Agricultural Sampling System and Related Methods

Abstract

This disclosure relates to an agricultural sampling system and related methods. 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 under "as-collected" conditions without drying or grinding. The system generally 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), while the chemical analysis subsystem processes the prepared slurry samples to quantify various analytes and / or chemical properties of the samples. The sample preparation subsystem and the chemical analysis subsystem can be used to analyze soil, vegetation, and / or fertilizer samples.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application for invention titled "Agricultural Sampling System and Related Methods" with the application date of July 10, 2019, application number 201980055461.X.

[0002] Cross - reference to related applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 696,271 filed on July 10, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 729,623 filed on September 11, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 745,606 filed on October 15, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 792,987 filed on January 16, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 829,807 filed on April 5, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 860,297 filed on June 12, 2019. The entire contents of all the applications listed above are incorporated herein by reference. Background of the Invention

[0004] The present invention generally relates to agricultural sampling and analysis, and more particularly to a fully - automated system for performing soil and other types of agriculture - related sampling and chemical property analysis.

[0005] Periodic soil testing is an important aspect of agriculture. The test results provide valuable information about the chemical composition of the soil, such as plant - available nutrients 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 yield and quality.

[0006] In some existing soil sampling processes, the collected samples are 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 plant - available nutrients. The slurry is then filtered to produce a clarified solution or supernatant, which is mixed with chemical reagents for further analysis.

[0007] There is a desire to improve the testing of soil, vegetation, and fertilizers. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention provides an automated computer-controlled sampling system (hereinafter referred to as "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 relatively continuous and rapid successive processing and analysis of multiple samples in a simultaneous concurrent 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.

[0009] The system generally 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 samples from the sample preparation subsystem to quantify the analytes and / or chemical properties of the samples. The described chemical analysis subsystem can be used to analyze soil, vegetation, and / or fertilizer samples.

[0010] In one embodiment, the sample preparation system generally includes a mixer-filter device that mixes the collected raw soil samples in "as-sampled" conditions (e.g., not dried and not ground) with water to form a sample slurry. Then, the mixer-filter device filters the slurry during extraction of the slurry from the device for processing in the chemical analysis subsystem. The chemical analysis subsystem processes the slurry and performs the general functions of extractant and color-changing reagent addition / mixing, centrifuges the slurry sample to produce a clear supernatant, and finally performs sensing or analysis to detect analytes and / or chemical properties (such as via colorimetric analysis).

[0011] Although the sampling system may be described herein with respect to processing soil samples (e.g., sample collection, preparation, and processing), which represents 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 process other types of agriculture-related samples, including but not limited to vegetation / plants, forage, fertilizer, feed, milk, or other types of samples. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein should be broadly considered an agricultural sampling system. Thus, the present invention is clearly not limited to only processing and analyzing soil samples for chemical properties of interest. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The present invention will be more fully understood through the detailed description and the drawings, in which like elements are similarly labeled, and in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic flow chart of a soil sampling analysis system according to the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 2 is a flow chart showing the functional aspects of each subsystem of a sampling analysis system;

[0015] Figure 3 is a top perspective view of the mixing device of the sample preparation subsystem;

[0016] Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view thereof;

[0017] Figure 5 is an exploded top perspective view thereof;

[0018] Figure 6 is an exploded bottom perspective view thereof;

[0019] Figure 7 is a front view thereof;

[0020] Figure 8 is a first side view thereof;

[0021] Figure 9 is a second opposite side view thereof;

[0022] Figure 10 is a top view thereof;

[0023] Figure 11 is a bottom view thereof;

[0024] Figure 12 is a front cross-sectional view thereof;

[0025] Figure 13 is a side cross-sectional view thereof;

[0026] Figure 14 is a side cross-sectional view of a sample collection / volumetric station installed on top of the mixing device, which includes an upper pinch valve in an open position and a lower pinch valve in a closed position;

[0027] Figure 15 is a first sequence diagram thereof, showing the soil sample being graded in the lower pinch valve for mixing and the baffle of the mixing chamber being in the closed position;

[0028] Figure 16 is a second sequence diagram thereof, showing the upper pinch valve being closed;

[0029] Figure 17 is a third sequence diagram thereof, showing the lower pinch valve being opened and the soil sample being deposited in the mixing device;

[0030] Figure 18 is a fourth sequence diagram thereof, showing a second soil sample being graded in the lower pinch valve for mixing;

[0031] Figure 19It is the fifth sequential diagram, showing water being added to the mixing device together with the soil sample as indicated by the directional flow arrows;

[0032] Figure 20 It is the sixth sequential diagram, showing the mixing device mixing the soil sample and water to prepare a slurry;

[0033] Figure 21 It is the seventh sequential diagram, showing the slurry being removed from the mixing device and water being injected into the mixing chamber for cleaning, and the stopper of the mixing chamber being in the open position;

[0034] Figure 22 It is a top perspective view of the second embodiment of the mixing device;

[0035] Figure 23 It is a bottom perspective view;

[0036] Figure 24 It is a rear view;

[0037] Figure 25 It is a top view;

[0038] Figure 26 It is a bottom view;

[0039] Figure 27 It is a top view;

[0040] Figure 28 It is an exploded top view;

[0041] Figure 29 It is an exploded bottom view;

[0042] Figure 30 It is a first side sectional view, showing the mixing device in the closed position;

[0043] Figure 31 It is a second side sectional view;

[0044] Figure 32 It is a third side sectional view, showing the mixing device in the open position;

[0045] Figure 33 It is Figure 22 a top perspective view of the movable stopper of the mixing device;

[0046] Figure 34 It is a bottom perspective view;

[0047] Figure 35 It is taken from Figure 31 an enlarged detail;

[0048] Figure 36 It is taken from Figure 32 an enlarged detail;

[0049] Figure 37 is an enlarged detail of the interface between the stop block and the housing of the mixing device;

[0050] Figure 38 is a top perspective view of a filter holder that can be used in a first embodiment of the mixing device;

[0051] Figure 39 is its bottom perspective view;

[0052] Figure 40 is its side view;

[0053] Figure 41 is its sectional view;

[0054] Figure 42 is a perspective view of a filter that can be coupled to the holder;

[0055] Figure 43 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of the centrifuge;

[0056] Figure 44 is its bottom perspective view;

[0057] Figure 45 is its front view;

[0058] Figure 46 is its rear view;

[0059] Figure 47 is its first side view;

[0060] Figure 48 is its second side view;

[0061] Figure 49 is its top view;

[0062] Figure 50 is its bottom view;

[0063] Figure 51 is its top exploded perspective view;

[0064] Figure 52 is its bottom exploded perspective view;

[0065] Figure 53 is its front sectional view;

[0066] Figure 54 is its side sectional view;

[0067] Figure 55 is a top perspective view of the fluid exchange dock of the centrifuge;

[0068] Figure 56 is its bottom perspective view;

[0069] Figure 57 is a top perspective view of the rotating tube wheel hub of a centrifuge;

[0070] Figure 58 is its bottom perspective view;

[0071] Figure 59 is an exploded perspective view of a centrifuge tube for mounting on the tube wheel hub;

[0072] Figure 60 is its first top view;

[0073] Figure 61 is taken from Figure 60 of the cross-sectional view;

[0074] Figure 62 is its second top view;

[0075] Figure 63 is taken from Figure 62 of the cross-sectional view;

[0076] Figure 64 is a top perspective view of a locking cap for the centrifuge tube;

[0077] Figure 65 is its bottom perspective view;

[0078] Figure 66 is a top perspective view of a cover assembly for the tube wheel hub, showing the centrifuge tube in a non-centrifugal vertical position;

[0079] Figure 67 is a view thereof showing the centrifuge tube in a pivoted centrifugal horizontal position;

[0080] Figure 68 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the tube wheel hub and the fluid exchange dock;

[0081] Figure 69 is a first front perspective view of the piston movable drive system of the centrifuge;

[0082] Figure 70 is its second front perspective view;

[0083] Figure 71 is a side cross-sectional view showing the centrifuge with its centrifuge tube in a horizontal position;

[0084] Figure 72 is its first sectional sequence view showing the centrifuge and the drive mechanism in a non-rotating first upper docking position;

[0085] Figure 73 is a second sectional sequence view showing the centrifuge and the drive mechanism in a non-rotating second lower undocked position;

[0086] Figure 74 is the third sectional sequence diagram, showing the centrifuge and the drive mechanism in the second lower undocked position with low-speed rotation;

[0087] Figure 75 is the fourth sectional sequence diagram, showing the centrifuge and the drive mechanism in the second lower undocked position with high-speed rotation, for centrifuging a slurry sample;

[0088] Figure 76 is a top exploded perspective view of the drive mechanism;

[0089] Figure 77 is a side view of an absorbance analysis cell for performing colorimetric analysis on the supernatant;

[0090] Figure 78 is a schematic flow chart of a soil sampling and processing system in the first operating mode configuration;

[0091] Figure 79 is a schematic flow chart of a soil sampling and processing system in the second operating mode configuration;

[0092] Figure 80 is a schematic flow chart of a soil sampling and processing system in the third operating mode configuration;

[0093] Figure 81 is a schematic flow chart of a soil sampling and processing system in the fourth operating mode configuration;

[0094] Figure 82 is a schematic flow chart of a soil sampling and processing system in the fifth operating mode configuration;

[0095] Figure 83 is a schematic flow chart of a soil sampling and processing system in the sixth operating mode configuration;

[0096] Figure 84 is a schematic flow chart of a soil sampling and processing system in the seventh operating mode configuration;

[0097] Figure 85 is a schematic flow chart of a soil sampling and processing system in the eighth operating mode configuration;

[0098] Figure 86 is a schematic flow chart of a soil sampling and processing system in the ninth operating mode configuration;

[0099] Figure 87 is a schematic flow chart of a soil sampling and processing system in the tenth operating mode configuration;

[0100] Figure 88is a schematic flowchart of a soil sampling and processing system in an eleventh operating mode configuration;

[0101] Figure 89 is a schematic flowchart of a soil sampling and processing system in a twelfth operating mode configuration;

[0102] Figure 90 is a schematic flowchart of a soil sampling and processing system in a thirteenth operating mode configuration;

[0103] Figure 91 is a schematic flowchart of a soil sampling and processing system in a fourteenth operating mode configuration;

[0104] Figure 92 is a schematic flowchart of a soil sampling and processing system in a fifteenth operating mode configuration;

[0105] Figure 93 is a schematic flowchart of a soil sampling and processing system in a sixteenth operating mode configuration;

[0106] Figure 94 is a schematic flowchart of a soil sampling and processing system in a seventeenth operating mode configuration;

[0107] Figure 95 is a top sectional view of the drive mechanism of a mixing device;

[0108] Figure 96 is a top perspective view of a microfluidic processing disk having a plurality of chemical processing wedges, each chemical processing wedge configured for an independent processing train for performing a complete soil slurry treatment and chemical analysis;

[0109] Figure 97 is its bottom perspective view;

[0110] Figure 98 is a partially exploded perspective view thereof, with a fluid exchange dock fluidly coupled to the microfluidic processing disk shown below;

[0111] Figure 99 is its bottom perspective view;

[0112] Figure 100 is a side view of the microfluidic processing disk;

[0113] Figure 101 is its top view;

[0114] Figure 102 is its bottom view;

[0115] Figure 103 is a perspective view of a processing wedge, showing its flow conduits and external fluid connections;

[0116] Figure 104 is a schematic flow chart showing the microfluidic flow distribution network of a single chemical processing wedge of a microfluidic processing disk and the arrangement of its fluid micro-components in a first operating mode configuration;

[0117] Figure 105 is a schematic flow chart thereof in a second operating mode configuration;

[0118] Figure 106 is a schematic flow chart thereof in a third operating mode configuration;

[0119] Figure 107 is a schematic flow chart thereof in a fourth operating mode configuration;

[0120] Figure 108 is a schematic flow chart thereof in a fifth operating mode configuration;

[0121] Figure 109 is a schematic flow chart thereof in a sixth operating mode configuration;

[0122] Figure 110 is a schematic flow chart thereof in a seventh operating mode configuration;

[0123] Figure 111 is a schematic flow chart thereof in an eighth operating mode configuration;

[0124] Figure 112 is a schematic flow chart thereof in a ninth operating mode configuration;

[0125] Figure 113 is a schematic flow chart thereof in a tenth operating mode configuration;

[0126] Figure 114 is a schematic flow chart thereof in an eleventh operating mode configuration;

[0127] Figure 115 is a schematic flow chart thereof in a twelfth operating mode configuration;

[0128] Figure 116 is a schematic flow chart thereof in a thirteenth operating mode configuration;

[0129] Figure 117 is a schematic flow chart thereof in a fourteenth operating mode configuration;

[0130] Figure 118 is a schematic flow chart thereof in a fifteenth operating mode configuration;

[0131] Figure 119 is a schematic flow chart thereof in a sixteenth operating mode configuration;

[0132] Figure 120 is related toFigure 104 - 119 Side cross-sectional view of a light-emitting diode (LED) emitter diode assembly and an LED receiver diode assembly associated with a flow analysis cell window for measuring an analyte;

[0133] Figure 121 is a top cross-sectional view thereof;

[0134] Figure 122 is a top perspective view of a standalone absorbance flow analysis cell;

[0135] Figure 123 is a bottom perspective view thereof;

[0136] Figure 124 is an exploded perspective view thereof;

[0137] Figure 125 is a front view thereof;

[0138] Figure 126 is a side view thereof;

[0139] Figure 127 is a top plan view thereof;

[0140] Figure 128 is a bottom plan view thereof;

[0141] Figure 129 is a front cross-sectional view thereof;

[0142] Figure 130 is configured to be used with Figure 96 a front top perspective view of a second embodiment of a centrifuge for use with a microfluidic processing disk;

[0143] Figure 131 is a bottom rear perspective view thereof;

[0144] Figure 132 is a front exploded perspective view thereof;

[0145] Figure 133 is a rear exploded perspective view thereof;

[0146] Figure 134 is a front view thereof;

[0147] Figure 135 is a side cross-sectional view thereof;

[0148] Figure 136 is a detailed view taken from Figure 135 ;

[0149] Figure 137 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a plow blade assembly having a sample collection device or probe for collecting soil samples from an agricultural field;

[0150] Figure 138 is its rear perspective view;

[0151] Figure 139 is its front exploded perspective view;

[0152] Figure 140 is its rear exploded perspective view;

[0153] Figure 141 is its front view;

[0154] Figure 142 is its rear view;

[0155] Figure 143 is its side view;

[0156] Figure 144 is its side sectional view;

[0157] Figure 145 is Figure 137 a perspective view of the cam ring of the plowshare assembly of

[0158] Figure 146 is its plan view;

[0159] Figure 147 is Figure 137 an exploded perspective view of the sample collection probe of the plowshare assembly of

[0160] Figure 148 is its perspective view showing the cam track probe actuation mechanism of the cam ring;

[0161] Figure 149A is a side view of the plowshare assembly in the first rotational position, showing the probe for collecting soil samples in the first open position;

[0162] Figure 149B is its perspective view of enlarged details;

[0163] Figure 150A is a side view of the plowshare assembly in the second rotational position, showing the probe in the first open position movably embedded in the ground to capture soil samples;

[0164] Figure 150B is its perspective view of enlarged details;

[0165] Figure 151A is a side view of the plowshare assembly in the third rotational position, showing the probe in the first open position with captured soil samples;

[0166] Figure 151B is its perspective view of enlarged details;

[0167] Figure 152AIs a side view of the plow blade assembly in the fourth rotational position, showing the probe in the second protruding position after discharging the captured soil sample from the probe;

[0168] Figure 152B Is a perspective view of an enlarged detail thereof;

[0169] Figure 153 Is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the plow blade assembly having a sample collection device or probe for collecting soil samples from a farm field;

[0170] Figure 154 Is a rear perspective view thereof;

[0171] Figure 155 Is a front exploded perspective view thereof;

[0172] Figure 156 Is a rear exploded perspective view thereof;

[0173] Figure 157 Is a front view thereof;

[0174] Figure 158 Is a rear view thereof;

[0175] Figure 159 Is a side view thereof;

[0176] Figure 160 Is a side sectional view thereof;

[0177] Figure 161 Is Figure 153 A perspective view of the sprocket indexing cam ring of the plow blade assembly of;

[0178] Figure 162 Is a plan view thereof;

[0179] Figure 163 Is Figure 161 A side sectional view of the sprocket indexing section of the cam ring of;

[0180] Figure 164 Is a side perspective view thereof;

[0181] Figure 165 Is an enlarged sectional view of the probe blade, cam ring and collection probe assembly;

[0182] Figure 166 Is an exploded perspective view of the probe;

[0183] Figure 167 Is a plan view showing the probe in the open position for collecting soil samples;

[0184] Figure 168 Is a plan view thereof showing the probe in the closed position for not capturing soil samples or maintaining captured soil samples;

[0185] Figure 169 is a perspective view of the inner ends of the probe and the sprocket;

[0186] Figure 170 is a perspective view of the outer end of the probe;

[0187] Figure 171 is a perspective view of the sprocket engaged with the indexing cam ring;

[0188] Figure 172 is taken from Figure 171 an enlarged detail;

[0189] Figure 173A is Figure 153 the top plan view of the plow blade assembly of , where the sprocket is engaged with the indexing cam ring in the first operating position;

[0190] Figure 173B is its side view;

[0191] Figure 174A is Figure 153 the top plan view of the plow blade assembly of , where the sprocket is engaged with the indexing cam ring in the second operating position;

[0192] Figure 174B is its side view;

[0193] Figure 175A is Figure 153 the top plan view of the plow blade assembly of , where the sprocket is engaged with the indexing cam ring in the third operating position;

[0194] Figure 175B is its side view;

[0195] Figure 176A is Figure 153 the top plan view of the plow blade assembly of , where the sprocket is engaged with the indexing cam ring in the fourth operating position;

[0196] Figure 176B is its side view;

[0197] Figure 177A is Figure 153 the top plan view of the plow blade assembly of , where the sprocket is engaged with the indexing cam ring in the fifth operating position;

[0198] Figure 177B is its side view;

[0199] Figure 178A is Figure 153 the top plan view of the plow blade assembly of , where the sprocket is engaged with the indexing cam ring in the sixth operating position;

[0200] Figure 178B is its side view;

[0201] Figure 179 is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of a plow blade assembly having a sample collection device or probe for collecting soil samples from a farm field;

[0202] Figure 180 is a rear perspective view thereof;

[0203] Figure 181 is an exploded perspective view thereof;

[0204] Figure 182 is a front view thereof;

[0205] Figure 183 is a rear view thereof;

[0206] Figure 184 is a side view thereof;

[0207] Figure 185 is a side sectional view thereof;

[0208] Figure 186 is an enlarged view showing details of the plow blade and collection probe arrangement;

[0209] Figure 187 is a plan view showing various rotational positions of the collection probe as the plow blade rotates;

[0210] Figure 188 is a plan view showing alternative variations of the plow blade assembly for collecting soil samples at different depths;

[0211] Figure 189 is a rear perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a plow blade assembly having a sample collection device or probe for collecting soil samples from a farm field;

[0212] Figure 190 is a front exploded perspective view thereof;

[0213] Figure 191 is a rear view thereof;

[0214] Figure 192 is a front view thereof;

[0215] Figure 193 is a side view thereof;

[0216] Figure 194 is a side sectional view thereof;

[0217] Figure 195 is an enlarged perspective view showing details of the plow blade and collection probe arrangement with the collection port of the probe in a closed position;

[0218] Figure 196is an enlarged perspective view showing the collection port in the open position for collecting soil samples;

[0219] Figure 197 is a front perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a plow blade assembly having a sample collection device or probe for collecting soil samples from a farm field;

[0220] Figure 198 is a rear perspective view thereof;

[0221] Figure 199 is a front view thereof;

[0222] Figure 200 is a rear view thereof;

[0223] Figure 201 is an enlarged view showing details of the plow blade and collection probe arrangement;

[0224] Figure 202 is a side view thereof;

[0225] Figure 203 is a side sectional view thereof;

[0226] Figure 204 is an enlarged perspective view showing details of the collection probe in the open position for collecting soil samples;

[0227] Figure 205 is a view showing the collection probe in the closed position;

[0228] Figure 206 is an enlarged perspective view showing details of the two collection ports of the collection probe in the open position for collecting soil samples;

[0229] Figure 207 is a front perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a plow blade assembly having a sample collection device or probe for collecting soil samples from a farm field;

[0230] Figure 208 is Figure 207 a front perspective view of the elastic flexible cam ring of the plow blade assembly of;

[0231] Figure 209 is a rear perspective view thereof;

[0232] Figure 210 is a front exploded perspective view thereof;

[0233] Figure 211 is a rear exploded perspective view thereof;

[0234] Figure 212 is a side view thereof;

[0235] Figure 213 is a side sectional view thereof;

[0236] Figure 214 is its front view;

[0237] Figure 215 is its rear view;

[0238] Figure 216 is its partial sectional view;

[0239] Figure 217 is a front perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a plow blade assembly having a sample collection device or probe with a laminated blade assembly for collecting soil samples from an agricultural field;

[0240] Figure 218 is its rear perspective view;

[0241] Figure 219 is its first front exploded perspective view showing four alternative types of sample collection probes that can be used together or separately as shown in the plow blade assembly;

[0242] Figure 220 is its second front exploded perspective view;

[0243] Figure 221 is its front view;

[0244] Figure 222 is its rear view;

[0245] Figure 223 is its side view;

[0246] Figure 224 is taken from Figure 221 its first side view sectional view;

[0247] Figure 225 is taken from Figure 221 its second side view sectional view;

[0248] Figure 226 is a first sectional perspective view showing a first set of two types of collection probes;

[0249] Figure 227 is a second sectional perspective view showing a second set of two other types of collection probes;

[0250] Figure 228 is an enlarged sectional perspective view showing a first type of collection probe;

[0251] Figure 229 is an enlarged sectional perspective view showing a second type of collection probe;

[0252] Figure 230 is an enlarged sectional perspective view showing a third type of collection probe;

[0253] Figure 231 is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view showing a fourth type of collection probe;

[0254] Figure 232 is a side cross-sectional view of a plow blade showing the aforementioned second type of collection probe;

[0255] Figure 233 is its front view;

[0256] Figure 234 is a side cross-sectional view of a plow blade showing the aforementioned first type of collection probe;

[0257] Figure 235 is its front view;

[0258] Figure 236 is a side cross-sectional view of a plow blade showing the aforementioned third type of collection probe;

[0259] [[ID=26 is its front view;

[0260] ​ is a side cross-sectional view of a plow blade showing the aforementioned fourth type of collection probe;

[0261] ​ is its front view;

[0262] ​ is a transverse cross-sectional view of a portion of a plow blade showing the aforementioned second type of collection probe;

[0263] Figure 241 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a portion of a plow blade showing the aforementioned first type of collection probe;

[0264] Figure 242 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a portion of a plow blade showing the aforementioned third type of collection probe;

[0265] Figure 243 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a portion of a plow blade showing the aforementioned fourth type of collection probe;

[0266] Figure 244A is a perspective view of a plow blade showing a radial slot for the aforementioned second type of collection probe;

[0267] Figure 244B is a view thereof showing the second type of collection probe installed in the slot;

[0268] Figure 245A is a perspective view of a plow blade showing a radial slot for the aforementioned first type of collection probe;

[0269] Figure 245B is a view thereof showing a second type of collection probe installed in a slot;

[0270] Figure 246A is a perspective view of a plow blade showing a radial slot for the aforementioned third type of collection probe;

[0271] Figure 246B is a view thereof showing a second type of collection probe installed in a slot;

[0272] Figure 247A is a perspective view of a plow blade showing a radial slot for the aforementioned fourth type of collection probe;

[0273] Figure 247B is a view thereof showing a second type of collection probe installed in a slot;

[0274] Figure 248A is a perspective view of the aforementioned second type of collection probe;

[0275] Figure 248B is a cross-sectional view thereof;

[0276] Figure 249A is a perspective view of the aforementioned first type of collection probe;

[0277] Figure 249B is a cross-sectional view thereof;

[0278] Figure 250A is a perspective view of the aforementioned third type of collection probe;

[0279] Figure 250B is a cross-sectional view thereof;

[0280] Figure 251A is a perspective view of the aforementioned fourth type of collection probe;

[0281] Figure 251B is a cross-sectional view thereof;

[0282] Figure 252 is a top view of a first embodiment of an agricultural implement configured to perform soil sampling and analysis according to the present disclosure;

[0283] Figure 253 is a side view of a second embodiment of an agricultural implement configured to perform soil sampling and analysis according to the present disclosure;

[0284] Figure 254 is a side view of a third embodiment of an agricultural implement configured to perform soil sampling and analysis according to the present disclosure;

[0285] Figure 255Is a top perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an agricultural implement configured to perform soil sampling and analysis according to the present disclosure;

[0286] Figure 256 Is mountable on Figure 96 Exploded perspective view of a diaphragm micropump on a disc that can be installed in a microfluidic processing disc;

[0287] Figure 257 Is a side cross-sectional view thereof, showing the micropump in an unactuated position;

[0288] Figure 258 Is a view thereof, showing the micropump in an actuated position;

[0289] Figure 259 Is Figure 96 Perspective view of a heating processing wedge of a microfluidic processing disc;

[0290] Figure 260 Is an exploded view thereof;

[0291] Figure 261 Is a flowchart showing a soil sample processing and analysis system that has a microporous filter instead of a centrifuge for separating supernatant from a prepared soil slurry and extractant mixture;

[0292] Figure 262 Is a perspective view of one of the porous series type filters for separating supernatant from a soil slurry;

[0293] Figure 263 Is showing in Figure 96 Flowchart of a soil sample processing and analysis system implemented in a microfluidic processing disc that has an integrated microporous filter instead of a centrifuge for separating supernatant from a prepared soil slurry and extractant mixture;

[0294] Figure 264 Is a schematic view of a first embodiment of an on-vehicle water filtration system that can be used with the soil analysis and processing system disclosed herein;

[0295] Figure 265 Is a schematic view of a second embodiment of an on-vehicle water filtration system that can be used with the soil analysis and processing system disclosed herein;

[0296] Figure 266 Is a schematic view of a third embodiment of an on-vehicle water filtration system that can be used with the soil analysis and processing system disclosed herein;

[0297] Figure 267 Shows an example of a particulate filter unit that can be used with Figures 264 - 266 The water filtration system;

[0298] Figure 268 is a top perspective view of a rotary supernatant extraction device for extracting supernatant from soil slurry by centrifugation;

[0299] Figure 269 is its top exploded perspective view;

[0300] Figure 270 is its bottom exploded perspective view;

[0301] Figure 271 is a bottom view of its fluid plate showing a plurality of supernatant separation devices formed in the plate;

[0302] Figure 272 is Figure 271 a plan view of a first embodiment of the supernatant separation device of

[0303] Figure 273 is Figure 271 a plan view of a second embodiment of the supernatant separation device of

[0304] Figure 274 is Figure 271 a plan view of a third embodiment of the supernatant separation device of

[0305] Figure 275 is Figure 271 a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the supernatant separation device of

[0306] Figure 276 is Figure 268 a partial side cross-section of the supernatant extraction device of

[0307] Figure 277 is a plan view showing the sealing features of the supernatant separation device;

[0308] Figure 278 is its first enlarged perspective view;

[0309] Figure 279 is its second enlarged perspective view;

[0310] Figure 280 is Figure 268 a top perspective view of the lower clamping plate of the supernatant extraction device of

[0311] Figure 281 is a graph depicting the relationship between the actual measured piston displacement and the compression force obtained by performing tests on various soil types using the compression soil testing device shown in Figure 282 ;

[0312] Figure 282 is a schematic view of the compression soil testing device;

[0313] Figure 283Schematic diagram of a weighing container for soil testing;

[0314] Figure 284 Schematic diagram of a volume- and mass-based analysis system for determining the moisture content of a collected "raw" soil plug or sample;

[0315] Figure 285 Schematic diagram of a slurry volume measurement device;

[0316] Figure 286 Side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a centrifuge for preparing a soil slurry in a first operating position;

[0317] Figure 287 View showing a second operating position;

[0318] Figure 288 Perspective view of a soil weighing container with a sliding door;

[0319] Figure 289 Schematic diagram of a weighing device in the form of a weighing coil for measuring the weight of a prepared soil slurry;

[0320] Figure 290 Schematic diagram of a tubular weighing container in a first operating mode;

[0321] Figure 291 View of it in a second operating mode;

[0322] Figure 292 Schematic diagram of a weighing container in the shape of a teapot;

[0323] Figure 293 Schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of a vibration frequency response-based weighing device for weighing a slurry;

[0324] Figure 294 Schematic diagram showing a second embodiment of a vibration frequency response-based weighing device for weighing a slurry;

[0325] Figure 295 Schematic diagram of a slurry weighing coil with a moving magnet type weighing system;

[0326] Figure 296 Schematic diagram of a slurry weighing coil with a quick-disconnect pipe connector for isolating the weighing coil from the action of an interconnected flow conduit;

[0327] Figure 297 Schematic diagram of a slurry weighing coil including a customized load cell for weighing a slurry;

[0328] Figure 298Schematic diagram of a customized load element;

[0329] Figure 299 Side view schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an isolation mounting device for a slurry weighing device;

[0330] Figure 300 Side view schematic diagram of a second embodiment of an isolation mounting device for a slurry weighing device;

[0331] Figure 301 Schematic diagram showing a slurry weighing station; and

[0332] Figure 302 Schematic system diagram of a programmable processor-based central processing unit (CPU) or system controller for controlling the systems and devices disclosed herein.

[0333] All the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise clearly stated, components that are numbered in one figure but not numbered in other figures are the same. Unless otherwise clearly stated, references in this document to a complete figure number that appears in multiple figures with the same complete number but different letter suffixes shall be construed as a general reference to all such figures. Detailed description

[0334] The features and benefits of the present invention are illustrated and described herein by reference to exemplary ("example") embodiments. These descriptions of the exemplary embodiments are intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which should be considered as part of the entire written description. Thus, the present disclosure should not be explicitly limited to these exemplary embodiments, which illustrate some possible non-limiting combinations of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features.

[0335] In the description of the embodiments disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is for convenience of description only and does not limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Relative terms (such as "lower", "upper", "horizontal", "vertical", "above", "below", "on", "under", "top" and "bottom") and their derivatives (e.g., "horizontally", "downward", "upward", etc.) should be interpreted as referring to the orientation described or shown in the drawings being discussed. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require the device to be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms such as "attached", "fixed", "connected", "coupled", "interconnected" and similar terms refer to such relationships: structures are directly or indirectly fixed or attached to each other either directly or through intermediate structures, including movable or rigid attachments or relationships unless otherwise clearly stated.

[0336] As used throughout this document, any range disclosed herein is used as a shorthand description for every value within that range. Any value within the range can be selected as the end point of the range. Additionally, all references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event of a conflict between the definitions in this disclosure and those of the cited references, this disclosure shall prevail.

[0337] The chemical can be a solvent, an extractant, and / or a reagent. The solvent can be any fluid used to make 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. The solvent can be used both as a solvent and as an extractant. The gas can be any gas. In a preferred embodiment, the gas is air because it is readily available, but any gas can be used.

