Agricultural Sampling System and Related Methods

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to agricultural sampling systems and related methods. An automatic computer-controlled sampling system and related methods are used to collect, process and analyze various chemical properties of agricultural samples, such as plant-available nutrients. The sampling system allows multiple samples to be processed and analyzed for different analytes or chemical properties in a simultaneous or semi-concurrent manner. Advantageously, the system can process soil samples in an "as collected" condition without the need for drying or grinding. The system generally includes a sample preparation subsystem and a chemical analysis subsystem, wherein the sample preparation subsystem receives the soil sample collected by the 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 multiple 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 with application date of July 10, 2019, application number 201980055461.X, and invention name “Agricultural Sampling System and Related Methods”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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

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

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

[0006] In some existing soil sampling processes, collected samples are dried, ground, water is added, and then filtered to obtain a soil slurry suitable for analysis. An extractant is added to the slurry to extract 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] Improved testing of soil, vegetation and fertilizers is expected. Summary of the Invention

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

[0009] The system generally includes a sample preparation subsystem and a chemical analysis subsystem. The sample preparation subsystem receives a soil sample 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 in an "as-sampled" condition (e.g., undried and uncrushed) with water to form a sample slurry. The mixer-filter device then filters the slurry during extraction from the device for processing in the chemical analysis subsystem. The chemical analysis subsystem processes the slurry and performs the general functions of adding / mixing the extraction agent and color changing reagent, centrifuging the slurry sample to produce a clarified supernatant, and finally performing sensing or analysis to detect analytes and / or chemical properties (such as via colorimetric analysis).

[0011] While the sampling system (e.g., sample collection, preparation, and processing) may be described herein with respect to processing soil samples, representing one type of use of the disclosed embodiments, it should be understood that the same system and associated processes comprising the apparatus may also be used to process other types of agriculturally related samples, including but not limited to vegetation / plants, forage, fertilizer, feed, milk, or other types of samples. Thus, the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein should be broadly considered to be agricultural sampling systems. Thus, the invention is clearly not limited to use solely for processing and analyzing soil samples for chemical properties of interest. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are similarly numbered, and wherein:

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

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

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

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

[0017] Figure 5 This is its exploded top perspective view;

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

[0019] Figure 7 is its front view;

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

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

[0022] Figure 10 is its top view;

[0023] Figure 11 is its bottom view;

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

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

[0026] Figure 14 is a side cross-sectional view of a sample collection / volume station mounted on top of a mixing device including an upper pinch valve in an open position and a lower pinch valve in a closed position;

[0027] Figure 15 is a first sequential view thereof showing a soil sample being staged in the lower pinch valve to be mixed and the stopper of the mixing chamber being in a closed position;

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

[0029] Figure 17 is a third sequence diagram thereof showing the lower pinch valve open and the soil sample deposited in the mixing apparatus;

[0030] Figure 18 is a fourth sequential diagram thereof showing a second soil sample being staged in the lower pinch valve to be mixed;

[0031] Figure 19is a fifth sequence diagram thereof showing the addition of water along with the soil sample to the mixing apparatus as indicated by the directional flow arrows;

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

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

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

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

[0036] Figure 24 is its rear view;

[0037] Figure 25 is its top view;

[0038] Figure 26 is its bottom view;

[0039] Figure 27 is its top view;

[0040] Figure 28 is its exploded top view;

[0041] Figure 29 is its exploded bottom view;

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

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

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

[0045] Figure 33 yes Figure 22 A top perspective view of a movable stop of a 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 It is an enlarged detail of the interface between the stopper and the mixing device housing;

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

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

[0052] Figure 40 is its side view;

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

[0054] Figure 42 is a perspective view of a filter coupleable to a holder;

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

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

[0057] Figure 45 is its front view;

[0058] Figure 46 is its rear view;

[0059] Figure 47 is a first side view thereof;

[0060] Figure 48 is a second side view thereof;

[0061] Figure 49 is its top view;

[0062] Figure 50 is its bottom view;

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

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

[0065] Figure 53 is a front cross-sectional view thereof;

[0066] Figure 54 is a side sectional view thereof;

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

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

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

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

[0071] Figure 59 It is an exploded perspective view of a centrifuge tube of a centrifuge, wherein the centrifuge tube is used to be mounted on a wheel hub;

[0072] Figure 60 is its first top view;

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

[0074] Figure 62 is its second top view;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0082] Figure 70 This is its second front perspective drawing;

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

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

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

[0086] Figure 74 is a third cross-sectional sequential view showing the centrifuge and drive mechanism in a second lower, undocked position of low speed rotation;

[0087] Figure 75 is a fourth cross-sectional sequential view illustrating the centrifuge and drive mechanism in a second lower undocked position of high speed rotation for centrifuging a slurry sample;

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

[0089] Figure 77 is a side view of an absorbance analysis cell used to perform colorimetric analysis on the supernatant;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0110] Figure 98 is a partially exploded perspective view thereof with a fluid exchange dock fluidically coupled to a microfluidic processing tray shown below;

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

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

[0113] Figure 101 is its top view;

[0114] Figure 102 is its bottom view;

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

[0116] Figure 104 is a schematic flow chart illustrating the arrangement of the microfluidic flow distribution network and fluidic microcomponents thereof of a single chemical processing wedge of a microfluidic processing tray in a first operating mode configuration;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0132] Figure 120 is with Figures 104-119 A side cross-sectional view of a light emitting diode (LED) emitter diode assembly and an LED receiver diode assembly associated with a flow cell window for measuring an analyte as shown in FIG;

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

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

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

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

[0137] Figure 125 is its front view;

[0138] Figure 126 is its side view;

[0139] Figure 127 This is its top plan;

[0140] Figure 128 is its bottom plan;

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

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

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

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

[0145] Figure 133 This is the exploded perspective view afterwards;

[0146] Figure 134 is its front view;

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

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

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

[0150] Figure 138 This is the rear perspective view;

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

[0152] Figure 140 This is the exploded perspective view;

[0153] Figure 141 is its front view;

[0154] Figure 142 is its rear view;

[0155] Figure 143 is its side view;

[0156] Figure 144 is a side sectional view thereof;

[0157] Figure 145 yes Figure 137 A perspective view of a cam ring of a coulter assembly;

[0158] Figure 146 is its floor plan;

[0159] Figure 147 yes Figure 137 An exploded perspective view of a sample collection probe of a coulter assembly;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0167] Figure 152Ais a side view of the coulter assembly in a fourth rotational position showing the probe in a second protruding position after ejecting a captured soil sample from the probe;

[0168] Figure 152B is a perspective view of its magnified details;

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

[0170] Figure 154 This is the rear perspective view;

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

[0172] Figure 156 This is the exploded perspective view afterwards;

[0173] Figure 157 is its front view;

[0174] Figure 158 is its rear view;

[0175] Figure 159 is its side view;

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

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

[0178] Figure 162 is its floor plan;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0187] Figure 171 is a perspective view of a sprocket engaged with an 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 coulter assembly with the sprocket engaged with the indexing cam ring in a first operating position;

[0190] Figure 173B is its side view;

[0191] Figure 174A yes Figure 153 a top plan view of the coulter assembly with the sprocket engaged with the indexing cam ring in a second operating position;

[0192] Figure 174B is its side view;

[0193] Figure 175A yes Figure 153 a top plan view of the coulter assembly with the sprocket engaged with the indexing cam ring in a third operating position;

[0194] Figure 175B is its side view;

[0195] Figure 176A yes Figure 153 a top plan view of the coulter assembly with the sprocket engaged with the indexing cam ring in a fourth operating position;

[0196] Figure 176B is its side view;

[0197] Figure 177A yes Figure 153 a top plan view of the coulter assembly with the sprocket engaged with the indexing cam ring in a fifth operating position;

[0198] Figure 177B is its side view;

[0199] Figure 178A yes Figure 153 a top plan view of the coulter assembly with the sprocket engaged with the indexing cam ring in a sixth operating position;

[0200] Figure 178B is its side view;

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

[0202] Figure 180 This is the rear perspective view;

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

[0204] Figure 182 is its front view;

[0205] Figure 183 is its rear view;

[0206] Figure 184 is its side view;

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0213] Figure 191 is its rear view;

[0214] Figure 192 is its front view;

[0215] Figure 193 is its side view;

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

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

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

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

[0220] Figure 198 This is the rear perspective view;

[0221] Figure 199 is its front view;

[0222] Figure 200 is its rear view;

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

[0224] Figure 202 is its side view;

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

[0226] Figure 204 is an enlarged perspective detail showing the collection probe in an open position for collecting a soil sample;

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

[0228] Figure 206 is an enlarged perspective detail showing two collection ports of a collection probe in an open position for collecting a soil sample;

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

[0230] Figure 208 yes Figure 207 a front perspective view of a resiliently flexible cam ring of a coulter assembly;

[0231] Figure 209 This is the rear perspective view;

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

[0233] Figure 211 This is the exploded perspective view;

[0234] Figure 212 is its side view;

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

[0236] Figure 214 is its front view;

[0237] Figure 215 is its rear view;

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

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

[0240] Figure 218 This is the rear perspective view;

[0241] Figure 219 is a first front exploded perspective view thereof, showing four alternative types of sample collection probes which may be used together as shown or separately in the coulter assembly;

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

[0243] Figure 221 is its front view;

[0244] Figure 222 is its rear view;

[0245] Figure 223 is its side view;

[0246] Figure 224 It is taken from Figure 221 a first side sectional view thereof;

[0247] Figure 225 It is taken from Figure 221 a second side sectional view thereof;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0255] Figure 233 is its front view;

[0256] Figure 234 is a side cross-sectional view of a coulter blade showing a collecting probe of the first type described above;

[0257] Figure 235 is its front view;

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

[0259] Figure 237 is its front view;

[0260] Figure 238 is a side cross-sectional view of a coulter blade showing the aforementioned fourth type of collecting probe;

[0261] Figure 239 is its front view;

[0262] Figure 240 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a portion of a coulter blade showing a collecting probe of the second type described above;

[0263] Figure 241 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a portion of a coulter blade showing a collecting probe of the first type described above;

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

[0265] Figure 243 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a portion of a coulter blade showing a collecting probe of the fourth type described above;

[0266] Figure 244A is a perspective view of a coulter blade showing radial slots for the aforementioned second type of collecting probe;

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

[0268] Figure 245A is a perspective view of a coulter blade showing radial slots for a collecting probe of the first type described above;

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

[0270] Figure 246A is a perspective view of a coulter blade showing radial slots for the aforementioned third type of collecting probe;

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

[0272] Figure 247A is a perspective view of a coulter blade showing radial slots for the aforementioned fourth type of collecting probe;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0286] Figure 256 Can be installed on Figure 96 An exploded perspective view of an on-disc pneumatic diaphragm micropump in a microfluidics processing tray;

[0287] Figure 257 is a side sectional view thereof showing the micropump in an unactuated position;

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

[0289] Figure 259 yes Figure 96 A perspective view of a heated processing wedge of a microfluidic processing tray;

[0290] Figure 260 Here is its exploded diagram;

[0291] Figure 261 is a flow chart illustrating a soil sample processing and analysis system having a millipore filter instead of a centrifuge for separating a supernatant from a prepared soil slurry and extractant mixture;

[0292] Figure 262 is a perspective view of one of the porous inline type filters used to separate supernatant liquid from soil slurry;

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

[0294] Figure 264 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a vehicle-mounted water filtration system that may be used with the soil analysis and treatment system disclosed herein;

[0295] Figure 265 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a vehicle-mounted water filtration system that may be used with the soil analysis and treatment system disclosed herein;

[0296] Figure 266 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of a vehicle-mounted water filtration system that may be used with the soil analysis and treatment system disclosed herein;

[0297] Figure 267 Shows that it can be Figures 264-266 Examples of particle filter units used in conjunction with water filtration systems;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0306] Figure 276 yes Figure 268 a partial side cross-section of a supernatant extraction apparatus;

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

[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 A top perspective view of a lower holding plate of a supernatant extraction apparatus;

[0311] Figure 281 It is used to describe Figure 282 A graph showing the relationship between actual measured piston displacement and compression force obtained by testing various soil types using the compression soil testing apparatus shown in FIG.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0322] Figure 292 It is a schematic diagram of a weighing container in the shape of a teapot;

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

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

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

[0326] Figure 296 is a schematic diagram of a slurry weigh coil having a quick disconnect pipe connector for isolating the weigh coil from the action of an interconnected flow conduit;

[0327] Figure 297 is a schematic diagram of a slurry weigh coil including a custom load cell for weighing the slurry;

[0328] Figure 298It is a schematic diagram of a custom load cell;

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

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

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

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

[0333] All figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise expressly stated, components numbered in one figure but not in other figures are identical. Unless otherwise expressly stated, reference herein to a full figure number appearing in multiple figures with the same full number but with different letter suffixes should be construed as a general reference to all of these figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0334] The features and benefits of the present invention are illustrated and described herein with reference to exemplary ("example") embodiments. These descriptions of the exemplary embodiments are intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which should be considered a part of the entire written description. Thus, the present disclosure expressly should not 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 reference to direction or orientation is for convenience of description only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Relative terms (such as "lower", "upper", "horizontal", "vertical", "above", "below", "up", "down", "top" and "bottom") and their derivatives (e.g., "horizontally", "downward", "upward", etc.) should be interpreted as referring to the orientation described or shown in the accompanying drawings in question. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the device be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms such as "attached", "fixed", "connected", "coupled", "interconnected" and similar terms refer to a relationship in which structures are fixed or attached to each other directly or indirectly through intermediate structures, including removable or rigid attachments or relationships unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0336] As used throughout this document, any range disclosed herein is used as a shorthand for describing each value within the range. Any value within a range can be selected as the endpoint of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In the event that a definition in this disclosure conflicts with a definition in the cited reference, the present disclosure shall prevail.

[0337] The chemical can be a solvent, an extractant, and / or a reagent. The solvent can be any fluid used to make a slurry as described herein. In a preferred embodiment, the solvent is water due to its ready availability, but any other solvent can be used. The solvent can be used as both a solvent and an extractant. The gas can be any gas. In a preferred embodiment, the gas is air due to its ready availability, but any gas can be used.

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

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

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

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

[0342] The sample preparation subsystem 3002 generally performs the following functions: receiving a soil sample core in the mixer-filter device 100, quantifying the soil sample by volume / mass, adding a predetermined amount or volume of filtered water based on the volume / mass of the soil, and 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: receives the soil slurry from the mixer-filter device 100 of subsystem 3002, adds an extractant, mixes the extractant and slurry in a first chamber to extract an analyte of interest (e.g., a plant-available nutrient), centrifuges the extractant-slurry mixture to produce a clear liquid or supernatant, removes or transfers the supernatant to a second chamber, injects a reagent, holds the supernatant-reagent mixture for a holding period to allow for complete chemical reaction with the reagent, such as measuring absorbance via colorimetric analysis, and assists in cleaning the chemical analysis equipment.

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

[0345] Mixer-filter 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 substantially vertical configuration and defines a corresponding vertical central axis VA1. The device 100 generally includes a mixing vessel 101 defining an upwardly opening internal mixing chamber 102 centered within the vessel; a fluid manifold chassis 120; an electric motor 121; and a movable piston-actuated stopper assembly 130. These components are arranged to define an inline sample processing unit. A mixing element 140 is mechanically coupled to the motor 121 and disposed within the mixing chamber 102 for generating a sample slurry. The motor 121 can be disposed within and supported by a motor housing 126, which, in one non-limiting embodiment, can be cylindrical. The motor housing 126 can be fixedly mounted to the underside of the manifold chassis 120, thereby supporting the motor 121 from the chassis. In one embodiment, the motor 121 and housing 126 can be coaxially aligned with the central axis VA1.

[0347] In one embodiment, the mixing container 101 can have a substantially cylindrical body. In addition to the upwardly opening mixing chamber 102 occupying the upper portion of the container 101, a downwardly opening central 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 through the container. In one embodiment, the container cleaning port 105 can have a generally hourglass shape and define an annular seating surface 105a that is inclined or sloped inwardly. An outwardly flared portion 105b below the seating surface 105a of the cleaning port 105 defines a narrower diameter throat 105c ( Figure 12 and Figure 13 ). The mixing chamber 102 and the rinse port 105 together form a vertical fluid passageway that is coaxially aligned with the central axis VA1 that passes completely through the mixing vessel 101 for flushing and emptying the contents of the mixing chamber 102 between processing soil samples.

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

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

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

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

[0352] The block 131 also includes a vertically oriented central bore 144 coaxially aligned with the central axis VA1 and the central passage 124 of the fluid manifold chassis 120. The bore 144 extends completely through the block 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 passage 124 of the fluid manifold chassis 120 at the bottom of the bore.

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

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

[0355] Now refer to Figure 5-6 and Figure 12-13 , the mixing element 140 generally includes a blade assembly 141 that is fixedly mounted on top of a vertical motor drive shaft 142 that is coupled to the motor 121. Thus, the blade assembly 141 can rotate with the drive shaft 142. In one embodiment, the drive shaft 142 can be coupled to the motor 121 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 chassis 120. The drive shaft 142 is rotatably disposed in the central aperture 144 of the stopper 131 and the central passage 124 of the fluid manifold chassis 120 and extends completely therethrough.

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

[0357] The blade assembly 141 is axially spaced apart from and positioned above the top end 131a of the stopper 131, such that the top end of the drive shaft 142 is exposed in the mixing chamber 102 of the mixing container 101. Figure 12 and Figure 13 This mounting position of the blade assembly also exposes the top of the central hole 144 in the stopper 131 to the mixing chamber 102 of the mixing container 101 to allow bidirectional flow of fluid into / out of the mixing chamber.

[0358] In one embodiment, a filter assembly is provided that includes a partially threaded filter holder 145 and a detachable annular filter 146 to filter the slurry extracted from the mixing chamber 102 . Figures 38-42 The holder and filter are shown in isolation. The filter holder 145 includes a body having a vertical center hole 147a that is connected to a plurality of circumferentially arranged radial openings 147b to inject water into the mixing chamber 102 of the container 101 and extract the slurry from the chamber. The hole 147a is connected to the center hole 144 of the block 131 to complete the fluid path between the manifold chassis 120 and the mixing chamber 102. The motor drive shaft 142 is accommodated through the center hole 147a of the holder. The annular filter 146 includes an annular screen 146a disposed between the center hole 147a and the mixing chamber 102. The screen includes a plurality of openings of preselected sizes to filter out larger solids or particles from the soil slurry. In one embodiment, the screen 146a can be in the form of a screen with linear openings. The material of the screen can be metallic or non-metallic.

