Fluid level sensor

Abstract

An analyzation system for analyzing an agricultural material is disclosed. The analyzation system comprises a chamber configured to receive the agricultural material, a mixing device configured to mix the agricultural material with a liquid to form a slurry, and a sensing system configured to sense the level of the slurry in the chamber. The analyzation system further comprises an acoustic sensor and a deployable acoustic target movable between an undeployed position and a deployed position. In various embodiments, the analyzation system could comprise an acoustic target and a movable acoustic sensor. In various embodiments, the analyzation system can create the acoustic target.

Description

FLUID LEVEL SENSORCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 63 / 676226, filed 26 July 2024 and U.S. Application No. 63 / 676426, filed 28 July 2024, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to agricultural sampling and analysis, and more particularly to a fully automated system for performing soil and other types of agricultural related sampling and chemical property analysis. Periodic soil testing is an important aspect of the agricultural arts. Test results provide valuable information on the chemical makeup of the soil such as plant-available nutrients and other important properties (e.g. levels of nitrogen, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, pH, etc.) so that various amendments may be added to the soil to maximize the quality and quantity of crop production.

[0003] 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. Extractant is added to the slurry to pull out plant available nutrients. The slurry is then filtered to produce a clear solution or supernatant which is mixed with a chemical reagent for further analysis. Improvements in testing soil, vegetation, and manure are desired.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] In one form, the invention comprises a system for analyzing a slurry comprising an agricultural material, the system comprising a chamber configured to receive the slurry, a stirring device configured to stir the slurry, and a sensing system configured to sense the level of the slurry in the chamber. The sensing system comprises an acoustic sensor and a deployable acoustic target movable between an undeployed position and a deployed position.

[0005] In one form, the invention comprises a system for analyzing a slurry comprising an agricultural material, the system comprising a chamber configured to receive the slurry, a stirring device configured to stir the slurry, and a sensing system configured to sense the level of the slurry in the chamber. The sensing system comprises a sensor and a target, wherein the sensor is movable between a calibration position and a measurement position, wherein the sensor is aligned with the target when the sensor is in its calibration position, wherein thesensor is not aligned with the target when the sensor is in its measurement position, and wherein the sensor is aligned with the slurry when the sensor is in its measurement position.

[0006] In one form, the invention comprises a method for calibrating a sensor in an agricultural material mixing chamber comprising deploying an acoustic target from an undeployed position to a deployed position, wherein the acoustic target is a predetermined distance from an acoustic sensor when the acoustic target is in its deployed position, emitting a sound wave from the acoustic sensor in response to a control signal from a processor, receiving, via the acoustic sensor, a reflected sound wave from the acoustic target in its deployed position, calculating a distance, via the processor, between the acoustic sensor and the acoustic target in its deployed position using data related to the reflected sound wave, comparing, via the processor, the calculated distance to the predetermined distance, determining, via the processor, a correction factor based on the comparison, and applying the correction factor, via the processor, to subsequent measurements made with the acoustic sensor.

[0007] In one form, the invention comprises a system for analyzing a slurry comprising an agricultural material, the system comprising a chamber configured to receive the slurry, a stirring device configured to stir the slurry, and a sensing system configured to sense the level of the slurry in the chamber. The sensing system comprises an optical sensor and a deployable optical target movable between an undeployed position and a deployed position.

[0008] In one form, the invention comprises a method for calibrating a sensor in an agricultural material mixing chamber comprising deploying an optical target from an undeployed position to a deployed position, wherein the optical target is a predetermined distance from an optical sensor when the optical target is in its deployed position, emitting light from the optical sensor in response to a control signal from a processor, receiving, via the optical sensor, reflected light from the optical target in its deployed position, calculating a distance, via the processor, between the optical sensor and the optical target in its deployed position using data related to the reflected light, comparing, via the processor, the calculated distance to the predetermined distance, determining, via the processor, a correction factor based on the comparison, and applying the correction factor, via the processor, to subsequent measurements made with the optical sensor.

[0009] In one form, the invention comprises a system for analyzing a slurry comprising an agricultural material, the system comprising a chamber configured to receive the slurry, a stirring device configured to stir the slurry, and a sensing system configured to sense the levelof the slurry in the chamber. The sensing system comprises a sensor and a generated target detectable by the sensor.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0011] FIG. l is a block diagram showing aspects of sub-systems of a sampling analysis system;

[0012] FIGS. 2A, 2B are diagrams of a sampling analysis system;

[0013] FIGS. 3A-3C are illustrations of a slurry density meter or measurement device usable in the sampling analysis system of FIGS. 2A, 2B;

[0014] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a particle density measurement device usable in the sampling analysis system of FIGS. 2A, 2B;

[0015] FIGS. 5 A and 5B are longitudinal and transverse cross-sectional views of a reflectance-type particle density measurement device usable in the sampling analysis system of FIGS. 2A, 2B;

[0016] FIG. 6 shows a controller for controlling systems and apparatuses described herein;

[0017] FIG. 7 is a process of determining a ratio of a fluid and solid within a slurry;

[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a sample analysis system;

[0019] FIG. 9 is an elevational view of the sample analysis system of FIG. 8;

[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a stirring chamber assembly of the sample analysis system of FIG. 8;

[0021] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the stirring chamber assembly of FIG. 10;

[0022] FIG. 12 is another cross-sectional view of the stirring chamber assembly of FIG. 10;

[0023] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a cylinder of the stirring chamber assembly of FIG. 10;

[0024] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a sub-assembly of the stirring chamber assembly of FIG. 10;

[0025] FIG. 15 is a plan view of the sub-assembly of FIG. 14;

[0026] FIG. 16 is another perspective view of the sub-assembly of FIG. 14;

[0027] FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the sub-assembly of FIG. 14;

[0028] FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of the sub-assembly of FIG. 14;

[0029] FIG. 19 is an elevational view of a frame of the sub-assembly of FIG. 14;

[0030] FIG. 20 depicts a method of determining a correction factor for correcting measurements made by a sensor in the stirring chamber assembly of FIG. 10;

[0031] FIG. 21 depicts a method of correcting measurements made by the sensor of FIG. 20;

[0032] FIG. 22 depicts a method of determining a correction factor for correcting measurements made by a sensor in the stirring chamber assembly of FIG. 10; and

[0033] FIG. 23 depicts a method of correcting measurements made by the sensor of FIG. 22.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The entire disclosure of International Patent Application Publication WO 2022 / 243809, entitled METHOD OF ANALYZING ONE OR MORE AGRICULTURAL MATERIALS AND SYSTEMS THEREOF, which published on November 24, 2022, is incorporated by reference herein.

[0035] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention or inventions. The description of illustrative embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present inventions. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front” and “rear” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” “secured” and other similar terms refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.

[0036] The discussion herein describes and illustrates some possible non-limiting combinations of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “or” is to be interpreted as a logical operator that results in true whenever one or more of its operands are true. Furthermore, as used herein, the phrase“based on” is to be interpreted as meaning “based at least in part on,” and therefore is not limited to an interpretation of “based entirely on.”

[0037] As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by referenced in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

[0038] Features of the present inventions may be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, or combinations thereof. The computer programs described herein are not limited to any particular embodiment, and may be implemented in an operating system, application program, foreground or background processes, driver, or any combination thereof. The computer programs may be executed on a single computer or server processor or multiple computer or server processors.

[0039] Processors described herein may be any central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, micro-controller, computational, or programmable device or circuit configured for executing computer program instructions (e.g., code). Various processors may be embodied in computer and / or server hardware of any suitable type (e.g., desktop, laptop, notebook, tablets, cellular phones, etc.) and may include all the usual ancillary components necessary to form a functional data processing device including without limitation a bus, software and data storage such as volatile and non-volatile memory, input / output devices, graphical user interfaces (GUIs), removable data storage, and wired and / or wireless communication interface devices including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LAN, etc.

[0040] Computer-executable instructions or programs (e.g., software or code) and data described herein may be programmed into and tangibly embodied in a non-transitory computer-readable medium that is accessible to and retrievable by a respective processor as described herein which configures and directs the processor to perform the desired functions and processes by executing the instructions encoded in the medium. A device embodying a programmable processor configured to such non-transitory computer-executable instructions or programs may be referred to as a “programmable device”, or “device”, and multiple programmable devices in mutual communication may be referred to as a “programmable system.” It should be noted that non-transitory “computer-readable medium” as described herein may include, without limitation, any suitable volatile or non-volatile memory including random access memory (RAM) and various types thereof, read-only memory(ROM) and various types thereof, USB flash memory, and magnetic or optical data storage devices (e.g., intemal / extemal hard disks, floppy discs, magnetic tape CD-ROM, DVD- ROM, optical disk, ZIP™ drive, Blu-ray disk, and others), which may be written to and / or read by a processor operably connected to the medium.

[0041] In certain embodiments, the present inventions may be embodied in the form of computer-implemented processes and apparatuses such as processor-based data processing and communication systems or computer systems for practicing those processes. The present inventions may also be embodied in the form of software or computer program code embodied in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, which when loaded into and executed by the data processing and communications systems or computer systems, the computer program code segments configure the processor to create specific logic circuits configured for implementing the processes. It is noted that common components such as memory devices and power sources are not discussed herein, as their role would be easily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0042] FIG. 1 shows an example sampling system 1000. System 1000 may include one or more sub-systems that provide processing and / or chemical analysis of samples (e.g., soil samples) from collection in an agricultural field, sample preparation, and / or chemical analysis. In an example, system 1000 may be incorporated on board a motorized sampling vehicle configured to traverse an agricultural field for collecting and processing soil samples from various zones of the field. In other examples, the system 1000 may reside as a standalone station (e.g., kiosk) for processing samples.

[0043] System 1000 may provide (e.g., generate) a comprehensive and / or accurate nutrient and / or chemical profile of samples (e.g., soil samples, such as fields of soil) in order to identify (e.g., quickly and conveniently identify) soil amendments and / or application amounts necessary for one or more zones based on quantification of the plant-available nutrient and / or chemical properties in the sample. System 1000 may allow multiple samples to be processed and chemically analyzed simultaneously for various plant-available nutrients.

[0044] As provided on FIG. 1, soil sampling system 1000 may include one or more subsystems, such as a sample probe collection sub-system 1001, sample preparation sub-system 1002, and / or chemical analysis sub-system 1003. Portions of soil sampling system 1000, including sample collection sub-system 1001, may be described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2018 / 0I24992A1, US20210123836A1, US20210123936A1, US20210131917A1, US20210131929A1, US20210208035 Al, US20210208036A1,US20210208037A1, US20210208123A1, US20210268456A1, US20210285869A1, US20210341442A1, US20210341452A1, US20220196628 Al, US20230133335A1, US20230144670A1, US20230151810A1, US20230173415A1, US20230243792A1, US20230243801A1, US20230243802A1, US20230243804A1, US20230266289A1, US20230266290A1, US20230273130A1, US20230273171A1, US20230273172A1, US20230273173A1, US20230304987A1, US20230417363A1, US20230417635A1, US20240189743 Al, US20240189744 Al, US20240192112A1, US20240192708 Al, US20240198331A1, US20240200547A1, PCT Publication Nos. WO2021 / 171120, WO2021 / 171121, WO2022 / 243792, WO2022 / 243797, WO2022 / 243806, WO2022 / 243807, WO2022 / 243809, WO2022 / 259071, WO2022 / 259073, WO2022 / 259074, WO2023 / 031725, WO2023 / 031726, WO2023 / 031727, W02023 / 042032, W02023 / 042033, W02023 / 042035, W02023 / 042036, W02023 / 042037, W02023 / 042038, W02023 / 042039, WO2023 / 161727, WO2023 / 161728, WO2023 / 170480, WO2023 / 170482, WO2023 / 227959, WO2023 / 227960, WO2023 / 248015, WO2023 / 248016, WO2024 / 023728, WO2024 / 023729, W02024 / 023730, and WO2024 / 023731, PCT Application Nos. PCT / IB2024 / 051283, filed 12-Feb-2024 and PCT / IB2024 / 051820, filed 26-Feb-2024, U.S. Application Nos. 63 / 551120, filed 08-Feb- 2024, 63 / 552730, filed 13-Feb-2024, 63 / 552739, filed 13-Feb-2024, 63 / 559305, filed 29-Feb-2024, 63 / 559308, filed 29-Feb-2024, 63 / 559312, filed 29-Feb-2024, 63 / 559316, filed 29-Feb-2024, 63 / 586486, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586489, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586497, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586500, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586504, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586510, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586514, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586524, filed l l-Oct-2023, 63 / 586529, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586545, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586551, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586555, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586562, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586608, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586619, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586630, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586638, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586656, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586672, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586702, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586726, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586955, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586966, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586978, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586984, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586990, filed 29-Sep-2023, and 63 / 646070, filed 13- May-2024. At 1010, sample collection sub-system 1001 may probe, extract, and / or collect soil samples from the field. The samples may be in the form of soil plugs, cores, and the like. At 1012, the collected samples may be transferred to a holding chamber or vessel for further processing by the sample preparation sub-system 1002.

[0045] Sample preparation sub-system 1002 may, at 1020, receive a soil sample (e.g., core) in a mixer-filter apparatus and / or transfer the cores in a staging chamber. At 1022, samplepreparation sub-system 1002 may determine (e.g., quantify) the volume / mass of the soil sample. At 1024, sample preparation sub-system 1002 may add a predetermined quantity or volume of fluid, such as filtered water (e.g., based on the volume / mass of soil). At 1026, sample preparation sub-system 1002 may mix the soil and water mixture to produce a soil sample slurry. At 1028, sample preparation sub-system 1002 may remove or transfer the slurry from mixer-filter apparatus. At 1030, sample preparation sub-system 1002 may selfclean the mixer-filter apparatus. It should be understood that although soil and soil slurry are used throughout this disclosure, such terms are for illustration purposes only. The mixtures of solids and liquids may include mixtures of soil and water, as well as other mixtures including agricultural materials (e.g., manure mixtures, vegetation mixtures, etc.) in examples.

[0046] Chemical analysis sub-system 1003 may, at 1030, receive (e.g., pull) the soil slurry from a mixer-filter apparatus (e.g., a mixer-filter apparatus of sub-system 1002). At 1032, chemical analysis sub-system 1003 may add an extractant (e.g., add an extractant to the slurry). At 1033, chemical analysis sub-system 1003 may mix the extractant and slurry (e.g., in a chamber), for example, to pull out the analytes of interest (e.g. plant available nutrients). At 1034, chemical analysis sub-system 1003 may centrifuge the extractant- slurry mixture, for example, to produce a clear liquid or supernatant. At 1036, chemical analysis sub-system 1003 may remove or transfer the supernatant to a chamber (e.g., a second chamber). At 1038, chemical analysis sub-system 1003 may inject a reagent. At 1040, chemical analysis subsystem 1003 may hold the supernatant-reagent mixture for a period of hold time, for example, to allow chemical reaction (e.g., complete chemical reaction) with reagent. At 1042, chemical reaction may measure the absorbance, such as via colorimetric analysis. At 1044, chemical reaction may clean and / or assist with cleaning of the chemical analysis equipment.

