agricultural slurry filter unit according to claim 1, wherein, The pressurized air inlet port of the filter is fluidly connected to the pressurized air valve of the filter.

5. The agricultural slurry filter unit according to claim 1 further includes a filter backwash valve and a waste port, wherein the filter backwash valve is fluidly connected to a pressurized water source and the filter backwash inlet port, and the waste port is fluidly connected to the annular slurry inlet pressurization chamber at a position distal to the filter backwash inlet port.

6. The agricultural slurry filter unit of claim 1 further includes a programmable system controller operatively coupled to the agricultural slurry filter unit and configured to control the operation of the agricultural slurry filter unit.

7. The agricultural slurry filter unit according to claim 1, wherein, The slurry is a mixture of soil and water.

8. A method for filtering agricultural slurry using an agricultural slurry filter unit according to claim 1, the method comprising: The slurry flows into the annular slurry inlet pressurization chamber at the first end; A portion of the slurry overflows from the annular slurry inlet pressurization chamber through the exhaust overflow port into the waste; The annular slurry inlet pressurization chamber is pressurized to force the slurry radially inward through the elongated filter medium, thereby depositing the filtrate in the inner filtrate chamber; The internal filtrate chamber is pressurized to force the filtrate to flow at the opposite second end to the filtrate outlet port; as well as Pressurized water is injected into the annular slurry inlet pressurization chamber via the filter backwash inlet port, which is fluidly connected to the pressurized water supply device, to generate the swirling water flow.

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