Method of calibrating metering valve for fluid injection and sprinkler system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method of calibrating a metering valve of a sprinkler system of an agricultural implement, the method comprising: initiating calibration by filling a calibration tube with a fluid having fluid from an auxiliary tank of the sprinkler system; measuring the volume of the fluid filled into the calibration tube; the fluid in the calibration tube is pumped to the metering valve to calibrate the metering valve for a flow characteristic of the fluid wherein the metering valve is capable of achieving a ratio of high fluid flow rate to low fluid flow rate of the fluid of at least 100: 1. The method further includes, during a mode of pumping from the concentrate tank, pumping fluid in the concentrate tank to a metering valve and then to a mixing device, where the fluid is mixed with a carrier fluid from a main tank of the sprinkler system.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. application US63 / 367,230 filed on June 29, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] When applying chemicals such as fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, or pesticides to a field, some chemicals (such as fertilizers) may be applied to the entire field. Other chemicals (such as herbicides, insecticides, or pesticides) need to be applied, but not to the entire field. Selective application minimizes waste and saves money. It would be beneficial to have a sprayer system that can apply one chemical to a field and selectively apply a second chemical to selected points in the field. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Figure 1 is a diagram of a crop sprayer;

[0005] Figure 2 A method for calibrating a metering valve for controlling fluid flow of concentrate for a sprinkler system is shown according to one embodiment;

[0006] Figure 3 A fluid application system 300 with metering valve calibration is shown according to one embodiment;

[0007] Figure 3A An improved fluid application system 300 with metering valve calibration is shown according to one embodiment;

[0008] Figure 4 A fluid application system 400 (eg, a multi-concentrate direct injection fluid application system) having a metering valve calibration for applying fluid using a main boom is shown according to one embodiment;

[0009] Figure 5 A fluid application system 500 (eg, a multi-concentrate direct injection fluid application system) having metering valve calibration for applying fluid using a primary boom and a directional secondary boom is shown according to one embodiment;

[0010] Figure 6 A fluid application system 600 with metering valve calibration is shown according to one embodiment;

[0011] Fig. 6A shows an improved fluid application system 600 with metering valve calibration according to one embodiment;

[0012] Figure 7An example of a block diagram of an implement 140 (eg, a sprinkler, spreader, irrigation implement, etc.) is shown according to one embodiment;

[0013] Figure 8 shows an example of a block diagram of a system 100 according to one embodiment, the system including a machine 102 (e.g., an agricultural vehicle, a tractor, a combine harvester, etc.) and an implement 1240 (e.g., a planter, a cultivator, a plow, a sprayer, a spreader, an irrigation implement, etc.); and

[0014] Fig. 9 A portion of a fluid application system having multiple metering valves is shown according to one embodiment. Summary of the invention

[0015] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for calibrating a metering valve of a sprayer system of an agricultural implement is provided. The method includes initiating a calibration tube fill mode of the sprayer system to initiate calibration by filling a calibration tube with a fluid having a chemical from an auxiliary tank of the sprayer system; during a measure calibration tube volume mode, measuring the volume of the fluid filled into the calibration tube; during a pump from calibration tube mode, pumping the fluid in the calibration tube to a metering valve to calibrate the metering valve for flow characteristics of the fluid, wherein the metering valve is capable of achieving a ratio of a high fluid flow rate to a low fluid flow rate of at least 100:1 for the fluid; and during a pump from concentrate tank mode, pumping the fluid in the concentrate tank to the metering valve and then to a mixing device, wherein the fluid is mixed with a carrier fluid from a main tank of the sprayer system.

[0016] In one example of the method, the metering valve is calibrated for flow characteristics of the fluid between a ratio of a high fluid flow rate to a low fluid flow rate of at least 1,000:1.

[0017] In one example of the method, the metering valve is calibrated for flow characteristics of the fluid between a ratio of a high fluid flow rate to a low fluid flow rate of at least 10,000:1.

[0018] In one example of the method, the high fluid flow rate is approximately 4 gallons per minute (GPM) and the low fluid flow rate is approximately 0.0004 GPM.

[0019] In one example of the method, the metering valve is a pulse width modulated (PWM) metering valve.

[0020] In one example, the method further includes, during a recirculating pump-from-concentrate-tank mode, pumping fluid in the concentrate tank to the metering valve while opening a valve to the calibration tube to allow a recirculating flow path from the concentrate tank to the pump to the calibration tube and back to the concentrate tank.

[0021] In one example, the method further includes flushing the fluid with the chemical from the fluid line of the sprinkler system during the sprinkler system flush mode.

[0022] In one example, the method further includes applying the mixed fluid to the field using a spray boom.

[0023] In one example of the method, the metering valve is integrated with the metering valve group manifold.

[0024] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a sprinkler system, the sprinkler system comprising: at least one auxiliary tank; at least one calibration tube; at least one metering valve group manifold; and a controller, the controller communicating with the at least one metering valve group manifold. The controller is configured to implement operations during a calibration tube filling mode to fill the calibration tube with a fluid having a chemical from an auxiliary tank of the at least one auxiliary tank, and during a pumping mode from the calibration tube, pump the fluid in the calibration tube to the metering valve group manifold to calibrate a metering valve of the metering valve group manifold for flow characteristics of the fluid, wherein the metering valve group manifold is capable of achieving a ratio of a high fluid flow rate to a low fluid flow rate of at least 100:1 for the fluid.

[0025] In one example, the sprinkler system further includes a main tank, a main spray boom, and a mixing device to mix the fluid from the at least one auxiliary tank with the carrier fluid from the main tank.

[0026] In one example of a sprinkler system, the controller is configured to operate during a pump from concentrate tank mode to pump fluid in at least one auxiliary tank to a metering valve manifold and then to a mixing device where the fluid is mixed with a carrier fluid from a main tank of the sprinkler system.

[0027] In one example of a sprinkler system, the metering valve is calibrated for flow characteristics of the fluid between a ratio of a high fluid flow rate to a low fluid flow rate of at least 1,000:1.

[0028] In one example of a sprinkler system, the metering valve is calibrated for flow characteristics of the fluid between a ratio of a high fluid flow rate to a low fluid flow rate of at least 10,000:1.

[0029] In one example of a sprinkler system, the high fluid flow rate is approximately 4 gallons per minute (GPM) and the low fluid flow rate is approximately 0.0004 GPM.

[0030] In one example of a sprinkler system, the metering valve is a pulse width modulated (PWM) metering valve.

[0031] In one example, the sprinkler system further includes a pump in fluid communication with the mixing device, and if a flow rate of the fluid flowing through the mixing device is below a threshold flow rate, the pump is activated to pump to prevent laminar flow through the mixing device.

[0032] In one example, the sprayer system further includes a sub-boom having a plurality of nozzles to selectively apply the mixed fluid received from the mixing device to selected areas in the agricultural field.

[0033] In one example of a sprinkler system, at least one auxiliary tank includes a first auxiliary tank and a second auxiliary tank, wherein at least one calibration tube includes a first calibration tube and a second calibration tube, wherein at least one metering valve group manifold includes a first metering valve group manifold and a second metering valve group manifold.

[0034] In one example of a sprinkler system, each metering valve manifold includes a first metering valve having a first flow rate range and a second metering valve having a second flow rate range.

[0035] In one example of a sprinkler system, each metering valve manifold includes a first metering valve having a first flow rate range, a second metering valve having a second flow rate range, a third metering valve having a third flow rate range, and a fourth metering valve having a fourth flow rate range. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] All references cited herein are incorporated herein in their entirety. If there is a conflict between a definition herein and a definition in an incorporated reference, the definition herein shall control.

[0037] Referring to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, Figure 1 An agricultural implement, such as a sprayer 10, is shown. Although the system can be used on a sprayer, the system can also be used on any agricultural implement for applying fluid to soil, such as a topdressing boom, a seed drill, a seeder, an irrigator, a tillage implement, a tractor, a cart, or a robot. Examples of sprayers are described in U.S. Provisional Application US63 / 153,621 filed on February 25, 2021 and International Application PCT / IB2022 / 051220 filed on February 11, 2022.