[0047] FIG. 2A is an example system diagram showing an agricultural sample analysis system 2000. FIG. 2B is an exploded view of a recirculation loop showing components within example system 2000, as shown on FIG. 2A. Agricultural sample analysis system 2000 and sampling system 1000 (FIG. 1) may have one or more (e.g., all) of the same components. It should be understood that the order of the devices and equipment shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B (e.g. pump(s), valves, etc.) is for illustration purposes only and may be switched and relocated in the systems without affecting the function of the unit. Moreover, devices and equipment such as valves, pumps, flow devices, sensors (e.g. pressure, temperature, etc.), particle density devices (e.g., soil particle density devices), density measurement devices, organic matter measurement devices, etc., may be added or removed.Accordingly, the system is not limited to the configuration and devices / equipment shown alone.

[0048] As shown on FIGS. 2 A, 2B, system 2000 may include one or more inlets 2002a, 2002b (collectively inlets 2002). Inlets 2002 may provide an entryway for one or more agricultural materials, such as a solid (e.g., soil, via soil inlet 2002a), slurry (e.g., soil slurry), fluid (e.g., water) (via fluid inlet 2002b), and the like. Portions of system 2000 may represent soil sample preparation sub-system 1002 (FIG. 1), which may prepare (e.g., initially prepare) the slurry. For example, system 2000 may include one or more of a mixer, stirrer, and / or filter apparatus which may include a mixing and / or stirring chamber where water is added to a soil sample to prepare the slurry, and a coarse filter which may remove larger particles (e.g., small stone, rocks, debris, etc.) from the prepared soil slurry. The coarse filter may be sized to pass the desired (e.g., maximum) particle size in the slurry to ensure uniform flow and density of the slurry for weight / density measurement used in the process, as further described herein.

[0049] Agricultural sample analysis system 2000 may include one or more chambers (such as mixing chamber 2004 and / or stirring chamber 2014), soil particle density (S.P.D.) devices 2022, density measurement devices (D.M.D.) 2020, fine filtration devices 2030, analyte extraction systems 2024, ultrafine filtration systems 2005, and measurement systems 2009.

[0050] For example, the received agricultural material (e.g., soil) and / or a fluid (e.g., water) may be housed in a chamber, such as mixing chamber 2004. Mixing chamber 2004 may be used to combine and / or mix one or more agricultural materials. For example, as described herein, soil (e.g., soil received within soil inlet 2002a) may be mixed with a fluid (e.g., water received via fluid inlet 2002b) to produce a soil slurry. Mixing device 2006 may be used to mix, within mixing chamber 2004, the agricultural materials with a fluid. Additional material may be received by the system, such as pressured air (via inlet 2003) and / or pressured water (via inlet 2085). Mixing chamber 2004 may be configured to break down the soil and / or to ensure that the slurry is well mixed / blended. In an example, the mixing motor 2006 in the mixing chamber 2004 may run at -15,000 rpm with one or more blades (e.g., aggressive blades). Mixing chamber 2004 may include one or more baffles (e.g., bumps) on the sidewalls. The baffles may be configured to prevent or mitigate the soil from travelling circularly along the outside of the container (e.g., to improve mixing of the materials within the slurry).

[0051] System 2000 may include one or more devices to prevent, allow, and / or reduce movement of the material (e.g., material from mixing chamber 2004). In examples, system 2000 may include one or more valves 2008A, 2008B (collectively referred to as valves 2008). Valves 2008A, 2008B (e.g., pinch valves) may prevent, allow, and / or reduce movement of the material. For example, valves 2008A may prevent, or allow, the movement of the slurry, which may include solids (e.g., soil), fluids. Valves 2008B may prevent, or allow, the movement of materials that are not the slurry, such as pressurized air and / or water to be used to unjam or clean devices of system 2000. Although FIGS. 2A, 2B show an example system 2000 having a number of valves 2008, it should be understood that more or less valves 2008 may be provided in examples.

[0052] Upon the valve(s) 2008 A allowing the material (e.g., some or all of the material) to leave mixing chamber 2004, the material may move to filter 2010. The material may move to filter 2010 via mixed slurry inlet 2011. Filter 2010 may be coarse filter that permits particles that are of a desired (e.g., maximum) particle size to pass. Filter 2010 may be used to ensure that the material that passes (e.g., the material of the slurry that passes) has a uniform size. Material that does not pass (e.g., rocks or other large debris, such as wood chips and / or crop residue) through filter 2010 may be removed from system 2000 via waste output 2012. Material that does pass through filter 2010 may move to recirculation loop 2079. Material may be held in place via valves 2008 A. For example, valve 2008 A may prevent material (e.g., waste) from leaving via waste output 2012 and / or valve 2008A may prevent material from being provided to recirculation loop 2079, as described herein.

[0053] Slurry recirculation loop 2079 may include a stirring chamber 2014, particle density device 2022, density measurement device 2020, and fine filtration device 2030 for particle density measurement and / or slurry density measurement (e.g., dynamic and / or continuous particle density measurement and / or slurry density measurement). One or more of the components within the slurry recirculation loop 2079 may determine a density of a slurry (e.g., total slurry density), a particle density (e.g., of the solid particles, such as soil) within the slurry, and the like. The slurry recirculation loop 2079 may be processed one or more times. In examples, the slurry recirculation loop 2079 may be processed until a desired value is achieved. For example, the slurry recirculation loop 2079 may continue to be processed until a desired ratio of a fluid (e.g., water) to solid (e.g., soil) within the slurry is achieved.

[0054] The received agricultural material (e.g., slurry, such as soil slurry) may be housed in a chamber, such as stirring chamber 2014. Stirring chamber 2014 may be used to stir one ormore agricultural materials. For example, a soil slurry may be stirred with a fluid (e.g., water received via fluid inlet 2015) to produce a soil slurry with a higher ratio of fluid to soil. Stirring device 2016 may be used to stir the agricultural materials within stirring chamber 2014.

[0055] A level sensor 2061 (e.g., ultrasonic level sensor) may be provided. Level sensor 2061 may be configured to determine the fluid level of the slurry, for example, within the stirring chamber 2014. Based on the fluid level of the slurry within the stirring chamber, the level sensor 2061 may determine whether the amount of slurry within the stirring chamber 2014 is at a predetermined (e.g., desired) level. In examples, the level sensor 2061 may be configured to decrease stir speed within the stirring chamber 2014 if the fluid level within the stirring chamber 2014 is below a predefined level or increase stir speed within the stirring chamber 2014 if the fluid level within the stirring chamber 2014 is above a predefined level.

[0056] Stirring chamber 2014 may be configured to prevent soil from settling out of solution (e.g., keep the slurry in a homogenous state). In an example, the stirring motor 2016 in the stirring chamber 2014 may run one blade per shaft, for example, at -1,000 rpm. The stirring chamber 2014 may include one or more separate shafts (e.g., two separate shafts). The shafts may be counter rotating. The one or more separate shafts may assist in stirring slurry and reducing vortexing (e.g., air that tornados down the shaft). By reducing vortexing, air may be prevented or mitigated from entering the slurry loop. Preventing or mitigating air from entering the slurry loop may improve density measurement. The slurry may tangentially be introduced into the stirring chamber 2014, for example, to reduce air entrainment.

[0057] The slurry may be filtered. For example, as shown on FIGS. 2A, 2B, the slurry may be filtered prior to the slurry moving to particle density device 2022. The slurry may be filtered prior to the slurry moving to particle density device 2022, for example, via fine filter 2030. Although FIGS. 2A, 2B show fine filter 2030 being located prior to density measurement device 2020, in examples one or more fine filters 2030 may be provided in other locations (e.g., after density measurement device 2020), or fine filter 2030 may be omitted entirely. Fine filter 2030 may include a fine screening (e.g., less than 0.04 inch / lmm, such as about .010 inch / 0.25 mm maximum particle size passage in one possible implementation). Fine filter 2030 may allow the agricultural slurry sample to pass through one or more analysis components without causing flow obstructions / plugging. For soil, the small particles passed by the fine filter unit may make up the majority of the nutrient content of the soil, so finely filtered slurry may be used for the ultimate chemical analysis in thesystem. It should be understood that the fine filtering is useable and / or applicable to slurries comprised of other agricultural materials to be sampled (e.g. vegetation, manure, etc.), and not limited to soil slurries. Particles filtered by fine filter may be discarded. For example, large particles filtered by fine filter 2030 may be discarded via waste outlet 2063.

[0058] In examples in which the slurry has not reached a desired value (e.g., desired ratio, such as a desired soil to fluid ratio), the slurry may continue to particle density device 2022 (e.g., may continue through the recirculation loop 2079, as described herein). In examples in which the slurry has reached a desired value (e.g., ratio, such as a desired soil to fluid ratio), the slurry may proceed outside of recirculation loop via outlet 2095, for example, to extraction system 2024. Although outlet 2095 is described as occurring before particle density device 2022 and density measurement device 2020, it should be understood that outlet 2095 may be positioned at any location within system 2000, such as before, between, or after particle density device 2022 and density measurement device 2020, before or after fine filter 2030, and the like.

[0059] Particle density device 2022 may be a soil particle density measurement device. As described further herein, particle density device 2022 may determine the density of a solid (e.g., soil) within the slurry. Although particle density measurement device 2022 may be described as a soil particle density measurement device 2022 throughout the disclosure, it should be understood that this is for illustration purposes only and the particle density measurement device 2022 may determine the density of one or more other agricultural solids besides soil, such as manure, vegetation, and the like. Examples of particle density devices are shown on FIGS. 4 and 5A / 5B.

[0060] FIGS. 2A, 2B show density measurement device 2020. Density measurement device 2020 may determine a density of a material or a combination of materials (e.g., a slurry formed of one or more fluids and one or more solids). Density measurement device 2020 may obtain the density of the mixed agricultural sample slurry prepared in sample preparation chamber (e.g. mixer-filter apparatus). In an example, density measurement device 2020 may be a digital density meter of the U-tube oscillator type shown in FIGS. 3 A-3C that may be used to measure density (e.g., overall density) of the sample slurry. Although in examples the sample slurry may be a soil slurry, the slurry may be comprised of one or more materials other than soil in other examples. For example, it should be understood that any type of agricultural sample slurry may be processed in the system, including soil, vegetation, manure, and the like. It should also be understood that the devices provided in system 2000 are forillustration purposes only. One or more devices may be added to the system 2000 or excluded by the system in examples.

[0061] The density of the soil (e.g., the soil particle density) and / or the density of the slurry (e.g., the total slurry density) may be the ratio of the mass of the soil (for soil density) and / or the mass of the slurry (for slurry density) to their respective volumes. The density of the soil (e.g., the soil particle density) and / or the density of the slurry (e.g., the total slurry density) may be used to determine the amount of diluent (e.g., water) required and / or solid (e.g., soil) to be added to a sample (e.g., a slurry sample) in order to achieve the desired water to soil ratio for chemical analysis of an analyte within the slurry, as further described herein. For example, the density of the slurry and / or the density of the solid (e.g., soil) within the slurry may be used to determine the ratio of solid (e.g., soil) to water within the slurry.

[0062] The ratio of solid to water within a slurry may be determined based on one or more parameters, such as the density of the water within the slurry, the density of the solid (e.g., soil) within the slurry, and the density of the slurry (e.g., total density of the slurry). As an example, the density of water is known. By determining the density of the solid in the slurry and the density of the slurry (e.g., total density of the slurry), the ratio of solid to water may be (e.g., accurately) determined. If the ratio of solid to water is determined, the amount of diluent (e.g., water) required to be added to the slurry (e.g., soil sample) to achieve the desired water to soil ratio may be determined. The desired water to soil ratio may be the ratio desired for chemical analysis of an analyte.

[0063] As described herein, by determining (e.g., dynamically determining) the soil particle density of the soil within the slurry, an accurate ratio of the soil to water ratio of the slurry may be determined. For example, a more accurate ratio of the soil to water ratio of the slurry may be determined over conventional systems. Thus, dynamically determining the soil particle density of the soil within the slurry provides an advantage over conventional systems, which use a predetermined (e.g., static) value for the density of the solid (e.g., soil) when determining the ratio of solid to liquid within a slurry, as the predetermined (e.g., static) value used by conventional systems for the density of the solid may not be correct or accurate.

[0064] The accuracy of the slurry density, as determined by the density measurement device 2022 (e.g., u-tube), may depend on the materials within the slurry. For example, the density measurement device 2022 may provide more accurate determinations of slurry density for homogeneous materials (e.g., material that is perfectly, or near-perfectly, mixed). A homogeneous material may be referred to as a solution in examples. In contrast, the densitymeasurement device 2022 may provide less accurate determinations for non-homogeneous materials (not perfectly, or near-perfectly, mixed). Non-homogeneous materials may be referred to as a suspension in examples. As an example, the density measurement device 2020 may provide inaccurate (e.g., less accurate) results for a soil slurry, as the soil and the water may not perfectly (or near-perfectly mix) with one another.

[0065] To correct for non-homogeneous materials (e.g., soil slurries), the density measurement device 2022 may perform one or more actions. For example, as described herein, density measurement device 2022 may determine the total density of the slurry when the slurry is flowing through density measurement device 2022, and the density measurement device 2022 may determine the total density of the slurry when the flow of the slurry is stopped. By comparing the total density of the slurry when the slurry is flowing versus the total density of the slurry when the slurry is not flowing, a more accurate determination of total density of the slurry may be determined. For example, by not incorporating the settled particles in the total slurry density, the determined total slurry density may be comparable to determining the density of a homogeneous (e.g., more homogeneous) material.

[0066] Measurements (e.g., soil particle density measurements, slurry density measurements, organic matter measures, etc.) of the slurry may be provided to system controller 6820 (also shown on FIG. 6). System controller 6820 may perform one or more operations based on the provided measurements, as described herein. For example, system controller 6820 may determine a ratio of water to soil of the slurry (e.g, the slurry passing through the recirculation loop 2079) based on the provided information. If the determined ratio is a desired ratio, system controller 6820 may cause the slurry to end (e.g, exit) the recirculation loop 2079. If the determined ratio is not a desired ratio, system controller 6820 may cause the slurry to continue the recirculation loop 2079. The slurry continuing the recirculation loop 2079 may allow additional materials (e.g., water, soil) to be added to the slurry, as described herein. For example, the slurry continuing within the recirculation loop 2079 may allow water to be added to the slurry (e.g., via fluid inlet 2015) to modify the water to soil ratio of the slurry.

