Agricultural sampling systems and related methods

Abstract

This disclosure relates to agricultural sampling systems and related methods. An automated, computer-controlled sampling system and related methods are provided for collecting, processing, and analyzing various chemical properties of agricultural samples, such as available plant nutrients. The sampling system allows for the simultaneous or semi-concurrent processing and analysis of multiple samples for different analytes or chemical properties. 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 sample to quantify various analytes and / or chemical properties of the sample. 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 invention patent application filed on July 10, 2019, with application number 201980055461.X and entitled "Agricultural Sampling System and Related Methods".

[0002] Cross-reference to related applications

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

[0004] This invention generally relates to agricultural sampling and analysis, and more specifically to a fully automated system for performing sampling and chemical characterization analysis of soil and other types of agriculture-related samples.

[0005] Periodic soil testing is an important aspect of agriculture. The test results provide valuable information about the soil's chemical composition, such as the nutrients available to plants and other important properties (e.g., levels of nitrogen, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, pH, etc.), enabling the addition of various soil amendments to maximize crop yield and quality.

[0006] In some existing soil sampling procedures, the collected sample is dried, ground, water is added, and then filtered to obtain a soil slurry suitable for analysis. An extractant is added to the slurry to extract nutrients available to plants. The slurry is then filtered to produce a clear solution or supernatant, which is mixed with chemical reagents for further analysis.

[0007] The goal is to improve testing of soil, vegetation, and fertilizers. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention provides an automated, computer-controlled sampling system (hereinafter referred to as the "soil sampling system") and related methods for collecting, processing, and analyzing various chemical properties (such as plant-available nutrients) of soil samples. The sampling system allows for the relatively continuous and rapid sequential processing and analysis of multiple samples in a simultaneous or semi-concurrent manner to analyze different analytes (e.g., plant-available nutrients) and / or chemical properties (e.g., pH). Advantageously, the system can process soil samples under "as collected" conditions without the aforementioned drying and grinding steps.

[0009] This system generally includes a sample preparation subsystem and a chemical analysis subsystem. The sample preparation subsystem receives soil samples collected by the probe collection subsystem and produces a slurry (i.e., a mixture of soil, vegetation, and / or fertilizer and water) for further processing and chemical analysis. The chemical analysis subsystem receives and processes the prepared slurry sample from the sample preparation subsystem to quantify the analytes and / or chemical properties of the sample. The described chemical analysis subsystem can be used to analyze soil, vegetation, and / or fertilizer samples.

[0010] In one embodiment, the sample preparation system generally includes a mixer-filter device that mixes a collected raw soil sample, under “sampling” conditions (e.g., undried and uncrushed), with water to form a sample slurry. The mixer-filter device then filters the slurry during extraction from the apparatus for processing in a chemical analysis subsystem. The chemical analysis subsystem processes the slurry and performs the general functions of adding / mixing extractants and colorimetric reagents, centrifuging the slurry sample to produce a clear supernatant, and finally sensing or analyzing to detect analytes and / or chemical properties (such as via colorimetric analysis).

[0011] While this document describes sampling systems (e.g., sample collection, preparation, and treatment) in relation to the processing of soil samples, representing one type of use of the disclosed embodiments, it should be understood that the same systems and related processes, including this apparatus, can also be used to process other types of agriculturally relevant samples, including but not limited to vegetation / plants, forage, fertilizer, feed, milk, or other types of samples. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein should be broadly considered as agricultural sampling systems. Consequently, the invention is clearly not limited to processing and analyzing soil samples solely for chemical properties of interest. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The invention will be more fully understood through detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein similar elements are similarly labeled, and wherein:

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of the soil sampling and analysis system based on this disclosure;

[0014] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the functional aspects of each subsystem of the sampling analysis system;

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

[0016] Figure 4 This is its bottom perspective view;

[0017] Figure 5 It is its decomposed top perspective view;

[0018] Figure 6 It is its exploded bottom perspective view;

[0019] Figure 7 This is its front view;

[0020] Figure 8 This is its first side view;

[0021] Figure 9 This is its second relative side view;

[0022] Figure 10 This is its top view;

[0023] Figure 11 This is its bottom view;

[0024] Figure 12 This is its front view cross-section;

[0025] Figure 13 This is its side view cross-section;

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

[0027] Figure 15 The first sequence diagram shows the soil sample being graded in the lower clamp valve for mixing and the baffle of the mixing chamber being in the closed position.

[0028] Figure 16 This is its second sequence diagram, showing the upper pinch valve closed;

[0029] Figure 17 The third sequence diagram shows the lower clamp valve open and soil samples deposited in the mixing device;

[0030] Figure 18 The fourth sequence diagram shows the second soil sample being graded in the lower clamp valve in preparation for mixing;

[0031] Figure 19This is its fifth sequence diagram, showing the addition of water along with soil samples to the mixing device as indicated by the directional flow arrows;

[0032] Figure 20 The sixth sequence diagram shows a mixing device that mixes soil samples and water to prepare a slurry;

[0033] Figure 21 The seventh sequence diagram shows the removal of slurry from the mixing device and the injection of water into the mixing chamber for cleaning, with the baffle of the mixing chamber in the open position;

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

[0035] Figure 23 This is its bottom perspective view;

[0036] Figure 24 This is its rear view;

[0037] Figure 25 This is its top view;

[0038] Figure 26 This is its bottom view;

[0039] Figure 27 This is its top view;

[0040] Figure 28 This is its exploded top view;

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

[0042] Figure 30 This is its first side cross-sectional view, showing the mixing device in the closed position;

[0043] Figure 31 This is its second side view section;

[0044] Figure 32 This is its third side cross-sectional view, showing the mixing device in the open position;

[0045] Figure 33 yes Figure 22 Top perspective view of the movable stop of the mixing device;

[0046] Figure 34 This is its bottom perspective view;

[0047] Figure 35 It is taken from Figure 31 Magnified details;

[0048] Figure 36 It is taken from Figure 32 Magnified details;

[0049] Figure 37 These are enlarged details of the stop and the interface of the mixing device housing;

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

[0051] Figure 39 This is its bottom perspective view;

[0052] Figure 40 This is its side view;

[0053] Figure 41 This is its cross-sectional view;

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

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

[0056] Figure 44 This is its bottom perspective view;

[0057] Figure 45 This is its front view;

[0058] Figure 46 This is its rear view;

[0059] Figure 47 This is its first side view;

[0060] Figure 48 This is its second side view;

[0061] Figure 49 This is its top view;

[0062] Figure 50 This is its bottom view;

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

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

[0065] Figure 53 This is its front view cross-section;

[0066] Figure 54 This is its side view cross-section;

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

[0068] Figure 56 This is its bottom perspective view;

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

[0070] Figure 58 This is its bottom perspective view;

[0071] Figure 59 This is an exploded perspective view of the centrifuge tubes used for mounting on the centrifuge wheel;

[0072] Figure 60 This is its first top view;

[0073] Figure 61 It is taken from Figure 60 Cross-sectional view;

[0074] Figure 62 This is its second top view;

[0075] Figure 63 It is taken from Figure 62 Cross-sectional view;

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

[0077] Figure 65 This is its bottom perspective view;

[0078] Figure 66 This is a top perspective view of the cap assembly for the centrifuge tubes, showing the centrifuge tubes in a non-centrifugal vertical position;

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0085] Figure 73 This is a second cross-sectional sequence diagram, showing the centrifuge and drive mechanism in a non-rotating, second lower, unconnected position;

[0086] Figure 74 This is a third section sequence diagram, showing the centrifuge and drive mechanism in the second lower unconnected position at low speed;

[0087] Figure 75 The fourth section sequence diagram shows the centrifuge and drive mechanism in the second lower unconnected position at high speed, used to centrifuge the slurry sample;

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

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

[0090] Figure 78 This is a schematic flowchart of a soil sampling and processing system configured in the first operating mode;

[0091] Figure 79 This is a schematic flowchart of a soil sampling and processing system configured in the second operating mode;

[0092] Figure 80 This is a schematic flowchart of a soil sampling and processing system configured in the third operating mode;

[0093] Figure 81 This is a schematic flowchart of a soil sampling and processing system configured in the fourth operating mode;

[0094] Figure 82 This is a schematic flowchart of a soil sampling and processing system configured in the fifth operating mode;

[0095] Figure 83 This is a schematic flowchart of a soil sampling and processing system configured in the sixth operating mode;

[0096] Figure 84 This is a schematic flowchart of a soil sampling and processing system configured in the seventh operating mode;

[0097] Figure 85 This is a schematic flowchart of a soil sampling and processing system configured in the eighth operating mode;

[0098] Figure 86 This is a schematic flowchart of a soil sampling and processing system configured in the ninth operating mode;

[0099] Figure 87 This is a schematic flowchart of a soil sampling and processing system configured in the tenth operating mode;

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

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

[0102] Figure 90 This is a schematic flowchart of a soil sampling and treatment system configured in the thirteenth operating mode;

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

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

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

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

[0107] Figure 95 This is a top cross-sectional view of the drive mechanism of the mixing equipment;

[0108] Figure 96 This is a top perspective view of a microfluidic treatment disk with multiple chemical treatment wedges, each configured for independent treatment training to perform complete soil slurry treatment and chemical analysis;

[0109] Figure 97 This is its bottom perspective view;

[0110] Figure 98 This is a partially exploded perspective view of the fluid exchange dock with fluid coupling to the microfluidic processing disk shown below;

[0111] Figure 99 This is its bottom perspective view;

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

[0113] Figure 101 This is its top view;

[0114] Figure 102 This is its bottom view;

[0115] Figure 103 It is a perspective view of the processing wedge, showing its flow conduit and external fluid connection;

[0116] Figure 104 It is a schematic flowchart illustrating 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 This is a schematic flowchart of its second operating mode configuration;

[0118] Figure 106 This is a schematic flowchart of its configuration in the third operating mode;

[0119] Figure 107 This is a schematic flowchart of its fourth operating mode configuration;

[0120] Figure 108 This is a schematic flowchart of its configuration under the fifth operating mode;

[0121] Figure 109 This is a schematic flowchart of its configuration in the sixth operating mode;

[0122] Figure 110 This is a schematic flowchart of its configuration in the seventh operating mode;

[0123] Figure 111 This is a schematic flowchart of its configuration in the eighth operating mode;

[0124] Figure 112 This is a schematic flowchart of its ninth operating mode configuration;

[0125] Figure 113 This is a schematic flowchart of its configuration under the tenth operating mode;

[0126] Figure 114 This is a schematic flowchart of its eleventh operating mode configuration;

[0127] Figure 115 This is a schematic flowchart of its configuration under the twelfth operating mode;

[0128] Figure 116 This is a schematic flowchart of its thirteenth operating mode configuration;

[0129] Figure 117 This is a schematic flowchart of its fourteenth operating mode configuration;

[0130] Figure 118 This is a schematic flowchart of its fifteenth operating mode configuration;

[0131] Figure 119 This is a schematic flowchart of its sixteenth operating mode configuration;

[0132] Figure 120 Is with Figure 104-119 The side cross-sectional view of the light-emitting diode (LED) emitting diode assembly and the LED receiving diode assembly associated with the flow analysis cell window for measuring the analyte shown;

[0133] Figure 121 This is its top cross-sectional view;

[0134] Figure 122 It is a top perspective view of an independent absorbance flow analyzer cell;

[0135] Figure 123 This is its bottom perspective view;

[0136] Figure 124 It is its exploded perspective view;

[0137] Figure 125 This is its front view;

[0138] Figure 126 This is its side view;

[0139] Figure 127 This is its top plan view;

[0140] Figure 128 This is its bottom plan view;

[0141] Figure 129 This is its front view cross-section;

[0142] Figure 130 It is configured to be with Figure 96 Front top perspective view of a second embodiment of a centrifuge used with a microfluidic processing disc;

[0143] Figure 131 This is its bottom rear perspective view;

[0144] Figure 132 It is its front exploded perspective view;

[0145] Figure 133 It is the subsequent exploded perspective view;

[0146] Figure 134 This is its front view;

[0147] Figure 135 This is its side view cross-section;

[0148] Figure 136 It is taken from Figure 135 Detailed view;

[0149] Figure 137 This 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 It is a rear perspective view;

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

[0152] Figure 140 It is the subsequent exploded perspective view;

[0153] Figure 141 This is its front view;

[0154] Figure 142 This is its rear view;

[0155] Figure 143 This is its side view;

[0156] Figure 144 This is its side view cross-section;

[0157] Figure 145 yes Figure 137 A perspective view of the cam ring of the plowshare assembly;

[0158] Figure 146 It is its floor plan;

[0159] Figure 147 yes Figure 137 Exploded perspective view of the sample collection probe of the plow blade assembly;

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

[0161] Figure 149A This is a side view of the plow blade assembly in its first rotating position, showing the probe for collecting soil samples in its first open position;

[0162] Figure 149B It is a perspective view with magnified details;

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

[0164] Figure 150B It is a perspective view with magnified details;

[0165] Figure 151A This is a side view of the plow blade assembly in the third rotation position, showing the probe in the first open position with a captured soil sample.

[0166] Figure 151B It is a perspective view with magnified details;

[0167] Figure 152AThis is a side view of the plow blade assembly in the fourth rotational position, showing the probe in the second protruding position after the captured soil sample has been expelled from the probe.

[0168] Figure 152B It is a perspective view with magnified details;

[0169] Figure 153 This is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a plow blade assembly having a sample collection device or probe for collecting soil samples from farmland;

[0170] Figure 154 It is a rear perspective view;

[0171] Figure 155 It is its front exploded perspective view;

[0172] Figure 156 It is the subsequent exploded perspective view;

[0173] Figure 157 This is its front view;

[0174] Figure 158 This is its rear view;

[0175] Figure 159 This is its side view;

[0176] Figure 160 This is its side view cross-section;

[0177] Figure 161 yes Figure 153 A perspective view of the sprocket-type indexing cam ring of the plowshare assembly;

[0178] Figure 162 It is its floor plan;

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

[0180] Figure 164 It is its side perspective view;

[0181] Figure 165 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the probe blade, cam ring, and collecting probe assembly;

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

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

[0184] Figure 168 It is a plan view showing the probe in the closed position, used to either not capture soil samples or maintain captured soil samples;

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

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

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

[0188] Figure 172 It is taken from Figure 171 Magnified details;

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

[0190] Figure 173B This is its side view;

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

[0192] Figure 174B This is its side view;

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

[0194] Figure 175B This is its side view;

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

[0196] Figure 176B This is its side view;

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

[0198] Figure 177B This is its side view;

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

[0200] Figure 178B This is its side view;

[0201] Figure 179 This 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 farmland.

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

[0203] Figure 181 It is its exploded perspective view;

[0204] Figure 182 This is its front view;

[0205] Figure 183 This is its rear view;

[0206] Figure 184 This is its side view;

[0207] Figure 185 This is its side view cross-section;

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

[0209] Figure 187 It is a plan view showing the various rotational positions of the collecting probe as the plow blades rotate;

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

[0211] Figure 189 This 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 farmland.

[0212] Figure 190 It is its front exploded perspective view;

[0213] Figure 191 This is its rear view;

[0214] Figure 192 This is its front view;

[0215] Figure 193 This is its side view;

[0216] Figure 194 This is its side view cross-section;

[0217] Figure 195 It is an enlarged perspective view showing the details of the arrangement of the plow blades and the collecting probe, with the collecting port of the probe in the closed position;

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

[0219] Figure 197 This 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 farmland.

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

[0221] Figure 199 This is its front view;

[0222] Figure 200 This is its rear view;

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

[0224] Figure 202 This is its side view;

[0225] Figure 203 This is its side view cross-section;

[0226] Figure 204 This is a magnified perspective view showing the collection probe in the open position for collecting soil samples;

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

[0228] Figure 206 This is a magnified perspective view showing the two collection ports of the collection probe in the open position for collecting soil samples;

[0229] Figure 207 This 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 farmland;

[0230] Figure 208 yes Figure 207 Front perspective view of the elastic flexible cam ring of the plowshare assembly;

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

[0232] Figure 210 It is its front exploded perspective view;

[0233] Figure 211 It is the subsequent exploded perspective view;

[0234] Figure 212 This is its side view;

[0235] Figure 213 This is its side view cross-section;

[0236] Figure 214 This is its front view;

[0237] Figure 215 This is its rear view;

[0238] Figure 216 This is a partial cross-sectional view;

[0239] Figure 217 This 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 farmland.

[0240] Figure 218 It is a rear perspective view;

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

[0242] Figure 220 It is its second pre-expansion perspective view;

[0243] Figure 221 This is its front view;

[0244] Figure 222 This is its rear view;

[0245] Figure 223 This is its side view;

[0246] Figure 224 It is taken from Figure 221 Its first side view section;

[0247] Figure 225 It is taken from Figure 221 Its second side cross-sectional view;

[0248] Figure 226 This is a first cross-sectional perspective view, showing the first assembly of two types of collection probes;

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

[0250] Figure 228 This is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view showing the first type of collection probe;

[0251] Figure 229 This is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view showing the second type of collection probe;

[0252] Figure 230 This is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view showing the third type of collection probe;

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

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

[0255] Figure 233 This is its front view;

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

[0257] Figure 235 This is its front view;

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

[0259] Figure 237 This is its front view;

[0260] Figure 238 This is a side cross-sectional view of a plow blade, showing the aforementioned fourth type of collection probe;

[0261] Figure 239 This is its front view;

[0262] Figure 240 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a plow blade, illustrating the aforementioned second type of collection probe;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0275] Figure 248B This is its cross-sectional view;

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

[0277] Figure 249B This is its cross-sectional view;

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

[0279] Figure 250B This is its cross-sectional view;

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

[0281] Figure 251B This is its cross-sectional view;

[0282] Figure 252 This 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 This 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 This 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 255This is 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 It can be installed Figure 96 Exploded perspective view of the on-disk pneumatic diaphragm micropump in a microfluidic processing disk;

[0287] Figure 257 This is a side cross-sectional view showing the miniature pump in its unacted position;

[0288] Figure 258 This is a view showing the miniature pump in the actuated position;

[0289] Figure 259 yes Figure 96 A perspective view of the heating wedge of the microfluidic processing disk;

[0290] Figure 260 It is its exploded diagram;

[0291] Figure 261 This is a flowchart illustrating a soil sample processing and analysis system that uses a microporous filter instead of a centrifuge to separate the supernatant from a prepared soil slurry and extractant mixture;

[0292] Figure 262 This is a perspective view of one of the porous series-connected filters used to separate the supernatant from soil slurry;

[0293] Figure 263 It is shown in Figure 96 A flowchart of a soil sample processing and analysis system implemented in a microfluidic processing tray, which has an integrated microporous filter instead of a centrifuge for separating the supernatant from the prepared soil slurry and extractant mixture;

[0294] Figure 264 This is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an onboard water filtration system that can be used with the soil analysis and treatment system disclosed herein;

[0295] Figure 265 This is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of an onboard water filtration system that can be used with the soil analysis and treatment system disclosed herein;

[0296] Figure 266 This is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of an onboard water filtration system that can be used with the soil analysis and treatment system disclosed herein;

[0297] Figure 267 It shows that it can be used with Figures 264-266 An example of a particulate filter unit used in a water filtration system;

[0298] Figure 268 This is a top perspective view of a rotary supernatant extraction device used to extract supernatant from soil slurry by centrifugation.

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

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

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

[0302] Figure 272 yes Figure 271 A plan view of the first embodiment of the supernatant separation device;

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

[0304] Figure 274 yes Figure 271 A plan view of the third embodiment of the supernatant separation device;

[0305] Figure 275 yes Figure 271 A plan view of the fourth embodiment of the supernatant separation device;

[0306] Figure 276 yes Figure 268 A partial side view of the supernatant extraction device;

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

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

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

[0310] Figure 280 yes Figure 268 Top perspective view of the lower clamping plate of the supernatant extraction device;

[0311] Figure 281 It is a description of utilization Figure 282 The graph shows the relationship between the measured piston displacement and the compressive force obtained by performing tests on various soil types using the soil compression testing device shown in the figure.

[0312] Figure 282 This is a schematic diagram of a soil compression testing device;

[0313] Figure 283This is a schematic diagram of a weighing container used for soil testing;

[0314] Figure 284 This is a schematic diagram of a volume- and mass-based analysis system used to determine the moisture content of collected "raw" soil plugs or samples.

[0315] Figure 285 This is a schematic diagram of a slurry volume measuring device;

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

[0317] Figure 287 This is a view showing the second operating position;

[0318] Figure 288 This is a perspective view of a soil weighing container with a sliding door;

[0319] Figure 289 This is a schematic diagram of a weighing device in the form of a weighing coil, which is used to measure the weight of the prepared soil slurry;

[0320] Figure 290 This is a schematic diagram of a tubular weighing container in its first operating mode;

[0321] Figure 291 This is its view in the second operating mode;

[0322] Figure 292 This is a schematic diagram of a weighing container shaped like a teapot;

[0323] Figure 293 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a weighing device based on vibration frequency response for weighing slurry;

[0324] Figure 294 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a second embodiment of a vibration frequency response-based weighing device for weighing slurry;

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

[0326] Figure 296 This is a schematic diagram of a slurry weighing coil with a quick-disconnect pipe connector, which is used to isolate the weighing coil from the action of interconnected flow guides.

[0327] Figure 297 This is a schematic diagram of a slurry weighing coil, which includes a custom-designed load element for weighing the slurry.

[0328] Figure 298This is a schematic diagram of a custom-made load-bearing component;

[0329] Figure 299 This is a side view schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the isolation installation device for slurry weighing equipment;

[0330] Figure 300 This is a side view schematic diagram of a second embodiment of an isolation installation device for slurry weighing equipment;

[0331] Figure 301 This is a schematic diagram showing a slurry weighing station; and

[0332] Figure 302 It is a schematic system diagram of a programmable processor-based central processing unit (CPU) or system controller used to control the systems and apparatus disclosed herein.