[0338] The test substance refers to the supernatant, the filtrate, or a combination of the supernatant and the filtrate. When used in a specific form (supernatant or filtrate) in this specification, other forms of the test substance can also be used.

[0339] The fluid conveyor can be a pump, a pressure differential, or a combination of a pump and a pressure differential.

[0340] Figure 1 is a schematic flowchart of the soil sampling system 3000 according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a flowchart depicting the functional aspects of each subsystem of the sampling system. The subsystems disclosed herein together provide a complete processing and chemical analysis of soil samples collected in a farmland, sample preparation, and a final chemical analysis. In one embodiment, the system 3000 can be incorporated in a motorized sampling vehicle configured to traverse the farmland to collect and process soil samples from various areas of the field. This allows for the accurate generation of a comprehensive nutrient and chemical profile of the field, enabling the rapid and convenient identification of the soil amendments and application rates required for each area based on the quantification of the nutrients and / or chemical properties available to plants in the samples. The system 3000 advantageously allows for the simultaneous processing and chemical analysis of multiple samples for various plant-available nutrients.

[0341] The soil sampling system 3000 generally includes a sample probe collection subsystem 3001, a sample preparation subsystem 3002, and a chemical analysis subsystem 3003. The sample collection subsystem 3001 and the motorized sampling vehicle are fully described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 806,014, filed on November 7, 2017; this application is incorporated herein by reference and thus forms a part of the present disclosure. The sample collection subsystem 3001 generally performs the function of extracting and collecting soil samples from the field. The samples can be in the form of soil plugs or cores. The collected cores are transferred to a containment chamber or container for further processing by the sample preparation subsystem 3002.

[0342] The sample preparation subsystem 3002 generally performs the following functions: receives a soil sample core in the mixer-filter device 100, quantifies the volume / mass of the soil sample, adds a predetermined amount or volume of filtered water based on the volume / mass of the soil, and mixes the soil and water mixture to produce a soil sample slurry, removes or transfers the slurry from the mixer-filter device, and self-cleans the mixer-filter device to process the next available soil sample.

[0343] The chemical analysis subsystem 3003 generally performs the following functions: receives the soil slurry from the mixer-filter device 100 of the subsystem 3002, adds an extractant, mixes the extractant and the slurry in a first chamber to extract analytes of interest (e.g., plant-available nutrients), centrifuges the extractant-slurry mixture to produce a clarified liquid or supernatant, removes or transfers the supernatant to a second chamber, injects a reagent, holds the supernatant-reagent mixture for a holding period to allow complete chemical reaction with the reagent, measures absorbance, such as via colorimetric analysis, and assists in cleaning the chemical analysis equipment.

[0344] The sample preparation and chemical analysis subsystems 3002, 3003 and their equipment or components will now be described in further detail.

[0345] Mixer - filter device

[0346] Figures 3 - 18 A first embodiment of the mixer-filter device 100 of the sample preparation subsystem 3002 is depicted. The mixer-filter device 100 has a generally vertical structure and defines a corresponding vertical central axis VA1. The device 100 generally includes: a mixing container 101 that defines an upwardly open internal mixing chamber 102 centered within the container; a fluid manifold chassis 120; an electric motor 121; and a movable piston-actuated stop assembly 130. These components are arranged to define a series sample processing unit. A mixing element 140 is mechanically coupled to the motor 121 and deployed within the mixing chamber 102 for producing the sample slurry. The motor 121 may be deployed within and supported by a motor housing 126, which in one non-limiting embodiment may be cylindrical. The motor housing 126 may be fixedly mounted to the bottom side of the manifold chassis 120, thereby supporting the motor 121 from the chassis. In one embodiment, the motor 121 and the housing 126 may be coaxially aligned with the central axis VA1.

[0347] In one embodiment, the mixing vessel 101 may have a substantially cylindrical body. In addition to an upwardly opening mixing chamber 102 that occupies the upper portion of the vessel 101, a downwardly opening central cleaning port 105 is formed in the vessel body, the cleaning port 105 being in fluid communication with the mixing chamber to allow the chamber to be cleaned between sample processing operations conducted through the vessel. In one embodiment, the vessel cleaning port 105 may have a generally hourglass shape and define an inwardly inclined or ramped annular seating surface 105a. An outwardly flared portion 105b below the seating surface 105a of the cleaning port 105 defines a throat 105c of narrower diameter between the flared portion and the seating surface ( Figure 12 and Figure 13 best shown in). The mixing chamber 102 and the cleaning port 105 together form a vertical fluid passage that is coaxially aligned with a central axis VA1 that passes entirely through the mixing vessel 101 to flush and drain the contents of the mixing chamber 102 between processing of soil samples.

[0348] In one configuration, the fluid manifold chassis 120 may have a partial cylinder having a pair of opposed flat sides 120a and a pair of arcuate curved sides 120b extending between the flat sides. The flat sides provide convenient locations for mounting the inlet and outlet nozzles 122, 123 and the mounting bracket 103 thereto, such as via threaded fasteners (not shown). However, in other possible configurations, the body of the chassis 120 may have other shapes, including fully cylindrical, linear, polygonal, or having various other shapes. The construction of the chassis body does not limit the invention. The upper surface of the chassis 120 may be ramped or angled to better drain water and debris when cleaning the mixing chamber 102 of the mixing vessel 101, as further described herein.

[0349] The fluid manifold chassis 120 includes a vertically oriented central passageway 124, and opposed inlet and outlet flow conduits 125, 126 that are fluidly coupled to and in fluid communication with the central passageway. The central passageway 124 may be coaxially aligned with a central axis VA1. In one configuration, the flow conduits 125, 126 may be horizontally and vertically oriented relative to the vertical central passageway 124. The inlet nozzle 122 is threadedly and fluidly coupled to the inlet flow conduit 125. Similarly, the outlet nozzle 123 is threadedly and fluidly coupled to the outlet flow conduit 125. In one embodiment, the nozzles 122, 123 may have free ends that are configured for fluid connection to flow pipes. The central passageway 124 and the inlet / outlet flow conduits 125, 126 may be formed in the body of the fluid coupling chassis 120 by any suitable method, such as by drilling or punching in some embodiments. The manifold chassis 120 may be formed of any suitable metal or non-metal material. In one embodiment, the chassis 120 may be made of metal, such as steel or aluminum.

[0350] Reference Figures 5 - 6 and Figures 12 - 13 , the piston-actuated stop assembly 130 includes a vertically elongated stop 131 that includes a top end 131a and a bottom end 131b. The stop 131 may have a generally cylindrical body configuration that includes a diameter-increased head 132 formed in the upper portion, and the head 132 is deployed in the mixing chamber 102 of the mixing container 101. In one embodiment, the diameter of the stop head 132 may be greater than the diameter of the container cleaning port 105 at the throat 105c, such that the stop cannot be axially withdrawn downward from the mixing chamber 102 in the vertical direction. The stop head 132 is configured and operable to form a sealable engagement with the mixing chamber 102 of the mixing container 101. More specifically, the stop head 132 defines an annular sealing surface 133 that sealingly engages a mating annular seating surface 105a formed in the mixing chamber 102 of the mixing container 101. An annular seal 134 is mounted on the stop head 132 at the sealing surface 133, and the annular seal 134 may be an elastomer or rubber O-ring in one embodiment. The O-ring sealingly engages the seating surface 105a of the mixing container 101 to form a leak-proof seal at the bottom of the mixing chamber 102 to close the container cleaning port 105.

[0351] The diameter of the cylindrical lower portion of the stopper 131 below the enlarged head 132 can be narrower than the throat 105c of the mixing container cleaning port 105, allowing the lower portion to pass through the throat. In one embodiment, the bottom end 131b of the stopper 131 can be externally threaded and can be threadedly mounted to the top of the fluid manifold chassis 120 at the central passage 124. The threaded bottom end 131b of the stopper 131 is threadedly engaged with the internally threaded upper portion of the central passage 124 (e.g., see Figures 12 - 13 ).

[0352] The stopper 131 further includes a vertically oriented central hole 144 that is coaxially aligned with the central axis VA1 and the central passage 124 of the fluid manifold chassis 120. The hole 144 extends completely through the stopper 131 from the top end 131a to the bottom end 131b. The central hole 144 is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber 102 of the container 101 at the top and with the central passage 124 of the fluid manifold chassis 120 at the bottom of the hole.

[0353] As Figure 12 and Figure 13 shown, the motor drive shaft 142 extends through the central hole 144 of the stopper 131 and the central passage 124 of the fluid manifold chassis 120. This forms an annular space or flow channel between the drive shaft 142 and the central hole 144 and the passage 124. Thus, the annular flow channel provides a fluid path for adding water to the mixing chamber 102 of the mixing container 101 and extracting the fully mixed water and soil sample slurry from the mixing chamber 102 for further processing and chemical analysis.

[0354] Although the stopper 131 and the fluid manifold chassis 120 are depicted as separate discrete components, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the stopper and the chassis can be integral parts of a cast, molded, and / or machined one-piece integral structure to provide the disclosed features.

[0355] Now referring to Figures 5 - 6 and Figures 12 - 13 , the mixing element 140 generally includes a blade assembly 141 that is fixedly mounted on the top of a vertical motor drive shaft 142 that is coupled to the motor 121. Thus, the blade assembly 141 can rotate with the drive shaft 142. In one embodiment, the drive shaft 142 can be coupled to the motor 121 through a shaft seal 142a and a flexible motor coupling assembly 143. The seal 142a is configured to form a watertight seal between the drive shaft 142 and the manifold chassis 120. The drive shaft 142 is rotatably disposed in the central hole 144 of the stopper 131 and the central passage 124 of the fluid manifold chassis 120 and extends completely through them.

[0356] In one embodiment, the blade assembly 141 may be fixedly coupled to the top end of the drive shaft 142 by threaded fasteners. The blade assembly 141 is positioned within the mixing chamber 102 and includes a plurality of blades angled both upwardly and downwardly to provide optimal mixing of the soil and water slurry within the mixing chamber. The blades may be formed of metal and, in one embodiment, are formed of a corrosion-resistant metal such as stainless steel. Other materials may be used.

[0357] The blade assembly 141 is axially spaced from and positioned above the top end 131a of the stop 131 such that the top end of the drive shaft 142 is exposed within the mixing chamber 102 of the mixing vessel 101, as Figure 12 and Figure 13 shown. This mounting position of the blade assembly also exposes the top of the central hole 144 in the stop 131 to the mixing chamber 102 of the mixing vessel 101 to enable two-way fluid flow into / out of the mixing chamber.

[0358] In one embodiment, a filter assembly is provided that includes a partially threaded filter retainer 145 and a separable annular filter 146 to filter the slurry withdrawn from the mixing chamber 102. Figures 38 - 42 The isolated retainer and filter are shown. The filter retainer 145 includes a body having a vertical central hole 147a that communicates with a plurality of circumferentially disposed radial openings 147b to inject water into and withdraw slurry from the mixing chamber 102 of the vessel 101. The hole 147a communicates with the central hole 144 of the stop 131 to complete the fluid path between the manifold chassis 120 and the mixing chamber 102. The motor drive shaft 142 is received through the central hole 147a of the retainer. The annular filter 146 includes an annular screen 146a disposed between the central hole 147a and the mixing chamber 102. The screen includes a plurality of preselected sized openings to filter out larger solids or particles from the soil slurry. In one embodiment, the screen 146a may be in the form of a screen mesh having straight openings. The material of the screen may be metallic or non-metallic.

[0359] The retainer 145 includes a threaded bottom end or stem 148 that is threadedly coupled to the internally threaded upper portion of the central hole 144 of the stop (best shown in Figures 12 - 16 and shown in Figures 38 - 42(shown in detail). The top end 149 of the filter holder increases in the diametrical direction so as to trap the annular filter 146 between it and the top 131a of the stopper 131 when the holder is screwed into the stopper. The filter 146 is mounted to the holder 145, and the screen 146a covers the radial opening 147b to filter the slurry extracted from the mixing chamber 102. The top end 149 may include a tool configuration such as a hexagon (shown) or other shape to facilitate the threaded mounting of the holder 145 to the stopper 131. Notably, as shown, the central hole 147a of the filter holder 145 extends completely through the top and bottom ends 149, 148 to allow the drive shaft 142 to pass completely through the holder.

[0360] The stopper 131 is fixedly coupled to a movable piston assembly 150 that operates in concert with the movement of the piston assembly to actuate and change the position of the stopper. Refer Figures 5 - 6 and Figures 12 - 16 , the piston assembly 150 includes an annular piston 151, a spring 152, a spring retaining ring 154, and a pair of piston seal rings 153, which in one embodiment may be elastomeric or rubber O-rings. The piston 151 may have a sleeve-like configuration and may include a bottom end and a top end. The piston 151 is slidably received in a downwardly opening annular space 155 formed in the mixing container 101, between the cylindrical outer sidewall 101a of the mixing container 101 and the bottom center cleaning port 105. The piston 151 may move up and down between an upper and a lower position in the annular space 155.

[0361] The top of the piston 151 may have a top outer edge 157 with an increased diameter, which has an outward-facing annular groove for mounting a pair of seal rings 153. As shown, the outer edge 157 projects radially outward from the body of the piston 151. One seal ring 153 is an inner seal ring that provides an inner seal between the piston and the container 101, and the other seal ring 153 is an outer seal ring that provides an outer seal.

[0362] The piston spring 152 is received and retained in the annular space 155 of the mixing container 101 by a retaining ring 154 fixedly attached to the bottom of the container. The top end of the spring 152 acts on the bottom side of the top outer edge 157 of the piston 151, while the bottom end acts on the retaining ring 153. The spring 152 biases the piston 151 upward in the annular space 155 of the container 101 to an upper position. In a non-limiting embodiment, the spring 152 may be a helically coiled compression spring. Other suitable types of springs may be used.

[0363] The piston 151 can be supported and mechanically coupled to the fluid manifold chassis 120 by a generally U-shaped mounting bracket 103. In one embodiment, the bracket 103 can include a lower portion formed by a pair of laterally spaced plate-like feet 103a fixedly attached to opposite sides of the chassis 120 and a pair of upwardly extending plate-like arms 103b fixedly attached to the lower side of the piston 151. Each foot 103a can include a laterally opening hole 104 to receive inlet and outlet nozzles 122, 123 that are coupled to the chassis 120 and extend through the holes. In one embodiment, the mounting bracket 103 can be fixedly attached to the piston 151 and the chassis 120 by threaded fasteners 103d (e.g., see Figure 11 ). Of course, other configurations and attachment methods of the mounting bracket can be used.

[0364] The combination of the mounting bracket 103 and the manifold chassis 120 together forms a generally rigid mechanical linkage that couples the stopper 131 to the piston 151. Thus, when the piston 151 is actuated, the fluid manifold chassis 120, the motor 121 / motor housing 126, and the stopper 131 move up and down as a single unit in unison with the piston 151. Thereby, the piston 151 acts as an actuator for the stopper 131 and is operable to control and change the position of the stopper.

[0365] In one embodiment, the piston 151 can be pneumatically operated by pressurized air. The piston 151 is configured for spring return operation. It can be considered that the annular space 155 of the container 101 forms an annular piston cylinder in which the piston 151 moves up and down. The air exchange port 156 is formed through the circumferentially extending outer wall 101a of the container 101 and is fluidly connected to the top of the annular space 155 (e.g., see Figure 14 ). The port 156 is in fluid communication with the region of the annular space 155 located above the piston 151.

[0366] In operation, the piston 151 is normally biased upward by a spring 152 to the Figure 16 upper position shown in. To move the piston 151 to the lower position in the annular space 155 of the container 101, pressurized air is introduced into the annular space and applied to the top outer edge 157 of the piston via the air exchange port 156 (e.g., see Figure 14 and the directional air flow arrows). The air pressure forces the piston downward, thereby compressing the spring. The air pressure must be continuously applied to hold the piston 151 in the lower position against the biasing action of the spring 152. To return the piston to its upper position, the pressurized air is exhausted outward from the annular space 155 in the container 101 through the air exchange port 156 (e.g., see the directional flow arrows, Figure 16 ). Then, the spring 152 pushes the piston 151 upward back to its position inFigure 14 The upper spring-biased position in

[0367] Note that the air exchange port 156 is fluidly connected via Figure 1 the air supply valve 3032 shown in

[0368] to a pressurized source of compressed air (such as a compressor 3030 and a storage tank 3031) through a suitable flow conduit such as a flexible and / or rigid hose or pipe 3021. The pipe 3021 can be metallic or non-metallic. In some embodiments, a fluoropolymer-type slurry pipe can be used to transport slurry at various locations in the system due to its inherent non-stick characteristics, making it very suitable for soil slurries. FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene) is a specific example of a fluoropolymer that can be used. FEP is similar to using a PTFE material based on polytetrafluoroethylene due to its non-stick characteristics, but FEP is advantageously more transparent and plastic in standard pipe-forming practices. Figure 19 a three-way air valve 155a having an exhaust port can be fluidly coupled to the port 156 and is located upstream of the port 156 (e.g., see

[0369] to pressurize the container annulus 155 or discharge air from the annulus to the atmosphere. Figures 19 - 20 ) and an upper open position (e.g., see Figure 21 ) by actuating the piston assembly 150, the stopper 131 is axially movable relative to the mixing container 101 in the vertical direction between a lower closed position (e.g., see Figure 18 and Figure 19 ). In the closed position, the stopper head 132 engages sealingly with the annular seating surface 105a in the container mixing chamber 102. This position closes and plugs the bottom container cleaning port 105. This position corresponds to the lower part of the piston 151 in the container 101 (e.g., see

[0370] Conversely, in the open position, the stopper head 132 of the stopper 131 disengages the seating surface 105a in the container mixing chamber 102. This position corresponds to the upper position of the piston 151 (e.g., see Figure 21 ). Thus, this position opens the cleaning port 105 and establishes a cleaning flow path, so that after mixing and volumetric determination of the soil sample, the mixing chamber 102 is rinsed and cleaned with filtered water to prepare for the next soil sample to be mixed and volumetrically determined. When the stopper head 132 is in the open position, an annular cleaning path and area are formed between the stopper 131 and the inner wall of the mixing chamber 102, which extends around the stopper in a full 360 degrees.

[0371] It should be noted that when actuated, the fluid manifold chassis 120 attached to the stopper 131, the motor housing 126 attached to the chassis (which houses the motor 121), and the blade assembly 141 having a drive shaft 142 move together as a single unit with the stopper 131 between a lower closed position and an upper open position.

[0372] To process, classify, and test multiple soil samples semi-concurrently, an assembly of series valves and associated components is provided, as Figures 14 - 18 shown. The assembly is also configured and operable to volumetrically accumulate soil samples, thereby representing and collectively forming a sample collection / volumetric accumulation station 160-1. The volumetric accumulation of the samples is used to indirectly quantify the quality of the samples to determine the appropriate amount of water (i.e., water / soil ratio) to be added to the mixing chamber 102, thereby preparing a sample slurry with an appropriate consistency or viscosity for further processing and chemical testing. In one embodiment, the assembly defining the sample collection / volumetric accumulation station includes a pair of vertically stacked pinch valves or tube valves 160 and 161, an intermediate collar 163 defining an internal pressurized plenum 162 fluid-coupled between the valves, and a volumetric accumulation container 164. The container 164 is a pressure vessel in which an initial volumetric accumulation chamber 168 of a known volume is defined. The chamber 168 is fluid-coupled to a source of pressurized air, such as a compressor-tank assembly 30, 31 controlled by an air valve 167 in a pipe 21 on the inlet side of the container. The chamber 168 is also fluid-coupled to the pressurized plenum 162 via an outlet pipe 165 controlled by another air valve 167.

[0373] In one embodiment, the pinch valves 160, 161 can be air-actuated. Pinch valves are known in the art and commercially available to control the flow of solid materials such as soil. Each pinch valve 160 / 161 includes a valve body 160a / 161a that defines an internal space that contains a flexible collapsible diaphragm or sleeve 160b / 161b, as shown. The sleeve can be made of any suitable elastomeric material such as rubber, nitrile, butyl, silicone, or others. Each valve 160, 161 includes an air exchange port 166 controlled by a three-way air valve 169 that includes an exhaust port in one position. The lower valve 161 is sealed and fluid-coupled to the mixing container 101 and is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber 102.

[0374] In the open position, the sleeves 160b, 161b of the valves 160, 161 are spaced apart in a generally parallel relationship to allow material to flow through the valves (e.g., see Figure 14 , upper valve 160). To close the valves, air is injected into the internal space surrounding the sleeve, which pressurizes the interior of the valve. This causes the sleeve to collapse into a closed constricted position to seal itself against the flow of material (e.g., seeFigure 14 , the lower valve 161). To return the valve 160, for example, to the open position, air is returned from the internal space around the sleeve 160b through the air exchange port 166 and discharged into the atmosphere via the exhaust port of the three-way valve 169.

[0375] Now reference will be made to Figures 14 - 18 Briefly describe the classification of soil samples and the determination of the fixed volume of the samples (i.e., the mass or volume of the soil samples is determined by volume / pressure analysis techniques). This helps to identify the appropriate amount of water to be added to the samples to produce the desired consistency (water / soil ratio). These preliminary processing steps are completed before preparing the slurry. Refer to Figure 302 , Figures 14 - 18 The processes shown and described below can be automatically controlled and monitored by a processor-based control system 2800, which includes a programmable central processing unit (CPU) (e.g., a processing system), herein referred to as the system controller 2820, such as that disclosed in co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 806,014 filed on November 7, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference. As further described elsewhere below, the system controller 2820 may include one or more processors, a non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium, programmable input / output peripherals, and all other necessary electronic components typically associated with a fully functional processor-based controller.

[0376] The processing system 2820 can also control the operation of the mixer-filter device 100 and other parts of the sample preparation subsystem 3002, as well as the operation of the chemical analysis subsystem 3003 described in detail elsewhere herein. This provides a unified control system for guiding and coordinating all operations of the systems and components described herein.

[0377] When the process starts in a certain order, both pinch valves 160 and 161 can initially be in the open position. Next, Figure 14 shows the pinch valves 160 and 161 now in a position ready to receive a soil sample (which may include a mixture of one or more soil cores) from the probe collection subsystem 3001 (e.g., see Figure 1 ). First, the lower valve 161 is closed, and the upper valve 160 remains open. If it has not been pressurized, then it may also be selected to "inflate" the fixed volume chamber 168 at this time to save processing time. During the inflation step, the outlet valve 167 from the fixed volume container 167 is closed. Next, the soil sample is blown into the valve 160 using pressurized air from the probe collection subsystem 3001 described previously herein, as shown in Figure 15 . The soil is deposited on the top of the sleeve 161b of the lower valve 161.

[0378] Next, as shown inFigure 16 The closed upper valve 160 shown therein. This establishes a temporary seal or a captured predetermined volume of soil, which for convenience will be referred to herein as the soil "grading chamber" 170. The chamber 170 is fluidly isolated from the mixing chamber 101 by the closed valve 161. The grading chamber 170 is jointly formed by the pressurizing chamber 162 and the internal space between the closed sleeves of the upper and lower valves 160, 161. Then the initial pressure reading Pi of the constant volume chamber 168 is measured and read by the processing system 2820. For accuracy, the pressure reading Pi can be averaged over a short period of time. Next, the outlet valve 167 between the constant volume chamber 168 and the grading chamber 170 is opened so that the pressurized air from the constant volume container 164 enters the grading chamber. Now that the outlet valve has been opened, pressure equilibrium is established between the fluidly connected grading chamber 170 and the constant volume chamber 168. Then, the final pressure Pf is measured and read by the system 2820, and this pressure Pf is lower than Pi of the constant volume chamber 168 when it was pressurized and pre-isolated. For accuracy, the pressure reading Pf can also be averaged over a short period of time. The pressure reading Pf represents the total pressure measured in the volume including the grading chamber 170, the constant volume chamber 168, and the valves and pipes therebetween.

[0379] Next, the processing system 2820 automatically and indirectly calculates the "mass" of the soil equal to the "volume" to determine the appropriate amount of water to be added to the mixing chamber to achieve the desired water / soil ratio and the consistency of the slurry. Boyle's law can be used to calculate the volume of the soil: Pi*Vp = Pf(Vp + Vc - Vs), where Vc = the volume of the grading chamber 170; Vp = the volume of the initial constant volume chamber 168; Vs = the volume of the soil; Pi = the initial pressure of the constant volume chamber 168; and Pf = the final equilibrium pressure of the volume connected by the grading chamber 170 and the constant volume chamber 168 as described above. Solve this equation for Vs to identify the volume of soil in the grading chamber 170 to be poured into the mixing container 101. Then, the processing system 2820 calculates the amount or volume of water to be added based on a pre-programmed water / soil ratio to produce the appropriate consistency or viscosity of the sample slurry for chemical analysis. It will be appreciated that other possible constant volume methods for soil samples can be used.

[0380] Once the sample has been volumetrically determined, the preparation of the slurry can begin. As Figure 17 shown, the lower valve 161 is opened to pour or add the soil sample into the mixing chamber 101 of the container 101. This eliminates the temporary grading chamber 170 until the next sample is processed and volumetrically determined. The upper valve 160 remains closed at this time. However, in order to grade the next waiting sample for the preparation of the slurry, the lower valve 161 can be closed and the upper valve 160 opened to receive the next sample, as Figure 18as shown. This operation can occur semi-concurrently with the processing of the first sample in the mixer-filter device 100.

[0381] Figure 19 Shows a soil sample "S" from a farm field in an "as-collected" condition, which is first loaded into the mixing chamber 102 of the mixing container 101. At this time, the stopper 131 is in the lower closed position as previously described herein to close the bottom container cleaning port 105. In some cases, the sample can consist of several soil cores for generating a composite sample chemical profile representing an average analysis.

[0382] The filtered water (FW) is pumped by a water pump 3304( Figure 1 ) to the mixer-filter device 100 and injected into the fluid manifold chassis 120 through the inlet nozzle 122 (see the directional arrow). The water flows radially into the central channel 124, then axially upward through the channel and the central hole 144 in the stopper 131, and radially enters the lower region of the mixing chamber 102 through the annular filter 146. This fluid introduction location at the bottom of the mixing chamber 101 helps to fluidize the soil at the bottom of the chamber (note that for clarity, these figures only show the soil above the mixing blade assembly 141, but it is recognized that the soil will actually fill the entire lower part of the chamber). In some embodiments of this process, water can be first added to the mixing chamber 101 and the mixing blade assembly 141 can be operated at a low idling speed (RPM) before adding the soil sample. The mixing chamber 101 is filled with a predetermined volume or quantity of filtered water to achieve the desired water / soil ratio (e.g., 4:1, etc.) pre-programmed into the processing system 2820 to produce a slurry (SL) of appropriate consistency for processing and analysis. The amount of water required is determined during the volumetric step at the volumetric station previously described herein.

[0383] Next, Figure 20 Shows the mixing step. The water and soil mixture is mixed by the blade assembly 141, which rotates at a predetermined full mixing speed (RPM) to quickly and efficiently prepare a sample slurry (SL) of appropriate consistency. To help achieve thorough and rapid mixing, a plurality of circumferentially spaced mixing protrusions 172 can be provided in the mixing chamber 101, which project radially inward into the chamber ( Figure 10 best shown in). The protrusions 172 interact with the mixing blade assembly 141 to facilitate thorough mixing. In one embodiment, two pairs of diametrically opposed mixing protrusions 172 can be provided; however, more or fewer protrusions and other arrangements can be used. In one embodiment shown, the protrusions 172 can have a circular cross-section in a top plan view.

[0384] Once the slurry has been thoroughly mixed, the slurry is withdrawn from the mixing chamber 102 through the outlet nozzle 123 while being suctioned from the slurry pump 3333 of the chemical analysis subsystem 3003 (see the directional flow arrow). Alternatively, if it is necessary to transfer the slurry to a slurry pump, a slurry transfer pump can be added according to the fluid dynamics of the system. It should be noted that during the withdrawal step, the stopper 131 remains in the lower closed position to seal the clean port 105 of the mixing container 101. In operation, the slurry generally flows inwards through the central annular sieve 146 on the filter housing 145 into the central hole 144 of the stopper 131, and axially downwards through the holes and the central channel 124 of the manifold chassis 120 to the outlet nozzle 123. The annular sieve 146 has openings sized to prevent soil or other embedded particles (e.g., small stones, etc.) of a predetermined size from the field sample from entering the stopper 131 and the manifold chassis 120. Since the slurry flows through the annular space or flow channel formed between the motor drive shaft 142 and the central holes and channels 144, 124, the sieve prevents clogging of this slightly restricted flow space. The slurry withdrawal step can preferably be carried out while reducing the speed of the mixing blade assembly 141 to a slower idling speed. Alternatively, the blade assembly can be completely stopped.

[0385] It should be noted that during the mixing step, due to the centrifugal action of the mixing blades, the waste residue composed of the agglomeration of fine soil particles mainly accumulates against the vertical wall around the mixing chamber 102. Compared with other possible slurry withdrawal positions along the wall of the mixing chamber, withdrawing the slurry from the lower central part of the mixing chamber through the annular filter 146 advantageously minimizes the clogging of the filter.

[0386] Next, Figure 21Illustrates the flushing and cleaning steps of the mixing chamber 102, which will be briefly described. The stopper 131 remains initially in the closed position starting from the slurry extraction step. In one embodiment of the mixing chamber cleaning process, a two-stage flushing and rinsing can be used to thoroughly clean the chamber. In the first initial stage, the mixing blade assembly 141 operates at a slow idling speed while the stopper 131 moves upward from the lower closed position to the upper open position. This opens the container cleaning port 105 at the bottom of the mixing chamber 102. The stopper 131 is moved in the manner previously described herein by the actuation of the piston assembly 150. While the cleaning outlet 105 remains open, flushing water (e.g., filtered water FW) is injected and sprayed into the mixing chamber 102 of the mixing container 101 through the inlet nozzle 122 and the screened housing 145. The flushing water follows the flow path from the inlet nozzle 122 to the mixing chamber indicated by the directional flow arrows. The mixture of flushing water and sludge from the chamber 102 flows downward and outward through the cleaning port 105 and the 360-degree open cleaning area formed by the cleaning port to discharge the waste (see the directional waste flow arrows). This concludes the initial flushing and rinsing stage.

[0387] In the second final flushing and rinsing stage, the mixing chamber 102 is re-closed by moving the stopper 131 to the closed position to block the cleaning port 105 while continuing to inject flushing water into the mixing chamber. Now, the mixing chamber 105 begins to fill with water briefly. The speed of the mixing blade assembly 141 is increased to full speed within a few seconds to entrain any sludge residues attached to the mixing chamber walls in the water. The mixing chamber cleaning port 105 is opened a second time by raising the stopper 131 to flush out the water and sludge mixture. This completes the cleaning of the mixing chamber 102. It is noted that both the initial and final flushing and rinsing stages are rapidly completed in succession within just a few seconds.

[0388] Once the mixing chamber 102 has been thoroughly cleaned, the stopper 131 returns again to the lower closed position via the operation of the piston assembly 150 to be ready to serially receive and process the next soil sample. Figure 2 Summarizes the above-described processing steps for soil sample volumetric determination, mixing slurry, and cleaning the mixing chamber.