[0067] In examples in which the slurry continues through the recirculation loop 2079, additional material (e.g., agricultural material) may be provided to the slurry. For example, as shown on FIGS. 2A, 2B, water and / or air may be provided. For example, water and / or air may be provided to unjam or clean one or more of the devices (e.g., tubes) in which the slurry is flowing or in which assists the slurry in flowing. The slurry may move to flow throughaccumulator 2083. The flow through accumulator 2083 may adjust (e.g., dampen) pressure surges and / or pulses in the recirculation loop 2079 that may be caused by recirculation pump 2081.

[0068] One or more devices may be used to assist in the flow, or to stop the flow, of the slurry through system 2000. For example, a pump, such as pump 2081 (e.g., a recirculation pump), may be used to move the slurry or stop the movement of the slurry. A valve (such as valve 2008A) may be used to allow the movement of the slurry or to prevent the movement of the slurry. For example, pump 2081 may be used to transfer the slurry from and / or to one or more mixers 2004, stirrers 2014, filter(s), density measurement devices 2020, or soil particle density device(s) 2022 via a pumping by pump 2081 and / or via pressurizing the mixer-filter apparatus chamber with pressurized air provided by a fluid coupling to a pressurized air source. In examples, pump 2081 may fluidly drive the recirculation flow in the closed recirculation flow loop 2079 formed by flow conduits 2059 (see, e.g., FIG. 2A) comprising tubing and / or piping, and return the filtered slurry back to chamber 2014. Recirculation pump 2081 may be a slurry pump. Recirculation pump 2081 may be omitted, in examples in which the slurry is capable of flowing through the closed recirculation flow loop 2079 (e.g., the entire closed recirculation flow loop 2079) absent assistance from recirculation pump 2081.

[0069] System 2000 may recirculate (e.g., continuously recirculate) the slurry (e.g., the coarsely filtered slurry) back into chamber 2014 for a period of time and / or for a number of iterations. The recirculation may assist in producing a homogeneous slurry mixture more quickly for analysis than with the mixer alone by continuously recycling the slurry through the mixer and / or coarse filter in the closed recirculation flow loop 2079. During density measurement(s), for example, fluid may be metered (e.g., automatically be metered) and / or added to a mixer-filter apparatus based on the system monitoring the slurry density measured by density measurement device 2020, which may be operably coupled to the controller in order to achieve the preprogrammed water to soil ratio. The slurry may be better mixed by this continuous slurry recirculation.

[0070] Once a homogeneous slurry (e.g., slurry having the desired water to soil ratio) is achieved, the slurry may proceed outside of recirculation loop 2079 via outlet 2095, as described herein. The slurry may proceed to extraction system 2024, ultrafine filter 2005, and / or measurement system 2009. In an example, measurement system 2009 may include one or more sensors, such as one or more ion selective electrode (ISE) or ion selective field-effectelectrode (ISFET) sensors, although such examples are for illustration purposes only and the sensor may be one or more other sensors. The ISE or ISFET sensor may sense one or more analytes (e.g. P, K, Ca, Mg, etc.) when analyzing the slurry. One or more mechanisms may be provided for the cleaning (e.g., automatic cleaning) of one or more components of system 2000, such as for the cleaning of measurement system 2009. As an example, one or more ports (e.g., fluid ports) may be provided for cleaning one or more sensors of measurement system 2009. The one or more fluid ports may provide one or more fluids, such as water, to clean one or more of the sensors.

[0071] The flow of extracted slurry may be controlled by suitable control valves 2008A changeable in position between open full flow, closed no flow, and throttled partially open flows therebetween. Valves 2008 may be manually operated or automatically operated by controller to open at an appropriate time once homogenous slurry having the desired water to soil ratio has been achieved, or as otherwise preprogrammed. One or more valves 2008 may be used to open flow to water in order to backflush the filter during the cleaning cycle in preparation for the next sample.

[0072] The slurry stream may travel from the extraction system 2024 to ultrafine filtration sub-system 2005. Ultrafine filtration system 2005 may include one or more ultrafine filters configured to pass slurry particles having a size smaller than allowed to pass via course filter 2010 and fine filter 2063. For example, ultrafine filter 2005 may be a micro-porous filter which may replace centrifuge and / or may be configured to produce clear filtrate from the soil slurry and extractant mixture which serves as the supernatant for chemical analysis. In an example, representative pore sizes that may be used for ultrafine filter 2005 may be approximately 0.05pm to 1.00pm, although other sizes may be used. Pressurized air and fluids may be provided to slurry via pressurized air inlet 2067 and fluid inlet 2069, respectively. Waste product may be exited via waste outlet 2068. The portion of the slurry stream that passes through ultrafine filter 2005 may move to measurement system 2009, for further processing of the ratio containing the desired slurry ratio.

[0073] An example density measurement device 3010 is shown on FIGS. 3A-3C. Density measurement device 3010 may be the same as device 2020 (FIGS. 2 A, 2B), although in examples density measurement device 3010 may be different than density measurement device 2020. As shown on FIGS. 3A-3C, density measurement device 3010 may include one or more components. For example, density measurement device 3010 may include an oscillator tube 3032, as described herein. Density measurement device 3010 may include abase 3014, a plurality of spacers 3015, a tube mounting block 3017, a flow connection manifold 3018, at least one or a pair of permanent magnets 3025, an electronic circuit control board 3016 and an electrical -communi cation interface unit 3016-1 configured for both electrical power supply for the board and communication interface to one or more system controllers.

[0074] Base 3014 may be configured for mounting the density measurement device 3010. For example, base 3014 may be configured for mounting the density measurement device 3010 on a flat horizontal support surface, vertical support surface, or support surface disposed at any angle therebetween. Accordingly, any suitable corresponding mounting orientation of the base may be used as desired. The mounting orientation of the base may be determined by the intended direction of oscillation of the oscillator tube 3032 taking into account the force of gravity on the slurry laden oscillator tube. In examples, as it may be advantageous to mount slurry passages in the oscillator tube in a manner that achieves the highest percent of horizontal passages as possible, base 3014 may be oriented in many and / or varied ways.

[0075] Oscillator tube 3032 may have one or more portions, such as one or more straight portions 3032-1 and / or one or more curved portions, such as lower curved portion 3032-3 or upper curved portion 3032-4. As shown on FIG. 3C, the mounting orientation of the base may be oriented such that the straight portions 3032-1 of tube 3032 are oriented in a vertical (or substantially vertical) direction and / or orientation. By orienting the straight portions of tube in a vertical direction and / or orientation, acceleration (e.g, acceleration due to gravity) may cause and / or allow particles (e.g, dense particles, large particles, non-homogenous particles) to settle. For example, by orienting the tube in a vertical direction and / or orientation, acceleration (e.g., acceleration due to gravity) may cause and / or allow particles (e.g., dense particles, large particles, non-homogenous particles) to settle when the slurry stops flowing (or slowly flows) through the density measurement device 3010 (e.g., u-tube 3032). The particles may settle in one or more portions of u-tube 3032, such as in one or more legs of u-tube 3032, at a bottom portion 3032-2 of u-tube 3032, in a curved portion (such as lower curved portion 3032-3), outside of u-tube 3032 (e.g., via the particles exiting u-tube 3032, such as via through holes of the flow connection manifold 3018), and the like. The particles may settle longitudinally from anti-node(s) to node(s), or vice-versa. The settled particles may not participate in the oscillation of the u-tube 3032, and therefore may not attribute to the density measurement. By determining the density measurement of the slurry including the particles (e.g., when the particles are not settled) and / or determining the densitymeasurement of the slurry non including the particles (e.g., when the particles are settled), the density (e.g., total density) of the slurry may be determined and / or corrected, as described herein.

[0076] Values related to the settling of the particles may be determined, in examples. For example, the time at which the particles are fully settled, mostly settled, and the like, may be determined. The time it takes to achieve a steady state frequency from when the slurry is flowing until the slurry is stopped (e.g., stagnant) may be determined. The frequency change (e.g., absolute frequency change, percent frequency change, etc.) may be determined. For example, the absolute frequency change after a period of time (e.g., a predefined period of time) from when the slurry is flowing to when the slurry is stopped may be determined. The percent frequency change after a set time interval (e.g., set time interval from when the slurry is flowing to when the slurry is stopped) may be determined.

[0077] As described herein, flow of the material (e.g., slurry) through density measurement device 3010 may be adjusted. For example, flow of the material through density measurement device 3010 may be stopped, slowed, sped up, and the like. Flow of the material may be stopped, started, reduced, or sped up via a pump (e.g., pump 2081), stopped or started via a valve (e.g., valve 2008 A), and the like. The density of the material may be determined when the material is flowing through density measurement device 3010, and / or the density of the material may be determined upon the flow being adjusted (e.g., stopped). For example, upon the flow being stopped, the density of the material may be determined. The density of the material may be determined upon a predetermined time (e.g., a predetermined time from the stoppage of the flowing material). By adjusting (e.g., stopping) the flow of the material, particles (e.g., relatively large particles) may fall (e.g., settle) to one or more portions of the u-tube 3032, such as the bottom 3032-2 of the vertically aligned oscillator tube 3032, one or more portions of legs of the density measurement device, outside of oscillator tube 3032, and the like. The particles (e.g., dense particles, large particles, non- homogenous particles) that settle may not be determined as part of the density measurement of the slurry. A correction factor of the density measurement of the slurry may be determined based on the particles that have settled. The correction factor may be applied to modify (e.g., correct) the density measurement of the slurry and / or the soil of the slurry.

[0078] As described herein, orienting the density measurement device 3010 (e.g., u-tube 3032) in a vertical (e.g., substantially vertical orientation) and / or stopping the flow of the slurry within the density measurement device 3010 (e.g., u-tube 3032) may improve accuracyof the determination of the density measurement (e.g., total density measurement) of the slurry. The improved accuracy of the total density measurement of the slurry may result in the improved determination of the soil to water mass ratio measurement of the slurry (e.g., soil slurry).

[0079] The u-tube may oscillate to determine the density of the slurry. The u-tube may oscillate when the slurry is flowing through density measurement device 3010 and / or the u- tube may oscillate when the slurry is not flowing through density measurement device 3010. The u-tube may oscillate to determine the density of the slurry when the slurry is flowing through the density measurement device 3010 and when the slurry is not flowing through the density measurement device 3010. For example, flow through the u-tube may be stopped (e.g., paused) within the density measurement device 3010 (e.g., u-tube 3032 of the density measurement device 3010) when pumping of the fluid is stopped (e.g., paused). When flow stops, the u-tube 3032 may continue to oscillate and particles 3050 (e.g., large particles, nonhom ogeneous particles, etc.) within the slurry may settle at one or more portions of the density measurement device 3011, such as at the bottom 3032-2 of the u-tube 3032 or legs of the density measurement device 3010, based on gravity. The density of the slurry during the stoppage (e.g., pause) in flow and the density of the slurry during the slurry flowing may be determined.

[0080] As the slurry flows through density measurement device 3010, the u-tube 3032 may oscillate. As the slurry is flowing, particles 3050 within the slurry may not settle at one or more portions of the density measurement device 3011. The density of the slurry during the flowing of the slurry may be determined. The density (e.g., total density) of the slurry during the stoppage (e.g., pausing) may be compared with the density (e.g., total density) of the slurry when flowing through the density measurement device 3010 (e.g., u-tube 3032). The density of the slurry during the stoppage (e.g., pausing) may be compared with the density of the slurry when flowing through the density measurement device 3010 (e.g., u-tube 3032) to improve the determination of the density (e.g., total density) of the slurry). For example, the difference in density measurement (e.g., during oscillation of u-tube 3032) in a non-settled and at least partially settled state allows for correction of the density measurement in the normally flowing state. The density of the slurry during the stoppage (e.g., pausing) may be compared with the density of the slurry when flowing through the density measurement device 3010 (e.g., u-tube 3032) because large, suspended particles may not contribute to (e.g., are not substantially affected by) the oscillation provided the u-tube 3032.

[0081] The oscillation frequency of the density measurement device 3010 may be related (e.g., directly related) to a mass (e.g., a mass of the fixed volume of fluid within the oscillating portion of the density measurement device 3010) and the centroid of fluid mass in relation to the node(s) and anti-node(s) of vibration. Large particles suspended in the fluid may not participate (e.g., fully participate) in the oscillation of tube 3032. By not participating in the oscillation of the tube 3032, an error in the density measurement may be provided by the density measurement device 3010. By measuring the oscillation frequency when fluid is flowing through the density measurement device 3010, it may be possible to determine the mass (e.g., a mass of the fixed volume of fluid within the oscillating portion of the density measurement device 3010) and the centroid of fluid mass in relation to the node(s) and anti-node(s) of vibration. The mass of the particles when the when fluid is flowing through the density measurement device 3010 may include all particles (e.g., big particles, small particles, etc.).

[0082] By measuring the oscillation frequency when fluid is not flowing through the density measurement device 3010, it may be possible to determine the mass (e.g., a mass of the fixed volume of fluid within the oscillating portion of the density measurement device 3010) and the centroid of fluid mass in relation to the node(s) and anti-node(s) of vibration. The mass of the particles when the fluid is not flowing through the density measurement device 3010 may include small (e.g., relatively small) particles, as the large particles may settle to one or more portions of the density measurement device 3010 (e.g., the bottom of the vertical oscillation tube 3032 and / or one or more of the legs of the density measurement device 3010). Accordingly, determining the density measurement of the slurry when the fluid is not flowing through the density measurement device may allow for correction of the determination of the density measurement of the slurry when the fluid is flowing. Such correction may result in a more accurate determination of the density (e.g., total density) of the slurry.

[0083] As the oscillation frequency is related to the mass of the fixed volume of fluid within the oscillating portion of the device and the centroid of fluid mass in relation to the node(s) and anti-node(s) of vibration, an indication of the mass may be determined via one or more of the following. For example, the oscillation frequency change (e.g., absolute oscillation frequency) may be determined after a predetermined period of time. In another example, the percentage of oscillation frequency change may be determined after a predetermined period of time. In another example, the time to a steady state or defined minimum rate of frequency change may be determined.