[0333] All figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise expressly stated, parts that are numbered in one figure but not in other figures are identical. Unless otherwise expressly stated, references to the full figure numbers appearing in multiple figures with the same full number but different letter suffixes should be interpreted as general references to all such figures. Detailed Implementation

[0334] This document illustrates and describes the features and benefits of the invention with reference to exemplary (“Example”) embodiments. These descriptions of exemplary embodiments are intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which should be considered an integral part of the entire written description. Therefore, this disclosure is not expressly intended to be limited to 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 references to direction or orientation are merely for convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Relative terms (such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “top,” “bottom,” and their derivatives (e.g., “horizontally,” “downward,” “upward,” etc.) should be interpreted as referring to the orientation described or shown in the figures discussed. These relative terms are merely for convenience of description and do not require the device to be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms such as “attached,” “fixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar terms refer to relationships in which structures are directly or indirectly fixed or attached to each other, either directly or indirectly through intermediate structures, including movable or rigid attachments or relationships unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0336] As used throughout this document, any scope disclosed herein is used as a shorthand to describe each value within that scope. Any value within a scope may be chosen as the endpoint of the scope. Furthermore, all references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In the event of any conflict between the definitions in this disclosure and the definitions in the cited references, this disclosure shall prevail.

[0337] The chemicals can be solvents, extractants, and / or reagents. Solvents can be any fluid used to prepare the slurry as described herein. In a preferred embodiment, the solvent is water because it is readily available, but any other solvent can be used. 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, filtrate, or a combination of supernatant and filtrate. Other forms of the test substance may also be used when used in the specific form (supernatant or filtrate) specified in this specification.

[0339] Fluid conveyors can be pumps, differential pressure, or a combination of pumps and differential pressure.

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

[0341] A 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 a mobile sampling vehicle are fully described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 806,014, filed November 7, 2017; that application is incorporated herein by reference and forms part of this disclosure. The sample collection subsystem 3001 generally performs the function of extracting and collecting soil samples from a field. The samples may be in the form of soil plugs or soil cores. The collected soil 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: receiving soil sample cores in the mixer-filter device 100, quantifying the volume / mass of the soil sample, adding a predetermined amount or volume of filtered water based on the volume / mass of the soil, mixing the soil and water mixture to produce a soil sample slurry, removing or transferring the slurry from the mixer-filter device, and self-cleaning the mixer-filter device to process the next available soil sample.

[0343] The chemical analysis subsystem 3003 generally performs the following functions: receiving soil slurry from the mixer-filter device 100 of subsystem 3002, adding an extractant, mixing the extractant and slurry in a first chamber to extract the analyte of interest (e.g., nutrients available to plants), centrifuging the extractant-slurry mixture to produce a clear liquid or supernatant, removing or transferring the supernatant to a second chamber, injecting reagents, maintaining the supernatant-reagent mixture for a holding period to allow for complete chemical reactions with the reagents, such as measuring absorbance via colorimetric analysis, and assisting in cleaning the chemical analysis equipment.

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

[0345] Mixer-Filter Unit

[0346] Figure 3-18 A first embodiment of a mixer-filter device 100 of a 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 defining an upwardly opening internal mixing chamber 102 centrally located within the container; a fluid manifold base 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 a sample slurry. The motor 121 may be deployed within and supported by a motor housing 126, which, in a non-limiting embodiment, may be cylindrical. The motor housing 126 may be fixedly mounted to the underside of the manifold base 120, thereby supporting the motor 121 from the base. 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 container 101 may have a substantially cylindrical body. In addition to an upwardly opening mixing chamber 102 occupying the upper part of the container 101, a downwardly opening, centrally located cleaning port 105 is formed in the container body, which is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber to allow cleaning of the chamber between sample processing operations performed through the container. In one embodiment, the container cleaning port 105 may have a generally hourglass shape and define an inwardly sloping or ramped annular mounting surface 105a. An outwardly flared portion 105b below the mounting surface 105a of the cleaning port 105 defines a narrower throat 105c between the flared portion and the mounting surface. Figure 12 and Figure 13 (Best shown in the diagram). The mixing chamber 102 and the washing port 105 together form a vertical fluid channel that is coaxially aligned with a central axis VA1 that passes entirely through the mixing container 101 to flush and empty the contents of the mixing chamber 102 between soil sample treatments.

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

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

[0350] refer to Figure 5-6 and Figure 12-13 The piston-actuated stop assembly 130 includes a vertically elongated stop 131, which includes a top end 131a and a bottom end 131b. The stop 131 may have a generally cylindrical body configuration including an enlarged diameter head 132 formed at the top, which is disposed within the mixing chamber 102 of the mixing container 101. In one embodiment, the diameter of the stop head 132 may be larger than the diameter of the container cleaning port 105 at the throat 105c, such that the stop cannot be axially retracted downwards from the mixing chamber 102 in a 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 sealably engages with a mating annular mounting 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. In one embodiment, the annular seal 134 may be an elastomer or a rubber O-ring. The O-ring sealably engages the placement surface 105a of the mixing container 101 to form a leak-proof seal at the bottom of the mixing chamber 102 to close the cleaning port 105 of the mixing container.

[0351] The diameter of the cylindrical lower portion of the stop 131 below the enlarged head 132 may be narrower than the throat 105c of the mixing container cleaning port 105, thereby allowing the lower portion to pass through the throat. In one embodiment, the bottom end 131b of the stop 131 may be externally threaded and capable of being threadedly mounted to the top of the fluid manifold base 120 at the central channel 124. The threaded bottom end 131b of the stop 131 engages with the internally threaded upper thread of the central channel 124 (see, for example, see...). Figure 12-13 ).

[0352] The stop 131 also includes a vertically oriented central bore 144 coaxially aligned with the central axis VA1 and the central channel 124 of the fluid manifold base 120. The bore 144 extends completely through the stop 131 from the top end 131a to the bottom end 131b. The central bore 144 is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber 102 of the container 101 at the top and with the central channel 124 of the fluid manifold base 120 at the bottom.

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

[0354] Although the stop 131 and the fluid manifold base 120 are depicted as separate, discrete components, it should be recognized that in other embodiments, the stop and base may be integral parts of a cast, molded, and / or machined monolithic structure to provide the disclosed features.

[0355] Now for reference Figure 5-6 and Figure 12-13 The mixing element 140 generally includes a blade assembly 141, which is fixedly mounted on top of a vertical motor drive shaft 142 coupled to the motor 121. Therefore, 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 via 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 base 120. The drive shaft 142 is rotatably deployed in and extends completely through a central bore 144 of the stop 131 and a central channel 124 of the fluid manifold base 120.

[0356] In one embodiment, the blade assembly 141 is securely coupled to the tip of the drive shaft 142 via threaded fasteners. The blade assembly 141 is positioned within the mixing chamber 102 and includes a plurality of upwardly and downwardly angled blades 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, 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 tip 131a of the stop 131, thereby exposing the tip of the drive shaft 142 to the mixing chamber 102 of the mixing container 101, as shown. Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown in the diagram. This mounting position of the blade assembly also exposes the top of the center hole 144 in the stop 131 to the mixing chamber 102 of the mixing container 101, allowing fluid to flow in and out of the mixing chamber in both directions.

[0358] In one embodiment, a filter assembly is provided, including a partially threaded filter retainer 145 and a separable annular filter 146, for filtering slurry extracted from a mixing chamber 102. Figure 38-42 An isolated retainer and filter are shown. The filter retainer 145 includes a body having a vertical central orifice 147a communicating with a plurality of circumferentially arranged radial openings 147b to inject water into and extract slurry from the mixing chamber 102 of the container 101. The orifice 147a communicates with a central orifice 144 of a baffle 131 to complete a fluid path between the manifold base 120 and the mixing chamber 102. A motor drive shaft 142 is received through the central orifice 147a of the retainer. An annular filter 146 includes an annular screen 146a deployed between the central orifice 147a and the mixing chamber 102. The screen includes a plurality of pre-selected 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 mesh screen with straight openings. The screen material may be metallic or non-metallic.

[0359] The retainer 145 includes a threaded bottom end or rod 148 that is threadedly coupled to the threaded upper portion inside the center hole 144 of the stop block. Figure 12-16 It is best shown in the middle, and in Figure 38-42(See detailed diagram). The top 149 of the filter retainer increases in diameter so that when the retainer is screwed into the stop, it traps the annular filter 146 between itself and the top 131a of the stop 131. The filter 146 is mounted to the retainer 145, and the sieve 146a covers the radial opening 147b to filter the slurry extracted from the mixing chamber 102. The top 149 may include a tooling configuration such as hexagonal (shown) or other shapes to facilitate threaded mounting of the retainer 145 to the stop 131. Notably, as shown, the central hole 147a of the filter retainer 145 extends completely through the top and bottom ends 149, 148 to allow the drive shaft 142 to pass completely through the retainer.

[0360] The stop 131 is fixedly coupled to a movable piston assembly 150, which operates in conjunction with the movement of the piston assembly to actuate and change the position of the stop. (Reference) Figure 5-6 and Figure 12-16 The piston assembly 150 includes an annular piston 151, a spring 152, a spring retaining ring 154, and a pair of piston sealing rings 153. In one embodiment, the pair of piston sealing rings may be an elastomer 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 wall 101a of the mixing container 101 and the bottom central cleaning port 105. The piston 151 can move upward and downward within the annular space 155 between upper and lower positions.

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

[0362] The piston spring 152 is housed and held within the annular space 155 of the mixing container 101 by means of a retaining ring 154 fixedly attached to the bottom of the container. The tip of the spring 152 acts on the underside 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 to an upper position within the annular space 155 of the container 101. In a non-limiting embodiment, the spring 152 may be a helically wound compression spring. Other suitable types of springs may be used.

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

[0364] The combination of mounting bracket 103 and manifold base 120 forms a generally rigid mechanical link that couples stop 131 to piston 151. Therefore, when piston 151 is actuated, manifold base 120, motor 121 / motor housing 126, and stop 131 move upward and downward as a single unit in conjunction with piston 151. Thus, piston 151 acts as an actuator for stop 131 and is operable to control and change the position of stop.

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

[0366] During operation, piston 151 is typically biased upwards by spring 152. Figure 16 The upper position is shown. 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 outer edge 157 of the piston top via the air exchange port 156 (see, for example, the upper position shown). Figure 14 (And the directional airflow arrow). Air pressure forces the piston downwards, thus compressing the spring. Air pressure must be continuously applied to counteract the biasing effect of the spring 152 and hold the piston 151 in the lower position. To return the piston to its upper position, pressurized air is expelled from the annular space 155 in container 101 through air exchange port 156 (see, for example, the directional airflow arrow). Figure 16 Then, spring 152 pushes piston 151 upward back to its original position. Figure 14 The upper spring is biased in the middle.

[0367] It should be noted that air exchange port 156 is connected via... Figure 1 The air supply valve 3032 shown is fluidly connected to a pressurization source of compressed air (such as a compressor 3030 and an air tank 3031) via a suitable flow conduit, such as a flexible and / or rigid hose or pipe 3021. Pipe 3021 can be metallic or non-metallic. In some embodiments, fluoropolymer-type slurry pipes can be used to deliver slurry at various locations in the system due to their inherent non-stick properties, making them particularly suitable for soil slurries. FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene) is a specific example of a fluoropolymer that can be used. FEP is similar to the use of PTFE-based materials due to its non-stick properties, but FEP is advantageously more transparent and malleable in standard pipe-forming practices.

[0368] A three-way air valve 155a with an exhaust port can be fluidly coupled to port 156 and located upstream of port 156 (e.g., see...). Figure 19 This is to pressurize the annular space 155 of the container or to release air from the annular space into the atmosphere.

[0369] By actuating the piston assembly 150, the stop 131 is in a lower closed position in the vertical direction relative to the mixing container 101 (e.g., see...). Figures 19-20 ) and the upper opening position (for example, see Figure 21 The stop head 132 is axially movable between the two. In the closed position, the stop head 132 engages sealingly with the annular mounting surface 105a in the container mixing chamber 102. This position closes and blocks the bottom container cleaning port 105. This position corresponds to the lower part of the piston 151 in the container 101 (see, for example, see...). Figure 18 and Figure 19 ).

[0370] Conversely, in the open position, the stop head 132 of the stop 131 disengages the mounting surface 105a in the container mixing chamber 102. This position corresponds to the upper position of the piston 151 (see, for example, [reference needed]). Figure 21 Therefore, this position opens the cleaning port 105 and establishes a cleaning flow path, thereby rinsing and cleaning the mixing chamber 102 with filtered water after the soil sample has been mixed and volumeted, in preparation for the next soil sample to be mixed and volumeted. When the baffle head 132 is in the open position, an annular cleaning path and area is formed between the baffle 131 and the inner wall of the mixing chamber 102, extending around the baffle in a full 360 degrees.

[0371] It is worth noting that when actuated, the fluid manifold base 120 attached to the stop 131, the motor housing 126 attached to the base (in which the motor 121 is mounted), and the blade assembly 141 with the drive shaft 142 move together as a single unit with the stop 131 between the lower closed position and the upper open position.

[0372] To enable semi-concurrent processing, grading, and testing of multiple soil samples, a cascade valve and related components assembly is provided, such as... Figure 14-18 As shown in the diagram. This component is also configured and operable to volumetricate the soil sample, thereby representing and collectively forming a sample collection / volume station 160-1. The volumetric determination of the sample is used to indirectly quantify the mass of the sample to determine the appropriate amount of water to be added to the mixing chamber 102 (i.e., the water / soil ratio), thereby preparing a sample slurry with appropriate consistency or viscosity for further processing and chemical testing. In one embodiment, the component defining the sample collection / volume station includes a pair of vertically stacked squeeze or pinch valves 160 and 161, an intermediate collar 163 defining an internal pressurization chamber 162 fluidly coupled between the valves, and a volumetric container 164. Container 164 is a pressure vessel in which an initial volumetric chamber 168 of known volume is defined. Chamber 168 is fluidly coupled to a pressurized air source, such as a compressor-tank assembly 30, 31 controlled by an air valve 167 in a conduit 21 on the inlet side of the container. Chamber 168 is also fluidly coupled to pressurization chamber 162 via outlet pipe 165 controlled by another air valve 167.

[0373] In one embodiment, pinch valves 160, 161 may be air-actuated. Pinch valves are known in the art and commercially available for controlling the flow of solid materials, such as soil. Each pinch valve 160 / 161 includes a valve body 160a / 161a defining an internal space containing a flexible, collapsible diaphragm or sleeve 160b / 161b, as shown. The sleeve may 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, which includes an exhaust port in one location. The lower valve 161 is sealed and fluidly coupled to mixing container 101 and in fluid communication with mixing chamber 102.

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

[0375] Now refer to Figure 14-18 Briefly describe the grading and volume determination of the soil samples (i.e., determining the mass or volume of the soil sample using volumetric / pressure analysis techniques). This helps identify the appropriate amount of water to be added to the sample to produce the desired consistency (water / soil ratio). These preliminary treatment steps are completed before slurry preparation. Reference Figure 302 , Figure 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), referred herein as a system controller 2820, such as that disclosed in co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 806,014, filed November 7, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference. As further described elsewhere below, the system controller 2820 may include one or more processors, non-transitory tangible computer-readable media, programmable input / output peripherals, and all other necessary electronic accessories 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, which is 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 begins in a certain sequence, both pinch valves 160 and 161 can initially be in the open position. Next, Figure 14 The pinch valves 160 and 161 are shown to be now in a ready-to-collect subsystem 3001 from the probe (see, for example, see...). Figure 1 The location for receiving soil samples (which may include a mixture of one or more soil cores) is as follows: First, close the lower valve 161, while keeping the upper valve 160 open. If pressurization has not yet been applied, it is also possible to "inflate" the volume chamber 168 at this time to save processing time. During the inflatation step, close the outlet valve 167 from the volume container 167. Next, use pressurized air from the probe collection subsystem 3001 described earlier herein to blow the soil sample into valve 160, as shown below. Figure 15 As shown in the diagram, soil is deposited on the top of the sleeve 161b of the lower valve 161.

[0378] Next, as follows Figure 16 The upper valve 160 is closed as shown. This establishes a temporary seal or trap of a predetermined volume containing soil, which for convenience will be referred to herein as the soil “grading chamber” 170. Chamber 170 is fluidly isolated from the mixing chamber 101 by a closed valve 161. The grading chamber 170 is formed by the pressurization chamber 162 and the internal space between the closed sleeves of the upper and lower valves 160, 161. The initial pressure reading Pi of the volume chamber 168 is then 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 volume chamber 168 and the grading chamber 170 is opened to allow pressurized air from the volume container 164 to enter the grading chamber. Now that the outlet valve is open, the pressure is balanced between the fluidly connected grading chamber 170 and the volume chamber 168. The final pressure Pf is then measured and read by system 2820. This pressure Pf is lower than Pi of the pressurized and pre-isolated isostatic chamber 168 alone. For accuracy, the pressure readings 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 staged chamber 170, the isostatic chamber 168, and the valves and piping in between.

[0379] Next, the processing system 2820 automatically and indirectly calculates the soil "mass" equal to its "volume" to determine the appropriate amount of water to add to the mixing chamber to achieve the desired water / soil ratio and slurry consistency. Boyle's law can be used to calculate the soil volume: Pi*Vp = Pf(Vp + Vc - Vs), where Vc = volume of the grading chamber 170; Vp = volume of the initial isostatic chamber 168; Vs = volume of the soil; Pi = initial pressure of the isostatic chamber 168; and Pf = final equilibrium pressure of the combined volume of the grading chamber 170 and the isostatic chamber 168 as described above. This equation is solved for Vs to identify the volume of soil in the grading chamber 170 to be poured into the mixing container 101. The processing system 2820 then calculates the amount or volume of water to be added based on the 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 isostatic methods for the soil sample can be used.

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

[0381] Figure 19 A soil sample "S" from farmland under "as collected" conditions is shown. This soil sample is first loaded into the mixing chamber 102 of the mixing container 101. At this time, the stop 131 is in the lower closed position as previously described herein to close the bottom container cleaning port 105. In some cases, the sample may consist of several soil cores for generating a composite sample chemical profile representing an average analysis.

[0382] The filtered water (FW) is pumped by water pump 3304 ( Figure 1 The water is pumped to the mixer-filter assembly 100 and injected into the fluid manifold base 120 through inlet nozzle 122 (see directional arrow). The water flows radially into the central channel 124, then axially upward through the central hole 144 in the channel and baffle 131, and radially into 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 recognize that the soil will actually fill the entire lower part of the chamber). In some embodiments of this process, water may be added to the mixing chamber 101 before adding the soil sample, and the mixing blade assembly 141 may be operated at a low idle speed (RPM). The mixing chamber 101 is filled with a predetermined volume or amount of filtered water to achieve a desired water / soil ratio (e.g., 4:1, etc.) pre-programmed into the treatment system 2820 to produce a slurry (SL) of appropriate consistency for processing and analysis. The required water volume is determined during the volume determination process at the volume determination station described earlier in this article.

[0383] Next, Figure 20 The mixing step is illustrated. The water and soil mixture is mixed by a blade assembly 141 that rotates at a predetermined full mixing speed (RPM) to rapidly and efficiently prepare a sample slurry (SL) with appropriate consistency. To aid in achieving thorough and rapid mixing, a plurality of circumferentially spaced mixing protrusions 172 can be provided in the mixing chamber 101, protruding radially inward into the chamber. Figure 10 (Best shown in the diagram). The protrusions 172 interact with the mixing blade assembly 141 to promote thorough mixing. In one embodiment, two pairs of mixing protrusions 172 opposite each other along their diameter may be provided; however, more or fewer protrusions and other arrangements may be used. In one embodiment shown, the protrusions 172 may have a circular cross-section in the top plan view.

[0384] Once the slurry has been thoroughly mixed, it is extracted from the mixing chamber 102 through the outlet nozzle 123, while being drawn from the slurry pump 3333 of the chemical analysis subsystem 3003 (see directional flow arrow). Alternatively, if it is necessary to deliver the slurry to the slurry pump, a slurry forwarding pump can be added according to the system's hydrodynamics. It should be noted that during the extraction step, the baffle 131 remains in the lower closed position to seal the cleaning port 105 of the mixing container 101. In operation, the slurry generally flows inward through the central hole 144 of the baffle 131 via the annular screen 146 located at the center of the filter housing 145, and axially downward through the holes and central channel 124 of the manifold base 120 to reach the outlet nozzle 123. The annular screen 146 has an opening sized to prevent soil or other embedded particles (e.g., small stones, etc.) of predetermined size from the field sample from entering the baffle 131 and the manifold base 120. Because the slurry flows through the annular space or flow channel formed between the motor drive shaft 142 and the central hole and channels 144, 124, the screen prevents clogging of this slightly restricted flow space. The slurry extraction step can preferably be performed with the speed of the mixing blade assembly 141 reduced 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 force of the mixing blades, the waste residue, consisting of agglomerates of fine soil particles, accumulates primarily against the vertical walls surrounding the mixing chamber 102. Extracting the slurry from the lower central portion of the mixing chamber via the annular filter 146 advantageously minimizes filter clogging compared to other possible slurry extraction locations along the walls of the mixing chamber.

[0386] Next, Figure 21The rinsing and cleaning steps of the mixing chamber 102 are shown and will be briefly described. The baffle 131 is initially in the closed position from the slurry extraction step. In one embodiment of the mixing chamber cleaning process, a two-stage rinsing and washing process 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 baffle 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 baffle 131 is moved by the actuation of the piston assembly 150 in the manner previously described herein. With the cleaning outlet 105 remaining open, rinsing 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 rinsing water follows a 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 chamber 102 flows downwards and outwards through cleaning port 105 and the 360-degree open cleaning zone formed by the cleaning port to discharge waste (see directional waste flow arrow). This concludes the initial flushing and rinsing phase.

[0387] In the second final rinse and wash stage, the mixing chamber 102 is reclosed by moving the baffle 131 to the closed position to block the cleaning port 105, while flushing water continues to be injected into the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber 105 now begins to briefly fill with water. The speed of the mixing blade assembly 141 increases to full speed within seconds to entrain any sludge residue adhering to the walls of the mixing chamber in the water. The cleaning port 105 of the mixing chamber is opened a second time by raising the baffle 131 to flush out the mixture of water and sludge. This completes the cleaning of the mixing chamber 102. It is noteworthy that the initial and final rinse and wash stages are completed rapidly and sequentially within a few seconds.