[0038] Figure 1A crop sprayer 10 for delivering chemicals to crops in a field is shown. The agricultural sprayer 10 includes a chassis 12 and a cab 14 mounted on the chassis 12. The cab 14 can accommodate an operator and a number of controls for the agricultural sprayer 10. An engine 16 can be mounted on a front portion of the chassis 12 in front of the cab 14, or can be mounted on a rear portion of the chassis 12 behind the cab 14. The engine 16 can include, for example, a diesel engine or a gasoline-driven internal combustion engine. The engine 16 provides energy to propel the agricultural sprayer 10, and can also be used to provide energy for spraying fluids from the sprayer 10.

[0039] Although a self-propelled applicator is shown and described below, it should be understood that the embodied invention is applicable to other agricultural sprayers, including trailed or towed sprayers and mounted sprayers, such as mounted on a three-point linkage of an agricultural tractor.

[0040] The sprayer 10 also includes a main tank 18 for storing a spray liquid to be sprayed onto the field. The spray liquid may include chemicals such as, but not limited to, herbicides, pesticides, and / or fertilizers. The main tank 18 will be mounted on the chassis 12 in front of or behind the cab 14. The stored chemicals may be dispensed one at a time by the sprayer 10, or different chemicals may be mixed and dispensed together in various mixtures. The sprayer 10 also includes a rinse water tank 20 for storing clean water, which may be used to store a certain amount of clean water for flushing the pipes and the main tank 18 after the spraying operation.

[0041] At least one boom arm 22 on the sprayer 10 is used to distribute fluid from the main reservoir 18 over a wide area as the sprayer 10 is driven through the field. The boom arm 22 is provided as part of a spray application system that also includes an array of spray nozzles arranged along the length of the boom arm 22 and suitable spray conduits for connecting the main reservoir 18 to the spray nozzles. It should be understood that the spray conduit includes any suitable pipe or conduit arranged to be in fluid communication with the sprayer 10.

[0042] Existing sprayer systems can apply a chemical from a first boom broadly into a field and selectively apply a second chemical from a second boom to selected points in the field. However, existing sprayer systems for selectively applying a second chemical (e.g., a herbicide applied based on weeds detected by a camera) to selected points can only vary the flow rate by 40 times the ratio of the maximum flow rate to the minimum flow rate. However, for certain spray applications, the fluid flow rate variation can far exceed 40 times the ratio of high fluid flow rates at certain locations in the field to very low fluid flow rates at other locations in the field. Existing sprayer systems use positive displacement pumps that are unable to provide both high fluid flow rates and very low fluid flow rates simultaneously.

[0043] In one embodiment, a metering manifold (e.g., a pulse width modulation (PWM) metering manifold) is utilized in a sprinkler system to provide flow control of chemicals from an auxiliary concentrate tank to achieve any fluid flow rate between a high fluid flow rate (e.g., 4 gallons per minute (GPM)) and a very low fluid flow rate (e.g., 0.0004 GPM) with a metering rate ratio of 10,000× (10,000:1). In one example, for a low fluid flow rate, the auxiliary tank provides a flow rate of 2 ounces per acre to one or two nozzles to apply 30 inches of coverage at a speed of 5 MPH, while for a fluid flow rate of 4 GPM, the auxiliary tank provides a flow rate of 96 ounces per acre to one or two nozzles to apply 132 feet of coverage at a speed of 20 MPH.

[0044] Figure 2 A method for calibrating a metering valve for controlling a fluid flow of concentrate of a sprinkler system is shown according to one embodiment. The sprinkler system may include one or more spray booms, a main fluid tank, one or more concentrate tanks, and different sprinkler system architectures as disclosed herein. In operation 202, the method includes a calibration tube mode to initiate calibration by filling a calibration tube (e.g., 332, 432, 532, 632) with fluid from an auxiliary concentrate tank (e.g., 330, 430, 440, 450, 530, 630) of the sprinkler system. The calibration tube fills until the fluid overflows back into the auxiliary concentrate tank.

[0045] In operation 204, the method includes measuring a calibration tube volume mode to measure the volume of fluid filled into a calibration tube (e.g., 332, 432, 532-1, 532-2, 532-3, 632). A pressure sensor (e.g., a low pressure sensor, a 3 psi pressure sensor) can measure a head pressure that is linearly related to the volume to measure the calibration tube volume. The head pressure represents the pressure required to transfer fluid from the auxiliary concentrate tank into the calibration tube, and the pressure sensor will have a static pressure level when the calibration tube is completely filled. Knowing the vertical difference between the overflow level of the calibration tube and the pressure sensor, the density of the concentrate can be calculated by the static head pressure measured in the state where the calibration tube is at the highest level (where excess fluid has overflowed back to the auxiliary concentrate tank).

[0046] In one embodiment, the inner wall of the calibration tube may have hydrophobic properties or may have a hydrophobic coating so that fluid flowing out of the calibration tube will not slowly release from the wall, thereby eliminating the need for additional waiting time for the fluid level to equilibrate.

[0047] In other embodiments, the calibration tube may have two or more tube sections of different diameters, with the smaller diameter tube section being located higher relative to the ground than the larger diameter tube section. When metering from the calibration tube at a low rate, improved accuracy in metering volume may be obtained because the smaller diameter produces a greater change in the head pressure of the product as measured by the low pressure sensor 339. The larger diameter tube section at the bottom of the tube assembly allows calibration to be performed using a larger volume of product.

[0048] In operation 206, the method includes: in a pumping from calibration tube mode, pumping fluid in the calibration tube to a metering valve (e.g., a PWM metering valve) to calibrate the metering valve for flow characteristics of the fluid, wherein the metering valve is capable of achieving a ratio of high fluid flow rate to low fluid flow rate of at least 100:1 to 10,000:1 (e.g., at least 100:1, at least 1,000:1, at least 10,000:1, etc.) depending on a spray application of the fluid. In one example, the metering cycle number of the metering valve, the pressure, the volume of the calibration tube, and the volume drop during the metering cycle (calculated based on the hydrostatic head pressure change, the tube diameter, and the previously calculated concentrate density) are known and used to determine the volume of the fluid chemical pumped per metering cycle for calibrating the metering valve.

[0049] In operation 208, the method includes: in a pumping mode from a concentrate tank (standard operating mode), pumping fluid in an auxiliary concentrate tank to a metering valve (e.g., PWM metering valve 350, metering valve group manifold 432, 442, 452, 550-1, 550-2, 550-3, 650), and then to a mixing device (e.g., mixing tube 360, 460, 560, 660). The mixing device mixes the fluid from the concentrate tank with the fluid from the main tank to generate a mixed fluid. In operation 209, the mixed fluid is applied to the agricultural field using a spray nozzle of a spray boom (e.g., a main boom, a directional selective secondary boom). The mixed fluid can be selectively applied to the field based on an image obtained from the field. For example, an image from a vision system of an implement can be captured and analyzed in real time, and this analysis causes the mixed fluid to be selectively applied to a selected area of ​​the field where weeds or another target biomass grows.

[0050] A metering valve (e.g., a pulse width modulated (PWM) metering valve) is used in a sprayer system to provide flow control of chemical from a concentrate tank for any fluid flow rate between high fluid flow rates (e.g., approximately 4 gallons per minute (GPM), within approximately + / - 5% of value) and very low fluid flow rates (e.g., approximately 0.0003 GPM to 0.0005 GPM, within approximately + / - 5% of value) depending on the ratio of high fluid flow rate to low fluid flow rate depending on the spray application.

[0051] In operation 210, the method includes: in a recirculating pumping mode from an auxiliary concentrate tank (e.g., tank 330, 430, 530-1, 530-2, 530-3, 630), pumping fluid in the concentrate tank to a metering valve (e.g., a PWM metering valve) and then to a mixing tube (or mixing chamber). Opening a valve to a calibration tube to allow a recirculating flow path from the concentrate tank to a pump to the calibration tube and then back to the concentrate tank. In operation 212, the method includes: in a sprinkler system flushing mode, flushing concentrate from a flow path of the sprinkler system. Flushing may include water with a detergent and may be repeated multiple times to remove concentrate from the flow lines of the sprinkler system.