[0084] The oscillation frequency e.g., absolute, percentage) of a homogeneous material (e.g., clay) may not change over time when flow is stopped, and the oscillation frequency of a non-homogeneous material (e.g., sand) may change over time when flow is stopped. A homogeneous material (e.g., clay) may not drop out of suspension (e.g., may not drop out of the tube 3032). A non-homogeneous material (e.g., sand) may drop out of suspension (e.g., may drop out of the tube 3032). As a homogeneous material (e.g., clay) may not drop out of suspension, the oscillation frequency of the homogeneous material may not change (e.g., substantially change). As the oscillation frequency of the homogeneous material may not change e.g., substantially change), the mass of the homogeneous material may not change (e.g., may not change as it flows through tube 3032). Because the mass of the homogeneous material may not change, the density measurement of a slurry containing the homogeneous material may be consistent (e.g., accurate).

[0085] As a non-homogeneous material (e.g., sand) may drop out of suspension, the oscillation frequency of the non-homogeneous material may change (e.g., substantially change). As the oscillation frequency of the non-homogeneous material may change (e.g., substantially change), the mass of the non-homogeneous material may change. Because the mass of the non-homogeneous material may change, the density measurement of a slurry containing the non-homogeneous material may be inconsistent (e.g., inaccurate). By taking a measurement of the fluid (e.g., flowing fluid) to achieve a base density measurement, then stopping flow and measuring the density (e.g., measuring the density again) after a predetermined time interval, a relative amount of large particles can be determined, and a corresponding correction factor or offset can be applied to the density measurement.

[0086] Base 3014 may substantially planar and rectangular in an example, although other polygonal and non-polygonal shaped bases may be used. The base 3014 may include a plurality of mounting holes 3023 to facilitate mounting the base to the support surface with a variety of fasteners. Base 3014 may define a longitudinal centerline of the density measurement device 3010 which may be aligned with the length of the oscillator tube 3032 (parallel to the tube’s parallel legs). For example, the length of the oscillator tube 3032 may extend along the centerline. In an example, centerline and the flow passages within oscillator tube 3032 may be horizontal so that any settling that occurs may be perpendicular to the flow through the passage rather than in-line with the flow. In other examples, as described herein, at least a majority of the flow passages inside the oscillator tube may oriented vertically, substantially vertically, or the like.

[0087] Spacers 3015 may be elongated in structure and space the control board 3016 apart from the base 3014 so that the oscillator tube 3032 may occupy the space 3015-1 created therebetween. Any suitable number of spacers may be used for this purpose. The space may be sized to provide clearance for accommodating the motion of the oscillator tube 3032 and other appurtenances such as the frequency driver and pickup 3012, 3013. The planar control board 3016 may be oriented parallel to the base 3014.

[0088] As described herein, the density measurement device 3010 may include a u-shaped oscillator tube 3032. The U-shaped oscillator tube 3032 may be excited via a frequency transmitter or driver 3012 to oscillate the tube at its characteristic natural frequency. In examples, the driver 3012 may be an electromagnetic inductor, a piezoelectric actuator / element, a mechanical pulse generator, and the like. The driver 3012 may be operable to generate a user-controllable and preprogrammed excitation frequency. A corresponding sensor such as a receiver or pickup 3013 may be provided.

[0089] Density measurement device 3010 may include a standoff, such as standoff 3024. Standoff 3024 may be a non-magnetic standoff. The standoff 3024 may project transversely outwards from the lateral sides of oscillator tube in opposite directions and perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of the density measurement device 3010. Standoff 3024 may be configured with dimensions and / or lengths to space magnets far enough away from the oscillator tube 3032 to prevent creating a static magnetic field of sufficient strength within tube 3032 to attract and / or aggregate particles (e.g., iron particles) in the soil slurry.

[0090] Pickup 3013 may be configured to detect and obtain a vibrational measurement of the oscillator tube when excited. Pickup 3013 may be electromagnetic, inductance, piezoelectric receiver / element, optical, or other commercially available sensor capable of detecting and measuring the vibrational frequency response of the oscillator tube 3032 when excited. The pulsing or vibrational response movement of the excited oscillator tube 3032 may be detected by pickup 3013, which may measure the amplitude of the frequency response of the tube. The amplitude of the frequency response of the tube may be highest at a natural / resonance or secondary harmonic frequency when the tube is empty. In another example, the phase difference between the driving and driven frequencies may be used to narrow into the natural frequency.

[0091] When excited, the vibrational frequency of oscillator tube 3032 may change relative to the density of the slurry (e.g., when stagnantly filled in the oscillator tube for batch mode density measurement or flowing through the U-tube at a continuous and constant flow rate for 1continuous density measurement). The density measurement device may convert the measured oscillation frequency into a density measurement (e.g., via a digital controller) which may be programmed to compare the baseline natural frequency of the empty tube and / or the baseline frequency of the tube filled with a fluid of known density (e.g. water) to the slurry filled tube. For example, two or more points may be created by measuring the frequency when the tube 3032 is empty and measuring with water. The calibration may be used to determine the density of one or more particles (e.g., any particles) that may flow through tube 3032.

[0092] The frequency driver and pickup 3013 may be operably and communicably coupled to an electronic control circuit comprising a microprocessor-based density meter processor or controller 3016-2 mounted to a circuit control board 3016 supported from base 3014. Controller 3016-2 may be configured to deliver a pulsed excitation frequency to the oscillator tube 3032 via the driver 3012, and measure the resultant change in the resonant frequency and phase of the excited oscillator tube. The digital density measurement device 2022 may convert the measured oscillation frequency into a density measurement via the controller which is preprogrammed and configured with operating software or instructions to perform the measurement and density determination. The controller 3016-2 may be provided and configured with all of the usual ancillary devices and appurtenances similar to any of the controllers already previously described herein and necessary to provide a fully functional programmable electronic controller. Accordingly, these details of the density meter controller 3016-2 will not be described in further detail for the sake of brevity.

[0093] The frequency driver 3012 and pickup 3013 may be mounted (e.g., rigidly mounted) to circuit board 3016 in an example. In other examples, the driver and pickup may be rigidly mounted to separate vertical supports 3031 attached to base 3014. The driver and pickup may be mounted adjacent and proximate to permanent magnets 3025. Magnets (e.g., permanent magnets) 3025 may generate a static magnetic field (lines of magnetic flux) which may interact with the driver 3012 and / or pickup 3013 for exciting the oscillator tube 3011 and measuring its vibrational frequency when excited.

[0094] Tube mounting block 3017 may be configured for mounting (e.g., rigidly mounting) oscillator tube 3032 in a cantilevered manner. Oscillator tube 3032 may be a straight U-tube configuration in which all portions lie in the same plane (e.g., vertical plane, horizontal plane). The mounting block 3017 may include one or more (e.g., a pair) of through bores which may receive the end portions of the oscillator tube 3032 (e.g., completelytherethrough). A portion of the oscillator tube 3032 may be unsupported and able to freely oscillate in response to the excitation frequency delivered by the driver 3012.

[0095] An inlet end portion and outlet end portion of oscillator tube 3032 may project through and beyond the tube mounting block 3017. The inlet end portion and outlet end portion of oscillator tube may be received in a corresponding open through bore or hole of the flow connection manifold 3018 associated with defining a slurry inlet 3020 and slurry outlet 3021 of the connection manifold 3018. Through holes 3018 of the flow connection manifold 3018 may have any suitable configuration to hold the end portions of oscillator tube 3032 in tight and a fluidly sealed manner. Suitable fluid seals such as O-rings, elastomeric sealants, or similar may be used to achieve a leak-tight coupling between the oscillator tube and connection manifold 3018. The connection manifold 3018 may abuttingly engage the mounting block 3017 to provide contiguous coupling openings therethrough for the inlet end portion and / or outlet end portion to fully support the end portions of oscillator tube 3032. In examples, the connection manifold 3018 may be spaced apart, in relative close proximity to mounting block 3017, or one or more other configurations.

[0096] The mounting block 3017, flow connection manifold 3018, and base 3014 may be made of a suitable metal (e.g. aluminum, steel, etc.) of sufficient weight and thickness to act as vibration dampeners such that excitation of oscillator tube which is measured by the density measurement device 3010 is indicative of only the frequency response of the filled oscillator tube 3011 without interference by any corresponding parasitic resonances that otherwise could be induced in the base or the mounting block and flow connection manifold.

[0097] Oscillator tube 3032 may have a conventional U-shape, as shown, although other shapes may be used. Oscillator tube 3032 may be formed of a non-metallic material in an example. Suitable materials may include glass, such as borosilicate glass. In other examples, metallic tubes may be used such as without limitation stainless steel which is less fragile and non-magnetic. Magnets 3025 may be fixedly and rigidly supported from and mounted to the oscillator tube 3032, such as on opposite lateral sides of the U-tube proximate to the U-bend portion. The U-bend portion may be farthest from the cantilevered portion of the oscillator tube adjoining the mounting block 3017 and may experience the greatest displacement / deflection when excited by driver 3012 making the tube vibration frequency change readily detectible by the digital meter controller 3016-2. Making the tube vibration frequency change readily detectible may create an improved sensitivity for frequency deviation measurement of the slurry-filled oscillator tube 3011 versus the natural frequencyof the tube when empty; the deviation or different in frequency being used by controller 3016-2 to measure the slurry density.

[0098] As described herein, it may be necessary to know (e.g., determine) the water to soil ratio (e.g., ratio of carrier fluid mass to solid particle mass) to perform analysis of a slurry. For example, it may be necessary to know the ratio of carrier fluid mass to solid particle mass to ensure that appropriate extractant quantities are used and / or that downstream analyte concentration calculations are performed (e.g., performed properly). The determination of the water to soil ratio may be based on one or more of a particle density measurement of one or more solids within the slurry, a density measurement of the slurry (e.g., the entire slurry), a density of the fluid within the slurry, and the like.

[0099] FIG. 4 shows an example particle density measurement device 4000. Particle density measurement device 4000 may be device 2022, as shown on FIGS. 2 A, 2B. Particle density measurement device 4000 may be described as a soil particle density measurement device 4000 throughout the disclosure, although it should be understood that this is for illustration purposes only and the particle density measurement device 4000 may determine the value of one or more attributes of one or more agricultural solids in a slurry. The one or more values of the one or more attributes determined by particle density measurement device 4000 may be in addition, or in the alternative, of the particle density measurement device 4000 determining the particle density measurement of a solid within a slurry. For example, the particle density measurement device 4000 (or one or more other devices, such as devices similar to particle density measurement device 4000) may determine the mass of one or more solids in a slurry, the electrical conductivity of one or more solids in a slurry, and the like. In an example, particle density device 4000 (or one or more devices similar to particle density measurement device 4000) may be used to determine the mass of organic matter within a slurry. In examples one or more devices separate from particle density device 4000 may be used to determine the mass of organic matter within a slurry.

[0100] Particle density measurement device 4000 (or one or more devices similar to particle density measurement device 4000) may determine and / or detect characteristics of a sample (e.g., a soil sample, such as a soil sample from a soil slurry). Such characteristics of the sample may include soil moisture, soil organic matter, soil temperature, seed presence, seed spacing, percentage of seeds firmed, soil residue presence, as described herein. Soil particle density measurement device 4000 may generate soil signals via one or more sensing techniques relating to soil and / or slurry samples. For example, soil particle densitymeasurement device 4000 may generate soil signals via one or more of optical wavelength reflectance / absorption values, electromagnetic wavelength reflectance / absorption values, temperature values, electrical current flow values, electrical conductivity, Xray flourescence, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, Near Infrared Spectroscopy, Mid Infrared Spectroscopy, Far Infrared Spectroscopy, Xray Diffraction, Gamma Ray emission, Raman Spectroscopy, Multi-Spectral Sensing, Short wave infrared, Microfluidics, Acoustic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Photoemission spectroscopy, spectrophotometry, thermal infrared spectroscopy, video spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, laser diffraction, and the like.

[0101] Particle density measurement device 4000 may include one or more reflectivity sensors 4002. Each reflectivity sensor 4002 may be disposed and / or configured to measure reflectivity of soil. For example, the reflectivity sensors 4002 may be disposed to measure soil (e.g., soil sample). The reflectivity sensor 4002 may include a lens disposed in the bottom of the body of the soil particle density measurement device. In examples the reflectivity sensor 4002 may include one of the examples disclosed in WO2014 / 153157, W02014 / 186810, W02015 / 171908, US20180168094, W02019070617, and / or WO2020161566. In one embodiment, reflectivity sensor 4002 may be a SmartFirmer® sensor available from Precision Planting LLC of Tremont, Illinois. In examples, the reflectivity sensor 4002 may be configured to measure reflectivity in the visible range (e.g., 400 and / or 600 nanometers), in the near-infrared range (e.g., 940 nanometers) and / or elsewhere the infrared range. One or more mechanisms may be provided for cleaning of one or more components of particle density measurement device 4000. For example, one or more ports (e.g., fluid ports) may be provided for cleaning one or more sensors of particle density measurement device 4000. The one or more ports may provide one or more substances, such as water and / or air, to clean one or more of the sensors.

[0102] The soil particle density measurement device 4000 may include a temperature sensor 4060. The temperature sensor 4060 may be disposed and / or configured to measure temperature of soil. Central portion 4062 of soil particle density measurement device 4000 may include a thermally conductive material, such as copper. The central portion 4062 may include a hollow copper rod. The central portion 4062 may be in thermal communication with a thermocouple fixed to the central portion. In other examples, the temperature sensor 4060 may include a non-contact temperature sensor such as an infrared thermometer.

[0103] As described herein, particle density measurement device 4000 may determine the density of one or more solids (e.g, soil) within a slurry. In addition, or alternatively, particle density measurement device 4000 may determine values of the materials of the solid (e.g, soil) within the slurry. For example, the particle density measurement device 4000 (or a device similar to particle density measurement device 4000) may determine values of organic matter and / or minerals within a slurry. As an example, the particle density measurement device 4000 may determine the mass (e.g., relative mass) of the organic matter and / or minerals within the slurry. As known by those of skill in the art, organic matter is a property that may affect soil productivity. The particle density measurement device 4000 may determine organic matter within the slurry by measuring reflectance of the slurry (e.g., soil slurry) as the slurry flows past the particle density measurement device 4000. The particle density measurement device 4000 may measure reflectance via a sensor (such as sensor 4002) using multiple wavelengths in the visible and / or infrared spectrums, for example. The sensor may use sensing techniques including optical wavelength reflectance / absorption values, electromagnetic wavelength reflectance / absorption values, temperature, electrical current flow, electrical conductivity, Xray flourescence, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, Near Infrared Spectroscopy, Mid Infrared Spectroscopy, Far Infrared Spectroscopy, Xray Diffraction, Gamma Ray emission, Raman Spectroscopy, Multi-Spectral Sensing, Short wave infrared, Microfluidics, Acoustic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Photoemission spectroscopy, spectrophotometry, thermal infrared spectroscopy, video spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, laser diffraction, and the like.