[0388] Once the mixing chamber 102 has been thoroughly cleaned, the stop 131 returns to the lower closed position via the operation of the piston assembly 150, ready to receive and process the next soil sample in series. Figure 2 The above-mentioned treatment steps for soil sample volume determination, slurry mixing, and cleaning of the mixing chamber are summarized in the paper.

[0389] Alternative embodiments of mixer-filter devices

[0390] Figure 22-37An alternative embodiment of a mixer-filter device 200 that can be used with the sample preparation subsystem 3002 is depicted. The mixer-filter device 200 generally includes a lower mixing container 201, an upper mixer housing 203, a vertically movable elastomeric stop 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... Figure 22 Motor 222 is shown. Drive shaft 220 is centered in mixer housing 203 and defines the vertical central axis VA2 of mixer-filter assembly.

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

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

[0393] The lower portion of the central opening 207 defines a downwardly opening mixing chamber 207a, which is formed below the elastomeric stop 210 and contains the mixing blade assembly 240. When the container is coupled to the upper housing 203, the mixing chamber 207a of the soil container 201 and the soil storage chamber 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 may be smaller than the diameter of the upper portion of the central cavity 207, thereby forming a stepped transition therebetween that defines an annular mounting surface 206. In one embodiment, the mounting surface 206 may be chamfered to create an angled or inclined mounting surface oriented toward the central axis VA2. The blade assembly 240 is rotatably deployed within the mixing chamber 205.

[0394] The housing 203 also includes an inlet port 208 for injecting filtered water into the mixing chamber 205 and radially opposite outlet ports 209 for extracting the slurry. Optionally, a vent 208a of a valve is in fluid communication with the inlet port 208 of the housing 203 and the central chamber 207 to vent air from the chamber prior to mixing operation. In some embodiments, the entire housing and chamber may be rotatably coupled via rotational couplings 201-4 (e.g., see...). Figure 30 The vent / valve 209 is tilted at an angle so that it is at a high point in the system and slurry extraction takes place below the water level (to avoid air extraction with the slurry). The inlet port 208 and the cleaning port 105 can be single ports with three-way valves to control the inflow and outflow of material.

[0395] Although the mixing blade assembly 41 and 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 drive shaft 22 enter the mixing chamber 202 from the top. This arrangement advantageously reduces the complexity of the shaft seals required to prevent water from leaking out of the chamber along the drive shaft.

[0396] The elastomeric stop 210 is at least partially deployed in the central cavity 207 of the mixer housing 203, such as Figure 28 and Figure 29 The best example shown is [image 1]. See also [reference 2]. Figure 21-23 and Figure 30-32 A mixing chamber 205 is formed below the baffle 210. The baffle 210 has a generally cylindrical body including a top 215, a bottom 214, and cylindrical sidewalls 216 extending therebetween. A circular central axial channel 211 extends axially between and through the top and bottom surfaces. In one embodiment, the bottom 214 may be concave, with a cross-section defined as an arcuate profile to further facilitate thorough mixing of the slurry. The baffle 210 assembly may also include a lower drive collar seal 214 to prevent fluid leakage from the mixing chamber 205 along the shaft, and an upper collar bearing 221 supporting the shaft within the axial central channel 211 of the baffle.

[0397] A radially extending annular sealing flange 213 protrudes outward from the body of the stop 210 to form a seal with the sidewall of the central cavity 207 in the mixer housing 203. The flange 213 is flexible and is formed as an integral structural part of the elastomeric stop 210. In one embodiment, the flange 213 can open upward (reverse upward) when in an undeformed state. A retaining ring 213-1 locks the flange 213 in place on the mixer housing 203. The housing may include an annular shoulder 213-2 to facilitate engagement of the flange (e.g., see...). Figure 37The flange 213 engages with the sidewall of the cavity 207 to form a seal. Water can be injected through the inlet port 208 of the housing 203 into a portion of the mixing chamber 205 below the annular flange 213 of the baffle 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 baffle 210 during the initial setup of the mixer-filter assembly 200.

[0398] The stop 210 is axially movable upward and downward within 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 stop and the mixer housing 203 for filtering slurry and rinsing the mixing chamber 205 between samples.

[0399] The stop 210 also includes an upwardly opening annular space 212 in which the spring 231 is received (see, for example, see...). Figure 30-32 In one embodiment, spring 231 may be a helically wound compression spring. Spring 231 is held in the annular space by a cover plate 230 removably mounted to the mixer housing 203. The top end of spring 231 acts on the bottom side of cover plate 230, and the bottom end of spring 231 acts on stop 210 to bias the stop into a lower seated position.

[0400] Stop 210 is fixedly coupled to drive shaft 220, one end of which is rotatably coupled to motor 222, and the hybrid blade assembly 240 forms an inline movable component or unit. Stop 210 can be moved between a lower position and an upper position by raising or lowering the movable unit, for example, via raising or lowering a motor bracket (not shown). Blade assembly 240 engages with seal 214 embedded in the stop body, which pulls stop 210 upward when the motor is raised. This action in turn compresses spring 231, which forces stop 210 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 out large soil particles or debris (e.g., stones) from the slurry extracted from the mixer without using conventional mesh filter screens that may easily clog. Device 200 also provides an openable / closeable filter interface that allows rinsing and cleaning of the mixing chamber between sample processing sessions.

[0402] To provide filtration and rinsing functions, an annular mounting surface 217 is formed at the bottom of the cylindrical sidewall 216 of the stop 210. The mounting surface 217 can be inclined or angled relative to the central axis VA2. When the stop 210 moves between an upper unseated position and a lower seated position, the mounting surface 217 can selectively engage with its mating mounting surface 206 on the mixer housing 203. Thus, the mounting surface 217 and the mounting surface 206 have complementary angles to form a plane-to-plane interface, thereby establishing an annular mounting area.

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

[0404] The operation of the baffle 210 used for rinsing and cleaning the mixing chamber 205 will now be briefly described. Figures 30-31 , Figure 35 and Figure 37 The stop block in its lower seated position is shown. The mounting surfaces 217 and 206 engage to form a closed annular interface 241 between the stop block 210 and the mixer housing 203. Since the flow groove 218 remains the only open flow path between the flow booster chamber 240 and the mixing chamber 205, this seated position performs a filtration function. Once the slurry is prepared and extracted from the mixer-filter assembly through the groove 218, the stop block 210 is raised to its upper unseated position (e.g., see...). Figure 32 and Figure 36This disengages the mounting surfaces 217 and 206, thereby fully opening the annular interface 241 to a complete 360 ​​degrees, through which the flow booster chamber 240 and the mixing chamber 205 are fluidly connected. The stop 210 only needs to rise sufficiently to form a circumferentially continuous opening between the mounting surfaces 206 and 217. When the stop 210 is raised to the unseated position, the periphery of the annular flange 213 remains frictionally engaged with the sidewall of the mixing chamber 205 and is stationary by maintaining the operation of the ring 213-1. In this way, the flange 213 will deform and flex rather than simply slide upwards along the sidewall. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the flange 213 may typically be pre-angled in the upward-flipped position (e.g., see...). Figure 31 Furthermore, as the flange deforms with the rise of the stop 210, the flange 213 can be changed to a horizontal position (see, for example, see...). Figure 32 In any case, it is crucial that the annular interface 214 is preferably fully open across its entire circumference. Washing water can then be injected, mixed, and flushed out of the mixing chamber 205 to clean the mixer-filter assembly 100, thereby carrying sludge out of the chamber to remove waste. This flushing step also cleans any flow channels 218 that may have been clogged by larger particles or debris during slurry filtration. Once complete, the baffle 210 returns to its lower seat position for the next mixing cycle.

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

[0406] In some embodiments, the mixer-filter device 200 can be used at an angle (such as in the range from about 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 top mixer-filter device.

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

[0408] Chemical Analysis Subsystem

[0409] refer to Figure 1The 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 aforementioned components and systems are fluidly coupled together via suitable flow conduits (such as, but not limited to, pipe 3021, which may 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 described further.

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

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

[0412] Water pump 3304, extractant pump 3310, reagent pump 3316, and supernatant pump 3313 can also be positive displacement pumps to regulate the supply to the extractant. Figure 1 The flow rate of the corresponding fluid in the sampling system components shown.

[0413] At this time, it is particularly important to note 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 nutrient or analyte (e.g., potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus, etc.) available to plants in the soil slurry. When implemented, the sampling system 3000 may actually include multiple chemical processing chains (e.g., 3000B, 3000C, 3000D, etc.) that operate to extract and analyze multiple nutrients or analytes simultaneously and in parallel rather than sequentially. 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 fluidly coupled to each processing chain in parallel via separate parallel lines of conduit 3021.

[0414] Centrifuge 3400 is the central sample processing unit of the chemical analysis subsystem 3003 of the soil sampling system 3000. This unit provides a single unit configured to process multiple slurry samples simultaneously and 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 refer 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, as further described herein. The upper support plate 3403 and the lower support plate 3405 are spaced apart in a vertical direction and may be horizontally oriented as shown in the illustrated embodiment, thereby defining a partially or completely sealed sample processing chamber 3501. Each support plate 3403, 3405 has a cantilevered attachment to a peripheral side or end of the vertical support plate 3402 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 combinations thereof). In one embodiment, as shown, the support plates 3403 and 3405 may be oriented perpendicular to the main support plate 3402.

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

[0417] The curved protective shield 3409 can be mounted to the upper support plate 3403 and the lower support plate 3405 via a pair of arc-shaped curved upper protective shield support members 3407-1, intermediate protective shield support members 3407-2, and lower protective shield support members 3407-3. The protective shield support members may have a semi-circular shape and be vertically spaced as shown. In one embodiment, each protective shield support member includes an inwardly opening recess 3410 that receives the protective shield 3409, and inwardly curved hooks 3411 at each opposite end of the recess that capture the protective shield in the recess during installation. The radii of the protective shield support members 3407-1, 3407-2, and 3407-3 are complementary to the radius of the protective shield 3409 to provide a relatively tight and secure installation. A plurality of vertically extending struts 3408 extend between the upper protective shield support member 3407-1 and the lower protective shield support member 3407-3, respectively. The top and bottom ends of each support 3408 can be terminated by elongated tabs 3411 housed in mating slots 3412 within the protective cover support, such as Figure 51 As best illustrated. Other methods can be used to couple the strut 3408 to the shield support. The strut 3408 maintains the spacing between the upper shield support 3407-1 and the lower shield support 3407-3 and adds rigidity to the shield assembly 3404. The shield supports 3407-1, 3407-2, and 3407-3 can be welded or brazed to the strut 3408 to complete the rigid structure.

[0418] In one embodiment, the components of the protective cover supports 3407-1, 3407-2, and 3407-3 can be pivotally coupled to the housing 3401 via a vertically extending pivot rod 3414 (see, for example, [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 43 and Figure 51This allows the protective cover 3409 to be pivotally opened to enable access to the processing chamber 3501 inside the housing. A pivot rod 3414 extends through 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 and are arranged to receive the rod 3414 passing through them. Figure 43 As shown, the outer ends of the protective cover supports 3403 and 3405 can overlap with 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 paired upper protective cover support members 3407-1, intermediate protective cover support members 3407-2, and lower protective cover support members 3407-3 are disclosed, in other embodiments, a single, integrated upper protective cover support member, intermediate protective cover support member, and lower protective cover support member may be provided instead. In other embodiments, the intermediate protective cover support member may be omitted. Of course, other mechanisms or techniques may be used instead of the protective cover support members to mount the protective cover 3409 to the centrifuge housing 3401, which does not limit the invention.

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

[0421] The centrifuge 3400 also includes a motor drive mechanism 3450-1, which includes a vertically oriented and rotatable main drive shaft 3700 rotated by the drive mechanism, a rotating tube wheel 3500 coupled to the drive shaft 3700, and a fixed fluid exchange manifold or dock 3430. The tube wheel 3500 is configured to pivotally mount and support multiple 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 wheel 3500 is movable between docked and non-docked positions. Alternatively, the fluid exchange manifold or dock 3430 can be driven, or both the rotary tube wheel 3500 and the fluid exchange manifold or dock 3430 can be driven to dock or disconnect from each other.

[0422] The main drive shaft 3700 of the motor drive mechanism 3450-1 is vertically oriented and defines the rotation axis RA (see, for example, see...). Figure 47 This generates a vertical centerline for reference purposes for the centrifuge 3400. For example, a tube wheel 3500 is fixedly coupled to the lower end of the drive shaft 3700 via a tapered coupler 3706 (see, for example, see...). Figure 53 and Figure 71 The motor is rotated or spins on an axis to process soil samples. In one embodiment, the drive mechanism 3450-1 may include dual motors, comprising 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 of a substantially planar surface, which may be made of rectangular metal or non-metal plates having a rectangular configuration. In one embodiment, the motor supports are vertically spaced 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 slidably connected to the lower motor support 3702 via a horizontally elongated slot 3710 (e.g., see...). Figure 76 Therefore, the upper motor support can be slidably moved relative to the lower motor support. In one embodiment, four spacers 3703 may be provided, one spacer near each of the four corners of the motor supports 3701, 3702. Notably, the motor supports 3701, 3702 are free-floating and 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. Similarly, the indexing motor 3704 includes an associated indexing gear 3708 driven by the motor shaft of the indexing motor. Both gears 3707 and 3708 can selectively mesh with a main drive pulley gear 3709, which is fixedly attached to the top of the main drive shaft 3700, for example, via set screws or other means. Figure 95 The toothed timing belt 3713 shown is wound around and operatively interconnects all three gears to provide a belt drive system for rotating the main drive shaft 3700.

[0424] To adjust the tension in the synchronous belt 3713, the upper motor support 3701 slides toward or away from the main drive shaft 3700 in one of two opposing directions, the main drive shaft 3700 being horizontally fixed in the lower motor support 3702 via mounting holes. The main motor and indexing motors 3705, 3704 are horizontally fixed 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 obtain the appropriate tension in the belt. When adjusting the belt tension, the spacers 3703 slide in their respective slots 3710 in the lower motor support.

[0425] A main motor 3705 is used to rotate the rotary tube conduit 3500 at a relatively high speed to centrifuge soil samples. An indexing motor 3704 is used to properly align and index the tube conduit in a rotational position relative to the fluid exchange dock 3430 to exchange fluid between centrifuge tubes 3450 carried by the hub and dock. In one embodiment, the indexing motor 3704 may be a stepper motor whose output is used to engage the main drive shaft 3700 and rotate it in very small discrete step length increments to achieve proper rotational alignment between the dock and the tube conduit. This allows for very precise speed control and positioning (i.e., motion control) of the main drive shaft, which can be controlled by a system programmable controller. The stepper motor cooperates with the indexing features on the tube conduit 3500 and the centrifuge housing 3401 to achieve proper rotational alignment between the dock 3430 and the tube conduit 3500 when the hub is in the docked 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, thereby exchanging fluid when the tube wheel 3500 is in the upper docking position. In one embodiment, a rotation sensor (not shown) (such as a Hall effect sensor) may be provided to detect the rotational position of the main drive shaft and transmit it to a system controller, which in turn can control the operation of the stepper motor and the rotational position of the main drive shaft 3700.

[0426] refer to Figures 43-56The dock 3430 includes a generally disc-shaped annular body with a central opening 3435, which can be coaxially aligned with the axis of rotation RA to allow a drive shaft 3700 to pass through it. The dock 3430 is fixedly attached to an upper support plate 3403, such as by threaded fasteners or other means, and remains stationary with respect to the housing 3401. In one embodiment, the dock body may have a generally solid metallic or non-metallic structure. In one embodiment, the dock 3430 may be formed of plastic. A plurality of flow holes or channels 3434 extend vertically through the top surface 3431 and bottom surface 3432 of the fluid exchange dock 3430 and through the body between them. The flow channels 3434 may be arranged in clusters 3433, the number and pattern of which match and correspond to the number of centrifuge tubes 3450 and the number of clusters 3451 of flow ports formed in the top surface of the tubes. When the centrifuge tubes 3450 selectively mate and engage with the dock 3430, the flow ports 3451 and flow channels 3434 are concentrically aligned and fluidly communicated. This allows sample slurry to be injected into and extracted from centrifuge tube 3450. In one configuration, a cluster of three flow channels 3434 and conduits 3451 may be provided. Other embodiments may have more or fewer holes / conduits in each cluster.

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

[0428] Now for reference Figure 43-52 and Figures 57-58 The rotating tube gear 3500 has a generally disc-shaped body including a central opening 3515 coaxially aligned with the axis of rotation RA to allow the drive shaft 3700 to pass through. A tapered coupler 3706 is attached to the bottom end of the drive shaft 3700, securing the tube gear 3500 to the drive shaft. In one example, a bushing 3508 can further be secured to the drive shaft 3700 via threaded fasteners (not shown).

[0429] The rotating tube hub 3500 is configured to pivotally mount centrifuge tubes 3450 to a hub for centrifuging tubes containing sample slurry. The hub 3500 includes a top surface 3510, an opposing bottom surface 3511, and circumferentially extending peripheral sidewalls 3512 extending between said surfaces. Figure 57(Best shown in the diagram). The rotating hub 3500 includes a plurality of radially outwardly opening peripheral recesses 3502 formed through the sidewall 3512; 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 as the centrifuge rotates to high speed. In one embodiment, the peripheral recesses 3502 may have a generally straight shape and may be arranged in pairs relative to each other along the diameter. In one configuration, eight recesses may be provided; however, more or fewer recesses may be provided depending on the number of centrifuge tubes used and the soil nutrients to be analyzed.

[0430] For further reference Figures 59-65 Each centrifuge tube 3450 can be accessed via pivot pin 3459 (in... Figure 57 and Figure 59 (As shown in the figure) It is pivotally mounted in a corresponding peripheral recess 3502. The opposite ends of the pivot pin 3459 are received in upwardly opening pin grooves 3503 formed on each side of the recess 3502, the pin grooves 3503 also opening inward toward the recess (e.g., see [reference]). Figure 57 The depth of the slot 3503 extends only partially through the thickness of the dock 3500 (measured between the top surface 3510 and the bottom surface 3511), so that the slot does not penetrate the bottom surface. This forms a mounting surface for engaging the pivot pin 3459. The pivot pin 3459 is inserted through a laterally oriented through-hole 3454 formed through the centrifuge tube 3450, such that the end of the pin remains exposed. Therefore, 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 end of the pivot pin in the slot 3503, a locking cap 3505 is provided in one embodiment, such as... Figure 64 and Figure 65 As best illustrated. To mount each centrifuge tube 3450 to the tube conduit 3500, one of the pivot pins 3459 is first 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 across the recess above the pin slot 3503. The centrifuge tube 3450 is lowered in the recess 3502 until the ends of the pivot pins 3459 enter and are fully seated within a pair of pin slots 3503. One of the locking caps 3505 is then 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 ​​engagement with the slot 3503. In other embodiments, instead of a snap-fit ​​engagement or in addition to a snap-fit ​​engagement, the locking cap 3505 may be held in place on the pin slot 3503 by a pneumatic cap assembly.

[0432] The primary purpose of the aerodynamic cover assembly is to achieve a streamlined shape for the impeller 3500 assembly during rotation, thereby reducing power input and noise due to aerodynamic losses, since the impeller with centrifugal tubes would otherwise act as an air impeller. The cover assembly includes an upper cover 3520 and a lower cover 3521, which in one embodiment are secured to the hub, such as via threaded fasteners or other mechanical fastening methods. Figures 51-54 The cover is shown. Therefore, the hub 3500 is sandwiched between the covers and compressed, as depicted in the full hub assembly. Figure 66 and Figure 67 As further shown in the diagram. As noted, the cover assembly is also advantageously used to capture the locking cap 3505 below the upper cover 3520.

[0433] Continue to refer to Figures 51-54 and Figures 66-67 Each of the upper cover 3520 and the lower cover 3521 may have a disc-shaped body including 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 correspond with the layout and arrangement of the peripheral recesses 3502 formed in the hub 3500, such that the mounted centrifugal tubes 3450 are exposed within the cover (see, for example, [reference needed]). Figures 66-67 The radial length of the tube opening 3523 is preferably designed to allow the installed centrifuge tubes to swing completely outward and upward within the opening when rotated by the centrifuge 3400 (see...). Figure 67 Centrifuge tubes 3452 can each be in operation when the rotating tube hub 3500 is stationary. Figure 66 The vertical position shown is when the hub is rotated at full speed by the drive mechanism. Figure 67 The horizontal positions shown are moved at an angle. This ensures that the acceleration experienced by the sample due to gravity or rotational acceleration is always away from the tube port. The tube 3450 is preferably configured with a through-hole 3454 positioned closer to the top surface 3452 of the tube, such that the top surface is substantially flush with the top surface 3524 of the cover 3520, or as... Figure 66 The centrifuge tube 3450, as seen in the previous description, is preferably slightly raised and protrudes above the top surface 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 centrifuge tube 3450 protrudes downward below the bottom surface 3525 of the lower cover 3521, such that most of the height of the centrifuge tube 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 tubes 3450 and the cluster of flow channels 3434 of the fluid exchange dock 3500, the centrifuge 3400 also includes an indexing mechanism comprising mating indexing features disposed within / on 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 formed around a central opening 3515 on the top surface 3510 of the hub (see, for example, see...). Figure 57 The recess 3530 mates with a plurality of complementary, downwardly projecting indexing protrusions 3531 disposed in the centrifuge housing 3401, the indexing protrusions 3531 being arranged in the same circumferential pattern as the indexing recess. In one embodiment, the indexing protrusions 3531 may be formed on an annular indexing ring 3533, which 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 protrusion 3531 represents a fixed component of the indexing system, while the rotary tube wheel 3500 with the indexing recess 3530 is a movable component. In other embodiments, alternatively, the indexing recess 3530 may be on the ring 3533, while the protrusion 3531 is located on the hub. The ring 3533 also includes a central opening 3534 for the main drive shaft 3700 and the piston support tube 3604 to pass through. The aforementioned mating indexing features are used in conjunction with the indexing motor 3704 to achieve rotational alignment between the indexing recess and the protrusion, thereby allowing the protrusion to be inserted into the recess when the rotary tube wheel 3500 is in the upper mating position.