[0389] Alternative embodiment of the mixer - filter device

[0390] Figures 22 - 37Depicts an alternative embodiment of the mixer-filter device 200 that can be used with the sample preparation subsystem 3002. The mixer-filter device 200 generally includes a lower mixing container 201, an upper mixer housing 203, a vertically movable elastomeric stopper 210, and a mixing blade assembly 240 coupled to a motor drive shaft 220, such as via threaded fasteners or other means. The drive shaft 220 is coupled to an electric motor 222 for rotating the blade assembly 240. For simplicity, only the motor 222 is shown in Figure 22 . The drive shaft 220 is centered within the mixer housing 203 and defines the vertical central axis VA2 of the mixer-filter device.

[0391] The container 201 defines a soil storage cavity 202 for receiving a soil sample to be mixed (e.g., see Figures 28 - 29 ) to prepare a slurry for chemical analysis. The container 201 can be sealingly and detachably coupled to the bottom of the mixer housing 203, such as via a seal 204, which can be an O-ring in one embodiment, to prevent leakage at the interface between the container and the upper housing 203. In some embodiments, the bottom 201-1 of the container 201 can optionally move relative to the container wall 201-2 and the mixer housing 203 and is formed by a piston assembly 201-3 (shown in dashed lines). This allows the soil sample to be raised towards the blade 420 to enhance mixing.

[0392] The upper mixer housing 203 includes an axial central cavity 207 that penetrates and extends between the top and bottom of the housing as shown. In one embodiment, the cross-section of the cavity 207 can be substantially circular, thereby forming an internal cylindrical sidewall 205b that defines the cavity. In one embodiment, a portion of the sidewall 205b can include a flat portion 205a.

[0393] The lower portion of the central opening 207 defines a downwardly opening mixing cavity 207a that is formed below the elastomeric stopper 210 and contains the mixing blade assembly 240. When the container is coupled to the upper housing 203, the mixing cavity 207a of the soil container 201 and the soil storage cavity 202 together define a mixing chamber 205. The mixing chamber 205 is used to prepare a slurry mixture of soil and water. The diameter of the chamber 205 can be smaller than the diameter of the upper portion of the central cavity 207, thereby forming a stepped transition therebetween that defines an annular seating surface 206. In one embodiment, the seating surface 206 can be chamfered, thereby creating an angled or inclined seating surface that is oriented at an angle to the central axis VA2. The blade assembly 240 is rotatably deployed within the mixing chamber 205.

[0394] The housing 203 further includes an inlet port 208 for injecting filtered water into the mixing chamber 205 and a radially opposite outlet port 209 for extracting the slurry. A vent 208a, optionally including a valve, is in fluid communication with the inlet port 208 and the central chamber 207 of the housing 203 to vent air from the chamber prior to mixing operations. In some embodiments, the entire housing and chamber can be angled via a rotary coupling 201-4 (e.g., see Figure 30 ) such that the vent / valve 209 is at the high point in the system and slurry extraction occurs below the water level (to avoid entraining air with the slurry extraction). The inlet port 208 and the cleaning port 105 can be a single port with a three-way valve to control the materials flowing in and out.

[0395] While the mixing blade assembly 41 and the drive shaft 142 of the mixer-filter device 100 enter the mixing chamber 102 from the bottom, it should be noted that the current blade assembly 240 and the drive shaft 22 enter the mixing chamber 202 from the top. This arrangement advantageously reduces the complexity of the shaft seal required to prevent water from leaking along the drive shaft from the chamber.

[0396] The elastomeric stopper 210 is at least partially deployed in the central chamber 207 of the mixer housing 203, as best shown in Figure 28 and Figure 29 . Also refer to Figures 21 - 23 and Figures 30 - 32 . The mixing chamber 205 is formed below the stopper 210. The stopper 210 has a generally cylindrical body that includes a top 215, a bottom 214, and a cylindrical sidewall 216 extending therebetween. A circular central axial channel 211 extends axially between the top and bottom surfaces and penetrates the top and bottom surfaces. In one embodiment, the bottom 214 can be concave, with a cross-section defined as an arcuate profile to further facilitate thorough mixing of the slurry. The stopper 210 assembly can also include a lower drive shaft collar seal 214 to prevent fluid from leaking along the shaft from the mixing chamber 205 and an upper collar bearing 221 that supports the shaft within the axial central channel 211 of the stopper.

[0397] A radially extending annular sealing flange 213 projects outward from the body of the stopper 210 to form a seal with the sidewall of the central chamber 207 in the mixer housing 203. The flange 213 is flexible, pliable, and formed as an integral structural part of the elastomeric stopper 210. In one embodiment, when in the undeformed state, the flange 213 can be open upward (inverted upward). A retaining ring 213-1 locks the flange 213 in place on the mixer housing 203. The housing can include an annular shoulder 213-2 to facilitate engagement of the flange (e.g., see Figure 37)。The flange 213 engages with the side wall of the cavity 207 and forms a seal. Water can be injected through the inlet port 208 of the housing 203 into the portion of the mixing chamber 205 below the annular flange 213 of the stopper 210 to prepare a slurry. An open vent 208a is provided in the housing 203 for discharging air from the chamber below the flange 213 of the stopper 210 during the initial setup of the mixer-filter device 200.

[0398] The stopper 210 is axially movable up and down in the cavity 207 between a lower seated position and an upper unseated position. As further described herein, this forms an openable and closable annular interface between the stopper and the mixer housing 203 for filtering the slurry and flushing the mixing chamber 205 between samples.

[0399] The stopper 210 also includes an upwardly opening annular space 212 which houses a spring 231 therein (e.g., see Figures 30 - 32 ). In one embodiment, the spring 231 can be a helically coiled compression spring. The spring 231 is retained in the annular space by a cover plate 230 which is removably mounted to the mixer housing 203. The top end of the spring 231 acts on the underside of the cover plate 230 and the bottom end of the spring 231 acts on the stopper 210 to bias the stopper to the lower seated position.

[0400] The stopper 210 is fixedly coupled to a drive shaft 220, one end of which is in turn rotatably coupled to a motor 222, and the mixing blade assembly 240 forms an in-line movable assembly or unit. The stopper 210 can be moved between a lower position and an upper position by, for example, raising or lowering the motor support (not shown) to lift the movable unit. The blade assembly 240 engages a seal 214 embedded in the stopper body which pulls the stopper 210 upward when the motor is raised. This action in turn compresses the spring 231 which serves to force the stopper downward back to the lower position when the motor is lowered.

[0401] According to a unique aspect of the alternative mixer-filter device 200, the device is configured to filter large soil particles or debris (e.g., stones) from the slurry extracted from the mixer without using a conventional mesh filter screen which may be prone to clogging. The device 200 also provides an openable / closable filtering interface which allows the mixing chamber to be flushed and cleaned between processing samples.

[0402] To provide a filtering and flushing function, an annular seating surface 217 is formed at the bottom of the cylindrical side wall 216 of the stopper 210. The seating surface 217 can be inclined or angled with respect to the central axis VA2. When the stopper 210 moves between the upper unseated position and the lower seated position, the seating surface 217 selectively engages its mating seating surface 206 on the mixer housing 203. Thus, the seating surface 217 and the seating surface 206 have complementary angles to form a plane-to-plane interface, thereby establishing an annular seating area.

[0403] As Figure 34 best shown in, a plurality of radially oriented flow channels or grooves 218 are formed in the seating surface 217 of the stopper 210. The grooves 218 are circumferentially spaced apart and preferably extend 360 degrees around the seating surface 217. When the stopper is in its lower seated position, the seating surfaces 217 and 206 engage each other. However, the groove 217 remains open to form an array of small-diameter flow channels through which slurry can be extracted from the mixing chamber 205 via suction by a pump (such as slurry pump 3333) (see, for example, Figure 1 ). The slurry flows radially outward through the channels into an annular flow boosting chamber 240, which is formed in a portion of the central cavity 207 of the housing below the annular flange 213 of the stopper 210. The slurry flows from the boosting chamber 240 through the outlet port 209 of the mixer housing 203 to the pump. The flow boosting chamber 240 is also in fluid communication with the inlet port 208 and is used to receive water and inject it into the mixing chamber 205 in addition to its function of extracting the slurry. The diameter of the flow grooves 218 on the stopper 210 is selected to act as a filter to prevent large particles and debris having a diameter larger than the groove from being extracted with the slurry.

[0404] The operation of the stopper 210 for flushing and cleaning the mixing chamber 205 will now be briefly described. Figures 30 - 31 , Figure 35 and Figure 37 show the stopper in the lower seated position. The seating surfaces 217 and 206 engage each other, thereby forming a closed annular interface 241 between the stopper 210 and the mixer housing 203. Since the flow grooves 218 remain the only open flow path between the flow boosting chamber 240 and the mixing chamber 205, this seated position performs a filtering function. Once the slurry is prepared and extracted from the mixer-filter device through the grooves 218, the stopper 210 is raised to the upper unseated position (see, for example, Figure 32 and Figure 36)。This disengages the seating surfaces 217 and 206, thus fully opening the annular interface 241 a full 360 degrees, through which the flow boosting chamber 240 and the mixing chamber 205 are fluidly connected. The stop 210 only needs to be raised far enough to form a circumferentially continuous opening between the seating surfaces 206 and 217. When the stop 210 is raised to the unseated position, the periphery of the annular flange 213 remains in frictional engagement with the side wall of the mixing chamber 205 and is stationary by the operation of the retaining ring 213-1. Thus, the flange 213 will deform and flex rather than simply slide up along the side wall. In the non-limiting exemplary embodiment shown, the flange 213 can generally be pre-angled in the upwardly flipped position (e.g., see Figure 31 ), and when the flange deforms as the stop 210 is raised, the flange 213 can change to a horizontal position (e.g., see Figure 32 ). In any case, the key is that the annular interface 214 is preferably fully opened over its entire circumference. Then, cleaning water can be injected, mixed, and flushed out of the mixing chamber 205 to clean the mixer-filter device 100, thereby carrying the sludge out of the chamber to discharge the waste. This flushing step also cleans any flow grooves 218 that may have been clogged by larger particles or debris during the filtration of the slurry. Once completed, the stop 210 returns to the lower seated position for the next mixing cycle.

[0405] In other possible embodiments, the flow grooves 218 can alternatively be formed on the annular seating surface 206 of the mixer housing 203, and the annular seating surface 217 on the stop 210 can alternatively have a flat surface. The stop can be formed of any natural or synthetic elastomeric material (such as natural rubber, synthetic butyl rubber, or neoprene or other elastomeric materials). The remaining components of the above-described mixer-filter device 200 can be made of any suitable metal or non-metal material.

[0406] In some embodiments, the mixer-filter device 200 can be used in an angled position (such as in the range from about 30 - 60 degrees (including 30 - 60 degrees) to horizontal). In this configuration, the inlet port 208 and the vent 208a are preferably located at the highest point of the mixer-filter device at the top.

[0407] In some embodiments, after depositing a soil sample in the container, the mixing container 201 can be raised and lowered to engage with the mixer housing 203.

[0408] Chemical analysis subsystem

[0409] Reference Figure 1, the chemical analysis subsystem 3003 generally includes a slurry pump 3333 and a mixing coil, a water supply system including a water tank 3302 and a pump 3304, a vent 3306, an extractant system 3308 including an extractant tank and a pump 3310, a reagent system including a reagent tank 3314 and a pump 3316, a supernatant pump 3312 and a mixing coil 3318, a centrifuge 3400 including a dock 3340 and centrifuge tubes 3350, and an absorbance analysis cell 3320. The foregoing components and systems are fluidly coupled together via suitable flow conduits (such as but not limited to pipe 3021, which can be metallic, non-metallic, or a combination thereof). Each component of the chemical analysis subsystem 3003 and the operation of the subsystem will now be further described.

[0410] The slurry pump 3333 can be any suitable type of pump that is fluidly coupled to the mixer-filter device 100 or an alternative mixer-filter device 200. More specifically, the pump 3333 can be fluidly coupled to the mixing chamber 102 or 205 of the mixer-filter device 100 or 200 via the pipe 3021, respectively. The pump 3333 is configured and operable to extract the mixed soil sample slurry from the chamber for chemical analysis using the subsystem 3003. In one embodiment, the slurry pump 3333 can be a peristaltic positive displacement pump; however, other suitable types of pumps can be used.

[0411] The slurry pump 3333 is fluidly coupled to the water pump 3304, the vent 3306, and the extractant pump 3310 via the pipe 3021. In one embodiment, the water pump 3304 draws water from the water tank 3302, which holds a reserve or supply of water (such as filtered water) for flushing and cleaning the slurry pump piping circuit, as further described herein. The vent 3306 allows the pump 3333 to draw air into the slurry pump piping circuit to assist in cleaning the circuit. The extractant pump 3310 draws from an extractant tank that holds a supply or reserve of extractant.

[0412] The water pump 3304, the extractant pump 3310, the reagent pump 3316, and the supernatant pump 3313 can also be positive displacement pumps to regulate the flow rate of the respective fluids provided to Figure 1 the sampling system components shown therein.

[0413] Of particular note at this time is that, for convenience, Figure 1Only a single chemical processing chain 3000A of the soil sampling system 3000 is depicted, which includes an extraction system, a reagent system, a supernatant pump 3312, centrifuge tubes 3350, a mixing coil 3318, and an analysis cell 3320. This processing chain 3000A is configured and operable to extract and analyze a single plant-available nutrient or analyte (e.g., potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus, etc.) in the soil slurry. When implemented, the sampling system 3000 can actually include multiple chemical processing chains (e.g., 3000B, 3000C, 3000D, etc.), which operate to extract and analyze multiple nutrients or analytes simultaneously in parallel rather than serially one by one. This advantageously saves processing time and provides a complete profile of the soil sample for all nutrients or analytes of interest. Each processing chain is served by a single slurry pump 3333, a water supply system, a vent 3306, and a centrifuge 3400, which are fluid-coupled in parallel via separate parallel lines of the pipe 3021 to each processing chain.

[0414] The centrifuge 3400 is a central sample processing component of the chemical analysis subsystem 3003 of the soil sampling system 3000, which provides a single unit configured to simultaneously process multiple slurry samples in parallel for chemical analysis of different nutrients or analytes. The centrifuge and related accessories will now be described in further detail before discussing the operation of the sampling system.

[0415] First referring to Figures 43 - 56 , the centrifuge 3400 includes a support housing 3401, which generally includes a vertical main support plate 3402, an upper support plate 3403, and a lower support plate 3405 oriented parallel to the upper support plate 3403. The lower support plate 3405 includes a relatively large central opening 3415 for receiving a piston mechanism 3600 therethrough, as further described herein. The upper support plate 3403 and the lower support plate 3405 are spaced apart in the vertical direction and can be horizontally oriented as shown in the illustrated embodiment, thereby defining a sample processing chamber 3501 that is partially or completely enclosed. Each support plate 3403, 3405 is attached to one peripheral side or end of the vertical support plate 3402 in a cantilever manner via a suitable mechanical connection method (such as but not limited to welding, brazing, threaded fasteners, adhesives, clips, interlocking features (e.g., tabs / slots), or others and their combinations). In one embodiment, as shown, the support plates 3403 and 3405 can be oriented perpendicular to the main support plate 3402.

[0416] The centrifuge housing 3401 further includes a safety shield assembly 3404, which includes a plurality of shields 3409. When spinning at high speed, the shields enclose the rotating components of the centrifuge 3400 further described herein, thus providing a safety function in the event of equipment failure. The shields 3409 can include arcuate curved shields, straight shields, or a combination thereof, as depicted in the illustrated embodiment, where the front shield is curved. The straight shields 3409 can be fixed to the housing 3401 by tabs that extend vertically at each top / bottom end, and the tabs interlock with slots of complementary construction formed in the upper support plate 3403 and the lower support plate 3405.

[0417] The curved shield 3409 can be mounted to the upper support plate 3403 and the lower support plate 3405 by a pair of arcuate curved upper shield supports 3407-1, intermediate shield supports 3407-2, and lower shield supports 3407-3. The shield supports can have a semi-circular shape and are vertically spaced apart as shown. In one embodiment, each shield support includes an inwardly opening recess 3410 for receiving the shield 3409, and inwardly curved hooks 3411 at each opposite end that capture the shield in the recess when installed. The radii of the shield supports 3407-1, 3407-2, and 3407-3 are complementary to the radius of the shield 3409 to provide a relatively tight and secure fit. A plurality of vertically extending struts 3408 extend respectively between the upper shield support 3407-1 and the lower shield support 3407-3. The top and bottom ends of each strut 3408 can be terminated with elongate tabs 3411 received in mating slots 3412 in the shield supports, as Figure 51 best shown. Other methods of coupling the struts 3408 to the shield supports can be used. The struts 3408 maintain the spacing between the upper shield support 3407-1 and the lower shield support 3407-3 and add rigidity to the shield assembly 3404. The shield supports 3407-1, 3407-2, and 3407-3 can be welded or brazed to the struts 3408 to complete the rigid structure.

[0418] In one embodiment, the assembly of the shield supports 3407-1, 3407-2, 3407-3 can be pivotally coupled to the housing 3401 via a vertically extending pivot rod 3414 (e.g., see Figure 43 and Figure 51)。This allows the protective cover 3409 to pivotally open to enable access to the processing chamber 3501 inside the housing. The pivot rod 3414 extends through the mounting holes 3413 on each opposite side of the support plates 3403, 3405. The mounting holes 3413 are located near the outer ends of the supports 3407-1 and 3407-3, which are arranged to receive the rod 3414 passing therethrough. As Figure 43 shown, the outer ends of the protective cover supports 3403 and 3405 can overlap a portion of the upper and lower support plates 3403 and 3405, thereby providing support for the ends of the protective cover supports.

[0419] Although pairs of upper protective cover supports 3407-1, intermediate protective cover supports 3407-2, and lower protective cover supports 3407-3 are disclosed, in other embodiments, a single integral upper protective cover support, intermediate protective cover support, and lower protective cover support can alternatively be provided. In other embodiments, the intermediate protective cover support can be omitted. Of course, other mechanisms or techniques can be used instead of the protective cover supports to mount the protective cover 3409 to the centrifuge housing 3401, which does not limit the present invention.

[0420] In various embodiments, the housing plates 3402, 3403, and 3405, the protective cover supports 3407-1, 3407-2, and 3407-3, and the struts 3408 can be formed of any suitable metal or non-metal material. In a non-limiting embodiment, aluminum can be used. The protective cover 3409 can be metallic, non-metallic, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the curved protective cover 3409 can be formed of a transparent impact-resistant plastic material to allow observation of the operation of the centrifuge. In some embodiments, the straight protective cover 3409 can be formed of the same material or metal.

[0421] The centrifuge 3400 further includes a motor drive mechanism 3450-1 that includes a vertically oriented and rotatable main drive shaft 3700 that rotates through the drive mechanism, a rotating tube hub 3500 coupled to the drive shaft 3700, and a fixed fluid exchange manifold or dock 3430. The tube hub 3500 is configured to pivotally mount and support a plurality of sample centrifuge tubes 3450, as further described herein. The drive mechanism 3450-1 can be raised and lowered as a unit relative to the centrifuge housing 3401 by a piston mechanism 3600, which can be fixedly attached to a support structure. Each of these components and their interactions will be described below. As illustrated below, the rotating tube hub 3500 can move between a docking position and a non-docking position. Alternatively, the fluid exchange manifold or dock 3430 can be driven, or both the rotating tube hub 3500 and the fluid exchange manifold or dock 3430 can be driven to dock or undock with each other.

[0422] The main drive shaft 3700 of the motor drive mechanism 3450-1 is vertically oriented and defines a rotational axis RA (e.g., see Figure 47 ), thereby creating a vertical centerline of the centrifuge 3400 for reference purposes. A pulley hub 3500 fixedly coupled to the lower end of the drive shaft 3700, such as via a tapered coupler 3706 (e.g., see Figure 53 and Figure 71 ), is rotated or spun by the shaft to process soil samples. In one embodiment, the drive mechanism 3450-1 may include a dual motor, the dual motor including a larger main motor 3705 and a smaller indexing motor 3704. In one embodiment, the motors are supported by upper and lower motor supports 3701, 3702 that are substantially planar, and the upper and lower motor supports may be made of a rectangular metal or non-metal plate having a rectangular configuration. In one embodiment, the motor supports are vertically spaced apart by a plurality of tubular spacers 3703 to maintain the spacing between the motor supports. Each spacer is fixed to the upper motor support 3701 and is slidably connected to the lower motor support 3702 via a horizontally elongated slot 3710 (e.g., see Figure 76 ). Thus, the upper motor support may be slidably moved relative to the lower motor support. In one embodiment, four spacers 3703 may be provided, one near each of the four corners of the motor supports 3701, 3702. It should be noted that the motor supports 3701, 3702 are free-floating and are not fixedly attached to the centrifuge housing 3401 to allow the drive mechanism to be raised and lowered via the operation of the piston mechanism 3600, as further described herein.

[0423] The main motor 3705 includes an associated main gear 3707 driven by the motor shaft of the main motor. The indexing motor 3704 similarly includes an associated indexing gear 3708 driven by the motor shaft of the indexing motor. Both gears 3707 and 3708 are selectively engagable with a main drive pulley gear 3709 fixedly attached to the top end of the main drive shaft 3700, such as via a set screw or other means. Figure 95 The toothed timing belt 3713 shown in

[0424] To adjust the tension in the timing belt 3713, the upper motor support 3701 slides in one of two opposite directions toward or away from the main drive shaft 3700, which is fixed in a horizontal position in the lower motor support 3702 via a mounting hole. The main motor and indexing motors 3705, 3704 are fixed in a horizontal position to the upper motor support 3701 via their respective mounting holes. The back-and-forth sliding of the upper motor support 3701 relative to the lower motor support 3702 allows the user to appropriately obtain the proper tension in the belt. When adjusting the belt tension, the spacers 3703 will slide in their respective slots 3710 in the lower motor support.

[0425] The main motor 3705 is used to rotate the rotor hub 3500 at a relatively high speed to centrifuge soil samples. The indexing motor 3704 is used to appropriately align and index the rotor hub relative to the fluid exchange dock 3430 in a rotational position to exchange fluids between the centrifuge tubes 3450 carried by the hub and the dock. In one embodiment, the indexing motor 3704 can be a stepper motor whose output is used to engage the main drive shaft 3700 and rotate the main drive shaft 3700 in very small discrete step increments to achieve proper rotational alignment between the dock and the rotor hub. This allows for very precise speed control and positioning (i.e., motion control) of the main drive shaft, which can be controlled by the system programmable controller. The stepper motor cooperates with indexing features on the rotor hub 3500 and the centrifuge housing 3401 to achieve proper rotational alignment between the dock 3430 and the rotor hub 3500 when the hub is in the docking position. This ensures that the cluster 3433 of flow channels 3434 in the fluid exchange dock 3430 is concentrically aligned with the flow ports 3451 formed in the top surface of the centrifuge tube 3450 to exchange fluids when the rotor hub 3500 is in the upper docking position. In one embodiment, a rotational sensor (not shown) (such as a Hall effect sensor) can be provided that detects the rotational position of the main drive shaft and transmits it to the system controller, which in turn can control the operation of the stepper motor and the rotational position of the main drive shaft 3700.

[0426] Reference Figures 43 - 56, the dock 3430 includes a generally disk-shaped annular body having a central opening 3435 that can be coaxially aligned with the rotational axis RA to allow the drive shaft 3700 to pass therethrough. The dock 3430 is fixedly attached to the upper support plate 3403, such as via threaded fasteners or other means, and remains stationary with respect to the housing 3401. In one embodiment, the dock body can have a generally solid metal or non-metal structure. In one embodiment, the dock 3430 can be formed of plastic. A plurality of flow holes or channels 3434 extend vertically through the top surface 3431 and the bottom surface 3432 of the fluid exchange dock 3430 and through the body therebetween. The flow channels 3434 can be arranged in clusters 3433, the number and pattern of the clusters 3433 matching and being consistent with the number of centrifugal tubes 3450 and the number of clusters 3451 of flow ports formed in the top surface of the tubes. When the centrifugal tubes 3450 are selectively mated and engaged with the dock 3430, the flow ports 3451 and the flow channels 3434 are concentrically aligned and in fluid communication. This allows sample slurries to be injected into and withdrawn from the centrifugal tubes 3450. In one configuration, three clusters of flow channels 3434 and conduits 3451 can be provided. Other embodiments can have more or fewer holes / conduits in each cluster.

[0427] The lower end of each flow channel 3434 in the dock 3430 can terminate in a nozzle 3436 that can be at least partially inserted into the open flow port 3451 to form a fluid-tight connection therebetween (see, e.g., Figure 56 ). In one embodiment, the nozzle 3436 can be deployed inside a downwardly opening hole formed in the bottom surface 3432 of the dock 3430, thereby forming a pin-like protrusion extending downward from the dock.

[0428] Now referring to Figures 43 - 52 and Figures 57 - 58 , the rotating tube hub 3500 has a generally disk-shaped body that includes a central opening 3515 coaxially aligned with the rotational axis RA to allow the drive shaft 3700 to pass therethrough. A tapered coupler 3706 is fixed to the bottom end of the drive shaft 3700, and this tapered coupler secures the tube hub 3500 to the drive shaft. In one example, a bushing 3508 can in turn be fixed to the drive shaft 3700 via threaded fasteners (not shown).

[0429] The rotating tube hub 3500 is configured to pivotally mount the centrifugal tubes 3450 to the hub to centrifuge the tubes containing the sample slurries. The hub 3500 includes a top surface 3510, an opposing bottom surface 3511, and a circumferentially extending peripheral sidewall 3512 extending between the surfaces (in Figure 57Best shown in). The rotating hub 3500 includes a plurality of peripherally concave portions 3502 formed through the sidewall 3512 and opening radially outward; there is one recess for each centrifuge tube 3450. The recesses 3502 further open upward and downward. This allows the centrifuge tubes 3450 to pivot radially outward and upward when the centrifuge rotates to high speed. In one embodiment, the peripheral recesses 3502 may have a generally linear shape and may be arranged in diametrically opposed pairs. In one configuration, eight recesses may be provided; however, depending on the number of centrifuge tubes used and the soil nutrients to be analyzed, more or fewer recesses may be provided.

[0430] Additionally referring to Figures 59 - 65 , each centrifuge tube 3450 may be pivotally mounted in a respective peripheral recess 3502 by a pivot pin 3459 (shown in Figure 57 and Figure 59 ). Opposite ends of the pivot pin 3459 are received in upwardly opening pin slots 3503 formed on each side of the recess 3502, and the pin slots 3503 also open inwardly toward the recess (e.g., see Figure 57 ). The depth of the slot 3503 only partially extends through the thickness of the hub 3500 (measured between the top surface 3510 and the bottom surface 3511) such that the slot does not penetrate the bottom surface. This forms a seating surface that can engage the pivot pin 3459. The pivot pin 3459 is inserted through a laterally oriented through-hole 3454 formed in the centrifuge tube 3450 such that the ends of the pin remain exposed. Thus, for this purpose, the length of the pivot pin 3459 is preferably greater than the lateral width of the centrifuge tube measured in the direction of the through-hole 3454. When installed, the pin 3459 spans the recess 3502 within each tube 3450.

[0431] To lock and capture the exposed ends of the pivot pins in the slots 3503, in one embodiment a locking cap 3505 is provided, as best shown in Figure 64 and Figure 65 . To install each centrifuge tube 3450 onto the tube hub 3500, first one of the pivot pins 3459 is inserted through the through-hole 3454 such that each end of the pin remains exposed. The tube 3450 is inserted into the peripheral recess 3502 while the pin 3459 is positioned above the pin slot 3503 spanning the recess. The centrifuge tube 3450 is lowered in the recess 3502 until the ends of the pivot pin 3459 enter and are fully seated within a pair of pin slots 3503. Then one of the locking caps 3505 is engaged with each slot 3503 to lock the pin in the slot. In one embodiment, the locking cap 3505 may be configured to form a snap fit with the slot 3503. In other embodiments, instead of or in addition to the snap-lock fit, the locking cap 3505 may be held in place on the pin slot 3503 by a pneumatic cap assembly.

[0432] The main purpose of the aerodynamic cover assembly is to streamline the tube wheel hub 3500 assembly during rotation to reduce the power input and noise caused by aerodynamic losses, as otherwise the tube wheel hub with centrifugal tubes would act as an air impeller. The cover assembly includes an upper cover 3520 and a lower cover 3521, which are fixed to the hub in one embodiment, such as via threaded fasteners or other mechanical fastening methods. Figures 51 - 54 The cover is shown. Thus, the hub 3500 is sandwiched between the covers and compressed, as further shown in Figure 66 and Figure 67 As noted, the cover assembly is also advantageously used to capture the locking cap 3505 under the upper cover 3520.

[0433] Continuing to refer to Figures 51 - 54 and Figures 66 - 67 , each of the upper cover 3520 and the lower cover 3521 may have a disk-shaped body that includes a central opening 3522 and a plurality of rectangular tube openings 3523 formed completely through the cover between its top and bottom surfaces. The tube openings 3523 may be arranged in a circumferential pattern around the central opening and are radially elongated as shown. The tube openings 3523 are arranged to be consistent with the layout and arrangement of the peripheral recesses 3502 formed in the hub 3500 such that the installed centrifugal tubes 3450 are exposed within the cover (e.g., see Figures 66 - 67 ). The radial length of the tube openings 3523 is preferably sized to allow the installed centrifugal tubes to swing fully outward and upward within the openings when rotated by the centrifuge 3400 (see Figure 67 ). Each of the centrifugal tubes 3452 can move angularly between the vertical position shown in Figure 66 when the rotating tube hub 3500 is stationary and the horizontal position shown in Figure 67 when the hub is rotated at full speed by the drive mechanism. This ensures that the acceleration experienced by the sample due to gravity or rotational acceleration is always away from the tube ports. The tubes 3450 are preferably constructed to have through holes 3454 located closer to the top surface 3452 of the tube such that the top surface is substantially flush with the top surface 3524 of the upper cover 3520, or preferably slightly raised and protruding above the top surface as seen in Figure 66 to engage with the bottom surface 3432 of the dock 3430, thereby forming a sealed connection between the flow port 3451 of the tube and the flow channel 3434 of the dock 3500, as previously described herein. In the vertical position, the centrifugal tubes 3450 project downward below the bottom surface 3525 of the lower cover 3521 such that most of the height of the centrifugal tubes extends below the bottom surface 3525 (e.g., see Figures 53 - 54 ).

[0434] To ensure proper angular alignment between the cluster of flow ports 3451 of the centrifuge tube 3450 and the cluster of flow channels 3434 of the fluid exchange dock 3500, the centrifuge 3400 also includes an indexing mechanism that includes mating indexing features disposed within / upon the rotating tube hub 3500 and the centrifuge housing 3401. In one embodiment, the indexing features on the tube hub 3500 include a plurality of circumferentially spaced and upwardly opening indexing recesses 3530 that are formed on the top surface 3510 of the hub around a central opening 3515 (e.g., see Figure 57 ). The recesses 3530 mate with a plurality of complementary configured and downwardly projecting indexing protrusions 3531 disposed within the centrifuge housing 3401, the indexing protrusions 3531 being arranged in the same circumferential pattern as the indexing recesses. In one embodiment, the indexing protrusions 3531 may be formed on an annular indexing ring 3533 that is fixedly attached to the bottom surface 3432 of the fluid exchange dock 3430 by any suitable means (e.g., see Figure 68 ). The ring 3533 with the indexing protrusions 3531 represents the fixed component of the indexing system, while the rotating tube hub 3500 with the indexing recesses 3530 is the movable component. In other embodiments, alternatively, the indexing recesses 3530 may be on the ring 3533 and the protrusions 3531 may be on the hub. The ring 3533 also includes a central opening 3534 for allowing the main drive shaft 3700 and the piston support tube 3604 to pass therethrough. The foregoing mating indexing features are used in combination with an indexing motor 3704 to achieve rotational alignment between the indexing recesses and protrusions, thereby allowing the protrusions to be inserted into the recesses when the rotating tube hub 3500 is in the upper docking position.