[0104] The soil particle density measurement device 4000 may include a plurality of electrical conductivity sensors 4070r. Electrical conductivity sensor 4070r may be disposed and / or configured to measure electrical conductivity of soil. In examples, the electrical conductivity sensors 4070r may include one or more ground-working or ground-contacting devices (e.g., discs or shanks) that contact the soil and are electrically isolated from one another or from another voltage reference. The voltage potential between the sensors 4070r or other voltage reference may be measured by the soil particle density measurement device 4000. The voltage potential or another electrical conductivity value derived from the voltage potential may be reported to a user of soil particle density measurement device 4000. The electrical conductivity value may be associated with a GPS-reported position (e.g., position relating to the sample) and / or used to generate a map of the spatial variation in electricalconductivity throughout the field. It should be appreciated that at least one of the electrical conductivity sensors may be electrically isolated from one or more other sensors or voltage references.

[0105] The soil particle density measurement device 4000 may include a plurality of electrodes 4070f. The plurality of electrodes 4070f may be operably coupled to, or integrated / contained with the one or more electrical conductivity sensors 4070r. Sensors 4070r are operably coupled in turn to system controller 6820 in one embodiment to communicated electrical conductivity measurements therebetween. The plurality of electrodes 4070f associated with electrical conductivity sensors 4070r may use one or more sensing techniques to determine the conductivity of the slurry (e.g., the soil within the slurry) via direct immersion into the slurry. For example, the plurality of electrodes 4070f and / or the electrical conductivity sensors 4070r may use one or more sensing techniques including electrical current flow, electrical conductivity, electro-magnetic induction, electrical resistivity, time domain reflectometry, amplitude domain reflectometry, frequency domain reflectometry, and the like.

[0106] One or more of the electrodes 4070f associated with electrical conductivity sensors 4070r may be spaced so that they span across and / or at least partially surround the flow of the slurry (e.g., soil slurry) to measure the density of the agricultural solids within the slurry. For example, an electrode may be placed on one side of the flow of the slurry, and another electrode may be placed on another opposite side of the flow of the slurry (i.e. the slurry stream). Electrodes 4070f are in direct wetted contact with the flowing slurry. Electrodes 4070f may measure electrical conductivity in contact with one or more sides (e.g., either side) of the soil slurry. For example, as slurry flows through a tube such as flow conduit 2059, electrodes 4070f may measure electrical conductivity in contact with one or more sides (e.g., either side) of the soil slurry flowing through the tube. Electrical conductivity of the slurry (e.g., electrical conductivity of the soil within the slurry) may be determined via electrodes 4070f. The electrical conductivity of the slurry (e.g., electrical conductivity of the soil within the slurry) may be used to determine the amount(s) of nutrients in the slurry, for example, for plant uptake and / or soil salinity. In another example, the electrical conductivity of the slurry (e.g., electrical conductivity of the soil within the slurry) may be used to determine the particle density measurement of the slurry (e.g., the soil density within the slurry).

[0107] Data from the particle density measurement device 4000 may be transmitted and / or received via communications interface 4065. The particle density measurement device 4000may transmit the data for processing of the data, storage of the data, displaying the data, and the like. For example, data from the particle density measurement device 4000 may be transmitted to a mobile device (e.g., a smart phone or tablet), an external server (e.g., a cloud server), one or more Internet of Things devices, and the like, for processing, storage, and / or display. In examples communications interface 4065 may be a wireless transmitter, although communication may be performed via one or more known methods in other examples.

[0108] Additional examples of a reflectance type particle density measurement device are shown as device 5000 in FIGS. 5A and 5B for measuring characteristics of an agricultural material solid such as soil or other contained in aqueous slurry. The particle density measurement device 5000 (e.g., one or more optical sensors) may measure reflectance of the soil solids in the slurry dynamically while the slurry is in a flowing state through the device. For example, the particle density measurement device 5000, 5050 (e.g., sensor(s)) may measure reflectance of the soil slurry flowing past the particle density measurement device 5000, 5050 (e.g., sensor) using one or more (e.g., multiple) wavelengths in the visible and infrared spectrums.

[0109] Soil particle density measurement device 5000 comprises an elongated housing 5000a which includes one or more slurry inlets 5001 and slurry outlets 5002. In the illustrated embodiment, a single inlet and outlet are provided. Inlets and / or outlets 5001, 5002 may be configured to receive slurry and discharge or release slurry from soil particle density measurement device 5000. In examples the inlet 5001 may (e.g., may only) receive fluids such as an agricultural material slurry (e.g., soil slurry) and the outlet 5002 may (e.g., may only) discharge or release fluids such as the slurry. In other examples, each of the inlet and outlet may receive and release fluids. Soil particle density measurement device 5000 may include one or more O-rings 5004, for example, to seal an upper part of housing 5000a caps to a lower base part of soil particle density measurement device 5000 as shown. Soil particle density measurement device 5000 may include one or more optics devices, printed circuit boards (PCBs), lenses, and the like. The optical sensor may be mounted to the PCB. For example, soil particle density measurement device 5000 may include one or more optics and / or PCBs 5006.

[0110] Soil particle density measurement device 5000 may include one or more lenses, such as one or more sapphire lenses 5008 located adjacent to flow channel 5052a which extends linearly between slurry inlet and outlet 5001, 5002 as shown. Flow channel 5052 conveys the agricultural slurry through the reflectance particle density measurement device therebydefining a flow path 5052 therethrough for conducting reflectance measurements via the sensor 5006a. The sensor is disposed adjacent to the flow channel to measure the reflectance of the solid in the slurry as the slurry flows through the flow path. The sapphire lens 5008 provides a liquid sealed view into the flow channel 5052a through which the sensor 5006a measures the reflectance of the solid within the slurry as the slurry flows along the flow path through measurement device 5000. It bears noting that other configurations of particle density measurement device may be used.[oni] FIG. 6 shows an example controller for controlling the systems and apparatuses described herein. For example, the example controller may control operation of one or more systems and sub-systems, such as collection sub-system 1001, preparation sub-system 1002, analysis sub-system 1003. The example controller may control operation of system 2000. The control and / or operations described within this disclosure may be performed by one or more processors, as described herein. For example, the operations described herein may be controlled and / or monitored (e.g., automatically controlled and monitored) by a processorbased control system 6800 including a programmable central processing unit (CPU) (e.g. processing system), such as system controller 6820. System controller 6820 is disclosed in co-pending U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0124992A1, PCT Publication No. W02020 / 012369, PCT Application No. PCT / IB2021 / 051077, filed on 10 February 2021, and / or PCT Application No. PCT / IB2021 / 052872, filed on 7 April 2021. As further described herein, system controller 6820 may include one or more processors, non-transitory tangible computer readable medium, programmable input / output peripherals, and all other necessary electronic appurtenances normally associated with a fully functional processorbased controller.

[0112] FIG. 6 shows the control or processing system 6800 including programmable processor-based central processing unit (CPU) or system controller 6820 as referenced to herein. System controller 6820 may include one or more processors, non-transitory tangible computer readable medium, programmable input / output peripherals, and all other necessary electronic appurtenances normally associated with a fully functional processor-based controller. Control system 6800, including controller 6820, may be operably and communicably linked to one or more soil sample processing and analysis systems and devices described herein via suitable communication links 6752 to control operation of those systems and device in a fully integrated and sequenced manner.

[0113] In an example, the control system 6800 including programmable controller 6820 may be mounted on a translatable self-propelled or pulled machine (e.g., vehicle, tractor, combine harvester, etc.) which may include an agricultural implement (e.g., planter, cultivator, plough, sprayer, spreader, irrigation implement, etc.). In an example, the machine upon which the control system 6800 is attached may perform operations of a tractor or vehicle that is coupled to an implement for agricultural operations. In other examples, the controller may be part of a stationary station or facility. Control system 6800, whether onboard or off-board machine, may include the controller 6820, non-transitory tangible computer or machine accessible and readable medium such as memory 6805, and a network interface 6815.

[0114] Computer or machine accessible and readable medium may include any suitable volatile memory and non-volatile memory or devices operably and communicably coupled to the processor(s). Any suitable combination and types of volatile or non-volatile memory may be used including as examples, without limitation, random access memory (RAM) and various types thereof, read-only memory (ROM) and various types thereof, hard disks, solid- state drives, flash memory, or other memory and devices which may be written to and / or read by the processor operably connected to the medium. Both the volatile memory and the nonvolatile memory may be used for storing the program instructions or software. In one example, the computer or machine accessible and readable non-transitory medium (e.g., memory 6805) may contains executable computer program instructions which when executed by the system controller 6820 cause the system to perform operations or methods of the present disclosure including measuring properties and testing of soil and vegetative samples.

[0115] While the machine accessible and readable non-transitory medium (e.g., memory 6805) is shown to be a single medium, the term should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and / or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of control logic or instructions. The term “machine accessible and readable non-transitory medium” may be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure. The term “machine accessible and readable non-transitory medium” may be taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical and magnetic media, and carrier wave signals.

[0116] Network interface 6815 may communicate with the soil sample processing and analysis systems and devices described herein (collectively designated 6803 in FIG. 6), andother systems or devices. The network interface 6815 may be configured for wired and / or wireless bidirectional communications which may include at least one of a GPS transceiver, a WLAN transceiver (e.g., Wi-Fi), an infrared transceiver, a Bluetooth transceiver, Ethernet, Near Field Communications, or other suitable communication interfaces and protocols for communications with the other devices and systems. The network interface 6815 may be integrated with the control system 6800 as illustrated in FIG. 6, or elsewhere. The EO (input / output) ports 6829 of control system 6800 (e.g., diagnostic / on board diagnostic (OBD) port) may enable communication with another data processing system or device (e.g., display devices, sensors, etc.).

[0117] The programmable controller 6820 may include one or more microprocessors, processors, a system on a chip (integrated circuit), one or more microcontrollers, or combinations thereof. The processing system may include processing logic 6826 for executing software instructions of one or more programs and a communication module or unit 6828 (e.g., transmitter, transceiver) for transmitting and receiving communications. The communication unit 6828 may be integrated with control system 6800 (e.g. controller 6820) or separate from the processing system. In an example, communication unit 6828 may be in operable data communication with one or more devices, systems, and / or sub-systems via a diagnostic / OBD port of the EO ports 6829.

[0118] Programmable processing logic 6826 of the control system 6800 may direct the operation of system controller 6820 (e.g., including one or more processors) to process the communications received from the communication unit 6828 or network interface 6815 including agricultural data (e.g., test data, testing results, GPS data, liquid application data, flow rates, etc.), and soil sample processing and analysis systems and devices 6803 data. The memory 6805 of control system 6800 is configured for preprogrammed variable or setpoint / baseline values, storing collected data, and computer instructions or programs for execution (e.g. software 6806) used to control operation of the controller 6820. The memory 6805 can store, for example, software components such as testing software for analysis of soil and vegetation samples for performing operations of the present disclosure, or any other software application or module, images 6808 (e.g., captured images of crops), alerts, maps, etc. The system 6800 can also include an audio input / output subsystem (not shown) which may include a microphone and a speaker for, for example, receiving and sending voice commands or for user authentication or authorization (e.g., biometrics).

[0119] The system controller 6820 may communicate bi-directionally with memory 6805 via communication link 6830, network interface 6815 via communication link 6832, display devices 6830 and optionally a second display device 6825 via communication links 6834, 6835, and I / O ports 6829 via communication links 6836. System controller 6820 further communicates with the soil sample processing and analysis systems and devices 6803 via one or more wired / wireless communication links.

[0120] Display devices 6825 and 6830 may provide visual user interfaces for a user or operator. The display devices may include display controllers. In an example, the display device 6825 may be a portable tablet device or computing device with a touchscreen that displays data (e.g., test results of soil, test results of vegetation, liquid application data, captured images, localized view map layer, high definition field maps of as-applied liquid application data, as-planted or as-harvested data or other agricultural variables or parameters, yield maps, alerts, etc.) and data generated by an agricultural data analysis software application and receives input from the user or operator for an exploded view of a region of a field, monitoring and controlling field operations. The operations may include configuration of the machine or implement, reporting of data, control of the machine or implement including sensors and controllers, and storage of the data generated. The display device 6830 may be a display (e.g., display provided by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM)) that displays images and data for a localized view map layer, as-applied liquid application data, as-planted or as-harvested data, yield data, controlling a machine (e.g., planter, tractor, combine, sprayer, etc.), steering the machine, and monitoring the machine or an implement (e.g., planter, combine, sprayer, etc.) that is connected to the machine with sensors and controllers located on the machine or implement.

[0121] FIG. 7 shows an example process 700 for analyzing one or more agricultural materials. The agricultural materials may be one or more of, soil, manure, vegetation, water, or a combination of the soil, manure, vegetation, water (e.g., a slurry). At 702, agricultural materials including a solid and a liquid may be received, for example, via one or more inlets. At 704, the one or more agricultural materials may be mix via a mixing device. At 706, the flow of the one or more agricultural materials may be stopped, for example, in a first state. The flow of the one or more agricultural materials may be moved, for example, in a second state. The flow of the one or more agricultural materials may be stopped or moved via one or more devices, such as via one or more pumps or one or more valves. At 708, the density of the one or more agricultural materials may be determined via an agricultural materials densitydevice (e.g., density measurement device 2020, 3010). The density of the one or more agricultural materials may be determined when the flow of the one or more agricultural materials is stopped in the first state and / or when the flow of the one or more agricultural materials is moving in the second state. A comparison of the density of the one or more agricultural materials may be determined when the flow of the one or more agricultural materials is stopped in the first state versus when the flow of the one or more agricultural materials is moving in the second state. At 710, the ratio of the at least one solid to the at least one liquid in the one or more agricultural materials may be determined. For example, the ratio of the at least one solid to the at least one liquid in the one or more agricultural materials may be determined based on the determined density of the one or more agricultural materials stopped in the first state and moving in the second state.

[0122] The entire disclosures of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 63 / 191,147, 63 / 191,159, 63 / 191,166, and 63 / 191,172 all filed May 20, 2021 are incorporated by reference herein.

[0123] As described above in connection with the embodiments of FIGS. 1-7, a slurry can be circulated through a recirculation loop to evaluate the properties of the slurry. Discussed below in connection with the embodiments of FIGS. 8-23, a slurry can be evaluated in a chamber without having to flow the slurry in a recirculation loop. That said, the various teachings provided in connection with the embodiments of FIGS. 8-23 could be adapted to embodiments having a recirculation loop, and vice-versa.