[0052] Figure 3A fluid application system 300 with metering valve calibration is shown according to one embodiment. A fluid is a liquid, gas, or other material that continuously deforms under applied stress or force. The application system 300 has a main fluid tank 310. The main fluid tank may contain a carrier fluid or liquid, such as water, and optionally, it may contain chemicals (such as fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, etc.) that are applied throughout the field. The application system 300 includes at least one auxiliary tank 330. As shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, there is one auxiliary tank. There can be any number of auxiliary tanks depending on the amount of additional chemicals to be applied to the field.

[0053] The main tank 310 is connected to a fluid line 311, which is connected to a pump 312, a pressure sensor 314, a flow meter 316, a main boom 318, and nozzles 319, which are distributed across the width of the main boom to apply fluid to the plant ridges in the field. The fluid line 321 is connected to a flow check device 320, a flow meter 322, and a mixing device 360 ​​(e.g., a mixing tube 360), where the fluid from the fluid line 321 will be mixed with the chemical from the auxiliary tank 330. The pressure is controlled to be proportional to the desired flow rate of the fluid line, or the pressure is controlled using a nozzle 319 (e.g., a PWM nozzle 319).

[0054] The auxiliary tank 330 is connected to a fluid line 331, which is connected to a valve 334, a pump 340, a flow check device 342 (in case the pump 340 loses pressure before the pump 312 is turned off), a pressure sensor 344, a metering valve 350 (or a manifold with a metering valve 350), a pressure sensor 352, a valve 356, and a mixing device 360. The valve 354 opens or closes a fluid line 355, which is used to return the flow path to the tank 330 to avoid applying or wasting the chemical pumped during calibration. The calibration tube 332 is connected to valves 336, 338 and a low pressure sensor 339.

[0055] Fluid line 361 is connected to the outlet of mixing device 360 ​​and to pressure sensor 366, sub-boom 368 and nozzles 369 distributed across the width of the sub-boom, which can be used for targeted selective spraying at selected points based on analysis of images of plants and weeds in the field captured by the vision system. Fluid line 321 is connected to flow check device 320, flow meter 322 and mixing device 360 ​​to mix the carrier from main tank 310 with the chemical from concentrate tank 330. The pressure is controlled to be proportional to the desired flow rate of one or more fluid lines, or the pressure is controlled by nozzle 319 (e.g., PWM nozzle 319). The pressure in line 361 is controlled by nozzle 369 (e.g., PWM nozzle 369).

[0056] The fluid line is connected to the pump 362, the flow check device 364, and the mixing device 360. If the threshold flow rate of the fluid through the mixing device (e.g., below 5 GPM to 15 GPM) is too low to cause the flow to transition from turbulent (well mixed) to laminar (little or no mixing), the pump 362 is activated to operate.

[0057] The operations of method 201 are implemented to calibrate metering valves 350 (e.g., at least two metering valves) for flow characteristics of the fluid in tank 330 at a ratio of at least 100:1 of high fluid flow rate to low fluid flow rate depending on the spray application (e.g., at least 100:1, at least 1,000:1, at least 10,000:1, at least 13,000:1). For example, the volume drop of the metering valve for a given metering cycle number, pressure, volume of the calibration tube, and fluid (chemical) during the metering cycle are known, and this calibration information is used to determine the volume of fluid chemical pumped per metering cycle for calibrating the metering valve.

[0058] The mixture in mixing device 360 ​​can be selectively applied to the field. Examples include, but are not limited to, applying specific chemicals to specific locations in the field.

[0059] If the tank supplying fluid to the pump is pressurized to provide the motive force, either pump and line can be replaced individually with just one line.

[0060] Figure 4 A fluid application system 400 (e.g., a multi-concentrate direct injection fluid application system) according to one embodiment is shown having a metering valve calibration for applying fluid using a main boom. The fluid application system 400 has a main fluid tank 410. The main fluid tank 410 contains a carrier fluid or liquid, such as water, and optionally, it may contain chemicals (such as fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, etc.) that are applied to the entire field. The fluid application system 400 includes at least one auxiliary tank 430. As shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, one auxiliary tank is provided. Depending on the amount of additional chemicals to be applied, any number of auxiliary tanks may be provided.

[0061] The main tank 410 is connected to a fluid line 411, which is connected to a pump 412, a flow meter 414, a flow check device 462, a mixing device 460 (e.g., a mixing tube 460), a pressure sensor 416, a main boom 418, and nozzles 419, which are distributed across the width of the main boom to apply the fluid to the plant ridges in the field. Fluid line 463 is connected to a pump 466, a flow check device 464, and a mixing device 460. If the threshold flow rate of the fluid flowing through the mixing device (e.g., below 5 GPM to 15 GPM) is too low to cause the flow to change from turbulent (well mixed) to laminar (no mixing), the pump 466 is activated to operate. The pressure is controlled to be proportional to the desired flow rate of one or more fluid lines, or the pressure is controlled by a nozzle 419 (e.g., a PWM nozzle 419).

[0062] The auxiliary tank 430 is connected to a fluid line 431 which is connected to a metering valve group manifold 432 and an associated pump 434 and a mixing device 460. A calibration tube 436 is connected to the metering valve group manifold 432 and the auxiliary tank 430.

[0063] The auxiliary tank 440 is connected to a fluid line 441 which is connected to a metering valve group manifold 442 and an associated pump 444 and a mixing device 460. A calibration tube 446 is connected to the metering valve group manifold 442 and the auxiliary tank 430.

[0064] The auxiliary tank 450 is connected to a fluid line 451 which is connected to a metering valve group manifold 452 and an associated pump 454 and a mixing device 460. A calibration tube 456 is connected to the metering valve group manifold 452 and the auxiliary tank 450.

[0065] The operations of method 201 are performed to calibrate the metering valves of the metering valve group manifold for flow characteristics of fluids about tanks 430, 440, and 450 depending on a ratio of a high fluid flow rate to a low fluid flow rate of at least 100:1 (e.g., at least 100:1, at least 1,000:1, at least 10,000:1, at least 13,000:1) for a spray application.

[0066] During the sprinkler system flush mode, the concentrate is flushed out of the flow lines of the sprinkler system using a flush tank 480 with a detergent. The flush may include water with a detergent and may be repeated multiple times to remove the concentrate from the flow lines of the sprinkler system.

[0067] Figure 5A fluid application system 500 (e.g., a multi-concentrate direct injection fluid application system) according to one embodiment is shown having a metering valve calibration for applying fluid using a main boom and a directional secondary boom. The fluid application system 500 has a main fluid tank 510. The main fluid tank can contain a carrier fluid or liquid, such as water, and optionally, it can contain chemicals (such as fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, etc.) that are applied to the entire field. The application system 500 includes a plurality of auxiliary tanks 530-1, 530-2, 530-3. As shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, three auxiliary tanks are provided. Any number of auxiliary tanks may be provided, depending on the amount of additional chemicals that may be desired to be applied.

[0068] The main tank 510 is connected to a fluid line 511, which is connected to a pump 512, a flow check device 513, a flow meter 516, a pressure sensor 517, a main boom 518, and nozzles 519, which are distributed across the width of the main boom to apply the fluid to biomass in the field (such as a plant row or a weed row). Fluid line 521 is connected to the flow check device 520, the flow meter 522, and the mixing device 560. If the threshold flow rate (e.g., 5GPM to 15GPM) of the fluid flowing through the mixing device is too low to cause the flow to change from turbulent (well mixed) to laminar (little or no mixing), the pump 562 is started to operate. At low laminar flow rates, the fluid tends to flow but no lateral mixing occurs. For turbulent flow, the fluid experiences irregular fluctuations and mixing. Pump 562 is connected to the flow check device 563. The pressure of one or more fluid lines of the main boom is controlled to be proportional to the desired flow rate of the line 511, or the pressure is controlled by a nozzle 519 (eg, PWM nozzle 419).

