Agricultural sample slurry preparation system and related methods

Abstract

A grinder-filter apparatus for preparing an agricultural sample slurry may comprise an outer housing defining a vertical centerline and a sealable internal grinding chamber that may be configured to receive agricultural sample material and water. The outer housing may comprise an upper housing and a second housing. The upper housing may be hingably coupled to the lower housing through a hinge and a clamp to selectively allow access to the internal grinding chamber. The apparatus may comprise a paddle rotatably that may be disposed in the chamber and operable to mix the sample material and water to form the sample slurry.

Description

AGRICULTURAL SAMPLE SLURRY PREPARATION SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODSCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Serial No. 63 / 676087, filed 26 July 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to agricultural sampling and analysis, and more particularly to a system and associated apparatuses for preparing a slurry from an agricultural material sample such as without limitation soil for subsequent chemical analysis.

[0003] 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.

[0004] In some sampling and chemical analysis processes, the raw or bulk agricultural material samples such as soil (or other agricultural materials) extracted from the field may not be suitable for processing in the “as collected” condition in the downstream chemical analysis system. Further sample preparation may therefore be required such as breaking down the larger bulk soil sample into smaller particles, and mixing those particles with water to prepare a sample slurry which can readily flow through the smallest equipment openings in the downstream chemical analysis system without causing plugging problems.

[0005] Improvements in agricultural sample preparation for chemical analysis are desired.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] The present disclosure provides an agricultural slurry preparation system comprising a grinder-filter apparatus and related method of use for preparing a sample slurry for chemical analysis from a raw or bulk sample material collected from the agricultural field or farm in some embodiments. The sample material may be a soil sample in some non-limiting embodiments, or other agricultural-related materials described further herein amenable to chemical analysis.

[0007] Although the grinder-filter apparatus and related methods or processes for preparing an agricultural sample slurry may be described herein with reference to soil samples for convenience of description, this represents only a single category of use for the disclosed embodiments of the invention. It will therefore be understood that the same apparatus and related methods or processes may be used for processing other types of raw or bulk agricultural related samples including for example without limitation vegetation / plant, forage, manure, feed, or other types of solid or granular sample materials associated with agricultural production. The disclosure herein should therefore be broadly construed as an apparatus and related methods or processes for sizing sample materials and preparing the sample slurry from “as collected” agricultural sample materials regardless of the type of material or method of collection.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are labeled similarly and in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a top perspective of an agricultural slurry preparation system according to the present disclosure including a grinder-filter apparatus and associated waste collection apparatus;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view thereof;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a top exploded perspective view thereof;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a bottom exploded perspective view thereof;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a first lateral side view thereof;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a second lateral side view thereof;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a third lateral side view thereof;

[0016] FIG. 8 is a fourth lateral side view thereof;

[0017] FIG. 9 is a bottom view thereof;

[0018] FIG. 10 is a top view thereof;

[0019] FIG. 11 is a side cross sectional view thereof;

[0020] FIG. 12 is a first enlarged side cross sectional view thereof showing details of the grinderfilter apparatus;

[0021] FIG. 13 is a second enlarged side cross sectional view thereof showing details of the grinding chamber of the grinder-filter apparatus;

[0022] FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of the grinding chamber;

[0023] FIG. 15 is a top transverse cross sectional view through the grinder-filter apparatus and waste collection apparatus;

[0024] FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the grinding ring and associated perforated baseplate of the grinder-filter apparatus;

[0025] FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view thereof;

[0026] FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of the strainer pan and funnel of the waste collection apparatus;

[0027] FIG. 19 is a first top perspective view looking inside the grinding chamber;

[0028] FIG. 20 is a second top perspective view looking inside the grinding chamber;

[0029] FIG. 21 is a top perspective view showing details of the upper portion of the waste collection apparatus;

[0030] FIG. 22 is a top exploded perspective view of the waste door assembly and actuator;

[0031] FIG. 23 is a top view of a pivotably lid of the grinder-filter apparatus;

[0032] FIG. 24 is a partial side cross-sectional view thereof showing the lid closing the grinding chamber and sealed to the top of the grinder-filter apparatus housing; and

[0033] FIG. 25A is transverse cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a knocker protrusion which is movably mounted to the housing of the grinder-filter apparatus showing the knocker protrusion in a first operating position;

[0034] FIG. 25B is transverse cross sectional view of the alternative embodiment of a knocker protrusion which is movably mounted to the housing of the grinder-filter apparatus showing the knocker protrusion in a second operating position;

[0035] FIG. 26 is a first perspective view of the lower section of the grinder housing including a second embodiment of a grinding ring according to the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 27 is a second perspective view thereof;

[0037] FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view thereof;

[0038] FIG. 29 is a side cross-sectional view thereof;

[0039] FIG. 30 is a top perspective view of one of the ring segments of the grinding ring of FIG. 26;

[0040] FIG. 31 is a bottom perspective view thereof;

[0041] FIG. 32 is a side view thereof;

[0042] FIG. 33 is an enlarged detail taken from FIG. 32;

[0043] FIG. 34 is a partial cross sectional view taken from FIG. 32 through the flow slots;

[0044] FIG. 35 is a top view of the ring segment of FIG. 30;

[0045] FIG. 36 is a bottom view thereof;

[0046] FIG. 37 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view through a portion of the grinder housing of FIG. 26;

[0047] FIG. 38 is a first perspective view of an alternative composite construction embodiment of the waste door of the grinder-filter apparatus;

[0048] FIG. 39 is a second perspective view thereof;

[0049] FIG. 40 is a top view thereof;

[0050] FIG. 41 is a view thereof showing the inward facing side of the waste door;

[0051] FIG. 42 is a transverse cross sectional view of the waste door;

[0052] FIG. 43 is a first exploded perspective view thereof;

[0053] FIG. 44 is a second exploded perspective view thereof;

[0054] FIG. 45 is a side view of an alternative grinder paddle according to the present disclosure comprising a drive shaft coupler, end plates and metal cables; and

[0055] FIG. 46 is a perspective view thereof.