[0124] In one embodiment, a sample analysis laboratory 7000 is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. The sample analysis laboratory 7000 comprises a frame, or cabinet, 7100 and casters 7130 mounted to the bottom of the frame 7100 that allow the sample analysis laboratory 7000 to be rolled on the ground. In addition to or in lieu of the casters 7130, the frame 7100 further comprises mounting features that are configured to allow the frame 7100 to be mounted to a vehicle, such as a tractor, for example. The frame 7100 further comprises spaces 7120 defined therein that are configured to house a sample analysis system 8000, or at least components of the sample analysis system 8000. The sample analysis system 8000 comprises a grinding chamber 8100 configured to receive a sample of one or more agricultural materials, such as a soil sample, for example. The sample analysis system 8000 further comprises a control system, a water source, and a water pump that is operable by the control system to supply water from the water source to the grinding chamber 8100. The sample analysis system 8000 also comprises a grinding and / or chopping mechanism in the grinding chamber 8100 that is operable by the control system of the sample analysis system8000 to create a slurry in the grinding chamber 8100 comprising the soil sample and water, for example.

[0125] Further to the above, referring again to FIGS. 8 and 9, the sample analysis system 8000 further comprises a sample ratio control chamber 9000, a tube connecting an outlet of the grinding chamber 8100 to an inlet of the sample ratio control chamber 9000, and a gravity feed or a slurry pump configured to move slurry from the grinding chamber 8100 into the sample ratio control chamber 9000. Similar to the water pump, the slurry pump is in communication with and operable by the control system of the sample analysis system 8000. The sample analysis system further comprises pressure over orifice (e.g., a valve that is open for a selected period of time to allow pressurized fluid in) or a second water pump in communication with and operable by the control system of the sample analysis system 8000 to supply water to the sample ratio control chamber 9000 to achieve a desired soil-to-water mass ratio of the slurry in the sample ratio control chamber 9000. As part of achieving this desired mass ratio, the sample analysis system 8000 further comprises one or more sensors configured to detect one or more properties of the slurry in the sample ratio control chamber 9000, as discussed below.

[0126] Further to the above, referring to FIGS. 10-12, the sample ratio control chamber 9000 comprises a compartment 9100, a top frame assembly 9200 mounted to the compartment 9100, and a bottom frame assembly 9300 mounted to the compartment 9100. The compartment 9100 and the bottom frame assembly 9300 of the sample ratio control chamber 9000 co-operatively define a first chamber lobe 9120 and a second chamber lobe 9130. Referring primarily to FIG. 3, the first chamber lobe 9120 is cylindrical, or at least substantially cylindrical, and the second chamber lobe 9130 is also cylindrical, or at least substantially cylindrical, wherein the first and second chamber lobes 9120, 9130 are in communication with one another via an intermediate chamber space 9140. The bottom frame 9300 defines the bottom of the first chamber lobe 9120 and the second chamber lobe 9130. The compartment 9100 further comprises an inlet 9110 in communication with the grinding chamber 8100 and the bottom frame 9300 further comprises a first aperture defined in the bottom of the first chamber lobe 9120 and a second aperture in the bottom of the second chamber lobe 9130. The first aperture defined in the bottom of the first chamber lobe 9120 is configured to receive an optical sensor, such as optical sensor 5000, for example, therein. Further to the above, the optical sensor 5000 is in communication with the control system of the sample analysis system 8000 and is configured to detect one or more properties of theslurry in the compartment 9100. The second aperture defined in the bottom of the second chamber lobe 9130 is in communication with an outlet 9310. The outlet 9310 comprises a valve in communication with the control system of the sample analysis system 8000 that is configurable in open and closed states by the control system. Referring again to FIGS. 8 and 9, the second chamber lobe 9130 is in fluid communication with a drain, or sump, 8200 of the sample analysis system 8000 via a tube when the outlet 9310 is placed in its open state.

[0127] Further to the above, the top frame assembly 9200 comprises a top frame 9210 that encloses, or at least substantially encloses, the top ends of the first and second chamber lobes 9120, 9130. In various instances, the sample ratio control chamber 9000 is not entirely sealed and comprises a vent 9190 in communication with the first chamber lobe 9120, for example. The top frame 9210 is mounted to the compartment 9100 via a mounting plate 9150 and a plurality of fasteners and, as discussed below, supports a stirring system 9400. Moreover, the top frame 9210 and the compartment 9100 are also connected to one another via a mounting bracket 7110 and a plurality of fasteners which also mount the sample ratio control chamber 9000 to the frame 7100. The stirring system 9400 comprises an electric motor drive 9410 and an electrical connector 9490 that places the electric motor drive 9410 in communication with the controller of the sample analysis system 8000 via an electrical wiring harness. The stirring system 9400 further comprises a rotatable shaft 9420 operably coupled to the electric motor drive 9410 that is rotatably supported by a bearing 9430 positioned in the top frame 9210. A stirring blade 9440 is mounted to a bottom end of the shaft 9420 by at least one fastener such that the stirring blade 9440 rotates with the shaft 9420. Notably, the shaft 9420 extends within the first chamber lobe 9120 such that the stirring blade 9440 rotates within the bottom of the first chamber lobe 9120. In use, the controller of the sample analysis system 8000 can provide power to, or selectively provide power to, the electric motor drive 9410 to stir the contents of the compartment 9100.

[0128] Once the slurry in the compartment 9100 has been sufficiently stirred and / or after a sufficient amount of water has been added to the slurry in the compartment 9100 to achieve the desired properties of the slurry, the slurry, or at least a portion of the slurry, can be extracted from the compartment 9100 via a slurry extraction system 9500 to an analysis device, or a suite of analysis devices, in the sample analysis system 8000. Referring again to FIGS. 8 and 9, the analysis devices of the sample analysis system 8000 can be positioned in the spaces 7120 depicted in the front side of the frame 7100 and / or in spaces 7120 in the back side of the frame 7100, for example. The slurry extraction system 9500 comprises anextraction tube 9520 and a filter, or screen, 9530 surrounding a bottom end of the extraction tube 9520. The extraction tube 9520 extends within the second chamber lobe 9130 such that the bottom end of the extraction tube 9520 and the filter 9530 are positioned in, or near, the bottom of the second chamber lobe 9130. The top frame 9210 comprises an internal passage that is in fluid communication with an internal passage 9525 defined in the extraction tube 9520 wherein the internal passage defined in the top frame 9210 is controlled by a plurality of valves of the slurry extraction system 9500. More specifically, referring to FIGS. 14-16, the slurry extraction system 9500 comprises an extraction valve 9510, a blow-out valve 9570, and a waste valve 9580 that are controllable by the controller of the sample analysis system 8000 to place the sample ratio control chamber 9000 in a plurality of different operating states, as discussed below.

[0129] Further to the above, the extraction valve 9510, the blow-out valve 9570, and the waste valve 9580 are air-operated valves that are each configurable in an open state and a closed state. To facilitate the operation of the air-operated valves, the sample analysis system 8000 further comprises an air compressor either externally supplied or the air compressor can be supported by the frame 7100 that is configured to selectively supply compressed air to the extraction valve 9510, the blow-out valve 9570, and the waste valve 9580, as controlled by the controller of the sample analysis system 8000. In different embodiments, the extraction valve 9510, the blow-out valve 9570, and the waste valve 9580 can be used to facilitate slurry moving up the extraction tube 9520 and out the extraction port 9290; the extraction valve 9510, the blow-out valve 9570, and the waste valve 9580 can be used to facilitate relieving of pressure inside the extraction tube 9520 and other passageways; and the extraction valve 9510, the blow-out valve 9570, and the waste valve 9580 can be sued to allow water and / or air to be blow through the ports, tubes, and passageways for cleaning and priming purposes (i.e., air out of the lines prior to collecting a sample of slurry). In a first operating state of the sample ratio control chamber 9000, the extraction valve 9510, the blow-out valve 9570, and the waste valve 9580 are each positioned in one of their open and closed states such that slurry can be drawn up through the internal passage 9525 defined in the extraction tube 9520 and out of an extraction port 9290 defined at an end of the internal passage defined in the top frame 9210 by a slurry pump in communication with the extraction port 9290 that is operated by the controller of the sample analysis system 8000. In a second operating state of the sample ratio control chamber 9000, the extraction valve 9510, the blow-out valve 9570, and the waste valve 9580 are each positioned in one of their open and closed states such thatslurry can be drawn up through the internal passage 9525 defined in the extraction tube 9520 and out of a waste port 9250 defined in the top frame 9210 into the waste sump 8200, discussed above, by a slurry pump in communication with the waste port 9250 that is operated by the controller of the sample analysis system 8000, or the waste port 9250 can be used in conjunction with the slurry pump in communication with the extraction port 9290 to allow the analysis equipment to push fluids into the extraction port 9520 and out to waste. In a third operating state of the sample ratio control chamber 9000, the extraction valve 9510, the blow-out valve 9570, and the waste valve 9580 are each positioned in one of their open and closed states such that the internal passage in the top frame 9210 can be cleaned out with a flow of water and / or compressed air, for example.

[0130] Further to the above, referring primarily to FIG. 11, the sample ratio control chamber 9000 further comprises a filter, or screen, clearing system 9700 configured to clear debris from the filter, or screen, 9530. The clearing system 9700 comprises a housing 9710 that is positioned within and sealingly engaged with an aperture, or port, defined in the compartment 9100. The clearing system 9700 also comprises a transducer comprising piezoelectric elements, for example, configured to create a vibrational standing wave in the slurry which can dislodge debris that is blocking the flow of slurry through the screen 9530. The transducer is configured to create the vibrational standing wave along an axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the extraction tube 9520 and pointed at the screen 9530. That said, the axis of the vibrational standing wave can be oriented at any suitable angle and pointed at any portion of the extraction tube 9520 and / or screen 9530. The clearing system 9700 further comprises an electrical connector 9790 that is configured to place the transducer in communication with the controller of the sample analysis system 8000 via an electrical wiring harness. The controller can be configured to activate, i.e., power, the transducer of the clearing system 9700 before the slurry is extracted from the compartment 9100, while the slurry is being extracted from the compartment 9100, and / or after the slurry has been extracted from the compartment 9100, for example.

[0131] The sample ratio control chamber 9000 further comprises a distance sensor 9600 configured to sense the level of the slurry in the compartment 9100. The distance sensor 9600 comprises an acoustic sensor but could comprise any suitable sensor, such as an optical sensor, for example. The distance sensor 9600 comprises a sensor housing 9610 positioned in an aperture 9220 defined in the top frame 9210. The sensor housing 9610 is secured to the top frame 9210 such that there is little, if any, relative movement between the level sensor9600 and the top frame 9210. In various embodiments, the sensor housing 9610 is secured to the top frame 9210 by at least one latch and / or one or more fasteners, for example. In various embodiments, the distance sensor 9600 further comprises one or more seals positioned intermediate the sensor housing 9610 and the top frame 9210 that create an air-tight seal, or an at least water-tight seal, between the distance sensor 9600 and the top frame 9210. Such seals can also assist in securing the distance sensor 9600 in the aperture 9220.

[0132] Further to the above, the distance sensor 9600 further comprises a sensor element 9620 facing toward the bottom of the chamber lobes 9120, 9130 defined in the compartment 9100. In use, the sensor element 9620 is configured to emit one or more sound waves toward the slurry in the compartment 9100 in response to an input from the controller of the sample analysis system 8000. The emitted sound waves reflect off the top surface of the slurry and, for the most part, back toward the sensor element 9620. The sound waves are ultrasonic, i.e., they have a frequency above the threshold of human hearing, but can be emitted at any suitable frequency, such as frequencies audible to a human, for example. Moreover, the sensor element 9620 can simultaneously and / or sequentially emit sound waves at more than one frequency in response to an input, or inputs, from the controller of the sample analysis system 8000. The sensor element 9620 is further configured to detect the reflected sound waves. That said, other embodiments are envisioned in which the sound waves are emitted from and detected by separate elements of a sensor system, for example. As discussed below, the emitted and reflected sound waves can be used by the controller of the sample analysis system 8000 to determine the distance between the sensor element 9620 and the top surface of the slurry in the sample ratio control chamber 9000.

[0133] Further to the above, referring primarily to FIGS. 11 and 12, the sensor 9600 is positioned and arranged to emit soundwaves along a transmission axis 9690. The sensor 9600 and the transmission axis 9690 are positioned intermediate the rotatable shaft 9420 in the first chamber lobe 9120 and the extraction tube 9520 in the second chamber lobe 9130. The sensor 9600 is aligned, or at least substantially aligned, with the intermediate chamber space 9140 and the transmission axis 9690 extends within the intermediate chamber space 9140. When the sample ratio control chamber 9000 is in an upright position, the transmission axis 9690 is aligned with the gravitational axis. In such instances, the top surface of the slurry in the compartment 9100 will be orthogonal with respect to the transmission axis 9690. That said, the sample analysis system 8000 can be operated in any suitable orientation.

[0134] Further to the above, the sound waves emitted from the distance sensor 9600 travel through the environment in the compartment 9100 from the sensor element 9620 to the top surface of the slurry and then back to the sensor element 9620. The elapsed time between emitting the sound waves into the cylinder environment and receiving the reflected sound waves can be measured by the controller of the sample analysis system 8000. With this elapsed time, and an assumption of the speed of the sound waves in the cylinder environment, the distance between the sensor element 9620 and the top surface of the slurry can be calculated, or derived, by multiplying the elapsed time with the assumed speed of sound and dividing that quantity by two. With this calculation, the volume of the slurry in the compartment 9100 can be calculated using pre-assessed, or pre-measured, parameters regarding the geometry of the cylinder chamber. For instance, if the distance between the sensor element 9620 and the surface level of the slurry is known, then the distance between the bottom of the cylinder chamber lobes 9120, 9130 and the surface level of the slurry can be calculated based on the pre-assessed geometric parameters of the cylinder chamber. Once the volume of the slurry in the compartment 9100 has been calculated, the density of the slurry can be calculated by dividing the volume of the slurry by the mass of the slurry, which can be determined by weighing the sample ratio control chamber 9000 when the sample ratio control chamber 9000 is empty, via a scale (load cell) 7140 in communication with the controller of the sample analysis system 8000, and subtracting that measured weight from the measured weight of the sample ratio control chamber 9000 when the slurry is in the compartment 9100.