[0359] The retainer 145 includes a threaded bottom end or stem 148 that is threadably coupled to an internally threaded upper portion of the stopper central bore 144 (at Figure 12-16 is best shown in Figures 38-42131 ). The top end 149 of the filter holder is enlarged in diameter so as to trap the annular filter 146 between it and the top 131a of the block 131 when the holder is screwed into the block. The filter 146 is mounted to the holder 145, and the screen 146a covers the radial opening 147b to filter the slurry extracted from the mixing chamber 102. The top end 149 may include a tool configuration such as a hexagonal shape (shown) or other shape to facilitate threading the holder 145 into the block 131. Notably, as shown, the central hole 147a of the filter holder 145 extends completely through the top and bottom ends 149, 148 to allow the drive shaft 142 to pass completely through the holder.

[0360] The stopper 131 is fixedly coupled to a movable piston assembly 150 which operates in concert with the movement of the piston assembly to actuate and change the position of the stopper. 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 can be elastomer or rubber O-rings. The piston 151 can have a sleeve-like configuration and can 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 side wall 101a of the mixing container 101 and the bottom center cleaning port 105. The piston 151 can move upward and downward between an upper and lower positions in the annular space 155.

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

[0362] The piston spring 152 is received and retained in the annular space 155 of the mixing container 101 by a retaining ring 154 fixedly attached to the bottom of the container. The top end of the spring 152 acts on the 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 one non-limiting embodiment, the spring 152 can be a helically wound compression spring. Other suitable types of springs can be used.

[0363] The piston 151 can be supported from and mechanically coupled to the fluid manifold chassis 120 by a generally U-shaped mounting bracket 103. In one embodiment, the bracket 103 can include a lower portion formed by a pair of laterally spaced apart plate-like legs 103a fixedly attached to opposite sides of the chassis 120 and a pair of upwardly extending plate-like arms 103b fixedly attached to the underside of the piston 151. Each leg 103a can include a laterally open aperture 104 to accommodate inlet and outlet nozzles 122, 123 coupled to the chassis 120 and extending therethrough. In one embodiment, the mounting bracket 103 can be fixedly attached to the piston 151 and chassis 120 by threaded fasteners 103d (e.g., see FIG. 1 ). Figure 11 ). Of course other configurations of mounting brackets and attachment methods may be used.

[0364] The combination of mounting bracket 103 and manifold mount 120 together form a substantially rigid mechanical linkage that couples stop 131 to piston 151. Thus, when piston 151 is actuated, fluid manifold mount 120, motor 121 / motor housing 126, and stop 131 move upward and downward in unison as a single unit with piston 151. Thus, piston 151 acts as an actuator for stop 131 and is operable to control and change the position of the stop.

[0365] In one embodiment, the piston 151 can be pneumatically operated by pressurized air. The piston 151 is configured for spring return operation. The annular space 155 of the container 101 can be considered to form an annular piston cylinder in which the piston 151 moves upward and downward. The air exchange port 156 is formed through the outer side wall 101a extending along the circumference of the container 101 and is fluidly connected to the top of the annular space 155 (see, for example, Figure 14 Port 156 is in fluid communication with an area of annular space 155 located above piston 151 .

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

[0367] It should be noted that the air exchange port 156 is connected via Figure 1 The air supply valve 3032 shown in the figure is connected to a pressurized 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. The pipe 3021 can be metallic or non-metallic. In some embodiments, fluoropolymer type slurry pipes can be used to transport slurry at various locations in the system due to their inherent non-stick characteristics, making them very 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 polytetrafluoroethylene-based PTFE materials due to its non-stick characteristics, but FEP is advantageously more transparent and plastic in standard pipe forming practices.

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

[0369] By actuating the piston assembly 150, the stopper 131 is in a lower closed position relative to the mixing container 101 in a vertical direction (e.g., see Figure 19-20 ) and upper open position (see, for example, Figure 21 ) are axially movable between. In the closed position, the stopper head 132 sealingly engages the annular seating 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 portion of the piston 151 in the container 101 (see, for example, Figure 18 and Figure 19 ).

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

[0371] Notably, 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 housed), and the blade assembly 141 having the drive shaft 142 move together as a single unit with the stop 131 between a lower closed position and an upper open position.

[0372] In order to process, grade and test multiple soil samples semi-concurrently, an assembly of series valves and related components is provided, e.g. Figure 14-18 . The assembly is also configured and operable to volume the soil sample, thereby representing and collectively forming a sample collection / volume station 160-1. The volume of the sample is used to indirectly quantify the mass of the sample to determine the appropriate amount of water (i.e., water / soil ratio) to be added to the mixing chamber 102 to prepare a sample slurry of appropriate consistency or viscosity for further processing and chemical testing. In one embodiment, the assembly 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 plenum 162 fluidly coupled between the valves, and a volume container 164. The container 164 is a pressure vessel in which an initial volume chamber 168 of known volume is defined. The chamber 168 is fluidly coupled to a source of pressurized air, such as a compressor-tank assembly 30, 31 controlled by an air valve 167 in the conduit 21 on the inlet side of the container. Chamber 168 is also fluidly coupled to plenum 162 via outlet tube 165 controlled by another air valve 167 .

[0373] In one embodiment, pinch valves 160, 161 can be air-actuated. Pinch valves are known and commercially available in the art to control the flow of solid materials (such as soil). Each pinch valve 160 / 161 includes a valve body 160a / 161a that defines an interior space containing a flexible, foldable diaphragm or sleeve 160b / 161b, as shown. The sleeve can be made of any suitable elastomeric material (such as rubber, nitrile, butyl, silicon or other). Each valve 160, 161 includes an air exchange port 166 controlled by a three-way air valve 169 that includes an exhaust port at one location. Lower valve 161 seals and is fluidically coupled to mixing container 101 and is in fluid communication with mixing chamber 102.

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

[0375] Now refer to Figure 14-18 Briefly describe the grading of the soil sample and the volume determination of the sample (i.e., the mass or volume of the soil sample determined by 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 processing steps are completed prior to preparing the slurry. Figure 302 , Figure 14-18 The processes shown in and described below can be automatically controlled and monitored by a processor-based control system 2800 that includes a programmable central processing unit (CPU) (e.g., a processing system), referred to herein as a system controller 2820, such as disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 806,014, filed on Nov. 7, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference. As further described elsewhere below, the system controller 2820 can 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 described in detail elsewhere herein. This provides a unified control system for directing and coordinating the operation of all systems and components described herein.

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

[0378] Next, Figure 16 , the upper valve 160 is closed as shown in . This establishes a temporarily sealed or captured predetermined volume containing soil, which for convenience will be referred to herein as a soil "grading chamber" 170. The chamber 170 is fluidly isolated from the mixing chamber 101 by the closed valve 161. The grading chamber 170 is formed by the boost 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 constant 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 constant volume chamber 168 and the grading chamber 170 is opened to allow pressurized air from the constant volume container 164 to enter the grading chamber. Now that the outlet valve has been opened, the pressure is balanced between the fluid-connected grading chamber 170 and the constant volume chamber 168. The final pressure Pf is then measured and read by system 2820. This pressure Pf is lower than the pressure Pi of the constant volume chamber 168 alone when pressurized and previously isolated. For accuracy, the pressure readings Pf may also be averaged over a short period of time. The pressure reading Pf represents the total pressure measured in the volume that includes the staging chamber 170, the constant volume chamber 168, and the valves and piping therebetween.

[0379] Next, the processing system 2820 automatically and indirectly calculates the "mass" of soil, which equals the "volume," to determine the appropriate amount of water to add to the mixing chamber to achieve the desired water / soil ratio and slurry consistency. The volume of the soil can be calculated using Boyle's Law: Pi*Vp=Pf(Vp+Vc-Vs), where Vc=the volume of the grading chamber 170; Vp=the volume of the initial volume chamber 168; Vs=the volume of the soil; Pi=the initial pressure of the volume chamber 168; and Pf=the final equilibrium pressure of the connected volumes of the grading chamber 170 and volume 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 preprogrammed water / soil ratio to produce the appropriate consistency or viscosity of the sample slurry for chemical analysis. It will be appreciated that other possible volume determination methods for the soil sample can be used.

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

[0381] Figure 19 A soil sample "S" from a field is shown in an "as collected" condition as it is first loaded into the mixing chamber 102 of the mixing container 101. At this point, the stopper 131 is in the lower closed position previously described herein to close the bottom container cleaning port 105. In some cases, the sample may be composed of several soil cores used to generate a composite sample chemical profile representing an average analysis.

[0382] The filtered water (FW) is pumped by pump 3304 ( Figure 1 ) is pumped into the mixer-filter unit 100 and injected into the fluid manifold chassis 120 through the inlet nozzle 122 (see directional arrows). The water flows radially into the central channel 124, then axially upward through the channel and the central hole 144 in the stopper 131, and radially 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 fluidize the soil at the bottom of the chamber (note that for clarity, these figures only show the soil above the mixing blade assembly 141, but it is recognized that the soil will actually fill the entire lower portion of the chamber). In some embodiments of the process, water can be added to the mixing chamber 101 before the soil sample is added, and the mixing blade assembly 141 can 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 the desired water / soil ratio (e.g., 4:1, etc.) pre-programmed into the processing system 2820 to produce a slurry (SL) of appropriate consistency for processing and analysis. The amount of water required is determined during the sedimentation step of the sedimentation station described previously herein.

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

[0384] Once the slurry has been thoroughly mixed, it is extracted from the mixing chamber 102 through the outlet nozzle 123 under suction from the slurry pump 3333 of the chemical analysis subsystem 3003 (see directional flow arrows). Alternatively, if it is desired to deliver the slurry to a slurry pump, a slurry forwarding pump can be added depending on the flow dynamics of the system. It should be noted that during the extraction step, the stopper 131 remains in the lower closed position to seal the cleaning port 105 of the mixing vessel 101. In operation, the slurry generally flows inwardly through the annular screen 146 located centrally on the filter housing 145, into the central hole 144 of the stopper 131, and axially downward through the bore and central passage 124 of the manifold chassis 120 to the outlet nozzle 123. The annular screen 146 has an opening sized to prevent soil or other embedded particles (e.g., small stones, etc.) from the field sample of a predetermined size from entering the stopper 131 and the manifold chassis 120. Because the slurry flows through the annular space or flow channel formed between the motor drive shaft 142 and the central bore and passages 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 idle speed. Alternatively, the blade assembly can be stopped completely.

[0385] It should be noted that during the mixing step, due to the centrifugal action 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 center portion of the mixing chamber via the annular filter 146 advantageously minimizes filter clogging, as compared to other possible slurry extraction locations along the walls of the mixing chamber.

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

[0387] During the second, final flushing and rinsing phase, the mixing chamber 102 is reclosed by moving the stopper 131 to the closed position, blocking the cleaning port 105, while flushing water continues to flow 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 a few seconds, entraining any sludge residue adhering to the mixing chamber walls with the water. The mixing chamber cleaning port 105 is opened a second time by raising the stopper 131 to flush out the water and sludge mixture. This completes the cleaning of the mixing chamber 102. Notably, both the initial and final flushing and rinsing phases are completed in rapid succession, within just a few seconds.

[0388] Once the mixing chamber 102 has been thoroughly cleaned, the stopper 131 is returned again to the lower closed position via operation of the piston assembly 150 to prepare for serial receipt and processing of the next soil sample. Figure 2 The above processing steps for sizing the soil sample, mixing the slurry and cleaning the mixing chamber are summarized in.

[0389] Alternative embodiments of mixer-filter devices

[0390] Figure 22-37An alternative embodiment of a mixer-filter device 200 that can be used with a sample preparation subsystem 3002 is depicted. The mixer-filter device 200 generally includes a lower mixing vessel 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 the upper mixer housing 203 and the upper mixer housing 203 are shown. Figure 22 The motor 222 is shown in . The drive shaft 220 is centrally located in the mixer housing 203 and defines a vertical center axis VA2 of the mixer-filter arrangement.

[0391] The container 201 defines a soil storage chamber 202 for receiving a soil sample to be mixed (see, for example, Figures 28-29 ) to prepare a slurry for chemical analysis. The container 201 can be sealingly and detachably coupled to the bottom of the mixer housing 203, such as via a seal 204, which in one embodiment can 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 the container 201 can be optionally movable relative to the container wall 201-2 and the mixer housing 203 and is formed by a piston assembly 201-3 (shown in phantom). This allows the soil sample to be raised toward the blade 420 to enhance mixing.

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

[0393] The lower portion of the central opening 207 defines a downwardly opening mixing chamber 207a, formed below the elastomeric stop 210, containing a 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 collectively define a mixing chamber 205. The mixing chamber 205 is used to prepare a slurry mixture of soil and water. The diameter of the chamber 205 can be smaller than the diameter of the upper portion of the central cavity 207, thereby forming a stepped transition therebetween, which defines an annular seating surface 206. In one embodiment, the seating surface 206 can be chamfered to create an angled or inclined seating surface oriented obliquely to the central axis VA2. The blade assembly 240 is rotatably disposed in the mixing chamber 205.

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

[0395] While the mixing blade assembly 41 and drive shaft 142 of the mixer-filter device 100 enter the mixing chamber 102 from the bottom, it is noted that the present 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 from the chamber along the drive shaft.

[0396] The elastomeric stop 210 is at least partially disposed within the central cavity 207 of the mixer housing 203, as shown. Figure 28 and Figure 29 See also Figure 21-23 and Figure 30-32 The mixing chamber 205 is formed below the stopper 210. The stopper 210 has a generally cylindrical body including a top 215, a bottom 214, and a cylindrical sidewall 216 extending therebetween. A circular central axial passage 211 extends axially between and through the top and bottom surfaces. In one embodiment, the bottom 214 can be concave, with a cross-section defining an arcuate profile, to further promote adequate mixing of the slurry. The stopper 210 assembly can also include a lower drive shaft ring seal 214 to prevent fluid leakage from the mixing chamber 205 along the shaft, and an upper collar bearing 221 to support the shaft within the stopper's axial central passage 211.

[0397] A radially extending annular sealing flange 213 projects outwardly from the body of the stopper 210 to form a seal with the sidewalls of the central cavity 207 in the mixer housing 203. The flange 213 is pliable, flexible, and formed as an integral, unitary structural part of the elastomeric stopper 210. In one embodiment, the flange 213 can flare upward (invert 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 37). Flange 213 engages with the sidewalls of cavity 207 and forms a seal. Water can be injected into the portion of mixing chamber 205 below the annular flange 213 of stopper 210 through inlet port 208 of housing 203 to prepare the slurry. An open vent 208a is provided in housing 203 for venting air from the chamber below the flange 213 of stopper 210 during initial setup of mixer-filter device 200.

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

[0399] The stopper 210 further includes an upwardly open annular space 212 that accommodates a spring 231 therein (see, for example, Figure 30-32 In one embodiment, the spring 231 may be a helically wound compression spring. The spring 231 is retained in the annular space by a cover plate 230 that is removably mounted to the mixer housing 203. The top end of the spring 231 acts on the bottom side of the cover plate 230, and the bottom end of the spring 231 acts on the stopper 210 to bias the stopper to the lower seated position.

[0400] The block 210 is fixedly coupled to a drive shaft 220, one end of which is in turn rotatably coupled to a motor 222, and the mixing blade assembly 240 forms an inline movable assembly or unit. The block 210 can be moved between a lower position and an upper position by, for example, raising or lowering the movable unit via a motor bracket (not shown). The blade assembly 240 engages a seal 214 embedded in the block body, which pulls the block 210 upward when the motor is raised. This action, in turn, compresses a spring 231, which acts to force the block back down 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 a conventional mesh filter screen that may be easily clogged. The device 200 also provides an openable / closable filter interface that allows the mixing chamber to be flushed and cleaned between processing samples.

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

[0403] like Figure 34 As best shown in FIG, a plurality of radially oriented flow channels or grooves 218 are formed in the seating surface 217 of the stopper 210. The grooves 218 are circumferentially spaced and preferably extend 360 degrees around the seating surface 217. When the stopper is in its lower seated position, the seating surfaces 217 and 206 engage each other. However, the 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 by a pump (such as the slurry pump 3333) (e.g., see FIG. Figure 1 The slurry flows radially outward through the channel into an annular flow plenum 240 formed in the portion of the housing's central cavity 207 below the annular flange 213 of the stopper 210. From the plenum 240, the slurry flows through the outlet port 209 of the mixer housing 203 to the pump. The flow plenum 240 is also in fluid communication with the water inlet port 208, which, in addition to its function of extracting slurry, receives water and injects it into the mixing chamber 205. The diameter of the flow groove 218 on the stopper 210 is selected to act as a filter, preventing large particles and debris with a diameter larger than the groove from being extracted with the slurry.

[0404] The operation of the stopper 210 for flushing and cleaning the mixing chamber 205 will now be briefly described. Figure 30-31 、 Figure 35 and Figure 37 The stopper is shown in the lower seated position. The seating surfaces 217 and 206 engage one another, thereby forming a closed annular interface 241 between the stopper 210 and the mixer housing 203. Since the flow groove 218 remains the only open flow path between the flow plenum 240 and the mixing chamber 205, this seated position performs a filtering function. Once the slurry is prepared and extracted from the mixer-filter device through the groove 218, the stopper 210 is raised to the upper unseated position (e.g., see Figure 32 and Figure 36). This disengages the seating surfaces 217 and 206, thereby fully opening the annular interface 241 a full 360 degrees, through which the flow plenum 240 and the mixing chamber 205 are fluidly connected. The stop 210 need only be raised far enough to form a circumferentially continuous opening between the seating surfaces 206 and 217. When the stop 210 is raised to the unseated position, the periphery of the annular flange 213 remains in frictional engagement with the side wall of the mixing chamber 205 and is stationary by operation of the retaining ring 213-1. In this manner, the flange 213 will deform and flex, rather than simply sliding upward along the side wall. In the non-limiting illustrated embodiment, the flange 213 may generally be pre-angled in the flipped-up position (e.g., see Figure 31 ), and when the flange is deformed as the stopper 210 is raised, the flange 213 can be changed to a horizontal position (for example, see Figure 32 In any case, it is critical that the annular interface 214 is preferably completely open around its entire circumference. Wash water can then be injected, mixed, and flushed from the mixing chamber 205 to clean the mixer-filter device 100, thereby removing the sludge from the chamber for waste discharge. This flushing step also clears any flow grooves 218 that may have become clogged with larger particles or debris while filtering the slurry. Once completed, the block 210 returns to its lower seated position for the next mixing cycle.

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

[0406] In some embodiments, the mixer-filter device 200 can be used in an angled position, such as in a range from about 30-60 degrees (inclusive) 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 embodiments, after the soil sample is deposited in the container, the mixing container 201 may be raised and lowered to engage 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 fluidically coupled together via suitable flow conduits (such as, but not limited to, tubing 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 further described.