[0435] For ease of description, refer to the following: Figures 59-63With regard to the vertical orientation of the centrifuge tubes 3450 in these figures, it is understood that when the centrifuge is operated, the tubes change between the vertical and horizontal positions previously described herein as they are pivotally rotated by centrifugal force. Centrifuge tubes 3450 are generally used to separate a clear supernatant from a soil sample slurry and extractant mixture for chemical analysis. In a non-limiting embodiment, each centrifuge tube 3450 may have a rectangular cuboid including a top surface 3452, an opposing bottom surface 3453, and four sides 3458 extending vertically between the top and bottom surfaces. The body of each tube 3450 may be constructed entirely or partially rigid. In one embodiment, the centrifuge tube 3450 may be formed from injection-molded plastic. A flow port 3451 penetrates the top surface 3452 for introducing the slurry-extractant mixture and extracting the clear supernatant after centrifugation of 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 tube 3450. The slurry and cleaning conduits 3455-2 and 3456-2 may be vertically oriented and fluidly connected via a crossflow conduit 3460 (see, for example). Figure 61 The supernatant extraction conduit 3457-2 is angled relative to the centerline CT of the centrifuge tube 3450 and to the flow conduits 3455-2 and 3456-2. Conduit 3457-2 is fluidly connected to the slurry conduit 3455-2 (see, for example, see...). Figure 63 No conduit penetrates the bottom surface 3453 of the centrifuge tube 3450. In some embodiments, the slurry conduit 3455-2, the cleaning conduit 3456-2, and the supernatant extraction conduit 3457-2 may have a high length-to-diameter ratio (L / D) to generate a high-speed 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 may be greater than 10.

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

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

[0438] In addition, overall reference Figures 43-54 and Figures 70-71 The piston 3605 is slidably deployed within an internal cylindrical chamber 3603 for upward / downward movement therein. The piston head 3602 has annular seals (e.g., O-rings) on both the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the head. This forms a leak-proof fluid seal within the chamber 3603 between the head 3602 and the support tube 3604 and cylinder 3601, to retain air or hydraulic fluid for operating the piston.

[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 then fixedly attached to the lower motor support 3702. Therefore, when the piston is actuated, the piston 3605 in the piston cylinder 3601 moves up and down, causing the support tube 3604, to which the motor driver and wheel are attached, to move up / down (compare). Figure 72 and 73 This causes the centrifuge tube 3500 to move axially between its upper docked position and lower un docked position to exchange fluids (e.g., slurry extractant, supernatant, or water-air flow for rinsing the tube) with the centrifuge tube 3450 in the upper position, or alternatively to centrifuge soil samples in the lower position of the tube.

[0440] Now refer to Figures 72-73 Briefly describe the operation of piston mechanism 3600. In one embodiment, piston 3605 may be pneumatically and fluidly connected to a source of working air, such as air reservoir 3031 (e.g., see...). Figure 1 (Air line to the centrifuge). In one embodiment, an air duct 3714 is provided formed in the fluid exchange dock 3430 (see, for example, the air duct to the centrifuge). Figure 55 This allows working air to be introduced into or removed from the cylindrical chamber 3603 to raise or lower the piston 3605 and support tube 3604 assembly (and coupled thereto the motor driver and rotary tube wheel 3500), which together form a piston-actuated movable unit. Figure 73 As shown, when no working air is supplied to the piston cylinder 3601, the tube wheel 3500 is typically in the default lower position. The tube wheel 3500 is disengaged and perpendicularly spaced from the fluid exchange dock 3430 in the "un-docked" position. To "dock" the tube wheel 3500 to the dock 3430, air is supplied to the chamber 3603 of the cylinder 3601 below the piston head 3605. Figure 72 As seen in the diagram, this raises the piston head 3605, which in turn raises the tube wheel 3500 to its upper position via the support tube 3604 and the motor drive mechanism 3450-1, up to the hub engagement dock 3430. To return the rotating tube wheel 3500 to its lower position, air is simply released from the cylinder 3601 via 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 wheel 3500 to their lowered position. Now as... Figure 74 and Figure 75 As seen in the image, centrifuge 3400 is preparing to rotate the hub 3500 and centrifuge the soil slurry sample, with the hub in a lower position.

[0441] The chemical analysis subsystem 3003 also includes an absorbance analysis cell 3800 for colorimetric analysis of the supernatant after the addition of a color-changing chemical reagent. This type of analysis cell is typically used in absorbance measurement systems but not in the embodiments disclosed herein. Reference Figure 77 The pool 3800 may include a generally rectangular cuboid 3801, which may be molded from a transparent or translucent plastic material. A pair of diagonally opposite top and bottom corners may be diagonally angled and define a threaded inlet port 3802 and an outlet port 3803, as shown. The inlet port 3802 is fluidly coupled to a mixing coil 3318, which is connected to a supernatant pump 3312 and a reagent pump 3316 (see, for example, see...). Figure 1 The inlet port 3802 receives inflow material. The outlet port 3803 discharges wastewater to waste / exhaust gas. The inlet port 3802 and outlet port 3803 can be fluidly coupled to the flow channel 3021 via a threaded pipe connector. The inlet and outlet ports are fluidly coupled together via a Z-shaped internal flow conduit 3804 in the pool 3800, which includes two diagonally extending inclined diagonal sections and a horizontal straight section therebetween. As shown, threaded LED emitting ports 3805 and emitting ports 3806 are deployed on opposite sides of the pool body at the ends of the straight horizontal section of the flow channel 3804. Ports 3805 and 3806 are linearly aligned. The emitting port 3805 is coupled to an emitting diode circuit board 3807 including an LED emitting diode. The emitting port 3806 is coupled to a receiving diode circuit board 3808 including an LED receiving diode. In operation, the supernatant extracted from centrifuge tube 3450, with added and mixed reagents, is received at inlet port 3802 (see directional flow arrow). The mixture flows upward through the first diagonal portion of the flow conduit 3804, reaching the straight portion of the conduit at the end of the light-emitting diode port. The mixture then flows horizontally across the straight portion in a straight flow path aligned with both the emitting and receiving diodes, reaching 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, thereby quantifying the nutrients or analytes being analyzed in the soil sample at this time. The supernatant and reagent mixture then flows upward through the second diagonal portion of the flow conduit and exits from outlet port 3803. Advantageously, as shown, the mixture flows linearly parallel to the direction of light emitted by the emitting diode in the straight portion of the flow conduit 3804. This increases and maximizes the time for colorimetric analysis of the sample, thereby improving accuracy while allowing for rapid sample processing.

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

[0443] Figure 78-94 It is shown Figure 1 A schematic flow chart of the chemical processing chain 3000A of the chemical analysis subsystem 3003 depicts the sequence of methods or processes for processing and analyzing soil samples. Therefore, these diagrams represent... Figure 1The processing sequence occurs within a single chemical processing chain 3000A. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments of this method, the same sequential processes shown are performed simultaneously and in parallel across all processing chains of the soil sampling system 3000 to analyze all chemical parameters of interest (analytes) in the soil sample slurry, thereby significantly reducing 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 November 7, 2017. The controller is operatively coupled to... Figure 78-94 The components shown (e.g., pumps, valves, centrifuges, compressors, etc.) are used to control the processing sequence and the flow rate of fluids through the system, thereby fully processing and analyzing soil samples.

[0445] In the flow diagram, it is noteworthy that bold and dark lines indicate the effective fluid flow paths in each process sequence shown and described. The valve positions of pneumatic or electro-hydraulic valve 3331 and air valves 155a, 167 are schematically indicated by solid or hollow circles (solid circle = closed; hollow circle = open). Note the open and closed valves in the flow diagram, which form the active portion of the flow network. In a non-limiting example, valve 3331 could be a pneumatic pinch valve.

[0446] Figure 78 This illustrates the initial provision of a soil sampling system 3000 and its readiness for processing and chemical analysis of soil samples. Figure 78 In this process, after a sample collector (e.g., a collection probe) 3033 of the probe collection subsystem 3001 collects "dry" sample "soil cores" directly from the farmland, the soil cores are pneumatically transferred (i.e., blown) via a suitably sized processing pipe 3021 to a sample collection / volume station 160-1 deployed above a mixer 100 or 200 (described earlier herein) by delivering air pulses via an air valve 3032. Sample soil cores collected by the soil collection probe 3033 from multiple sampling locations (i.e., different depths and / or areas) can be aggregated together in the collection / volume station to create a combined "sample". Pressurized air supplied via the air valve 3032 provides the power to transfer the soil cores to the station 160-1. Then... Figure 79 In this process, the aggregated “sample” is quantified in the manner described earlier in this paper (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 suitable viscosity / consistency).

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

[0448] exist Figure 83 At this point in the process, there is a stagnant fluid cavity (indicated by dashed lines) in pipe 3021 that is not yet filled with soil sample slurry, between two junctions on either side of the stagnant fluid cavity. This cavity can contain air and / or liquid. To resolve this, the two slurry pump isolation valves 3331 previously opened upstream and downstream of slurry pump 3333 are closed, and the flow conduit is changed from a single-pass loading / unloading configuration to a recirculation closed pump circuit configuration that includes the stagnant section of pipe 3021 and the mixing circuit or coil 3330. Slurry pump 3333 pumps a small amount of slurry fluid backward through the closed pump circuit to reposition the stagnant fluid cavity so that it can be emptied in the following steps, and the previously empty and stagnant pipe section is filled with slurry, as... Figure 84 As shown in the image.

[0449] exist Figure 85 In this process, the flow conduit is reconfigured again by opening the slurry pump isolation valve 3331 to change the conduit from a closed pump circuit configuration back to a loading / unloading configuration. The slurry pump 3333 pumps more sample slurry and extractant through conduit 3021 to clear stagnant cavities and drain them.

[0450] exist Figure 86 At this point in the process, the entire slurry loop (represented by the dashed line) is filled with slurry and extractant in precisely known proportions. Figure 87 If necessary, slurry pump 3333 can be operated to mix in the closed pump circuit shown to accelerate the extraction of analytes from the slurry. As shown, the 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. Figure 88In this process, the well-mixed soil sample slurry is prepared to be pumped into a centrifuge to separate the liquid from the soil particles in the slurry, thereby producing a clear supernatant for colorimetric analysis. Valve 3331 is repositioned (i.e., opened / closed) as shown to reconfigure the flow conduit configuration from a recirculation closed pump loop configuration to a single-pass loading / unloading configuration. The previously closed cleaning valve 3331, fluidly connected to water pump 3304, and the vent valve 3331, fluidly connected to vent 3306, are opened as shown to allow a clean air / water mixture to be drawn into the slurry flow conduit by slurry pump 3333 for flushing the conduit. The air-filled water carries air bubbles, improving the efficiency of cleaning the conduit. This step also pushes the sample slurry to centrifuge 3400, through centrifuge tube 3450, and then to discharge / discard. The slurry pump operates at twice the speed of water pump 3304 to draw air bubbles into the conduit for more effective cleaning later.

[0451] exist Figure 89 In this process, centrifuge 3400 is removed from fluid exchange dock 3430 and the slurry sample is centrifuged in the manner previously described herein to produce a clear supernatant containing the analyte (i.e., the chemical of interest). Figure 90 In the process, centrifuge 3400 is docked again, and then, as shown, supernatant pump 3312 extracts or removes a small amount of supernatant from centrifuge tube 3450 via fluid exchange dock 3430 and reagent injection connector in pipe 3021. This supernatant column contains: (1) all debris at the connection point, and (2) the original sample of supernatant used as the “zero point” of absorbance before the addition of reagent indicator. Slurry port 3455-1 in centrifuge tube 3450 (see, for example, see...) Figure 59 (etc.) are used as vents to the atmosphere, so that when the supernatant is extracted by the supernatant pump 3312, air can replace the supernatant in the centrifuge tube to prevent the formation of a vacuum that would prevent the supernatant from being removed from the centrifuge tube.

[0452] exist Figure 91 In this process, 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 / disposal. The initial sample (which may be dirty) is ignored, and the middle portion of the sample is then used as a control, while the last portion is an indication of the expected value representing the initial soil sample.

[0453] Next, clean and flush the flow tube in preparation for processing the next sample. Figure 92 In this process, a water / air mixture is pumped via slurry pump 3333 through the slurry circuit section of the flow conduit to clean the slurry circuit. As shown, centrifuge 3400 is fluidly isolated from the slurry circuit (note the valve position). Figure 93In this process, a water / air mixture is pumped to centrifuge 3400 and cleaned through centrifuge tube 3450. Note that vent 3306 is open and actively draws in ambient air, which is then drawn into the water in the form of bubbles to scrub exposed surfaces in the parts to be cleaned. Alternatively or additionally, if desired, chemicals and / or abrasive particles may be introduced into the cleaning water flow to further promote more aggressive cleaning actions. Figure 94 In this process, high-pressure air from compressor 3030 is used to actively propel the water / air mixture through the centrifuge tubes for final cleaning. The system is now ready to process the next sample in a similar manner to the one described above.

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

[0455] Alternative supernatant separator

[0456] In some alternative embodiments, a suitable filter medium may be used instead of the centrifuge 3400 and its centrifuge tubes 3450 described elsewhere herein to separate liquids from soil samples to produce a clear supernatant for chemical analysis.

[0457] Figure 261 It is a flowchart that shows the relationship with Figure 78-94 The same centrifuge-based soil sample processing and analysis system is used, but the centrifuge 3400 is replaced by a suitable microporous filter 5757, which is configured and constructed to produce a clear supernatant from a mixture of soil slurry and extractant. The slurry / extractant mixture is pumped at higher pressure by a slurry pump 333 into a flow path established via a flow conduit 3021, and certain valves 3331 are selectively opened / closed via a preferably backwashable porous filter 5757. The filter 5757 is configured and constructed to withstand high pressure. The filter is shown schematically. In operation, the supernatant exits the filter 5757, flows to a supernatant pump 3312, and is then pumped through the remainder of the sample analysis loop, where the supernatant is mixed with reagents and analyzed in the same manner as previously described herein, such as... Figure 78-94 As shown in the image.

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

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

[0460] Figure 263 It is a flowchart illustrating the process described elsewhere in this document. Figure 104-119 The same centrifuge-based soil sample processing and analysis system includes a microfluidic processing or disc 4000 in a disc assembly with analytical processing manifolds (e.g., wedges) 4002, but in this processing, a suitable microporous filter 5757 replaces the centrifuge 3400 to produce a clear supernatant from the soil slurry and extractant mixture. In this case, the filter 5757 can be configured and constructed for installation within each processing wedge 4002 as shown in the figure (dashed lines represent the boundaries of the wedges). Alternatively, the filter operates in the same manner and flow sequence as described elsewhere herein with respect to the use of a centrifuge. A suitable external high-pressure filtered water source can be used for the filter backwashing operation, which is performed in a manner similar to that described herein by reversing the flow through the filter media.

[0461] Alternative embodiments of the chemical analysis subsystem

[0462] Figure 96-136Various aspects of an alternative embodiment of the chemical analysis subsystem 3003 based on the centrifuge 3400 previously described herein are generally described. 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, which is detachably fluidly coupled to the centrifuge tubes 3450 carried by the hub 3500. Advantageously, the microfluidic processing disk 4000 is a microfluidic device (e.g., M2D2) configured and operable to integrate and combine with the entire slurry analysis system, including those previously described in... Figure 1 The microfluidic processing disk 4000 illustrates virtually all aspects of fluid pumping, mixing, valves, and flow distribution and control associated with the processing of slurry, extractant, reagents, and supernatant. Therefore, pump, valve, mixing, and flow distribution functions are integrated into the microfluidic processing disk 4000 in a known manner to construct microfluidic devices with moving micro-components (e.g., pumps, valves, mixing chambers, etc.). This eliminates the need for multiple physically discrete and separate flow control devices (e.g., pumps, valves, mixing chambers, etc.) interconnected via piping fluids, thereby increasing the compactness of the centrifuge 3400 and its associated components with the chemical processing and analysis sections of the system. In addition to the chemical and quantitative analysis of 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. Powered by an air compressor 3000 ( Figure 1 Powered by pressurized air supplied by (as shown) or another compressor, it is used to... Figure 104-119 The flowchart describes how the aforementioned fluid flows through and is processed via the microfluidic processing disk 4000, as further described herein.

[0463] First refer to Figure 96-103In one embodiment, the microfluidic processing disk 4000 may 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, thermal fusion, etc.). In a sandwich construction, each layer in the microfluidic device (e.g., M2D2) can typically be substantially planar or flat. 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 used to construct the layers of the microfluidic processing disk 4000 may include a combination of rigid thermoplastic and flexible elastomeric material sheets. In one embodiment, a transparent material may be used to allow visual observation of the fluid being processed in the microfluidic processing disk 4000. Rigid plastics can be used to form the integral 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 thermoplastic plastics that can be used include, but are not limited to, PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate, commonly known as acrylic acid), PC (polycarbonate), PS (polystyrene), etc. Examples of suitable elastomeric materials that can be used include, but are not limited to, silicone resins, PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane), neoprene rubber, and others. Elastomer materials can be used to form flexible and deformable active parts of microfluidic flow control devices, such as movable diaphragms of micropumps and microvalves that are actuated by air pressure (or water pressure) to control fluid flow in the microfluidic processing disk 4000. This is typically achieved by forming a flexible top layer of a thin, flexible elastomer (e.g., silicone, PDMS, etc.) over a relatively rigid thermoplastic layer of disk 4000, on which microchannels and microcavities are patterned, as associated with pumps, valves, or mixing chambers. Applying air pressure to the top of the normally flat elastomer causes the elastomer material to deform and deflect downwards to seal and close the microchannels / microcavities. Removing the air pressure allows the elastomer material to return to its original flat state through its elastic memory, thereby reopening the microchannels / microcavities. This type of action is well known in the art and requires no further detailed explanation. In some embodiments, if simply removing the air pressure is insufficient, a vacuum may optionally be applied to return the elastomer material to its original state.

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

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

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

[0467] Multiple fluid exchange ports are formed in each processing wedge 4002. The ports may include multiple external ports 4010 arranged in an array in the peripheral region 4008 of the processing wedge, and multiple internal ports 4011 arranged in an array in the inner 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 this is not limiting of the invention. The internal ports 4011 are arranged in number and configuration in relation to the cluster 3433 of the flow channels 3434 in the fluid exchange dock 3430 (see, for example, [link to relevant documentation]). Figures 55-56 Correspondingly, when the tube conduit 3500 is in the upper docking position, the cluster 3433 then mates with the flow port 3451 formed in the top surface of the centrifuge tube 3450 for fluid exchange. The internal port 4011 can be configured to interact with the top inlet of the flow channel 3434 in the fluid exchange dock 3430 to form a removable, leak-proof seal between them. For example, the internal port 4011 can thus be configured on the bottom of the fluid exchange dock 3430. Figure 56 The nozzle 3436 of the same type shown is thus formed in a similar manner to form a seal that can be separated from it.

[0468] External port 4010 is configured for fluid connection to external processing pipe 3021 (see, for example, see...). Figure 1 In one embodiment, the external port 4010 may optionally include an upwardly projecting pipe barb 4013 to facilitate coupling (e.g., see...). Figure 103 Alternatively, the external port 4010 may include a recessed nozzle 3436 constructed similarly to the internal port 4011, which may also facilitate fluid connection with the treatment pipe 3021 without protruding pipe barbs.

[0469] refer to Figure 104-119 The flowchart shows that internal port 4010 and external port 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 flow paths 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 an air microchannel 4012, which forms an air connection to the liquid microchannel and a microfluidic flow control device via a pneumatic system, which may include the high-pressure and low-pressure air sources shown. The air is supplied by an air compressor 3000. Figure 1The example shown in the diagram) or pressurized air provided by another compressor / multiple compressors provides the power for flowing the aforementioned fluid through and processing the microfluidic processing disk 4000, as described herein, according to the flowchart.

[0470] The microchannels 4012 (air and liquid) of each processing wedge 4002 are constructed and patterned to form in Figure 104-119 The flowchart illustrates the functional layout and fluid connections (recognizing that the physical layout can vary to produce the functional connections shown). The blocks on the left of this diagram represent the external ports 4010 of each processing wedge 4002, while the blocks on the right represent the internal ports 4011. The use of computer-aided manufacturing methods to create the depicted flow network (and the flow-controlled microfluidic device shown) is entirely within the scope of microfluidic device manufacturers and will not be described in detail here. Microchannels 4012 can be formed in one or more layers of the microfluidic processing disk using any suitable process or combination of processes typically used to construct microfluidic devices (e.g., but not limited to micromachining, laser milling, laser or chemical etching, photolithography, thermal embossing, injection molding, or other methods).

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

[0472] Figure 256 and Figures 257-258 The images show an exploded view and a side sectional view of an on-disk pneumatic diaphragm micropump 5760, which can be used as an extraction pump 4020, a slurry pump 4021, a reagent pump 4022, a delivery pump 4023, or other pumps as needed. These pumps are integrated into the microchannel network 4015 of each disk processing wedge 4002 and apply power to the fluid to drive it through the disk's microchannel network and various flow-related features. The micropumps and features shown are each integrally formed or molded within two adjacent layers of each wedge 4002 as part of its overall structure. Figure 256 The illustration depicts a portion of a disk including a micropump, recognizing that the micropump is actually defined only by the boundaries of openings and / or recesses formed directly in the disk layer.

[0473] Each micropump 5760 is a sandwich structure comprising an upper layer 5761 of a microfluidic processing disk 4000, a lower layer 5762 adjacent to the disk, and a thin, elastically deformable diaphragm 5763 having elastic memory and defining a top surface 5763-1 and an opposing bottom surface 5763-2. It is particularly important to note that the upper layer 5761 and the lower layer 5762 are not necessarily the topmost (i.e., the top) and bottommost (i.e., the bottom) layers of the multilayer microfluidic processing disk 4000, but rather two adjacent intermediate layers between them. In a non-limiting embodiment, the upper layer 5761 and the lower layer 5762 are intermediate layers in a five-layer processing disk 4000.

[0474] The diaphragm 5763 can be made of a suitable elastomeric material or polymer, such as silicone resin 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 without an applied air pressure signal and a convex, actuated state in which it deforms downwards when air is applied to the top surface of the diaphragm. The diaphragm 5763 can be elliptical in one configuration; however, other shapes can be used.