[0069] The auxiliary tank 530-1 is connected to a fluid line 531-1 which is connected to a metering valve group manifold 550-1 and an associated pump 540-1 and a mixing device 560. A calibration tube 532-1 is connected to the metering valve group manifold 550-1 and the auxiliary tank 530-1.

[0070] The auxiliary tank 530-2 is connected to a fluid line 531-2 which is connected to a metering valve group manifold 550-2 and an associated pump 540-2 and a mixing device 560. A calibration tube 532-2 is connected to the metering valve group manifold 550-2 and the auxiliary tank 530-2.

[0071] The auxiliary tank 530-3 is connected to a fluid line 531-3 which is connected to a metering valve group manifold 550-3 and an associated pump 540-3 and a mixing device 560. A calibration tube 532-3 is connected to the metering valve group manifold 550-3 and the auxiliary tank 530-3.

[0072] The operations of method 201 are performed to calibrate the metering valves of the metering valve group manifold for flow characteristics of fluids about tanks 530-1, 530-2, and 530-3 depending on a ratio of a high fluid flow rate to a low fluid flow rate of at least 100:1 for a spray application (e.g., at least 100:1, at least 1,000:1, at least 10,000:1, at least 13,000:1).

[0073] Prior to cleaning the fluid application system, it is desirable to return as much product as possible to the auxiliary fluid tank so that it can be recycled. This is advantageous because the less product to flush, the less flush water required, and the less time the process takes. To push the product back into the auxiliary tank, compressed air can be used. The purge air can be injected onto the pumping side of the tank valve 634, preferably as close to the tank valve 634 as possible.

[0074] To increase the efficiency of recovering product, valves 665 and 666 are located close to the injection point of mixer 660. This minimizes product in the line that cannot be pushed back into the tank by the air.

[0075] During the sprinkler system flush mode, a flush tank 580 with a detergent is used to flush concentrate out of the flow lines of the sprinkler system. The flush may include water with a detergent and may be repeated multiple times to remove concentrate from the flow lines of the sprinkler system.

[0076] The metering valve group manifold is connected to a mixing device 560 which is connected to a fluid line 561 , a pressure sensor 566 , a directional spray boom 568 , and a nozzle 569 (eg, a PWM nozzle).

[0077] Figure 6 A fluid application system 600 with metering valve calibration according to one embodiment is shown. The fluid application system 600 has a main fluid tank (not shown). The main fluid tank may contain a carrier fluid or liquid, such as water, and optionally, it may contain chemicals (such as fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, etc.) that are applied to the entire field. The fluid application system 600 includes at least one auxiliary tank 630. As shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, there is one auxiliary tank. Any number of auxiliary tanks may be provided depending on the amount of additional chemicals to be applied to the field.

[0078] The main tank (not shown) is connected to a flow check device 620, a fluid line 621, a flow meter 622, and a mixing device 660, which is connected to a pump 662, a flow check device 663, a pressure sensor 614, a main boom 618, and nozzles 619 distributed across the width of the main boom to apply the fluid to biomass in the field, such as a row of plants or weeds. The fluid from the fluid line 621 can be mixed with the chemical from the tank 630. The pressure is controlled by a nozzle 619 (e.g., a PWM nozzle 619) to be proportional to the desired flow rate.

[0079] The auxiliary tank 630 is connected to a fluid line 631, which is connected to a valve 634, a pump 640, a flow check device 648 (in case the pump 640 loses pressure before the main pump is shut down), a pressure sensor 644, and a metering valve group manifold 650 with metering valves 651-654. Valve 665 connects the metering valve group manifold 650 to the mixing device 660. The calibration tube 632 is connected to valves 682, 636 and a low pressure sensor 638. The flushing tank 680 is connected to valves 681, 682 and 634, which are replaced with three-way valves. In one example, the metering valve group manifold 650 includes valves 681, 634, 682, 636, 666, 665, metering valves 651-654, a flow check device 648, and pressure sensors 644 and 645. Valves 666 and 665 can be replaced with three-way valves.

[0080] Pump 640 is controlled to maintain a constant pressure to the common rail to metering valves 651 - 654 .

[0081] The operations of method 201 are performed to calibrate the metering valve (e.g., at least two metering valves) for flow characteristics of the fluid in tank 630 with respect to a ratio of at least 100:1 of high fluid flow rate to low fluid flow rate depending on the spray application (e.g., at least 100:1, at least 1,000:1, at least 10,000:1, at least 13,000:1). In one example, the metering valve has a low flow rate of 0.0004 GPM to a high flow rate of 4.0 GPM. The first metering valve has a first flow rate range (e.g., 0.0003 GPM to 0.027 GPM, accounting for 0.7% of the full flow range), the second metering valve has a second flow rate range (e.g., 0.0238 GPM to 0.4760 GPM, accounting for 12% of the full flow range), the third metering valve has a third flow rate range (e.g., 0.037 GPM to 1.75 GPM, accounting for 44% of the full flow range), and the fourth metering valve has a fourth flow rate range (e.g., 0.037 GPM to 1.75 GPM, accounting for 44% of the full flow range).

[0082] During the sprinkler system flush mode, concentrate is flushed out of the flow lines of the sprinkler system using a flush tank 680 with a detergent. The flush may include water with a detergent and may be repeated multiple times to remove concentrate from the flow lines of the sprinkler system.

[0083] The mixture in the mixing device 660 can be selectively applied to the field. Examples include, but are not limited to, applying specific chemicals to specific locations in the field.

[0084] The PWM valve and the three-way valve may be controlled by a controller, such as the controller 200 described in International Publication WO2020 / 178663, which may be connected to a monitor 1000, such as the monitor described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,078,367.

[0085] Examples of flow meters described herein include, but are not limited to, electromagnetic flow meters, such as EM FlowSense™ from Precision Planting LLC. Examples of valves described herein include, but are not limited to, ball valves, such as EMHD control valves from Precision Planting LLC, pulse width modulation valves, or gate valves. The flow check device may be a check valve.

[0086] In one embodiment, the pump (e.g., pump 340, 434, 444, 454, 540-1, 540-2, 540-3, 640) for one or more auxiliary tanks (e.g., 330, 430, 440, 450, 530-1, 530-2, 530-3, 630) has a higher pressure (e.g., 100 psi to 110 psi) than the pump (e.g., 312, 412, 512, 612) for the main tank (e.g., 310, 410, 510) to have a pressure gradient across the metering valves (e.g., 350, 432, 442, 452, 550-1, 550-2, 550-3, 651-654).

[0087] Maintaining a consistent pressure across the metering valve during the time the valve is open can be used to obtain uniform metering for each pulse. To monitor this differential pressure, a pressure sensor 344 is placed on the pumping side of the metering valve 350, while another pressure sensor 352 is placed on the outlet side of the metering valve 350. The processing system 1200 records the average differential pressure across the metering valve 350 during the time the metering valve 350 is open. The differential pressure averaging does not begin until the metering valve 350 has been opened. There is a delay from when the valve coil is energized until the fluid begins to flow, which can be approximately 16 ms. The differential pressure averaging does not end until the metering valve 350 is closed. There is a delay from when the coil is de-energized until the fluid stops flowing, which can be approximately 24 ms. When more than one metering valve 350 is commanded, the average differential pressure across the metering valve 350 (when the fluid is flowing) is measured for each metering valve 350 separately, and then averaged for all active metering valves 350. Whether a single metering valve 350 is active or multiple metering valves 350 are active, the average pressure differential across the metering valve 350 when the valve is open is an indicator for controlling the pump input power for pressure maintenance. A PID control loop can be used to control the pump power input to maintain a consistent pressure differential. In one embodiment, a typical pressure differential for controlling the pump is 30 psi.