[0056] FIG. 47 is a side elevation view of another agricultural slurry preparation system according to the present disclosure including a grinder.

[0057] FIG. 48 is a side elevation view of the agricultural slurry preparation system of FIG. 47 opposite of the view in FIG. 47.

[0058] FIG. 49 is a first perspective view of a portion of the agricultural slurry preparation system of FIG. 47.

[0059] FIG. 50 is a second perspective view of a portion of the agricultural slurry preparation system of FIG. 47.

[0060] FIG. 51 is a rear elevation view of a portion of the agricultural slurry preparation system of FIG. 47.

[0061] FIG. 52 is a side elevation view of a portion of the agricultural slurry preparation system of FIG. 47.

[0062] FIG. 53 is a top plan view of a portion of the agricultural slurry preparation system of FIG.51.

[0063] FIG. 54 is a perspective view of the blade system of the agricultural slurry preparation system of FIG. 47.

[0064] FIG. 55 is a perspective view of a bearing clamp.

[0065] FIG. 56 is a perspective view of the blade system of the agricultural slurry preparation system of FIG. 47.

[0066] FIG. 57 is a top plan view of the blade system of FIG. 55.

[0067] FIG. 58 is a perspective view of the agricultural slurry preparation system of FIG. 47.

[0068] All drawings are schematic and not necessarily to scale. Components numbered and appearing in one figure but appearing un-numbered in other figures are the same components unless expressly noted otherwise. Any reference herein to a figure by a whole figure number which may appear in multiple figures bearing the same whole number prefix but with different alphabetical suffixes shall be construed as a general reference to all of those figures unless expressly noted otherwise.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] The features and benefits of the present disclosure are illustrated and described herein by reference to exemplary (“example”) embodiments. This description of exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. Accordingly, the disclosure expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features.

[0070] In the description of 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 disclosure. Relative terms such as "lower," "upper," “horizontal,” “vertical,”, “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative 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 that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar 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.

[0071] As used throughout, any ranges disclosed herein 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 to prior patents or patent applications arehereby incorporated by reference 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.

[0072] FIGS. 1-24 show one embodiment of an agricultural sample slurry preparation system 100 and various components thereof according to the present disclosure. The slurry preparation system is advantageously configured to (1) mix the raw or bulk sample solids with water to form the sample slurry, break down the sample solids into smaller size particles, and filter or screen the slurry to filter out particles exceeding a predetermined maximum size. Slurry preparation system 100 will be described below for convenience of reference to processing soil samples as one possible but not limiting illustrative use. The system however may be used to prepare and size slurries for other types of agricultural and / or farm related sample materials, as previously described herein.

[0073] Sample slurry preparation system 100 in one embodiment generally comprises a grinderfilter apparatus 110 and an associated waste collection apparatus 160 closely coupled to the grinder-filter apparatus. Collection apparatus 160 may be physically coupled to and supported in part by the grinder-filter apparatus in one embodiment, or completely self supported. The waste collection apparatus is positioned and configured to receive an aqueous solution of debris solids and cleaning or flushing water ejected from the grinder-filter apparatus when cleaning out the grinder-filter apparatus between processing batches of slurry. Both the grinder-filter apparatus and debris collection apparatus will be further described in turn below.

[0074] Grinder- filter apparatus 110 comprises an outer housing 111 defining a vertical centerline VC1, openable top 112a, closed bottom 112b, lateral sidewall 112c, and a grinding chamber 115 extending between the top and bottom. Housing 111 may be considered generally cylindrical in some embodiments as shown; however, other non-polygonal or polygonal shaped housing configurations may be used. Housing 111 may be formed of metallic or non-metallic materials including polymers such as plastic.

[0075] In some embodiments, the housing 111 may have a monolithic unitary or one-piece construction. However, in the non-limiting illustrated embodiment, housing 111 may be collectively formed by various sections detachably coupled and sealed together to provide ready access to the grinding chamber 115 for periodic disassembly and maintenance of the grinder-filter apparatus 110 as needed when the grinding chamber flushing process described herein may not be entirely adequate. The segmented embodiment of housing 111 may include an upper section I l la, intermediate section 111b, and lower section 111c which are detachably coupled together by anysuitable mechanical joinder method known in the art. For example, fasteners such as without limitation circular tightenable / compressible flange or band clamps 114 with threaded operators 113a (i.e. screws) or toggle operators (not shown) may be used to detachably couple the housing sections together in a preferably water-tight and sealable manner to contain the water-based sample slurry in the grinding chamber 115 without leakage. Commercially-available O-ring seals 113 may be used between the housing sections to enhance the water-tight seal. It bears noting that the grinding chamber 115 is collectively defined by the top, intermediate, and lower sections l l la- 111 c of the housing.