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

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

[0412] The water pump 3304, the extractant pump 3310, the reagent pump 3316 and the supernatant pump 3313 can also be positive displacement pumps to adjust the amount of liquid supplied to the extractant. Figure 1 The flow rates of the corresponding fluids of the sampling system components shown in .

[0413] It is 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, a centrifuge tube 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 can 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 in a serial manner. 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 fluidically coupled to each processing chain in parallel via separate parallel lines of pipe 3021.

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

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

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

[0417] The curved shield 3409 can be mounted to the upper support plate 3403 and the lower support plate 3405 by a pair of arc-shaped curved upper shield supports 3407-1, middle shield supports 3407-2, and lower shield supports 3407-3. The shield supports can have a semicircular shape and be vertically spaced apart as shown. In one embodiment, each shield support includes an inwardly opening recess 3410 that receives the shield 3409, and inwardly curved hooks 3411 on each opposite end that capture the shield in the recess when installed. The radius of the shield supports 3407-1, 3407-2, and 3407-3 complements the radius of the shield 3409 to provide a relatively tight and secure installation. A plurality of vertically extending struts 3408 extend between the upper shield support 3407-1 and the lower shield support 3407-3, respectively. The top and bottom ends of each strut 3408 may be terminated with elongated tabs 3411 received in mating slots 3412 in the shield support, as shown. Figure 51 3407-1, 3407-2, and 3407-3 can be welded or brazed to the struts 3408 to complete the rigid structure.

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

[0419] While a pair of upper, intermediate, and lower shield supports 3407-1, 3407-2, and 3407-3 is disclosed, in other embodiments, a single, integral upper, intermediate, and lower shield support may be provided instead. In other embodiments, the intermediate shield support may be omitted. Of course, other mechanisms or techniques may be used in lieu of shield supports to attach the shield 3409 to the centrifuge housing 3401, and this does not limit the present invention.

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

[0421] Centrifuge 3400 also includes a motor drive mechanism 3450-1, which includes a vertically oriented and rotatable main drive shaft 3700 rotated by a drive mechanism, a rotating wheel hub 3500 coupled to the drive shaft 3700, and a fixed fluid exchange manifold or dock 3430. The wheel hub 3500 is configured to be used 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 the piston mechanism 3600, and the centrifuge housing 3401 can be fixedly attached to the support structure. Each of these components and their interactions will be described below. As illustrated below, the rotating wheel hub 3500 can move between a docking position and a non-docking position. Alternatively, the fluid exchange manifold or dock 3430 may be driven, or both the rotating hub 3500 and the fluid exchange manifold or dock 3430 may be driven to dock or undock with each other.

[0422] The main drive shaft 3700 of the motor drive mechanism 3450-1 is vertically oriented and defines an axis of rotation RA (see, e.g., Figure 47 ), thereby generating a vertical centerline of the centrifuge 3400 for reference purposes. A hub 3500, such as a hub 3500 fixedly coupled to the lower end of the drive shaft 3700 via a tapered coupler 3706 (e.g., see Figure 53 and Figure 71 ) is axially rotated or spun to process the soil sample. In one embodiment, the drive mechanism 3450-1 may include dual motors, including a larger main motor 3705 and a smaller indexing motor 3704. In one embodiment, the motors are supported by substantially planar upper and lower motor supports 3701, 3702, which may be made of rectangular metal or non-metallic plates having a rectangular configuration. In one embodiment, the motor supports are vertically spaced apart by a plurality of tubular spacers 3703 to maintain spacing between the motor supports. Each spacer is secured to the upper motor support 3701 and slidably connected to the lower motor support 3702 by a horizontally elongated slot 3710 (e.g., see Figure 76 ). Thus, the upper motor support can be slidably moved relative to the lower motor support. In one embodiment, four spacers 3703 can be provided, one 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 operation of the piston mechanism 3600, as further described herein.

[0423] The main motor 3705 includes an associated main gear 3707 driven by the motor shaft of the main motor. The index motor 3704 similarly includes an associated index gear 3708 driven by the motor shaft of the index motor. Gears 3707 and 3708 are both selectively engageable with a main drive pulley gear 3709 that is fixedly attached to the top end of the main drive shaft 3700, such as via a set screw or other means. Figure 95 A toothed timing belt 3713 shown in FIG is wrapped around and operably interconnects all three gears to provide a belt drive system for rotating the main drive shaft 3700 .

[0424] To adjust the tension in the timing belt 3713, the upper motor support 3701 slides in one of two opposite directions toward or away from the main drive shaft 3700, which is secured in a horizontal position in the lower motor support 3702 via mounting holes. The main and indexing motors 3705 and 3704 are secured in a horizontal position to the upper motor support 3701 via respective mounting holes. Sliding the upper motor support 3701 back and forth relative to the lower motor support 3702 allows the user to properly achieve 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] The main motor 3705 is used to rotate the rotary wheel hub 3500 at a relatively high speed to centrifuge the soil sample. The indexing motor 3704 is used to properly align the wheel hub in the rotational position relative to the fluid exchange dock 3430 and index it to exchange fluid between the centrifuge tubes 3450 carried by the hub and the dock. In one embodiment, the indexing motor 3704 can be a stepper motor whose output is used to engage the main drive shaft 3700 and rotate the main drive shaft 3700 in very small discrete step increments to achieve appropriate rotational alignment between the dock and the wheel hub. This allows 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 wheel hub 3500 and the centrifuge housing 3401 to achieve appropriate rotational alignment between the dock 3430 and the wheel hub 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 fluids when the tube wheel hub 3500 is in the upper docked position. In one embodiment, a rotation sensor (not shown) (such as a Hall effect sensor) can be provided that detects the rotational position of the main drive shaft and transmits it to the system controller, which in turn can control the operation of the stepper motor and the rotational position of the main drive shaft 3700.

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

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

[0428] Now refer to Figures 43-52 and Figures 57-58 The rotating sheave hub 3500 has a generally disc-shaped body including a central opening 3515 coaxially aligned with the axis of rotation RA for passing the drive shaft 3700 therethrough. A tapered coupler 3706 is secured to the bottom end of the drive shaft 3700, securing the sheave hub 3500 to the drive shaft. In one example, a bushing 3508 can in turn be secured to the drive shaft 3700 via threaded fasteners (not shown).

[0429] The rotating tube wheel hub 3500 is configured to pivotally mount the centrifuge tube 3450 to the hub for centrifuging the tube having a sample slurry therein. The hub 3500 includes a top surface 3510, an opposing bottom surface 3511, and a circumferentially extending peripheral sidewall 3512 extending between the surfaces (at Figure 57). 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 upwardly and downwardly. This allows the centrifuge tubes 3450 to pivot radially outwardly and upwardly when the centrifuge is spun to high speeds. In one embodiment, the peripheral recesses 3502 can have a generally rectilinear shape and can be arranged in diametrically opposed pairs. In one configuration, eight recesses can be provided; however, more or fewer recesses can be provided depending on the number of centrifuge tubes being used and the soil nutrients to be analyzed.

[0430] Additional references Figures 59-65 Each centrifuge tube 3450 can be pivoted by a pivot pin 3459 (at Figure 57 and Figure 59 3502. The opposite ends of the pivot pins 3459 are received in upwardly opening pin slots 3503 formed on each side of the recess 3502, which also open inwardly toward the recess (see, for example, FIG. 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 seating surface that can engage the pivot pin 3459. The pivot pin 3459 is inserted through the transversely oriented through-hole 3454 formed through the centrifuge tube 3450 so that the end of the pin remains exposed. Therefore, for this purpose, the length of the pivot pin 3459 is preferably greater than the transverse width of the centrifuge tube measured in the direction of the through-hole 3454. When installed, the pin 3459 spans the recess 3502 in each tube 3450.

[0431] In order 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 Best shown. In order to install each centrifuge tube 3450 to the wheel hub 3500, first one of the pivot pins 3459 is inserted through the through hole 3454 so that each end of the pin remains exposed. The tube 3450 is inserted into the peripheral recess 3502, and the pin 3459 is positioned above the pin slot 3503 across the recess. The centrifuge tube 3450 is lowered downward in the recess 3502 until the pivot pin 3459 end enters and is fully seated in a pair of pin slots 3503. Then one of the locking caps 3505 is engaged with each narrow slot 3503 to lock the pin in the narrow slot. In one embodiment, the locking cap 3505 can be constructed to form a snap fit with the narrow slot 3503. In other embodiments, instead of or in addition to the snap lock fit, the locking cap 3505 can also be maintained in place on the pin slot 3503 by a pneumatic cover assembly.

[0432] The primary purpose of the aerodynamic cover assembly is to streamline the hub assembly 3500 during rotation to reduce power input and noise due to aerodynamic losses, as the hub with the centrifuge 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 Thus, the hub 3500 is sandwiched between the covers and compressed, as depicted in FIG. Figure 66 and Figure 67 As further shown in FIG. As noted, the cover assembly is also advantageously used to capture the locking cap 3505 below the upper cover 3520.

[0433] Continue to refer Figures 51-54 and Figures 66-67 , each of the upper cover 3520 and the lower cover 3521 can 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 can be arranged in a circumferential pattern around the central opening and are radially elongated as shown. The tube openings 3523 are arranged to coincide with the layout and arrangement of the peripheral recess 3502 formed in the hub 3500 so that the installed centrifuge tubes 3450 are exposed within the cover (e.g., see Figures 66-67 The radial length of tube opening 3523 is preferably sized to allow a mounted centrifuge tube to swing completely outward and upward within the opening when spun by centrifuge 3400 (see Figure 67 ). Each of the centrifuge tubes 3452 can be rotated when the rotating tube hub 3500 is stationary. Figure 66 The vertical position shown in the figure is the same as when the hub is rotated at full speed by the drive mechanism. Figure 67 angularly between the horizontal positions shown in . This ensures that accelerations experienced by the sample due to gravity or rotational acceleration are always directed away from the tube end. The tube 3450 is preferably constructed with the through hole 3454 positioned closer to the top surface 3452 of the tube so that the top surface is substantially flush with the top surface 3524 of the upper cover 3520, or as shown in FIG. Figure 66 3521 ) is preferably slightly elevated 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 downwardly below the bottom surface 3525 of the lower cover 3521 so that most of the height of the centrifuge tube extends below the bottom surface 3525 (see, for example, 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 cooperating indexing features disposed in / on the rotating tube wheel hub 3500 and the centrifuge housing 3401. In one embodiment, the indexing features on the tube wheel 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 (e.g., see FIG. 3 ). Figure 57 ). The recesses 3530 cooperate with a plurality of complementary configured and 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 recesses. In one embodiment, the indexing protrusions 3531 can be formed on an annular indexing ring 3533 that is fixedly attached to the bottom surface 3432 of the fluid exchange dock 3430 by any suitable means (e.g., see Figure 68 ). Ring 3533 with indexing protrusions 3531 represents the fixed component of the indexing system, while rotating tube hub 3500 with indexing recesses 3530 is the movable component. In other embodiments, indexing recesses 3530 may alternatively be on ring 3533, while protrusions 3531 are located on the hub. Ring 3533 also includes a central opening 3534 for passing main drive shaft 3700 and piston support tube 3604 therethrough. The aforementioned mating indexing features are used in conjunction with indexing motor 3704 to achieve rotational alignment between the indexing recess and the protrusions, thereby allowing the protrusions to be inserted into the recesses when rotating tube hub 3500 is in the upper docked position.

[0435] For ease of description, now refer to Figures 59-63With the centrifuge tubes 3450 in these figures being oriented vertically, it is recognized that when the centrifuge is operated, the tubes change between the vertical and horizontal positions previously described herein as the tubes are pivotally rotated by centrifugal force. Centrifuge tubes 3450 are generally used to separate a clarified supernatant from a soil sample slurry and an extractant mixture for chemical analysis. In one non-limiting embodiment, the centrifuge tubes 3450 can each have a rectangular cuboid comprising 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 can be fully or partially solid in construction. In one embodiment, the centrifuge tubes 3450 can be formed from injection molded plastic. A flow port 3451 penetrates the top surface 3452 for introducing the slurry-extractant mixture and extracting the clarified supernatant after the slurry-extractant mixture is centrifuged. These ports include a slurry port 3455-1, a supernatant extraction port 3457-1, and a clean port 3456-1. Each port is fluidly connected to its respective fluid conduit 3455-2, 3456-2, and 3457-2, which extend vertically downward from the port within the tube 3450. The slurry conduits and clean conduits 3455-2 and 3456-2 can be vertically oriented and fluidly connected via a cross-flow conduit 3460 (e.g., see FIG. Figure 61 ). Supernatant extraction conduit 3457-2 is angled relative to the centerline CT of centrifuge tube 3450 and flow conduits 3455-2 and 3456-2. Conduit 3457-2 is fluidly connected to slurry conduit 3455-2 (e.g., see Figure 63 ). No conduits penetrate the bottom surface 3453 of the tube 3450. In some embodiments, the slurry conduit 3455-2, the cleaning conduit 3456-2, and the supernatant extraction conduit 3457-2 can have a high length-to-diameter (L / D) ratio to generate high-speed flow during water flushing and cleaning of the centrifuge tube 3450, thereby thoroughly cleaning the tube. In some embodiments, the L / D of each conduit can be greater than 10.

[0436] According to another aspect, the centrifuge 3400 includes a piston mechanism 3600 operable to raise and lower the motor drive mechanism 3450-1 and the rotating hub 3500 operably coupled thereto relative to the stationary housing 3401. Figure 70 and Figure 71, the piston mechanism 3600 includes a cylindrical body 3601 defining an internal chamber 3603, a piston 3605 including an annular piston ring 3602, and an elongated drive support tube 3604 extending through the sleeve and chamber 3603. A return spring 3607 within the cylindrical body 3601 biases the piston ring downward. The motor drive shaft 3700 extends vertically through the support tube 3604 and is rotatable relative to the tube independently of rotation via 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 support tube 3604 and the bottom of the piston cylinder 3601 are connected by an annular seal 3609 (see, for example, Figure 72 ) is fluidically sealed to the fluid exchange dock 3430, with the annular seal 3609 allowing the tube to slide up or down through the dock.

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

[0438] In addition, the overall reference Figures 43-54 and Figures 70-71 The piston 3605 is slidably disposed within the inner cylindrical chamber 3603 for upward / downward movement therein. The piston head 3602 is provided with annular seals (e.g., O-rings) both inside and outside the circumferential surface of the head. This forms a leak-proof fluid seal between the head 3602 and the support tube 3604 and cylinder 3601 within the chamber 3603, thereby retaining 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 in turn fixedly attached to the lower motor support 3702. Thus, when the piston is actuated, the piston 3605 in the piston cylinder 3601 moves up and down, causing the support tube 3604, to which the motor drive and wheel hub are attached, to move up / down (compare Figure 72 and 73 This allows the tube wheel hub 3500 to move axially between its upper docked position and its lower undocked position to exchange fluid (e.g., slurry extractant, supernatant, or a water-air stream to flush the tube) with the centrifuge tube 3450 in the upper position, or alternatively to centrifuge a soil sample in a lower position in the tube.

[0440] Now refer to Figures 72-73 The operation of the piston mechanism 3600 is briefly described. In one embodiment, the piston 3605 can be pneumatically powered and fluidly connected to a source of working air such as an air tank 3031 (e.g., see Figure 1 In one embodiment, an air conduit 3714 is provided formed in the fluid exchange dock 3430 (e.g., see Figure 55 ) to introduce working air into the chamber 3603 of the cylinder 3601. This allows working air to be introduced into or removed from the cylinder chamber 3603 to raise or lower the piston 3605 and support tube 3604 assembly (and the motor drive and rotating tube wheel 3500 coupled thereto), which together form a movable unit actuated by the piston. Figure 73 As shown, when working air is not supplied to the piston cylinder 3601, the wheel hub 3500 is normally in the default lower position. The wheel hub 3500 is disengaged and vertically spaced from the fluid exchange dock 3430 in the "undocked" position. To "dock" the wheel hub 3500 with the dock 3430, air is supplied to the chamber 3603 of the cylinder 3601 below the piston head 3605. Figure 72 36. As seen in FIG. 36, this raises the piston head 3605, which in turn raises the sheave hub 3500 to its upper position via the support tube 3604 and motor drive mechanism 3450-1 until the hub engages the dock 3430. To return the rotating sheave hub 3500 to the lower position, air is simply released from the cylinder 3601 through, for example, 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 sheave hub downward. Now as Figure 74 and Figure 75 As seen in FIG, centrifuge 3400 is ready to rotate tube hub 3500 and centrifuge a soil slurry sample with the hub in the lowered position.

[0441] The chemical analysis subsystem 3003 also includes an absorbance analysis cell 3800 for performing colorimetric analysis on the supernatant after adding a color-changing chemical reagent. Some type of analysis cell is commonly used in absorbance measurement systems, but is not used in embodiments such as those disclosed herein. Figure 77 , the pool 3800 may include a generally rectangular cuboid 3801 that may be molded from a transparent or translucent plastic material. A pair of diagonally opposed 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 fluidically coupled to a mixing coil 3318 that receives fluid from a supernatant pump 3312 and a reagent pump 3316 (e.g., see FIG. 38 ). Figure 1 ) receives influent. Outlet port 3803 discharges wastewater to waste / exhaust gas. Inlet port 3802 and outlet port 3803 can be fluidically coupled to flow conduit 3021 via a threaded pipe connector. The inlet port and outlet port are fluidically coupled together by a Z-shaped internal flow conduit 3804 in the pool 3800, which includes two inclined diagonal sections extending diagonally and a horizontal straight section therebetween. As shown, threaded LED emission port 3805 and receiving port 3806 are respectively disposed 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 aligned in a straight line. Emission port 3805 is coupled to an emission diode circuit board 3807 including an LED emission diode. Receiving 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, added and mixed with reagent is received at inlet port 3802 (see directional flow arrow). The mixture flows upward through the first diagonal portion of flow conduit 3804 and arrives at the straight part of the conduit at the end of the light emitting diode port. Then, the mixture horizontally crosses the straight part in the straight flow path aligned with the emission and receiving diodes and arrives at the second diagonal portion of the flow conduit at the end of the receiving diode port. The colorimetric analysis of the sample is carried out by the system in the horizontal straight part of the flow conduit 3804, thereby quantifying the nutrients or analytes being analyzed at this time in the soil sample. Then, the supernatant and reagent mixture flows upward through the second diagonal portion of the flow conduit and is discharged from outlet port 3803. Advantageously, as shown in the figure, the mixture flows in a straight line parallel to the direction of the light emitted by the light emitting diode in the straight part of the flow conduit 3804. This increases and maximizes the time of the sample colorimetric analysis, thereby improving accuracy and simultaneously processing the sample quickly.