[0475] The micropump 5760 also includes an upper pump chamber 5764 recessed into 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 a straight sidewall surface 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 an arcuately curved sidewall surface 5765-1 extending circumferentially around the chamber. As shown, the flat bottom surface 5765-2 abuts the sidewall surface around the periphery of the lower chamber. The curved sidewall surface ensures that the diaphragm 5763 does not tear or rupture during actuation in multiple operating cycles. Notably, the lower chamber 5765 defines the volumetric pumping capacity of the micropump, which is emptied with each actuation of the micropump.

[0476] The micropump 5760 also includes a pneumatic pressure signal port 5768 formed in the upper layer 5761, in fluid communication with the upper chamber 5764. Port 5768 is preferably centered in the top surface of the upper chamber 5764 and in fluid communication with a network of pneumatic or air microchannels 4015-1 formed in a 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 by operation of the micropump 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 its opposite end at the end opposite to the outlet port 5767 of the lower chamber 5765. Each of the fluid inlet and outlet ports is in fluid communication with a network of fluid microchannels 4015 formed in a disk layer directly beneath the lower layer 5762. In one embodiment, the upper chamber 5761 and the lower chamber 5762 may be elliptical; 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 fluidly coupled to the fluid inlet and outlet ports 5766 and 5767 necessary for the operation of the micropump, respectively. The general construction and operation of the diaphragm valves are the same as those of the micropumps, including a diaphragm, a pressure signal port, and fluid inlet and outlet ports. The operation of the valves between the open and closed positions is performed in the same manner as described below for the micropumps, thus the structure and function of the micropumps are similar to those of the valves. However, to save space, the multiple valves arranged in the microfluidic processing disk 4000 are generally small in size and typically utilize circular diaphragms and upper and lower chambers compared to the elongated features of micropumps designed to hold a predetermined volume of liquid required for chemical processing and soil analysis. A single control signal can command the actuation of one or more pumps, valves, or pumps and valves in multiple manifolds simultaneously.

[0478] Figure 257 The pump is shown in its initial flat, unactuated, or standby condition. The diaphragm 5763 is completely nested within the upper pump chamber 5764 and does not protrude downwards into the lower pump chamber 5765. The diaphragm is trapped in the upper chamber 5764 between the upper disc 5761 and the lower disc 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 to be pumped from the microchannel network 4015 (e.g., soil slurry, extractant, reagent, supernatant, or other liquid). Then, the fluid inlet diaphragm microvalve 4018 is closed, and the fluid outlet diaphragm microvalve 4018 is opened.

[0479] To pump the fluid contained in the lower pump chamber 5765, air from an air source controlled by an air valve is supplied to the top of the diaphragm 5763 via a pneumatic signal port 5768. The air pressure drives the diaphragm downwards, deforming it and conforming substantially to the shape of the lower chamber 5765, thereby discharging fluid through the fluid outlet port 5767 and its associated outlet micro-valve 4018. The diaphragm 5763 is now in a position as follows: Figure 258 The deformed convex actuation condition is shown. After pumping is complete, the air pressure is released from the air pressure 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 image) is provided within the lower pump chamber 5765, the flexible diaphragm 5763 can sometimes be drawn into the fluid outlet port 5767, prematurely generating a pneumatic signal or causing fluid-liquid side communication. Unfortunately, this impedes fluid flow and pumping before the diaphragm is fully displaced / deformed, and prevents the liquid in the lower chamber from being completely drained. This results in inconsistent fluid volumes pumped with each actuation, which adversely affects proper slurry handling and analysis, as the volume of each pump chamber is carefully predetermined, and it is crucial to ensure that chemicals (e.g., reagents, extractants, etc.) are 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 prevent the flexible diaphragm 5763 from being sucked into the fluid outlet port 5767 and obstructing the flow. This also prevents the diaphragm from adhering to the generally flat bottom surface 5765-2 of the lower pump chamber by forming a suction effect, without being completely released from the flat bottom surface 5765-2 of the lower pump chamber. Therefore, 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 the entire volume of fluid contents of the lower chamber during each pumping cycle, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the dispensed fluid volume and the accuracy of the final soil slurry analysis. Figure 256 As shown, anti-lag grooves 5769 are preferably cut or otherwise formed on all surfaces within the lower chamber 5765 (e.g., sidewall surface 5765-1 and flat bottom surface 5765-2). In one embodiment, the grooves 5769 may be arranged as a bidirectional, perpendicularly intersecting grid array of grooves, forming a checkerboard pattern as shown. In other embodiments, the grooves may be unidirectional and formed by a plurality of non-intersecting and spaced parallel grooves arranged along the major or minor axis or diagonally to the axis of the lower chamber 5765. In some embodiments, the upper pump chamber 5764 formed in the upper disc layer 5761 may include anti-lag grooves that are structurally similar to or different from the grooves in the lower chamber 5765. Any suitable pattern and number of grooves may be provided.

[0482] The microchannel network 4015 may also include multiple microcontainers of predetermined volumes for containing and classifying extractants, reagents, slurries, etc., for processing. In one embodiment, this may include an extractant microreservoir 4030, a soil slurry microreservoir 4031, a reagent microreservoir 4032, and a supernatant microreservoir 4033. As shown, microreservoirs 4030-4033 may be formed by a series of closely spaced wavy loops of microchannels. The sample-unlimited volumetric capacity of each microreservoir is as follows: Figure 104-119As shown in the figure. However, other volume capacities can certainly be used.

[0483] Figure 104-119 These are schematic flowcharts depicting a sequence view of methods or processes for processing and analyzing soil samples. These diagrams represent the processing sequence occurring in a single processing wedge 4002 of a microfluidic processing disk 4000. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments of this method, the same sequential processes shown are performed simultaneously and in parallel in all processing wedges 4002 of the processing disk 4000 to analyze all chemical parameters of interest (analytes) in the soil sample slurry, resulting in a significant reduction in sample processing time. Thus, the same corresponding pneumatic micropumps, microvalves, and micromixing chambers in each processing wedge 4002 can be simultaneously actuated via a common control air head or channel and air valve. 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 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 No. 15 / 806,014, filed November 7, 2017. The controller is operatively coupled to low-pressure and high-pressure air supplies, such as air compressor 3030 and air tank 3031 (see, for example, 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 air from an air receiver 3031, which may contain high-pressure air generated by the compressor 3030. Therefore, all components related to the air supply (compressor, one or more receivers, and valves) can be controlled by a system programmable controller (e.g., processing system 2820). Other low- and high-pressure air sources for the operation of the pneumatically controlled microfluidic processing disk 4000, such as separate compressors, can certainly be used.

[0485] In the flowchart, it is worth noting that bold and dark lines indicate the effective fluid flow path in each process sequence shown and described. The valve position of the pneumatic diaphragm microvalve 4018 is schematically indicated by solid or hollow circles (solid circle = closed; hollow circle = open).

[0486] To reiterate, as previously stated, the boxes on the left of the flowchart represent the external ports 4010 of the corresponding processing wedge 4002, while the boxes on the right represent the internal ports of the wedge. In one embodiment, the external port 4010 may include a high-pressure air inlet 4010-1, a low-pressure air inlet 4010-2 (which is also configured to function 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 inlet 4010-4 can be any suitable solution, including deionized water or others. Internal port 4011 may include a slurry sample outlet 4011-1 from the processing wedge 4002 to the centrifuge 3400 (i.e., 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 numbers of external and internal ports 4010, 4011 may be provided.

[0487] Figure 104 The illustration shows a microfluidic processing disk 4000 and a processing wedge 4002 with a microchannel network 4015 initially provided, ready for processing and chemical analysis of soil samples. Figure 105 In this process, a soil slurry sample from the mixing station previously described herein (e.g., mixer filter device 100 or 200) and an extractant from the extraction tank 3308 (e.g., see [link to extract]) will be used. Figure 1 The sample / extractant is pumped into the sample / extractant measurement loop (reservoir) to fill microreservoirs 4030 and 4031 with a precise predetermined ratio of slurry to extractant. It is important to note that the low-pressure exhaust passage leading to outlet 4010-7 is briefly opened to not only drive any air from the active microchannel 4012, but also very briefly to discharge some slurry and extractant into the waste, ensuring that microreservoirs 4030 and 4031 are fully filled before the slurry and extractant source is closed. It is also noteworthy that the various flow paths in microchannel 4012 of the microchannel network 4015 are opened and closed at the locations of the closed / open valve 4018 in these and the rest of the flow diagrams.

[0488] exist Figure 106 In this process, the slurry sample and extractant measurement circuit (reservoir) are pumped together into an optional first micromixing chamber 4024, where they are mixed. In some cases, thorough mixing of the sample and extractant can be achieved within the microchannel 4012, thus avoiding the need for a separate micromixing chamber (hence indicated by "?" in the figure). As shown, diaphragm-operated micropumps 4020, 4021 are pressurized with low-pressure air to achieve fluid pumping. Figure 107 In this process, the slurry sample and extractant are thoroughly mixed. Figure 108In this process, the extractant / sample mixture is pumped from the first micromixing chamber 4024 to a centrifuge 3400 for processing. Figure 109 In this process, the supernatant and reagent are fractionated and pumped into their respective measurement loops (i.e., micro-reservoirs 4033 and 4032 with a precise predetermined ratio of supernatant to reagent). Some of the supernatant and reagent are very briefly poured through a flow path to the waste-to-low-pressure exhaust outlet 4010-7 to ensure these micro-containers are completely filled. Figure 110 In this process, the supernatant and reagent are pumped into the second micromixing chamber 4024. Note that the microchannel flow path, comprising the micromixing chamber 4024, the defoamer 4026, and the flow pool window 4025, is active and fluidly connected to the low-pressure exhaust outlet 4010-7. Figure 111 In the second micromixing chamber 4024, complete mixing of the supernatant and reagents is performed, resulting in a color change of the solution for detection by the absorbance analysis flow cell 4027 via the downstream flow cell window 4025. Figure 112 In this process, the supernatant containing the analyte and the reagent mixture are pumped through a defoamer 4026 in a defoaming station, which removes any residual air bubbles entrained in the mixture. Air bubbles in the liquid stream can cause volume anomalies in the downstream analytical cell 427 and adversely affect analytical accuracy. Defoamers are well-known devices in the art and require no further detailed description.

[0489] exist Figure 113 In this process, the supernatant / reagent mixture containing the analyte is pumped into the flow cell window 4025 of the absorbance flow analyzer 4027 in a manner similar to that previously discussed herein with respect to the absorbance flow analyzer 3800 (e.g., see...). Figure 77 Colorimetric measurements are performed using absorbance flow analyzer 4027. Unlike flow analyzer 3800, flow analyzer 4027 is integrally formed with and directly incorporated into a portion of processing wedge 4002. Figure 120 and Figure 121 A portion of the wedge 4002 comprising an absorbance flow analysis cell 4027 and a flow cell window 4025 is schematically depicted, formed within a combined layer structure of the processing wedge. In the illustrated exemplary non-limiting construction, these layers comprise three rigid 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 formed directly on top of the intermediate rigid layer 4000-1 to serve as a diaphragm for the fluid control device. In one embodiment, the flow analysis window 4025 may be a laterally widened diamond-shaped chamber (e.g., see...). Figure 121LED emitting diode assembly 4040 and LED receiving diode assembly 4041 are respectively mounted above and below the flow analysis window 4025. Diode assemblies 4040 and 4041 are attached to the outermost top and bottom surfaces of the processing wedge 4002 above and below the window 4025, as shown, but are fluidly isolated from the liquid flow within the window and processing wedge 4002. Layer 4000-2 may have a cutout formed directly above the flow analysis window 4025, the size and shape of which correspond to the emitting diode assembly 4040 to avoid possible reflection / refraction interference to the emitted analysis beam.

[0490] During operation, the mixture of liquid reagent and supernatant flows through the flow analysis window 4025 (see, for example, the solid-liquid flow arrow). As the fluid flows through window 4025, the emitting diode assembly 4040 emits light through the window and the liquid therein, illuminating and directing it to the receiving diode assembly 4041 for colorimetric measurement in a known manner. The measured values ​​of the analytes in the sample mixture liquid stream are transmitted to the system programmable controller for analysis and quantification. It should be noted that during analysis, the sample mixture continuously flows through the flow cell window 4025 towards the low-pressure exhaust outlet 41010-7, where it is then disposed of as waste.

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

[0492] After the soil samples have been adequately processed in the manner described above, the system programmable controller is configured to initiate a cleaning cycle to prepare the microfluidic processing disk 4000 for processing new soil samples. Figures 114-117 As shown in the figure, cleaning solution and low-pressure air are selectively and alternately pumped in and pass through the enhanced active sample loop microchannel 4012 and then through the centrifuge 3400 to the high-pressure exhaust outlet 4010-8. This removes residual soil slurry and chemicals from these components and the microchannel. After several alternating cleaning solution and clean air circulation cycles, the sample is processed through the microchannel and centrifuge. Figure 118 As shown, at this point, the flow path upstream of the enhancement section of the sample loop and the sample loop microchannel contains only air. A column containing a mixture of air and cleaning solution remains in the enhancement section of the flow path. Figure 119 In the diagram, the miniature valve 4018 opens to allow high-pressure air from the high-pressure air inlet 4010-1 to force a column (enhanced) of the air / cleaning solution mixture through the centrifuge 3400. The high-pressure air then 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 independent absorbance flow analysis cells 3800) can be used instead of the monolithic absorbance flow analysis cell 4027 incorporated into the chemical processing wedge of the microfluidic processing disk 4000. Advantageously, by eliminating the space requirements necessary to accommodate discrete flow analysis cells, the monolithic absorbance flow analysis cell 4027 results in a better compactness of the centrifuge 3400.

[0494] refer to Figures 259-260 In some embodiments, the microfluidic processing disk 4000 can be heated to maintain the viscosity and flowability of the soil sample slurry, chemicals, and water, thereby improving their processing, particularly in colder weather and colder climate zones. A single processing wedge 4002 with the multi-layered construction described herein is shown. As an example, an outer port 4010, an inner port 4011 (described previously), and several intermediate ports 4010-1 are shown. As described above, prior to processing and mixing, the chemicals and soil sample slurry are heated within the slices via a resistance heating pad 4050, which heats each slice or wedge 4002 to preferably maintain a constant temperature within the wedge. As shown, the pad 4050 is constructed to complement the wedge. Preferably, the heating pad 4050 is fixed to both the top surface 4051 and the bottom surface 4052 of each wedge to maintain a uniform heat distribution between the surfaces. Each heating pad 4050 includes ports 4010, 4010-1, and 4011, which are concentrically aligned with those identical ports formed in the body of the processing wedge 4002. The heating pads 4050 are wired to a suitable main power supply for the soil sampling and analysis system processing equipment.

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

[0496] In addition to, or instead of, heating pad 4050, in some other embodiments, the slurry sample, chemicals, and / or treatment water may be preheated using other suitable pre-sliced ​​heat exchangers (one or more) upstream and not attached to each treatment wedge 4002 before entering the respective treatment wedges 4002. As an example, in Figures 264-266The treatment purification / filtration tank 5741, schematically shown in the diagram, supplies treated water to the microfluidic treatment disc 4000 or other chemical treatment systems described herein. It may optionally be heated by one or more separate resistance elements, such as external and / or immersion elements or heaters 5742, for use in cool weather.

[0497] Figures 122-129 Depicting what can be used as Figure 1 An alternative embodiment of the independent absorbance flow analysis cell 4150, replacing cell 3800. Cell 4150 or 3800 can be replaced with [the following is a list of cells included in the original text]. Figure 104 The overall flow analysis cell 4027 in the processing wedge 4002 shown. Cell 4150 has a multilayer composite structure comprising 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 adhesives, hot melt, 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 may be formed of transparent acrylic.

[0498] Inlet pipe connector 4151 and outlet pipe connector 4152 provide access via flow pipe 3021 to Figure 1 The supernatant and reagent mixture flow channels are in fluid communication. If used in place of the overall flow analyzer 4027 (and thus omitted from the wedge), the inlet pipe connector 4151 can be fluidly connected to a matching pipe connector on the wedge immediately downstream of the demister 4026. The supernatant and reagent mixture then flows directly from the demister outlet to the flow analyzer 4150 for colorimetric analysis. In one embodiment, the pipe connector can be configured as a pipe barb; however, other types of pipe flow connectors may also be used.

[0499] The supernatant and reagent mixture flows through flow ports 4156 formed in the top outer layer 4155-1 and the uppermost inner layer 4155-2 (see, for example, see...). Figure 124 A narrow, slit-shaped flow pool window 4157 is formed in the middle inner layer 4155-3. The flow enters the inlet pipe connector 4151, reaches one end of the flow pool window 4157, crosses the window, and exits the outlet pipe connector 4152.

[0500] From Figure 120 The LED emitting diode probe 4040 and the LED receiving diode probe 4041 are mounted above and below the flow analysis cell 4150 at transmission openings 4153 and 4154 in the outer layer, respectively (see, for example, see...). Figure 129The dimensions of openings 4153 and 4154 are complementary to the body of the diode probe and fully penetrate the top and bottom outer layers to efficiently transmit analytical light through the liquid sample flowing through the flow cell. LED probes 4040 and 4041 and openings 4153 and 4154 are vertically aligned with the center of the flow cell window 4157. In one embodiment, the flow cell window 4157 may be laterally widened to form a rhombus shape, the width of which corresponds to the diameter of the LED probe. As the flow crosses the flow cell window 4157, analytical light travels laterally from the emitting diode probe 4040 through the flow cell window to the receiving diode probe 4041 to perform colorimetric analysis of the reagent and supernatant mixture in a known manner to quantify the concentration of the analyte contained therein.

[0501] It should be noted that the top and bottom inner layers 4155-2 and 4155-4 provide a robust surface for the transmission openings 4153 and 4154 associated with the diode probe, thereby isolating the probe from the supernatant and reagent mixture in the flow analysis cell 4150.

[0502] To accommodate the microfluidic processing disc 4000, the centrifuge 3400 previously described herein has been modified to allow the disc 4000 to be mounted on top of the motor drive mechanism 3450-1, which is repositioned at the bottom of the centrifuge below the rotary tube wheel 3500, which is coupled to the drive shaft 3700 of the drive mechanism. Figures 130-136 An improved centrifuge 4200 is depicted, which may include most of the primary centrifuge components previously described herein with respect to centrifuge 3400; although some have been rearranged as shown in the figures. Note that the protective cover is omitted in these figures to better illustrate the operating components of centrifuge 4200.

[0503] refer to Figures 130-136 Centrifuge 4200 generally includes a motor drive mechanism 3450-1, a plurality of centrifuge tubes 3450 pivotally mounted to a rotating tube conduit 3500 (the rotating tube conduit 3500 being 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 conduit, and a microfluidic processing disk 4000. The motor drive mechanism 3450-1 may include at least a main motor 3705, and in some embodiments may 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 (see, for example, see...). Figures 43-54 , Figure 76 and Figure 95The drive mechanism 3450-1 is mounted below the rotary tube wheel 3500, piston mechanism 3600, fluid exchange dock 3430, and microfluidic processing disk 4000. The main drive shaft 3700 defines a rotation axis RA, which generates the vertical centerline of the centrifuge 4200 for reference purposes.

[0504] A slightly modified main support housing 4202 is provided to support the aforementioned components of the centrifuge 4200. Housing 4202 may have the same overall construction and components as the previously described support housing 3401. 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 for fixed mounting or mounting via a plurality of vertically adjustable feet 4202-5 on a horizontal support surface. In some embodiments, particularly when the centrifuge 4200 is mounted to a separate support frame (such as a support frame equipped with a wheeled collection vehicle having an internal combustion engine drive capable of operating to collect soil samples from a field), the base 4202-4 may be modified or omitted, including adjustable feet.

[0505] The upper support plate 4202-3 and 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 embodiment illustrated, thereby defining a partially or fully enclosed sample processing chamber 3501. Each support plate 4202-3, 4202-2 may be cantilevered to a 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 other combinations thereof). In one embodiment, as shown, the support plates 4202-3, 4202-2 may 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 mounting and accommodating the narrower lower portion of the fluid exchange dock 3430 therein and through which it passes, and is supported by the upper support plate (see, for example, [reference needed]). Figures 135-136The microfluidic processing tray 4000 is mounted directly on top of the fluid exchange station 3430, as previously described herein. The rotating tube wheel 3500 assembly (including covers 3520, 3521) is mounted below the upper support plate 4202-3. This allows the rotating tube wheel 3500 to be axially raised and lowered by the piston mechanism 3600 within the sample processing chamber 3501 of the centrifuge 4200 between its upper mating position and lower unmatting position to exchange fluids (e.g., slurry-extractant, supernatant, or tube flushing water-air flow) with the centrifuge tubes 3450 in the upper position, or to centrifuge soil samples in the tubes in the lower position.

[0507] The flow 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 wheel 3500 is lowered and raised by operation of the piston mechanism 3600, the travel stops 4203 may selectively insert into a plurality of rectangular tube openings 3523 formed in the upper cover 3520 and lower cover 3521 of the rotating wheel assembly. See also... Figure 66 When the centrifuge tube 3450 is in a vertical position and the tube wheel 3500 is in the upper docking position engaged with the fluid exchange dock 3430, the stroke stop 4203 is received in the outer empty portion of the tube opening 3523, such as... Figure 136 As best illustrated. When fluid is exchanged between the fluid exchange dock and the tube from or to the microfluidic processing disc 4000, this advantageously maintains and holds the centrifuge tube firmly in a vertical position, which ensures a tight, leak-proof seal between the dock and the tube to prevent leakage.

[0508] The operation of centrifuge 4200 is essentially the same as that described previously with respect to centrifuge 3400, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated entirely. In summary, the rotating tube wheel 3500 is axially raised and lowered within the sample processing chamber 3501 of centrifuge 4200 by a piston mechanism 3600 between its upper docking position and lower un docking position to exchange fluid with the centrifuge tubes 3450 (see, for example, [link to article]). Figures 72-75 When the rotary tube wheel 3500 is in the lower, unconnected position for centrifuging soil samples, the centrifuge 4200 rotates 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 wheel 3500 and are raised and lowered together with the rotary tube wheel 3500 via a 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, feed, milk, or other agriculturally relevant 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 a wide range of chemically relevant 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, basal saturation percentage 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), number of cyst nematode eggs, mineralized nitrogen, and soil pore space.