[0435] For ease of description, reference is now made to Figures 59 - 63With the vertical orientation of the centrifuge tubes 3450 in these figures, it is recognized that when the centrifuge is operated, the tubes pivotally rotate under centrifugal force and change between the vertical and horizontal positions previously described herein. The centrifuge tubes 3450 are generally used to separate the clarified supernatant from the soil sample slurry and extractant mixture for chemical analysis. In one non-limiting embodiment, the centrifuge tubes 3450 can each have a rectangular cuboid that includes a top surface 3452, an opposing bottom surface 3453, and four side surfaces 3458 that extend vertically between the top and bottom surfaces. The body of each tube 3450 can be fully or partially rigid in construction. In one embodiment, the centrifuge tubes 3450 can be formed of injection molded plastic. Flow ports 3451 penetrate the top surface 3452 for introducing the slurry-extractant mixture and extracting the clarified supernatant after centrifuging the slurry-extractant mixture. These ports include a slurry port 3455-1, a supernatant extraction port 3457-1, and a cleaning port 3456-1. Each port is fluidly connected to its respective fluid conduit 3455-2, 3456-2, and 3457-2, which extend vertically downward from the port within the tube 3450. The slurry conduit and the cleaning conduit 3455-2 and 3456-2 can be vertically oriented and fluidly connected via a cross-flow conduit 3460 (e.g., see Figure 61 ). The supernatant extraction conduit 3457-2 is angled with respect to the centerline CT of the centrifuge tube 3450 and the flow conduits 3455-2 and 3456-2. The conduit 3457-2 is fluidly connected to the slurry conduit 3455-2 (e.g., see Figure 63 ). No conduit penetrates the bottom surface 3453 of the tube 3450. In some embodiments, the slurry conduit 3455-2, the cleaning conduit 3456-2, and the supernatant extraction conduit 3457-2 can have a high length-to-diameter ratio (L / D) to create a high velocity flow during water rinsing and cleaning of the centrifuge tube 3450, thereby thoroughly cleaning the tube. In some embodiments, the L / D of each conduit can be greater than 10.

[0436] According to another aspect, the centrifuge 3400 includes a piston mechanism 3600 that is operable to raise and lower the motor drive mechanism 3450-1 and the rotatable tube hub 3500 operably coupled thereto relative to the fixed housing 3401. First refer to Figure 70 and Figure 71, the piston mechanism 3600 includes a cylinder 3601 defining an internal chamber 3603, a piston 3605 including an annular piston ring 3602, and a slender drive support tube 3604 extending through a sleeve and the chamber 3603. A return spring 3607 within the cylinder 3601 biases the piston ring downward. A motor drive shaft 3700 extends vertically through the support tube 3604 and is rotatable relative to the tube that does not rotate via the operation of the motor drive mechanism 3450-1. Axially spaced annular bearings 3608 support the drive shaft 3700 for rotational movement at each end of the tube ( Figure 71 ). The bottom of the support tube 3604 and the piston cylinder 3601 are fluid-sealed to the fluid exchange dock 3430 by an annular seal 3609 (e.g., see Figure 72 ), which allows the tube to slide up or down through the dock.

[0437] The cylinder 3601 is fixedly attached to the housing 3401 via a cylinder support member 3406 (e.g., see Figures 53 - 54 ) and thus remains stationary during the operation of the piston. The support member 3406 may have a plate-like body and is fixed to the main support plate 3402 of the housing via interlocking tabs and slots. Other modes of attaching the support member 3406 to the plate 3402 may be used, including, for example, welding or fasteners. In one embodiment, the cylinder 3601 may be coupled to the support member 3406 by threaded fasteners.

[0438] Also generally referring to Figures 43 - 54 and Figures 70 - 71 , the piston 3605 is slidably deployed inside the internal cylinder chamber 3603 to move up / down therein. The piston head 3602 is provided with annular seals (e.g., O-rings) both inside and outside the circumferential surface of the head. This forms a leak-proof fluid seal between the head 3602 and the support tube 3604 and the cylinder 3601 within the chamber 3603 to hold air or hydraulic fluid for operating the piston therein.

[0439] The piston head 3602 is fixedly attached to the support tube 3604 at a position between the ends of the tube. The top end of the support tube 3604 is in turn fixedly attached to the lower motor support 3702. Thus, when the piston is actuated, the piston 3605 in the piston cylinder 3601 moves up and down, causing the support tube 3604 attached to the motor driver and the wheel hub to move up / down (compare Figure 72 and 73 ). This axially moves the tube wheel hub 3500 between its upper docking position and its lower undocked position to exchange fluids (e.g., slurry extractant, supernatant, or water-air flow of the flushing tube) with the centrifuge tube 3450 in the upper position, or alternatively to centrifuge a soil sample at a lower position in the tube.

[0440] Now, the operation of the piston mechanism 3600 will be described briefly with reference to Figures 72 - 73 In one embodiment, the piston 3605 can be pneumatic and fluidly connected to a working air source such as an air reservoir 3031 (e.g., see Figure 1 the air line to the centrifuge). In one embodiment, an air duct 3714 formed in the fluid exchange dock 3430 is provided (e.g., see Figure 55 ) to introduce the working air into the chamber 3603 of the cylinder 3601. This allows the working air to be introduced into or removed from the cylinder chamber 3603 to raise or lower the piston 3605 and the support tube 3604 assembly (and the motor drive and the rotating tube hub 3500 coupled thereto), which together form a movable unit actuated by the piston. As Figure 73 shown, when no working air is supplied to the piston cylinder 3601, the tube hub 3500 is normally in a default lower position. The tube hub 3500 is disengaged and vertically spaced from the fluid exchange dock 3430 in the "undocked" position. To "dock" the tube hub 3500 with the dock 3430, air is supplied to the chamber 3603 of the cylinder 3601 below the piston head 3605. As Figure 72 seen in, this raises the piston head 3605, which in turn raises the tube hub 3500 to its upper position via the support tube 3604 and the motor drive mechanism 3450-1 until the hub engages the dock 3430. To return the rotating tube hub 3500 to the lower position, air is simply released from the cylinder 3601 through a three-way air valve similar to those already described herein with respect to the mixer. The piston return spring 3607 automatically returns the piston, drive mechanism, and tube hub downward. Now as Figure 74 and Figure 75 seen in, the centrifuge 3400 is ready to rotate the tube hub 3500 and centrifuge the soil slurry sample with the hub in the lower position.

[0441] The chemical analysis subsystem 3003 also includes an absorbance analysis cell 3800 for performing colorimetric analysis on the supernatant after adding a color-changing chemical reagent. Some type of analysis cell is typically used in an absorbance measurement system, but not for embodiments such as those disclosed herein. Referring to Figure 77 , the cell 3800 can include a generally rectangular cuboid 3801, which can be molded from a transparent or translucent plastic material. A pair of diagonally opposite top and bottom corners can be diagonally inclined and define threaded inlet ports 3802 and outlet ports 3803, as shown. The inlet port 3802 is fluidly coupled to the mixing coil 3318, which is from the supernatant pump 3312 and the reagent pump 3316 (e.g., seeFigure 1 ) Receive influent. The outlet port 3803 discharges the wastewater to waste / gas. The inlet port 3802 and the outlet port 3803 can be fluid-coupled to the flow conduit 3021 via threaded tube connectors. The inlet port and the outlet port are fluid-coupled together through a Z-shaped internal flow conduit 3804 in the cell 3800, which internal flow conduit 3804 includes two inclined diagonal portions extending diagonally and a horizontal straight portion therebetween. As shown, the threaded LED emission port 3805 and the receiving port 3806 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the cell body at the ends of the straight horizontal section of the flow channel 3804. The ports 3805 and 3806 are linearly aligned. The emission port 3805 is coupled to an emission diode circuit board 3807 including an LED emission diode. The receiving port 3806 is coupled to a receiving diode circuit board 3808 including an LED receiving diode. In operation, the supernatant extracted from the centrifuge tube 3450, to which reagents are added and mixed, is received at the inlet port 3802 (see the directional flow arrow). The mixture flows upward through the first diagonal portion of the flow conduit 3804 and reaches the straight portion of the conduit at the end of the light-emitting diode port. Then, the mixture horizontally traverses the straight portion in a straight flow path aligned with both the emission and receiving diodes and reaches the second diagonal portion of the flow conduit at the end of the receiving diode port. Colorimetric analysis of the sample is performed by the system within the horizontal straight portion of the flow conduit 3804 to quantify the nutrient or analyte being analyzed in the soil sample at this time. Then, the supernatant and reagent mixture flows upward through the second diagonal portion of the flow conduit and is discharged from the outlet port 3803. Advantageously, as shown, the mixture flows linearly parallel to the direction of the light emitted by the emission diode in the straight portion of the flow conduit 3804. This increases and maximizes the time for sample colorimetric analysis, thereby improving accuracy while enabling rapid sample processing.

[0442] In one embodiment, a plurality of analysis cells 3800 can be provided to allow simultaneous parallel processing of multiple samples for different nutrients or analytes, thereby reducing the time required for a full analysis of multiple nutrients or analytes for a given soil sample.

[0443] Figures 78 - 94 is a schematic flow chart showing Figure 1 the chemical processing chain 3000A of the chemical analysis subsystem 3003, which depicts a sequence diagram of the method or process for processing and analyzing soil samples. Thus, these diagrams represent at Figure 1The processing sequence that occurs in a single chemical processing chain 3000A. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments of the method, the same sequential processes shown are performed simultaneously and in parallel in all processing chains of the soil sampling system 3000 to analyze all chemical parameters (analytes) of interest in the soil sample slurry, thereby significantly reducing the sample processing time. Thus, each processing chain can process and analyze different analytes in the sample to complete a full chemical analysis profile of the soil sample.

[0444] The processes described below and in the flowcharts can be automatically controlled and executed by a system programmable controller, such as the processing system 2820 disclosed in co-pending U.S. Patent Application 15 / 806,014, filed on November 7, 2017. The controller is operably coupled to Figures 78 - 94 the components shown therein (e.g., pumps, valves, centrifuges, compressors, etc.) to control the processing sequence and the flow rate of the fluid through the system, thereby fully processing and analyzing the soil sample.

[0445] In the flowcharts, it is noted that the bold and thick dark lines represent the effective fluid flow paths in each of the process sequences shown and described. The valve positions of the pneumatic or electric fluid valves 3331 and the air valves 155a, 167 are schematically represented by solid or hollow circles (solid circle = closed; hollow circle = open). Note the open and closed valves in the flowcharts, which form the active part of the flow network. In a non-limiting example, the valve 3331 can be a pneumatic pinch valve.

[0446] Figure 78 It shows that the soil sampling system 3000 is provided and made ready at the beginning for processing and chemical analysis of soil samples. In Figure 78 it, after collecting a "dry" sample "soil core" directly from a farm field by the sample collector (e.g., collection probe) 3033 of the probe collection subsystem 3001, the soil core is pneumatically transferred (i.e., blown) via a suitably sized processing pipe 3021 to the sample collection / volumetric station 160-1 deployed above the mixer 100 or 200 (described previously herein) by delivering an air pulse via the air valve 3032. Sample soil cores collected from multiple sampling locations (i.e., different depths and / or areas) by the soil collection probe 3033 can be aggregated together at the collection / volumetric station to create a combined "sample". The pressurized air provided via the air valve 3032 provides the power to transfer the soil core to the station 160-1. Then in Figure 79 it, the aggregated "sample" is volumetrically measured (i.e., the mass is estimated to determine the appropriate amount of water to be added to the mixing chamber of the mixer to form a soil sample slurry of appropriate viscosity / consistency) in the manner described previously herein.

[0447] In Figure 80In [the process], the aggregated samples are transferred (e.g., dripped) into a mixing station (e.g., mixer-filter device 100 or 200). In Figure 81 In [the process], water has been added to the samples via a water pump 3304 at a predetermined water / soil ratio and mixed to form a soil sample slurry. As shown, during the mixing operation, all valves connected to the mixer are closed. In Figure 82 In [the process], a slurry pump 3333 pumps a known proportion of the slurry and the pumped extractant into a mixing circuit or coil 3330 and discharges / wastes it through a second open valve 3331 to establish a stable flow before the next stage of sample processing occurs. The ratio of the rate of the extractant pump 3310 to the slurry pump rate determines the ratio of the slurry to the extractant. For example, if the total flow rate pumped by the slurry pump is 4 mL / sec and the extractant pump operates at a rate of 1 mL / sec, then the ratio will be 3:1 (the total rate (sample pump) minus the rate of the extractant = the rate of the original slurry). Note the open positions of the two slurry pump isolation valves 3331.

[0448] In Figure 83 In [the process], at this point in the process, there is a stagnant fluid cavity (represented by a dashed line) in the pipeline 3021 that is not yet filled with the soil sample slurry, between two junctions on both sides of the stagnant fluid cavity. This cavity can hold air and / or liquid. To address this situation, the two slurry pump isolation valves 3331 that were previously open upstream and downstream of the slurry pump 3333 are closed, and the flow conduit is changed from a single-pass loading / unloading configuration to a recirculating closed pump circuit configuration that includes the stagnant portion of the pipeline 3021 and the mixing circuit or coil 3330. The slurry pump 3333 pumps a small amount of slurry fluid backward through the closed pump circuit to relocate the stagnant fluid cavity so that it can be emptied in the following steps and the previously empty and stagnant pipeline section can be filled with slurry, as Figure 84 shown.

[0449] In Figure 85 In [the process], the flow conduit is reconfigured again by opening the slurry pump isolation valves 3331 to change the conduit from the closed pump circuit configuration back to the loading / unloading configuration. The slurry pump 3333 pumps more sample slurry and extractant through the pipeline 3021 to clear the stagnant cavity and discharge it.

[0450] In Figure 86 In [the process], at this point in the process, the entire slurry circuit (represented by a dashed line) is filled with slurry and extractant in a precisely known ratio. In Figure 87 In [the process], if needed, the slurry pump 3333 can be operated to mix in the closed pump circuit shown to accelerate the extraction of the analyte from the slurry. As shown, a closed pump circuit is formed by closing the two slurry pump isolation valves 3331 and opening the intermediate valve between the pump inlet and the mixing coil 3330. In Figure 88In, the now well - mixed soil sample slurry is ready to be pumped into a centrifuge to separate the liquid from the soil particles in the slurry, thereby producing a clarified supernatant for colorimetric analysis. Valve 3331 changes position (i.e., opens / closes) as shown to re - configure the flow conduit configuration from a recirculating closed - pump loop configuration back to a single - pass loading / unloading configuration. The previously closed cleaning valve 3331 that fluid - connects to water pump 3304 and the vent valve 3331 that fluid - connects to vent 3306 are opened as shown to allow a cleaning air / water mixture to be drawn into the slurry flow conduit by slurry pump 3333 to flush the conduit. The air bubbles entrained in the aerated water improve the efficiency of cleaning the conduit. This step also pushes the sample slurry towards centrifuge 3400, into and through centrifuge tube 3450, and then flows to discharge / waste. The operating speed of the slurry pump is twice that of water pump 3304 to draw air bubbles into the conduit for more effective cleaning later.

[0451] In Figure 89 In, centrifuge 3400 is removed from fluid exchange dock 3430 and the slurry sample is centrifuged in the manner previously described herein to produce a transparent supernatant containing the analyte (i.e., the chemical component of interest). In Figure 90 In, centrifuge 3400 is re - docked, and then as shown, supernatant pump 3312 extracts or withdraws a small amount of supernatant from centrifuge tube 3450 through the reagent injection fitting in pipe 3021 via fluid exchange dock 3430. This supernatant column contains: (1) all debris in the connection point, and (2) the original sample of the supernatant that serves as the "zero point" for absorbance before adding the reagent indicator. The slurry port 3455 - 1 in centrifuge tube 3450 (e.g., see Figure 59 etc.) is used as a vent to the atmosphere, so that when the supernatant is extracted by supernatant pump 3312, air can replace the supernatant in the centrifuge tube to prevent the formation of a vacuum that would prevent the removal of the supernatant from the centrifuge tube.

[0452] In Figure 91 In, reagent pump 3316 and supernatant pump 3312 operate at a desired ratio to pump the mixture through mixing coil 3318 and through flow cell 3800 for discharge / waste. Ignoring the initial sample (which may be dirty), then the middle part of the sample is used as a control, and the last part is the part that indicates the expected value of the initial soil sample.

[0453] Next, the flow conduit is cleaned and flushed to process the next sample. In Figure 92 In, a water / air mixture is pumped through the slurry loop portion of the flow conduit via slurry pump 3333 to clean the slurry loop. As shown, centrifuge 3400 is fluid - isolated from the slurry loop (note valve positions). In Figure 93In the embodiment of the invention, the water / air mixture is pumped to the centrifuge 3400 and cleaned through the centrifuge tube 3450. Note that the vent 3306 is open and actively draws ambient air into the water in the form of bubbles which act to scrub exposed surfaces in the part to be cleaned. Alternatively or additionally, if desired, chemicals and / or abrasive particles may be introduced into the clean water stream to further promote a more aggressive cleaning action. Figure 94 In the process, high pressure air from compressor 3030 is used to actively push the water / air mixture through the centrifuge tube for final cleaning. The system is now ready to process the next sample in a similar manner as described above.

[0454] It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, variations and different orders of the aforementioned processing steps for chemically treating soil samples may be used.Thus, the process is not limited to the number and type of operations presented herein, which represents one possible and non-limiting operational scenario.

[0455] Alternative supernatant separator

[0456] In some alternative embodiments, a suitable filter media may be used in place of the centrifuge 3400 and its centrifuge tube 3450 described elsewhere herein to separate liquid from a soil sample to produce a clarified supernatant for chemical analysis.

[0457] Figure 261 is a flow chart showing the Figures 78 - 94 The same centrifuge-based soil sample processing and analysis system, but the centrifuge 3400 is replaced by a suitable microporous filter 5757, which is configured and constructed to produce a clarified supernatant from a mixture of soil slurry and extractant. The slurry / extractant mixture is pumped at a higher pressure by the slurry pump 333 into the flow path established via the flow conduit 3021 and through the porous filter 5757, which is preferably backwashable, to selectively open / close certain valves 3331. The filter 5757 is configured and constructed to withstand high pressure. The filter is shown schematically. In operation, the supernatant leaves the filter 5757, flows to the supernatant pump 3312, and is then pumped through the rest of the sample analysis circuit, where the supernatant is mixed with reagents and analyzed in the same manner as previously described herein, such as Figures 78 - 94 as shown in .

[0458] Once the supernatant is separated from the soil slurry, a water pump 3304 can be used to backwash the filter with clean high-pressure liquid (e.g., filtered water) to clean the filter medium for reuse during the next soil sample run. To complete the backwash cycle, the flow path formed by the flow pipes 3021 in the system can be reconfigured by selectively opening / closing certain valves 3331 in combination to reverse the flow of the filtered water through the filter medium of the filter 5757. As Figure 261 shown, additional filter backwash flow pipes 3021-1 and valves 3331 can be provided to reverse the flow. The filter backwash is discharged from the system.

[0459] In some embodiments, a porous sintered metal filter medium having a suitable shape and structure can be used for the filter 5757. Figure 262 A non-limiting example of a series-type filter 5757 is shown, which has a tubular cylindrical metal filter medium wrapped in a complementary-structured housing 5757-1, and the housing 5757-1 includes an inlet joint 5757-2 and an outlet joint 5757 each configured to be connected to an external flow tube or pipe (e.g., a threaded or pipe connector). Of course, many other suitable types and configurations of filters can be used to cooperate with the device for mounting and holding the filter (e.g., disc-shaped, conical, solid cylindrical, etc.). Other types of porous filter media (e.g., polymers, etc.) suitable for the system pressure requirements can be used. Preferably, the selected filter medium material and shape are suitable for backwashing.

[0460] Figure 263 is a flowchart showing the same centrifuge-based soil sample processing and analysis system described elsewhere herein Figures 104 - 119 which includes a microfluidic processing or disc 4000 in a turntable assembly with an analysis processing manifold (e.g., a wedge) 4002, but in this process, a suitable microporous filter 5757 is used instead of the centrifuge 3400 to produce a clarified supernatant from the soil slurry and extractant mixture. In this case, the filter 5757 can be configured and constructed to be installed within each processing wedge 4002 as shown (the dashed lines represent the boundaries of the wedge). Alternatively, the filter operates in the same manner and flow sequence as already described elsewhere herein with respect to the use of a centrifuge. A suitable external off-disc high-pressure filtered water source can be used for the filter backwash operation, which is carried out by reversing the flow through the filter medium in a manner similar to that already described herein.

[0461] Alternative embodiment of the chemical analysis subsystem

[0462] Figures 96 - 136Generally depicts aspects of an alternative embodiment of the chemical analysis subsystem 3003 based on the centrifuge 3400 previously described herein. However, in this embodiment, a microfluidic processing disk 4000 is added, which is mounted above and in fluid communication with the fluid exchange dock 3430, and the fluid exchange dock 3430 is removably fluid-coupled to the centrifuge tube 3450 carried by the hub 3500. Advantageously, the microfluidic processing disk 4000 is a microfluidic device (e.g., M2D2), which is configured and operable to integrate and combine an entire slurry analysis system, including substantially all aspects of fluid pumping, mixing, valves, and flow distribution and control as previously shown in Figure 1 in connection with processing slurries, extractants, reagents, and supernatants. Thus, for example, pump, valve, mixing, and flow distribution functions are integrated into the microfluidic processing disk 4000 in a known manner of constructing a microfluidic device with active micro-components (e.g., pumps, valves, mixing chambers, etc.). This eliminates the need for a plurality of physically discrete and separate flow control devices (e.g., pumps, valves, mixing chambers, etc.) that need to be fluidly interconnected via pipes, thereby improving the compactness of the centrifuge 3400 and its associated components related to the chemical processing and analysis parts of the system. In addition to the chemical analysis and quantification of the analytes of interest extracted from soil samples, the microfluidic processing disk 4000 advantageously provides a single unified platform or device for processing and controlling the flow of all the aforementioned fluids. The microfluidic processing disk 4000 also provides parallelization of soil sample processing to reduce analysis time and quantify all chemical parameters associated with the sample. Pressurized air provided by an air compressor 3000 ( Figure 1 shown in) or another compressor provides the power for flowing and processing the above-mentioned fluids through the microfluidic processing disk 4000 according to the Figures 104 - 119 flow chart, as further described herein.

[0463] First refer to Figures 96 - 103, in one embodiment, the microfluidic processing disk 4000 can have a generally disk-shaped composite formed of multiple layers of material bonded or laminated together by any suitable method used in the art (e.g., adhesives, heat fusion, etc.). In a sandwich configuration, each layer can generally be substantially planar or flat in the microfluidic device (e.g., M2D2). One or more layers are constructed and patterned to create microchannels, chambers / reservoirs, and diaphragm-operated valves and pumps embedded in the microfluidic device in a known manner. The materials for the layers used to construct the microfluidic processing disk 4000 can include a combination of rigid thermoplastics and flexible elastomeric material sheets. In one embodiment, a transparent material can be used to allow visual observation of the fluid being processed in the microfluidic processing disk 4000. The rigid plastic can be used to form the overall rigid substrate or body of the microfluidic processing disk 4000, which defines its exposed outer surface and includes an interior patterned to form a plurality of internal microchannels 4012 and chambers for forming active microfluidic flow control devices (e.g., diaphragm-operated pumps, valves, mixing chambers, etc.). Examples of thermoplastics that can be used include, but are not limited to, PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate, commonly known as acrylic), PC (polycarbonate), PS (polystyrene), etc. Examples of suitable elastomeric materials include, but are not limited to, silicone, PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane), neoprene, and others. The elastomeric material can be used to form the flexible and deformable active parts of the microfluidic flow control devices, such as the movable diaphragms of the micropumps and microvalves, which are actuated by air pressure (or water pressure) to operate these pumps and valves for controlling the fluid flow in the microfluidic processing disk 4000. This is typically achieved by forming a thin flexible elastomeric layer (e.g., silicone, PDMS, etc.) over the stiffer thermoplastic layer of the disk 4000 to form its flexible top, on which the microchannels and microchambers associated with the pumps, valves, or mixing chambers are patterned. Applying air pressure to the generally flat top of the elastomer causes the elastomeric material to deform and deflect downward to seal and close the microchannels / microchambers. Removing the air pressure allows the elastomeric material to return to its original flat state through its elastic memory, thereby reopening the microchannels / microchambers. This type of action is well known in the art and does not require excessive elaboration. In some embodiments, if simply removing the air pressure is not sufficient to meet the requirements, a vacuum can optionally be applied to return the elastomeric material to its original state.

[0464] In one embodiment, the disk-shaped microfluidic processing disk 4000 includes a plurality of generally interchangeable and separable triangular or "pie-shaped" chemical processing wedges 4002. The wedges 4002 can be detachably interlocked together, such as via suitable mechanical interlocking features (e.g., snap-fit tabs / slots, etc.) and / or fasteners, to jointly form the body of the processing disk 4000. In other embodiments, as some examples, the wedges 4002 can be permanently bonded together, such as via an adhesive or ultrasonic welding.

[0465] Each processing wedge 4002 of the microfluidic processing disk 4000 is a discrete microfluidic device that, in one embodiment, can be fluidically isolated from each other processing wedge within the scope of the processing disk structure (i.e., no cross-flow through the disk). However, outside the physical boundaries of the microfluidic processing disk, the individual processing wedges can also fluidically share a common inlet manifold that is connected to a source stream (e.g., water, slurry, air) or an outlet manifold (e.g., waste / exhaust manifold) to facilitate construction. Each processing wedge 4002 is a complete chemical processing device or chain that is operable to process and analyze a soil sample initially provided in slurry form (from one of the mixing stations described previously herein) for different analytes. Advantageously, this provides a plurality of chemical processing chains (i.e., wedges 4002) that are capable of processing and analyzing soil samples for different analytes (e.g., plant-available nutrients or other chemical components / characteristics) simultaneously in parallel in conjunction with the centrifuge 3400. This parallelization reduces the time required to fully process and analyze multiple analytes in a soil sample. The microfluidic processing disk 4000 is configured and operable to form a separable fluid coupling to the centrifuge tube 3350, which is carried by the rotating tube hub 3500 via the intermediate fluid exchange dock 3430 described previously herein. The fluid exchange dock 3430 is fluidically coupled and inserted between the microfluidic processing disk 4000 and the centrifuge tube 3350.

[0466] Each processing wedge 4002 can have a truncated wedge shape that includes a top major surface 4003, an opposite bottom major surface 4004, opposite arcuate curved inner and outer surfaces 4005, 4006, and a pair of converging radial side surfaces 4007. The side surfaces 4007 each define a radial reference line R1 that intersects at the geometric vertical centerline C1 of the processing wedge 4002. When the processing wedges 4002 are assembled together in the microfluidic processing disk 4000, they jointly define a circular central opening 4014 (for purposes similar to the central opening 3435 of the dock 3430). The processing wedge 4002 defines an outer peripheral portion or region 4008 that is defined as being closest to the outer surface 4006, and an inner hub portion or region 4009 that is defined as being closest to the inner surface 4005. While the non-limiting illustrated embodiment includes eight processing wedges 4002, other embodiments can use more or fewer wedges.

[0467] A plurality of fluid exchange ports are formed in each processing wedge 4002. The ports may include a plurality of external ports 4010 arranged in an array in the peripheral region 4008 of the processing wedge, and a plurality of internal ports 4011 arranged in an array in the internal hub region 4009. In one embodiment, the external ports 4010 may penetrate only the top main surface 4003 of the processing wedge 4002, while the internal ports 4010 may penetrate only the bottom main surface 4004. In a non-limiting embodiment, as shown, eight external ports 4010 and three internal ports 4011 may be provided. Other numbers of ports may be used in other embodiments, and the present invention is not limited. The internal ports 4011 correspond in number and arrangement to a cluster 3433 of flow channels 3434 in the fluid exchange dock 3430 (e.g., see Figures 55 - 56 ), which in turn mates with flow ports 3451 formed in the top surface of the centrifuge tube 3450 when the tube hub 3500 is in the upper docking position for fluid exchange. The internal ports 4011 may be mutually configured with the top inlets of the flow channels 3434 in the fluid exchange dock 3430 to form a detachable leak-proof seal joint therebetween. For example, the internal ports 4011 may thus be configured with the same type of nozzle 3436 as shown in Figure 56 on the bottom of the fluid exchange dock 3430, thereby forming a separable seal therewith in a similar manner.

[0468] The external ports 4010 are configured for fluid connection to an external processing conduit 3021 (e.g., see Figure 1 ). In one embodiment, the external ports 4010 may optionally include upwardly projecting pipe barbs 4013 to facilitate coupling (e.g., see Figure 103 ). Alternatively, the external ports 4010 may alternatively include recessed nozzles 3436 constructed similarly to the internal ports 4011, which may also facilitate fluid connection to the processing tube 3021 without the protruding pipe barbs.

[0469] Referring to Figures 104 - 119 's flowchart, the internal ports 4010 and the external ports 4011 are fluidly coupled together through a branched microchannel network 4015 of microchannels 4012 formed internally within the microfluidic processing disk 4000. On the liquid side, the microchannel network forms a flow path between the internal and external ports and fluidly couples the flow control microfluidic devices embedded in the microfluidic processing disk 4000. The flow network 4015 also includes air microchannels 4012 that form an air connection to the liquid microchannels and a microfluidic flow control device through a pneumatic system, which may include the high-pressure and low-pressure air sources shown. By an air compressor 3000 ( Figure 1The pressurized air provided by the example shown (or another compressor / multiple compressors) provides the power for flowing and processing the aforementioned fluid through the microfluidic processing disk 4000 according to the flowchart and as described herein.

[0470] The microchannels 4012 (air and liquid) of each processing wedge 4002 are constructed and patterned to form the functional layout and fluid connections represented in the Figures 104 - 119 flowchart (recognizing that the physical layout can be different to produce the indicated functional connections). The blocks on the left side of this figure represent the external ports 4010 of each processing wedge 4002, while the blocks on the right side represent the internal ports 4011. Creating the depicted flow network (and the shown flow control microfluidic device) using computer-aided manufacturing methods is entirely within the scope of the microfluidic device manufacturer and will not be elaborated in detail here. The microchannels 4012 can be formed in one or more layers of the microfluidic processing disk by any suitable process or combination of processes commonly used to construct microfluidic devices (such as but not limited to microfabrication, laser milling, laser or chemical etching, photolithography, hot embossing, injection molding, or other methods).