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

[0443] Figures 78-94 It shows Figure 1 Schematic flow chart of the chemical processing chain 3000A of the chemical analysis subsystem 3003, which depicts a sequential diagram of the method or process for processing and analyzing soil samples. Figure 13000A. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments of the method, the same sequential process shown is performed simultaneously and in parallel in all processing chains of the soil sampling system 3000 to analyze all chemical parameters (analytes) of interest in the soil sample slurry, thereby significantly reducing sample processing time. Thus, each processing chain can process and analyze different analytes in the sample to complete a complete chemical analysis profile of the soil sample.

[0444] The processes described below and in the flowchart may be automatically controlled and executed by a system programmable controller, such as the processing system 2820 disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 806,014 filed on Nov. 7, 2017. The controller may be operatively coupled to Figures 78-94 The components shown in (e.g., pumps, valves, centrifuges, compressors, etc.) are used to control the processing sequence and the flow of fluids through the system to completely process and analyze the soil sample.

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

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

[0447] exist Figure 80In the process, the collected sample is transferred (eg, dripped) into a mixing station (eg, mixer-filter device 100 or 200). Figure 81 In FIG, water has been added to the sample at a predetermined water / soil ratio via water pump 3304 and mixed to form a soil sample slurry. As shown in the figure, during the mixing operation, all valves connected to the mixer are closed. Figure 82 In the example, the slurry pump 3333 draws a known ratio of slurry and pumped extractant into a mixing loop or coil 3330 and through a second open valve 3331 to discharge / waste to establish a steady flow before the next stage of sample processing occurs. The ratio of the extractant pump 3310 rate to the slurry pump rate determines the slurry to extractant ratio. For example, if the slurry pump draws a total flow of 4 mL / sec and the extractant pump runs at 1 mL / sec, then the ratio would be 3:1 (total rate (sample pump) minus the extractant rate = the original slurry rate). Note the open position of the two slurry pump isolation valves 3331.

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

[0449] exist Figure 85 In the embodiment of the present invention, the flow conduit is again reconfigured to change the conduit from a closed pump loop configuration back to a load / unload configuration by opening the slurry pump isolation valve 3331. The slurry pump 3333 pumps more sample slurry and extractant through the conduit 3021 to clear the stagnant cavity and drain it.

[0450] exist Figure 86 At this point in the process, the entire slurry circuit (indicated by the dotted line) is filled with slurry and extractant in precisely known proportions. Figure 87 In the example, if desired, the slurry pump 3333 can be operated to mix in the closed pump loop shown to accelerate the extraction of analytes from the slurry. As shown, the closed pump loop 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 the figure, the now thoroughly mixed soil sample slurry is ready to be pumped into the centrifuge to separate the liquid from the soil particles in the slurry, producing a clear supernatant for colorimetric analysis. Valve 3331 changes position (i.e., opens / closes) as shown, reconfiguring the flow conduit configuration from a recirculating closed pump loop configuration to a single-pass load / unload configuration. The previously closed purge valve 3331, fluidically connected to water pump 3304, and exhaust valve 3331, fluidically connected to exhaust port 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. Air bubbles are entrained in the aerated water, increasing the efficiency of cleaning the conduit. This step also propels the sample slurry to centrifuge 3400, into and through centrifuge tube 3450, and then to discharge / waste. 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 the embodiment of the present invention, the centrifuge 3400 is removed from the 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 component of interest). Figure 90 3400 is re-docked and then, as shown, the supernatant pump 3312 extracts or removes a small amount of supernatant from the centrifuge tube 3450 through the fluid exchange dock 3430 via the reagent injection connector in the conduit 3021. This column of supernatant contains: (1) all debris from the connection point, and (2) the original sample of supernatant that serves as the "zero point" for absorbance before the addition of the reagent indicator. The slurry port 3455-1 in the centrifuge tube 3450 (e.g., 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 removal of the supernatant from the centrifuge tube.

[0452] exist Figure 91 33, the reagent pump 3316 and the supernatant pump 3312 are operated at the desired ratio to pump the mixture through the mixing coil 3318 and through the flow cell 3800 for discharge / waste. The initial sample (which may be dirty) is ignored, and then the middle portion of the sample is used as a control, and the last portion is the portion indicating the expected value representing the initial soil sample.

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

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

[0455] Alternative supernatant separators

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

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

[0458] Once the supernatant is separated from the soil slurry, the filter can be backwashed with clean high-pressure liquid (e.g., filtered water) using the water pump 3304 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 conduits 3021 in the system can be reconfigured by selectively opening / closing certain valves 3331 in combination to reverse the flow of filtered water through the filter media of the filter 5757. Figure 261 As shown, an additional filter backwash flow line 3021-1 and valve 3331 may be provided to reverse the flow. The filter backwash is discharged from the system.

[0459] In some embodiments, a porous sintered metal filter medium of suitable shape and structure may be used for filter 5757 . Figure 262 A non-limiting example of an inline filter 5757 is shown having a tubular cylindrical metal filter medium encased in a complementary configured 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 tube or pipe (e.g., a threaded or pipe connector). Of course, many other suitable filter types and configurations may be used in conjunction with the device for mounting and retaining the filter (e.g., disc-shaped, conical, solid cylindrical, etc.). Other types of porous filter media (e.g., polymers, etc.) may be used that are suitable for system pressure requirements. Preferably, the selected filter media material and shape are suitable for backwashing.

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

[0461] Alternative Embodiments of the Chemical Analysis Subsystem

[0462] Figure 96-136Generally depicted are aspects of an alternative embodiment of a chemical analysis subsystem 3003 based on the centrifuge 3400 previously described herein. However, in this embodiment, a microfluidic processing disc 4000 is added, mounted above and in fluid communication with a fluid exchange dock 3430, which is removably fluidically coupled to a centrifuge tube 3450 carried by a hub 3500. Advantageously, the microfluidic processing disc 4000 is a microfluidic device (e.g., M2D2) that is configured and operable to integrate and combine an entire slurry analysis system, including, as previously described, Figure 1 , fluid pumping, mixing, valving, and flow distribution and control are shown in association with processing slurries, extractants, reagents, and supernatants. Thus, for example, pumping, valving, mixing, and flow distribution functions are integrated into the microfluidic processing disk 4000 in a known manner for constructing microfluidic devices with active microcomponents (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.) that need to be interconnected via piping fluids, thereby improving the compactness of the centrifuge 3400 and its associated components with the chemical processing and analysis portions of the system. In addition to chemical and quantitative analysis of analytes of interest extracted from soil samples, the microfluidic processing disk 4000 also 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. The air compressor 3000 ( Figure 1 ) or another compressor to provide pressurized air for Figures 104-119 The flow chart of FIG. 40 causes the above-described fluids to flow through the microfluidic processing disc 4000 and be processed, as further described herein.

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

[0464] In one embodiment, a disc-shaped microfluidic processing tray 4000 includes a plurality of generally interchangeable and separable triangular or "pie-shaped" chemical processing wedges 4002. The wedges 4002 can be removably 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 tray 4000. In other embodiments, the wedges 4002 can be permanently bonded together, such as via adhesives or ultrasonic welding, as some examples.

[0465] Each processing wedge 4002 of the microfluidic processing tray 4000 is a discrete microfluidic device that, in one embodiment, can be fluidically isolated from each other processing wedge within the confines of the processing tray structure (i.e., without cross-flow through the tray). However, outside the physical boundaries of the microfluidic processing tray, the individual processing wedges can also fluidically share a common inlet manifold connected to a source stream (e.g., water, slurry, air) or an outlet manifold (e.g., a waste / exhaust manifold) for ease of construction. Each processing wedge 4002 is a complete chemical processing device or chain that is operable to process and analyze a soil sample initially provided in slurry form (from one of the mixing stations previously described herein) for different analytes. Advantageously, this provides multiple chemical processing chains (i.e., wedges 4002) that can simultaneously and in parallel process and analyze a soil sample for different analytes (e.g., plant-usable 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 a soil sample. The microfluidic processing tray 4000 is configured and operable to form a detachable fluidic coupling to the centrifuge tube 3350, which is carried by the rotating tube wheel 3500 through the intermediate fluid exchange dock 3430 previously described herein. The fluid exchange dock 3430 is fluidically coupled and inserted between the microfluidic processing tray 4000 and the centrifuge tube 3350.

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

[0467] A plurality of fluid exchange ports are formed in each processing wedge 4002. The ports may include a plurality of external ports 4010 arranged in an array in the peripheral region 4008 of the processing wedge, and a plurality of internal ports 4011 arranged in an array in the inner hub region 4009. In one embodiment, the external ports 4010 may penetrate only the top major surface 4003 of the processing wedge 4002, while the internal ports 4010 may penetrate only the bottom major surface 4004. In one 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 are not limiting of the present invention. The internal ports 4011 may be arranged to correspond in number and arrangement to the cluster 3433 of flow channels 3434 in the fluid exchange dock 3430 (e.g., see FIG. Figures 55-56 ) corresponds to that when the wheel hub 3500 is in the upper docking position, the cluster 3433 further mates with the flow port 3451 formed in the top surface of the centrifuge tube 3450 for exchanging fluids. The internal port 4011 can be configured to interlock with the top inlet of the flow channel 3434 in the fluid exchange dock 3430 to form a detachable leak-proof sealing joint therebetween. For example, the internal port 4011 can be configured to have a detachable leak-proof sealing joint on the bottom of the fluid exchange dock 3430. Figure 56 The same type of nozzle 3436 shown in FIG is used to form a detachable seal therewith in a similar manner.

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

[0469] refer to Figures 104-119 Flow chart of FIG, the internal port 4010 and the external port 4011 are fluidically coupled together by a branching microchannel network 4015 of microchannels 4012 formed internally within the microfluidic processing disk 4000. On the liquid side, the microchannel network forms a flow path between the internal and external ports and fluidically couples the flow control microfluidic devices embedded in the microfluidic processing disk 4000. The flow network 4015 also includes air microchannels 4012, which form air connections to the liquid microchannels and the microfluidic flow control devices through a pneumatic system, which can include high-pressure and low-pressure air sources as shown. The air is supplied by an air compressor 3000 ( Figure 1) or another compressor / compressors provides the power for flowing the aforementioned fluids through the microfluidic processing disk 4000 and processing them according to the flow chart and as described herein.

[0470] The microchannels 4012 (air and liquid) of each processing wedge 4002 are constructed and patterned to form Figures 104-119 10 (recognizing that the physical layout may vary to produce the functional connections shown). The blocks on the left side of this figure represent external ports 4010 of each processing wedge 4002, while the blocks on the right side represent internal ports 4011. The use of computer-aided manufacturing methods to create the depicted flow network (and the flow control microfluidic device shown) is entirely within the scope of the microfluidic device manufacturer and will not be described in detail herein. The microchannels 4012 may be formed in one or more layers of the microfluidic processing disk by any suitable process or combination of processes commonly used to construct microfluidic devices, such as, but not limited to, micromachining, laser milling, laser or chemical etching, photolithography, hot embossing, injection molding, or other methods.

[0471] Microchannel Network 4015 also includes Figures 104-119 , a plurality of microfluidic valves, pumps, and mixing chambers are shown in . In one embodiment, these microfluidic devices can be diaphragm-operated and produced using a flexible elastomeric flow control layer embedded in a microfluidic processing disc 4000, which is connected to microchannels and chambers formed in the microfluidic processing disc 4000, as described elsewhere herein. The microfluidic device can also include a pneumatic diaphragm micropump, which includes an extractant pump 4020, a slurry pump 4021, a reagent pump 4022, and a transfer pump 4023. The microchannel 4012 is opened / closed by a plurality of pneumatic diaphragm microvalves 4018 schematically represented by circles (solid circles = closed; hollow circles = open). If desired, a pneumatic micro-mixing chamber 4024 may be optionally provided as needed for mixing the soil sample slurry with the extractant, and / or upstream of the flow analysis cell 4027 and flow cell window 4025, respectively, integrated into the processing wedge 4002, to ensure complete mixing of the color-changing reagent (sometimes also referred to as an "indicator") and the supernatant. In some embodiments, the micro-mixing chamber 4024 may be formed by two tightly fluidically coupled pools connected via a narrow, short microchannel, a well-known configuration in the field of microfluidics. The pools are alternately subjected to air pressure, thereby cyclically transferring liquid back and forth between the pools multiple times, thereby providing sufficient 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 1 and 2 are exploded views and side cross-sectional views, respectively, 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 transfer pump 4023, or other pumps as may be required. These pumps are incorporated 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 into two adjacent layers of each wedge 4002 as an integral structural part thereof. Figure 256 The illustrations in depict a portion of a disk including a micropump, recognizing that in reality the micropump is defined only by the boundaries of the openings and / or recessed structures formed directly in the disk layers.

[0473] Each micropump 5760 is a sandwich structure comprising an upper layer 5761 of the microfluidic processing tray 4000, a lower layer 5762 adjacent to the tray, 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 important to note that the upper layer 5761 and the lower layer 5762 are not necessarily the uppermost (i.e., top) and lowermost (i.e., bottom) layers of the multi-layer microfluidic processing tray 4000, but rather two adjacent intermediate layers therebetween. In one non-limiting embodiment, the upper layer 5761 and the lower layer 5762 are intermediate layers in a five-layer processing tray 4000.

[0474] The diaphragm 5763 can be made of a suitable elastomeric material or polymer, such as silicone in some embodiments, and can have a thickness of less than 1 mm (0.04 inches). The diaphragm 5763 can be elastically movable between a normally flat, resting state when no air pressure signal is applied and a convex, actuated state in which it deforms downwardly when air is applied to the top surface of the diaphragm. In one configuration, the diaphragm 5763 can be oval; 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 tray 4000, and a concave lower pump chamber 5765 formed in the lower layer 5762, directly opposite and vertically aligned with the upper pump chamber. In some embodiments, the upper chamber 5764 may have straight sidewall surfaces 5764-1 and a flat top surface 5764-2. The lower chamber 5765 is recessed into the top surface of the lower layer 5762 and may include an arcuately curved sidewall surface 5765-1 that extends circumferentially around the chamber. As shown, the flat bottom surface 5765-2 abuts the sidewall surface around the perimeter of the lower chamber. The curved sidewall surface ensures that the diaphragm 5763 does not tear or rupture during actuation over multiple operating cycles. Notably, the lower chamber 5765 defines the volumetric pumping capacity of the micropump, being emptied with each actuation of the micropump.

[0476] The micropump 5760 also includes a pneumatic air 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 is in fluid communication with the pneumatic or air microchannel network 4015-1 formed in the disk layer directly above the upper layer 5761 and is fluidically coupled to an air source, such as described herein. The lower layer 5762 includes a fluid inlet port 5766 for introducing fluid into the lower chamber 5765 and a fluid outlet port 5767 for discharging fluid from the lower chamber through 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 the opposite end from the outlet port 5767 of the lower chamber 5765. Each of the fluid inlet and outlet ports is in fluid communication with a fluid microchannel network 4015 formed in the disk layer directly below the lower layer 5762. In one embodiment, the upper chamber 5761 and the lower chamber 5762 can be elliptical; however, other shapes can be used.

[0477] The operation of the micropumps 5760 will be briefly described. Each micropump has an associated fluid inlet diaphragm microvalve 4018 and a fluid outlet diaphragm microvalve 4018, which are fluidically coupled to the fluid inlet and outlet ports 5766 and 5767, respectively, necessary for the operation of the micropump. The general construction and operation of the diaphragm valves are the same as those of the micropumps, including a diaphragm, a pneumatic signal port, and fluid inlet and outlet ports. The valves operate between open and closed positions in the same manner as described below for the micropumps, and 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 typically smaller 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 simultaneous actuation of pump(s), valve(s), or both pump(s) and valve(s) in multiple manifolds. A single control signal can command the simultaneous actuation of multiple pumps, valves, or both pumps and valves in a manifold.

[0478] Figure 257 The pump is shown in an initial, flat, unactuated or standby condition. The diaphragm 5763 is completely nested within the upper pump chamber 5764 and does not protrude downward into the lower pump chamber 5765. The diaphragm is captured in the upper chamber 5764 between the upper disc layer 5761 and the lower disc layer 5762. At this stage, no air is applied to the diaphragm. The fluid outlet diaphragm microvalve 4018 is first 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). The fluid inlet diaphragm microvalve 4018 is then closed, and the fluid outlet diaphragm microvalve 4018 is opened.

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

[0480] During testing, it was discovered that if a smooth surface is provided within the lower pump chamber 5765 (left panel), the flexible diaphragm 5763 can sometimes be drawn into the fluid outlet port 5767, prematurely generating a pneumatic signal or allowing the fluid to flow through the liquid side. Unfortunately, this impedes fluid flow and pumping before the diaphragm is fully displaced / deformed, preventing the liquid in the lower chamber from being fully drained. This results in inconsistent volumes of fluid pumped with each actuation, which can adversely affect proper slurry processing and analysis, as the volume of each pumping chamber is carefully predetermined and rigorously ensures that chemicals (e.g., reagents, extractants, etc.) are mixed with the slurry in the proper 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 serve to prevent the flexible diaphragm 5763 from being drawn into the fluid outlet port 5767 and obstructing flow. This also prevents the diaphragm from becoming attached to the generally flat bottom surface 5765-2 of the lower pump chamber by creating suction without being fully released from the flat bottom surface 5765-2 of the lower pump chamber. Thus, the anti-stall grooves 5769 are configured to prevent the diaphragm 5763 from adhering to the lower pump chamber 5765, thereby advantageously allowing the diaphragm 5763 to fully and reliably displace substantially the entire volume of the fluid contents of the lower chamber during each pumping cycle, thereby ensuring accuracy in the amount of fluid dispensed and accuracy in the resulting soil slurry analysis. Figure 256 As shown in the figure, preferably, recessed anti-sticking grooves 5769 are 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 can be arranged as a bidirectional, perpendicularly intersecting grid array of grooves, forming a somewhat checkerboard pattern as shown. In other embodiments, the grooves can be unidirectional and formed by a plurality of non-intersecting, spaced-apart parallel grooves arranged along the major or minor axis of the lower chamber 5765 or diagonally thereto. In some embodiments, the upper pump chamber 5764 formed in the upper disk layer 5761 can include anti-sticking grooves that are similar in configuration to or different from the grooves in the lower chamber 5765. Any suitable pattern and number of grooves can be provided.

[0482] The microchannel network 4015 may also include a plurality of 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, the microreservoirs 4030-4033 may be formed by a series of closely spaced, undulating loops of microchannels. The sample non-limiting volume capacity of each microreservoir is as follows: Figures 104-119However, other volume capacities may of course be used.