[0511] Plants / Vegetation: Nitrogen, nitrates, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, basic saturation percentage of cations, sulfur, zinc, manganese, iron, copper, boron, ammonia nitrogen, carbon, chloride, cobalt, molybdenum, selenium, total nitrogen, and live plant parasitic nematodes.

[0512] Fertilizers: 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, Kjeldahl Total 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 (crude protein required), 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 premixed products), Saturated Fat, Monounsaturated Fat, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Polyunsaturated Fat, Trans Fatty Acids, Omega 6 fatty acids (requires crude or acidic fats), glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, lactose, aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2), DON, fumonisin, O-aflatoxin, T2-toxin, zearalenone, vitamins 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, deacidified fiber (ADF), NDF, TDN, net energy (gain, lactation, maintenance), relative feed value, nitrates, sulfur, copper, sodium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, calcium, manganese, sodium, phosphorus, chloride, fiber, lignin, molybdenum, sulfite, 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 microbiology.

[0517] Sample collection probe

[0518] Piston-operated sample collection probe

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

[0520] The plow blade assembly 5000 generally includes: a disc-shaped sample-collecting plow blade or blade 5001 configured to engage with and cut / penetrate the soil 5002 to a depth DP1 below its surface 5003; a blade hub 5004 for mounting the blade thereon; an outer hub ring 5007 fixedly attached to and rotatable therewith; and an annular bearing 5008. A cam mechanism is provided, including 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 as shown in the accompanying drawings and further described below.

[0521] The blade 5001 is preferably formed from a suitable circular metal plate and may have a sharp annular outer edge for easier penetration into the soil. Any blade of suitable diameter can be used, depending in part on the depth at which soil samples are to be collected.

[0522] The hub 5004 may be a flange tube comprising a radial flange portion 5004-3 and a tubular portion 5004-2 projecting from the flange portion. As shown, the tubular portion 5004-3 can be inserted through a central opening 5005 of the blade 5001 to mount the blade thereon. When the blade is mounted on the hub, the flange portion 5004-3 engages with a first side surface 5001-2 of the blade. The tubular portion 5004-2 projects outward from an opposing second side surface 5001-1 of the blade 5001 and is coaxially aligned with the axis of rotation RA1 of the blade, defined by a central opening 5005 of the blade perpendicular to the side surfaces 5001-1 and 5001-2. In one embodiment, the flange portion 5004-3 of the hub 5004 may be via a plurality of threaded fasteners 5001-3 (e.g., see...). Figure 139 The plurality of threaded fasteners 5001-3 are fixedly attached to the blade 5001 and can 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 in which the end of the axle 5009 is received, as shown. Figure 143 and Figure 144 As shown. The hub 5004 can be secured to the axle 5009 by any suitable mechanical means (including set screws, heat shrink fittings, or some other non-limiting examples). As shown, one end of the hole 5004-1 can be closed to limit the insertion depth of the axle 5009 in the hub.

[0523] The hub collar 5007 can similarly be a flange tube, comprising a radial flange portion 5007-1 and a tubular portion 5007-2 projecting 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 secured to the hub 5004 by any suitable means, such as via a set screw inserted into the tubular portion 5004-2 of the hub through the tubular portion 5007-2 of the collar. This ensures that the collar rotates together with the hub.

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

[0525] The cam ring 5006 is configured for secure attachment to a frame of a wheeled collection vehicle, such as via a mounting bracket 5010. Therefore, when the blade 5001 is pulled through the soil, the cam ring 5006 and the outer bearing ring 5008-1 remain stationary and secured in place relative to the frame, the inner ring 5008-2, and the blade-hub-ring assembly. The bracket 5010 can have any suitable construction, including a T-shape as 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 including a central opening 5006-4, a first main surface 5006-1, an opposing second main surface 5006-2 parallel to the first main surface, and peripheral side surfaces 5006-3 extending between the surfaces. In one embodiment, the first main surface 5006-1 may be flat. When assembled, the second main surface 5006-2 faces the blade 5001 and defines a circumferentially extending annular cam track 5006-5 recessed into this surface. The cam track 5006-5 extends a complete continuous 360 degrees around the central opening 5006-4 of the cam ring and is spaced between the central opening and the peripheral side surfaces 5006-3.

[0527] Special Reference Figures 145-146 Cam track 5006-5 generally defines an asymmetrical pear-shaped cam cam lob profile, including a base curve portion 5006-6 (range indicated by dashed lines) radially and uniformly spaced from the central opening 5006-4 by a first radial distance D1, and a nose or lob portion 5006-7 (range indicated by dashed lines) defining an arcuate apex 5006-8. The portion of the lob portion 5006-7 containing the apex is radially spaced outward from the base curve portion and from the central opening by a second radial distance D2 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 cam track 5006-5 may be provided between the base curve and the lob portions 5006-6, 5006-7, wherein the radial distance varies between the first and second distances D1, D2. As shown, the lob portion 5006-7 may be located in one-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, wherein 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 ring members and inner ring members, rigidly fixed to a common annular backing plate (e.g., see cam ring 5506). Figure 208-210 The annular members are radially spaced to define the cam track 5006-5. For more details on the cam ring assembly, refer to the description of the cam ring 5506 in this document.

[0529] During the collection and discharge of soil sample cores captured by blade 5001, cam track 5006-5 actuates piston mechanism 5020. 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 slidably reciprocates within the cylinder in a linear and radially reciprocating manner when actuated by cam track in cam ring 5006. The collection cylinder 5022 is fixedly mounted to blade 5001 in an elongated radial slot 5024 formed in the blade. The cylinder 5022 may be welded to the blade in a configuration. Thus, piston mechanism 5020 rotates together with blade 5001 to capture soil sample cores. In one embodiment, slot 5024 may be a through-slot penetrating the two main surfaces 5001-1, 5001-2 of the blade. Slot 5024 defines a radial actuation axis AA, along which piston rod 5023 reciprocates within cylinder 5022. Axis AA intersects the center of blade center opening 5005 and is perpendicular to the rotation axis RA1. Collection cylinder 5022 may protrude above the main surfaces 5001-1, 5001-2 of blade 5001 to facilitate the capture of soil plugs or cores (e.g., see...). Figure 143 ).

[0530] A cam follower 5021 is fixedly disposed on the inner end 5023-1 of the piston rod 5023 and operably engages a cam track 5006-5. In one embodiment, the follower 5021 may be T-shaped, having opposing ends that similarly protrude 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 may be cylindrical and oriented perpendicular to the piston rod 5023. A tubular bushing 5025 may be rotatably deployed on the cam follower to engage with the cam track 5006-5. Thus, as the follower moves around the track with the blade 5001, 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 (note 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 collecting cylinder 5022.

[0531] The outer end 5023-2 of the piston rod 5023 may expand diametrically relative to the adjacent portion of the rod. During operation of the rod 5023 as the blade 5001 rotates, the outer end 5023-2 selectively opens or closes the outer soil collecting end 5022-2 of the collecting cylinder 5022 and a pair of transverse holes 5022-1 therein. The outer end of the cylinder is spaced inwardly 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 from the outer end 5023-2 of the cylinder 5022. In one embodiment, the inner end 5024-1 of the slot may intersect with the central opening 5005 of the blade 5001. A tubular rod retaining end cap 5026 may be mounted to the inner end 5022-3 of the cylinder 5022 to retain the rod 5023 therein. For this purpose, end cap 5026 has a through hole larger than the enlarged outer end 5023-2 of piston rod 50223. Therefore, the diameter of the rest of the rod is smaller than the through hole to allow the rod to slide back and forth through end cap 5026.

[0532] The operation of the plow assembly 5000 for capturing and expelling soil samples will now be described with reference to Figures 149-152. Figure 149A The sample collection piston mechanism 5020 is shown in its first operating position. As the blade 5001 rotates through the soil (see the rotation direction arrows in these figures), the collection cylinder 5022 of the piston mechanism is positioned above the surface 5003 of the ground or soil 5002. The cam follower 5021 is shown just after disengaging from the transition portion 5006-9 of the cam track 5006-5 in the cam ring 5006. Figure 149B As 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, with the sample collection piston mechanism 5020 in a second operating position. In this position, the collection cylinder 5022 is below the soil surface 5003. The cam follower 5021 is now shown in the base curve portion 5006-6 of the cam track 5006-5. Because the base curve portion 5006-6 is closer to the central opening 5005 of the blade 5001, this pulls the piston rod 5023 radially inward within the cylinder 5022. Figure 150BAs shown, piston rod 5023 is now in the retracted position by the operation of follower 5021, such that the outer end 5023-2 of piston rod is no longer flush with the outer end 5022-2 of cylinder 5022, but is recessed into the outer end 5022-2 of cylinder 5022 (note that the rear transverse hole 5022-1 is now visible due to the absence of a piston rod end). Therefore, a cavity is formed in the outer end 5022-2 of cylinder 5022, defining 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 to the ground (see soil orientation arrow). The exact timing of this (i.e., piston rod 5023 retracting to open the end 5022-2 of cylinder 5022) can be adjusted by changing the shape and length of various parts of cam track 5006-5 to change the soil sample collection depth. The collection depth can also be varied by providing multiple piston mechanisms with cylinders spaced circumferentially around the blade 5001 and having different radial lengths. This will change the position where the collection ends of the cylinders fall relative to the radial distance from the central opening of the blade 5001. In some embodiments, multiple sample collection piston mechanisms 5020 with cylinders 5022 of different lengths can be provided.

[0534] Figure 151A The image shows the blade 5001 rotating further, with the sample collection piston mechanism 5020 in a third operating position. In this position, the collection cylinder 5022 is again above the soil surface 5003. However, the cam follower 5021 remains within the base curve portion 5006-6 of the cam track 5006-5. Figure 151B As shown, piston rod 5023 remains in the retracted position, and the soil core is still held in the outer end 5022-2 of cylinder 5022 (note that the rear transverse hole 5022-1 is now visible due to the absence of the piston rod end). A cavity is formed in the end 5022-2 of cylinder 5022 so that soil enters the cylinder to fill the cavity and captures soil when the piston mechanism is driven to the ground (see soil orientation arrow). The exact timing of this (i.e., piston rod 5023 retracting to open the end 5022-2 of cylinder 5022) can be adjusted by changing the shape and length of various parts of cam track 5006-5 to change the soil sample collection depth.

[0535] Figure 152AThe blade 5001 is shown rotating further, with the sample collection piston mechanism 5020 in a fourth operating position. In this position, the collection cylinder 5022 is still below the soil surface 5003. The cam follower 5021 is now shown in the convex portion 5006-7 of the cam track 5006-5. Because the convex portion 5006-7 is furthest from the central opening 5005 of the blade 5001, this pushes the piston rod 5023 radially outward within the cylinder 5022. Figure 152B As shown, piston rod 5023 is now in a protruding position by the operation of follower 5021, such that the outer end 5023-2 of piston rod extends beyond the outer end 5022-2 of cylinder 5022, thereby effectively ejecting the captured soil plug or core (see soil orientation arrow), which is then collected by a 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] Figure 153-178B An embodiment of a ground-engaging plow blade assembly 5100 is depicted for collecting soil samples from a vehicle-mounted sample collection device or probe in the form of a rotatable collection shaft 5101. Multiple collection shafts spaced at an angle may 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, as further described herein, actuated by a sprocket mechanism 5103 to alternately open and close collection ports. The ports 5102 are arranged to retrieve soil sample plugs or cores at different preselected depths as the plow blades roll and cut into the ground. The cores are then ejected / extracted from the collection shaft 5101 and transferred to a collection container. The plow blade assembly 5100 may be mounted to the frame of a wheeled sample collection vehicle (e.g., a tractor, etc.) powered by an engine and traversing farmland, or to a trailer towed by it, to collect soil samples.

[0538] The plow blade assembly 5100 generally includes many of the same components as the plow blade assembly 5000 described earlier herein. These include a disc-shaped body or blade 5001, a blade hub 5004 for mounting the blade thereon, an outer hub collar 5007 fixedly attached to and rotatable with the hub, and a ring bearing 5008. For brevity, these components will not be described further here. This plow blade assembly is assembled as shown in the accompanying drawings and is further described below.

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

[0540] A collection shaft 5101 is mounted on a blade 5001 and can rotate independently of the blade within 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 5001 moves through the soil to capture a soil sample core. However, the collection shaft 5101 also rotates independently of the blade 5001 about its own axis of rotation Rc to selectively collect soil samples depending on the rotational position of the shaft. In one embodiment, the slot 5107 may be a through-slot extending through both main 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 its inner end that is wider than the longer pen diameter portion 5107-2.

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

[0542] The collecting shaft 5101 is rotatably supported on the blades 5001 in 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 blades 5001, or slightly protruding above the main surfaces as shown in the illustrated embodiment. The shields 5108 can be formed from flat metal strips of the blades 5001 fixedly attached to each side of the slot by spot welding or other means. The collecting shaft 5101 is rotatably disposed between the shields 5108. The bearings 5106 can then be fixedly mounted to the shields 5108, and the collecting shaft 5101 is rotatably supported by the bearings as described above. The guard 5108 helps to properly position and position the collection shaft 5101 and / or bearing (e.g., bushing) on ​​the blade 5001 within the slot 5107. Notably, the guide guard also advantageously helps to shield and block the collection port 5102 in the shaft 5101 when rotated to the closed position to prevent soil from entering the port when not intended for collection.

[0543] The collection shaft 5101 is rotatable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the collection port 5102 is open to capture soil, and in the closed position, 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 may protrude at least slightly above the guide shield 5108 to facilitate soil sample entry into the collection port 5102. Additionally, in the open position, the collection port 5102 of the shaft 5101 is facing away from the slot 5107 and is exposed to capture soil from either side of the double open port. In the closed position, where soil sampling is not desired, the collection port of the shaft 5101 faces inward toward the opposite side of the plane of the slot 5107 and 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 may be configured to have a non-circular cross-section, at least at the port location, so that its outer profile is partially or substantially flush with the guide shield 5108, to further prevent soil from entering the collection port 5102 below the baffle 5108 along its direction. Thus, in a non-limiting embodiment, the opposing solid sides of the collection shaft 5101 may be planar or flat, and the open side of the shaft with the collection port 5102 may be arcuate and convex to enhance the aforementioned 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 predetermined depths. 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 engaging with the ring. As previously described herein, the indexing ring 5104 is fixedly mounted to the frame of an engine-driven wheeled sampling vehicle (similar to a cam ring 5006) via a bracket 5101. Thus, the indexing ring 5104 remains stationary as the blade 5001 and the collection shaft 5101 rotate about the axle 5009.

[0545] refer to Figure 165-172 The sprocket 5105 can be any type of gear-shaped or toothed sprocket, gear, interlocking gear, lever(s), or other geometry (hereinafter referred to as "sprocket") mounted on the inner end of the collecting shaft 5101. The sprocket has a configuration designed to operably engage one or more mating indexing segments 5104-5 with a cam profile arranged on the indexing ring 5104. In one embodiment, a plurality of indexing segments 5104-5 are provided. Each indexing segment 5104-5 may have a wavy cam configuration or profile in a side view, operably engaging and rotating the sprocket 5105. Each indexing segment may include a series of alternating protrusions or teeth, bevels, and recesses, the order and size of which are selected to engage and actuate / rotate the sprocket arm or lug 5105-1, thereby rotating the collecting shaft 5101 as it rotates with the plowshare 5100. The indexing segments 5104-5 are spaced circumferentially at predetermined intervals, which are separated by flat areas of non-actuating or rotating sprockets on the indexing ring 5104. The cam profile segments 5104-5 may have an arcuate shape in plan view on the annular indexing ring.

[0546] The indexing ring 5104 has a generally flat annular body including a central opening 5104-4, a first main surface 5104-1, an opposing second main surface 5104-2 parallel to the first main surface, and peripheral side surfaces 5104-3 extending between the surfaces. In one embodiment, the first main surface 5104-1 may be flat. When assembled, the second main 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 a non-limiting embodiment shown, four may be provided, which may be circumferentially spaced at uniform arc lengths. The indexing segments 5104-5 are circumferentially spaced around the indexing ring at specific discrete intervals or positions selected to actuate (i.e., rotate) the collection shaft 5101 at predetermined intervals 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. Therefore, the indexing segments 5104-5 are used in conjunction with the rotational position of the blade 5001 to precisely time and rotate the sprocket 5105 to capture or not capture soil samples by opening or closing the collection port 5102 based on the rotational position 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, showing a cross section of an example of scaled segment 5104-5. Figure 163 It is taken from Figure 162The cross-section of the indexing segment. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the indexing segment may include a pair of arc-spaced raised protrusions or teeth 5110, 5114. A recess or valley 5113 is formed between the teeth, the depth of which defines the thickness T2 of the indexing ring 5104 (measured between the top main surface 5104-1 and the bottom main surface 5104-2), for example, the thickness T2 being less than the baseline thickness T1 of the flat, un-indexed 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, the arc length of which is less than the arc length between the front and rear teeth 5110, 5114. This defines a flat ledge or shelf 5112 on the rear side of the front tooth 5110 in front of the valley 5113. The valley 5113 may be positioned on the front side of and adjacent to the rear tooth 5114. The rear / front teeth or flanks are defined herein by the directional rotation of the plowshare 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 its 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 the teeth / valleys are possible.

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

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

[0550] Now refer to Figures 173A-178BBriefly describe the operation of the plow blade assembly 5100 for capturing and expelling 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 of rotation of the plow blade.

[0551] Figure 173A -B shows the plow assembly in the 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 the fully closed position, rotated so that the collection port 5102 is closed for soil entry. The blade 5001 and shaft assembly rotate counterclockwise (arcically 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 positioned above the ground or surface 5003 of the soil 5002. It should be remembered that the blade and shaft rotate relative to the fixed indexing ring 5104, which is attached to the frame of the wheeled sample collection vehicle.

[0552] Figure 174A -B shows the plow assembly in a second operating position, which is further rotated downwards to a position closer to the 6 o'clock position. The sample collection shaft 5101 remains in the closed position, rotating 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 been 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 indicates the plow assembly is in the third operating position, having rotated further downwards to a position closer to 6 o'clock. 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 wide enough to collect soil. The indexing segments 5104-5 kick 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 at this engagement, it is approximately less than half-open.

[0554] Figure 176A-B shows the plow assembly in the fourth operating position, rotating further downwards, almost at the 6 o'clock position. The sprocket 5102 is now more fully engaged with the indexing segments 5104-5. The sprocket's lugs are pulled back by the indexing segments, which continue to rotate the collection shaft 5101 and further open the sample collection ports 5102, making them approximately halfway open. This is the midpoint between the collection shaft 5101's fully closed and fully open positions.

[0555] Figure 177A -B shows the plow assembly in its fifth operating position, with the collection shaft 5101 further rotated downwards to a vertical 6 o'clock position in the soil. The sprocket 5102 further engages with the indexing segments 5104-5, which continue to rotate the collection shaft 5101 to its fully open position, while the outward-facing collection port 5102 is now fully open to retrieve the soil sample plug or core. The position of the open port 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 by changing the construction and design of the indexing features (i.e., teeth, valleys, etc.) of the indexing ring 5104 relative to the indexing segments 5104-5, their number, and their position along the ring. Making such adjustments to achieve the desired opening and closing timing of the collection port is within the capabilities of those skilled in the art and requires no further elaborated explanation.

[0556] Figure 178A -B shows the plow assembly in its sixth operating state, where the collecting shaft 5101 has rotated upwards past the 6 o'clock position and is closer to the 3 o'clock position. When the blade 5001 and collecting shaft 5101 have rotated past the first indexing second, the first indexing segment 5104-5 has disengaged from the sprocket 5102. The second indexing segment 5104-5 is now engaged and disengaged from the sprocket 5102, causing it to rotate further, returning the collecting shaft 5101 to its fully closed position, as shown. As the plow assembly continues to roll, the collecting port 5102 closes completely again; this process is very similar to the process of exposing the collecting port described earlier. 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 inoperable to engage and rotate the collecting shaft 5101, thereby maintaining its closed position.

[0557] Once the plow assembly (e.g., blade 5001 and collection shaft 5101) is rotated to a position where collection shaft 5101 is above the ground or soil surface, the next successive indexing segments 5104-5 engage and rotate the sprocket 5105 to rotate the collection shaft back to its fully open position, so that the collected soil sample (e.g., soil plug or soil core) can be obtained by any suitable means (e.g., by blowing pressurized air into the collection port or by inserting a mechanical ejector, such as a rod or lever 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, which collects soil samples using an onboard 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 rotation 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 main 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 core at the same or different preselected depths as the plow blade rolls and cuts into the ground. The collected core is then ejected / extracted from the collection port 5202 and transferred to a collection container. The plow assembly 5200 can be mounted on the frame or trailer of an engine-powered wheeled sample collection vehicle (e.g., a tractor, etc.) that traverses farmland to collect soil samples.

[0560] The plow blade assembly 5200 generally includes many of the same components as the plow blade assembly 5000 described earlier herein. These include a disc plow blade 5001, a blade hub 5004 for mounting the blade thereon, an outer hub collar 5007 fixedly attached to and rotatable with the hub, and a ring bearing 5008. For the sake of brevity and clarity, these components will not be described again here and in [the following text is missing from the original extract]. Figures 179-185 Not shown in the figure. For simplicity, the blade hub 5004, hub collar 5007, and bearing 5008 are indicated by dashed lines. This plow assembly is assembled as shown in the attached figures and further described below.