[0471] The microchannel network 4015 also includes Figures 104 - 119 the multiple microfluidic valves, pumps, and mixing chambers shown in. In one embodiment, these microfluidic devices can be diaphragm-operated and produced using a flexible elastomeric flow control layer embedded within the microfluidic processing disk 4000, which is in communication with the microchannels and chambers formed within the microfluidic processing disk 4000, as described elsewhere herein. The microfluidic devices can also include pneumatic diaphragm micropumps, which include an extractant pump 4020, a slurry pump 4021, a reagent pump 4022, and a transfer pump 4023. The microchannels 4012 are opened / closed by multiple pneumatic diaphragm microvalves 4018 schematically represented by circles (solid circles = closed; open circles = open). If desired, a pneumatic micro mixing chamber 4024 can be optionally provided as needed for mixing the soil sample slurry with the extractant, and / or upstream of the flow analysis cell 4027 and the flow unit window 4025 respectively integrated into the processing wedge 4002 to ensure complete mixing of the color-changing reagent (sometimes also referred to as an "indicator") and the supernatant. In some embodiments, the micro mixing chamber 4024 can be formed by two closely fluid-coupled pools connected by a narrow and short microchannel, which is a well-known configuration in the microfluidics field. The pools are alternately pressurized with air, thereby cyclically transferring the liquid back and forth multiple times between the pools to provide sufficient mixing. Their mixers can be or can not be diaphragm-operated. However, it will be recognized that other types of microfluidic mixers, pumps, and valves can be used, and the present invention is not limited to the disclosed non-limiting examples.

[0472] Figure 256 andFigures 257 - 258 They are respectively the exploded view and the side view cross-section of the pneumatic diaphragm micro pump 5760 on the disc, which can be used for the extraction pump 4020, the slurry pump 4021, the reagent pump 4022, the transfer pump 4023 or other pumps that may be required. These pumps are incorporated into the microchannel network 4015 of each disc processing wedge 4002, and power is applied to the fluid to drive the fluid through the microchannel network of the disc and various flow-related features. The micro pumps and features shown are each integrally formed or molded within two adjacent layers of each wedge 4002 as an integral part of its overall structure. Figure 256 The illustration in [reference] depicts a portion of the disc including the micro pump, recognizing that in reality the micro pump is only defined by the boundaries of the openings and / or recessed structures formed directly in the disc layers.

[0473] Each micro pump 5760 is a sandwich structure, including the upper layer 5761 of the microfluidic processing disc 4000, the lower layer 5762 adjacent to the disc, and a thin elastically deformable diaphragm 5763, which has an elastic memory and defines a top surface 5763-1 and an opposite bottom surface 5763-2. It should be particularly noted that the upper layer 5761 and the lower layer 5762 are not necessarily the uppermost (i.e., top) and lowermost (i.e., bottom) layers of the multi-layer microfluidic processing disc 4000, but rather two adjacent intermediate layers therebetween. In a non-limiting embodiment, the upper layer 5761 and the lower layer 5762 are intermediate layers in the 5-layer processing disc 4000.

[0474] The diaphragm 5763 can be made of a suitable elastomeric material or polymer, such as silicone in some embodiments, and can have a thickness of less than 1 mm (0.04 inches). The diaphragm 5763 can elastically move between a normal flat standby state when no air pressure signal is applied and a convex actuated state when air is applied to the top surface of the diaphragm and it deforms downward. The diaphragm 5763 can be elliptical in one configuration; however, other shapes can be used.

[0475] The micro pump 5760 further includes an upper pump chamber 5764 recessed in the lower surface of the upper layer 5761 of the microfluidic processing disk 4000, and a concave lower pump chamber 5765 formed in the lower layer 5762 directly opposite and vertically aligned with the upper pump chamber. In some embodiments, the upper chamber 5764 may have straight sidewall surfaces 5764-1 and a flat top surface 5764-2. The lower chamber 5765 is recessed into the top surface of the lower layer 5762 and may include arcuately curved sidewall surfaces 5765-1 that extend circumferentially around the chamber. As shown, a flat bottom surface 5765-2 abuts the sidewall surfaces around the perimeter of the lower chamber. The curved sidewall surfaces ensure that the diaphragm 5763 does not tear or rupture during actuation over multiple operating cycles. Notably, the lower chamber 5765 defines the volumetric pumping capacity of the micro pump, which is emptied with each actuation of the micro pump.

[0476] The micro pump 5760 further includes a pneumatic pressure signal port 5768 formed in the upper layer 5761 and in fluid communication with the upper chamber 5764. The port 5768 is preferably centered in the top surface of the upper chamber 5764 and is in fluid communication with a pneumatic or air microchannel network 4015-1 formed in the disk layer directly above the upper layer 5761 and is fluidly coupled to an air source such as described herein. The lower layer 5762 includes a fluid inlet port 5766 for introducing fluid into the lower chamber 5765 and a fluid outlet port 5767 for discharging fluid from the lower chamber through the operation of the micro pump 5760. Each port 5766, 5767 is thus in fluid communication with the lower chamber 5765. The fluid inlet port 5766 preferably penetrates the lower chamber 5765 at the opposite end from the outlet port 5767 of the lower chamber 5765. Each of the fluid inlet port and the outlet port is in fluid communication with a fluid microchannel network 4015 formed in the disk layer directly below the lower layer 5762. In one embodiment, the upper chamber 5761 and the lower chamber 5762 may be oval; however, other shapes may be used.

[0477] The operation of the micropump 5760 will be briefly described. Each micropump has an associated fluid inlet diaphragm microvalve 4018 and a fluid outlet diaphragm microvalve 4018, which are fluid-coupled to the fluid inlet and outlet ports 5766, 5767 necessary for the operation of the micropump, respectively. The general construction and operation of the diaphragm valve are the same as those of the micropump, including a diaphragm, a pneumatic signal port, and fluid inlet and outlet ports. The operation of the valve between the open and closed positions is performed in the same manner as described below for the micropump, so the structure and function of the micropump are similar to those of the valve. However, to save space, the sizes of multiple valves arranged in the microfluidic processing disk 4000 are generally smaller, and compared with the elongated features of the micropump designed to hold a predetermined volume of liquid required for chemical processing and soil analysis, the valves generally utilize circular diaphragms and upper and lower chambers. A single control signal can command the actuation of one or more pumps, one or more valves, or one or more pumps and one or more valves in multiple manifolds simultaneously. A single control signal can command the simultaneous actuation of multiple pumps, multiple valves, or multiple pumps and valves in a manifold.

[0478] Figure 257 The pump is shown in its initial flat unactuated or standby condition. The diaphragm 5763 is fully nested within the upper pump chamber 5764 and does not protrude downward into the lower pump chamber 5765. The diaphragm is captured within the upper chamber 5764 between the upper disk layer 5761 and the lower disk layer 5762. At this stage, no air is applied to the diaphragm. First, the fluid outlet diaphragm microvalve 4018 is closed, and then the fluid inlet diaphragm valve is opened to fill the lower chamber 5765 below the diaphragm with the fluid (e.g., soil slurry, extractant, reagent, supernatant, or other liquid) to be pumped out from the microchannel network 4015. Then the fluid inlet diaphragm microvalve 4018 is closed, and the fluid outlet diaphragm microvalve 4018 is opened.

[0479] To pump the amount of fluid contained in the lower pump chamber 5765, air is supplied from an air source controlled by an air valve to the top of the diaphragm 5763 via the pneumatic signal port 5768. The air pressure drives the diaphragm downward, and the diaphragm deforms and generally conforms to the shape of the lower chamber 5765, thereby discharging the fluid through the fluid outlet port 5767 and its associated outlet microvalve 4018. The diaphragm 5763 is now in the deformed convex actuated condition as shown in Figure 258 After pumping is completed, the air pressure is released from the pneumatic signal port 5768, and the diaphragm 5763 returns to its original undeformed flat ready condition, preparing for the next pumping cycle.

[0480] During testing, it was found that if a smooth surface (left picture) was provided within the lower pump chamber 5765, the flexible diaphragm 5763 would sometimes be drawn into the fluid outlet port 5767 to prematurely generate a pneumatic signal or cause the fluid liquid sides to communicate. Unfortunately, this impeded the flow and pumping of the fluid before the diaphragm was fully displaced / deformed and prevented the liquid in the lower chamber from being fully discharged. This resulted in inconsistent volumes of fluid being pumped each time, which had an adverse effect on the correct slurry handling and analysis as the volume of each pumping chamber was carefully pre-determined and it was crucial to ensure that chemicals (e.g., reagents, extractants, etc.) were mixed with the slurry in the appropriate proportions.

[0481] To address the aforementioned diaphragm and pumping issues, the recessed lower pump chamber 5765 is preferably provided with a plurality of "anti-stall" grooves 5769, which are used to prevent the flexible diaphragm 5763 from being drawn into the fluid outlet port 5767 and blocking the flow. This also prevents the diaphragm from attaching to the generally flat bottom surface 5765-2 of the lower pump chamber by forming a suction without being fully released from the flat bottom surface 5765-2 of the lower pump chamber. Thus, the anti-stall grooves 5769 are configured to prevent the diaphragm 5763 from adhering to the lower pump chamber 5765, thereby advantageously allowing the diaphragm 5763 to fully and reliably displace substantially all of the volume of fluid contents of the lower chamber during each pumping cycle, ensuring the accuracy of the dispensed fluid volume and the accuracy of the final soil slurry analysis. As Figure 256 shown, the recessed anti-stall grooves 5769 are preferably cut or otherwise formed on all surfaces (e.g., sidewall surface 5765-1 and flat bottom surface 5765-2) within the lower chamber 5765. In one embodiment, the grooves 5769 can be arranged in a grid array of two-way perpendicular intersections of the grooves, forming a degree of checkerboard pattern as shown. In other embodiments, the grooves can be unidirectional and formed by a plurality of non-intersecting and spaced parallel grooves arranged along the long axis or short axis of the lower chamber 5765 or diagonally to the axis. In some embodiments, the upper pump chamber 5764 formed in the upper platen layer 5761 can include anti-stall grooves that are similar or different in configuration to those in the lower chamber 5765. Any suitable pattern and number of grooves can be provided.

[0482] The microchannel network 4015 can also include a plurality of microcontainers of predetermined volume for containing and staging extractants, reagents, slurries, etc. for processing. In one embodiment, this can include an extractant microreservoir 4030, a soil slurry microreservoir 4031, a reagent microreservoir 4032, and a supernatant microreservoir 4033. As shown, the microreservoirs 4030-4033 can be formed by a closely spaced series of undulating loops of microchannels. The sample non-limiting volume capacity of each microreservoir is as Figures 104 - 119as shown. However, other volume capacities can of course be used.

[0483] Figures 104 - 119 is a schematic flow chart depicting a sequential view of a method or process for processing and analyzing a soil sample. These figures represent the order of processing that occurs in a single processing wedge 4002 of a microfluidic processing disk 4000. It will be recognized that in some embodiments of this method, the same sequential process shown is performed simultaneously and in parallel in all processing wedges 4002 of the processing disk 4000 to analyze all chemical parameters (analytes) of interest in a soil sample slurry, resulting in a significant reduction in sample processing time. Thus, the same corresponding pneumatic micropumps, microvalves, and micro mixing chambers in each processing wedge 4002 can be actuated simultaneously via a common control air head or passage and air valves. Therefore, each processing wedge 4002 can process and analyze different analytes in the sample to complete a full chemical analysis profile of the soil sample.

[0484] The processes described below and in the flow chart can be automatically controlled and executed by a system programmable controller, such as the processing system 2820 disclosed in co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 806,014, filed on November 7, 2017. The controller is operatively coupled to a low-pressure and a high-pressure air supply, such as an air compressor 3030 and an air storage tank 3031 (e.g., see Figure 1 ). Low-pressure air can be generated in any suitable known manner, such as by employing a pressure reducing valve station that draws from the air storage tank 3031, which can contain high-pressure air generated by the compressor 3030. Thus, all components related to the air supply (compressor, (one or more) storage tanks, and valves) can be controlled by the system programmable controller (e.g., the processing system 2820). Other low-pressure and high-pressure air sources for pneumatically controlling the operation of the microfluidic processing disk 4000, such as a separate compressor, can of course be used.

[0485] In the flow chart, it is noted that the thick and dark lines represent the effective fluid flow paths in each of the process sequences shown and described. The valve positions of the pneumatic diaphragm microvalves 4018 are schematically represented by solid or hollow circles (solid circle = closed; hollow circle = open).

[0486] Once again, as previously described, the boxes on the left side of the flowchart represent the external ports 4010 of the corresponding processing wedge 4002, while the boxes on the right side represent the internal ports of the wedge. In one embodiment, the external ports 4010 may include a high-pressure air inlet 4010-1, a low-pressure air inlet 4010-2 (which is also configured to be used as a vent when needed), an extractant inlet 4010-3, a cleaning solution 4010-4, a slurry sample inlet 4010-5, a reagent (indicator) inlet 4010-6, a low-pressure exhaust outlet 4010-7, and a high-pressure exhaust outlet 4010-8. The cleaning solution provided to the inlet 4010-4 may be any suitable solution, including deionized water or others. The internal ports 4011 may include a slurry sample outlet 4011-1 from the processing wedge 4002 to the centrifuge 3400 (i.e., the centrifuge tube 3450), a supernatant inlet 4011-2 from the centrifuge 3400, and a centrifuge waste inlet 4011-3 from the centrifuge. Of course, other types and quantities of external and internal ports 4010, 4011 may be provided.

[0487] Figure 104 Shown is the provision of the microfluidic processing disk 4000 and the processing wedge 4002 having the microchannel network 4015 at the beginning and preparation for processing and chemical analysis of a soil sample. In Figure 105 a soil slurry sample (e.g., the mixer filter device 100 or 200) from the mixing station previously described herein and an extractant (e.g., see Figure 1 ) from the extraction tank 3308 are pumped into the sample / extractant measurement loop (reservoir) to fill the microreservoirs 4030 and 4031 with a precise predetermined ratio of slurry to extractant. It should be noted that the low-pressure exhaust passage to the outlet 4010-7 is briefly opened so as to not only drive any air from the active microchannel 4012 but also very briefly discharge some of the slurry and extractant to waste to ensure that the microreservoirs 4030, 4031 are completely filled before closing the slurry and extractant sources. It is also worth noting that various flow paths in the microchannel 4012 of the microchannel network 4015 are opened and closed at the closed / open valve 4018 positions in these and the remaining flowcharts.

[0488] In Figure 106 a, the slurry sample and the extractant measurement loop (reservoir) are pumped together to an optional first micromixing chamber 4024 where mixing takes place. In some cases, sufficient mixing of the sample and the extractant may be achieved within the microchannel 4012, thus obviating the need for a separate micromixing chamber (hence denoted by "?" in the figure). As shown, the diaphragm-operated micropumps 4020, 4021 are pressurized with low-pressure air to effect the pumping of the fluid. In Figure 107 a, the slurry sample and the extractant are completely mixed. In Figure 108In this case, the extractant / sample mixture is pumped from the first micromixing chamber 4024 into a centrifuge 3400 for processing. In Figure 109 In this case, the supernatant and the reagent are fractionated and pumped into their respective measurement circuits (i.e., the microreservoirs 4033 and 4032 with a precisely predetermined ratio of the supernatant to the reagent). Some of the supernatant and the reagent are very briefly poured via a flow path to waste to the low-pressure exhaust outlet 4010-7 to ensure that these microcontainers are completely filled. In Figure 110 In this case, the supernatant and the reagent are pumped into the second micromixing chamber 4024. Note that the microchannel flow path including the micromixing chamber 4024, the bubble remover 4026, and the flow cell window 4025 is active and fluidly connected to the low-pressure exhaust outlet 4010-7. In Figure 111 In this case, complete mixing of the supernatant and the reagent is performed in the second micromixing chamber 4024, thereby causing a color change in the solution for detection by the absorbance analysis flow cell 4027 via the downstream flow cell window 4025. In Figure 112 In this case, the supernatant and reagent mixture doped with the analyte is pumped through the bubble remover 4026 in the bubble removal station, and the bubble remover 4026 removes any residual bubbles entrained in the mixture. Bubbles in the liquid flow will cause volume anomalies in the downstream flow analysis cell 427 and have an adverse effect on the analysis accuracy. Bubble removers are well-known devices in the art and do not require further detailed description.

[0489] In Figure 113 In this case, the supernatant / reagent mixture doped with the analyte is pumped into the flow cell window 4025 of the absorbance flow analysis cell 4027 in a manner similar to that previously discussed herein with respect to the absorbance flow analysis cell 3800 (e.g., see Figure 77 ) for colorimetric measurement by the absorbance flow analysis cell 4027. Contrary to the flow analysis cell 3800, this flow analysis cell 4027 is integrally formed with and directly bonded to a part of the processing wedge 4002. Figure 120 And Figure 121 Schematically depict a part of the wedge 4002 including the absorbance flow analysis cell 4027 and the flow cell window 4025, and the absorbance flow analysis cell 4027 and the flow cell window 4025 are formed within the bonding layer structure of the processing wedge. In the exemplary non-limiting configuration shown, these layers include three hard plastic layers 4000-1 (e.g., PC, etc.), forming a top layer, a bottom layer, and an intermediate layer patterned with the aforementioned microchannels and other fluid control devices (such as micropumps, microvalves, and micromixing chambers). A thin flexible elastomer layer 4000-2 (e.g., silicon, etc.) is directly formed on top of the intermediate hard layer 4000-1 to serve as a diaphragm for the fluid control devices. In one embodiment, the flow analysis window 4025 can be a laterally widened diamond-shaped chamber (e.g., see Figure 121)。The LED emitting diode assembly 4040 and the LED receiving diode assembly 4041 are respectively installed above and below the flow analysis window 4025. The diode assemblies 4040, 4041 are attached to the outermost top surface and bottom surface of the processing wedge 4002 above and below the window 4025, as shown, but are fluidically isolated from the liquid flow in the window and the processing wedge 4002. The layer 4000-2 may have a cut formed directly above the flow analysis window 4025, and the size and shape of the cut correspond to the emitting diode assembly 4040 to avoid possible reflection / refraction interference with the emitted analysis beam.

[0490] In operation, the liquid reagent and supernatant mixture flow through the flow analysis window 4025 (for example, see the solid-liquid flow arrow). When the fluid flows through the window 4025, the emitting diode assembly 4040 emits and irradiates light through the window and the liquid therein to the receiving diode assembly 4041 for colorimetric measurement in a known manner. The measured value of the analyte in the sample mixture liquid flow is transmitted to the system programmable controller for analysis and quantification. During the analysis, it should be noted that the sample mixture continuously flows through the flow cell window 4025 towards the low-pressure exhaust outlet 41010-7, and then is dumped as waste here.

[0491] It is worth noting that if complete mixing can be achieved within the microchannel itself, then in some cases the above-mentioned micro-mixing chamber 4024 can be omitted. Therefore, the micro-mixing chamber 4024 is optional when needed.

[0492] After the soil sample has been adequately processed in the above manner, the system programmable controller is configured to initiate a cleaning cycle to prepare the microfluidic processing disk 4000 for processing a new soil sample. In Figures 114 - 117 as shown, the cleaning solution and low-pressure air are each selectively and alternately pumped into and through the enhanced active sample loop microchannel 4012 and through the centrifuge 3400 to the high-pressure exhaust outlet 4010-8. This clears the residual soil slurry and chemicals in these components and microchannels. After several alternating cleaning solution and purifying air circulation cycles, processing is carried out through the microchannel and the centrifuge, Figure 118 as shown, at this time, there is only air in the flow path upstream of the enhanced section of the sample loop and the sample loop microchannel. A column containing a mixture of air and the cleaning solution remains in the enhanced section of the flow path. In Figure 119 as shown, the shown micro-valve 4018 is opened to allow the high-pressure air from the high-pressure air inlet 4010-1 to force the column of air / cleaning solution mixture (which is enhanced) through the centrifuge 3400. Then, the high-pressure air purges the centrifuge and flows to the high-pressure exhaust outlet 4010-8, thus completing the cleaning cycle.

[0493] In other embodiments, it will be appreciated that separate and discrete absorbance analysis cells (such as the separate absorbance flow analysis cell 3800) may be used instead of the integral absorbance flow analysis cell 4027 incorporated into the chemical processing wedge of the microfluidic processing disk 4000. Advantageously, the integral absorbance flow analysis cell 4027 results in better compactness of the centrifuge 3400 by eliminating the space requirements necessary to accommodate discrete flow analysis cells.

[0494] Reference Figures 259 - 260 , in some embodiments, the microfluidic processing disk 4000 may be heated to maintain the viscosity and fluidity of the soil sample slurry, chemicals, and water for better processing thereof, particularly in colder weather and colder climate zones. A single processing wedge 4002 having the multi-layered construction described herein is shown. As an example, the external port 4010, the internal port 4011 (previously described herein), and some intermediate ports 4010-1 are shown. As described above, prior to processing and mixing, the chemicals and soil sample slurry are heated within the slice via the resistive heating pads 4050, which heat each slice or wedge 4002 to preferably maintain a constant temperature within the wedge. As shown, the pads 4050 are complementary in construction to the wedge. Preferably, the heating pads 4050 are secured to both the top surface 4051 and the bottom surface 4052 of each wedge to maintain uniform heat distribution between the surfaces. Each heating pad 4050 includes ports 4010, 4010-1, and 4011 that are concentrically aligned with those same ports formed in the body of the processing wedge 4002. The heating pads 4050 are wired to a suitable main power supply provided for the soil sampling and analysis system processing equipment.

[0495] (One or more) temperature sensors 4054 monitor the wedge temperature and communicate via a wired or wireless communication link 4055 with the heater control circuitry 4053, which in one embodiment may be local and mounted on one of the heating pads 4050. In other embodiments, the heater control circuitry may not be on-board but rather be located remotely within the soil sampling and analysis system relative to the microfluidic processing disk 4000. The heater control circuitry 4053 may communicate via a suitable wired or wireless communication link 4055 to the main system programmable controller (such as the central processing unit (CPU) 2820) to exchange real-time temperature data measured by the sensor 4054 with the controller.

[0496] In addition to, or instead of, the heating pads 4050, in certain other embodiments, upstream other suitable (one or more) pre-slice heat exchangers that are not attached to each processing wedge 4002 may be used to preheat the slurry sample, chemicals, and / or processing water prior to entry into the respective processing wedges 4002. As an example, in Figures 264 - 266The treated, purified / filtered water tank 5741 that supplies treated water to the microfluidic processing disk 4000 or other chemical processing systems described herein, schematically shown in FIG. 0, may optionally be heated by one or more individual resistive heaters 5742 of an external and / or immersion type for use when the weather is cool.

[0497] Figures 122 - 129 depicts an alternative embodiment of a stand-alone absorbance flow analysis cell 4150 that can be used as an alternative to the cell 3800 in Figure 1 . The cell 4150 or 3800 can be replaced with an integral flow analysis cell 4027 included in the processing wedge 4002 shown in Figure 104 . The cell 4150 has a multi-layer composite structure that includes a top outer layer 4155-1, a bottom outer layer 4155-5, and three inner layers 4155-2, 4155-3, and 4155-4 arranged in a vertically stacked relationship. The layers can be joined or laminated together in the order shown by any suitable method, including, for example, by adhesive, heat fusion, ultrasonic welding, etc. Any suitable thermoplastic can be used, such as those previously described herein for constructing the microfluidic processing disk 4000. In one embodiment, each layer can be formed of clear acrylic.

[0498] The inlet tube connector 4151 and the outlet tube connector 4152 provide fluid communication via the flow tube 3021 to the Figure 1 supernatant and reagent mixture flow tubes in

[0499] If used with the processing wedge 4002 to replace the integral flow analysis cell 4027 (and thus will be omitted from the wedge), the inlet tube connector 4151 can be fluidly connected to a matching tube connector on the wedge immediately downstream of the de-bubbler 4026. Then, the supernatant and reagent mixture fluid will flow directly from the de-bubbler outlet to the flow analysis cell 4150 for colorimetric analysis. In one embodiment, the tube connector can be configured as a tube barb; however, other types of tube flow connectors can also be used. Figure 124 The supernatant and reagent mixture flow through flow ports 4156 formed in the top outer layer 4155-1 and the uppermost inner layer 4155-2 (e.g., see

[0500] from Figure 120 ). An elongated slit-shaped flow cell window 4157 is formed in the middle inner layer 4155-3. The flow enters the inlet tube connector 4151, reaches one end of the flow cell window 4157, traverses the window, and exits the outlet tube connector 4152. Figure 129). The openings 4153, 4154 are sized complementary to the body of the diode probe and completely penetrate the top and bottom outer layers to efficiently transmit analytical light through the liquid sample flowing through the flow analysis cell. The LED probes 4040, 4041 and the openings 4153, 4154 are vertically aligned with the center of the flow cell window 4157. In one embodiment, the flow cell window 4157 can be widened laterally to form a kind of diamond shape, the width of which corresponds to the diameter of the LED probe. As the flow traverses the flow cell window 4157, analytical light passes from the emitting diode probe 4040 laterally through the flow cell window to the receiving diode probe 4041 to perform colorimetry of the reagent and supernatant mixture in a known manner to quantify the concentration of the analyte contained therein.

[0501] It is noted that the uppermost and lowermost inner layers 4155 - 2 and 4155 - 4 provide a solid surface for the transmission openings 4153 , 4154 associated with the diode probes to fluidically isolate the probes from the supernatant and reagent mixture in the flow analysis cell 4150 .

[0502] To accommodate the microfluidic processing disk 4000, the centrifuge 3400 previously described herein is modified to allow the disk 4000 to be mounted on top of the motor drive mechanism 3450-1, which is relocated to the bottom of the centrifuge below the rotating tube wheel 3500, which is coupled to the drive shaft 3700 of the drive mechanism. Figures 130 - 136 Depicted is a modified centrifuge 4200 that can include most of the primary centrifuge components previously described herein with respect to centrifuge 3400; although some have been rearranged as shown. Note that the protective shields are omitted from these figures to better illustrate the operating components of centrifuge 4200.

[0503] refer to Figures 130 - 136 , the centrifuge 4200 generally includes a motor drive mechanism 3450-1, a plurality of centrifuge tubes 3450 pivotally mounted to a rotating tube wheel 3500 (the rotating tube wheel 3500 is mechanically coupled to a drive shaft 3700 of the drive mechanism), a fixed fluid exchange dock 3430, a pneumatic piston mechanism 3600 for raising and lowering the tube wheel, and a microfluidic processing tray 4000. The motor drive mechanism 3450-1 can include at least a main motor 3705, and in some embodiments can have the same drive assembly as described above, which also includes an indexing motor 3704 and an assembly of gears 3707-3709 and a timing belt 3713 (e.g., see Figures 43 - 54 , Figure 76 and Figure 95)。The drive mechanism 3450-1 is installed below the rotary tube wheel hub 3500, the piston mechanism 3600, the fluid exchange dock 3430, and the microfluidic processing tray 4000. The main drive shaft 3700 defines a rotational axis RA, and this rotational axis RA generates the vertical centerline of the centrifuge 4200 for reference purposes.

[0504] A slightly modified main support housing 4202 is provided, which supports the aforementioned components of the centrifuge 4200. The housing 4202 may have the same general construction and components as the previously described support housing 3401. The housing 4202 generally includes a vertical main support plate 4202-1, an upper support plate 4202-3, a lower support plate 4202-2 oriented parallel to the upper support plate, and an optional base 4202-4, and the base 4202-4 is used to be fixedly installed or installed on a horizontal support surface via a plurality of vertically adjustable feet 4202-5. In some embodiments, especially when the centrifuge 4200 is installed on a separate support frame (such as a support frame equipped with a wheeled collection vehicle having an internal combustion engine drive that can operate to collect soil samples from a field), the base 4202-4 can be modified or omitted, including adjustable feet.

[0505] The upper support plate 4202-3 and the lower support plate 4202-2 of the housing 4202 are spaced apart in the vertical direction and can be horizontally oriented as shown in the illustrated embodiment, thereby defining a partially or fully enclosed sample processing chamber 3501. Each support plate 4202-3, 4202-2 can be cantileveredly attached to one peripheral side or end of the vertical support plate 4202-1 via a suitable mechanical connection method (such as but not limited to welding, brazing, threaded fasteners, adhesives, clips, interlocking features (e.g., tabs / slots), or others and their combinations). In one embodiment, as shown, the support plates 4202-3, 4202-2 can be oriented perpendicular to the main support plate 3402.

[0506] The upper support plate 4202-3 of the support housing 4202 includes a relatively large circular central opening 4202-6 for installing and accommodating the narrower lower part of the fluid exchange dock 3430 therein, passing through it, and being supported by the upper support plate (for example, see Figures 135 - 136)。The microfluidic processing disk 4000 is directly mounted on top of the fluid exchange dock 3430, as previously described herein. The rotary tube hub 3500 assembly (including covers 3520, 3521) is mounted below the upper support plate 4202-3. This allows the rotary tube hub 3500 to be axially raised and lowered by the piston mechanism 3600 between its upper docking position and lower undocked position in the sample processing chamber 3501 of the centrifuge 4200 to exchange fluids (e.g., slurry - extractant, supernatant, or tube rinse water - air stream) with the centrifuge tube 3450 in the upper position, or to centrifuge the soil sample in the tube in the lower position.

[0507] The fluid exchange dock 3430 may include a plurality of circumferentially spaced tube travel stops 4203 projecting downward from the bottom surface of the dock. When the tube hub 3500 is lowered and raised by the operation of the piston mechanism 3600, the travel stops 4203 may be selectively inserted into a plurality of rectangular tube openings 3523 formed in the upper cover 3520 and lower cover 3521 of the rotary hub assembly. Additionally referring Figure 66 , when the centrifuge tube 3450 is in the vertical position and the tube hub 3500 is in the upper docking position engaged with the fluid exchange dock 3430, the travel stops 4203 are received in the outer vacant portions of the tube openings 3523, as best shown in Figure 136 . This advantageously maintains and tightly holds the centrifuge tube in the vertically upright position when exchanging fluids between the fluid exchange dock and the tube, which ensures a tight leak - proof seal between the dock and the tube to prevent leakage.

[0508] The operation of the centrifuge 4200 is substantially the same as previously described herein for the centrifuge 3400 and, for the sake of brevity, will not be repeated in its entirety. In summary, the rotary tube hub 3500 is axially raised and lowered by the piston mechanism 3600 between its upper docking position and lower undocked position in the sample processing chamber 3501 of the centrifuge 4200 to exchange fluids with the centrifuge tube 3450 (e.g., see Figures 72 - 75 ). When the rotary tube hub 3500 is in the lower undocked position to centrifuge the soil sample, the centrifuge 4200 is rotated in the same manner by the motor drive mechanism 3450-1. The drive shaft 3700 and the motor drive mechanism 3450-1 are suspended from the rotary tube hub 3500 and are raised and lowered together with the rotary tube hub 3500 by the piston mechanism.

[0509] As already noted herein, the agricultural sampling systems, subsystems, and related processes / methods disclosed herein can be used to process and test soil, vegetation / plants, fertilizers, feeds, milk, or other agriculturally related parameters of interest. In particular, embodiments of the chemical analysis portion (chemical analysis subsystem 3003) of the systems disclosed herein can be used to test many chemical-related parameters and analytes (e.g., nutrients / chemicals of interest) in areas other than soil; and for plant / vegetation sampling. Some non-limiting examples (including soil and plants) are as follows.