[0076] The interior surface 11 Id of the sidewall 112c of housing 111 (collectively formed by the sidewall of housing sections 11 la-111c) defines an internal peripheral wall 116 which defines and surrounds the internal grinding chamber 115 and its cross-sectional shape. Sidewall 112c and concomitantly peripheral wall 116 of the grinding chamber may be arcuately curved in one embodiment. Grinding chamber 115 may extend vertically for a majority of the height of housing 111 from the top 112a of the housing downwards through upper and intermediate sections I l la, 11 lb and at least partially into the bottom section 111c of the housing. The upper housing section I l la defines a central opening 117 through which water and the raw or bulk sample material in the “as collected” condition from the field and / or farm may be introduced into the grinding chamber 115 for processing, as further described herein.

[0077] Grinder- filter apparatus 110 further includes a movable lid 195 which can be selectively and detachably engaged with upper housing section 11 la to close or open the central opening 117 to provide access to the grinding chamber 115 (see, e.g., FIGS. 7, 11, and 23-24). In one embodiment, lid 195 may be both pivotably and vertically movable. Lid 195 may have a flattened and broadened metallic plate body coupled on one side to hinge 196 which defines a lid pivot axis PA. The lid is laterally rotatable in an arcuate path between an inward position over the central opening 117 in the top 112a of grinder housing 111, and an outward position laterally displaced therefrom (see, e.g., FIG. 23). When the lid is in the outward position, the water and sample materials (e.g., soil) can be added to the grinding chamber 115. The lid can then be returned inward to position it over the central opening for sealing to the grinder housing 111.

[0078] The hinge 196 in one embodiment may be fixedly coupled to a vertically movable support member 197 which is movable upwards and downwards with the hinge relative to the grinderfilter apparatus housing 111 which remains stationary. To seal the grinding chamber 115 when the lid 195 is in its inward position described above, the lid is lowered onto and engages the grinderhousing 111 via downward movement of support member 197. The lid compresses an annular seal 198 positioned around the central opening 117 on housing upper section I l la which provides a liquid-tight seal for processing a batch of slurry in grinder- filter apparatus 110.

[0079] With continuing general reference back now to FIGS. 1-24, the grinding chamber 115 in some implementations may have a generally frustoconical cross-sectional shape at least in part as shown which widens in diameter moving from top 112a towards the bottom 112c of the housing 111. For example, the upper and middle portions 115a, 115b of the grinding chamber defined by upper and middle sections I l la, 111b respectively of housing 111 may each be frustoconical shaped, with the same or different frustoconical shapes in angle relative to vertical centerline VC1 as shown. The peripheral wall 116 of grinding chamber 115 collectively defined by the housing sidewalls 112c in upper, intermediate, and lower housing sections I l la, 111b, and 111c concomitantly forms the cross-sectional shape of the chamber. In one embodiment, the portion of the housing sidewall 112c in the lower portion 115c of grinding chamber 115 in housing lower section 111c may preferably be vertically straight, thereby defining a corresponding straight peripheral wall 116 in this section parallel with vertical centerline VC1 having constant diameter from top to bottom of the lower section. The housing lower section 111c contains the rotating paddle 130 and grinding blade 118. Therefore, this portion of the grinding chamber preferably has a straight cylindrical peripheral wall 116 to facilitate breaking down and sizing / screening the soil sample, as further described herein.

[0080] It bears noting that use of the frustoconical portions of the grinding chamber 115 and sidewalls 112c of housing sections I l la and 111b aids in returning and guiding the slurry downwards when agitated by paddle 130 and grinding blade 118 more readily to thoroughly blend or mix the water and soil solids in an efficient manner.

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 12-20, the grinder-filter apparatus 110 further includes sleeve-shaped annular grinding ring 140, horizontal baseplate 142, and slurry collection chamber 150. Baseplate preferably may be perforated; however, a solid baseplate may alternatively be used. Grinding ring 140 is vertically oriented as shown and has a tubular hollow cylindrical body defining a circular sidewall 140a producing a corresponding circular cross sectional shape and vertically-extending passage inside. Grinding ring 140 may be formed of a preferably corrosion-resistant metallic material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, cobalt, or other) to better resist abrasive wear by the soil particle or debris entrained in the raw or bulk unprocessed sample material (e.g., stones, rocks,etc.) when compared to softer materials such as polymers. In one embodiment, without limitation, grinding ring 140 is formed of cobalt.

[0082] Grinding ring 140 extends circumferentially around peripheral wall 116 of the grinding chamber 115. In one embodiment, the grinding ring is fixedly mounted in the housing 111 (e.g., lower section 111c) such that the cylindrical sidewall 140a of the ring abuts directly against the peripheral wall 116 of the grinding chamber 115. The chamber peripheral wall 116 therefore provides lateral or radial support to the grinding ring and acts as a structural backing member to resist the radial or centrifugal fluid forces against the ring imposed by the slurry when agitated by paddle 130. The radial thickness of the grinding ring also determines the depth of the slots 114a in part and sizing of the particles.

[0083] Grinding ring 140 comprises a plurality or array of flow openings 141 spaced circumferentially around the body of the grinding ring. The flow openings 141 are configured to receive the sample slurry (i.e. water and soil particles suspended therein), and transfer and deposit the slurry into slideably collection chamber 150. The flow openings 141 are configured (e.g., shape and size) to function as a screen or filter which sets and limits the maximum size soil particle which can pass into the grinding ring flow openings and flow into the slurry collection chamber 150 for final discharge from the grinder-filter apparatus 110 to the downstream chemical analysis system 101.