[0088] One implementation is Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of (e.g., five) metering valves 350 ( 350 - 1 , 350 - 2 , 350 - 3 , 350 - 4 , 350 - 5 ) may be provided in a manner such as Figure 6 The four valves 651, 652, 653, 654 are used in the system shown. The metering valves (350-1, 350-2, 350-3, 350-4, 350-5) are calibrated and can be operated at the same metering frequency. In some embodiments, the metering frequency is typically 5Hz. A minimum pulse duration is used so that the duration is long enough to produce a consistent metering for each pulse. In some embodiments, a typical minimum pulse duration is 16ms. A maximum pulse duration can be used so that the valve is given enough time to continue closing and opening again, thereby producing a consistent metering for each pulse. In some embodiments, when a 5Hz (200ms period) metering frequency is used, a typical maximum pulse duration is 180ms.

[0089] Although all metering valves (350-1, 350-2, 350-3, 350-4, 350-5) may be identical, the first metering valve 350-1 has a small orifice 359-1 immediately downstream of the first metering valve 350-1 to reduce the metering volume of each pulse. The diameter of the orifice may be 0.6 mm (0.024") The second metering valve 350-2 also has an orifice 359-2 immediately downstream of the valve 350-2 to reduce the metering volume of each pulse. The size of the orifice may be set so that the metering volume of each pulse at the minimum valve opening time is less than the metering volume of each pulse of the first metering valve 350-1 at the maximum valve opening time. The diameter of the orifice may be 1.2 mm (0.049") The system can be designed so that the flow rates of the first metering valve and the second metering valve (350-1, 350-2) overlap so that as the desired metering flow rate increases, there is an uninterrupted switch from the first metering valve 350-1 to the second metering valve 350-2. The third metering valve, the fourth metering valve, and the fifth metering valve (350-3, 350-4, 350-5) do not have orifices that prevent them from outputting their full rate per pulse. A similar overlap can exist between the second metering valve and the third metering valve (350-2 and 350-3), where the minimum rate of the third metering valve 350-3 is less than the maximum rate of the second metering valve 350-2. When the output rate of the third metering valve 350-3 is at its maximum value, the metering mode changes from metering with a single valve to metering with metering valves 350-3, 350-4, and 350-5 together for the same pulse duration, with a phase difference of 1 / 3 of the period between them.

[0090] When a single or multiple positive displacement pumps (such as diaphragm pumps or piston pump types) are operated at a low metering rate, the pumps themselves run at a low speed, which is difficult for stable pressure control because they produce low-frequency pressure peaks at the input of the metering valve, which have a negative impact on metering consistency. The solution to this problem is a constant flow valve that allows a constant flow rate to be achieved regardless of the metering rate. The typical pump bypass flow rate is 0.75GPM. At high output, it is desirable to stop the bypass flow so that all flows can flow to the metering valve. To achieve this, valve 657 is used inline with the constant flow valve to stop the bypass flow when needed. When the pump output exceeds a certain value (such as 75% of the pump command), the processing system closes valve 657. When the pump output drops below a certain value (such as 25% of the pump command), the processing system opens valve 657. Large hysteresis prevents pump control from producing instability.

[0091] During calibration, the metered product will be returned to the product tank (e.g., auxiliary tank 330, 430, 530-1, 530-2, 530-3, 630). When the return path leads directly to the product tank, the outlet pressure of the metering valve 350 is close to atmospheric pressure. During standard operation, the outlet pressure of the metering valve 350 is higher than atmospheric pressure, for example, 275kPa-550kPa (40PSI to 80PSI). To simulate typical operating pressures, a back pressure valve 358 can be used inline on the way back to the tank. When the back pressure valve simulates typical operating conditions, the calibration accuracy is improved.

[0092] The flow meter 357 can be placed inline between the outlet of the metering valve 350 and one or more diverter valves 354 and 356. During active metering, the flow rate and cumulative metered volume of the flow meter 357 can be monitored. In order to obtain additional accuracy during fluctuations in the command flow rate, a short-term rolling cumulative volume can be calculated. The typical time length of the rolling difference between the cumulative metered volume and the cumulative command volume is 1 second to 2 seconds. This time length can be dynamically changed based on the amount of time required for the carrier to travel through the mixer. If the short-term rolling cumulative metered volume exceeds or lags behind the cumulative command volume, a PID control loop can be used to try to meter at an increasing or decreasing rate accordingly to make the difference zero.

[0093] When the flow meter 357 is placed inline between the outlet of the metering valve 350 and one or more diverter valves 354 and 356, the volume output per second of the flow meter can be measured using the volume measured when metering from the calibration tube. The output of the flow meter 357 can be calibrated at multiple flow rates to account for fluid bypass in the flow meter 357.

[0094] When using a flow meter 357 with an error of less than 1% over the entire flow range, the metering valve 350 can be calibrated by using feedback from the flow meter 357. In this case, the calibration tube 332 is not required.

[0095] The direct injection system processing system determines the amount of product to meter based on the measured carrier flow rate from the flow meter 322. If the sprinkler system is controlled by a processing system, and the processing system is able to communicate the commanded carrier flow rate to the direct injection processing system, the delay in matching the metering rate to the carrier rate can be reduced, resulting in more accurate performance.

[0096] Figure 7An example of a block diagram of an implement 140 (e.g., a sprinkler, a spreader, an irrigation implement, etc.) according to one embodiment is shown. The implement 140 includes a processing system 1200, a memory 105, and a network interface 115 for communicating with other systems or devices. The network interface 115 may include at least one of a GPS transceiver, a WLAN transceiver (e.g., WiFi), an infrared transceiver, a Bluetooth transceiver, Ethernet, or other interfaces for communicating with other devices and systems. The network interface 115 may be integrated with the implement network 150 or may be independent of the implement network 150, such as Figure 7 An I / O port 129 (eg, a diagnostic / on-board diagnostic (OBD) port) enables communication with another data processing system or device (eg, a display device, a sensor, etc.).

[0097] In one example, implement 140 is a self-propelled implement that performs a fluid application operation on a field. Data related to fluid application may be displayed on at least one of display devices 125 and 130 .

[0098] The processing system 1200 may include one or more microprocessors, processors, systems on a chip (integrated circuits), or one or more microcontrollers. The processing system includes processing logic 126 for executing software instructions of one or more programs and a communication unit 128 (e.g., a transmitter, a transceiver) for sending and receiving communication information from the network interface 115 or the machine network 150. The communication unit 128 may be integrated with the processing system or may be independent of the processing system.

[0099] Processing logic 126, including one or more processors, can process communication information received from communication unit 128, the communication information including agricultural data (e.g., sowing data, GPS data, fluid application data, flow rate, etc.). Processing system 1200 includes memory 105 for storing data, images 108, and programs (software 106) executed by the processing system. Memory 105 can store, for example, software components (such as fluid application software for analyzing fluid application to implement the operation of the present disclosure), or any other software application or module, images (e.g., captured crop images, images of spray patterns for crop ridges), alarms, maps, etc. Memory 105 can be any known form of machine-readable non-transitory storage medium (such as semiconductor memory (e.g., flash memory, SRAM, DRAM, etc.)) or non-volatile memory (such as a hard disk or solid state drive). The system can also include an audio input / output subsystem (not shown), which can include a microphone and a speaker, for example, for receiving and sending voice commands or for user authentication or authorization (e.g., biometrics).

[0100] The processing system 1200 is in bidirectional communication with the memory 105, the implement network 150, the network interface 115, the display device 130, the display device 125, and the I / O port 129 via communication links 131-136, respectively.