[0510] Soil analysis: nitrate, nitrite, total nitrogen, ammonium, phosphate, orthophosphate, polyphosphate, total phosphate, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, cation exchange capacity, pH, percentage base saturation of cations, sulfur, zinc, manganese, iron, copper, boron, soluble salts, organic matter, excess lime, activated carbon, aluminum, amino sugar nitrate, ammonia nitrogen, chloride, C:N ratio, electrical conductivity, molybdenum, texture (sand, silt, clay), cyst nematode egg count, mineralized nitrogen, and soil pore space.

[0511] Plant / vegetation: nitrogen, nitrate, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, percentage base saturation of cations, sulfur, zinc, manganese, iron, copper, boron, ammonia nitrogen, carbon, chloride, cobalt, molybdenum, selenium, total nitrogen, and live plant parasitic nematodes.

[0512] Fertilizer: moisture / total solids, total nitrogen, organic nitrogen, phosphate, potash, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, pH, total carbon, soluble salts, C / N ratio, ammonia nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, chloride, organic matter, ash, electrical conductivity, Kjeldahl nitrogen, Escherichia coli, fecal coliforms, Salmonella, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphate, potash, nitrate nitrogen, water-soluble nitrogen, water-insoluble nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, humic acid, pH, total organic carbon, bulk density (bag), moisture, sulfur, calcium, boron, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, arsenic, chloride, lead, selenium, cadmium, chromium, mercury, nickel, sodium, molybdenum, and zinc.

[0513] Feed: alanine, histidine, proline, arginine, isoleucine, serine, aspartic acid, leucine, threonine, cystine, lysine, tryptophan, glutamic acid, methionine, tyrosine, glycine, phenylalanine, valine (requires crude protein), arsenic, lead, cadmium, antimony, mercury.

[0514] Vitamin E (β - tocopherol), Vitamin E (α - tocopherol), Vitamin E (δ - tocopherol), Vitamin E (γ - tocopherol), Vitamin E (total), moisture, crude protein, calcium, phosphorus, ADF, ash, TDN, energy (digestible and metabolizable), net energy (gain, lactation, maintenance), sulfur, calcium, magnesium, sodium, manganese, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, iron, copper (not applicable to premixes), saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, Omega 3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated fat, trans fatty acids, Omega 6 fatty acids (require crude fat or acidic fat), glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, lactose, aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2), DON, fumonisins, ochratoxin, T2 - toxin, zearalenone, Vitamin B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12, calories, chloride, crude fiber, lignin, neutral detergent fiber, non - protein nitrogen, selenium US patent, total iodine, total starch, Vitamin A, Vitamin D3 and free fatty acids.

[0515] Feed: moisture, crude protein, acid - detergent fiber ADF, NDF, TDN, net energy (gain, lactation, maintenance), relative feed value, nitrate, sulfur, copper, sodium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, calcium, manganese, sodium, phosphorus, chloride, fiber, lignin, molybdenum, sulfurous acid and selenium USP.

[0516] Milk: butter, pure protein, somatic cell count, lactose, other solids, total solids, added water, milk urea nitrogen, acidity, pH, antibiotic test and microorganisms.

[0517] Sample collection probe

[0518] Piston - operated sample collection probe

[0519] Figures 137 - 15 Figure 2 depicts an embodiment of a ground - engaging plow blade assembly 5000 having a sample collection device or probe mounted thereon, the probe including a piston - operated soil sample collection probe. The plow blade assembly 5000 includes an on - board cam - operated sample collection probe in the form of a piston mechanism 5020 that is configured and operable to collect soil core samples (surface and subsurface) at a selected depth when the plow blade or blade 5001 tumbles and cuts into the ground and then eject the core into a collection container. The plow blade assembly 5000 can be mounted to the frame of a towed agricultural implement that is pulled through a field by an engine - driven wheeled / caterpillar sample collection vehicle (e.g., a tractor, etc.) to collect soil samples.

[0520] The plow blade assembly 5000 generally includes: a disc-shaped sample collection plow blade or blade 5001 configured to engage and cut / penetrate soil 5002 to a depth DP1 below its surface 5003; a blade hub 5004 for mounting the blade thereto; an outer hub collar 5007 fixedly attached to and rotatable with the hub; and an annular bearing 5008. A cam mechanism is provided that includes an annular cam ring 5006 and a follower 5021 defined by a piston mechanism 5020, as further described herein. The plow blade assembly is assembled in the manner shown in the drawings and further described below.

[0521] The blade 5001 is preferably formed from a suitable circular metal plate and may have a sharp annular peripheral edge to more easily penetrate the soil. Blades of any suitable diameter may be used, depending in part on the depth at which the soil sample is to be collected.

[0522] The hub 5004 may be a flanged tube that includes a radial flange portion 5004-3 and a tubular portion 5004-2 projecting from the flange portion. As shown, the tubular portion 5004-3 may be inserted through a central opening 5005 of the blade 5001 to mount the blade thereto. When the blade is mounted to the hub, the flange portion 5004-3 engages a first side surface 5001-2 of the blade. The tubular portion 5004-2 projects outwardly from an opposite second side surface 5001-1 of the blade 5001 and is coaxially aligned with the rotational axis RA1 of the blade, defined by the central opening 5005 of the blade that is perpendicular to the side surfaces 5001-1, 5001-2. In one embodiment, the flange portion 5004-3 of the hub 5004 may be fixedly attached to the blade 5001 via a plurality of threaded fasteners 5001-3 (e.g., see Figure 139 ) that may be inserted through mating mounting holes 5001-4. This locks the blade 5001 to the hub 5004. The hub 5004 defines an outwardly opening hole 5004-1 that receives an end of an axle 5009 therein, as Figure 143 and Figure 144 shown. The hub 5004 may be fixed to the axle 5009 by any suitable mechanical means (including set screws, shrink fits, or some other non-limiting examples). As shown, one end of the hole 5004-1 may be closed to limit the depth of insertion of the axle 5009 in the hub.

[0523] The hub collar 5007 can similarly be a flanged tube, which includes a radially flanged portion 5007-1 and a tubular portion 5007-2 that projects axially therefrom. As shown, the tubular portion 5004-2 of the hub 5004 can be inserted through the tubular portion 5007-2 of the collar 5007. The collar 5007 can be fixed to the hub 5004 by any suitable means (such as a set screw inserted through the tubular portion 5007-2 of the collar into the tubular portion 5004-2 of the hub). This ensures that the collar rotates with the hub.

[0524] In a non-limiting embodiment, the annular bearing 5008 can be a spherical roller bearing, a deep groove ball bearing, or a set of tapered roller bearings, including an inner race or inner ring 5008-1 and an outer race or outer ring 5008-2 that are rotatable relative to each other in normal operation. The inner ring 5008-1 is fixedly coupled (e.g., threaded / bolted) to the flanged portion 5007-1 (not the fastener holes) of the collar 5007 and rotates with the collar and the blade hub 5004. The tubular portion 5007-2 of the collar is inserted through the central opening 5008-3 of the bearing 5008. The inner ring 5008-1 represents the rotating part of the bearing. The outer ring 5008-2 is fixedly coupled to the cam ring 5006 and represents the fixed part of the bearing. The inner ring 5008-1 and the outer ring 5008-2 are slidably engaged with each other in a typical manner via the annular bearing surface interface therebetween.

[0525] The cam ring 5006 is configured to be fixedly attached to the frame of the wheeled collection vehicle, such as via a mounting bracket 5010. Thus, when the blade 5001 is pulled through the soil, the cam ring 5006 and the bearing outer ring 5008-1 remain stationary and are fixed in place relative to the frame, the inner ring 5008-2, and the blade-hub-collar assembly. The bracket 5010 can have any suitable configuration, including the T-shaped configuration shown. In one embodiment, the bracket 5010 can be bolted to the cam ring 5006 and the frame of the collection vehicle (note the fastener holes).

[0526] The cam ring 5006 has a generally planar annular body, which includes a central opening 5006-4, a first major surface 5006-1, an opposite second major surface 5006-2 parallel to the first major surface, and a peripheral side 5006-3 extending between the surfaces. In one embodiment, the first major surface 5006-1 can be flat. When assembled, the second major surface 5006-2 faces the blade 5001 and defines an annular cam track 5006-5 that is recessed into the surface and extends circumferentially. The cam track 5006-5 extends a full continuous 360 degrees around the central opening 5006-4 of the cam ring and is spaced between the central opening and the peripheral side 5006-3.

[0527] Special reference Figures 145 - 146 , the cam track 5006-5 generally defines a pear-shaped cam lobe profile of an asymmetrical configuration, which includes a base curve portion 5006-6 (the range indicated by the dashed line) that is radially and uniformly spaced from the central opening 5006-4 by a first radial distance D1, and a nose or lobe portion 5006-7 (the range indicated by the dashed line) that defines the apex 5006-8 of the arcuate bend. The portion of the lobe portion 5006-7 that includes the apex is radially outwardly spaced from the base curve portion and is at a second radial distance D2 from the central opening that is greater than the distance D1. D2 may represent the maximum distance, while D1 may represent the minimum distance. In one embodiment, a transition portion 5006-9 of the cam track 5006-5 may be provided between the base curve and the lobe portions 5006-6, 5006-7, where the radial distance varies between the first and second distances D1, D2. As shown, the lobe portion 5006-7 may be located at a quarter of the cam ring 5006, while the base curve and the transition portion may occupy most of the remaining three-quarters.

[0528] In one embodiment, the cam ring 5006 may have a one-piece integral structure, where the cam track 5006 is recessed into one side of the ring, as previously described herein. In other embodiments, the cam ring 5006 may be an assembly of discrete annular outer and inner ring members that are rigidly fixed to a common annular backplate (e.g., see cam ring 5506, Figures 208 - 210 ). The annular members are radially spaced apart to define the cam track 5006-5. For more details on the cam ring assembly, reference is made to the description of the cam ring 5506 herein.

[0529] When collecting and discharging the soil sample core captured by the blade 5001, the cam track 5006-5 actuates the piston mechanism 5020. The piston mechanism 5020 includes: an elongated soil sample collection sleeve or cylinder 5022 having an open internal through-channel extending between its ends; and an elongated piston rod 5023 that is slidably reciprocated linearly and radially within the cylinder when actuated by the cam track in the cam ring 5006. The collection cylinder 5022 is fixedly mounted to the blade 5001 in an elongated radial slot 5024 formed in the blade. The cylinder 5022 can be welded to the blade in one configuration. Thus, the piston mechanism 5020 rotates with the blade 5001 to capture the soil sample core. In one embodiment, the slot 5024 can be a through-slot that penetrates the two main surfaces 5001-1, 5001-2 of the blade. The slot 5024 defines a radial actuation axis AA along which the piston rod 5023 reciprocates within the cylinder 5022. The axis AA intersects the center of the blade center opening 5005 and is perpendicular to the rotational axis RA1. The collection cylinder 5022 can project above the main surfaces 5001-1, 5001-2 of the blade 5001 to facilitate the capture of the soil plug or core (e.g., see Figure 143 ).

[0530] The cam follower 5021 is fixedly deployed on the inner end 5023-1 of the piston rod 5023 and operably engages the cam track 5006-5. In one embodiment, the follower 5021 can be T-shaped with opposing ends that similarly project above the main surfaces 5001-1, 5001-2 of the blade 5001; one end is inserted into the cam track (e.g., see Figure 148 ). The cam follower 5021 can be cylindrical and oriented perpendicular to the piston rod 5023. A tubular bushing 5025 can be rotatably deployed on the cam follower to interface with the cam track 5006-5. Thus, as the follower moves around through the track as the blade 5001 rotates, the bushing 5025 provides a smooth rolling / sliding engagement with the cam track 5006-5, causing the piston rod 5023 to linearly reciprocate back and forth in position based on the shape of the cam track (noting that the cam ring 5006 remains stationary as previously described herein). The follower and the cam track convert the rotational motion of the blade 5001 into linear motion of the piston rod 5023 to capture and discharge the soil core from the collection cylinder 5022.

[0531] The outer end 5023-2 of the piston rod 5023 can be expanded in a diametrical direction relative to the adjacent portion of the rod. During the operation of the rod 5023 when the blade 5001 rotates, the outer end 5023-2 selectively opens or closes the outer soil collection end 5022-2 of the collection cylinder 5022 and a pair of lateral holes 5022-1 therein. The outer end of the cylinder is inwardly spaced from the outer end 5024-2 of the radial slot 5024 to form an opening gap or recess 5024-3 in the blade 5001 to allow soil to enter or discharge from the outer end 5023-2 of the cylinder 5022. In one embodiment, the inner end 5024-1 of the slot can intersect the central opening 5005 of the blade 5001. The tubular rod retaining end cap 5026 can be mounted to the inner end 5022-3 of the cylinder 5022 to retain the rod 5023 therein. For this purpose, the end cap 5026 has a through hole larger than the expanded outer end 5023-2 of the piston rod 50223. Thus, the diameter of the rest of the rod is smaller than the through hole to allow the rod to slide back and forth through the end cap 5026.

[0532] The operation of the plow blade assembly 5000 for capturing and discharging soil samples will now be described with reference to FIGS. 149-152. Figure 149A The sample collection piston mechanism 5020 is shown in a first operating position. When the blade 5001 rotates through the soil (see the rotation direction arrows in these figures), the collection cylinder 5022 of the piston mechanism is then located above the surface 5003 of the ground or soil 5002. The cam follower 5021 is shown just leaving the transition portion 5006-9 of the cam track 5006-5 in the cam ring 5006. As Figure 149B shown, via the operation of the follower 5021, the piston rod 5023 is in a flush position such that the outer end 5023-2 of the piston rod is flush with the outer end 5022-2 of the cylinder 5022. This closes the other end 5022-2 of the cylinder 5020 to prevent soil from entering the cylinder.

[0533] Figure 150A The blade 5001 is shown rotating further, where the sample collection piston mechanism 5020 is in a second operating position. In this position, the collection cylinder 5022 is below the surface 5003 of the soil. The cam follower 5021 is now shown in the base curve portion 5006-6 of the cam track 5006-5. Since the base curve portion 5006-6 is closer to the central opening 5005 of the blade 5001, this radially pulls the piston rod 5023 inwardly within the cylinder 5022. As Figure 150BAs shown, the piston rod 5023 is now in the retracted position by the operation of the follower 5021, such that the outer end 5023-2 of the piston rod is no longer flush with the outer end 5022-2 of the cylinder 5022, but is recessed into the outer end 5022-2 of the cylinder 5022 (note that the rear transverse hole 5022-1 can now be seen due to the absence of the piston rod end). Thus, a cavity is formed in the terminal outer end 5022-2 of the cylinder 5022, and this cavity defines a collection port for soil to enter the cylinder to fill the cavity, thereby capturing a soil plug or core when the piston mechanism is driven into the ground (see the soil orientation arrow). The exact timing of this occurrence (i.e., the piston rod 5023 retracts to open the end 5022-2 of the cylinder 5022) can be adjusted by changing the shape and length of the various parts of the cam track 5006-5 in order to vary the soil sample collection depth. By providing a plurality of piston mechanisms for the cylinders that are circumferentially spaced around the blade 5001 and have different radial lengths, the collection depth can also be varied. This will change the position at which the collection ends of the cylinders drop relative to the radial distance from the central opening of the blade 5001. In some embodiments, a plurality of sample collection piston mechanisms 5020 with cylinders 5022 of different lengths can be provided.

[0534] Figure 151A The blade 5001 is shown rotated further, where the sample collection piston mechanism 5020 is in the third operating position. In this position, the collection cylinder 5022 is again above the surface 5003 of the soil. However, the cam follower 5021 remains within the base curve portion 5006-6 of the cam track 5006-5. As Figure 151B shown, the piston rod 5023 remains in the retracted position and the soil core remains stuck in the outer end 5022-2 of the cylinder 5022 (note that the rear transverse hole 5022-1 can now be seen due to the absence of the piston rod end). A cavity is formed in the end 5022-2 of the cylinder 5022 for soil to enter the cylinder to fill the cavity and capture soil when the piston mechanism is driven into the ground (see the soil orientation arrow). The exact timing of this occurrence (i.e., the piston rod 5023 retracts to open the end 5022-2 of the cylinder 5022) can be adjusted by changing the shape and length of the various parts of the cam track 5006-5.

[0535] Figure 152AShows the blade 5001 rotating further, where the sample collection piston mechanism 5020 is in the fourth operating position. In this position, the collection cylinder 5022 is still below the surface 5003 of the soil. The cam follower 5021 is now shown in the cam corner portion 5006-7 of the cam track 5006-5. Since the cam corner portion 5006-7 is the farthest from the central opening 5005 of the blade 5001, this radially pushes the piston rod 5023 outward within the cylinder 5022. As Figure 152B shown, the piston rod 5023 is now in the protruding position by the operation of the follower 5021, such that the outer end 5023-2 of the piston rod extends beyond the outer end 5022-2 of the cylinder 5022, thus effectively ejecting the captured soil plug or soil core (see soil orientation arrow), and the captured soil plug or soil core is then collected by the collection container for further processing and analysis using other parts of the mixing and chemical analysis system described herein.

[0536] Rotatable - shaft sample collection probe

[0537] Figures 153 - 178B Depicts an embodiment of a ground-engaging plow blade assembly 5100 for collecting soil samples using an on-vehicle sample collection device or probe in the form of a rotatable collection shaft 5101. A plurality of angularly spaced collection shafts can be provided. Each collection shaft 5101 rotates about a radial axis of rotation relative to the plow blade or blade 5001 of the assembly and includes one or more openable / closable collection ports 5102 actuated by a sprocket mechanism 5103 to alternately open and close the collection ports, as further described herein. The ports 5102 are arranged to retrieve soil sample plugs or soil cores at different preselected depths as the plow blade rolls and cuts into the ground. The soil cores are then ejected / extracted from the collection shaft 5101 and transferred to a collection container. The plow blade assembly 5100 can be mounted to the frame of a wheeled sample collection vehicle (e.g., a tractor, etc.) powered by an engine and passing through a farm field or to a trailer towed by the vehicle to collect soil samples.

[0538] The plow blade assembly 5100 generally includes many of the same components as the plow blade assembly 5000 described previously herein. This includes the disk-shaped body or blade 5001, the blade hub 5004 for mounting the blade thereto, the outer hub collar 5007 fixedly attached to and rotatable with the hub, and the annular bearing 5008. For the sake of brevity, these components will not be described here again. This plow blade assembly is assembled in the manner shown in the drawings and further described below.

[0539] The collection shaft 5101 may have an elongated solid cylindrical body that includes a plurality of laterally opened collection ports 5102 axially spaced along its length. As shown, the collection ports 5102 may be through holes that open from two opposite sides of the shaft 5101. The remaining two sides of the shaft are solid and closed. In the illustrated embodiment, the ports 5102 may be in the form of radially elongated slots; however, ports of other shapes may be provided, including circular ports. Any number of collection ports 5102 may be provided depending on the quantity and depth of the desired soil samples.

[0540] The collection shaft 5101 is mounted on the blade 5001 and may rotate independently relative to the blade in an elongated radial slot 5107. Thus, the shaft 5101 is supported by the blade 5001 and rotates angularly with the blade 5001 as the blade moves through the soil to capture a soil sample core. However, the collection shaft 5101 also rotates about its own axis of rotation Rc independently of the blade 5001 to selectively collect soil samples depending on the rotational position of the shaft. In one embodiment, the slot 5107 may be a through slot that extends through two major surfaces 5001-1, 5001-2 of the blade. In one embodiment, the slot may be generally T-shaped, having a continuous lateral portion 5107-1 at the inner end of the slot that is wider than the longer pen-shaped radial portion 5107-2.

[0541] The radial centerline of the slot 5107 defines the radial axis of rotation Rc of the collection shaft 5101, which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation RA1 of the blade 5001, and the axis of rotation RA1 is defined by the axle 5009 attached to the blade hub 5004. The axis Rc intersects the center of the blade central opening 5005.

[0542] The collection shaft 5101 is rotatably supported on the blade 5001 within the slot 5107 by inner and outer bearings 5106 disposed at each end of the shaft. Any suitable type of bearing, including cylindrical bushings, can be used to support the shaft. A pair of radially elongated guide shields 5108 can be provided; each of which is mounted on opposite sides of the slot 5107 (either within or adjacent to the slot). The shields 5108 can be mounted substantially flush with the main surfaces 5001-1, 5001-2 of the blade 5001, or can project slightly above the main surfaces as shown in the illustrated embodiment. The shields 5108 can be formed of flat metal strips of the blade 5001 fixedly attached to each side of the slot by spot welding or other means. The collection shaft 5101 is rotatably disposed between the shields 5108. The bearings 5106 can in turn be fixedly mounted to the shields 5108, and the collection shaft 5101 is rotatably supported by the bearings as described above. The shields 5108 assist in properly positioning and locating the collection shaft 5101 and / or the bearings (e.g., bushings) within the slot 5107 on the blade 5001. Notably, the guide shields also advantageously assist in shielding and blocking the collection port 5102 in the shaft 5101 when rotated to the closed position to prevent soil from entering the port when collection is not desired.

[0543] The collection shaft 5101 is rotatable between an open position and a closed position, in which the collection port 5102 is open to capture soil and in which the collection port is closed to prevent soil from entering the collection port. In the open position, the collection port 5102 of the collection shaft 5101 can project at least slightly above the guide shields 5108 to facilitate entry of a soil sample into the collection port 5102. Additionally, in the open position, the collection port 5102 of the shaft 5101 faces away from the slot 5107 and is exposed to capture soil on either side of the double open port. In the closed position where a soil sample is not desired, the collection port of the shaft 5101 faces inwardly towards the opposite side of the slot 5107 and the plane of the blade 5001. This exposes the solid side of the collection shaft to the soil, thereby preventing soil from entering the collection port 5102. Additionally, in the closed position, the collection shaft 5101 can be configured to have a non-circular cross-section at least at the port location, such that its outer profile is partially or substantially flush with the guide shields 5108 to further prevent soil from entering the collection port 5102 along its direction under the baffle 5108. Thus, in one non-limiting embodiment, the opposite solid sides of the collection shaft 5101 can be planar or flat, and the open side of the shaft having the collection port 5102 can be arcuately curved and convex to enhance the foregoing function of capturing soil samples.

[0544] To actuate and rotate the collection shaft 5102 between its open and closed positions, a rotation mechanism such as a sprocket mechanism 5103 is provided to rotate the collection shaft 5101 to selectively collect soil samples at a predetermined depth. In one embodiment, the sprocket mechanism 5103 includes an annular cam timing or indexing ring 5104 and a sprocket 5105 fixedly attached to the inner end of the collection shaft 5101 at an inner bearing 5106 that meshes with the ring. As previously described herein, the indexing ring 5104 is fixedly mounted via a bracket 5101 to the frame of the engine-driven wheeled sampling vehicle (similar to the cam ring 5006). Thus, when the blade 5001 and the collection shaft 5101 rotate about the wheel axis 5009, the indexing ring 5104 remains stationary.

[0545] Reference Figures 165 - 172 , the sprocket 5105 can be any type of gear-shaped or toothed sprocket, gear, pinion, (one or more) lever, or other geometry (hereinafter simply referred to as "sprocket") mounted at the inner end of the collection shaft 5101, having a configuration designed to operatively engage one or more mating indexing segments 5104-5 having a cam profile disposed on the indexing ring 5104. In one embodiment, a plurality of indexing segments 5104-5 are provided. The indexing segments 5104-5 can each have a wavy cam configuration or profile in a side view, which operatively engages and rotates the sprocket 5105. The indexing segments can each include a series of alternating protruding projections or teeth, bevels, and recesses, the sequence and dimensions of which are selected to engage and actuate / rotate the sprocket arm or lug 5105-1, thereby rotating the collection shaft 5101 as it rotates with the plow blade 5100. The indexing segments 5104-5 are circumferentially spaced apart at a predetermined interval, which is spaced by flat areas on the indexing ring 5104 that do not actuate or rotate the sprocket. The cam profile segments 5104-5 can have an arcuately curved shape in a plan view on the annular indexing ring.

[0546] The indexing ring 5104 has a generally flat annular body that includes a central opening 5104-4, a first major surface 5104-1, an opposing second major surface 5104-2 parallel to the first major surface, and a peripheral side surface 5104-3 extending between the surfaces. In one embodiment, the first major surface 5104-1 may be flat. When assembled, the second major surface 5104-2 faces the blade 5001 and includes indexing segments 5104-5. In some embodiments, two or more indexing segments 5104-5 may be provided. In the non-limiting illustrated embodiment, four may be provided and they may be circumferentially spaced apart at uniform arc lengths. The indexing segments 5104-5 are circumferentially spaced apart around the indexing ring at specific discrete intervals or positions that are selected to actuate (i.e., rotate) the collection shaft 5101 at a predetermined interval in conjunction with the rotational timing of the blade 5001 to open or close the sample collection port 5102 in the shaft, thereby collecting soil samples. Accordingly, the indexing segments 5104-5 are used in cooperation with the rotational position of the blade 5001 to precisely time and rotationally position the sprocket 5105 to capture or not capture soil samples by opening or closing the collection port 5102 based on the rotational positions of the blade and the collection shaft 5101 (e.g., above or in the soil and depth), as further described herein.

[0547] Figure 164 A side perspective view is depicted that shows a cross-section of an example of the indexing segment 5104-5. Figure 163 is taken from Figure 162Cross-section of the indexing segment. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the indexing segment may include a pair of arcuately spaced raised projections or teeth 5110, 5114. A recess or valley 5113 is formed between the teeth, and the depth of the recess or valley 5113 defines the thickness T2 of the indexing ring 5104 (measured between the top major surface 5104-1 and the bottom major surface 5104-2). For example, this thickness T2 is less than the baseline thickness T1 of the non-indexed flat portion of the ring. In one embodiment, the valley 5113 may be separated from the front tooth 5110 by a short flat portion 5115 of the indexing ring 5104, and the arcuate length of the short flat portion 5115 is less than the arcuate length between the front and rear teeth 5110, 5114. This defines a flat ledge or shelf 5112 at the rear side of the front tooth 5110 in front of the valley 5113. The valley 5113 may be disposed at the front side of the rear tooth 5114 and adjacent to the tooth. The rear / front teeth or sides are defined herein by the directional rotation of the plow 5100 and the sprocket 5105, as the sprocket initially engages and rotates through each indexing segment 5104-5. In one embodiment, the front tooth 5110 may include an inclined ramp 5111 on the front side to more gradually engage and rotate the lug 5105-1 of the sprocket 5105. The thickness T3 of the indexing ring 5104 at each tooth 5110, 5114 measured between the apex of the tooth and the bottom surface 5104-2 of the ring is greater than the baseline thickness T1 of the flat portion 5115 of the ring. In other embodiments, other numbers and configurations of the indexing segments 5104-5 and teeth / valleys are possible.

[0548] In a non-limiting embodiment, the sprocket 5105 may include a plurality of radially projecting arms or lugs 5105-1 arranged to engage the indexing segments 5104-5 of the indexing ring 5104. In this example, four lugs 5105-1 are provided; however, other embodiments may have more or fewer lugs. As shown, the lugs 5105-1 may be arranged in two diagonal pairs that are evenly spaced around the sprocket.

[0549] It will be appreciated that in other possible embodiments, the sprocket 5105 may be a conventional gear drive sprocket with uniform teeth that extend the entire 360 degrees, and each mating indexing segment 5104-5 may be a gear or rack with conventional teeth selected to engage the teeth of the sprocket. In other embodiments, other arrangements of sprockets and indexing segments that are configured and engage with each other may be used.

[0550] Now reference will be made to Figures 173A - 178BBriefly describe the operation of the plow blade assembly 5100 for capturing and discharging soil samples. By changing the geometry of the indexer (i.e., the position and number of indexing segments 5104-5 on the indexing ring 5104 and their configuration), the plow blade assembly 5100 can be used to close or open the collection port 5102 on the collection shaft 5101 at any point during the rotation of the plow blade.

[0551] Figure 173A -B shows the plow blade assembly in a first operating position, with the collection shaft 5101 at approximately the 8 o'clock position (lower left quadrant of the blade profile). The sample collection shaft 5101 is in a fully closed position and is rotated so that the collection port 5102 is closed to the entry of soil. The blade 5001 and the shaft assembly rotate in a counterclockwise direction (arcing from left to right in the figure), and the sprocket 5102 is about to contact the indexing ring 5104. As the blade 5001 rotates through the soil (see the rotation direction arrows for the blade and shaft in these figures), the collection shaft 5101 is located above the surface 5003 of the ground or soil 5002. It should be remembered that the blade and shaft rotate relative to the indexing ring 5104 that is fixed to the frame of the wheeled sample collection vehicle.

[0552] Figure 174A -B shows the plow blade assembly in a second operating position, which is rotated further downward to a position closer to the 6 o'clock position. The sample collection shaft 5101 remains in the closed position and is rotated with the collection port 5102 closed. However, as the blade 5001 rotates through the soil, the collection shaft 5101 has now penetrated the surface 5003 of the ground or soil 5002. The sprocket 5102 has initially engaged with one of the indexing segments 5104-5 (i.e., the front tooth 5110) to initiate the rotation of the collection shaft 5101.

[0553] Figure 175A -B shows the plow blade assembly in a third operating position, which is rotated further downward to a position closer to the 6 o'clock position than before. The sprocket 5102 further engages with the indexing segment, which continues to rotate the collection shaft 5101 and further opens the sample collection port 5102, which is still not open enough to collect soil. The indexing segment 5104-5 kicks down the rear lug of the sprocket, causing the front lug of the sprocket to droop. The collection shaft 5101 is in a partially open position, but is approximately less than half open at this engagement.

[0554] Figure 176A-B shows the plow blade assembly in a fourth operating position, rotated further downward, almost at the 6 o'clock position. The sprocket 5102 is now more fully engaged with the indexing segment 5104-5. The front lug of the sprocket is pulled back by the indexing segment, which continues to rotate the collection shaft 5101 and further opens the sample collection ports 5102, such that they are approximately half open. This is the midpoint between the fully closed position and the fully open position of the collection shaft 5101.

[0555] Figure 177A -B shows the plow blade assembly in a fifth operating position, where the collection shaft 5101 is rotated further downward to the vertical 6 o'clock position in the soil. The sprocket 5102 is further engaged with the indexing segment 5104-5, which continues to rotate the collection shaft 5101 to its fully open position, while the outward-facing collection ports 5102 are now fully open to retrieve the soil sample plug or core. By varying the construction and design of the indexing features (i.e., teeth, valleys, etc.) of the indexing ring 5104 relative to the indexing segment 5104-5, their number, and their position along the ring, the position of the port opening and the length of time the container remains open can be varied at any rotational position of the plow blade 5001 and the collection shaft 5101. Making such adjustments to achieve the desired opening and closing timing of the collection ports is within the ability of those skilled in the art without further undue elaboration.