[0483] Figures 104-119 4 is a schematic flow chart depicting a sequential view of a method or process for processing and analyzing a soil sample. These figures represent the processing sequence that occurs in a single processing wedge 4002 of a microfluidic processing tray 4000. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments of the method, the same sequential process shown is performed simultaneously and in parallel in all processing wedges 4002 of the processing tray 4000 to analyze all chemical parameters (analytes) of interest in a soil sample slurry, resulting in a significant reduction in sample processing time. Thus, the same corresponding pneumatic micropumps, microvalves, and micromixing chambers in each processing wedge 4002 can be actuated simultaneously via a common control air head or channel and air valve. Thus, each processing wedge 4002 can process and analyze different analytes in a sample to complete a complete chemical analysis profile for the soil sample.

[0484] The processes described below and in the flowchart 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 Ser. No. 15 / 806,014 filed on Nov. 7, 2017. The controller is operatively coupled to low-pressure and high-pressure air supplies, such as an air compressor 3030 and an air tank 3031 (e.g., see Figure 1 ). The low-pressure air can be generated in any suitable known manner, such as by employing a pressure reducing valve station that draws from an air reservoir 3031, which can contain high-pressure air generated by the compressor 3030. Thus, all components associated with the air supply (compressor, reservoir(s), and valves) can be controlled by a system programmable controller (e.g., processing system 2820). Of course, other low-pressure and high-pressure air sources for pneumatically controlling the operation of the microfluidic processing tray 4000, such as a separate compressor, can be used.

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

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

[0487] Figure 104 The microfluidic processing disc 4000 and the processing wedge 4002 having the microchannel network 4015 are shown to be initially provided and ready for processing and chemical analysis of a soil sample. Figure 105 In the embodiment, a soil slurry sample from a mixing station previously described herein (e.g., mixer filter device 100 or 200) and an extractant from an extraction tank 3308 (e.g., see Figure 1 ) is pumped into the sample / extractant measurement loop (reservoir), filling microreservoirs 4030 and 4031 with a precisely predetermined ratio of slurry to extractant. It is important to note that the low-pressure exhaust passage to outlet 4010-7 is briefly opened to not only drive any air from the active microchannel 4012, but also to very briefly exhaust some slurry and extractant to waste to ensure that microreservoirs 4030, 4031 are completely filled before closing the slurry and extractant sources. It is also important to note that the close / open valve 4018 positions in these and the remaining flow diagrams open and close the various flow paths in the microchannels 4012 of the microchannel network 4015.

[0488] exist Figure 106 In the embodiment of the present invention, the slurry sample and the extractant measurement loop (reservoir) are pumped together into the optional first micro-mixing chamber 4024, where mixing occurs. In some cases, sufficient mixing of the sample and the extractant can be achieved within the microchannel 4012, thereby avoiding the need for a separate micro-mixing chamber (hence the "?" in the figure). As shown, the diaphragm-operated micropumps 4020, 4021 are pressurized with low-pressure air to achieve the pumping of the fluid. Figure 107 In the process, the slurry sample and the extractant are thoroughly mixed. Figure 108In the process, the extractant / sample mixture is pumped from the first micro-mixing chamber 4024 to the centrifuge 3400 for processing. Figure 109 In the flow path, some of the supernatant and reagent are very briefly dumped to waste via the flow path to the low pressure exhaust outlet 4010-7 to ensure that these microcontainers are completely filled. Figure 110 In the , the supernatant and reagents are pumped to the second micro-mixing chamber 4024. Note that the microchannel flow path including the micro-mixing chamber 4024, the debubbler 4026 and the flow cell window 4025 is active and fluidically connected to the low pressure exhaust outlet 4010-7. Figure 111 In the second micro-mixing chamber 4024, complete mixing of the supernatant and the reagent is performed, thereby causing a color change of the solution for detection by the absorbance analysis flow cell 4027 through the downstream flow cell window 4025. Figure 112 In the embodiment of the present invention, the supernatant and reagent mixture, spiked with analyte, is pumped through a debubbler 4026 in a debubbling station, which removes any residual bubbles entrained in the mixture. Bubbles in the liquid stream can cause volume anomalies in the downstream flow analysis cell 427 and adversely affect analytical accuracy. Debubblers are well known in the art and require no further detailed description.

[0489] exist Figure 113 In the embodiment, the supernatant / reagent mixture spiked with analyte is pumped into the flow cell window 4025 of the absorbance flow analysis cell 4027 in a manner similar to that previously discussed herein with respect to the absorbance flow analysis cell 3800 (e.g., see Figure 77 ) Colorimetric measurements are performed by an absorbance flow cell 4027. In contrast to the flow cell 3800, the flow cell 4027 is integrally formed with a portion of the processing wedge 4002 and is directly coupled thereto. Figure 120 and Figure 121 The portion of the wedge 4002 containing the absorbance flow analysis cell 4027 and the flow cell window 4025 is schematically depicted, which are formed within the bonding layer structure of the processing wedge. In the exemplary non-limiting construction shown, these layers include three hard plastic layers 4000-1 (e.g., PC, etc.) forming a top layer, a bottom layer, and an intermediate layer patterned with the aforementioned microchannels and other fluid control devices (such as micro pumps, micro valves, and micro mixing chambers). A thin flexible elastomeric layer 4000-2 (e.g., silicon, etc.) is formed directly on top of the intermediate hard layer 4000-1 to serve as a diaphragm for the fluid control device. In one embodiment, the flow analysis window 4025 can be a laterally widened diamond-shaped chamber (e.g., see Figure 121). An LED emitting diode assembly 4040 and an LED receiving diode assembly 4041 are mounted above and below the flow analysis window 4025, respectively. The diode assemblies 4040, 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 fluidically isolated from the liquid flow in the window and the processing wedge 4002. Layer 4000-2 can have a cutout formed directly above the flow analysis window 4025, the size and shape of the cutout corresponding to the emitting diode assembly 4040 to avoid possible reflection / refraction interference with the emitted analysis light beam.

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

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

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

[0493] In other embodiments, it will be appreciated that a separate and discrete absorbance analysis cell, such as a stand-alone absorbance flow analysis cell 3800, may be used in place of the integral absorbance flow analysis cell 4027 incorporated into the chemical processing wedge of the microfluidic processing tray 4000. Advantageously, the integral absorbance flow analysis cell 4027 results in greater compactness of the centrifuge 3400 by eliminating the space requirements necessary to accommodate a discrete flow analysis cell.

[0494] refer to Figures 259-260 In some embodiments, the microfluidic processing disc 4000 can be heated to maintain the viscosity and fluidity of the soil sample slurry, chemicals, and water to better process them, especially in colder weather and colder climate zones. A single processing wedge 4002 having a multi-layer construction as described herein is shown. As an example, an external port 4010, an internal port 4011 (described previously), and some intermediate ports 4010-1 are shown. As described above, before processing and mixing, the chemicals and soil sample slurry are heated within the slice via a resistive 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 complementary to 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 that are concentrically aligned with those same ports formed in the body of the processing wedge 4002. The heating pads 4050 are wired to a suitable mains power source provided to the soil sampling and analysis system processing equipment.

[0495] The temperature sensor(s) 4054 monitor the wedge temperature and communicate via a wired or wireless communication link 4055 with a heater control circuit system 4053, which in one embodiment may be local and mounted on one of the heating pads 4050. In other embodiments, the heater control circuit may not be onboard, but rather located remotely within the soil sampling and analysis system relative to the microfluidic processing disk 4000. The heater control circuit 4053 may be communicatively linked to a main 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 the sensor 4054 with the controller.

[0496] In addition to or in lieu of the heating pads 4050, in certain other embodiments, other suitable pre-slicing heat exchanger(s) not attached to each processing wedge 4002 may be used upstream to preheat the slurry sample, chemicals, and / or process water prior to entering the respective processing wedges 4002. As an example, Figures 264-266The process purification / filtration water tank 5741 schematically shown in Figure 5741 for supplying process water to the microfluidic processing tray 4000 or other chemical processing systems described herein can optionally be heated by one or more separate resistors of external and / or immersion elements or heaters 5742 for use in cool weather.

[0497] Figures 122-129 Describes the use Figure 1 An alternative embodiment of a stand-alone absorbance flow analysis cell 4150 as an alternative to the cell 3800 in FIG. Cell 4150 or 3800 may be replaced by a cell included in Figure 104 4. The bulk flow analysis cell 4027 in the processing wedge 4002 shown in FIG. Cell 4150 has a multi-layer composite structure including 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, heat staking, ultrasonic welding, etc. Any suitable thermoplastic can be used, such as those previously described herein for constructing the microfluidic processing disc 4000. In one embodiment, each layer can be formed from clear acrylic.

[0498] Inlet pipe connector 4151 and outlet pipe connector 4152 provide a flow path to the Figure 1 4026 ).

[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, e.g., Figure 124 ). An elongated slit-shaped flow cell window 4157 is formed in the middle inner layer 4155-3. The flow enters the inlet pipe connector 4151 and reaches one end of the flow cell window 4157, traverses 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 will be mounted above and below the flow analysis cell 4150 at the transmission openings 4153 and 4154 in the outer layer, respectively (see, for example, Figure 129). Openings 4153, 4154 are sized to complement the body of the diode probe and extend completely through the top and bottom outer layers to efficiently transmit analytical light through the liquid sample flowing through the flow analysis cell. The LED probes 4040, 4041 and openings 4153, 4154 are vertically aligned with the center of the flow cell window 4157. In one embodiment, the flow cell window 4157 can be widened laterally to form a diamond shape with a width corresponding to the diameter of the LED probe. As the flow traverses the flow cell window 4157, analytical light is transmitted 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] Note that the uppermost and lowermost inner layers 4155 - 2 and 4155 - 4 provide a solid surface for the transmission openings 4153 , 4154 associated with the diode probes to fluidically isolate the probes from the supernatant and reagent mixture in the flow analysis cell 4150 .

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

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

[0504] A slightly modified main support housing 4202 is provided that supports the aforementioned components of the centrifuge 4200. The housing 4202 can have the same overall construction and components as the previously described support housing 3401. The housing 4202 generally includes a vertical main support plate 4202-1, an upper support plate 4202-3, a lower support plate 4202-2 oriented parallel to the upper support plate, and an optional base 4202-4 for mounting on a horizontal support surface, either fixedly or via a plurality of vertically adjustable legs 4202-5. 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 can be modified or omitted to include adjustable legs.

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

[0506] The upper support plate 4202-3 of the support housing 4202 includes a relatively large circular central opening 4202-6 for mounting and receiving the narrower diameter lower portion of the fluid exchange dock 3430 therein and passing therethrough and supported by the upper support plate (e.g., see Figures 135-136). The microfluidic processing tray 4000 is mounted directly on top of the fluid exchange station 3430, as previously described herein. The rotating tube wheel hub 3500 assembly (including covers 3520, 3521) is mounted below the upper support plate 4202-3. This allows the rotating tube wheel hub 3500 to be axially raised and lowered by the piston mechanism 3600 between its upper docked position and lower undocked position in the sample processing chamber 3501 of the centrifuge 4200 to exchange fluids (e.g., slurry-extractant, supernatant, or tube flush water-air flow) with the centrifuge tube 3450 in the upper position, or to centrifuge a soil sample in the tube in the lower position.

[0507] The flow exchange dock 3430 may include a plurality of circumferentially spaced tube travel stops 4203 projecting downwardly from the bottom surface of the dock. When the tube wheel hub 3500 is lowered and raised by operation of the piston mechanism 3600, the travel stops 4203 may be selectively inserted into a plurality of rectangular tube openings 3523 formed in the upper cover 3520 and the lower cover 3521 of the rotating wheel hub assembly. Figure 66 When the centrifuge tube 3450 is in a vertical position and the tube wheel hub 3500 is in an upper docking position engaged with the fluid exchange dock 3430, the travel stop 4203 is received in the outer vacant portion of the tube opening 3523, as shown in FIG. Figure 136 This advantageously maintains and tightly holds the centrifuge tubes in a vertical upright position when exchanging fluids between the fluid exchange dock and the tubes to or from the microfluidic processing tray 4000, which ensures a tight, leak-proof seal between the dock and the tubes to prevent leakage.

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

[0509] As already noted herein, the agricultural sampling systems, subsystems, and associated 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 for a wide variety of chemical-related parameters and analytes (e.g., nutrients / chemicals of interest) in areas other than soil; as well as for plant / vegetation sampling. Some non-limiting examples (including soil and plant samples) are as follows.

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

[0511] Plants / vegetation: nitrogen, nitrate, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, percent basal saturation of cations, sulfur, zinc, manganese, iron, copper, boron, ammoniacal 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, Ammoniacal 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, Ammoniacal Nitrogen, Humic Acid, pH, Total Organic Carbon, Bulk Density (Bag), Moisture, Sulfur, Calcium, Boron, Cobalt, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Arsenic, Chloride, Lead, Selenium, Cadmium, Cr, 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, and mercury.

[0514] Vitamin E (beta-tocopherol), Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), Vitamin E (delta-tocopherol), Vitamin E (gamma-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 available in premixes), Saturated Fat, Monounsaturated Fat, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Polyunsaturated Fat, Trans Fatty Acids, Omega 6 fatty acids (requires crude fat or acidic fat), glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, lactose, aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2), DON, fumonisins, 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 USP, total iodine, total starch, vitamin A, vitamin D3 and free fatty acids.

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

[0517] Sample collection probe

[0518] Piston-operated sample collection probe

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

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

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

[0522] The hub 5004 can be a flanged tube comprising a radial flange portion 5004-3 and a tubular portion 5004-2 protruding from the flange portion. As shown, the tubular portion 5004-3 can be inserted through the 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 the first side surface 5001-2 of the blade. The tubular portion 5004-2 protrudes outward from the opposite second side 5001-1 of the blade 5001 and is coaxially aligned with the rotational axis RA1 of the blade, defined by the central opening 5005 of the blade that is perpendicular to the side surfaces 5001-1, 5001-2. In one embodiment, the flange portion 5004-3 of the hub 5004 can be fastened to the hub 5004 via a plurality of threaded fasteners 5001-3 (e.g., see Figure 139 ) is fixedly attached to the blade 5001, the plurality of threaded fasteners 5001-3 can be inserted through the mating mounting holes 5001-4. This locks the blade 5001 to the hub 5004. The hub 5004 defines an outwardly opening hole 5004-1 that receives the end of the axle 5009 therein, as shown in FIG. Figure 143 and Figure 144 The hub 5004 can be fixed to the axle 5009 by any suitable mechanical means (including set screws, shrink fit or 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 flanged 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 through the tubular portion 5007-2 of the collar into the tubular portion 5004-2 of the hub. This ensures that the collar rotates with the hub.

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

[0525] Cam ring 5006 is configured for fixed attachment to the frame of a wheeled collection vehicle, such as via mounting bracket 5010. Thus, as blade 5001 is pulled through the soil, cam ring 5006 and bearing outer ring 5008-1 remain stationary and fixed in position relative to the frame, inner ring 5008-2, and blade-hub-collar assembly. Bracket 5010 can have any suitable configuration, including a T-shape as shown. In one embodiment, bracket 5010 can be bolted to 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 comprising a central opening 5006-4, a first major surface 5006-1, an opposing second major surface 5006-2 parallel to the first major surface, and a peripheral side surface 5006-3 extending therebetween. In one embodiment, the first major surface 5006-1 can be flat. When assembled, the second major surface 5006-2 faces the blade 5001 and defines a circumferentially extending annular cam track 5006-5 recessed therein. The cam track 5006-5 extends a full, continuous 360 degrees around the central opening 5006-4 of the cam ring and is spaced between the central opening and the peripheral side surface 5006-3.

[0527] Special References Figures 145-146 Cam track 5006-5 generally defines an asymmetrically configured pear-shaped cam lobe profile, comprising a base curve portion 5006-6 (extent indicated by the dashed line) radially and uniformly spaced a first radial distance D1 from central opening 5006-4, and a nose or lobe portion 5006-7 (extent indicated by the dashed line) defining an arcuately curved apex 5006-8. The portion of lobe portion 5006-7, including the apex, is radially spaced outward from the base curve portion and a second radial distance D2 from the central opening that is greater than distance D1. D2 may represent a maximum distance, while D1 may represent a minimum distance. In one embodiment, a transition portion 5006-9 of cam track 5006-5 may be provided between the base curve and lobe portions 5006-6, 5006-7, wherein the radial distance varies between the first and second distances D1, D2. As shown, lobe portion 5006-7 may be located in one quarter of cam ring 5006, while the base curve and transition portion may occupy most of the remaining three quarters.

[0528] In one embodiment, the cam ring 5006 can have a one-piece, unitary 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 can be an assembly of discrete annular outer and inner ring members that are rigidly secured to a common annular backing plate (e.g., see cam ring 5506, Figures 208-210 ). The annular members are radially spaced apart to define cam tracks 5006-5. For more details of the cam ring assembly, reference is made to the description of the cam ring 5506 herein.

[0529] To collect and discharge soil sample cores captured by blade 5001, cam track 5006-5 actuates piston mechanism 5020. Piston mechanism 5020 comprises an elongated soil sample collection sleeve or cylinder 5022 having an open internal through-passage extending between its ends, and an elongated piston rod 5023 that, when actuated by the cam track in cam ring 5006, slidably moves back and forth within the cylinder in a linear and radially reciprocating manner. Collection cylinder 5022 is fixedly mounted to blade 5001 within an elongated radial slot 5024 formed in the blade. In one configuration, cylinder 5022 may be welded to the blade. Thus, piston mechanism 5020 rotates with blade 5001 to capture soil sample cores. In one embodiment, slot 5024 may be a through slot extending through both major surfaces 5001-1, 5001-2 of the blade. The slot 5024 defines a radial actuation axis AA along which the piston rod 5023 reciprocates within the cylinder 5022. The axis AA intersects the center of the blade center opening 5005 and is perpendicular to the axis of rotation RA1. The collecting cylinder 5022 may protrude above the major surfaces 5001-1, 5001-2 of the blade 5001 to facilitate capturing soil plugs or cores (e.g., see Figure 143 ).

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

[0531] The outer end 5023-2 of the piston rod 5023 can be diametrically enlarged 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 collection end 5022-2 of the collection cylinder 5022 and the pair of transverse holes 5022-1 therein. The outer end of the cylinder is spaced inwardly from the outer ends 5024-2 of the radial slots 5024 to form an open gap or recess 5024-3 in the blade 5001, allowing soil to enter or exit the outer end 5023-2 of the cylinder 5022. In one embodiment, the inner end 5024-1 of the slots can intersect the central opening 5005 of the blade 5001. A tubular rod retaining cap 5026 can be mounted to the inner end 5022-3 of the cylinder 5022 to retain the rod 5023 therein. To this end, the end cap 5026 has a through hole that is larger than the enlarged outer end 5023-2 of the 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 the end cap 5026.