[0084] In one embodiment, flow openings 141 of grinding ring 140 may be configured as a plurality of vertically elongated flow slots 141a each extending both vertically above the perforated baseplate 142 into the grinding chamber 115 at top, and below the baseplate into the slurry collection chamber 150 at bottom; the collection chamber in this embodiment being formed in housing lower section 111 c directly beneath and adjacent to the baseplate. Accordingly, each slot has a continuous length LI (measured in the vertical direction along and not transversely through the grinding ring sidewall 140a as shown in FIGS. 16-17) which includes an upper portion 141b located inside the grinding chamber and a contiguous lower portion 141c located inside the collection chamber.

[0085] The flow slots 141a each form flow passages of predetermined size through which the slurry with entrained soil particles forced radially outwards by the rotating paddle 130 enters and flows in a downwards direction into the slurry collection chamber 150. The dimensions or size (i.e. width W1 - FIG. 16) of the slots 141 is preselected to receive and convey only soil particles not exceeding a predetermined maximize particle size (or other sample material) which can betolerated by the smallest fluid component size opening in the downstream chemical analysis system 101 in order to prevent equipment plugging problems. In other words, soil particles of a size exceeding the preselected slot dimension or size (width Wl) of slots 141a cannot enter the slot and flow with the sized sample slurry to the slurry collection chamber 150. The grinding ring 140 therefore acts a filter or screening device winch is configured to limit the maximum soil particle size in the final sized sample slurry defined as the slurry after being filtered by the grinding ring 140.

[0086] It bears noting that the slots 141a may extend completely through the cylindrical sidewall 140a of the grinding ring 140 in some embodiments. However, because there is no appreciable space or gap between the grinding ring and chamber peripheral wall 116 due to their abutting relationship as explained above, the soil particles in the sample slurry cannot pass transversely or radially through the slots in sidewall 140a of the ring. Accordingly, soil particles suspended in the slurry can only enter the slots 141a and flow downwards along their length LI into the slurry collection chamber 150 below. The slots may also extend only partially through the ring sidewall 140a in other constructions to act as grooves which receive and guide the slurry to the collection chamber.

[0087] In yet other embodiments, an annular space may be provided between the grinding ring 140 and peripheral wall 116 of grinding chamber 115 to allow the slurry with “sized” solid particles to flow transversely through the grinding ring sidewall 140a into the space and then downwards into slurry collection chamber 150. In such a construction, the initial flow through the slots is perpendicular or transverse to grinder-filter apparatus vertical centerline VC1 and then downwards parallel to the centerline.

[0088] In one embodiment, the slots 141 a may comprise a plurality of different lengths LI as shown to facilitate capture and screening of the soil particles in the slurry (see, e.g., FIGS. 16-17). In other embodiments, the slots may have a uniform length. The slots may be grouped in clusters of slots arranged on the cylindrical sidewall 140a of grinding ring 140 in some embodiments; each cluster being spaced circumferentially apparat around the grinding ring 140 as shown. Each slot in a cluster may have a different or the same length. In other embodiments, the slots may be uniformed spaced circumferentially around the grinding ring 140 and not clustered. In one embodiment, the slots 1 1 may further be angled in a direction of rotation of the paddle 130 (i.e. at an acute angle to vertical centerline VC1) to facilitate entry of the slurry and soil particles intoand along the slots into the collection chamber below. In other embodiments, slots 141a may be vertical and oriented parallel to centerline VC1.

[0089] It bears noting as stated above that because the grinding ring 140 in the illustrated embodiment is abutted against the chamber peripheral wall 116, the through slots 141a do not permit slurry or soil particles to pass radially outwards behind the grinding ring. The only path the slurry can take is downwards along and in the slots into the slurry collection chamber 150.

[0090] With continuing reference to FIGS. 12-20, perforated baseplate 142 may be a flat and circular corrosion-resistant metallic plate of annular shape in one embodiment defining a central opening 144. The baseplate is mounted to housing 111 of grinder-filter apparatus 110 and disposed inside the grinding ring 140. Baseplate 142 is preferably mounted near, but spaced slightly upward and apart from the bottom end of grinding ring 140. This allows a portion of the grinding ring and every slot 141a therein to extend below baseplate into the slurry collection chamber 150 as shown. The circumferential edge of baseplate 142 terminates adjacent and proximate to the inside of the grinding ring as shown so there are no appreciable gaps for solids or particles of sample material (e.g., soil) suspended in the slurry to bypass the grinding ring 140 and enter slurry collection chamber 150 other than by flowing through the slots 141a in the grind ring.

[0091] Perforated baseplate 142 includes a plurality of perforations 143 extending vertically and completely through the baseplate from top to bottom between the slurry collection chamber 150 and the grinding chamber 115. Collection chamber 150 is thus in fluid communication with the grinding chamber through the perforations 143, in addition to through the through slots 141a in the grinding ring 140 previously described herein. The perforations may cover a majority of the surface area of the baseplate, and in some embodiments as much as 90 percent or more of the surface area (see, e.g., FIGS. 15-17). The perforations 143 are complementary sized to the grinding ring slots 141a to meet the same maximum allowable particle size limit established for the grinder-filter apparatus 110. Therefore, only soil sample particle sizes meeting the maximum size (e.g., diameter) criteria of the slots may pass directly into collection chamber 150 from grinding chamber 115 through the perforations 143. In operation, due to the radial circumferential and radially outward forces imparted to the slurry by the rotating paddle 130, only a small amount of slurry might possibly pass downward through the perforations in baseplate 142 directly to the slurry collection chamber. Instead, the perforations 143 contribute to forming a recirculation path for some of the sized slurry in collection chamber 150 to flow upward and re-enter the un-sized slurry in the grinding chamber 115. This recirculating slurry flow provided by the perforatedbaseplate option with sized soil particulate matter advantageously helps the paddle 130 to thoroughly mix and agitate the slurry already in the grinding chamber until most of the soil sample material circulating through the grinding chamber with the water eventually has been reduced in size to meet the maximum particle size criteria or limit necessary for discharge downstream to the downstream chemical analysis system 101. In other embodiments where recirculating slurry flow may not be desired or needed, the baseplate may be solid in structure without perforations as previously noted.