[0101] Display devices 125 and 130 can provide a visual user interface for a user or operator. The display device may include a display controller. In one embodiment, the display device 125 is a portable tablet device or computing device with a touch screen, and the touch screen displays data (e.g., PWM data for PWM valves, nozzle status data, sowing application data, fluid calibration or fluid application data, captured images, local view layers, real-time applied fluids or fluid application data, real-time sowing or real-time harvesting data, or other agricultural variables or parameters High-definition field mapping tables, yield maps, alarms, etc.) and data generated by an agricultural data analysis software application, and receives input from a user or operator to obtain a decomposed view of a field area, monitor and control field operations. These operations may include configuration of a machine or implement, data reporting, control of a machine or implement including sensors and controllers, and storage of generated data. The display device 125 may be a display (e.g., a display provided by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM)) that displays images and data for a local view layer, fluids being applied or fluid application data, data for sowing or harvesting, yield data, controlling an implement (e.g., a planter, tractor, combine, sprayer, etc.), operating an implement, and monitoring an implement (e.g., a planter, combine, sprayer, etc.). The cab control module 1270 may include additional control modules for enabling or disabling specific components or devices of an implement.

[0102] The implement 140 (e.g., a planter, a cultivator, a plow, a sprayer, a spreader, an irrigation implement, etc.) includes an implement network 150 having multiple networks. The agricultural implement network 150 having multiple networks (e.g., an Ethernet network, a Power over Ethernet (PoE) network, a Controller Area Network (CAN) serial bus protocol network, an ISOBUS network, etc.) may include: a pump 156 for pumping fluid from a main tank and one or more auxiliary tanks 190 to a row unit of the implement; a communication module 180 for receiving communication information from controllers and sensors and transmitting such communication information. In one example, the implement network 150 includes a valve and nozzle assembly 50, a light 60, and a vision guidance system 71 having a camera and a processor.

[0103] Sensors 152 (e.g., speed sensors, seed sensors for detecting seed passage, downforce sensors, actuator valves, OEM sensors, flow sensors, etc.), controllers 154 (e.g., drive systems, GPS receivers, one or more controllers for one or more pumps and valves for fluid application as described herein), and processing system 120 control and monitor the operation of the implement.

[0104] The OEM sensor may be a moisture sensor or flow sensor, a speed sensor for the implement, a fluid application sensor for the sprayer, or a vacuum sensor, a lift sensor, a lowering sensor for the implement. For example, the controller may include a processor that communicates with the plurality of sensors. The processor is configured to process data (e.g., fluid application data) and transmit the processed data to the processing system 120. The controller and sensors may be used to monitor motors and drives on the implement.

[0105] Figure 8 An example of a block diagram of a system 100 according to one embodiment is shown, the system including a machine 102 (e.g., an agricultural vehicle, a tractor, a combine harvester, etc.) and an implement 1240 (e.g., a planter, a cultivator, a plow, a sprayer, a spreader, an irrigation implement, etc.). The machine 102 includes a processing system 1200, a memory 105, a machine network 110 including a plurality of networks (e.g., an Ethernet network, a network having a switched power line coupled to a communication channel (e.g., a Power over Ethernet (PoE) network), a controller area network (CAN) serial bus protocol network, an ISOBUS network, etc.), and a network interface 115 for communicating with other systems or devices including the implement 1240. The machine network 110 includes sensors 112 (e.g., a speed sensor), a controller 111 (e.g., a GPS receiver, a radar unit) for controlling and monitoring the operation of the machine or the implement. The network interface 115 may include at least one of a GPS transceiver, a WLAN transceiver (e.g., WiFi), an infrared transceiver, a Bluetooth transceiver, Ethernet, or other interfaces for communicating with other devices and systems including the machine 1240. The network interface 115 may be integrated with the machine network 110 or may be independent of the machine network 110, such as Figure 8 An I / O port 129 (eg, a diagnostic / on-board diagnostic (OBD) port) enables communication with another data processing system or device (eg, a display device, a sensor, etc.).

[0106] In one example, the machine is a self-propelled machine that implements the operation of a tractor coupled to and towing an implement for seeding or fluid application to a field. Data related to seeding or fluid application may be displayed on at least one of the display devices 125 and 130 .

[0107] The processing system 1200 may include one or more microprocessors, processors, systems on chips (integrated circuits), or one or more microcontrollers. The processing system includes: processing logic 126, which is used to execute software instructions of one or more programs; and a communication unit 128 (e.g., a transmitter, a transceiver), which is used to send and receive communication information from the machine via the machine network 110 or the network interface 115 or send and receive communication information from the tool via the tool network 150 or the network interface 160. The communication unit 128 can be integrated with the processing system or can be independent of the processing system. In one embodiment, the communication unit 128 communicates data with the machine network 110 and the tool network 150 via the diagnostic / OBD port of the I / O port 129 or via the network devices 113a and 113b. The communication module 113 includes the network devices 113a and 113b. The communication module 113 can be integrated with the communication unit 128 or can be a separate component.

[0108] Processing logic 126, including one or more processors, can process communication information received from communication unit 128, the communication information including agricultural data (e.g., sowing data, GPS data, fluid application data, flow rate, etc.). Processing system 1200 includes memory 105 for storing data and programs (software 106) executed by the processing system. Memory 105 can store, for example, images 108 of crops, weeds, insects, and other field conditions, as well as software components (such as fluid application software for analyzing sowing applications to implement the operation of the present disclosure) or any other software applications or modules, images (e.g., captured crop images), alarms, maps, etc. Memory 105 can be in the form of any known machine-readable non-transitory storage medium (such as semiconductor memory (e.g., flash memory, SRAM, DRAM, etc.)) or non-volatile memory (such as a hard disk or solid-state drive). The system can also include an audio input / output subsystem (not shown), which can include a microphone and a speaker, for example, for receiving and sending voice commands or for user authentication or authorization (e.g., biometrics).

[0109] Processing system 1200 is in bidirectional communication with memory 105, machine network 110, network interface 115, display device 130, display device 125, and I / O port 129 via communication links 130-136, respectively.

[0110] Display devices 125 and 130 can provide a visual user interface for a user or operator. The display device may include a display controller. In one embodiment, the display device 125 is a portable tablet device or computing device with a touch screen, and the touch screen displays data (e.g., PWM data of a PWM valve, sowing application data, fluid or fluid application data, captured images, local view layers, fluid or fluid application data applied in real time, real-time sowing or real-time harvest data or other agricultural variables or parameters, yield maps, alarms, etc.) and data generated by an agricultural data analysis software application, and receives input from a user or operator to obtain a decomposition map of a field area, monitor and control field operations. These operations may include configuration of a machine or implement, data reporting, control of a machine or implement including sensors and controllers, and storage of generated data. The display device 130 can be a display (e.g., a display provided by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM)) that displays images and data of a local view layer, instantaneously applied fluid or fluid application data, instantaneous sowing or instantaneous harvesting data, yield data, control of an implement (e.g., a planter, tractor, combine, sprayer, etc.), manipulation of an implement, and monitoring of a machine or an implement of a machine connected to sensors and controllers located on the machine or implement (e.g., a planter, combine, sprayer, etc.).

[0111] The cab control module 1270 may include additional control modules for enabling or disabling certain components or devices of the machine or implement. For example, if a user or operator is unable to use one or more display devices to control the machine or implement, the cab control module may include switches for shutting down or turning off components or devices of the machine or implement.

[0112] The implement 1240 (e.g., a planter, cultivator, plow, sprayer, spreader, irrigation implement, etc.) includes an implement network 150 having multiple networks, a processing system 162 having processing logic 164, a network interface 160, and an optional input / output port 166 for communicating with other systems or devices including the machine 102. The implement network 150 having multiple networks (e.g., an Ethernet network, a Power over Ethernet (PoE) network, a Controller Area Network (CAN) serial bus protocol network, an ISOBUS network, etc.) may include: a pump 156 for pumping fluid from a main tank and one or more auxiliary tanks 190 to a row unit of the implement; a communication module (e.g., 180, 181) for receiving communication information from controllers and sensors and transmitting the communication information to the machine network. In one example, the communication module includes a first network device and a second network device having network ports. A first network device having a port (e.g., a CAN port) of a communication module (CM) 180 receives communication information with data from controllers and sensors, the communication information is translated or converted from the first protocol to a second protocol for a second network device (e.g., a network device having a switched power line coupled to a communication channel, Ethernet), and the second protocol with data is sent from the second network port (e.g., Ethernet port) of the CM 180 to the second network port of the second network device 113b of the machine network 110. A first network device 113a having a first network port (e.g., 1-4 CAN ports) sends and receives communication information from the first network port of the implement. In one example, the implement network 150 includes a valve and nozzle assembly 50, a light 60, a vision guidance system 71 having a camera and a processor, and an automatic steering controller 900 for various embodiments of the present disclosure. Instead of being located on the implement network 150 or in addition to being located on the implement network 150, the automatic steering controller 900 can also be part of the machine network 110.