[0135] It should be appreciated, however, that the speed of the sound waves in the cylinder chamber depends on the temperature of the air in the cylinder chamber, as well as the humidity of the air in the cylinder chamber. As such, the assumed speed of the sound waves in the cylinder chamber may not be accurate and, as a result, the calculated level, volume, and / or density of the slurry in the compartment 9100 discussed above may not be accurate. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the measurements taken by the distance sensor 9600 may be affected by other factors such as, for instance, the temperature of the sensor 9600, or the sensor circuitry, and / or the cleanliness of the sensor element 9620, for example, which can also make the calculations of the level, volume, and / or density of the slurry in the compartment 9100 inaccurate. As discussed below, the sample analysis system 8000 is configured to account for such factors and correct, or at least substantially correct, the measurements taken by the distance sensor 9600.

[0136] Further to the above, the controller of the sample analysis system 8000 is configured to enter into an offset correction measurement to determine a correction factor that is to be applied to the measurements taken by the distance sensor 9600 when measuring the level, volume, and / or density of the slurry in the compartment 9100. Various mechanisms and methods are discussed below that can be used to determine the correction factor. Once the correction factor has been determined by the controller, the controller can exit the offset correction measurement into a measurement mode or simultaneously measure. In the measurement mode, a slurry sample can be deposited into and / or created within the compartment 9100 and the level, volume, and / or density of the slurry sample can be measured using measurements from the distance sensor 9600 and the determined correction factor. After the slurry sample has been extracted from the compartment 9100 via the slurry extraction system 9500 and / or otherwise drained from the compartment 9100 via the drain valve 9310, for example, the controller can re-enter the offset correction measurement and the correction factor can be re-evaluated. Thereafter, the controller can return to the measurement mode and a new slurry sample can be deposited into and / or created within the compartment 9100 and the level, volume, and / or density of the new slurry sample can be measured using measurements from the distance sensor 9600 and the re-evaluated correction factor.

[0137] Further to the above, referring again to FIG. 12, the sample ratio control chamber 9000 further comprises a calibration system 9900 in communication with the controller of the sample analysis system 8000 that can be activated by the controller when the controller is placed in its offset correction measurement. More specifically, the calibration system 9900 comprises an air cylinder 9910 mounted to the compartment 9100 that is actuatable by the controller of the sample analysis system 8000 to move, or deploy, an acoustic target, or rod, 9920 of the air cylinder 9910 from an unactuated, or undeployed, position in which the rod 9920 is not positioned in the cylinder chamber to an actuated, or deployed, position in which the rod 9920 extends into the cylinder chamber when the controller switches from its measurement mode into its offset correction measurement. See step 10100 of method 10000 illustrated in FIG. 20. Notably, referring again to FIG. 12, the compartment 9100 comprises an aperture defined therein through which the rod 9920 can extend. The compartment 9100 and / or the air cylinder 9910 comprise one or more seals configured to create an air-tight seal, or at least a water-tight seal, between the rod 9920 and the compartment 9100 when the rod 9920 is in its unactuated position, its actuated position, and all positions therebetween.

[0138] When the rod 9920 is in its extended position during the offset correction measurement of the controller, further to the above, at least a portion of the rod 9920 is positioned under the sensor element 9620. The rod 9920 intersects the transmission axis 9690 when the rod 9920 is in its extended position; however, the rod 9920 need not intersect the transmission axis 9690. In either event, the controller - when in its offset correction measurement - is configured to send a control signal to the distance sensor 9600 to emit a sound wave from the sensor element 9620 along the transmission axis 9690 which reflects off the rod 9920 and back to the sensor element 9620. See steps 10200 and 10300 of method 10000 in FIG. 20. Similar to the above, the controller is configured to calculate the distance between the sensor element 9620 and the rod 9920 based on the elapsed time between emitting the sound wave and receiving the reflected sound wave off of the rod 9920 and, also, an assumed speed of the sound wave which, as discussed above, may or may not be accurate for various reasons. See step 10400 of the method 10000 in FIG. 20. This distance calculation, then, is merely a calculated, or derived, distance which may or may not be the actual distance between the sensor element 9620 and the rod 9920. Notably, though, the rod 9920 is at a known, pre-determined distance from the sensor element 9620 and this known, pre-determined distance is stored in a memory device, for example, of the controller such that the controller can make a comparison between the calculated, derived, distance and the stored, known distance. See step 10500 of the method 10000 in FIG. 20. As part of this comparison, referring to step 10600 of the method 10000 in FIG. 20, the controller can calculate a correction factor. In at least one embodiment, the correction factor equals the calculated, derived distance divided by the stored, known distance, for example. In at least one example, the calculated, derived distance is 5.99 inches and the stored, known distance is 6.00 inches resulting in 0.998, for example. Once the correction factor has been determined during the offset correction measurement, the controller switches back into its measurement mode and the rod 9920 is retracted. See step 11100 of method 11000 in FIG. 21. At such point, a new slurry sample can be introduced into and / or created within the sample ratio control chamber 9000 and the distance sensor 9600 can be used to measure the level of the slurry in the compartment 9100 once again. See steps 11200, 11300, and 11400 of the method 11000 in FIG. 21. In such instances, though, the calculated, derived distance between the sensor element 9620 and the top surface of the slurry is divided by the correction factor to arrive at a corrected distance which is used to calculate the level, volume, and / or density of the slurry in the compartment 9100. See step 11500 of the method 11000 in FIG. 21. Theabove being said, a correction factor can be determined and / or applied according to any suitable equation and / or algorithm of the controller. In one embodiment, measurements can be taken shortly after correction is applied to avoid drift.

[0139] Further to the above, referring primarily to FIGS. 12, 18, and 19, the sample ratio control chamber 9000 further comprises a sensor cleaning system 9800 configured to clean the sensor element 9620. The sensor cleaning system 9800 comprises an air-actuated pneumatic cylinder 9810 mounted to the top frame 9210. More specifically, the pneumatic cylinder 9810 comprises a housing mounted to a mounting plate 9820 fastened to the top frame 9210. The pneumatic cylinder further comprises an actuatable element, or rod, with a brush 9830 attached to the rod. The actuation of the pneumatic cylinder 9810 is controlled by the controller of the sample analysis system 8000 and the rod and the brush 9830 are actuatable back and forth along an axis that is pointed toward and / or directed at the sensor element 9620 such that bristles of the brush 9830 contact and swipe across the sensor element 9620 to dislodge dirt, for example, from the sensor element 9620 and / or otherwise clean the sensor element 9620. The top frame 9210 comprises an aperture defined therein that at least partially defines the path of the brush 9830. The top frame 9210 also comprises apertures, or ports, 9260 extending downwardly from the brush aperture that allow dirt, for example, to fall off the brush 9830 into the compartment 9100.

[0140] In addition to or in lieu of the actuatable brush 9830 discussed above, the sample ratio control chamber 9000 can further comprise a cleaning passage 9290 comprising an outlet aligned with the sensor element 9620. The cleaning passage 9290 is configured to receive water from a port 9280 in communication with the cleaning passage 9290 such that water can flow through the cleaning passage 9290 and contact, and wash, the sensor element 9620. The cleaning passage 9290 is also configured to receive compressed air from a port 9270 in communication with the cleaning passage 9290 such that compressed air can impinge against the sensor element 9620 and dry the sensor element 9620. In another embodiment, air and water can be switched between ports 9270 and 9280.

[0141] As discussed above, the calibration system 9900 of the sample ratio control chamber 9000 comprises an air-operated cylinder 9910 including a deployable rod 9920 which provides an acoustic target detectable by the sensor 9600 when the rod 9920 is in its deployed position. In other embodiments, the calibration system 9900 comprises an electrically- operated mechanism configured to deploy an acoustic target, such as any suitable reflective element, for example, in lieu of the air-operated cylinder 9910. In at least one embodiment,the electrically-operated mechanism comprises a solenoid and / or a stepper motor, for example. In at least one embodiment, the reflective element comprises a mirror, for example.

[0142] As discussed above, the calibration system 9900 of the sample ratio control chamber 9000 comprises a deployable rod 9920 which provides a single acoustic target detectable by the sensor 9600 when the rod 9920 is in its deployed position. Such an arrangement provides for single-point correction. In various other embodiments, the calibration system 9900 comprises more than one deployable acoustic target. For instance, in at least one such embodiment, the calibration system 9900 comprises a first air-operated cylinder 9910 configured to deploy a first acoustic target, or rod 9920, into the chamber of the compartment 9100 and a second air-operated cylinder 9910 configured to deploy a second acoustic target, or rod 9920, into the chamber of the compartment 9100. In at least one such embodiment, the sensor 9600 is configured to detect the presence and distance of the first acoustic target and the second acoustic target with respect to the sensor element 9620 to calibrate the sensor 9600. In various embodiments, the first and second acoustic targets are deployed concurrently and are simultaneously detected by the sensor 9600 during the offset correction measurement of the controller. In other embodiments, the first and second acoustic targets are deployed sequentially and detected separately by the sensor 9600 during the offset correction measurement of the controller. Embodiments having more than one acoustic target to calibrate the sensor 9600 can, in various instances, provide a higher degree of calibration than embodiments having only one acoustic target to calibrate the sensor 9600.

[0143] As discussed above, the sensor 9600 comprises an acoustic sensor in various embodiments; however, the sensor 9600 could comprise an optical sensor, for example. In various embodiments, the optical sensor is configured to emit light at a suitable wavelength that reflects off a deployed optical target, such as the cylinder rod 9920, for example, back toward the sensor 9600. In such instances, the speed of light is used to calculate, or derive, the distance between the sensor element 9620 and the cylinder rod 9920. Given that the speed of light is less susceptible to environmental factors than the speed of sound, an optical sensor may provide more accurate level measurements in various instances. In any event, any suitable waveform, such as sound, light, and / or particle waveforms, for example, can be used to assess the level of the slurry in the compartment 9100.

[0144] In various embodiments, a calibration system is configured to create a calibration target. In at least one embodiment, the calibration system comprises a pressurized water source or a water pump in communication with an aperture in the compartment 9100 that isoperable by the controller of the sample analysis system 8000 to create a stream of water in the chamber of the compartment 9100 during the offset correction measurement of the controller. The water stream created by the calibration system follows a trajectory that passes under the sensor element 9620. In at least one such embodiment, the trajectory of the water stream transects the transmission axis 9690. In various embodiments, the trajectory of the water stream is tangentially aligned with one of the curved sidewalls of the chamber lobes 9120, 9130 so as to reduce splashing within the chamber of the compartment 9100 and thus reduce signal noise detected by the sensor 9600. Similar to the above, the controller of the sample analysis system 8000 is configured to emit a sound wave via the sensor 9600 that reflects off the water stream and back to the sensor element 9620 which is used by the controller to calculate, or derive, a distance between the sensor element 9620 and the water stream. Also similar to the above, the water stream is projected at a known, pre-determined distance from the sensor element 9620 that is stored in a memory device of the controller and is comparable by the controller to the calculated, derived distance to determine a correction factor that is applied to one or more subsequent measurements made by the sensor 9600 during a measurement mode of the controller.

[0145] In various embodiments, further to the above, the calibration system comprises a pressurized water source or a water pump in communication with an elongate aperture in the compartment 9100 that is operable by the controller of the sample analysis system 8000 to create a sheet of water in the chamber of the compartment 9100 during the offset correction measurement of the controller. Similar to the water stream, the controller of the sample analysis system 8000 is configured to emit a sound wave via the sensor 9600 that reflects off the water sheet and back to the sensor element 9620 which is used by the controller to calculate, or derive, a distance between the sensor element 9620 and the water sheet. Also similar to the above, the water sheet is projected at a known, pre-determined distance from the sensor element 9620 that is stored in a memory device of the controller and is comparable by the controller to the calculated, derived distance to determine a correction factor that is applied to one or more subsequent measurements made by the sensor 9600 during a measurement mode of the controller.

[0146] In various embodiments, a calibration system can supply a pre-determined quantity of water to the chamber of the compartment 9100 which provides a pre-determined level height of the water in the chamber during the offset correction measurement of the controller. The calibration system comprises a water pump system including a positive displacement pumpwith a known volume per cycle or a water pump and a flow meter configured to measure the quantity of water supplied from the water pump to the chamber of the compartment 9100. The water pump and the flow meter are in communication with the controller and the controller is configured to turn off the water pump in response to data from the flow meter such that the pre-determined quantity of water is provided to the chamber of the compartment 9100. Thereafter, similar to the above, the controller is configured to emit a sound wave via the sensor 9600 that reflects off the top surface of the water and back to the sensor element 9620 which is used by the controller to calculate, or derive, a distance between the sensor element 9620 and the top surface of the water. Also similar to the above, the pre-determined height of the water in the cylinder chamber is stored in a memory device of the controller and is usable by the controller to evaluate the calculated, derived distance to determine a correction factor that is applied to one or more subsequent measurements made by the sensor 9600 during the measurement mode. After the correction factor has been determined, the controller can drain the water from the compartment 9100 via the waste valve 9310, for example, and exit the offset correction measurement into the measurement mode. Such an arrangement can allow the cylinder chamber to be cleaned by the water during the offset correction measurement in-between two sequential measurement modes.

[0147] As discussed above, the controller of the sample analysis system 8000 is operable in a offset correction measurement and a measurement mode and, during the offset correction measurement, a detectable element is deployed to assist in the calibration of the sensor 9600. Stated another way, the sensor 9600 is stationary while the deployable element is moved in front of the sensor 9600 during the offset correction measurement. In other embodiments, the detectable element is stationary while the sensor 9600 is movable between a measurement position and a calibration position. See step 12100 of method 12000 depicted in FIG. 22. When the controller of the sample analysis system 8000 enters into its offset correction measurement, in such embodiments, the controller can move the sensor 9600 from its measurement position in which the sensor 9600 is not aligned with the detectable element to its calibration position in which the sensor 9600 is aligned with the detectable element. In various embodiments, the sample ratio control chamber 9000 comprises an air-actuated cylinder that is actuatable by compressed air to move the sensor 9600 between its measurement position and its calibration position. In at least one such embodiment, the top frame 9210 comprises one or more rails that are configured to guide the sensor 9600 between its measurement and calibration positions, for example. Once the sensor 9600 is in itscalibration position and aligned with the detectable element, the controller can determine an appropriate correction factor as set forth herein that is applied to the measurements made by the sensor 9600 during the measurement mode. Once the correction factor has been determined, the controller can return the sensor 9600 back into its measurement position via the air-actuated cylinder and evaluate the level, volume, and / or density of a slurry sample in the compartment 9100 as also set forth herein. See step 13100 of the method 13000 depicted in FIG. 23.