[0092] The slurry collection chamber 150 may have an annular shape in some embodiments as shown. The chamber also has a bottom which may be sloped towards slurry outlet 153 to facilitate urging the slurry towards the outlet when the grinder-filter apparatus 110 is emptied. Chamber 150 is formed in housing lower section 111c surrounding the tubular bearing housing 135 associated with paddle 130 and its drive motor 131. The annular shape of baseplate 142 with central opening 144 allows the baseplate to slide over the top of bearing housing 135 in the grinding chamber 115. In one embodiment, the baseplate 142 may be supported at least in part by a plurality of vertically- extending standoffs 151 located in and founded on the floor of the slurry collection chamber 150 (see, e.g., FIG. 13). The baseplate may further be supported by and locked into the grinding chamber 115 by the annular flange 136 of the bearing housing, which traps the inner portion or edge 145 of the baseplate between the flange and top surface 11 If of housing lower section 111c inside the lower portion of grinding chamber 115.

[0093] The outer portion or edge 148 of baseplate 142 may be secured to grinding ring 140 by a plurality of outwardly protruding radial tabs 146 received in mating slots 147 formed in the bottom of the grinding ring (see also FIG. 16-17). Accordingly, both the inner and outer edges 145 and 148 of baseplate 142 are rigidly secured inside grinding chamber 115 to resist the agitated water and soil material mixture when paddle 130 is in operation. It bears noting therefore that the baseplate may engage but need not necessarily be fastened to the standoffs 151 which support and prevents the baseplate from bending and flexing during operation of grinder-filter apparatus. In some embodiments, the standoffs may be omitted if the baseplate is of sufficient thickness and rigidity in structure itself. In yet other embodiments, the baseplate 142 may be rigidly coupled to the standoffs 151.

[0094] The rotatable paddle assembly 133 of grinder-filter apparatus 110 operates for mixing the water and soil sample material to prepare the sample slurry, and provides the agitation necessary for breaking down agricultural material solids (e.g., soil) into smaller size particles. The paddleassembly further provides the motive radial force to drive the soil particulates in the slurry through the slots 141a of the grinding ring 140. In doing so, the soil particles are filtered and sized to limit the maximum particle size (e.g., diameter) of the soil particles (or other agricultural material in other embodiments) entrained in the slurry which are allowed to pass into slots 141a of grinding ring 140, and flow into slurry collection chamber 150 and the downstream chemical analysis system 101 (schematically depicted in FIG. 12 by dashed lines).

[0095] In one embodiment, the paddle assembly 133 comprises paddle 130 which is rotatably disposed in grinding chamber 115. Paddle 130 is operably coupled to an electric drive motor 131 via its drive shaft 132. The motor and drive shaft may be vertically oriented in one embodiment. The motor rotates the drive shaft, which in turn rotates the paddle. Any suitable commercially- available electric motor may be used. In one embodiment, a variable speed drive motor 131 may be used to allow the rotational speed of the paddle 130 to be varied during the slurry preparation process and cleanout of the grinding chamber 115 between slurry preparation cycles. Other commercially-available means of varying the speed of the motor drive shaft such as speed control units or geared drives used in conjunction with a fixed speed motor may be used to vary the speed of the motor drive shaft.

[0096] In one embodiment, the paddle drive motor 131 may be supported from lower section 111c of housing 111 of grinder-filter apparatus 110 by a tubular motor support 119 mounted to the bottom of the housing at one end, and to the motor at the opposite end (see, e.g., FIG. 12). Motor support 119 may be flanged at each of the top and bottom ends for mounting the support to the housing and motor with threaded fasteners such as screws (not shown but well known in the art). The motor is thus supported from above in a suspended manner from housing 111.

[0097] The vertically oriented motor drive shaft 132 is laterally supported and guided by bearings 134 mounted in a tubular bearing housing 135 mounted to lower section 111c of housing 111 (best shown in FIG. 13). Drive shaft 132 extends vertically through bearing housing 135 and tubular motor support 119 and is fixedly coupled to paddle 130 at the top of the shaft. Shaft seals (not shown) prevent seepage of liquid from the slurry chamber 150 along the drive shaft. Housing lower section 111c defines a vertically elongated circular bore l l le through which the corresponding vertically elongated bearing housing extends. The top end of bearing housing 135 in one embodiment includes a radially protruding annular flange 136 which is seated on a corresponding top surface 11 If of housing lower section 111c inside the lower portion of grinding chamber 115.Flange 136 defines an upward facing flat surface 136a which is exposed to chamber 115 (see also FIG. 19).

[0098] Paddle 130 is rotatably disposed in the lower portion 115c of the grinding chamber 115 and operable to mix the sample material and water to form the sample slurry. In one embodiment, paddle 130 is horizontally / radially elongated in a direction transverse to the vertical centerline VC1 of the grinder-filter apparatus 110 and comprises opposing ends 130a each of which terminate proximate to the grinding ring 140 in grinding chamber 115, as further described herein. Paddle 130 in one embodiment may have a generally flattened body 130e of rectangular form defining opposing parallel and flat major sides 130b, a straight top edge 130c, and straight bottom edge 130d.