[0556] Figure 178A -B shows the plow blade assembly in a sixth operating state, where the collection shaft 5101 is rotated upward beyond the 6 o'clock position, closer to the 3 o'clock position. When the blade 5001 and the collection shaft 5101 are rotated beyond the first indexing second, the first indexing segment 5104-5 has disengaged from the sprocket 5102. The second indexing segment 5104-5 has now engaged with and disengaged from the sprocket 5102, causing it to rotate further such that the collection shaft 5101 returns to its fully closed position, as shown, and the collection ports 5102 are again fully closed as the plow blade assembly continues to roll; the process is very similar to the process of exposing the collection ports described above. The sprocket 5102 is shown disengaged from the second indexing segment 5104-5 and traveling on one of the flat portions 5115 of the indexing ring 5104, which is not operable to engage and rotate the collection shaft 5101, thus maintaining its closed position.

[0557] Once the plow blade assembly (e.g., blade 5001 and collection shaft 5101) rotates to a position where the collection shaft 5101 is above the ground or soil surface, then the next successive indexing segment 5104-5 engages and rotates the sprocket 5105 to again rotate the collection shaft to its fully open position so that the collected soil sample (e.g., soil plug or soil core) can be removed by any suitable means (e.g., blown towards the collection port via pressurized air or inserted with a mechanical ejector, such as a rod or lever passing through the port, as some non-limiting examples).

[0558] Slider sample collection probe

[0559] Figures 179 - 185 An embodiment of a ground-engaging plow blade assembly 5200 is depicted that collects soil samples with an on-board sample collection probe in the form of a linearly movable collection slider 5201. The collection slider 5201 is radially movable along an actuation axis AA perpendicular to the rotational axis RA1 of the plow blade 5001. Each slider operates to selectively open / close a corresponding collection recess or port 5202 formed within a radial slot 5203 in the blade. The collection port 5202 can extend completely through the blade 5001 between its major surfaces. The slider 5201 is actuated by a fixed cam ring 5204 (e.g., similar to the cam ring 5006 previously described herein) to alternately open and close the collection port as the plow blade 5001 rotates. The port 5102 is arranged and can be configured to retrieve a soil sample plug or soil core at the same or different preselected depths as the plow blade rolls and cuts into the ground. The collected soil core is then ejected / extracted from the collection port 5202 and transferred to a collection container. The plow blade assembly 5200 can be mounted to the frame or trailer of a wheeled sample collection vehicle (e.g., a tractor, etc.) powered by an engine that traverses a farm field to collect soil samples.

[0560] The plow blade assembly 5200 generally includes many of the same components as the plow blade assembly 5000 previously described herein. This includes the disk-shaped plow blade 5001, the blade hub 5004 to which the blade is mounted, the outer hub collar 5007 fixedly attached to and rotatable with the hub, and the annular bearing 5008. For the sake of brevity and clarity, these components will not be described again here and are not shown in Figures 179 - 185 For simplicity, the blade hub 5004, hub collar 5007, and bearing 5008 are represented by dashed lines. This plow blade assembly is assembled in the manner shown in the drawings and is further described below.

[0561] The collection slider 5201 can have an elongated solid rectangular body that has a rigid rod-like construction (in Figure 181(best shown in). The slider 5201 occupies most of the length of each radial slot 5203, and preferably more than 3 / 4 of its length, but does not occupy the entire length of the slot, to allow an openable / closable collection port 5202 to be formed at the outer end of each radial slot. The slider 5201 is slidably held in each radial slot 5203 by a plurality of mounting straps 5205 fixed to opposite sides of the blade 5001 (i.e., the blade main surfaces 5001-1 and 5001-2). The straps 5205 straddle or bridge over the collection slider 5201 and span thereabove, thereby capturing the slider between them within the radial slot 5203. The straps 5205 can be fixedly attached to the plow blade 5001 by any suitable means (such as but not limited to spot welding, adhesives, fasteners, or others). The straps 5205 can be arranged in pairs directly opposite each other on the blade main surfaces 5001-1 and 5001-2.

[0562] The collection slider 5201 is selectively and automatically actuated by a cam mechanism provided by an annular cam ring 5204 and a follower 5206 mounted at the inner end of the collection slider 5201. Each slider 5201 can be linearly and radially moved independently of each other via the configuration of the cam ring 5204. The cam ring 5204 is configured to be fixedly attached to the frame of the wheeled collection vehicle via, for example, Figure 137 and Figure 139 the mounting bracket 5010 shown in. Thus, the cam ring 5204 remains stationary and fixed in place relative to the plow blade 5001, and the plow blade has a collection slider 5201 that rotates when the blade is pulled or pushed through the soil.

[0563] The cam ring 5204 can be similar in structure and configuration to the cam ring 5006 and includes the same components / parts described in detail hereinbefore, which will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, the shape of the cam track 5006-5 can be similar to that of the cam ring 5006, or the cam ring 5204 can have a 360-degree cam track with a different configuration. In either case, the portion of the cam track 5006-5 and the central opening 5006-4 of the cam ring 5204 are spaced apart by changing the radial distances D1 (minimum) and D2 (maximum) to selectively slide the collection slider 5201 radially outward and inward. Other positions within the cam track 5006-5 can vary between the distances D1 and D2.

[0564] In one embodiment, the follower 5206 can be formed by an annular bearing 5207 that is mounted to the inner end of each collection slider 5201 by any suitable means. In one example, the bearing 5207 can be a ball bearing. In one embodiment, the follower bearing 5207 can be mounted to the slider 5201 via fasteners such as a nut and bolt 5208 assembly; such as the nut and bolt 5208 assembly passing through holes in the bearing and the slider as shown. When the follower 5206 moves along the annular track in the cam ring 5204, this allows the follower 5206 to rotate about the bolt that defines the follower axis. The follower 5206 associated with each collection slider 5201 will travel through the cam track 5006-5 and cycle around the cam track 5006-5 to selectively actuate the slider and open / close the collection port 5202.

[0565] In operation, as the plow blade 5001 rotates, the cam track 5006-5 is configured to selectively open and close the collection port 5202 at different rotational positions of the blade to collect a soil sample or prevent the collection of a soil sample (which is similar to the operation of the cam ring 5006 described previously herein). Each slider 5201 is actuated independently to fully radially extend within its radial slot 5203 when rotated into the soil to close its collection port 5202, thus preventing sample collection. After the blade 5001 enters the soil, the slider 5201 embedded in the soil is fully radially pulled inward at a desired depth by the interaction between the cam track 5006-5 and the follower 5206 (representing the portion of the track associated with distance D1). This fully opens the collection port 5202 at the outer end of the radial slot 5203 to retrieve the soil sample. Before the collection port 5202 rotates out of the desired depth, the slider begins to close to hold the sample in the port. The cam ring 5204 continues to apply pressure to the collection slider 5201 via the cam follower 5206, such that the collected soil sample is packed and held in the collection port 5202. After the sample exits the soil, the cam ring 5204 begins to open the slider 5201 to relieve the pressure on the sample, thus allowing the extraction of the sample. At a location above the soil surface, the soil sample is removed pneumatically or mechanically in a manner similar to that described herein for the plow blade assembly 5000 with piston operation. After extraction, as the blade 5001 continues to rotate, the now-empty collection port 5202 is then fully re-closed by the slider 5201 via the cam ring 5204, and then the slider 5201 enters the soil again. When the slider 5201 enters the soil again and reaches the desired collection depth, the collection port 5202 will open again in the same manner as described above to retrieve a second soil sample. It should be noted that this process occurs for each of the multiple sample collection sliders 5201 and collection ports 5202 deployed on the plow blade. Thus, samples can be collected simultaneously or semi-simultaneously by one lower slider 5201 and samples can be extracted from another upper slider. Any desired number of sliders can be provided.

[0566] It will be appreciated that by configuring the shape of the cam track 5006-5 of the cam ring 5204 to time the opening / closing of the collection port 5202, soil samples can be collected at various depths. Setting an appropriate cam ring configuration for collecting samples at a desired depth is well known to those skilled in the art.

[0567] The outer terminal 5201-1 of the collection slider 5201 and the outer terminal 5203-1 of the radial slot 5203 (which define the collection port 5202 therebetween) can have various configurations that define the shape of the collection port 5202. Figures 179 - 185 Straight terminals of the slider and slot forming a straight-line geometry of the collection bag are shown (Figure 182 (best shown in Figure 186 Another non-linear, undulating end shape with variable geometry of the slider and slot is shown. This geometry creates multiple arcuate bends and concave sub-pockets 5203-2, which are well-suited for collecting and retaining various soils. The sub-pockets 5203-2 may have the same or different dimensions as shown. Other geometries may be used for the collection port 5202.

[0568] Figure 187 A non-limiting example is shown of how a cam ring 5204 with a cam track 5006-5 is configured to open or close the collection port 5202 in a timed manner by the operation of a slider 5201 to collect, retain, and remove soil samples using a plow blade assembly 5200. This illustration shows the rotational progression of a single collection slider 5201 and port 5202 as the blade 5001 rotates through the soil and is self-explanatory. It will be appreciated that the blade 5001 will include multiple angled / circumferentially spaced collection sliders, such as as Figure 179 shown in

[0569] Figure 188 An alternative variant of the sample collection plow blade assembly 5200 for collecting soil samples at different depths using a single plow blade 5001 is shown. While Figures 179 - 187 the collection sliders 5201 and radial slots 5203 in

[0570] Slider sample collection probe with shielded ports

[0571] Figures 189 - 196 depict an alternative embodiment of a ground-engaging plow blade assembly 5300 for collecting soil samples in the form of a linearly movable collection slider 5301 using an airborne sample collection probe. The plow blade assembly 5300, which includes an elongate collection slider 5301, is substantially identical to the plow blade assembly 5200 described above and functions in the same manner. The collection slider 5301 is selectively and automatically actuated via the same cam mechanism provided by an annular cam ring 5204 and a follower 5206 mounted at the inner end of the collection slider 5301. For brevity, these same components and their operation for collecting soil samples will not be repeated here.

[0572] In contrast, the present design variant implemented in the plow blade assembly 5300 differs in that each slider 5301 further includes a plurality of outward-facing collection ports 5302, which are radially spaced along the length of the slider to capture soil samples at different depths. The collection ports 5302 may preferably be openings passing through two opposite sides (e.g., the front side and the rear side) of the slider to allow the extracted soil samples to be mechanically or pneumatically discharged from the ports for chemical processing / analysis. In one embodiment, the collection ports 5302 may be round holes or small apertures.

[0573] Each collection port 5302 in the slider 5301 has a pair of associated mounting bands 5205 that are fixed to opposite sides of the blade 5001 (i.e., the blade main surfaces 5001-1 and 5001-2); the same as in the plow blade assembly 5200. As previously described herein, the bands 5205 straddle or bridge over the collection slider 5201 or bridge over it, thereby capturing the slider between them within the radial slot 5203. The band 5201 rotates with the plow blade 5001 and remains fixed relative to it. The slider 5301 operates in the same manner as the slider 5201 previously described herein, and thus reciprocates in a radial linear direction under the band.

[0574] However, the band 5205 in the plow blade assembly 5300 acts as a protective cover that alternately exposes or hides the collection ports 5302 below it as the blade 5001 rotates through the soil. As Figures 190 - 192 shown, the slider 5301 can move between a first radial position and a second radial position. In the first radial position, the collection ports 5302 are retracted and covered by the band 5205 to prevent the collection of soil samples / cores (e.g., see the slider at the 3 o'clock position). In the second radial position, the collection ports are exposed and uncovered from below the band (e.g., see the slider at the 6 o'clock position) so as to capture soil samples when exposed to the below, or extract the collected samples when exposed to the above.

[0575] In operation, when the plow blade 5001 rotates, each slider 5301 linearly reciprocates within its radial slot 5203 due to interaction with a fixed cam mechanism (i.e., the cam ring 5204 and the follower 5206 on each slider). As Figure 190 shown, during blade rotation, this linear motion alternately exposes or hides the collection ports 5302 (note the open port at the 6 o'clock position and the closed ports at the 9 o'clock and 10 o'clock positions). Figure 195 and Figure 196 The ports 5302 in the closed position and the open position are also respectively shown.

[0576] The plow blade assembly 5300 generally includes many of the same components as the plow blade assembly 5000 described previously herein. This includes the disk-shaped plow blade 5001, the blade hub 5004 to which the blade is mounted, the outer hub collar 5007 fixedly attached to and rotatable with the hub, and the annular bearing 5008. For the sake of brevity and clarity, these components will not be described again herein and are not shown in Figures 189 - 196 . For simplicity, the blade hub 5004, the hub collar 5007, and the bearing 5008 are represented by dashed lines. This plow blade assembly is assembled in the manner shown in the figures.

[0577] Rotatable - mandrel collection probe

[0578] Figures 197 - 206 An embodiment of a ground-engaging plow blade assembly 5400 is depicted that is adapted to collect soil samples with an airborne sample collection probe. The collection probe may include a tubular assembly that includes a rotatable inner collection mandrel 5401 that is enclosed within a hollow outer protective shield tube 5403 that is fixedly mounted to and rotatable with the plow blade 5001. A plurality of angularly spaced pairs of collection mandrels and shield tubes may be provided on the plow blade 5001. Each collection mandrel 5401 rotates about a radial axis of rotation Rc relative to the plow blade 5001 of the assembly and includes one or more openable / closable collection ports 5402 that are actuated by the cam ring 5104 of the sprocket mechanism 5103 described previously herein to alternately open and close the collection ports, as further described herein. As the plow blade rolls and cuts into the ground, the ports 5402 are arranged to retrieve soil sample plugs or cores at different preselected depths. The cores are then ejected / extracted from the collection mandrels 5401 and transferred to a collection container. The plow blade assembly 5400 may be mounted on the frame of a wheeled sample collection vehicle (e.g., a tractor, etc.) driven by an engine and passing through a farm field or on an implement pulled thereby to collect soil samples.

[0579] The plow blade assembly 5400 generally includes many of the same components as the plow blade assembly 5000 described previously herein. This includes the disk-shaped body or blade 5001, the blade hub 5004 to which the blade is mounted, the outer hub collar 5007 fixedly attached to and rotatable with the hub, and the annular bearing 5008. For the sake of brevity, these components will not be described here again. This plow blade assembly is assembled in the manner shown in the figures and is further described below.

[0580] The collection mandrel 5401 may have an elongate solid cylindrical body that includes a plurality of laterally opening collection ports 5402 axially spaced along its length. As shown, the collection ports 5402 may be ports that open from two opposite sides of the mandrel 5401. The remaining two sides of the shaft are solid and closed. In the illustrated embodiment, the ports 5402 may be in the form of circular through-holes extending transverse to the axis of rotation Rc; however, ports of other shapes may be provided, including elongate ports in the form of slits. Any number of collection ports 5402 may be provided depending on the quantity and depth of the desired soil samples.

[0581] Each outer protective shield tube 5403 includes a plurality of spaced-apart windows 5404 formed along the length of the tube to provide access to the collection ports 5402 in the mandrel 5401. Thus, each window is located on the protective shield tube 5403 to align with a matching collection port 5402 in the mandrel 5401 within the tube. Accordingly, the collection ports and windows 5404 have the same spacing along the lengths of the protective shield tube 5403 and the mandrel 5401. This forms pairs of collection ports and concentrically aligned windows. The windows 5404 may be complementarily configured as the collection ports 5402. In the non-limiting illustrated embodiment, the windows 5404 and the collection ports 5402 each have a circular shape. In other embodiments, the windows 5404 and the collection ports 5402 may have other shapes, such as paired elongate slots. As shown, the protective shield tube windows 5404 are preferably through openings that extend through two opposite exposed sides of the protective shield tube 5403. The remaining two sides of the shaft are solid and closed.

[0582] The protective shield tubes 5403 are deployed in each of the elongate radial slots 5203 in the blade 5001. Opposite arcuate circumferential walls of the tube 5403 project outwardly above each major surface 5001-1, 5001-2 of the blade to better capture soil. Each protective shield tube 5403 is securely fixed or mounted to the blade 5001 in the slot 5203, such as by welding or other suitable fixing means. Thus, as the blade 5001 rotates, the protective shield tube 5403 remains stationary relative to the blade 5001. However, the collection mandrel 5401 mounted inside the protective shield tube 5403 may rotate relative to its tube about a radial axis of rotation Rc defined by the radial centerline of the axis blade 5001. Thus the mandrel 5401 rotates independently within the protective shield tube 5403 relative to the blade.

[0583] The collection mandrel 5401 is rotatably supported inside the protective shield tube 5403 by a plurality of radially spaced bearings 5405, as Figures 204 - 206Most clearly shown. As shown, the bearing 5405 can have an annular circular shape and can be formed by a diameter-expanded portion (relative to other portions of the mandrel) of the mandrel between the bearings. In one embodiment, the bearing 5405 can be formed as an integral structural part of the integral mandrel body. In one arrangement, the collection ports 5402 are formed through the bearings to provide a maximum volume in each port for collecting soil samples. In other contemplated embodiments, the collection ports 5402 can be formed in a diameter-narrower portion of the mandrel 5401 between the bearings 5405. Each collection port 5402 can be sealed within the shield tube 5403 by a pair of annular seals (such as O-rings) that are mounted in circumferential grooves of the bearing 5405 on each side of the port.

[0584] The collection mandrel 5401 can rotate between an open rotational position and a closed rotational position. In the open rotational position, the collection ports 5102 are each concentrically aligned and open with their mating shield tube windows 5404 to capture soil (e.g., see Figure 204 and Figure 206 ). In the closed rotational position, each collection port rotates away and is misaligned with its mating shield tube window and is closed to prevent soil from entering the collection port (e.g., see Figure 205 ). In the open position, the open windows of the shield tube 5403 project above the main surfaces 5001-2, 5001-2 to facilitate the entry of soil samples into the collection ports 5102. Additionally, in the open position, both the collection ports 5402 of the mandrel 5401 and the shield tube windows 5404 face away from the slot 5203 and are exposed to capture soil on either side of the double-open ports and windows. In the closed position where soil samples are not desired, the collection ports of the mandrel 5401 face inwardly toward the opposite side of the slot 5203 and are laterally oriented with respect to the plane of the blade 5001. This exposes the solid side of the collection mandrel to the shield tube window 5404, which prevents soil from entering the collection port 5402.

[0585] To actuate and rotate the collection mandrel 5401 between its open and closed positions, a rotary mechanism (such as but not limited to the sprocket mechanism 5103) can be used to rotate the collection mandrel so as to selectively collect soil samples at a predetermined depth. The sprocket mechanism 5103, which has been described above with respect to the plow blade probe assembly 5100, includes an annular timing or indexing ring 5104 and a sprocket 5105. In the present design, the sprocket 5105 can alternatively be fixedly attached to the inner end of the collection mandrel 5401 in a manner similar to that in which the sprocket is mounted to the collection shaft 5101 described previously herein. As described previously herein, the indexing ring 5104 is fixedly mounted to the frame of the engine-driven wheeled sampling vehicle (similar to the cam ring 5006) via a bracket 5101. Thus, when the blade 5001 and the collection shaft 5101 rotate about the wheel axle 5009, the indexing ring 5104 remains stationary.

[0586] When the plow blade 5400 rotates, the collection port 5402 alternately opens and closes in generally the same manner as described previously herein with respect to the plow blade assembly 5100 to collect or prevent the collection of soil samples.

[0587] Piston - operated sample collection probe with flexible cam ring

[0588] Figures 207 - 216 A variant of the piston-operated plow blade assembly 5000 of Figures 137 - 15 2 is described for collecting soil samples. In the present embodiment, the same piston mechanism 5020 is provided, which includes a cam follower 5021 fixedly deployed at the inner end 5023-1 of a piston rod 5023 operably engaged with a cam track 5006-5A. However, the rigid-structured annular cam ring 5006 of the plow blade assembly 5000 is modified and replaced in the present plow blade assembly 5500 by an elastically deformable cam ring 5506. At least a portion of the cam ring 5506, or in some embodiments, the entire cam ring 5506, can be formed of an elastically deformable elastic material having an elastic memory.

[0589] One potential disadvantage of a rigid-structured plow blade cam ring is that in some cases, when it reciprocates while tilling the soil to collect samples, it may not be structurally capable of withstanding any substantial mechanical resistance or a temporary jam in the piston mechanism. Such resistance or blockage can be caused by debris or rocks / stones in the soil. In some cases, if the jam is severe enough, it may lead to a potential failure of the piston mechanism of the plow blade assembly. For example, if a jam occurs, the cam ring will exert a force on the cam follower 5021 sufficient to damage certain parts of the jammed mechanism (such as the piston rod 5023, the collection cylinder 5022, the bushing 5025, etc.), thereby impairing the ability of the plow blade to collect soil samples.

[0590] To prevent such an overstress event from occurring on the piston mechanism, a deformable cam ring 5506 is provided in the present embodiment. The cam ring 5506 can be made of a durable, semi-rigid but elastic material or a combination of materials, which will enable the cam ring to be partially compressed and yield in the event of any mechanical problem or external force that prevents the cam follower 5021 from rolling / sliding correctly and changing its position in the cam track 5006-5 when the plow blade 5001 rotates. Optimally, the widest or thickest area of the cam ring 5506 adjacent to the cam track should preferably be constructed to be particularly compliant / flexible, as those portions of the track will be the areas of the greatest radial distance for shifting the cam follower roller, thereby resulting in the generation of the greatest radial forces.

[0591] Figure 207 A resistance plow blade assembly 5500 having a cam mechanism with an elastically deformable cam ring 5506 is depicted. The plow blade assembly 5500 can be mounted to the frame of an engine-driven wheeled soil sample collection vehicle (e.g., a tractor, etc.) passing through farmland or to an implement pulled by the wheeled soil sample collection vehicle to collect soil samples in a manner similar to an existing plow blade assembly.

[0592] Reference Figures 207 - 216 , the plow blade assembly 5500 generally includes many of the same components as the plow blade assembly 5000 described previously herein. This includes the disc-shaped body or blade 5001, the blade hub 5004 to which the blade is mounted, the outer hub collar 5007 fixedly attached to and rotatable with the hub, and the annular bearing 5008. For the sake of brevity, these components will not be described here again. This plow blade assembly is assembled in the manner shown in the drawings and further described below. The piston mechanism 5020 can be the same as described previously herein and operates in the same manner to collect soil samples. During the radial reciprocating operation of the piston rod 5023 when the blade 5001 rotates, the outer end 5023-2 of the piston rod selectively opens or closes the outer soil collection end 5022-2 of the collection cylinder 5022 and a pair of lateral holes 5022-1 therein. The outer end of the cylinder is inwardly spaced from the outer end 5024-2 of the radial slot 5024 to form an opening gap or recess 5024-3 in the blade 5001 to allow soil to enter or exit the outer end 5023-2 of the cylinder 5022, as has been previously described herein.

[0593] The deformable cam ring 5506 can be constructed similarly to the rigid cam ring 5006 described previously herein. The cam ring 5506 has an annular body that defines a central opening 5525 for receiving a blade hub assembly and a circumferentially continuous cam track 5006-5 that extends 360 degrees around the ring. Similar to the cam ring 5006, the deformable cam ring 5506 is configured to be fixedly attached, such as via a mounting bracket 5010, to the frame of a wheeled collection vehicle. Thus, when the plow blade 5001 is pulled through the soil and rotated, the cam ring 5506 remains stationary and is fixed in place relative to the frame and the blade-hub-ferrule assembly.

[0594] The deformable cam ring 5506 can be an assembly of discrete annular outer and inner guide ring members 5506-1 and 5506-2 that are rigidly fixed to a common annular backing plate 5501 for support. In one embodiment, the backing plate 5501 can have a substantially planar body and can have a rigid structure. The annular members 5506-1, 5506-2 are fixedly mounted to the backing plate 5501 and are radially spaced apart on the backing plate 5501 to define an annular opening for the cam track 5006-5. The backing plate 5501 forms a closed bottom wall of the cam track 5006-5 that is opposite the outwardly open top of the cam track, in which a cam follower 5021 is received to engage the track. In some embodiments, each annular member 5506-1, 5506-2 can be mounted on its own circular annular mounting flange 5521 and 5522, which in turn are each mounted to the common backing plate 5501. In one embodiment, each mounting flange can have a generally L-shaped cross-section. The flanges 5521, 5522 each define a first mounting portion 5521-2, 5522-2 that is configured for mounting to the backing plate 5501 and a second guide ring support portion 5521-1, 5522-1 for securing the outer and inner guide ring members 5506-1, 5506-2 to it. In one embodiment, the guide ring support portion can be oriented perpendicular to the mounting portion. The mounting portions 5521-2, 5522-2 can include a plurality of mounting holes for fixedly attaching the mounting flanges 5521, 5522 to the backing plate 5501 in a radially spaced-apart relationship. Other mounting arrangements and methods of attachment are also possible, such as industrial adhesives, welding, riveting, etc. The backing plate 5501 and the mounting flanges 5521, 5522 can be formed from any suitable rigid metal or non-metallic material. In one embodiment, by way of some non-limiting examples, these components are preferably made of a suitable metal (such as steel or aluminum).

[0595] The outer and inner guide ring members 5506-1, 5506-2 are each fixedly mounted in a cantilever manner to the guide ring support portions 5521-1, 5522-1 of the mounting flanges 5521, 5522. In one embodiment, the guide ring members are overmolded onto the mounting flanges. However, other methods can also be used to fix the guide ring members thereto, such as industrial adhesives. The guide ring members 5506-1, 5506-2 are each spaced apart from the mounting portions 5521-2, 5522-2 of the mounting flanges. This forms annular air gaps 5510, 5511 therebetween, which communicate with the open cam track 5006-5. Advantageously, the air gaps provide a degree of freedom of movement and impart maximum flexibility to the outer and inner guide ring members 5506-1, 5506-2, without being affected by the rigid attachment of the mounting flanges 5521, 5522 to the backplate 5501.

[0596] It should be noted that while the annular mounting flanges 5521, 5222 may be circular in shape (e.g., in a top plan view), having a generally uniform measurement between the inner and outer circumferential edges of the mounting portions 5521-2, 5522-2 of each flange, the guide ring members 5506-1, 5506-2 will have corresponding variable widths at different portions, and thus their shape is not perfectly circular (in a top plan view). For example, this can be seen in Figure 214 by noting the inner circumferential edge of the mounting portion 5522-2 (the portion extending beyond the guide ring member 5506-2) and the inner circumferential edge of 5521-2 (visible through the slot 5505 in the guide ring member 5506-1). The main reason for this difference is that the width portions of the guide ring members 5506-1, 5506-2 will vary depending on the desired variable configuration of the cam track 5006-5, which is required to actuate the piston mechanism 5020 at a desired rotational timing interval of the plow blade assembly 5500 to collect soil samples.

[0597] The backplate 5501 of the cam ring 5506 assembly is configured to be rigidly mounted, such as via a plurality of mounting holes, to the mounting bracket 5010 of the plow blade assembly 5500 ( Figure 140 ), as shown, and the mounting holes receive threaded fasteners. As some non-limiting examples, other methods of fixedly mounting the cam ring base 5501 to the mounting bracket 5010 can be used, such as riveting, welding, or industrial adhesives. The cam track 5006-5 can have the same or a different shape / configuration as the cam ring 5006, depending on the type of action to be applied to the piston mechanism 5020 and the timing of the opening / closing of the sample collection cylinder 5022 for capturing or extracting soil samples.

[0598] The outer guide ring member 5506-1 and the inner guide ring member 5506-2 can be formed of the same or different materials. In some embodiments, one or both of the annular members can be formed at least partially or entirely of an elastically deformable material having elastic memory. In some embodiments, one of the guide ring members 5506-1, 5506-2 can be formed of a rigid material and the other can be formed of a deformable material. Thus, there can be a variety of variations to accommodate different situations or design objectives.

[0599] The guide ring members 5506-1, 5506-2 of the cam ring 5506 can be made of any suitable material. For example, one or both of the guide ring members can be formed of a semi-rigid or semi-hard (i.e., relatively hard) but deformable polymeric material such as polyurethane or a combination of materials to achieve the desired mechanical / structural properties. The polyurethane ring member is configured to be at least partially deformable to engage the cam follower 5021 and deform under the radial force generated by the piston mechanism 5020 along axis AA when a plow blade jams or other abnormal operating conditions are encountered during sample collection.

[0600] The deformable base material such as polyurethane or other materials used to form the outer and inner guide ring members 5506-1, 5506-2 can each have the same or different hardnesses. Suitable durometer materials can be used. Selecting a durometer suitable for the material of the annular member is within the ability of those skilled in the art.

[0601] In some embodiments, the deformable outer guide ring member 5506-1 and the inner guide ring member 5506-2 can be configured to include one or more arrays of openings 5520 that allow deformation, and the openings 5520 are designed to facilitate the flexibility and deformability of the cam ring 5506 in the presence of a radial load generated by the piston mechanism 5020. In some embodiments, these openings 5520 can extend at least partially transversely through the ring member between one major side and an opposite parallel major side. In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the openings 5520 extend completely parallel to the rotational axis RA1 of the plow blade assembly 5500 through the guide ring members 5506-1, 5506-2 to maximize flexibility and deformability in the presence of a compressive load / force.

[0602] In some embodiments, the outer peripheral sidewall 5504 of the outer guide ring member 5506-1 and the inner peripheral sidewall 5509 of the inner guide ring member 5506-2 can be robust, and they can be rigid or flexible. In some embodiments, the opposite inner peripheral sidewall 5512 of the outer guide ring member 5506-1 and the outer peripheral sidewall 5513 of the inner guide ring member 5506-2 can similarly be robust, and they can be rigid or flexible.

[0603] The material removed by the aforementioned allowable deformation openings 5520 provides controlled weakening of the guide ring members 5506-1, 5506-2 in a radial direction parallel to the radial actuation axis AA. The reduction of material in the guide ring members increases the flexibility in the radial direction, so that in the case of jamming or other abnormal operations, the ring member material is more easily compressed under the action of the radial force applied by the piston mechanism 5020. These through openings 5520 (or other topographical features, such as blind slots, pits, etc.) can have any suitable shape or geometry, such as round holes, oblong holes, polygonal or non-polygonal holes or slots (e.g., honeycomb) or other shapes. Some non-limiting examples of suitable openings 5520 are described below.

[0604] In one embodiment, one or both of the outer guide ring member 5506-1 and the inner guide ring member 5506-2 can include a plurality of elongated and inclined radial through slots 5505. In the illustrated embodiment, the slots 5505 are provided only in the outer ring member 5506-1, but they can be used in both ring members, or only the inner guide ring member 5506-2 can have the slots. In one embodiment, the slots 5505 can be arcuately curved and extend completely through the opposite major sides 5502 and 5503 of the outer ring guide member 5506-1 in the axial direction of the rotation axis RA1. The slots 5505 are radially oriented and are arranged at least partially around the circumference and the central opening 5506-4 of the cam ring 5506. The slots 5505 allow the outer ring member 5506-1 to be more easily deformed and compressed when radially engaged with the cam follower 5021. The slots 5505 extend transversely and obliquely with respect to the rotation direction vector Vd of the outer ring member 5506-1 and the plow blade 5001 (although the cam ring 5506 remains stationary with respect to the plow blade 5001). Thus, with respect to the rotation direction vector Vd of the wheel, the leading edge of each slot 5505 is close to the inner annular edge of the annular member 5506-1, and the trailing edge is close to the outer annular edge.