[0113] Sensors 152 (e.g., speed sensors, seed sensors for detecting seed passage, downforce sensors, actuator valves, OEM sensors, flow sensors, etc.), controllers 154 (e.g., drive systems for seed meters, GPS receivers, one or more controllers for one or more pumps and valves for fluid application as described herein), and processing system 162 control and monitor the operation of the implement.

[0114] OEM sensor can be the moisture sensor or flow sensor of combine harvester, the speed sensor of machine, the seed force sensor of seed drill, the fluid application sensor of sprayer, or the vacuum sensor of implement, lifting sensor, lowering sensor.For example, controller can comprise the processor that communicates with multiple seed sensors.This processor is configured to process data (for example, fluid application data, seed sensor data) and send the processed data to processing system 162 or 1200.Controller and sensor can be used for monitoring the motor and drive on seed drill, and described seed drill comprises the variable speed drive system for changing plant density.Controller and sensor can also provide harvesting scar control to close each ridge or each part of seed drill.Sensor and controller can sense the change of the motor that controls each ridge of seed drill respectively.These sensors and controller can sense the seed conveying speed in the seed delivery tube of each ridge of seed drill.

[0115] The network interface 160 may be a GPS transceiver, a WLAN transceiver (e.g., WiFi), an infrared transceiver, a Bluetooth transceiver, Ethernet, or other interface for communicating with other devices and systems including the machine 102. The network interface 160 may be integrated with the machine network 150 or may be independent of the machine network 150, such as Figure 8 shown.

[0116] The processing system 162 communicates bidirectionally with the implement network 150, the network interface 160, and the I / O port 166 via communication links 141-143, respectively. The implement communicates with the machine via wired or wireless bidirectional communication 104. The implement network 150 can communicate directly with the machine network 110, or can communicate with the machine network 110 via network interfaces 115 and 160. The implement can also be physically connected to a machine used for agricultural operations (e.g., sowing, harvesting, spraying, etc.). The memory 105 can be a non-transitory medium accessible to the machine, on which one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software 106) embodying one or more methods or functions described herein are stored. During the execution of the software 106 by the system 100, the software 106 can also reside completely or at least partially in the memory 105 and / or in the processing system 1200, and the memory and the processing system also constitute machine-accessible storage media. The software 106 can also be sent or received over the network via the network interface 115.

[0117] Example

[0118] The following are non-limiting examples.

[0119] Example 1 - A method for calibrating a metering valve of a sprayer system of an agricultural implement, the method comprising: initiating a calibration tube fill mode of the sprayer system to initiate calibration by filling a calibration tube with a fluid, the fluid having fluid from an auxiliary tank of the sprayer system; during a measure calibration tube volume mode, measuring the volume of the fluid filled into the calibration tube; during a pump from calibration tube mode, pumping the fluid in the calibration tube to a metering valve to calibrate the metering valve for flow characteristics of the fluid, wherein the metering valve is capable of achieving a ratio of a high fluid flow rate to a low fluid flow rate of at least 100:1 for the fluid; and during a pump from concentrate tank mode, pumping the fluid in the concentrate tank to the metering valve and then to a mixing device, wherein the fluid is mixed with a carrier fluid from a main tank of the sprayer system.

[0120] Example 2 - The method of Example 1, wherein the metering valve is calibrated for flow characteristics of the fluid between a ratio of high fluid flow rate to low fluid flow rate of at least 1,000:1.

[0121] Example 3 - The method of Example 1, wherein the metering valve is calibrated for flow characteristics of the fluid between a ratio of high fluid flow rate to low fluid flow rate of at least 10,000:1.

[0122] Example 4 - The method of Example 1, wherein the high fluid flow rate is approximately 4 gallons per minute (GPM) and the low fluid flow rate is approximately 0.0004 GPM.

[0123] Example 5 - The method of any of Examples 1-4, wherein the metering valve is a pulse width modulated (PWM) metering valve.

[0124] Example 6 - The method of any of Examples 1-5, further comprising, during a recirculating pumping-from-concentrate-tank mode, pumping fluid in the concentrate tank to the metering valve and opening a valve to the calibration tube to allow a recirculating flow path from the concentrate tank to the pump to the calibration tube and back to the concentrate tank.

[0125] Example 7 - The method of any of Examples 1-6, further comprising flushing the fluid during a sprinkler system flush mode, the fluid having fluid flowing from a fluid line of the sprinkler system.

[0126] Example 8 - The method of any of Examples 1-7, further comprising applying the mixed fluid to the farmland using a spray boom.

[0127] Example 9 - The method of any of Examples 1-8, wherein the metering valve is integrated with the metering valve group manifold.

[0128] Example 10 - A sprinkler system comprising: at least one auxiliary tank; at least one calibration tube; at least one metering valve group manifold; a controller, the controller being connected to the at least one metering valve group manifold, the controller being configured to perform operations during a calibration tube filling mode to fill the calibration tube with a fluid, the fluid having fluid from an auxiliary tank in at least one auxiliary tank, and during a pumping mode from the calibration tube, pumping the fluid in the calibration tube to the metering valve group manifold to calibrate the metering valve of the metering valve group manifold for the flow characteristics of the fluid, wherein the metering valve group manifold is capable of achieving a ratio of a high fluid flow rate to a low fluid flow rate of at least 100:1 for the fluid.

[0129] Example 11 - The sprinkler system of Example 10 further comprising: a main tank; a main spray boom; and a mixing device that mixes fluid from at least one auxiliary tank and a carrier fluid from the main tank.

[0130] Example 12 - A sprayer system according to any of Examples 10-11, wherein the controller is configured to implement operations during a pump-from-concentrate tank mode to pump fluid in at least one auxiliary tank to a metering valve group manifold and then to a mixing device, wherein the fluid is mixed with a carrier fluid from a main tank of the sprayer system.

[0131] Example 13 - The sprinkler system of any of Examples 10-12, wherein the metering valve is calibrated for flow characteristics of the fluid between a ratio of high fluid flow rate to low fluid flow rate of at least 1,000:1.

[0132] Example 14 - The sprinkler system of any of Examples 10-13, wherein the metering valve is calibrated for flow characteristics of the fluid between a ratio of high fluid flow rate to low fluid flow rate of at least 10,000:1.

[0133] Example 15 - The sprinkler system of any of Examples 10-14, wherein the high fluid flow rate is approximately 4 gallons per minute (GPM) and the low fluid flow rate is approximately 0.0004 GPM.

[0134] Example 16 - The sprinkler system of any of Examples 10-15, wherein the metering valve is a pulse width modulated (PWM) metering valve.

[0135] Example 17 - A sprinkler system according to any of Examples 10-16, the sprinkler system also including a pump in fluid communication with the mixing device, and if the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the mixing device is below a threshold flow rate, the pump is activated to operate to prevent laminar flow through the mixing device.

[0136] Example 18 - The sprayer system of any of Examples 10-17, further comprising a sub-boom having a plurality of nozzles to selectively apply the mixed fluid received from the mixing device to selected areas in the agricultural field.

[0137] Example 19 - A sprinkler system according to any of Examples 10-18, wherein at least one auxiliary tank includes a first auxiliary tank and a second auxiliary tank, wherein at least one calibration tube includes a first calibration tube and a second calibration tube, and wherein at least one metering valve group manifold includes a first metering valve group manifold and a second metering valve group manifold.

[0138] Example 20 - The sprinkler system of any of Examples 10-19, wherein each metering valve group manifold includes a first metering valve having a first flow rate range and a second metering valve having a second flow rate range.