[0099] In one embodiment, the body 130e of paddle 130 may be formed of a resiliently deformable material which is deflectable / bendable about the vertical centerline VC1 of grinder-filter apparatus 110. Elastomeric materials such as natural rubber and synthetic polymeric elastomer materials may be used. Advantageously, the deformable paddle 130 allows the paddle to deform while spinning at high rates of speed (RPM-revolutions per minute) when encountering hard objects or debris in grinding chamber 115 which may sometimes be entrained in the bulk soil sample (e.g., rocks, stones, etc.) without damaging the paddle. This allows the grinder-filter apparatus to continue operation and formation of the sample slurry when hard debris is encountered by the paddle which cannot be broken down in size. The debris can then be removed later from grinding chamber 115 without disruption of the s Firry preparation process when the grinding chamber is cleaned, as further described herein.

[0100] Since the paddle 130, made from a flexible material, may be rotated at high speeds (RPMs) to prepare the slurry, the length of the paddle (measured horizontally perpendicularly to vertical centerline VC1 ) may tend to elongate in the horizontal or radial direction which might forcibly contact the grinding ring and slow down the paddle, thereby adversely affecting its operation. To combat this problem, the body 130e of paddle 130 is some embodiments may be structurally reinforced with cording fiber strands 137 embedded in the elastomeric paddle (see, e.g., FIG. 13). The strands 137 of cording fiber may each linearly extend radially / horizontally from and between the terminal ends 130a of the paddle and operate to limit radial or horizontal elongation of the deformable paddle body when rotated at high RPMs. In one non-limiting embodiment, cording fiber strands 137 may be made of Kevlar® cords; however, other suitable cording material with suitable tensile strength may be used which limit the elongation of the paddle when rotated.

[0101] Each of the two opposing terminal ends 130a of the paddle 130 in a preferred but nonlimiting embodiment is fitted with a rigid and flattened metallic end plate 138. The end plates are vertically oriented and each defines a vertical edge 138a which travels along and adjacent to the grinding ring 140 when the paddle is rotated to push the slurry and sample solids or particles into the open slots 141a of the grinding ring 140. Advantageously, the end plates being formed of metal as opposed to the flexible elastomeric of the main paddle body 130e are able to withstand abrasion better as the end plates sweep along the grinding ring 140 and positively force the slurry and solid soil particles through the ring into the slurry collection chamber 150. The end plates 138 further act to shear and break up clumps of the sample material solids (e.g., soil) as the clumps are pressed against the grinding ring 140 by the end plates.

[0102] The end plates 138 may be fixedly coupled to the paddle body by any suitable fastening technique known in the art such as rivets, pins, or threaded fasteners as some non-limiting examples. Other suitable fastening means known in the art however may be used which can provide fixed connection that can withstand the rotational forces of the paddle 130 without dislodging the end plates 138 therefrom.

[0103] In one embodiment, each metallic end plate 138 may have a flattened U-shaped body defining an upper portion 139a, a lower portion 139b, and an outwardly open gap or concavity 139c formed between the upper and lower portions. Concavity 139c is configured to allow a knocker protrusion 149 fixedly supported inside the grinding chamber 115 to project into and pass through as the paddle 130 as it rotates (see, e.g., FIGS. 13-14). The knocker protrusion breaks down clumps of the solid sample material (e.g., soil or other) riding and being pushed along the peripheral wall 116 of the grinding chamber by the paddle. The knocker protrusion 149 advantageously intercepts and breaks down the material clump being pushed around the inside periphery of the grinding chamber, rather than allowing the clump to continue circulating around the chamber with the paddle. Knocker protrusion 149 preferably is made of a metallic material and may have any suitable shape such as without limitation cylindrical as shown, or others.

[0104] In one embodiment, knocker protrusion 149 may be fixedly mounted to the waste door 152 and is radially elongated in configuration. The knocker protrusion is therefore openable with the waste door. Opening the door with knocker protrusion 149 for cleaning out the grinding chamber 115 as further described herein helps to dislodge any debris which may have become stuck between the knocker and the stationary baseplate 142 during preparation of the slurry.

[0105] In some embodiments, paddle 130 further includes a downwardly extending scraper protrusion 188 (shown in FIGS. 13-14). The scraper protrusion is radially elongated and configured to scrape or wipe soil sample material off of baseplate 142 when paddle is rotated to mix the sample material and water. In one embodiment, scraper protrusion 188 may be formed as an integral unitary structural part of the paddle body 130e being molded at the same time therewith from the elastomeric material. A second downwardly extending scraper protrusion 189 may optionally be provided in some embodiments to scrape or wipe sample material off of the top surface of the annular flange 136 of the bearing housing 135 inside the grinding chamber 115. This second scraper protrusion 189 may also be an integral part of the elastomeric paddle body and is located inwards of the first scraper protrusion 188 on the paddle body.

[0106] Grinder- filter apparatus 110 further includes a metallic agitation blade 180 disposed in the center of the grinding chamber 115. In one embodiment, blade 180 is coupled to the top of the motor drive shaft 132 (see, e.g., FIGS. 13-14) and is rotatable therewith. Blade 180 projects upwards from drive shaft 132 above the paddle 130. The drive shaft and blade 180 are each coaxially aligned with the vertical centerline VC 1 of grinder-filter apparatus 110. In one nonlimiting construction, the paddle 130 may be mounted directly to the agitation blade 180, which in turn is mounted to drive shaft 132. The blade and paddle therefore rotate in unison.