[0532] The operation of the coulter assembly 5000 for capturing and discharging a soil sample will now be described with reference to Figures 149-152. Figure 149A The sample collection piston mechanism 5020 is shown in a 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 now above the surface 5003 of the ground or soil 5002. The cam follower 5021 is shown just off the transition portion 5006-9 of the cam track 5006-5 in the cam ring 5006. Figure 149B As shown in FIG, via the operation of the follower 5021, the piston rod 5023 is in a flush position so 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 rotated further with the sample collection piston mechanism 5020 in a second operating position. In this position, the collection cylinder 5022 is below the surface 5003 of the soil. The cam follower 5021 is now shown in the base curve portion 5006-6 of the cam track 5006-5. 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, the piston rod 5023 is now in a retracted position by operation of the follower 5021, so that the outer end 5023-2 of the piston rod is no longer flush with the outer end 5022-2 of the cylinder 5022, but is recessed into the outer end 5022-2 of the cylinder 5022 (note that the rear transverse hole 5022-1 is now visible due to the absence of the piston rod end). As a result, a cavity is formed in the terminal outer end 5022-2 of the cylinder 5022, which defines a collection port for soil to enter the cylinder to fill the cavity, thereby capturing a soil plug or core when the piston mechanism is driven into the ground (see soil orientation arrow). The exact timing at which this occurs (i.e., the piston rod 5023 retracts to open the end 5022-2 of the cylinder 5022) can be adjusted by changing the shape and length of the various portions of the cam track 5006-5 to vary the depth of soil sample collection. The collection depth can also be varied by providing multiple piston mechanisms having cylindrical bodies of varying radial lengths spaced circumferentially around the blade 5001. This will vary the position at which the collecting ends of the cylindrical bodies fall relative to the radial distance from the central opening of the blade 5001. In some embodiments, multiple sample collection piston mechanisms 5020 can be provided having cylindrical bodies 5022 of varying lengths.

[0534] Figure 151A The blade 5001 is shown rotated further with the sample collection piston mechanism 5020 in a third operating position. In this position, the collection cylinder 5022 is again above the surface 5003 of the soil. However, the cam follower 5021 remains within the base curve portion 5006-6 of the cam track 5006-5. Figure 151B , the piston rod 5023 remains in the retracted position with the soil core still trapped in the outer end 5022-2 of the 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 the cylinder 5022 so that soil can enter the cylinder to fill the cavity and capture the soil when the piston mechanism is driven into the ground (see soil orientation arrow). The exact timing at which this occurs (i.e., the piston rod 5023 retracts to open the end 5022-2 of the cylinder 5022) can be adjusted by changing the shape and length of the various sections of the cam track 5006-5 to vary the depth of soil sample collection.

[0535] Figure 152AThe blade 5001 is shown rotated further, with the sample collection piston mechanism 5020 in a fourth operating position. In this position, the collection cylinder 5022 is still below the surface 5003 of the soil. The cam follower 5021 is now shown in the cam portion 5006-7 of the cam track 5006-5. Because the cam portion 5006-7 is farthest 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 in the figure, the piston rod 5023 is now in a protruding position through the operation of the follower 5021, so that the outer end 5023-2 of the piston rod extends beyond the outer end 5022-2 of the cylinder 5022, thereby effectively ejecting the captured soil plug or core (see soil orientation arrow), which is then collected by the collection container for further processing and analysis using other parts of the mixing and chemical analysis system described herein.

[0536] Rotatable shaft sample collection probe

[0537] Figure 153-178B Depicted is an embodiment of a ground engaging plow assembly 5100 for collecting soil samples using a vehicle-mounted sample collection device or probe in the form of a rotatable collection shaft 5101. A plurality of angularly spaced collection shafts can be provided. Each collection shaft 5101 rotates about a radial rotation axis relative to the plow or blade 5001 of the assembly and includes one or more openable / closable collection ports 5102 actuated by a sprocket mechanism 5103 to alternately open and close the collection port, as further described herein. 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 assembly 5100 can be mounted to the frame of a wheeled sample collection vehicle (e.g., a tractor, etc.) powered by an engine that traverses a farmland, or to a trailer towed by the vehicle, to collect soil samples.

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

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

[0540] The collection shaft 5101 is mounted on the 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 about its own rotational axis Rc independently of the blade 5001 to selectively collect soil samples based on the shaft's rotational position. In one embodiment, the slot 5107 can be a through slot extending through both major surfaces 5001-1, 5001-2 of the blade. In one embodiment, the slot can be generally T-shaped, having a continuous lateral portion 5107-1 at the inner end of the slot that is wider than a longer, pen-diameter portion 5107-2.

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

[0542] The collection shaft 5101 is rotatably supported on the blade 5001 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, may be used to support the shaft. A pair of radially elongated guide shields 5108 may be provided; each mounted on opposite sides of the slot 5107 (either within the slot or adjacent thereto). The shields 5108 may be mounted substantially flush with the major surfaces 5001-1, 5001-2 of the blade 5001, or, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, may protrude slightly above the major surfaces. The shields 5108 may be formed from a flat metal strip fixedly attached to the blade 5001 on each side of the slot by spot welding or other means. The collection shaft 5101 is rotatably disposed between the shields 5108. The bearings 5106, in turn, may be fixedly mounted to the shields 5108, and the collection shaft 5101 is rotatably supported by the bearings as previously described. The guard 5108 helps to properly place and position the collection shaft 5101 and / or bearing (e.g., bushing) within the slot 5107 on the blade 5001. 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 collection is undesirable.

[0543] The collection shaft 5101 is rotatable between an open position, in which the collection port 5102 is open to capture soil, and a closed position, in which the collection port is closed to prevent soil from entering the collection port. In the open position, the collection port 5102 of the collection shaft 5101 can protrude at least slightly above the guide shield 5108 to facilitate entry of a soil sample into the collection port 5102. Additionally, in the open position, the collection port 5102 of the shaft 5101 faces away from the slot 5107 and is exposed to capture soil on either side of the dual open ports. In the closed position, where a soil sample is not desired, the collection port of the shaft 5101 faces inward toward the opposite side of the slot 5107 and the plane of the blade 5001. This exposes the solid side of the collection shaft to the soil, thereby preventing soil from entering the collection port 5102. Additionally, in the closed position, the collection shaft 5101 can be configured to have a non-circular cross-section, at least at the port location, so that its outer cross-section 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 one non-limiting embodiment, the opposite solid sides of the collection shaft 5101 can be planar or flat, and the open side of the shaft having the collection port 5102 can be arc-shaped and convex to enhance the aforementioned function of capturing the soil sample.

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

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

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

[0547] Figure 164 A side perspective view is depicted showing a cross-section of one example of an indexing segment 5104-5. Figure 163 It is taken from Figure 16210. The indexing segment of FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of an indexing segment. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the indexing segment can include a pair of raised protrusions or teeth 5110, 5114 spaced apart by an arc. A recess or valley 5113 is formed between the teeth, the depth of which defines a thickness T2 of the indexing ring 5104 (measured between the top major surface 5104-1 and the bottom major surface 5104-2), for example, which is less than the baseline thickness T1 of the flat portion of the ring without indexing. In one embodiment, the valley 5113 can be separated from the front teeth 5110 by a short flat portion 5115 of the indexing ring 5104 having an arc length that is less than the arc length between the front and rear teeth 5110, 5114. This defines a flat ledge or shelf 5112 at the rear side of the front teeth 5110 in front of the valley 5113. The valley 5113 can be disposed in front of and adjacent to the rear teeth 5114. The rear / front teeth or sides are defined herein by the directional rotation of the plow 5100 and sprocket 5105 as the sprocket initially engages and rotates through each indexing segment 5104-5. In one embodiment, the front teeth 5110 may include an inclined ramp 5111 on the front side to more gradually engage and rotate the lugs 5105-1 of the sprocket 5105. The thickness T3 of the indexing ring 5104 at each tooth 5110, 5114, measured between the tooth's apex and the ring's bottom surface 5104-2, is greater than the baseline thickness T1 of the ring's flat portion 5115. In other embodiments, other numbers and configurations of indexing segments 5104-5 and teeth / valleys are possible.

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

[0549] It will be appreciated that in other possible embodiments, the sprocket 5105 can be a conventional gear drive sprocket having uniform teeth extending a full 360 degrees, and each of the mating indexing segments 5104-5 can be a gear or rack having conventional teeth selected to mesh with the teeth of the sprocket. In other embodiments, other arrangements of inter-configured and meshing sprockets and indexing segments can be used.

[0550] Now refer to Figures 173A-178BThe operation of the coulter assembly 5100 for capturing and discharging a soil sample is briefly described. By varying the geometry of the indexer (i.e., the location and number of indexing segments 5104-5 on the indexing ring 5104 and their configuration), the coulter assembly 5100 can be used to close or open the collection port 5102 on the collection shaft 5101 at any point in the coulter's rotation.

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

[0552] Figure 174A -B shows the plow assembly in a second operating position, rotated further downward to closer to the 6 o'clock position. The sample collection shaft 5101 is still 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 initially engaged one of the indexing segments 5104-5 (i.e., the front tooth 5110) to initiate rotation of the collection shaft 5101.

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

[0554] Figure 176A-B shows the coulter assembly in its fourth operating position, rotated further downward, almost to the 6 o'clock position. The sprocket 5102 is now more fully engaged with the indexing segments 5104-5. The sprocket's front lug is pulled back by the indexing segments, which continue to rotate the collection shaft 5101 and further open the sample collection ports 5102, bringing 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 a fifth operating position, with the collection shaft 5101 rotated further downward to a vertical 6 o'clock position in the soil. The sprocket 5102 further engages the indexing segment 5104-5, which continues to rotate the collection shaft 5101 to its fully open position, and the outward-facing collection port 5102 is now fully open to retrieve a soil sample plug or soil core. By changing the construction and design of the indexing features (i.e., teeth, valleys, etc.) of the indexing ring 5104 relative to the indexing segment 5104-5, their number, and their position along the ring, the position of the port opening and the length of time the container remains open can be changed at any rotational position of the plow 5001 and the collection shaft 5101. Making such adjustments to achieve the desired opening and closing timing of the collection port is within the ability of those skilled in the art and does not require further overelaboration.

[0556] Figure 178A -B shows the plow assembly in a sixth operating state, with the collection shaft 5101 rotated upward past the 6 o'clock position and closer to the 3 o'clock position. As the blade 5001 and the collection shaft 5101 rotate past the first indexing second, the first indexing segment 5104-5 has disengaged from the sprocket 5102. The second indexing segment 5104-5 has now engaged and disengaged from the sprocket 5102, causing it to rotate further, causing the collection shaft 5101 to return to its fully closed position, as shown, with the collection port 5102 once again fully closed as the plow assembly continues to roll; this process is very similar to the process just described for exposing the collection port. The sprocket 5102 is shown disengaged from the second indexing segment 5104-5 and riding on one of the flat portions 5115 of the indexing ring 5104, which is not operable to engage and rotate the collection 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 the collection shaft 5101 is above the ground or soil surface, the next sequential indexing segment 5104-5 then engages and rotates the sprocket 5105 to again rotate the collection shaft to its fully open position so that a collected soil sample (e.g., a soil plug or core) can be ejected by any suitable means (e.g., via pressurized air blowing toward the collection port or insertion of a mechanical ejector, such as a rod or lever passing through the port, as some non-limiting examples).

[0558] Slider sample collection probe

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

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

[0561] The collection slide 5201 may have an elongated solid rectangular body having a rigid rod-like configuration ( Figure 181). The sliders 5201 occupy a majority of the length of each radial slot 5203, and preferably greater than ¾ of its length, but do not occupy the entire length of the slot to allow for the formation of an openable / closable collection port 5202 in the outboard end of each radial slot. The sliders 5201 are slidably retained in each radial slot 5203 by a plurality of mounting straps 5205 secured to opposing sides of the blade 5001 (i.e., blade major surfaces 5001-1 and 5001-2). The straps 5205 span or bridge over and over the collection sliders 5201, thereby capturing the sliders therebetween within the radial slots 5203. The straps 5205 may be fixedly attached to the plow blade 5001 by any suitable means, such as, but not limited to, spot welding, adhesives, fasteners, or other means. The straps 5205 may be arranged in pairs directly opposite each other on the blade major surfaces 5001-1 and 5001-2.

[0562] The collection slides 5201 are selectively and automatically actuated by a cam mechanism provided by an annular cam ring 5204 and a follower 5206 mounted on the inner end of the collection slide 5201. Each slide 5201 is linearly and radially movable independently of each other 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 in FIG is fixedly attached to the frame of the wheeled collection vehicle. Thus, the cam ring 5204 remains stationary and fixed in position relative to the coulter blade 5001, which has a collection slide 5201 that rotates when the blade is pulled or pushed through the soil.

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

[0564] In one embodiment, the follower 5206 can be formed by an annular bearing 5207 that is mounted to the inner end of each collection slider 5201 by any suitable means. In one example, the bearing 5207 can be a ball bearing. In one embodiment, the follower bearing 5207 can be mounted to the slider 5201 via a fastener, such as a nut and bolt 5208 assembly, which passes through holes in the bearing and the slider, as shown. As the follower 5206 moves along the annular track in the cam ring 5204, this allows the follower 5206 to rotate about the bolt that defines the follower axis. The follower 5206 associated with each collection slider 5201 will travel through 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 a soil sample or prevent the collection of a soil sample (this is similar to the operation of the cam ring 5006 previously described herein). Each slider 5201 is independently actuated to fully extend radially within its radial slot 5203 as it rotates into the soil to close its collection port 5202, thereby preventing the collection of a sample. After the blade 5001 enters the soil, the slider 5201 embedded in the soil is fully pulled radially inward at the desired depth by the interaction between the cam track 5006-5 and the follower 5206 (representing the portion of the track associated with the distance D1). This fully opens the collection port 5202 at the outer end of the radial slot 5203 to retrieve the soil sample. Before the collection port 5202 rotates out of the desired depth, the slider begins to close to retain the sample in the port. The cam ring 5204, via the cam follower 5206, continues to apply pressure to the collection slide 5201, causing the collected soil sample to be packed and retained in the collection port 5202. After the sample leaves the soil, the cam ring 5204 begins to open the slide 5201 to release pressure on the sample, allowing it to be extracted. At a point above the soil surface, the soil sample is pneumatically or mechanically removed in a manner similar to that already described herein for the piston-operated coulter assembly 5000. After extraction, as the blade 5001 continues to rotate, the now-empty collection port 5202 is fully reclosed by the slide 5201 via the cam ring 5204, and the slide 5201 then re-enters the soil. When the slide 5201 re-enters the soil and reaches the desired collection depth, the collection port 5202 is opened again in the same manner as described above to retrieve a second soil sample. Notably, this process is repeated for each of the multiple sample collection slides 5201 and collection ports 5202 deployed on the coulter blade. Thus, samples can be collected simultaneously or semi-simultaneously by one lower level slider 5201 and extracted from another upper level slider. Any desired number of sliders can be provided.

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

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

[0568] Figure 187 A non-limiting example of how a cam ring 5204 having cam tracks 5006-5 can be configured to open or close a collection port 5202 in a timed manner through operation of a slider 5201 to collect, hold, and remove soil samples using a coulter blade assembly 5200 is shown. This figure illustrates the rotational progression of a single collection slider 5201 and port 5202 as the blade 5001 rotates through the soil and is self-explanatory. It will be appreciated that the blade 5001 may include multiple angularly / circumferentially spaced collection sliders, such as Figure 179 As shown in .

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

[0570] Slider sample collection probe with shielded ports

[0571] Figures 189-196 An alternative embodiment of a ground-engaging coulter assembly 5300 is depicted for collecting soil samples using an onboard sample collection probe in the form of a linearly movable collection slide 5301. The coulter assembly 5300, including the elongated collection slide 5301, is substantially identical to the coulter assembly 5200 described above and functions in the same manner. The collection slide 5301 is selectively and automatically actuated via the same cam mechanism provided by an annular cam ring 5204 and a follower 5206 mounted on the inner end of the collection slide 5301. For the sake of brevity, these identical components and their operation for collecting soil samples will not be repeated here.

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

[0573] Each collection port 5302 in the slider 5301 has a pair of associated mounting straps 5205 secured to opposing sides of the blade 5001 (i.e., blade major surfaces 5001-1 and 5001-2); similar to the plow assembly 5200. As previously described herein, the straps 5205 span or bridge over or over the collection slider 5201, thereby capturing the slider therebetween within the radial slots 5203. The straps 5201 rotate with the plow blade 5001 and remain fixed relative to it. The slider 5301 operates in the same manner as the slider 5201 previously described herein, reciprocating in a radial linear direction beneath the straps.

[0574] However, the belt 5205 in the coulter assembly 5300 acts as a shield, alternately exposing or concealing the collection port 5302 beneath it as the blade 5001 rotates through the soil. Figures 190-192 As shown in the figure, the slider 5301 can be moved between a first radial position and a second radial position, wherein in the first radial position, the collection port 5302 is retracted and covered by the belt 5205 to prevent the collection of soil samples / soil cores (for example, see the slider at the 3 o'clock position), and in the second radial position, the collection port is exposed from under the belt and exposed to the outside (for example, see the slider at the 6 o'clock position) to capture the soil sample when exposed from below, or to extract the collected sample when exposed from above.

[0575] In 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 in FIG, this linear motion alternately exposes or hides the collection ports 5302 as the blade rotates (note the open port at the 6 o'clock position and the closed ports at the 9 and 10 o'clock positions). Figure 195 and Figure 196 Port 5302 is also shown in a closed position and an open position, respectively.

[0576] The coulter assembly 5300 generally includes many of the same components as the coulter assembly 5000 described previously herein. This includes a disc-shaped coulter blade 5001, a blade hub 5004 for mounting the blade thereto, an outer hub collar 5007 fixedly attached to the hub and rotatable therewith, and an annular bearing 5008. For the sake of brevity and clarity, these components will not be described again herein and will be discussed in detail in the following sections. Figures 189-196 For simplicity, the blade hub 5004, hub collar 5007 and bearing 5008 are represented by dashed axes. The plow assembly is assembled in the manner shown in the figure.