[0148] In various other embodiments, further to the above, both the sensor 9600 and the detectable element are stationary. In at least one such embodiment, the detectable element is not positioned under and / or otherwise aligned with the sensor 9600. In such embodiments, the detectable element is laterally off-set from the sensor 9600 in both the measurement mode and the offset correction measurement of the controller of the sample analysis system 8000. In order to calibrate the sensor 9600 during the offset correction measurement, a reflective element, such as an angled mirror, for example, is positioned under the sensor 9600 to reflect sound and / or light, for example, off of the detectable element along a path of a known, predetermined distance that also returns to the sensor 9600 along this same path. Similar to the above, this known, pre-determined distance is stored in a memory device of the controller and is comparable by the controller to the calculated, derived distance that is calculated from the sound and / or light reflected off the detectable element to determine a correction factor that is applied to measurements taken by the sensor 9600 during the measurement mode. Once the correction factor has been determined, the controller retracts the reflective element from under the sensor 9600 and exits the offset correction measurement into the measurement mode. At such point, the retracted reflective element is out of the way and does not interfere with the measurements of the slurry taken by the sensor 9600.EXAMPLES

[0149] The following are nonlimiting examples.

[0150] Example 1 - a system for analyzing a slurry comprising an agricultural material, the system comprising: a chamber configured to receive the slurry; a stirring device configured to stir the slurry; and a sensing system configured to sense the level of the slurry in the chamber, comprising: an acoustic sensor; and a deployable acoustic target movable between an undeployed position and a deployed position.

[0151] Example 2 - the system of Example 1, wherein the deployable acoustic target comprises a cylinder rod.

[0152] Example 3 - the system of Example 1 or 2, wherein the deployable acoustic target comprises a reflective element.

[0153] Example 4 - the system of any one of Examples 1-3, wherein the acoustic sensor is positioned along a transmission axis, wherein the deployable acoustic target is not positioned along the transmission axis when the deployable acoustic target is in its undeployed position, and wherein the deployable acoustic target is positioned along the transmission axis when the deployable acoustic target is in its deployed position.

[0154] Example 5 - the system of Example 4, wherein the chamber comprises a first lobe and a second lobe, and wherein the transmission axis extends intermediate the first lobe and the second lobe.

[0155] Example 6 - the system of Example 5, wherein the stirring device comprises a rotatable shaft and a blade extending from the shaft positioned in the first lobe.

[0156] Example 7 - the system of Examples 4 or 5, further comprising a measurement system and an extraction system configured to draw slurry out of the chamber into the measurement system.

[0157] Example 8 - the system of Example 7, wherein the extraction system comprises an inlet positioned in the second lobe.

[0158] Example 9 - the system of any one of Examples 1-8, wherein the chamber is part of a recirculation loop.

[0159] Example 10 - the system of Example 9, wherein the chamber comprises a recirculation loop inlet and a recirculation loop outlet, wherein the deployable acoustic target is not positioned intermediate the recirculation loop inlet and the recirculation loop outlet when the deployable acoustic target is in its undeployed position, and wherein the deployable acoustic target is positioned intermediate the recirculation loop inlet and the recirculation loop outlet when the deployable acoustic target is in its deployed position.

[0160] Example 11 - the system of any one of Examples 1-8, wherein the chamber is not part of a recirculation loop.

[0161] Example 12 - the system of any one of Examples 1-11, wherein the deployable acoustic target is completely withdrawn from the chamber when the deployable acoustic target is in its undeployed position.

[0162] Example 13 - the system of any one of Examples 1-12, wherein the deployable acoustic target is a predetermined distance from the acoustic sensor when the deployable acoustic target is in its deployed position, wherein the sensing system further comprises aprocessor configured to communicate with the acoustic sensor and control the deployable acoustic target, wherein the acoustic sensor is configured to emit a sound wave in response to a control signal from the processor and receive a reflected sound wave from the deployable acoustic target in its deployed position, wherein the processor is configured to calculate a distance between the acoustic sensor and the deployable acoustic target in its deployed position using data related to the reflected sound wave, wherein the processor is configured to compare the calculated distance to the predetermined distance, wherein the processor is configured to determine a correction factor based on the comparison, and wherein the processor is configured to apply the correction factor to subsequent measurements made with the acoustic sensor.

[0163] Example 14 - the system of any one of Examples 1-13, wherein the sensing system further comprises a second deployable acoustic target movable between an undeployed position and a deployed position.

[0164] Example 15 - a system for analyzing a slurry comprising an agricultural material, the system comprising: a chamber configured to receive the slurry; a stirring device configured to stir the slurry; and a sensing system configured to sense the level of the slurry in the chamber, comprising: a sensor; and a target, wherein the sensor is movable between a calibration position and a measurement position, wherein the sensor is aligned with the target when the sensor is in its calibration position, wherein the sensor is not aligned with the target when the sensor is in its measurement position, and wherein the sensor is aligned with the slurry when the sensor is in its measurement position.

[0165] Example 16 - the system of Example 15, wherein the target is a predetermined distance from the sensor when the sensor is in its calibration position, wherein the sensing system further comprises a processor configured to communicate with and control the position of the sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to emit a waveform in response to a control signal from the processor and receive a reflected waveform from the target when the sensor is in its calibration position, wherein the processor is configured to calculate a distance between the sensor and the target using data related to the reflected waveform, wherein the processor is configured to compare the calculated distance to the predetermined distance, wherein the processor is configured to determine a correction factor based on the comparison, and wherein the processor is configured to apply the correction factor to subsequent measurements made with the sensor.

[0166] Example 17 - the system of Example 15 or 16, wherein the sensor comprises an acoustic sensor.

[0167] Example 18 - the system of any one of Examples 15-17, wherein the sensor comprises an optical sensor.

[0168] Example 19 - a method for calibrating a sensor in an agricultural material mixing chamber, comprising: deploying an acoustic target from an undeployed position to a deployed position, wherein the acoustic target is a predetermined distance from an acoustic sensor when the acoustic target is in its deployed position; emitting a sound wave from the acoustic sensor in response to a control signal from a processor; receiving, via the acoustic sensor, a reflected sound wave from the acoustic target in its deployed position; calculating a distance, via the processor, between the acoustic sensor and the acoustic target in its deployed position using data related to the reflected sound wave; comparing, via the processor, the calculated distance to the predetermined distance; determining, via the processor, a correction factor based on the comparison; and applying the correction factor, via the processor, to subsequent measurements made with the acoustic sensor.

[0169] Example 20 - a system for analyzing a slurry comprising an agricultural material, the system comprising: a chamber configured to receive the slurry; a stirring device configured to stir the slurry; and a sensing system configured to sense the level of the slurry in the chamber, comprising: an optical sensor; and a deployable optical target movable between an undeployed position and a deployed position.

[0170] Example 21 - a method for calibrating a sensor in an agricultural material mixing chamber, comprising: deploying an optical target from an undeployed position to a deployed position, wherein the optical target is a predetermined distance from an optical sensor when the optical target is in its deployed position; emitting light from the optical sensor in response to a control signal from a processor; receiving, via the optical sensor, reflected light from the optical target in its deployed position; calculating a distance, via the processor, between the optical sensor and the optical target in its deployed position using data related to the reflected light; comparing, via the processor, the calculated distance to the predetermined distance; determining, via the processor, a correction factor based on the comparison; and applying the correction factor, via the processor, to subsequent measurements made with the optical sensor.

[0171] Example 22 - a system for analyzing a slurry comprising an agricultural material, the system comprising: a chamber configured to receive the slurry; a stirring device configured tostir the slurry; and a sensing system configured to sense the level of the slurry in the chamber, comprising: a sensor; and a generated target detectable by the sensor.

[0172] Example 23 - the system of Example 22, wherein the generated target comprises a stream of water, and wherein the system further comprises an aperture in the chamber and a water pump in communication with the aperture that is operable to create the stream of water in the chamber.

[0173] Example 24 - the system of Example 22, wherein the generated target comprises a sheet of water, and wherein the system further comprises an elongate aperture in the chamber and a water pump in communication with the elongate aperture that is operable to create the sheet of water in the chamber.

[0174] Example 25 - the system of Example 22, wherein the generated target comprises a predetermined quantity of water in the chamber, and wherein the system further comprises a water pump system in communication with the chamber that is operable to supply the predetermined quantity of water.

[0175] Example 26 - the system of Example 25, wherein the water pump system comprises: a water pump; a flow meter configured to measure the quantity of water supplied from the water pump to the chamber; and a processor in communication with the water pump and the flow meter that is configured to control the operation of the water pump in response to at least one signal from the flow meter.

[0176] While the inventions have been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the inventions, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present inventions. Thus, the spirit and scope of the inventions should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system for analyzing a slurry comprising an agricultural material, the system comprising: a chamber configured to receive the slurry; a stirring device configured to stir the slurry; and a sensing system configured to sense the level of the slurry in the chamber, comprising: an acoustic sensor; and a deployable acoustic target movable between an undeployed position and a deployed position.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the deployable acoustic target comprises a cylinder rod.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the deployable acoustic target comprises a reflective element.

4. The system of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the acoustic sensor is positioned along a transmission axis, wherein the deployable acoustic target is not positioned along the transmission axis when the deployable acoustic target is in its undeployed position, and wherein the deployable acoustic target is positioned along the transmission axis when the deployable acoustic target is in its deployed position.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the chamber comprises a first lobe and a second lobe, and wherein the transmission axis extends intermediate the first lobe and the second lobe.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the stirring device comprises a rotatable shaft and a blade extending from the shaft positioned in the first lobe.

7. The system of claims 4 or 5, further comprising a measurement system and an extraction system configured to draw slurry out of the chamber into the measurement system.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the extraction system comprises an inlet positioned in the second lobe.

9. The system of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the chamber is part of a recirculation loop.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the chamber comprises a recirculation loop inlet and a recirculation loop outlet, wherein the deployable acoustic target is not positionedintermediate the recirculation loop inlet and the recirculation loop outlet when the deployable acoustic target is in its undeployed position, and wherein the deployable acoustic target is positioned intermediate the recirculation loop inlet and the recirculation loop outlet when the deployable acoustic target is in its deployed position.

11. The system of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the chamber is not part of a recirculation loop.

12. The system of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the deployable acoustic target is completely withdrawn from the chamber when the deployable acoustic target is in its undeployed position.

13. The system of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the deployable acoustic target is a predetermined distance from the acoustic sensor when the deployable acoustic target is in its deployed position, wherein the sensing system further comprises a processor configured to communicate with the acoustic sensor and control the deployable acoustic target, wherein the acoustic sensor is configured to emit a sound wave in response to a control signal from the processor and receive a reflected sound wave from the deployable acoustic target in its deployed position, wherein the processor is configured to calculate a distance between the acoustic sensor and the deployable acoustic target in its deployed position using data related to the reflected sound wave, wherein the processor is configured to compare the calculated distance to the predetermined distance, wherein the processor is configured to determine a correction factor based on the comparison, and wherein the processor is configured to apply the correction factor to subsequent measurements made with the acoustic sensor.

14. The system of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the sensing system further comprises a second deployable acoustic target movable between an undeployed position and a deployed position.

15. A system for analyzing a slurry comprising an agricultural material, the system comprising: a chamber configured to receive the slurry; a stirring device configured to stir the slurry; and a sensing system configured to sense the level of the slurry in the chamber, comprising: a sensor; and a target, wherein the sensor is movable between a calibration position and a measurement position, wherein the sensor is aligned with the target when the sensor is in itscalibration position, wherein the sensor is not aligned with the target when the sensor is in its measurement position, and wherein the sensor is aligned with the slurry when the sensor is in its measurement position.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the target is a predetermined distance from the sensor when the sensor is in its calibration position, wherein the sensing system further comprises a processor configured to communicate with and control the position of the sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to emit a waveform in response to a control signal from the processor and receive a reflected waveform from the target when the sensor is in its calibration position, wherein the processor is configured to calculate a distance between the sensor and the target using data related to the reflected waveform, wherein the processor is configured to compare the calculated distance to the predetermined distance, wherein the processor is configured to determine a correction factor based on the comparison, and wherein the processor is configured to apply the correction factor to subsequent measurements made with the sensor.

17. The system of claim 15 or 16, wherein the sensor comprises an acoustic sensor.

18. The system of any one of claims 15-17, wherein the sensor comprises an optical sensor.

19. A method for calibrating a sensor in an agricultural material mixing chamber, comprising: deploying an acoustic target from an undeployed position to a deployed position, wherein the acoustic target is a predetermined distance from an acoustic sensor when the acoustic target is in its deployed position; emitting a sound wave from the acoustic sensor in response to a control signal from a processor; receiving, via the acoustic sensor, a reflected sound wave from the acoustic target in its deployed position; calculating a distance, via the processor, between the acoustic sensor and the acoustic target in its deployed position using data related to the reflected sound wave; comparing, via the processor, the calculated distance to the predetermined distance; determining, via the processor, a correction factor based on the comparison; and applying the correction factor, via the processor, to subsequent measurements made with the acoustic sensor.

20. A system for analyzing a slurry comprising an agricultural material, the system comprising: a chamber configured to receive the slurry; a stirring device configured to stir the slurry; and a sensing system configured to sense the level of the slurry in the chamber, comprising: an optical sensor; and a deployable optical target movable between an undeployed position and a deployed position.

21. A method for calibrating a sensor in an agricultural material mixing chamber, comprising: deploying an optical target from an undeployed position to a deployed position, wherein the optical target is a predetermined distance from an optical sensor when the optical target is in its deployed position; emitting light from the optical sensor in response to a control signal from a processor; receiving, via the optical sensor, reflected light from the optical target in its deployed position; calculating a distance, via the processor, between the optical sensor and the optical target in its deployed position using data related to the reflected light; comparing, via the processor, the calculated distance to the predetermined distance; determining, via the processor, a correction factor based on the comparison; and applying the correction factor, via the processor, to subsequent measurements made with the optical sensor.

22. A system for analyzing a slurry comprising an agricultural material, the system comprising: a chamber configured to receive the slurry; a stirring device configured to stir the slurry; and a sensing system configured to sense the level of the slurry in the chamber, comprising: a sensor; and a generated target detectable by the sensor.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the generated target comprises a stream of water, and wherein the system further comprises an aperture in the chamber and a waterpump in communication with the aperture that is operable to create the stream of water in the chamber.

24. The system of claim 22, wherein the generated target comprises a sheet of water, and wherein the system further comprises an elongate aperture in the chamber and a water pump in communication with the elongate aperture that is operable to create the sheet of water in the chamber.

25. The system of claim 22, wherein the generated target comprises a predetermined quantity of water in the chamber, and wherein the system further comprises a water pump system in communication with the chamber that is operable to supply the predetermined quantity of water.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein the water pump system comprises: a water pump; a flow meter configured to measure the quantity of water supplied from the water pump to the chamber; and a processor in communication with the water pump and the flow meter that is configured to control the operation of the water pump in response to at least one signal from the flow meter.

Images