[0561] The collecting slider 5201 can have an elongated solid rectangular body with a rigid rod-like structure (in...). Figure 181(Best shown in the diagram). The slider 5201 occupies a significant portion of the length of each radial slot 5203, and preferably more than three-quarters of its length, but does not occupy the entire length of the slot, to allow for the formation of an openable / closable collection port 5202 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., blade main surfaces 5001-1 and 5001-2). The straps 5205 bridging or spanning across and over the collecting slider 5201, thereby capturing the slider within the radial slot 5203. The straps 5205 can be securely attached to the plow blade 5001 by any suitable means (such as, but not limited to, spot welding, adhesive, 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 collecting slider 5201 is selectively and automatically actuated via a cam mechanism provided by an annular cam ring 5204 and a follower 5206 mounted on the inner end of the collecting slider 5201. Each slider 5201 can move independently of each other linearly and radially via the configuration of the cam ring 5204. The cam ring 5204 is configured for use such as via Figure 137 and Figure 139 The mounting bracket 5010 shown is fixedly attached to the frame of the wheeled collection vehicle. Therefore, the cam ring 5204 remains stationary and fixed in place relative to the plow blade 5001, which has a collection slider 5201 that rotates when the blade is pulled or pushed across the soil.

[0563] Cam ring 5204 may be structurally and structurally similar to cam ring 5006 and includes the same components / parts described in detail earlier herein, which will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, the shape of cam track 5006-5 may be similar to that of cam ring 5006, or cam ring 5204 may have a 360-degree cam track with a different construction. In either case, portions of cam track 5006-5 are spaced apart from the central opening 5006-4 of cam ring 5204 by varying radial distances D1 (minimum) and D2 (maximum) to selectively allow collecting slider 5201 to slide radially outward and inward. Other positions within cam track 5006-5 may vary between distances D1 and D2.

[0564] In one embodiment, the follower 5206 may be formed of an annular bearing 5207, which is mounted to the inner end of each collection slider 5201 by any suitable means. In one example, the bearing 5207 may be a ball bearing. In one embodiment, the follower bearing 5207 may be mounted to the slider 5201 via a fastener such as a nut and bolt assembly 5208; the nut and bolt assembly 5208 passes through holes in the bearing and the slider, as shown. This allows the follower 5206 to rotate about a bolt defining the follower axis as the follower 5206 moves along an annular track in the cam ring 5204. The follower 5206 associated with each collection slider 5201 will travel through and circulate 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 soil samples or prevent soil sample collection (this is similar to the operation of the cam ring 5006 described earlier herein). Each slider 5201 is independently actuated to extend fully radially within its radial slot 5203 to close its collection port 5202 as it rotates into the soil, thus preventing sample collection. After the blade 5001 enters the soil, the slider 5201 embedded in the soil is pulled fully radially inward to the 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 to the desired depth, the slider begins to close to retain the sample in the port. Cam ring 5204 continues to apply pressure to collection slider 5201 via cam follower 5206, thereby packing and holding the collected soil sample in collection port 5202. After the sample leaves the soil, cam ring 5204 begins to open slider 5201 to release pressure on the sample, thereby allowing sample extraction. At a location above the soil surface, the soil sample is pneumatically or mechanically removed in a manner similar to that described herein for piston-operated plow assembly 5000. After extraction, as blade 5001 continues to rotate, the now empty collection port 5202 is then completely reclosed by slider 5201 via cam ring 5204, and slider 5201 re-enters the soil. When slider 5201 re-enters the soil and reaches the desired collection depth, collection port 5202 will again open in the same manner described above to retrieve a second soil sample. It is worth noting that this process is performed for each of the multiple sample collection sliders 5201 and collection ports 5202 deployed on the plow blade. Therefore, samples can be collected simultaneously or semi-simultaneously by a lower-level slider 5201, and samples can be extracted from another upper-level slider. Any desired number of sliders can be set.

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

[0567] The outer terminal 5201-1 of the collecting slider 5201 and the outer terminal 5203-1 of the radial slot 5203 (defining the collecting port 5202 therebetween) can have various configurations that define the shape of the collecting port 5202. Figures 179-185 The straight ends of the slider and slot that form the linear geometry of the collection bag are shown. Figure 182 (best shown in the middle). Figure 186 Another non-linear, wavy terminal shape with variable geometry sliders and slots is shown. This geometry produces multiple arcuate bends and concave sub-bags 5203-2, ideal for collecting and retaining a variety of soil types. Sub-bags 5203-2 can have the same or different dimensions as shown. Other geometries can be used for collection ports 5202.

[0568] Figure 187 A non-limiting example is shown of how a cam ring 5204 with cam tracks 5006-5 can be configured to open or close collection port 5202 in a timed manner via the operation of slider 5201, for collecting, holding, and removing soil samples using a plow blade assembly 5200. This figure illustrates, and is self-evident, the rotational progression of a single collection slider 5201 and port 5202 as the blade 5001 rotates through the soil. It will be appreciated that the blade 5001 will include multiple collection sliders spaced at an angle / circumferential distance, such as... Figure 179 As shown in the image.

[0569] Figure 188 An alternative variant of the sample collection plow assembly 5200 is shown for collecting soil samples at different depths using a single plow blade 5001. Although Figures 179-187 The collection slider 5201 and radial slot 5203 in the plow blade assembly 5230 each have the same length, but the slider and radial slot in the plow blade assembly 5230 have different lengths. This places the collection port 5202 at different radial distances from the center of the plow blade. Therefore, this design allows for the collection of samples at different depths in the soil using a single blade 5001.

[0570] Slider sample collection probe with shielded port

[0571] Figures 189-196 An alternative embodiment of the ground-engaging plow assembly 5300 is depicted for collecting soil samples in the form of a linearly movable collection slider 5301 using an onboard sample collection probe. The plow assembly 5300, including the elongated collection slider 5301, is substantially identical to the plow 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 identical components and their operation for collecting soil samples will not be repeated here.

[0572] In contrast, the design variant implemented in the plow assembly 5300 differs in that each slider 5301 also 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 extending through two opposite sides (e.g., front and rear) 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 orifices.

[0573] Each collection port 5302 in slider 5301 has a pair of associated mounting straps 5205, which are secured to opposite sides of blade 5001 (i.e., blade main surfaces 5001-1 and 5001-2); identical to the plow assembly 5200. As previously described herein, the straps 5205 bridging or spanning over or above the collection slider 5201, thereby capturing the slider within the radial slot 5203. The straps 5201 rotate together with the plow blade 5001 and remain fixed relative to it. Slider 5301 operates in the same manner as slider 5201 previously described herein, thus reciprocating along a radially linear direction below the straps.

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

[0575] During operation, as the plow blade 5001 rotates, each slider 5301 reciprocates linearly within its radial slot 5203, due to interaction with the fixed cam mechanism (i.e., the cam ring 5204 and follower 5206 on each slider). Figure 190 As shown, this linear motion alternately exposes or hides the collection port 5302 as the blade rotates (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 Port 5302 in both the closed and open positions is also shown.

[0576] The plowshare assembly 5300 generally includes many of the same components as the plowshare assembly 5000 described earlier herein. These include a disc plowshare blade 5001, a blade hub 5004 for mounting the blade thereon, an outer hub collar 5007 fixedly attached to and rotatable with the hub, and a ring bearing 5008. For the sake of brevity and clarity, these components will not be described again herein, and... Figures 189-196 Not shown in the figure. For simplicity, the blade hub 5004, hub collar 5007, and bearing 5008 are represented by dashed axes. This plow blade assembly is assembled as shown in the figure.

[0577] Rotatable mandrel collecting probe

[0578] Figure 197-206 An embodiment of a ground-engaging plowshare assembly 5400 is depicted for collecting soil samples using an onboard sample collection probe. The collection probe may include a tubular assembly comprising a rotatable inner collection mandrel 5401 enclosed within a hollow outer protective cover tube 5403, which is fixedly mounted to and rotatable with the plowshare blade 5001. Multiple pairs of angledly spaced collection mandrels and protective cover tubes may be provided on the plowshare blade 5001. Each collection mandrel 5401 rotates about a radial axis of rotation Rc relative to the plowshare blade 5001 of the assembly and includes one or more openable / closable collection ports 5402 actuated by a cam ring 5104 of a sprocket mechanism 5103 previously described herein to alternately open and close the collection ports, as further described herein. As the plow blades roll and cut into the ground, port 5402 is arranged to retrieve soil sample plugs or cores at different pre-selected depths. The cores are then ejected / extracted from collection mandrel 5401 and transferred to a collection container. The plow assembly 5400 can be mounted on the frame of an engine-driven wheeled sample collection vehicle (e.g., a tractor, etc.) that traverses farmland or on implements pulled by it to collect soil samples.

[0579] The plow blade assembly 5400 generally includes many of the same components as the plow blade assembly 5000 described earlier herein. These include a disc-shaped body or blade 5001, a blade hub 5004 for mounting the blade thereon, an outer hub collar 5007 fixedly attached to and rotatable with the hub, and a ring bearing 5008. For brevity, these components will not be described further here. This plow blade assembly is assembled as shown in the accompanying drawings and is further described below.

[0580] The collection mandrel 5401 may have an elongated, solid cylindrical body comprising a plurality of laterally open collection ports 5402 spaced apart along its length axis. As shown, the collection ports 5402 may be ports open from two opposite sides of the mandrel 5401. The remaining two sides of the mandrel are rigid and closed. In the illustrated embodiment, the ports 5402 may be in the form of circular through-holes extending transversely to the axis of rotation Rc; however, other port shapes may be provided, including elongated 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 sample.

[0581] Each outer protective tube 5403 includes a plurality of spaced-apart windows 5404 formed along the length of the tube to provide passage to collection ports 5402 in the mandrel 5401. Thus, each window is located on the protective tube 5403 to align with a matching collection port 5402 in the mandrel 5401 within the tube. Therefore, the collection ports and windows 5404 have the same spacing along the length of the protective tube 5403 and the mandrel 5401. This forms pairs of collection ports and concentrically aligned windows. Windows 5404 may be additionally configured as collection ports 5402. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, windows 5404 and collection ports 5402 each have a circular shape. In other embodiments, windows 5404 and collection ports 5402 may have other shapes, such as paired elongated slots. As shown, the protective tube window 5404 is preferably a through opening extending through two opposing exposed sides of the protective tube 5403. The remaining two sides of the shaft are rigid and closed.

[0582] Protective tubes 5403 are deployed in each elongated radial slot 5203 within the blade 5001. Opposing arcuate circumferential walls of the tubes 5403 protrude outwards above each primary surface 5001-1, 5001-2 of the blade to better trap soil. Each protective tube 5403 is securely fixed to or mounted on the blade 5001 within the slot 5203, such as by welding or other suitable fastening means. Thus, as the blade 5001 rotates, the protective tube 5403 remains stationary relative to the blade 5001. However, a collection mandrel 5401 mounted inside the protective tube 5403 can rotate relative to its tube about a radial axis of rotation Rc defined by the radial centerline of the axial blade 5001. Therefore, the mandrel 5401 rotates independently relative to the blade within the protective tube 5403.

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

[0584] The collecting mandrel 5401 can rotate between an open rotational position and a closed rotational position. In the open rotational position, the collecting ports 5102 are concentrically aligned with and open with their respective mating protective cover tube windows 5404 to capture soil (see, for example, see...). Figure 204 and Figure 206 In the closed rotational position, each collection port rotates away and its mating protective cover window is misaligned, and closes to prevent soil from entering the collection port (see, for example, [reference needed]). Figure 205 In the open position, the open window of the protective cover tube 5403 protrudes above the main surfaces 5001-2, 5001-2 to facilitate soil sample entry into the collection port 5102. Additionally, in the open position, both the collection port 5402 of the mandrel 5401 and the protective cover tube window 5404 face away from the slot 5203 and are exposed to capture soil from either side of the double open port and window. In the closed position, where soil sampling is not desired, the collection port of the mandrel 5401 faces inward toward the opposite side of the slot 5203 and laterally toward the plane of the blade 5001. This exposes the solid side of the collection mandrel to the protective cover 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 rotating mechanism (such as, but not limited to, sprocket mechanism 5103) can be used to rotate the collection mandrel to selectively collect soil samples at a predetermined depth. The sprocket mechanism 5103, already described above with respect to the plowshare probe assembly 5100, includes an annular timing or indexing ring 5104 and a sprocket 5105. In this design, the sprocket 5105 can alternatively be fixedly attached to the inner end of the collection mandrel 5401 in a manner similar to mounting the sprocket to the collection shaft 5101 described earlier herein. As previously described, the indexing ring 5104 is fixedly mounted via a bracket 5101 to the frame of an engine-driven wheeled sampling vehicle (similar to a cam ring 5006). Therefore, the indexing ring 5104 remains stationary as the blade 5001 and the collection shaft 5101 rotate about the axle 5009.

[0586] As the plow blade 5400 rotates, the collection port 5402 alternately opens and closes in the same general manner as previously described 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] Figure 207-216 Described Figure 137-15 A variation of the piston-operated plowshare assembly 5000 is provided for collecting soil samples. In this embodiment, the same piston mechanism 5020 is provided, including a cam follower 5021 fixedly mounted on the inner end 5023-1 of a piston rod 5023 operably engaged with a cam track 5006-5A. However, the rigid annular cam ring 5006 of the plowshare assembly 5000 is modified and replaced in this plowshare 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, may be formed of an elastically deformable elastic material with elastic memory.

[0589] A potential drawback of rigid plow blade cam rings is that, under certain circumstances, when reciprocating as they till the soil to collect samples, they may not be structurally able to withstand any substantial mechanical resistance or temporary jamming in the piston mechanism. Debris or rocks / stones in the soil can create this resistance or blockage. In some cases, if the jamming is severe enough, it can lead to potential failure of the piston mechanism of the plow blade assembly. For example, if jamming occurs, the cam ring can exert a force on the cam follower 5021 sufficient to damage parts of the jammed mechanism (e.g., piston rod 5023, collection cylinder 5022, bushing 5025, etc.), thereby impairing the plow blade's ability to collect soil samples.

[0590] To prevent such overstress events in the piston mechanism, a deformable cam ring 5506 is provided in this embodiment. The cam ring 5506 may be made of a durable, semi-rigid but resilient material or a combination of materials, allowing the cam ring to partially compress and yield in the event of any mechanical problems or external forces preventing the cam follower 5021 from rolling / sliding properly and changing its position in the cam tracks 5006-5 as the plow blade 5001 rotates. Preferably, the widest or thickest region 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 for the maximum radial distance displaced by the cam follower roller, resulting in the generation of the maximum radial force.

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

[0592] refer to Figure 207-216 The plow assembly 5500 generally includes many of the same components as the plow assembly 5000 described earlier herein. This includes a disc-shaped body or blade 5001, a blade hub 5004 for mounting the blade thereon, an outer hub collar 5007 fixedly attached to and rotatable therewith, and an annular bearing 5008. For brevity, these components will not be described further here. This plow assembly is assembled as shown in the accompanying drawings and is further described below. The piston mechanism 5020 may be the same as described earlier herein and operates in the same manner to collect soil samples. During the radial reciprocating operation of the piston rod 5023 as 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 collecting cylinder 5022 and a pair of transverse holes 5022-1 therein. The outer end of the cylinder is spaced inward 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 from the outer end 5023-2 of the cylinder 5022, as previously described herein.

[0593] The deformable cam ring 5506 can be constructed similarly to the rigid cam ring 5006 described earlier herein. The cam ring 5506 has an annular body defining a central opening 5525 for receiving the blade hub assembly and a circumferentially continuous cam track 5006-5 extending 360 degrees around the ring. Similar to the cam ring 5006, the deformable cam ring 5506 is configured for attachment, for example, to a frame of a wheeled collection vehicle via a mounting bracket 5010. Therefore, when the plow blade 5001 is pulled across the soil and rotates, the cam ring 5506 remains stationary and fixed in place relative to the frame and the blade-hub-ring assembly.

[0594] The deformable cam ring 5506 may be an assembly of discrete annular outer and inner guide ring members 5506-1 and 5506-2, which are rigidly fixed to a common annular pad 5501 for support. In one embodiment, the back plate 5501 may have a substantially planar body and may have a rigid structure. The annular members 5506-1 and 5506-2 are fixedly mounted to the back plate 5501 and radially spaced apart on the back plate 5501 to define an annular opening for the cam track 5006-5. The back plate 5501 forms a closed bottom wall of the cam track 5006-5, which opposes the outwardly open top end of the cam track, in which a cam follower 5021 is received to engage the track. In some embodiments, each annular member 5506-1 and 5506-2 may be mounted on its own circular annular mounting flanges 5521 and 5522, which are in turn mounted to the common back plate 5501. In one embodiment, each mounting flange may have a generally L-shaped cross-section. Flanges 5521 and 5522 each define a first mounting portion 5521-2 and 5522-2 configured for mounting to a backplate 5501 and a second guide ring support portion 5521-1 and 5522-1 for securing outer and inner guide ring members 5506-1 and 5506-2 to it. In one embodiment, the guide ring support portion may be oriented perpendicular to the mounting portion. Mounting portions 5521-2 and 5522-2 may include a plurality of mounting holes for securing the mounting flanges 5521 and 5522 to the backplate 5501 in a radially spaced relationship. Other mounting arrangements and methods are also possible, such as industrial adhesives, welding, riveting, etc. The backplate 5501 and mounting flanges 5521 and 5522 may be formed of any suitable rigid metal or non-metallic material. In one embodiment, as 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 and 5506-2 are each cantilevered and fixed to the guide ring support portions 5521-1 and 5522-1 of the mounting flanges 5521 and 5522, respectively. In one embodiment, the guide ring members are overmolded onto the mounting flanges. However, other methods, such as industrial adhesives, can also be used to attach the guide ring members thereto. The guide ring members 5506-1 and 5506-2 are each spaced apart from the mounting portions 5521-2 and 5522-2 of the mounting flanges. This forms an annular air gap 5510 and 5511 therebetween, which communicate with the open cam track 5006-5. Advantageously, the air gap provides freedom of movement and gives the outer and inner guide ring members 5506-1 and 5506-2 maximum flexibility, unaffected by the rigid attachment of the mounting flanges 5521 and 5522 to the back plate 5501.

[0596] It is worth noting that although the annular mounting flanges 5521, 5222 can be circular in shape (e.g., in the top plan view), with approximately uniform measurements 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 correspondingly variable widths at different portions, and therefore their shape is not a perfect circle (in the top plan view). For example, this is in Figure 214 As seen in the image, note the inner peripheral edges of mounting portion 5522-2 (extending beyond the portion of guide ring member 5506-2) and 5521-2 (visible through the slot 5505 in guide ring member 5506-1). The primary reason for this difference is that the width portions of guide ring members 5506-1 and 5506-2 will vary depending on the desired variable configuration of cam track 5006-5, which is required to actuate piston mechanism 5020 at desired rotational timing intervals of the plowshare assembly 5500 to collect soil samples.

[0597] The back plate 5501 of the cam ring 5506 assembly is configured as a mounting bracket 5010, which is rigidly mounted to the plowshare assembly 5500 via a plurality of mounting holes. Figure 140 As shown in the figure, the mounting hole accommodates a threaded fastener. As some non-limiting examples, other methods, such as riveting, welding, or industrial adhesives, can be used to securely mount the cam ring base 5501 to the mounting bracket 5010. The cam track 5006-5 may have the same or different shape / construction as the cam ring 5006, depending on the type of action 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 ring members can be formed at least partially or entirely of an elastically deformable material with elastic memory. In some embodiments, one of the guide ring members 5506-1 and 5506-2 can be formed of a rigid material, while the other can be formed of a deformable material. Thus, various variations can be made to suit different situations or design objectives.

[0599] The guide ring members 5506-1 and 5506-2 of the cam ring 5506 can be made of any suitable material. For example, one or both 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 structured to be at least partially deformable to engage the cam follower 5021 and deforms under the radial force generated along axis AA by the piston mechanism 5020 when encountering plow blade jamming or other abnormal operating conditions during sample collection.

[0600] The deformable base material (such as polyurethane) or other materials used to form the outer and inner guide ring components 5506-1, 5506-2 may each have the same or different hardness. Suitable hardness-indicating materials can be used. Selecting a suitable hardness-indicating material for the ring component is within the capabilities of those skilled in the art.

[0601] In some embodiments, the deformable outer guide ring member 5506-1 and inner guide ring member 5506-2 may be configured to include one or more arrays of deformable openings 5520 designed to facilitate the flexibility and deformability of the cam ring 5506 under radial loads generated by the piston mechanism 5020. In some embodiments, these openings 5520 may extend at least partially laterally through the ring member between a primary side and opposing parallel primary sides. In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the openings 5520 extend through the guide ring members 5506-1, 5506-2 completely parallel to the axis of rotation RA1 of the plowshare blade assembly 5500 to maximize flexibility and deformability under compressive loads / forces.

[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 may be robust, and they may be rigid or flexible. In some embodiments, the opposing 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 may similarly be robust, and they may be rigid or flexible.

[0603] The material removed by the aforementioned deformable openings 5520 provides controlled weakening of the guide ring members 5506-1 and 5506-2 in the radial direction parallel to the radial actuation axis AA. The reduction in material in the guide ring members increases radial flexibility, making the ring member material more easily compressible under the radial force applied by the piston mechanism 5020 in the event of jamming or other abnormal operation. These through openings 5520 (or other terrain features, such as blind slots, recesses, etc.) can have any suitable shape or geometry, such as circular 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 may include a plurality of elongated and inclined radial through slots 5505. In the illustrated embodiment, slots 5505 are provided only in the outer ring member 5506-1, but they may be used in both ring members, or only the inner guide ring member 5506-2 may have slots. In one embodiment, the slots 5505 may be arcuately curved and extend completely through the opposing main 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 arranged at least partially around the circumference of the cam ring 5506 and the central opening 5506-4. The slots 5505 allow the outer ring member 5506-1 to deform and compress more easily when radially engaged with the cam follower 5021. The slot 5505 extends laterally at an angle relative to the rotational direction vector Vd of the outer ring member 5506-1 and the plow blade 5001 (although the cam ring 5506 remains stationary relative to the plow blade 5001). Therefore, with respect to the rotational 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, while the trailing edge is close to the outer annular edge.

[0605] In one embodiment, the slot 5505 may be provided primarily only in the widest / thickest portion 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 portions. In other possible embodiments, the entire outer ring member may include one or more slots 5505. The slots 5505 may have the same or different shapes and / or sizes.