[0577] Rotatable mandrel collection probe

[0578] Figures 197-206 An embodiment of a ground engaging coulter assembly 5400 for collecting soil samples using an onboard sample collection probe is depicted. The collection probe can include a tubular assembly including a rotatable inner collection spindle 5401 enclosed within a hollow outer shroud tube 5403 fixedly mounted to and rotatable with the coulter blade 5001. A plurality of angularly spaced pairs of collection spindles and shroud tubes can be provided on the coulter blade 5001. Each collection spindle 5401 rotates about a radial rotation axis Rc relative to the coulter blade 5001 of the assembly and includes one or more openable / closable collection ports 5402 that are 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 coulter blades roll and cut into the ground, ports 5402 are arranged to retrieve soil sample plugs or cores at different preselected depths. The cores are then ejected / extracted from the collection mandrel 5401 and transferred to a collection container. The coulter assembly 5400 can be mounted on the frame of a wheeled sample collection vehicle (e.g., a tractor, etc.) driven by an engine to traverse a farm field or on an implement pulled thereby to collect soil samples.

[0579] The coulter assembly 5400 generally includes many of the same components as the coulter assembly 5000 described previously herein. This includes a disc-shaped body or blade 5001, a blade hub 5004 for mounting the blade thereto, an outer hub collar 5007 fixedly attached to the hub and rotatable therewith, and an annular bearing 5008. For the sake of brevity, these components will not be described again herein. The present coulter assembly is assembled in the manner shown in the accompanying drawings and described further below.

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

[0581] Each outer shield tube 5403 includes a plurality of spaced-apart windows 5404 formed along the length of the tube to provide access to the collection port 5402 in the mandrel 5401. Thus, each window is positioned on the shield tube 5403 to align with a matching collection port 5402 in the mandrel 5401 within the tube. Thus, the collection ports and windows 5404 are spaced evenly along the length of the shield tube 5403 and mandrel 5401. This creates pairs of collection ports and concentrically aligned windows. The windows 5404 can alternatively be configured as collection ports 5402. In the non-limiting illustrated embodiment, the windows 5404 and collection ports 5402 each have a circular shape. In other embodiments, the windows 5404 and collection ports 5402 can have other shapes, such as a pair of matched elongated slots. As shown, the shield tube windows 5404 are preferably through-openings extending through two opposing exposed sides of the shield tube 5403. The remaining two sides of the shaft are solid and closed.

[0582] A shield tube 5403 is disposed within each elongated radial slot 5203 in the blade 5001. The opposing arcuate circumferential walls of the tube 5403 project outwardly above each major surface 5001-1, 5001-2 of the blade to better capture soil. Each shield tube 5403 is securely fixed or mounted to the blade 5001 within the slot 5203, such as by welding or other suitable securing means. Thus, as the blade 5001 rotates, the shield tube 5403 remains stationary relative to the blade 5001. However, the collection mandrels 5401 mounted within the shield tube 5403 are rotatable relative to their tubes about each mandrel's radial rotation axis Rc, defined by the radial centerline of the axis blade 5001. Thus, the mandrels 5401 rotate independently relative to the blade within the shield tube 5403.

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

[0584] The collection spindle 5401 is rotatable between an open rotational position in which the collection ports 5102 are each concentrically aligned with their mating shield tube window 5404 and open to capture soil (e.g., see FIG. Figure 204 and Figure 206 ), in the closed rotational position, each collection port is rotated away and out of alignment with its mating shield tube window and closed to prevent soil from entering the collection port (e.g., see Figure 205 ). In the open position, the open window of the shield tube 5403 protrudes above the major surfaces 5001-2, 5001-2 to facilitate entry of a soil sample into the collection port 5102. Additionally, in the open position, both the collection port 5402 and the shield tube window 5404 of the mandrel 5401 face away from the slot 5203 and are exposed to capture soil on either side of the dual open ports and windows. In the closed position, where a soil sample is not desired, the collection port of the mandrel 5401 faces inwardly 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 shield tube window 5404, which prevents soil from entering the collection port 5402.

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

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

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

[0588] Figures 207-216 Described Figure 137-15 2, for collecting soil samples. In this embodiment, the same piston mechanism 5020 is provided, including a cam follower 5021 fixedly disposed on an inner end 5023-1 of a piston rod 5023 that operably engages a cam track 5006-5A. However, the rigid annular cam ring 5006 of the coulter assembly 5000 is modified and replaced in this coulter assembly 5500 with an elastically deformable cam ring 5506. At least a portion of the cam ring 5506, or in some embodiments, the entire cam ring 5506, can be formed from an elastically deformable, resilient material having elastic memory.

[0589] One potential disadvantage of a rigidly constructed coulter cam ring is that, in some cases, it may not be structurally capable of withstanding any substantial mechanical resistance or temporary jamming in the piston mechanism as it reciprocates through the soil to collect a sample. Debris or rocks / stones in the soil can create such resistance or jamming. In some cases, if the jam is severe enough, it can lead to potential failure of the piston mechanism of the coulter assembly. For example, if a jam occurs, the cam ring can exert sufficient force on the cam follower 5021 to damage the portion of the mechanism that is jammed (e.g., piston rod 5023, collection cylinder 5022, bushing 5025, etc.), thereby compromising the coulter's ability to collect a soil sample.

[0590] To prevent such overstress events from occurring on the piston mechanism, a deformable cam ring 5506 is provided in this embodiment. The cam ring 5506 can be made of a durable, semi-rigid, yet resilient material or combination of materials that will allow the cam ring to partially compress and yield in the event of any mechanical problems or external forces that prevent the cam follower 5021 from properly rolling / sliding and changing position in the cam track 5006-5 as the coulter blade 5001 rotates. Optimally, the widest or thickest areas of the cam ring 5506 adjacent to the cam track should preferably be constructed to be particularly compliant / flexible, as those portions of the track will be the areas of greatest radial distance for the cam follower roller to be displaced, thereby resulting in the generation of the greatest radial forces.

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

[0592] refer to Figures 207-216 , the coulter assembly 5500 generally includes many of the same components as the coulter assembly 5000 previously described herein. This includes a disc-shaped body or blade 5001, a blade hub 5004 for mounting the blade thereto, an outer hub collar 5007 fixedly attached to the hub and rotatable therewith, and an annular bearing 5008. For the sake of brevity, these components will not be described again here. The present coulter assembly is assembled in the manner shown in the accompanying drawings and is further described below. The piston mechanism 5020 can be the same as previously described 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 collection 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 open gap or recess 5024-3 in the blade 5001 to allow soil to enter or exit the outer end 5023-2 of the cylinder 5022 as previously described herein.

[0593] The deformable cam ring 5506 can be constructed similarly to the rigid cam ring 5006 previously described 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 a full 360 degrees around the ring. Similar to the cam ring 5006, the deformable cam ring 5506 is configured for fixed attachment to the frame of a wheeled collection vehicle, such as via a mounting bracket 5010. Thus, as the coulter blade 5001 is pulled through the soil and rotates, the cam ring 5506 remains stationary and fixed in position relative to the frame and the blade-hub-collar assembly.

[0594] The deformable cam ring 5506 can be an assembly of discrete annular outer and inner guide ring members 5506-1 and 5506-2, which are rigidly secured to a common annular backing plate 5501 for support. In one embodiment, the backing plate 5501 can have a substantially planar body and can be of rigid construction. The annular members 5506-1, 5506-2 are fixedly mounted to the backing plate 5501 and radially spaced apart on the backing plate 5501 to define an annular opening for the cam track 5006-5. The backing plate 5501 forms a closed bottom wall of the cam track 5006-5, which is opposed to an outwardly open top end of the cam track, which receives a cam follower 5021 therein for engaging the track. In some embodiments, each annular member 5506-1, 5506-2 can be mounted on its own circular annular mounting flange 5521 and 5522, each of which is in turn mounted to the common backing plate 5501. In one embodiment, each mounting flange can have a generally L-shaped cross-section. Flanges 5521, 5522 each define a first mounting portion 5521-2, 5522-2 configured for mounting to backplate 5501 and a second guide ring support portion 5521-1, 5522-1 for fixing the outer and inner guide ring members 5506-1, 5506-2 to it. In one embodiment, the guide ring support portion can be oriented perpendicular to the mounting portion. The mounting portions 5521-2, 5522-2 can include a plurality of mounting holes for fixedly attaching the mounting flanges 5521, 5522 to the backplate 5501 in a radially spaced relationship. Other mounting arrangements and mounting methods are also possible, such as industrial adhesives, welding, riveting, etc. The backplate 5501 and the mounting flanges 5521, 5522 can 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 suitable metal (such as steel or aluminum).

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

[0596] It is noteworthy that while the annular mounting flanges 5521, 5222 may be circular in shape (e.g., in top plan view) with generally 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 thus are not perfectly circular in shape (in top plan view). For example, this Figure 214 506-1 ), note the inner peripheral edge of the mounting portion 5522-2 (the portion that extends beyond the guide ring member 5506-2) and the inner peripheral edge of 5521-2 (visible through the slot 5505 in the guide ring member 5506-1). The primary reason for this difference is that the width of the guide ring members 5506-1, 5506-2 will vary depending on the desired variable configuration of the cam track 5006-5 required to actuate the piston mechanism 5020 at the desired rotational timing interval of the coulter assembly 5500 to collect the soil sample.

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

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

[0599] The guide ring members 5506-1, 5506-2 of the cam ring 5506 can be made of any suitable material. For example, one or both guide ring members can be formed of a semi-rigid or semi-rigid (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 deform under the radial force generated by the piston mechanism 5020 along the axis AA when a coulter blade jam or other abnormal operating condition is encountered during sample collection.

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

[0601] In some embodiments, the deformable outer and inner guide ring members 5506-1, 5506-2 can be configured to include one or more arrays of deformation-enabling openings 5520 designed to promote flexibility and deformability of the cam ring 5506 under radial loads generated by the piston mechanism 5020. In some embodiments, these openings 5520 can extend at least partially transversely through the ring members between one major side and an opposing parallel major side. In a preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment, the openings 5520 extend through the guide ring members 5506-1, 5506-2 substantially parallel to the rotational axis RA1 of the plow 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 can be solid, and they can 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 can be similarly solid, and they can be rigid or flexible.

[0603] The material removed by the aforementioned deformation-permitting openings 5520 provides controlled weakening of the guide ring members 5506-1, 5506-2 in a radial direction parallel to the radial actuation axis AA. The reduction in material in the guide ring members increases flexibility in the radial direction, thereby making it easier for the ring member material to compress under the radial force applied by the piston mechanism 5020 in the event of a jam or other abnormal operation. These through-openings 5520 (or other topographic features, such as blind grooves, pits, etc.) can have any suitable shape or geometry, such as a circular hole, an oblong hole, a polygonal or non-polygonal hole or slot (e.g., a honeycomb), or other shape. Some non-limiting examples of suitable openings 5520 are described below.

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

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

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

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

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

[0609] In operation, the piston mechanism 5020 of the coulter assembly 5500 will operate in the same manner as implemented in the coulter assembly 5000 to collect a soil sample. Figure 148 , which shows the same piston mechanism 5020 as in the coulter blade assembly 5500. However, if the piston rod 5023 becomes stuck for some reason in a coulter blade assembly 5500 with a deformable cam ring 5506 as the follower cycles through the cam track 5006-5, the cam follower 5021 will exert a radial force on either the outer or inner guide ring members 5506-1, 5506-2. The portion of the ring member that the cam follower acts on will depend on which portion of the cam track 5006-5 the cam follower happened to be moving through at the time of the jam. As a result, the cam follower 5021 will radially engage and compress either the inner or outer guide ring member. The deformable opening 5520 allows the ring member to more easily elastically deform to absorb the impact without damaging the piston mechanism. This will give the jam time to clear itself, if possible.

[0610] It will be appreciated that within the scope of the present disclosure, numerous variations of the coulter assembly 5500 having a deformable cam ring 5506 are possible. Furthermore, the deformable cam ring may be used with any coulter assembly disclosed herein that utilizes a cam ring to actuate a collecting slide or similar collecting device.

[0611] Slider sample collection probe with laminated blade assembly

[0612] Figure 217-251BAn embodiment of a ground engaging coulter assembly 5600 is depicted having a laminated blade assembly 5601 for collecting soil samples. The blade assembly 5601 has a disc shape similar to all other coulter blades disclosed herein and includes one or more internally mounted sample collection probes in the form of linearly and radially movable collection sliders 5620. The sliders 5620 can be similar in overall design principles and basic operation to the sliders 5201 previously described herein (e.g., see Figure 179 ). However, in contrast to the slider 5201, in the present laminated blade embodiment, no external mounting hardware (such as strap 5205) is used to attach the slider to the blade. Instead, each of the present sliders 5630 is fixedly mounted and at least partially embedded within the laminated blade assembly 5601, embedded between the first and second halves 5601-1, 5601-2 of the blade in a sandwich composite configuration. Advantageously, this eliminates external mounting hardware that holds the slider 5620 in the blade assembly, which could be easily damaged by rocks or debris as the blade assembly plows through the soil to collect samples.

[0613] Each half 5601-1 of the blade assembly 5601 can be constructed as a mirror image of the other half 5601-2 having the same features, as further described herein. In other possible embodiments, there may be differences. The two halves can be permanently laminated or bonded together by any suitable method, including, for example, welding, industrial adhesives, rivets or other permanent mechanical bonding methods. In one embodiment, the annular 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 penetration through the soil. In other embodiments, the two halves can be removably bonded together by a suitable non-permanent type of bonding method (such as fasteners or other).

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

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

[0616] The installation of the laminating blade assembly 5601 and the slider 5630 will now be further described. Half 5601-1 of the laminating blade assembly 5601 has a disc-shaped body including an inner major surface 5610 and opposing parallel outer major surfaces 5611 facing outward. Similarly, half 5601-2 has a disc-shaped body including an inner major surface 5612 and opposing parallel outer major surfaces 5613 facing outward in a direction opposite to the outer major surfaces 5611 (see, for example, FIG. Figure 219 and Figure 220 When joined together, the slider 5630 is captured between the two halves 5601-1, 5601-2.

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

[0618] Generally speaking Figure 226-251B , each of the collection sliders 5630-1 to 5630-4 can have an elongated solid body having a generally rigid rod-like or bar-like overall structure. The slider occupies a majority of the length of each radial slot 5603, and preferably greater than ¾ of its length, but does not occupy the entire length of the slot to allow an openable / closable collection port 5602 to be formed in the outer end of each radial slot. Each slider has a common feature that includes a cylindrical cam follower 5021 (previously described herein) on the inner end that engages with the cam track 5006-5 of the cam ring to selectively actuate at predetermined time intervals based on the rotation of the laminating 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 opposite outer end of the slider can have a different shape. The sliders and their corresponding radial slots 5603 are configured to cooperate with each other and form an interlocking arrangement that captively retains each slider within the laminating blade assembly 5601, independent of externally mounted hardware. However, as shown, portions of the sliders may be exposed after installation into the blade assembly. Because each of the collection sliders 5630-1 to 5630-4 and their corresponding radial slots are shaped differently, they are described separately below.

[0619] Figure 227 、 230, 236, 237, 242, 246A-B and 250A-B show the collection slider 5630-1. The slider 5630-1 includes a cylindrical cam follower 5021 at its inner end, a cylindrical soil collection boss 5631 at its outer end, and an elongated operating rod 5636 extending therebetween. In one embodiment, the operating rod 5636 can be cylindrical with a circular cross-section; however, other embodiments can utilize a rectilinear cross-sectional shape (e.g., a square or rectangular) or other polygonal shapes (e.g., a hexagon). The cam follower 5021 and the collection boss 5631 are enlarged structures with a diameter greater than the operating rod 5636. As shown, the follower and the boss are perpendicular to the length of the operating rod. The central portion of the radial slot 5603 has a circular cross-sectional shape and is disposed as a whole between the outer major surfaces 5610, 5613 of the laminated blade assembly 5601. This forms a concealed radially extending circular aperture 5633 which slidably receives an operating rod 5636 therethrough. The elongated aperture 5633 extends between and communicates with a pair of open rectangular windows 5632 formed through the blade assembly at each end of the aperture. Each half 5601-1, 5601-2 of the laminated blade assembly 5601 has a semicircular recessed recess which forms one 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, FIG. Figure 242 ). The cam follower 5021 and the collection boss 5631 are each received in one of the windows 5632 and can slide therein between the ends of the windows when actuated by the cam ring. In one embodiment, the window 5632 can be elliptical and oriented so 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 major surfaces 5610 and 5613) so that the follower protrudes above the outer surface as shown. In contrast, the length of the cylindrical collection boss 5631 (measured between its flat ends) can be equal to or less than the thickness of the laminated blade assembly 5601 so that the boss does not protrude above the outer major surface. In other possible embodiments, the boss can protrude above the outer major surface of the blade to help guide the soil sample into the collection port 5602. Notably, the relatively slender rod 5636 advantageously reduces weight, reduces friction with the soil, and allows the rod to be easily hidden and protected beneath the exterior of the laminated blade assembly 5601 compared to the cam follower and collection boss.

[0620] Figure 227 、 231, 238, 239, 243, 247A-B, and 251A-B illustrate a collection slider 5630-2. Slider 5630-1 similarly includes a cylindrical cam follower 5021 at its inner end, a cylindrical soil collection boss 5631 at its outer end, and an elongated operating strip 5634 having a rectangular cross-section extending therebetween. The central portion of radial slot 5603 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape and is disposed entirely between the outer major surfaces 5610, 5613 of laminated blade assembly 5601. This forms a concealed radially extending rectangular channel 5635 that slidably receives operating strip 5634 therethrough. Elongated radial channel 5635 extends between and communicates with a pair of open rectangular windows 5632 formed through the blade assembly at each end of the channel. Each half 5601-1, 5601-2 of the laminated blade assembly 5601 has a partial rectangular recess that forms one 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, FIG. Figure 243 ). Each of the cam follower 5021 and the collection boss 5631 is each received in one of the windows 5632 and can slide therein between the ends of the windows when actuated by the cam ring. In one embodiment, the windows 5632 can be elliptical and oriented such that their length is arranged parallel to the actuation axis AA defined by the radial slots. It is noted that the relatively slender / thin operating belt 5634, compared to the cam follower and the collection boss, advantageously reduces weight and allows the belt to be easily concealed and protected beneath the exterior of the laminating blade assembly 5601.

[0621] Figure 226 、 228 , 234, 235, 241, 245A-B and 249A-B show the collecting slider 5630-3. The slider 5630-3 has a body that is generally rectangular in cross section and has a cylindrical cam follower 5021 at its inner end. The outer 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 opposed guide flanges 5637 that project outwardly in opposite directions from each side of the slider body. The guide flanges 5637 are each slidably received in a matching, complementary, radially extending guide channel 5638 formed on opposite sides of the radial slot 5603 (e.g., see Figure 241). The channel 5638 opens inwardly toward the radial slot 5603. When mounted to the blade assembly 5601, the opposing outer major surfaces of the rectangular collection slide 5630-3 are exposed and visible in the radial slot 5603. This is in contrast to the hidden portions of the slides 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 one half of a complete guide channel 5638 when the two halves 5601-1, 5602-2 of the blade assembly are joined together (see, for example, FIG. Figure 241 ). When the halves 5601-1 and 5601-2 are joined together, the guide flange 5637 is captured within the channel 5638, thereby firmly retaining the slider 5630-3 in the laminate blade assembly without the need for external mounting hardware.