[0107] Agitation blade 180 is vertically oriented and may have a flattened and angled triangular body terminated with a pointed top 182 and linear top edge which is acutely angled to vertical centerline VC J of grinder-filter apparatus 110. In operation, agitation blade 180 breaks up clumps of soil (or other agricultural material in other embodiments) which move into the center of the grinding chamber 115 above the paddle 130 as it rotates to blend the water and soil sample material into a slurry. Any clumps or masses of sample material therefore are prevented from remaining in the center of the vortex of the slurry without being broken up by the blade. The vortex in fact formed in the slurry by paddle 130 tends to draw the congealed clumps of soil particles towards the center where they are disrupted and shattered by the rotating agitation blade 180. The paddle then forces the smaller broken down soil particles suspended in the slurry radially outwards through the slots 141a in the grinding ring 140 and into the slurry collection chamber 150, as previously described herein.

[0108] Grinder- filter apparatus 110 further includes a slurry outlet 153 which is fluidly coupled to slurry collection chamber 150 to discharge the “sized” sample slurry to the chemical analysis system 101. In one embodiment, the outlet may be formed in housing lower section 111c (see,e g., FIGS. 12-14). As previously noted, the annular-shaped floor of slurry collection chamber 150 may be sloped downwards towards the outlet to help guide slurry out of the chamber. As can be seen in FIG. 13, for example, the floor of chamber 150 at right adjacent to slurry outlet 153 is lower than at the left. Slurry outlet 153 is configured for coupling to a slurry outlet valve 154. In one embodiment, a threaded connection between valve 154 and the slurry outlet 153 may be used as shown in the illustrated embodiment; however, other types of connections known in the fluid handling arts including flanged connections, welded connections, or other may be used.

[0109] The slurry outlet valve 154 is changeable between a closed position and open position; the latter of which places the slurry collection chamber 150 in fluid communication with the chemical analysis system directly or through intermediate flow chambers or paths. The closed position conversely fluidly isolates the collection chamber from the chemical analysis system and seals grinding chamber 115 at bottom. Any suitable type commercially-available valve having an open and closed position may be used. In one embodiment, a commercially-available air-operated pinch valve may be used as disclosed herein for the slurry' outlet valve as these type valves with deformable rubber tubes are durable and operate effectively for achieving tight shutoff when handling slurries without clogging or severe wear caused by abrasive slurries. These valves are well known in the art. Other type valves me used such as diaphragm valves or others.

[0110] Referring generally to FIGS. 1-22, waste collection apparatus 160 of the present slurry preparation system is used after processing a batch of slurry in grinder-filter apparatus 110 in association with cleaning / flushing out the grinding chamber 115 with clean water to remove slurry solids residue and hard debris (e.g., stones, rocks, crop residues such as stalks, plant material, roots, etc.) before the next batch of slurry is prepared. In one embodiment, waste collection apparatus160 defines a second vertical centerline VC2 and a vertically elongated assemblage generally including an open top support frame 161 fixedly coupled to housing 111 of the grinder-filter apparatus, a vertically-elongated open waste chute 162 fixedly mounted to and suspended from the frame, a strainer pan 166 positioned below the chute, a frustoconical funnel 164 coupled to and below the pan, and waste water discharge nozzle 165 coupled to the bottom end of the funnel. Centerline VC2 is parallel to centerline VC1 of grinder-filter apparatus 110. The support frame161 has a perimetrically extending open picture frame type structure and includes an openable lid 168 coupled thereto on top to prevent flushing water discharged from the grinding chamber 115 during cleanout from excessively splashing out.

[0111] The top support frame 161 may have a tubular rectangular shape (with vertically open internal passageway) in one embodiment which coincides with the rectangular cuboid configuration of the chute 162 with similar rectangular cross-sectional shape. The waste chute162 may be vertically elongated and comprises vertical walls 162a forming four sides of the chute that define the internal passageway 162b. In one embodiment, chute 162 may be formed of a resilient deformable elastomeric material such as rubber or synthetic polymeric elastomer materials. In other embodiments, however, the chute may be made of a rigid metallic or polymeric material.

[0112] Strainer pan 166 is upwardly open and comprises four vertical sidewalls 167 complementary configured in cross-sectional shape to the chute 162. The bottom portion of the chute projects downward inside the sidewalls of the pan to prevent the flushing water from splashing out. It bears noting that there preferably is no rigid connection or coupling between the bottom of chute 162 and strainer pan 166 in one embodiment as shown. This allows the flexibly- structured chute to be deformed and pulled up and laterally out of the pan to access and manually remove debris captured by the pan. In some embodiments therefore, the strainer pan 166 and funnel 164 coupled thereto may be supported from a nearby available support surface independently of the waste chute 162 which is supported and extends downwards from the top support frame 161 affixed to the grinder-filter apparatus housing 111. Accordingly, strainer pan 166 may include a pan support bracket 169 for this purpose as shown (see, e. g. , FIG. 18) configured for mounting to an available independent support surface. The bracket may also be configured to support funnel 164 at bottom and the waste water discharge nozzle 165, thereby providing a selfsupported rigidly coupled assemblage.