[0605] In one embodiment, the through slots 5505 can be provided mainly only in the widest / thickest part of the outer ring member 5505-1 to increase flexibility and facilitate deformation in these areas where greater deformation may be required than in the adjacent narrower / thinner parts. In other possible embodiments, the entire outer ring member can include one or more slots 5505. The slots 5505 can have the same or different shapes and / or dimensions.

[0606] In some embodiments, the deformable openings 5520 may include an array of circular bores 5526, each having a circular cross-sectional shape. The bores 5526 are shown, for example, formed in the inner guide ring member 5506-2, recognizing that in other embodiments the bores 5526 may be formed in the outer ring member 5506-1 or in both. The bores 5526 may extend completely through the ring member between opposing major sides 5507 and 5508. The bores 5526 in the array may have any suitable diameter and pitch spacing between the bores. In one embodiment, the bores 5526 may be closely spaced, with a pitch spacing measured between the centerlines of adjacent bores less than 5 bore diameters, or preferably less than 3 bore diameters. Any suitable pattern of bores 5526 may be provided. In one embodiment, the bores 5526 may be arranged as concentric rings of bores that at least partially extend around the circumference of the inner guide ring member 5506-2. The bores 5526 may be arranged substantially only in the thickest / widest portions of the inner guide ring member to increase flexibility in those areas that require more deformation. The narrower portions of the guide ring member 5506-2 may have fewer or no bores to increase rigidity.

[0607] It should be noted that a variety of possible geometries and patterns of arrays of deformable openings 5520 may be used. Such patterns may take the shape of an isotropic pattern (i.e., the same in all orientations / directions, such as the bores 5526), or a pattern with a directional bias (e.g., the swept slot 5505). The geometry and pattern of the openings may be used to produce linear or non-linear compression force response curves. The opening geometry / pattern may vary around the guide ring members 5506-1, 5506-2 to produce customized regions with specific stiffness or flexibility. Thus, the guide ring members may be constructed rigidly in some areas (e.g., narrow areas), while being more deformable in other areas (e.g., wide areas). Regardless of the specific geometry and pattern chosen for the deformable openings 5520, the openings are preferably designed to provide the necessary stiffness to properly actuate and position the mechanism of the piston assembly 5020, as well as the necessary flexibility to prevent overstressing of the components of the piston assembly in the event of a blockage to avoid permanent damage to the mechanism.

[0608] Thus, it is important to note here that different geometries and patterns of the deformable opening 5520 will have different responses to compression. Therefore, round holes (e.g., an array of drill holes 5526) can be used in one region or block of the guide ring members 5506-1, 5506-2, while elongated slots (e.g., through slots 5505) can be used in another region or block of each guide ring member to achieve different "spring" responses from the material. Some geometries may react differently to different external load conditions or forces applied in different directions by the cam follower 5021. For the above-described configuration, the overall structure of the guide ring members 5506-1, 5506-2 will then be considered to exhibit a "nonlinear effective spring stiffness".

[0609] In operation, the piston mechanism 5020 of the plow blade assembly 5500 will operate in the same manner as implemented in the plow blade assembly 5000 to collect soil samples. Refer to Figure 148 , which shows the same piston mechanism 5020 as in the plow blade assembly 5500. However, when the follower cycles in the cam track 5006-5, if the piston rod 5023 is jammed for some reason in the plow blade assembly 5500 with the deformable cam ring 5506, then the cam follower 5021 will apply a radial force on the outer or inner guide ring members 5506-1, 5506-2. Which part of the ring member the cam follower acts on will depend on which part of the cam track 5006-5 the cam follower happens to be moving through at the time of jamming. Thus, the cam follower 5021 will engage and compress the inner or outer guide ring member radially. The deformable opening 5520 will allow the annular member to elastically deform more easily to absorb the impact force without damaging the piston mechanism. If possible, this will give the jam time to clear itself.

[0610] It will be recognized that within the scope of the present disclosure, various variations of the plow blade assembly 5500 with the deformable cam ring 5506 are possible. Additionally, the deformable cam ring can be used with any plow blade assembly disclosed herein that utilizes a cam ring to actuate a collection slider or similar collection device.

[0611] Slider sample collection probe with laminated blade assembly

[0612] Figures 217 - 251BDepicts an embodiment of a ground-engaging plow blade assembly 5600 having a laminated blade assembly 5601 for collecting soil samples. The blade assembly 5601 has a disc-like shape similar to all other plow blades disclosed herein and includes one or more internally mounted sample collection probes in the form of linearly and radially movable collection sliders 5620. The sliders 5620 can be similar in general design principles and basic operation to the sliders 5201 described previously herein (e.g., see Figure 179 ). However, compared to the sliders 5201, in this laminated blade embodiment, no externally mounted hardware (such as the belt 5205) is used to attach the sliders to the blade. Instead, each of the present sliders 5630 is fixedly mounted and at least partially embedded inside the laminated blade assembly 5601, embedded between the first and second halves 5601-1, 5601-2 of the blade in a sandwich composite construction. Advantageously, this eliminates the externally mounted hardware for holding the sliders 5620 in the blade assembly, which may be prone to damage by rocks or debris when the blade assembly plows through the soil to collect samples.

[0613] Each half 5601-1 of the blade assembly 5601 can be constructed as a mirror image of the other half 5601-2 having the same features, as further described herein. In other possible embodiments, there may be differences. The two halves can be permanently laminated or joined together by any suitable method, including for example welding, industrial adhesives, rivets, or other permanent mechanical joining methods. In one embodiment, the annular outer peripheral edges of the disc halves 5601-1, 5601-2 can be welded together and then machined to form an acute angled wedge edge profile to improve penetration through the soil. In other embodiments, the two halves can be detachably joined together by a suitable non-permanent type of joining method (such as fasteners or others).

[0614] The collection slider 5630 is radially movable along an actuation axis AA perpendicular to the axis of rotation RA1 of the plow blade 5001. Each slider operates to selectively open / close a corresponding collection recess or port 5602 formed within a radial slot 5603 in the blade. The slot 5603 and the collection port 5602 may extend completely through the laminated blade assembly 5601 between the outer major surfaces thereof. The slider 5630 is actuated by a stationary cam ring, which may be any one of cam rings 5006, 5204 or 5506 (previously described herein), to alternately open and close the collection port 5602 as the plow blade assembly 5601 rotates. The ports 5602 are arranged and may be configured to retrieve soil sample plugs or cores at the same or different preselected depths as the plow blade rolls and cuts into the ground. The collected cores are then ejected / extracted from the collection port 5602 and transferred to a collection container. The plow blade assembly 5600 may be mounted to the frame of a wheeled sample collection vehicle (e.g., a tractor, etc.) driven by an engine and passing through a farm field or to a trailer towed thereby to collect soil samples.

[0615] The plow blade assembly 5600 generally includes many of the same components as the plow blade assembly 5000 previously described herein. This includes the disk-shaped plow blade 5001, a blade hub 5004 to which the blade is mounted, an outer hub collar 5007 fixedly attached to and rotatable with the hub, and an annular bearing 5008. For the sake of brevity and clarity, these components will not be described again here and are not shown in Figures 217 - 251B The present plow blade assembly is assembled and further described below in the manner shown in the drawings.

[0616] The installation of the laminated blade assembly 5601 and the slider 5630 will now be further described. The half 5601-1 of the laminated blade assembly 5601 has a disk-shaped body that includes an inner major surface 5610 and opposite parallel outer major surfaces 5611 facing outward. Similarly, the half 5601-2 has a disk-shaped body that includes an inner major surface 5612 and opposite parallel outer major surfaces 5613 facing outward in a direction opposite to the outer major surfaces 5611 (e.g., see the exploded view of Figure 219 and Figure 220 ). When joined together, the slider 5630 is captured between the two halves 5601-1, 5601-2.

[0617] Four possible examples of the collection slider 5630 are disclosed herein, which can be used with the laminated blade assembly 5601. This includes sliders 5630-1, 5630-2, 5630-3, and 5630-4 each having a different configuration. A common feature is that each collection slider 5630 is slidably mounted in a complementary configured radial slot 5603 formed in the laminated blade assembly 5601 such that only a portion of each slider is exposed and visible, as described below.

[0618] Generally referring Figures 226 - 251B , each of the collection sliders 5630-1 to 5630-4 can have an elongated solid body having a generally rigid rod-like or bar-like integral structure. The slider occupies most of the length of each radial slot 5603 and preferably more than 3 / 4 of its length, but does not occupy the entire length of the slot to allow an openable / closable collection port 5602 to be formed at the outer end of each radial slot. Each slider has a common feature that includes a cylindrical cam follower 5021 (previously described herein) at the inner end, which engages a cam track 5006-5 of a cam ring to be selectively actuated at predetermined time intervals based on the rotation of the laminated blade assembly 5601. Each of the sliders 5630-1 to 5630-4 is further generally T-shaped at its inner end, which includes the cam follower 5021. The opposite outer ends of the slider can have different shapes. The slider and its corresponding radial slot 5603 are configured to cooperate with each other and form an interlocking arrangement that internally holds each slider within the laminated blade assembly 5601 in a captured manner without relying on externally mounted hardware. However, as shown, a portion of the slider can be exposed after being installed in the blade assembly. Since the shapes of each of the collection sliders 5630-1 to 5630-4 and their corresponding radial slots are different, they are described separately below.

[0619] Figure 227 , 230, 236, 237, 242, 246A - B, and 250A - B illustrate the collection slider 5630 - 1. The slider 5630 - 1 includes a cylindrical cam follower 5021 at its inner end, a cylindrical soil collection boss 5631 at its outer end, and an elongated operating rod 5636 extending therebetween. In one embodiment, the operating rod 5636 can be cylindrical with a circular cross - section; however, other embodiments can utilize a straight cross - sectional shape (e.g., square or rectangular) or other polygonal shapes (e.g., hexagonal). The cam follower 5021 and the collection boss 5631 are enlarged structures with a diameter greater than that of the operating rod 5636. As shown, the follower and the boss are perpendicular to the length of the operating rod. The central portion of the radial slot 5603 has a circular cross - sectional shape and is integrally disposed between the outer main surfaces 5610, 5613 of the laminated blade assembly 5601. This forms a hidden radially extending circular hole 5633 that slidably receives the operating rod 5636 therethrough. The elongated hole 5633 extends between and communicates with a pair of open rectangular windows 5632 formed by passing through the blade assembly at each end of the hole. Each half 5601 - 1, 5601 - 2 of the laminated blade assembly 5601 has a semi - circular recessed portion that forms half of the entire circular hole 5633 when the two halves 5601 - 1, 5602 - 2 of the blade assembly are joined together (e.g., see Figure 242 ). The cam follower 5021 and the collection boss 5631 are each received in one of the windows 5632 and can slide therein between the ends of the window when actuated by the cam ring. In one embodiment, the windows 5632 can be elliptical and oriented such that their length is arranged parallel to the actuation axis AA defined by the radial slot. The length of the cam follower 5021 (measured between its flat ends) is greater than the thickness of the laminated blade assembly 5601 (measured between its outer main surfaces 5610 and 5613), such that the follower protrudes above the outer surface as shown. In contrast, the length of the cylindrical collection boss 5631 (measured between its flat ends) can be equal to or less than the thickness of the laminated blade assembly 5601, such that the boss does not protrude above the outer main surface. In other possible embodiments, the boss can protrude above the outer main surface of the blade to help guide the soil sample into the collection port 5602. It is noted that compared to the cam follower and the collection boss, the relatively elongated rod 5636 advantageously reduces weight, reduces friction with the soil, and makes the rod easy to hide and protect under the outer part of the laminated blade assembly 5601.

[0620] Figure 227 , 231, 238, 239, 243 and 247A - B and 251A - B show the collection slider 5630 - 2. The slider 5630 - 1 similarly includes a cylindrical cam follower 5021 at its inner end, a cylindrical soil collection boss 5631 at its outer end, and an elongated operating band 5634 with a rectangular cross - section extending therebetween. The central portion of the radial slot 5603 has a rectangular cross - sectional shape and is fully deployed between the outer main surfaces 5610, 5613 of the laminated blade assembly 5601. This forms a hidden radially - extending rectangular channel 5635 that slidably receives the operating band 5634 passing therethrough. The elongated radial channel 5635 extends between and communicates with a pair of open rectangular windows 5632 formed through the blade assembly at each end of the channel. Each half 5601 - 1, 5601 - 2 of the laminated blade assembly 5601 has a partially rectangular recess that forms half of the entire rectangular channel 5635 when the two halves 5601 - 1, 5602 - 2 of the blade assembly are joined together (e.g., see Figure 243 ). Each of the cam follower 5021 and the collection boss 5631 is received in one of the windows 5632 and can slide therein between the ends of the window when actuated by the cam ring. In one embodiment, the windows 5632 can be oval - shaped and oriented such that their length is arranged parallel to the actuation axis AA defined by the radial slot. It should be noted that compared with the cam follower and the collection boss, the relatively elongated / thin operating band 5634 advantageously reduces weight and makes the belt easy to hide and protect under the outside of the laminated blade assembly 5601.

[0621] Figure 226 , 228 , 234, 235, 241, 245A - B and 249A - B show the collection slider 5630 - 3. The slider 5630 - 3 has a body with a generally rectangular cross - section and a cylindrical cam follower 5021 at its inner end. The outer soil collection end forms an openable / closable soil collection port 5602 at the peripheral portion of the blade assembly 5601. The slider 5630 - 3 includes a pair of radially - extending and opposite guide flanges 5637 that project outwardly in opposite directions from each side of the slider body. The guide flanges 5637 are each slidably received in a complementary - configured radially - extending guide channel 5638 formed on the opposite sides of the radial slot 5603 (e.g., see Figure 241)。The passage 5638 opens inwardly towards the radial slot 5603. When installed onto the blade assembly 5601, the opposite outer major surfaces of the rectangular collection slider 5630-3 are exposed and visible within the radial slot 5603. This is in contrast to the hidden portions of the sliders 5630-1 and 5630-2 described above. Each half 5601-1, 5601-2 of the laminated blade assembly 5601 has a vertical stepped shoulder that forms half of the complete guiding passage 5638 when the two halves 5601-1, 5602-2 of the blade assembly are joined together (e.g., see Figure 241 ). When the halves 5601-1 and 5601-2 are joined together, the guiding flange 5637 is captured within the passage 5638, thereby firmly retaining the slider 5630-3 within the laminated blade assembly without the need for external mounting hardware.

[0622] Figure 226 , 229 Figures 232, 233, 240, 244A-B, and 248A-B illustrate the collection slider 5630-4. The slider 5630-4 has a body with a generally rectangular cross-section and has a cylindrical cam follower 5021 at its inner end. The outer soil collection end forms an openable / closable soil collection port 5602 at the peripheral portion of the blade assembly 5601. The slider 5630-4 includes a pair of radially extending and opposite V-shaped guiding protrusions 5639 that extend outwardly in opposite directions from each side of the slider body. The guiding protrusions 5639 define vertically opposite angled guiding surfaces that form an acute angle therebetween. The guiding protrusions 5639 are each slidably received within a radially extending V-shaped guiding groove 5640 formed in a mating complementary configuration on opposite sides of the radial slot 5603 (e.g., see Figure 240 ). The groove 5640 opens inwardly towards the radial slot 5603. When installed onto the blade assembly 5601, the opposite outer major surfaces of the rectangular collection slider 5630-3 are exposed and visible within the radial slot 5603. This is in contrast to the hidden portions of the sliders 5630-1 and 5630-2 described above. Each half 5601-1, 5601-2 of the laminated blade assembly 5601 has an angled beveled surface that forms half of the complete guiding groove 5640 when the two halves 5601-1, 5602-2 of the blade assembly are joined together (e.g., see Figure 240 ). When the halves 5601-1 and 5601-2 are joined together, the guiding protrusions 5639 are captured within the recess 5640, thereby firmly retaining the slider 5630-4 within the laminated blade assembly without the need for external mounting hardware.

[0623] Soil sampling tools and equipment

[0624] Figures 252 - 255 Illustrated are non - limiting examples of various tools configured to perform soil sampling and analysis, and the placement of the sample preparation subsystem 3002 and the chemical analysis subsystem 3003. Figure 252 Illustrated is a seeder 10 having a hitch bar 15, a toolbar 14, and one or more row units 11, which is towed by a motorized self - propelled wheeled tractor 5. For easy access, the sample preparation subsystem 3002 and the chemical analysis subsystem 3003 can be placed at either end of the toolbar 14 or on the hitch bar 15 (each possible location shown in the figure). This allows the user to access the sample preparation subsystem 3002 and the chemical analysis subsystem 3003 for maintenance or replenishment of any materials.

[0625] Figure 253 Illustrated is a combine harvester 20 having a collection area 21, a grain tank 23, a cross auger 22, a spout auger 25, and a clean grain elevator housing 24. The sample system 3001 can be deployed to take samples from the collection area 21 or the grain tank 23 and deliver the grain to the sample preparation subsystem 3002 and the chemical analysis subsystem 3003 that can be deployed on the combine harvester 20 (such as on one or more available walls 26).

[0626] Figure 254Illustrated is a center pivot irrigation system 30 having a center pivot 31, one or more movable pulley brackets 16 (16-A, 16-B, 16-C, 16-D) with wheels 32 that rotate about the center pivot 31, a common longitudinally extending transport line conduit 34, one or more connection line conduits 35 (35-A, 35-B, 35-C, 35-D) fluidly coupled to the transport line conduit 34, one or more valves 36 (36-A, 36-B, 36-C, 36-D) (e.g., the illustrated three-way or two-way valves) for selectively placing the transport line conduit 34 in fluid communication with one of the connection line conduits 35 (35-A, 35-B, 35-C, 35-D), one or more soil collection systems 3001 (3001-A, 3001-B, 3001-C, 3001-D) in communication with the connection line conduits 35 (35-A, 35-B, 35-C, 35-D), and a vacuum source 37 that fluidly connects the transmission line conduit 34 to a sample preparation subsystem 3002 and a chemical analysis subsystem 3003. Optionally, a pressure source 38 (e.g., an air pump) can be deployed at an end opposite the center pivot 31 to provide motive force to move or transport the sample through the transport line 34 to the sample preparation subsystem 3002 and the chemical analysis subsystem 3003. The pressure source 38 can be used in combination with or in place of the vacuum source 38. The valves 36-A, 36-B, 36-C, 36-D communicate signals with a CPU 2820 to selectively open from one of the soil collection systems 3001-A, 3001-B, 3001-C, 3001-D to process and test the soil at a given time. As shown, there are four sections in this non-limiting embodiment, but the center pivot irrigation system 30 can have fewer or more sections depending on the length of the transport line conduit 34 required.

[0627] Figure 255 Illustrated is a packing system 40 having an accumulation frame 41, a conveyor 42, a picker 43, a housing 45, and a packer 44. The sample system 3001 can be deployed to remove samples from the conveyor 42 and transport the samples via a flow conduit 46 to the sample preparation subsystem 3002 and the chemical analysis subsystem 3003, which can be deployed on the housing 45 or at any other convenient mounting location on a mud pump that does not interfere with the operation of the packing system 40.

[0628] Quality measurement of collected soil samples

[0629] To analyze the collected soil samples and determine the desired chemical levels and characteristics (such as nutrient content (i.e., ppm)) and to prepare a slurry with a desired soil-to-water ratio for processing, the amount (mass) of the original soil samples processed through the systems and processes disclosed herein must be correctly quantified and understood. Ideally, soil without moisture (e.g., a completely dried sample) is added to a known amount of water to form a slurry ratio for downstream processes / calculations. For example, adding 20 grams of dry soil to 40 mL of water will result in a 2:1 soil-to-water ratio. The amount of water added to generate this ratio depends on the amount of soil collected and its initial moisture content (which pre-dilutes the slurry). However, soil samples collected from the field are likely not to be completely dry. To understand the composition of the collected soil, the mass and volume of the soil must be measured to correctly and accurately calculate and prepare the final slurry soil-to-water ratio.

[0630] Some methods for "volume-sizing" and / or "weight-sizing" the collected soil (or other agriculture-related samples that can be processed in this system, such as stalk mass, manure, etc.) will now be described. The use of Figures 14 - 18 a component and method for volume-sizing soil samples using the sample collection / volume-sizing station 160-1 shown has been described elsewhere in this document. The following are some additional examples and methods for volume-sizing and / or weight-sizing soil samples, including various indirect and direct methods.

[0631] Indirect volume / mass:

[0632] A pneumatic / hydraulic piston or an electric linear actuator can be used to press the collected soil into a cylindrical "plug". A consistent force can be used for each sample to create such a soil plug, enabling a better understanding of the density. By using feedback such as pressure and / or speed and / or current and / or position of the piston and actuator, conclusions can be drawn about the soil composition. For example, if the soil compresses very little and then the measured pressure / force rapidly rises, it can be concluded that the soil may not have a large amount of moisture. If the soil continues to compress as the force rises slowly, we can also draw conclusions about its texture based on the response (i.e.: sand, high organic matter) - in this case, the soil has a high organic matter content and is not dry. Figure 281 is a graph that depicts the relationship between the actual piston displacement and the compression force (psi) measured from tests on various soil types using the Figure 282 compression device shown, as described below. Each line in the graph represents a different soil sample with different types and components (such as organic matter (OM)), moisture content, particle size, etc. The curve illustrates the effect of soil type and components on piston displacement and the force required to compress the soil samples using the Figure 282 device.

[0633] Figure 282 Depicts a compressing device 5900, which includes a compressing member 5902 coupled to an actuator, and the actuator is a hydraulic or pneumatic piston type or an electric linear actuator 5907. The device is configured and operable to compress a soil sample plug in combination with determining the moisture content of the soil sample plug "as collected". By compressing the soil into the plug, the volume of the soil can be calculated based on the position of the piston or actuator. This result can be used to calculate other required measurements (i.e., how much soil was collected, how much water will need to be added to make a slurry, etc.).

[0634] Device 5900 includes an elongated hollow cylinder 5904, which defines an internal cylindrical bore or chamber 5905 for receiving and holding the collected soil plug. In one illustrated embodiment, cylinder 5904 can be a cylinder having an annular circular cross-sectional shape, which defines the chamber. In a representative non-limiting example, a 3 / 4-inch bore is used to process soil samples. The device includes an inlet 5903 and an outlet 5906 for adding the soil sample to the chamber. The inlet can be adjacent to the top of the cylinder, and the outlet can be at the bottom. The outlet can be controlled by an openable / closable door 5901, such as provided by a gate valve 5911 (schematically shown), which selectively closes or opens the outlet 5906. Door 5901 is preferably flat and defines a top surface on which the soil is compressed by the compressing member 5902 for compaction. Inlet 5903 can be a tube or pipe segment, which can be controlled by gate valve 5911 or other types of valves to add soil to the cylinder at a selected time. Compressing member 5902 can be vertically slidably moved within chamber 5905 from an upper position to a lower position to compress the soil sample. Other orientations of the device and the cylinder can be used in other embodiments, including horizontal positions and multiple angular positions therebetween. Compressing member 5902 can have a cylindrical solid body and is coupled to actuator 5907 through an operating rod 5910, which can be cylindrical in one embodiment. Figure 282 An example of actuator 5907 in the form of a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder is shown, which includes an inlet 5908 for introducing a working fluid to activate compressing member 5902 and an outlet 5909 for discharging the working fluid. The working fluid can be oil or air. In some embodiments, the actuator can also be an electric linear actuator.

[0635] In operation of the device 5900, a soil sample plug is first added to the chamber 5905 via the inlet 5903, wherein the compression member 5902 is in the upper position. Then, the actuator 5907 is actuated hydraulically, pneumatically, or electrically, depending on the type provided. As the compression member moves downward toward the outlet of the cylinder 5904 to a lower position, the soil sample is compressed. As the compression member moves to a lower position while compressing the soil sample, the compressive force applied by the actuator is measured using a sensor 5912, which can be a force-type sensor or a position / displacement-type sensor, which can be commercially available and is known in the art. The sensor 5912 can be operably and communicatively coupled via a wired or wireless communication link 5752 to transmit the measured force or displacement to the system controller 2820, which can control the operation of the device 5900. The controller then uses the measured force or displacement to calculate the moisture content of the soil sample in its "as collected" condition and then determines the amount of water that needs to be added to the soil to achieve a desired predetermined soil to moisture ratio for use in creating a soil slurry for further analysis by the system disclosed herein.

[0636] Direct volume:

[0637] Once the soil is in the closed container, the volume of the soil can be calculated using the derivation of the ideal gas law. Using the assumptions, the equation can be simplified to: V1*P1 / T1 = V2*P2 / T2, where V1 is the volume of the independent reference container 5923 with a fixed known volume and V2 is the mixing chamber volume of the mixing container with the blade assembly 141 minus the input soil and / or water plus the V1 chamber and any valves and channels. In some embodiments, the mixing chamber can be provided by the mixing container 101 of the mixer-filter device 100, which has an internal mixing chamber 102 defining V2 (e.g., see Figures 3 - 12 ) or variations thereof.

[0638] Figure 284 is a schematic diagram of a non-limiting embodiment of a volumetric and mass-based analytical system 5999 for determining the mass and moisture content of a collected "raw" soil plug or sample utilizing the mixing vessel 101 of the mixer-filter apparatus 100 previously described herein. The system shown includes equipment and supplies for volumetrically determining the soil sample, adding water to form a slurry for further processing and analysis in the system disclosed herein, and weighing the slurry using a weighing device. In all cases described herein, these aforementioned basic steps are used and followed to prepare the water and soil slurry mixture. While the weighing device shown for convenience is a weigh coil 5960 further described below, it should be understood that other weighing devices listed below may alternatively be used and substituted. Figure 284 See also the coil shown in the system. Figure 286 andFigure 287 , Figure 286 and Figure 287 show an alternative arrangement of the mixing vessel 101, which is further described below and labeled with reference numeral 101A.

[0639] Now refer to Figure 284 and Figures 286 - 287 , in some embodiments, a "constant volume" process may be performed on a soil sample using a "direct volume" method as follows. Subsequent processes and system components / equipment may be automatically controlled by a programmable system controller 2820. Thus, all components / equipment are operably and communicably linked to the controller 2820 via wired and / or wireless communication links 5752 described and shown elsewhere. Representative link 5752 is shown only in Figure 284 to prevent blurring of the image. The fluid components and containers shown are fluidly coupled together in the manner shown through a suitable sealed flow conduit 6006, which may be a pipe or tube. The flow conduit 6006 in this part of the system is an air conduit. Different flow conduits 6006 in system 5999 are for different purposes, which are defined by their location and use in the system, as Figure 284 shown and described herein. Thus, for convenience, such flow conduits 6006 are denoted by a common reference numeral 6006, the purpose of which varies with the specific type of fluid being processed.

[0640] Before the cycle begins, the isolation valve 5921 between vessels 101 and 5923 is opened (via the controller 2820) and an atmospheric / zero pressure reading may be selectively taken from the volume V1 of vessel 5923, such as via a pressure sensor 5925. To record the pressure, the bottom discharge valve 5927 associated with the mixing vessel 101 (which may be formed by the vertically movable and sealable block 131 described in detail previously herein) is first placed in the open position, thereby allowing the mixing chamber 102 (volume V2 of vessel 101) to reach ambient atmospheric pressure. With the isolation valve 5921 open, the pressure between volume V2 and V1 is equal, such tha...

Claims

1. An automated tandem processing system for collecting, preparing, and analyzing agricultural samples, the system comprising: A portable vehicle configured to travel through a farm field to collect samples; A first sample collection subsystem including a sample collection probe configured and operable to collect samples from a farm field, the sample collection probe being mounted on the portable vehicle; A water source; A second sample preparation subsystem including a mixer fluidly coupled to the water source and including a chamber for receiving samples from the sample collection probe, the mixer including a rotatable mixing element configured and operable to prepare a slurry by mixing the samples and water from the water source; The mixer being configured and operable to discharge the slurry through an outlet flow conduit; An extractant source; The second sample preparation subsystem further includes an extractant pump fluidly coupled to the extractant source, the extractant pump being configured and operable to pump the extractant into the outlet flow conduit at an injection point to mix the extractant with the slurry and thereby extract a test substance from the slurry; A third analysis subsystem including an analysis cell fluidly coupled to the outlet flow conduit downstream of the injection point, the analysis cell being configured and operable to analyze the test substance and measure analytes present therein; A programmable controller operable and communicatively linked via a wired or wireless communication link to the sample collection probe, the mixer, the extractant pump, and the analysis cell; Wherein the controller is configured to collect and process samples in sequence and in real time from collection by the sample collection probe to analysis by the analysis cell.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the mixer, the extractant pump, and the analysis cell are mounted on the portable vehicle.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the second subsystem includes weighing equipment configured and operable to receive the slurry and weigh the slurry.

4. The system according to claim 2, wherein the second subsystem includes weighing equipment configured and operable to receive the slurry and weigh the slurry.

5. The system according to claim 3, wherein the weighing equipment includes a helical weighing coil for receiving the slurry.

6. The system according to claim 5, further including a support structure, and wherein the weighing coil is supported on the support structure in a cantilever manner.

7. An automated tandem processing system for collecting, preparing, and analyzing agricultural samples including solid particles, the system comprising: A portable vehicle configured to travel through a farm field to collect samples; A sample collection probe mounted on the portable vehicle, the sample collection probe being configured and operable to collect samples from a farm field; A water source mounted on the portable vehicle; A mixer mounted on the portable vehicle, the mixer being fluidly coupled to the water source via a flow conduit and fluidly coupled to the sample collection probe via a processing pipeline, the sample collection probe being configured and operable to transfer the samples to the mixer; The mixer includes a container, the container including a chamber configured to receive samples from the sample collection probe and water from the water source, the mixer including a rotatable mixing element configured and operable to mix the water and the samples to form a sample slurry; The mixer is configured and operable to discharge the slurry through an outlet flow conduit; An extractant system, including an extractant source and an extractant pump fluidly coupled to the extractant source, the extractant pump being configured and operable to pump the extractant into the slurry in the outlet flow conduit at an injection point to form an extractant slurry mixture, the extractant having a chemical composition operable to extract a test substance from the slurry; An analysis cell, fluidly coupled to the outlet flow conduit downstream of the injection point, the analysis cell being configured and operable to analyze the test substance and measure the analyte present therein; A programmable controller, operable and communicatively linked via a wired or wireless communication link to the sample collection probe, the mixer, the extractant pump, and the analysis cell; Wherein the controller is configured to collect and process samples in sequence in real time from collection by the sample collection probe to analysis by the analysis cell.

8. The system according to claim 7, further comprising a centrifuge fluidly coupled to the outlet flow conduit and arranged to receive the extractant slurry mixture, the centrifuge being configured and operable to centrifuge the extractant slurry mixture to separate solid particles of the sample from the extractant slurry mixture, thereby forming a clear supernatant.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the centrifuge includes a plurality of centrifuge tubes pivotally movable, the plurality of centrifuge tubes being coupled to a rotating tube hub, wherein at least one centrifuge tube is fluidly coupled to the outlet flow conduit to receive the extractant slurry mixture.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the centrifuge tube is movable from a vertical position when the rotating tube hub is stationary to a horizontal position when the rotating tube hub rotates.

11. The system according to claim 8, further comprising a supernatant pump, the supernatant pump being configured and operable to extract the supernatant from the centrifuge and pump it to the analysis cell.

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