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

[0623] Soil sampling tools and equipment

[0624] Figures 252-255 Various tools configured to perform soil sampling and analysis are illustrated, along with non-limiting examples of placement of a sample preparation subsystem 3002 and a chemical analysis subsystem 3003 . Figure 252 The diagram shows a planter 10 having a tow bar 15, a tool bar 14, and one or more row units 11, which is towed by a motorized self-propelled wheeled tractor 5. For ease of access, the sample preparation subsystem 3002 and the chemical analysis subsystem 3003 can be placed at either end of the tool bar 14 or on the tow bar 15 (each possible position is shown in the figure). This allows the user to access the sample preparation subsystem 3002 and the chemical analysis subsystem 3003 to perform maintenance or replenish any materials.

[0625] Figure 253 A combine harvester 20 is illustrated 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 may be deployed to remove a sample from the collection area 21 or grain tank 23 and deliver the grain to a sample preparation subsystem 3002 and a chemical analysis subsystem 3003 that may be deployed on the combine harvester 20, such as on one or more available walls 26.

[0626] Figure 254A center pivot irrigation system 30 is illustrated having a center pivot 31, one or more movable wheeled frames 16 (16-A, 16-B, 16-C, 16-D) with wheels 32 that rotate about the center pivot 31, a common longitudinally extending transport line conduit 34, one or more connecting line conduits 35 (35-A, 35-B, 35-C, 35-D) fluidly coupled to the transport line conduit 34, and a plurality of movable wheeled frames 16 (16-A, 16-B, 16-C, 16-D) for selectively placing the transport line conduit 34 in contact with the connecting line conduits 35 (35-A, 35-B, The transport line conduit 34 may be fluidly coupled to the sample preparation subsystem 3002 and the chemical analysis subsystem 3003. Optionally, a pressure source 38 (e.g., an air pump) may be disposed at the end opposite the central pivot 31 to provide a motive force to move or transport the sample through the transport line 34 to the sample preparation subsystem 3002 and the chemical analysis subsystem 3003. The pressure source 38 may be used in conjunction with or in place of the vacuum source 38. Valves 36-A, 36-B, 36-C, 36-D are in signal communication with the CPU 2820 to selectively open from one soil collection system 3001-A, 3001-B, 3001-C, 3001-D to process and test the soil at a given time. As shown, there are four sections in this non-limiting embodiment, but the center pivot irrigation system 30 can have fewer or more sections depending on the desired length of the transport line conduit 34.

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

[0628] Mass measurement of collected soil samples

[0629] In order to analyze the collected soil samples and determine the desired chemical levels and characteristics (such as nutrient content (i.e., ppm)) and prepare a slurry with a desired water-to-soil ratio for processing, the amount (mass) of the original soil sample processed by the systems and processes disclosed herein must be correctly quantified and understood. Ideally, soil without moisture (e.g., a sample that has been completely dried) is added to a known amount of water to form a slurry ratio for downstream processes / calculations. For example, adding 20 grams of dry soil to 40 mL of water will produce a water-to-soil 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 (the slurry was diluted in advance). However, soil samples collected in the field will most likely not be completely dry. In order to understand the composition of the collected soil, the mass and volume of the soil must be measured to correctly and accurately calculate and prepare the final slurry water-to-soil ratio.

[0630] Some methods for "volume" and / or "weigh" collected soil (or other agriculturally relevant samples that can be processed in the present system, such as stem mass, manure, etc.) will now be described. Figure 14-18 The sample collection / weighing station 160-1 is shown as an assembly and method for weighing a soil sample. The following are some additional examples and methods for weighing and / or quantifying a soil sample, including various indirect and direct methods.

[0631] Indirect volume / mass:

[0632] Pneumatic / hydraulic pistons or electric linear actuators can be used to compress the collected soil into a cylindrical "plug". Such a soil plug can be made using a consistent force for each sample, allowing a better understanding of the density. By using feedback such as pressure and / or velocity and / or current and / or position of the pistons and actuators, conclusions can be drawn about the composition of the soil. For example, if the soil compresses very little and then the measured pressure / force rises rapidly, then it can be concluded that the soil probably does not have a lot of moisture. If the soil continues to compress as the force rises slowly, we can also draw conclusions about its texture (i.e., sand, high organic matter) based on the response - in this case, the soil has a high organic matter content and is not dry. Figure 281 is a graph that depicts the use of Figure 282 The relationship between actual piston displacement and compression force (psi) measured by the compression device shown in the figure is as follows for various soil types tested. Each line in the graph represents a different soil sample with different types and components (such as organic matter (OM)), moisture content, particle size, etc. The graph illustrates the effect of soil type and composition on piston displacement and the use of Figure 282 The force required by the device to compress the soil sample.

[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 collected." By compressing the soil into the plug, the volume of the soil can be calculated based on the position of the piston or actuator. This result can be used to calculate other desired measurements (i.e., how much soil was collected, how much water will need to be added to make a slurry, etc.).

[0634] Apparatus 5900 includes an elongated hollow cylinder 5904 defining an inner cylindrical bore or chamber 5905 for receiving and retaining a collected soil plug. In one embodiment shown, cylinder 5904 can be a cylinder having an annular circular cross-sectional shape that defines a chamber. In a representative, non-limiting example, a ¾-inch hole is used to process a soil sample. The apparatus includes an inlet 5903 and an outlet 5906 for adding a soil sample to the chamber. The inlet can be adjacent to the top of the cylinder, and the outlet can be at the bottom. The outlet can be controlled by an openable / closable door 5901, such as provided by a gate valve 5911 (schematically shown), which selectively closes or opens outlet 5906. Door 5901 is preferably flat and defines a top surface against which soil is compressed by compression member 5902 for compaction. Inlet 5903 can be a tube or pipe segment that can be controlled by a gate valve 5911 or other type of valve to allow soil to be added to the cylinder at a selected time. Compression member 5902 can be slidably moved vertically within chamber 5905 from an upper position to a lower position to compress the soil sample. Other orientations of the device and cylinder can be used in other embodiments, including a horizontal position and various angular positions therebetween. Compression member 5902 can have a cylindrical solid body and be coupled to actuator 5907 via operating rod 5910, which, in one embodiment, can be cylindrical. Figure 282 An example of an actuator 5907 in the form of a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder is shown, which includes an inlet 5908 for introducing a working fluid to activate the compression member 5902 and an outlet 5909 for exhausting the working fluid. The working fluid can be oil or air. In some embodiments, the actuator can also be an electric linear actuator.

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

[0636] Direct Volume:

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

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

[0639] Now refer to Figure 284 and Figures 286-287 In some embodiments, a "direct volume" process may be performed on a soil sample using a "direct volume" method as follows. The subsequent process and system components / equipment may be automatically controlled by a programmable system controller 2820. Thus, the components / equipment are all operatively and communicatively linked to the controller 2820 via wired and / or wireless communication links 5752 as described and shown elsewhere. Representative links 5752 are only shown in FIG. Figure 284 6006 to prevent blurring of the image. The fluid components and containers shown are fluidically coupled together in the manner shown by suitable enclosed flow conduits 6006, which may be pipes or tubes. The flow conduits 6006 in this portion of the system are air conduits. The different flow conduits 6006 in the system 5999 serve different purposes, as defined by their location and use in the system, such as Figure 284 Thus, for convenience, such flow conduits 6006 are designated by the common reference numeral 6006, with their purpose varying depending on the particular type of fluid being processed.

[0640] Before the cycle begins, the isolation valve 5921 between the containers 101 and 5923 is opened (via the controller 2820) and an atmospheric / zero pressure reading can be selectively taken from the volume V1 of the container 5923, such as via the pressure sensor 5925. To record the pressure, the bottom drain valve 5927 associated with the mixing container 101 (which can be formed by the vertically movable and sealable stopper 131 previously described in detail herein) is first placed in the open position, allowing the mixing chamber 102 (the volume V2 of the container 101) to reach ambient atmospheric pressure. With the isolation valve 5921 open, the pressure between volumes V2 and V1 equalizes, causing the pressure measured within the volume V1 of the container 5923 to reach the same atmospheric pressure as measured by the sensor 5925. After the pressure is read by the sensor and received by the programmable controller 2820, the programmable controller 2820 closes the mixing container drain valve 5927, thereby sealing the mixing chamber 102 within the mixing container 101. The isolation valve 5921 is also closed by the controller 2820.

[0641] Next, the soil sample is added to the closed mixing vessel 101 of known void volume V2 (i.e., the volume of the mixing chamber 102) via a soil loading valve 5926 fluidly coupled to the soil inlet of the vessel, which in some non-limiting embodiments as previously described herein can be a pinch valve 160. Other types of valves can of course be used. An optional volumetric step (similar to the ideal gas law calibration and described further below) can be performed here to determine the "bulk" density of the soil (soil with entrained air). Based on this volumetric step or using the sample collection assumption, a known volume of water is then added to the soil through the water inlet of the vessel 101 via a water pump 6100, which in some embodiments can be a positive displacement pump (e.g., Figures 256-258 Micropump 5760 or as described previously herein Figure 261 Of course, other types of water pumps can be used, which may include timed pressure on an orifice pump. In some variations of this process, water can alternatively be added to the mixing container 101 before adding the soil.

[0642] After the water and soil are placed in the mixing container 101, the soil loading valve 5926 is then closed. The soil / water mixture is mixed via the motor-driven blade assembly 141 in the manner previously described herein to homogenize the sample and remove entrapped air. A vacuum can optionally be applied via a vacuum pump 5928 (shown in dashed lines) connected to the mixing chamber 102 to further remove air and also reduce errors in the P1 / P2 measurement. While the isolation valve 5921 is still in the closed position, the air inlet valve 5929 is opened to "fill" the reference container 5923 (defined volume V1). After a few seconds, the inlet valve 5929 is closed by the programmable controller 2820, and compressed air is trapped in the container 5923 (V1). The pressure sensor 5925 obtains a reading P1, and the temperature sensor 5930 records the temperature T1 in the container 5923, which are each recorded by the sensor and transmitted to the controller 2820.

[0643] If not already done, the controller 2820 closes all valves fluidly connected to the mixing vessel 101 (e.g., isolation valve 5921, soil loading valve 5926, drain valve 5927, etc.), which form a pressure seal in the mixing chamber 102. Next, the isolation valve 5921 is opened, and after the pressures between the vessels 101 and 5923 are equalized, the pressure sensor 5925 records a new pressure reading P2, and a temperature reading T2 is taken by the temperature sensor 5920 operatively connected to the mixing v...

Claims

1. A fluid processing apparatus for analyzing agricultural samples, comprising: a plurality of multi-layer process manifolds that interlock together to collectively form a main body; Each process manifold includes: a plurality of externally accessible fluid exchange ports disposed on each process manifold to exchange process fluid with a plurality of external fluid components; an internal flow network comprising a plurality of fluid channels fluidly coupled to the fluid exchange port; a plurality of pumps arranged in the flow network of channels; wherein the pump comprises a slurry pump configured to pump an agricultural slurry comprising a mixture of an agricultural sample and water, wherein the agricultural sample comprises one or more of soil, vegetation, and fertilizer; an analytical flow cell disposed in the flow network downstream of the slurry pump and configured to measure an analyte from the agricultural slurry of interest; wherein the plurality of pumps further comprises a chemical pump fluidly coupled to an extractant source; wherein the fluid exchange ports include a sample slurry fluid exchange port in fluid communication with a source of agricultural slurry and an extractant fluid exchange port in fluid communication with a source of extractant, wherein a slurry pump is fluidly coupled to the sample slurry fluid exchange port for receiving the agricultural slurry, wherein a chemical pump is fluidly coupled to the extractant fluid exchange port for receiving the extractant, and wherein the flow network is configured to receive the extractant and the agricultural slurry from the chemical pump and the slurry pump, respectively, and mix the extractant and the agricultural slurry to form a chemical-slurry mixture; The fluid processing apparatus further includes a chemical mixing chamber fluidly coupled to the chemical pump and the slurry pump, the chemical mixing chamber being operable to receive and mix the extractant and the agricultural slurry to form a chemical-slurry mixture; The fluid handling device also includes a fluid in the fluid exchange port coupled to a chemical-slurry mixture outlet fluid exchange port of the chemical mixing chamber, and the chemical-slurry mixture outlet fluid exchange port is configured to transfer the chemical-slurry mixture to an external separation device that is operable to separate the test substance liquid from the particles of the chemical-slurry mixture. 2 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a chemical reservoir arranged downstream of the chemical pump in the flow network to store a predetermined volume of the extractant received from the chemical pump.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2 further comprises a slurry reservoir arranged in a separate branch downstream of the slurry pump of the flow network to store a predetermined volume of agricultural slurry received from the slurry pump, wherein the outlet of the chemical reservoir and the outlet fluid of the slurry reservoir are coupled to the chemical mixing chamber of the flow network.

4. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a test substance inlet fluid exchange port in the fluid exchange port for receiving the test substance liquid from the separation device.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 , further comprising a reagent pump fluidly coupled to a reagent inlet fluid exchange port in the fluid exchange port via the flow network, the reagent pump being operable to inject a reagent into the test substance liquid at an injection location of the flow network.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the injection site comprises a reagent mixing chamber fluidly coupled to the reagent pump and the test substance inlet fluid exchange port, the reagent mixing chamber being operable to receive and mix the reagent and test substance liquids to form a reagent-test substance mixture.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a reagent reservoir arranged in the flow network downstream of the reagent pump to store a predetermined volume of reagent, the reagent reservoir being fluidically coupled to the reagent mixing chamber.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein an analytical flow cell is arranged in the flow network downstream of the reagent mixing chamber to measure the analyte in the reagent-test substance mixture.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a debubbler disposed upstream of the analytical flow cell and operable to remove entrained gas from the reagent-test substance mixture to improve the accuracy of analyte measurement.

10. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a test substance reservoir disposed in the flow network downstream of the test substance inlet fluid exchange port to store a predetermined volume of test substance liquid.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a filter disposed in the flow network downstream of the chemical pump and the slurry pump, the filter being operable to separate the test substance liquid from particles of the chemical-slurry mixture.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cleaning solution fluid exchange port in the fluid exchange port for introducing a cleaning fluid into the flow network comprising the channel.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of process manifolds are detachably interlocked together for interchange of process manifolds.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the body is configured for mounting to a fixed fluid exchange dock, the fluid exchange dock being removably coupled to a centrifuge configured to separate particles from water, the fluid exchange dock being fluidly coupled to the centrifuge and a slurry pump to receive slurry from a flow network, the fluid exchange dock being capable of changing from a docked position in which it engages with the centrifuge to exchange slurry between the fluid exchange dock and the centrifuge to an undocked position in which it is not engaged with the centrifuge to enable the centrifuge to rotate to separate particles from water.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each process manifold comprises a plurality of laminated or bonded layers of polymeric material.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the polymer material is transparent.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the manifold has a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one side surface extending between the top and bottom surfaces, and wherein the channels are formed in the two or more inner layers between the top and bottom surfaces of each process manifold.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the internal flow network of each process manifold is fluidly isolated from the flow network of each adjacent process manifold.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the flow network of each processing manifold is fluidly coupled to a different reagent to process and analyze the agricultural sample for a different analyte.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein each processing manifold is operable to concurrently process agricultural samples in parallel for different analytes.

21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each process manifold has a truncated wedge shape that collectively further define a central mounting opening to form a circular annular body.

22. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the agricultural slurry is a soil slurry.

23. A fluid processing apparatus for analyzing agricultural samples, comprising: a plurality of multi-layer process manifolds that interlock together to collectively form a main body; Each process manifold includes: a plurality of externally accessible fluid exchange ports disposed on each process manifold to exchange process fluid with a plurality of external fluid components; an internal flow network comprising a plurality of fluid channels fluidly coupled to the fluid exchange port; a plurality of pumps arranged in the flow network of channels; wherein the pump comprises a slurry pump configured to pump an agricultural slurry comprising a mixture of an agricultural sample and water, wherein the agricultural sample comprises one or more of soil, vegetation, and fertilizer; an analytical flow cell disposed in the flow network downstream of the slurry pump and configured to measure an analyte from the agricultural slurry of interest; wherein the plurality of pumps further comprises a chemical pump fluidly coupled to an extractant source; wherein the fluid exchange ports include a sample slurry fluid exchange port in fluid communication with a source of agricultural slurry and an extractant fluid exchange port in fluid communication with a source of extractant, wherein a slurry pump is fluidly coupled to the sample slurry fluid exchange port for receiving the agricultural slurry, wherein a chemical pump is fluidly coupled to the extractant fluid exchange port for receiving the extractant, and wherein the flow network is configured to receive the extractant and the agricultural slurry from the chemical pump and the slurry pump, respectively, and mix the extractant and the agricultural slurry to form a chemical-slurry mixture; a chemical mixing chamber fluidly coupled to the chemical pump and the slurry pump, the chemical mixing chamber operable to receive and mix the extractant and the agricultural slurry to form a chemical-slurry mixture; The chemical mixing chamber includes a pneumatic diaphragm that is fluidly coupled to an external gas source via a gas fluid exchange port in the fluid exchange ports.

24. A fluid processing apparatus for analyzing agricultural samples, comprising: a plurality of multi-layer process manifolds that interlock together to collectively form a main body; Each process manifold includes: a plurality of externally accessible fluid exchange ports disposed on each process manifold to exchange process fluid with a plurality of external fluid components; an internal flow network comprising a plurality of fluid channels fluidly coupled to the fluid exchange port; a plurality of pumps arranged in the flow network of channels; wherein the pump comprises a slurry pump configured to pump an agricultural slurry comprising a mixture of an agricultural sample and water, wherein the agricultural sample comprises one or more of soil, vegetation, and fertilizer; an analytical flow cell disposed in the flow network downstream of the slurry pump and configured to measure an analyte from the agricultural slurry of interest; wherein the plurality of pumps are air-operated diaphragm pumps including elastic diaphragms; wherein each of said plurality of pumps is commonly fluidly coupled to a first gas supply fluid exchange port for operating all of the pumps, the first gas supply fluid exchange port forming one of said fluid exchange ports; and A second gas supply fluid exchange port is fluidly coupled to the flow network, wherein the first gas supply fluid exchange port is coupled to a low pressure gas source and the second gas supply fluid exchange port is coupled to a high pressure gas source, the second gas supply fluid exchange port forming one of the fluid exchange ports.

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