[0139] Example 21 - A sprinkler system according to any of Examples 10-19, wherein each metering valve group manifold includes a first metering valve having a first flow rate range (e.g., 0.0003 GPM to 0.0270 GPM), a second metering valve having a second flow rate range (e.g., 0.0238 GPM to 0.4760 GPM), a third metering valve having a third flow rate range (e.g., 0.0370 GPM to 1.75 GPM), and a fourth metering valve having a fourth flow rate range (e.g., 0.0370 GPM to 1.75 GPM).

[0140] Example 22: The sprinkler system according to any one of Examples 10 to 20, further comprising a pump and a constant flow valve.

[0141] Example 23 - The sprinkler system of any of Examples 10 to 21 further comprising a back pressure valve disposed before the return to the at least one auxiliary tank.

[0142] Example 24 - A sprinkler system, the sprinkler system comprising: at least one tank; at least one metering valve group manifold, the at least one metering valve group manifold being fluidly connected to the at least one tank and comprising at least three metering valves in parallel, the at least three metering valves comprising a first metering valve, a second metering valve and a third metering valve; and wherein the second metering valve has a minimum valve opening time that is less than the maximum valve opening time of the first metering valve, so that the flow rate of the second metering valve overlaps with the flow rate of the first metering valve, and wherein the third metering valve has a minimum valve opening time that is less than the maximum valve opening time of the second metering valve, so that the flow rate of the third metering valve overlaps with the flow rate of the second metering valve.

[0143] Example 25 - The sprinkler system of Example 24 further comprising a first orifice disposed downstream of the first metering valve and a second orifice disposed downstream of the second metering valve.

[0144] Example 26 - A sprinkler system according to Example 24 or 25, wherein the sprinkler system also includes a fourth metering valve and a fifth metering valve in the metering valve group manifold, wherein when the third metering valve is at its maximum output, the flow rate flowing through the metering valve manifold is distributed among the third metering valve, the fourth metering valve and the fifth metering valve.

[0145] The above description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiments of the apparatus and the general principles and features of the systems and methods described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments of the apparatus, systems, and methods described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for calibrating a metering valve of a sprayer system of an agricultural implement, the method comprising: initiating a calibration tube fill mode of the sprinkler system to initiate calibration by filling a calibration tube with fluid having fluid from an auxiliary tank of the sprinkler system; During a calibration tube volume measurement mode, measuring a volume of a fluid filled into the calibration tube; During a pump-from-calibration-tube mode, pumping a fluid in the calibration tube to the metering valve to calibrate the metering valve for flow characteristics of the fluid, wherein the metering valve has a ratio of a high fluid flow rate to a low fluid flow rate of the fluid of at least 100:1; and During the pump-from-concentrate tank mode, fluid in the concentrate tank is pumped to the metering valve and then to a mixing device where it is mixed with a carrier fluid from a main tank of the sprayer system.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The metering valve is calibrated for flow characteristics of the fluid between a ratio of high fluid flow rate to low fluid flow rate of at least 1,000:

1.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The metering valve is calibrated for flow characteristics of the fluid between a ratio of high fluid flow rate to low fluid flow rate of at least 10,000:

1.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The high fluid flow rate is approximately 4 gallons per minute (GPM) and the low fluid flow rate is approximately 0.0004 GPM.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The metering valve is a pulse width modulated (PWM) metering valve.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: During the recirculating pump-from-concentrate tank mode, the fluid in the concentrate tank is pumped to the metering valve while the valve to the calibration tube is opened to allow a recirculating flow path from the concentrate tank to the pump to the calibration tube and back to the concentrate tank.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: During a sprinkler system flush mode, the fluid is flushed with fluid flowing from a fluid line of the sprinkler system.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The mixed fluid is applied to the field using a spray boom.

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The metering valve is integrated with the metering valve group manifold.

10. A sprinkler system, comprising: at least one auxiliary tank; At least one calibration tube; At least one metering valve manifold; and a controller in communication with the at least one metering valve group manifold, the controller configured to operate during a calibration tube fill mode to fill the calibration tube with fluid having fluid from an auxiliary tank of the at least one auxiliary tank, and During a pumping mode from a calibration tube, fluid in the calibration tube is pumped to the metering valve group manifold to calibrate metering valves of the metering valve group manifold for flow characteristics of the fluid, wherein the metering valve group manifold is capable of achieving a ratio of a high fluid flow rate to a low fluid flow rate of at least 100:1 for the fluid.

11. The sprinkler system of claim 10, further comprising: Main tank; a main spray boom having a nozzle to apply fluid from the main tank to the field; as well as A mixing device is provided to mix the fluid from the at least one auxiliary tank with a carrier fluid from a main tank of the agricultural implement.

12. The sprinkler system of claim 11, wherein: The controller is configured to operate during a pump from concentrate tank mode to pump fluid in the at least one auxiliary tank to the metering valve manifold and then to the mixing device, wherein the fluid is mixed with the carrier fluid from the main tank of the sprinkler system.

13. The sprinkler system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The metering valve is calibrated for flow characteristics of the fluid between a ratio of high fluid flow rate to low fluid flow rate of at least 1,000:

1.

14. The sprinkler system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The metering valve is calibrated for flow characteristics of the fluid between a ratio of high fluid flow rate to low fluid flow rate of at least 10,000:

1.

15. The sprinkler system according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein: The high fluid flow rate is approximately 4 gallons per minute (GPM) and the low fluid flow rate is approximately 0.0004 GPM.

16. The sprinkler system according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein: The metering valve is a pulse width modulated (PWM) metering valve.

17. The sprinkler system of any one of claims 11 to 16, further comprising: A pump in fluid communication with the mixing device is activated to pump if a flow rate of fluid through the mixing device is below a threshold flow rate to prevent laminar flow through the mixing device.

18. The sprinkler system of any one of claims 11 to 17, further comprising: A sub-boom having a plurality of nozzles for selectively applying the mixed fluid received from the mixing device to selected areas in the agricultural field.

19. The sprinkler system of any one of claims 10 to 18, wherein: The at least one auxiliary tank includes a first auxiliary tank and a second auxiliary tank, wherein the at least one calibration tube includes a first calibration tube and a second calibration tube, wherein the at least one metering valve group manifold includes a first metering valve group manifold and a second metering valve group manifold.

20. The sprinkler system of any one of claims 10 to 19, wherein: Each metering valve manifold includes a first metering valve having a first flow rate range and a second metering valve having a second flow rate range.

21. The sprinkler system of any one of claims 10 to 19, wherein: Each metering valve group manifold includes a first metering valve having a first flow rate range, a second metering valve having a second flow rate range, a third metering valve having a third flow rate range, and a fourth metering valve having a fourth flow rate range.

22. The sprinkler system of any one of claims 10 to 20, further comprising a pump and a constant flow valve.

23. The sprinkler system of any one of claims 10 to 21, further comprising a back pressure valve disposed before the return to the at least one auxiliary tank.

24. A sprinkler system, comprising: at least one tank; at least one metering valve group manifold in fluid communication with the at least one tank and comprising at least three metering valves in parallel, the at least three metering valves comprising a first metering valve, a second metering valve, and a third metering valve; and wherein the second metering valve has a minimum valve opening time that is less than a maximum valve opening time of the first metering valve, such that a flow rate of the second metering valve overlaps a flow rate of the first metering valve, and The third metering valve has a minimum valve opening time that is less than a maximum valve opening time of the second metering valve, such that a flow rate of the third metering valve overlaps a flow rate of the second metering valve.

25. The sprinkler system of claim 24, further comprising a first orifice disposed downstream of the first metering valve and a second orifice disposed downstream of the second metering valve.

26. The sprinkler system of claim 24 or 25, further comprising a fourth metering valve and a fifth metering valve in the metering valve manifold, wherein when the third metering valve is at a maximum output, flow through the metering valve manifold is distributed among the third metering valve, the fourth metering valve, and the fifth metering valve.

Images