[0606] In some embodiments, the deformable opening 5520 may comprise an array of circular drill holes 5526, each having a circular cross-sectional shape. Drill holes 5526 are shown, for example, formed in the inner guide ring member 5506-2; it is understood that in other embodiments, drill holes 5526 may be formed in the outer ring member 5506-1 or both. Drill holes 5526 may extend completely through the ring member between opposing main sides 5507 and 5508. The drill holes 5526 in the array may have any suitable diameter and pitch spacing between the holes. In one embodiment, the holes 5526 may be closely spaced, with a pitch spacing of less than 5 hole diameters, or preferably less than 3 hole diameters, measured between the centerlines of adjacent holes. Any suitable pattern of holes 5526 may be provided. In one embodiment, the holes 5526 may be arranged as concentric rings of holes extending at least partially around the circumference of the inner guide ring member 5506-2. Holes 5526 can be arranged primarily in the thickest / widest portion of the inner guide ring member, thereby increasing flexibility in those areas requiring more deformation. The narrower portions of the guide ring member 5506-2 can have fewer holes or no holes to increase rigidity.

[0607] It is important to note that a variety of possible geometries and patterns can be used for the array of deformable openings 5520. Such patterns can take the shape of isotropic patterns (i.e., identical in all orientations / directions, such as boreholes 5526) or patterns with directional bias (e.g., swept grooves 5505). The geometry and pattern of the openings can be used to generate linear or nonlinear compressive force response curves. The opening geometry / pattern can be varied around guide ring members 5506-1, 5506-2 to create customized regions with specific stiffness or flexibility. Thus, the guide ring members can be rigidly constructed in some regions (e.g., narrow regions) and more deformable in other regions (e.g., wide regions). 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 piston mechanism 5020, and the necessary flexibility to prevent overstressing of the piston mechanism components in the event of blockage, thus avoiding permanent damage to the mechanism.

[0608] Therefore, it is important to note that different geometries and patterns of the deformable opening 5520 will have different responses to compression. Thus, circular holes (e.g., an array of drilled 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 produce different responses to different external load conditions or forces applied in different directions by the cam follower 5021. For such a 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 assembly 5500 will operate in the same manner as implemented in the plow assembly 5000 to collect soil samples. (Reference) Figure 148 This illustrates the same piston mechanism 5020 as in the plowshare blade assembly 5500. However, if the piston rod 5023 becomes jammed in the plowshare blade assembly 5500 with the deformable cam ring 5506 for some reason while the follower is circulating in the cam track 5006-5, the cam follower 5021 will apply a radial force to 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. Therefore, the cam follower 5021 will engage radially and compress the inner or outer guide ring members. The deformable opening 5520 will allow the ring members to more easily elastically deform to absorb impact forces without damaging the piston mechanism. If possible, this will give the jammed member time to clear itself.

[0610] It will be appreciated that, within the scope of this disclosure, various variations of the plow assembly 5500 having the deformable cam ring 5506 are possible. Furthermore, the deformable cam ring can be used with any plow assembly disclosed herein that utilizes the cam ring to actuate a collecting slider or similar collecting device.

[0611] Slider sample collection probe with laminated blade assembly

[0612] Figure 217-251BAn embodiment of a ground-engaging plow blade assembly 5600 is depicted, which has a laminated blade assembly 5601 for collecting soil samples. The blade assembly 5601 has a disc-shaped form 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. Slider 5620 can be similar in overall design principles and basic operation to slider 5201 previously described herein (e.g., see...). Figure 179 However, unlike slider 5201, this laminated blade embodiment does not use external mounting hardware (such as band 5205) to attach sliders to the blade. Instead, each of these sliders 5630 is fixedly mounted and at least partially embedded within the laminated blade assembly 5601, sandwiched between the first and second halves 5601-1, 5601-2 of the blade in a sandwich composite construction. Advantageously, this eliminates the need for external mounting hardware to hold slider 5620 within the blade assembly, which could be easily damaged 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 characteristics, as further described herein. Differences may exist in other possible embodiments. The two halves can be permanently laminated or joined together by any suitable method, including, for example, welding, industrial adhesives, riveting, 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 a sharp-angled wedge-shaped edge profile to improve permeability 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 rotation axis 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 collection port 5602 can extend completely through the outer main surface of the laminated blade assembly 5601. The slider 5630 is actuated by a stationary cam ring, which can be any of cam rings 5006, 5204, or 5506 (described previously herein), to alternately open and close the collection port 5602 as the plow blade assembly 5601 rotates. The port 5602 is arranged and can 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 core is then ejected / extracted from the collection port 5602 and transferred to a collection container. The plow assembly 5600 can be mounted on the frame of an engine-driven wheeled sample collection vehicle (e.g., a tractor, etc.) that travels through farmland, or on a trailer towed by it, to collect soil samples.

[0615] The plowshare assembly 5600 generally includes many of the same components as the plowshare assembly 5000 described earlier herein. These include a disc plowshare blade 5001, a blade hub 5004 for mounting the blade thereon, an outer hub collar 5007 fixedly attached to and rotatable with the hub, and a ring bearing 5008. For the sake of brevity and clarity, these components will not be described again here and in [the following text is missing from the original extract]. Figure 217-251B Not shown in the figure. This plow blade assembly is assembled as shown in the attached figure and is further described below.

[0616] The mounting of the laminator blade assembly 5601 and the slider 5630 will now be described further. Half 5601-1 of the laminator blade assembly 5601 has a disc-shaped body including an inner main surface 5610 and opposing parallel outer main surfaces 5611 facing outwards. Similarly, half 5601-2 has a disc-shaped body including an inner main surface 5612 and opposing parallel outer main surfaces 5613 facing outwards in a direction opposite to the outer main surfaces 5611 (see, for example, [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 219 and Figure 220 (Exploded view). When combined, slider 5630 is captured between the two halves 5601-1 and 5601-2.

[0617] This document discloses four possible examples of collection sliders 5630 that can be used with laminating blade assembly 5601. These include sliders 5630-1, 5630-2, 5630-3, and 5630-4, each with a different configuration. A common feature is that each collection slider 5630 is slidably mounted in a radial slot 5603 of a complementary configuration formed in laminating blade assembly 5601, such that only a portion of each slider is exposed and visible, as described below.

[0618] General reference Figure 226-251B Each of the collecting sliders 5630-1 to 5630-4 may have an elongated solid body with a generally rigid rod- or bar-like integral structure. The slider occupies a large portion of the length of each radial slot 5603, and preferably more than three-quarters of its length, but does not occupy the entire length of the slot, to allow for the formation of an openable / closable collecting port 5602 at the outer end of each radial slot. Each slider shares a common feature including a cylindrical cam follower 5021 (described previously herein) at its inner end, which engages with a cam track 5006-5 of a cam ring to selectively actuate at predetermined time intervals based on the rotation of the laminated blade assembly 5601. Each slider 5630-1 to 5630-4 is further generally T-shaped at its inner end, including the cam follower 5021. The opposing outer ends of the sliders may have different shapes. The sliders and their corresponding radial slots 5603 are configured to cooperate and form an interlocking arrangement that holds each slider internally within the laminated blade assembly 5601 in a capturing manner, independent of externally mounted hardware. However, as shown, portions of the sliders may be exposed after mounting to the blade assembly. Since the shapes of each collecting slider 5630-1 to 5630-4 and its corresponding radial slot are different, they are described separately below.

[0619] Figure 227 , 230Figures 236, 237, 242, 246A-B, and 250A-B illustrate a collecting slider 5630-1. The slider 5630-1 includes a cylindrical cam follower 5021 at its inner end, a cylindrical soil collecting boss 5631 at its outer end, and an elongated operating rod 5636 extending therebetween. In one embodiment, the operating rod 5636 may be cylindrical with a circular cross-section; however, other embodiments may utilize a straight cross-sectional shape (e.g., a square or rectangle) or other polygonal shapes (e.g., a hexagon). The cam follower 5021 and the collecting boss 5631 are enlarged structures with diameters larger than the operating rod 5636. As shown, the follower and 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 deployed between the outer main surfaces 5610, 5613 of the laminating blade assembly 5601. This forms a concealed, radially extending circular aperture 5633 that slidably receives an operating lever 5636 passing through it. An elongated aperture 5633 extends between and communicates with a pair of open rectangular windows 5632 formed at each end of the aperture by passing through the blade assembly. Each half 5601-1, 5601-2 of the stacked blade assembly 5601 has a semi-circular recess that forms half of the entire circular aperture 5633 when the two halves 5601-1, 5602-2 of the blade assembly are joined together (see, for example, [reference needed]). Figure 242 A cam follower 5021 and a collecting boss 5631 are each received in one of the windows 5632 and can slide between the ends of the window when actuated by the cam ring. In one embodiment, the window 5632 may be elliptical and oriented such that its 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. Conversely, the length of the cylindrical collecting boss 5631 (measured between its flat ends) may 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 may protrude above the outer main surface of the blade to help guide the soil sample into the collecting port 5602. It is worth noting that, compared to the cam follower and the collecting boss, the relatively slender rod 5636 advantageously reduces weight, decreases friction with the soil, and makes the rod easy to hide and protect under the exterior of the laminating blade assembly 5601.

[0620] Figure 227 , 231Examples 238, 239, 243, 2476A-B, and 251A-B illustrate a collecting slider 5630-2. Slider 5630-1 similarly includes a cylindrical cam follower 5021 at its inner end, a cylindrical soil collecting boss 5631 at its outer end, and an elongated operating band 5634 with a rectangular cross-section extending therebetween. The central portion of a 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 concealed, radially extending rectangular channel 5635 that slidably receives the operating band 5634 passing through it. The elongated radial channel 5635 extends between and communicates with a pair of open rectangular windows 5632 formed at each end of the channel through the blade assembly. 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 (see, for example). Figure 243 Each of the cam follower 5021 and the collecting boss 5631 is received in one of the windows 5632 and can slide between the ends of the window when actuated by the cam ring. In one embodiment, the window 5632 may be elliptical and oriented so that its length is arranged parallel to the actuation axis AA defined by the radial slot. It should be noted that the relatively elongated / thin operating belt 5634 advantageously reduces weight compared to the cam follower and the collecting boss, and makes the belt easy to hide and protect under the exterior of the laminated blade assembly 5601.

[0621] Figure 226 , 228 Images 234, 235, 241, 245A-B, and 249A-B illustrate a collecting 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. An external soil collecting end forms an openable / closable soil collecting port 5602 at the peripheral portion of the blade assembly 5601. The slider 5630-3 includes a pair of radially extending and opposing guide flanges 5637 that project outward from each side of the slider body in opposite directions. Each guide flange 5637 is slidably received in a radially extending guide channel 5638 of a mating, complementary construction formed on opposite sides of a radial slot 5603 (see, for example, [reference needed]). Figure 241The channel 5638 opens inward toward the radial slot 5603. When mounted to the blade assembly 5601, the opposing outer main surfaces of the rectangular collecting slider 5630-3 are exposed and visible in the radial slot 5603. This contrasts with the concealed 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 guide channel 5638 when the two halves 5601-1, 5602-2 of the blade assembly are joined together (see, for example, [reference needed]). Figure 241 When halves 5601-1 and 5601-2 are joined together, the guide flange 5637 is captured within the channel 5638, thereby firmly holding the slider 5630-3 within the laminating blade assembly without the need for external mounting hardware.

[0622] Figure 226 , 229 Images 232, 233, 240, 244A-B, and 248A-B illustrate a collecting slider 5630-4. The slider 5630-4 has a body with a generally rectangular cross-section and a cylindrical cam follower 5021 at its inner end. An external soil collecting end forms an openable / closable soil collecting port 5602 at the peripheral portion of the blade assembly 5601. The slider 5630-4 includes a pair of radially extending and opposing V-shaped guide protrusions 5639 that extend outward from each side of the slider body in opposite directions. The guide protrusions 5639 define vertically opposing angled guide surfaces forming an acute angle between them. Each guide protrusion 5639 is slidably received in a radially extending V-shaped guide groove 5640 of a mating, complementary construction formed on opposite sides of a radial slot 5603 (see, for example, [reference needed]). Figure 240 The recess 5640 opens inward toward the radial slot 5603. When mounted to the blade assembly 5601, the opposing outer main surfaces of the rectangular collecting slider 5630-3 are exposed and visible in the radial slot 5603. This contrasts with the concealed 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 chamfered surface that forms half of the complete guide recess 5640 when the two halves 5601-1, 5602-2 of the blade assembly are joined together (see, for example, [reference needed]). Figure 240 When halves 5601-1 and 5601-2 are joined together, the guide protrusion 5639 is captured within the recess 5640, thereby firmly holding the slider 5630-4 within the laminating blade assembly without the need for external mounting hardware.

[0623] Soil sampling tools and equipment

[0624] Figures 252-255 The illustration shows various tools configured to perform soil sampling and analysis, as well as non-limiting examples of placing the sample preparation subsystem 3002 and the chemical analysis subsystem 3003. Figure 252 The illustration shows a seeder 10 with a tow bar 15, a toolbar 14, and one or more row units 11, 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 tow 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 The diagram illustrates a combine harvester 20 having a collection area 21, a grain tank 23, a cross auger 22, a fountain auger 25, and a clean grain elevator housing 24. A sample system 3001 can be deployed to retrieve samples from the collection area 21 or the grain tank 23 and deliver grain to a sample preparation subsystem 3002 and a chemical analysis subsystem 3003 that can be deployed on the combine harvester 20 (e.g., on one or more available walls 26).

[0626] Figure 254The illustration shows a central pivot irrigation system 30, which includes a central pivot 31, one or more movable wheel supports 16 (16-A, 16-B, 16-C, 16-D) with wheels 32 rotating around the central pivot 31, a common longitudinally extending transport line conduit 34, one or more connecting line conduits 35 (35-A, 35-B, 35-C, 35-D) fluidly coupled to the transport line conduit 34, and conduits 35 (35-A, 35-B, 35-C, 35-D) for selectively positioning the transport line conduit 34 with the connecting line conduits 35 (35-A, 35-B, 35-C, 35-D). One or more valves 36 (36-A, 36-B, 36-C, 36-D) (e.g., three-way or two-way valves as shown) in fluid communication with one of the transport lines 35 (35-C, 35-D), one or more soil collection systems 3001 (3001-A, 3001-B, 3001-C, 3001-D) communicating with the connecting conduit 35 (35-A, 35-B, 35-C, 35-D), and a vacuum source 37 fluidly connecting the transport line conduit 34 to the sample preparation subsystem 3002 and the chemical analysis subsystem 3003. Optionally, a pressure source 38 (e.g., an air pump) may be deployed at the end opposite the central pivot 31 to provide prime mover to move or deliver samples through the transport line 34 to the sample preparation subsystem 3002 and the chemical analysis subsystem 3003. The pressure source 38 may be used in conjunction with or in place of the vacuum source 38. Valves 36-A, 36-B, 36-C, and 36-D communicate with the CPU 2820 to selectively open from a soil collection system 3001-A, 3001-B, 3001-C, and 3001-D to process and test soil at a given time. As shown, there are four sections in this non-limiting embodiment, but the central pivot irrigation system 30 may have fewer or more sections, depending on the required length of the transport conduit 34.

[0627] Figure 255 The illustration shows a packing system 40 comprising an accumulation frame 41, a conveyor 42, a pickup 43, a housing 45, and a packer 44. A sample system 3001 can be deployed to extract samples from the conveyor 42 and transport them via a flow conduit 46 to a sample preparation subsystem 3002 and a chemical analysis subsystem 3003, which can be deployed on the housing 45 or on a mud pump in any other convenient mounting location that will not interfere with the operation of the packing system 40.

[0628] Quality measurement of collected soil samples

[0629] To analyze collected soil samples and determine desired chemical levels and characteristics (such as nutrient composition (i.e., ppm)) and to prepare a slurry with the desired soil-water ratio for treatment, the quantity (mass) of the original soil samples treated by the systems and processes disclosed herein must be properly quantified and understood. Ideally, dry soil (e.g., a completely dried sample) is added to a known amount of water to form the slurry ratio for downstream processes / calculations. For example, adding 20 grams of dry soil to 40 mL of water will produce a soil-water ratio of 2:1. The amount of water added to generate this ratio depends on the amount of soil collected and its initial moisture content (pre-diluted slurry). However, soil samples collected from fields are unlikely 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 soil-water ratio for the slurry.

[0630] Methods for “volume determination” and / or “weight determination” of collected soil (or other agriculturally relevant samples that can be processed in this system, such as stem mass, manure, etc.) will now be described. These methods have been described elsewhere in this document. Figure 14-18 The sample collection / volume station 160-1 shown is a component and method for volumetric determination of soil samples. Below are some additional examples and methods for volumetric and / or weight determination of soil samples, including various indirect and direct methods.

[0631] Indirect volume / mass:

[0632] Pneumatic / hydraulic pistons or electric linear actuators can be used to press collected soil into cylindrical "plugs." Such plugs can be made using a consistent force across all samples, allowing for a better understanding of density. By using feedback such as pressure and / or velocity and / or current and / or position of the piston and actuator, conclusions can be drawn about the soil composition. For example, if the soil is compressed very little and then the measured pressure / force rises rapidly, it can be concluded that the soil likely does not have a large amount of moisture. If the soil continues to compress as the force increases slowly, we can also draw conclusions about its texture based on the response (i.e., sandy, high in organic matter)—in this case, the soil has a high organic matter content and is not dry. Figure 281 It is a graph that depicts the use of Figure 282 The relationship between actual piston displacement and compressive force (psi) measured in tests of the compression device on various soil types is described below. Each line in the graph represents a different soil sample with different types and compositions (such as organic matter (OM)), moisture content, particle size, etc. This graph illustrates the influence of soil type and composition on piston displacement and its application. Figure 282 The force required to compress a soil sample using equipment.

[0633] Figure 282 A compression device 5900 is depicted, comprising a compression member 5902 coupled to an actuator, which 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 conjunction with determining the moisture content of the soil sample plug "as at the time of collection." 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 needs to be added to make a slurry, etc.).

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

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

[0636] Direct volume:

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

[0638] Figure 284 This is a schematic diagram of a non-limiting embodiment of a volumetric and mass-based analysis system 5999, used to determine the mass and moisture content of a collected “raw” soil plug or sample using the mixing container 101 of the mixer-filter apparatus 100 described earlier herein. The system shown includes equipment and supplies for volumetrically measuring the soil sample, adding water to form a slurry for further processing and analysis within the system disclosed herein, and weighing the slurry using a weighing device. In all cases described herein, these foregoing basic steps are used and followed to prepare the water and soil slurry mixture. While the weighing device shown for convenience is the weighing coil 5960 further described below, it should be understood that other weighing devices listed below may be used alternatively and in place of the weighing device. Figure 284 The coils shown in the system. Also refer to... Figure 286 and Figure 287 , Figure 286 and Figure 287 An alternative arrangement of the mixing container 101 is shown, which is further described below and is labeled with reference numeral 101A.

[0639] Now for reference Figure 284 and Figures 286-287 In some embodiments, a "direct volume" method can be used to perform a "volume determination" process on the soil sample as follows. Subsequent processes and system components / equipment can be automatically controlled by a programmable system controller 2820. Thus, all components / equipment are operatively and communicatively linked to the controller 2820 via wired and / or wireless communication links 5752, described and shown elsewhere. A representative link 5752 is only... Figure 284 To prevent image blurring, the fluid components and containers shown are fluidly coupled together in the manner illustrated by a suitable sealed flow conduit 6006, which can be a pipe or tube. The flow conduit 6006 in this part of the system is an air conduit. The different flow conduits 6006 in system 5999 are used for different purposes, defined by their location and use in the system, such as... Figure 284 As shown and described herein. Therefore, for convenience, such a flow conduit 6006 is indicated by the common reference numeral 6006, the purpose of which varies depending on the specific type of fluid being processed.

[0640] Before the cycle begins, the isolation valve 5921 between containers 101 and 5923 is opened (via controller 2820) and atmospheric / zero pressure readings can be selectively read from volume V1 of container 5923, such as via pressure sensor 5925. To record pressure, the bottom vent valve 5927 associated with mixing container 101 (which may be formed by a vertically movable and sealable stop 131 as described in detail herein) is initially placed in the open position, allowing mixing chamber 102 (volume V2 of container 101) to reach ambient atmospheric pressure. With isolation valve 5921 open, the pressures between volumes V2 and V1 are equal, causing the pressure measured within volume V1 of container 5923 to reach the same atmospheric pressure as measured by sensor 5925. After the sensor reads the pressure and it is received by programmable controller 2820, programmable controller 2820 closes mixing container vent valve 5927, thereby sealin...

Claims

1. A fluid handling device for analyzing agricultural samples, comprising: The main body consists of multiple interconnected layers; Multiple external fluid exchange ports are provided for exchanging processed fluids with the device. An internal flow network, comprising multiple fluid channels fluidly coupled to fluid exchange ports; Multiple diaphragm pumps; Multiple diaphragm valves are used to control the flow of agricultural slurry; The flow network is configured to receive and mix chemicals and agricultural slurries to form a slurry mixture; The main body is disc-shaped and is formed by multiple chemical processing manifolds that can be detachably interlocked together. Each processing manifold includes a separate internal flow network of fluid channels, which is fluidly isolated from the flow network of each other processing manifold. Each processing manifold has a truncated wedge shape, including a top surface, a bottom surface, an arcuate inner surface and an outer surface, and a pair of converging radial side surfaces, each side surface being adjacent to the side surface of an adjacent processing manifold, and the plurality of processing manifolds collectively defining a circular central opening, wherein the plurality of external fluid exchange ports are formed in the top and bottom surfaces.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the diaphragm pump is arranged in the flow network of the channel, and the diaphragm valve is arranged in the flow network.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of diaphragm pumps comprises chemical pumps and slurry pumps.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the plurality of diaphragm pumps comprises chemical pumps and slurry pumps.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 further includes a chemical reservoir disposed downstream of a chemical pump in the flow network to store a predetermined volume of chemicals, and a slurry reservoir disposed downstream of a slurry pump in the flow network to store a predetermined volume of slurry.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the chemical pump and the slurry pump are arranged upstream of their respective reservoirs in the flow network.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each processing manifold comprises a separate chemical pump and a slurry pump arranged in its respective flow network.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the circular central opening is configured to accommodate a drive shaft of a motor-operated drive mechanism operable to rotate the body.

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