[0113] Strainer pan 166 further includes a perforated screen 163 comprising a plurality of holes 163a which allow the flushing water with smaller solids fines to pass through, but traps the hard debris larger than a predetermined size (e.g., stones, rocks, etc.) on top of the screen. The debris may be manually removed by lifting the flexible chute 162 out of the pan as noted above, or alternatively lowering the pan to disengage the chute. In one embodiment, an orthogonal grid array of square holes 163a may be used to maximize the open areas in the screen through which the flushing water can pass into and through the funnel 164 beneath the pan. Other shapes of holes163 a however including circular may be used. The funnel 164 may be directly coupled to the bottom of strainer pan 166 to collect and concentrate or funnel the flushing water containing some smaller material fines that pass through the perforated screen 163 to the waste water dischargenozzle 165 coupled directly to the bottom of the funnel. Discharge nozzle 165 directs the flushing waste water to a suitable receptacle or drainage pipe / tube connection.

[0114] Referring particularly to FIGS. 3-4, 12-15, 18, and 20-22, waste collection apparatus 160 further includes an openable / closeable waste door 152 which is sealable to a complementary configured waste window 170 formed through the arcuately curved sidewall 112c of housing 111 of the grinding chamber 115. Waste window 170 has an arcuately curved shape and at least part of waste door 152 which fully closes the window opening therefore has a complementary configured arcuately curved portion 152a to fluidly seal the window. Waste window 170 may have a suitably large circumferential width and height to effectively flush and clean out the grinding chamber with flushing water and hard debris remaining therein after processing a batch of slurry. In one embodiment, the waste window 170 may occupy a majority of one quadrant of the grinding chamber 115 in the circumferential direction when viewed from above as shown in FIG. 15. An elastomeric seal 171 disposed around the waste window 170 on the exterior of grinder housing 111 seals the door 152 to the window opening in the housing 111 in a fluid tight manner.

[0115] In one embodiment, waste window 170 is formed in the lower section 111c of housing adjacent to the paddle 130 and is radially aligned with a complementary configured debris opening 170a formed through the sidewall 140a of grinding ring 140 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3-4 and 16-17). The bottom edge of window 170 preferably is substantially flush with the top of the perforated baseplate 142 (see, e.g., FIGS. 13 and 20). This ensures debris and waste water in the grinding chamber 115 can be effectively flushed out into the awaiting chute 162 of the waste collection apparatus 160 with minimal residual matter left behind when the grinding chamber is flushed out periodically.

[0116] Waste door 152 in some non-limiting embodiments may be operated by a pneumatic or electric door actuator 175 operably coupled to the waste door. FIGS. 1-4, 15, and 21-22 include details of the actuator. The door actuator is operable to selectively and slideably move the waste door between the open position disengaged from the grinder-filter apparatus housing 111 and closed position engaged with and sealed to the housing. In one embodiment, door actuator 175 may include a pair of electric or pneumatic actuator cylinders 173 (pneumatic actuators are shown) to advantageously provide a balanced closing force on the waste door 170 against the housing 111 and seal 171. This provides a better liquid-tight seal of the door to the grinding chamber 115 particularly since the waste door 152 and concomitantly the corresponding waste window 170 in grinder housing 111 each have a greater width than height as shown in the non-limiting illustratedembodiment (see, e.g., FIG. 22). Any suitable commercially-available electric or pneumatic actuator may be used. If pneumatic actuators are used, a suitable pressurized air source such as compressed air from air supply system 90 shown schematically in FIG. 8 may be coupled to the actuators for actuation.

[0117] In one embodiment, actuator cylinders 173 may be supported by the waste chute top support frame 161, which in turn is fixedly mounted the grinder-filter apparatus housing 111. Support frame 161 includes a pair of openings through which the extendible operating rods 173a of the cylinders may be projected into the central opening of the frame and outwards therefrom. The support frame further includes a door opening 170b which is complementary configured with and radially aligned with waste window 170 in housing lower section 111c and debris opening 170a formed through the sidewall 140a of grinding ring 140 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3-4 and 16-17). The actuator cylinders may be horizontally oriented and fixedly mounted to frame 168 in a stationary manner.

[0118] The retractable / extendible operating rods 173a of the actuator cylinders are fixedly coupled at their outer terminal ends to an elongated operating bar 174. The operating rods of each actuator are coupled to opposite end portions of the operating bar (see, e.g., FIGS. 21-22). Operating bar 174 may be horizontally oriented in a direction transversely to vertical centerline VC1 of grinderfilter apparatus 1 10. The operating bar is coupled to waste door 152 by a pair of tie rods 175 as shown.

[0119] In operation, extending operating rods 173a of the actuator cylinders 173 slides and m oves the operating bar 174 away from grinding chamber 115. This unseats and disengages the waste door 152 from the grinder-filter apparatus housing 111 in a corresponding sliding linear path and manner away from the grinding chamber transversely (e.g., perpendicularly) to vertical centerline VC1 . The grinding chamber 1 15 is now open to flush the chamber out with cleaning or flushing water which exits with any residual debris in the chamber through the waste window 170.

[0120] To reclose the grinding chamber, the operating rods 173a of actuator cylinders 173 are retracted. This slides operating bar 172 and waste door 152 back towards the apparatus housing 111. The door re-engages seal 171 surrounding the waste window 170 on the housing to reseal the window in preparation for preparing the next batch of soil sample slurry. It bears noting that in the illustrated embodiment, the operating bar 174 and waste door 152 each move and remain entirely within the confines of the top support frame 161 of waste collection apparatus 160 through their entire range of back and forth linear motion to open and reclose the grinding chamber 115.

[0121] A method or process for preparing an agricultural sample slurry using grinder-filter apparatus 110 will now be briefly described. In one non-limiting embodiment, the sample slurry may be prepared in batch mode with preparation of a single batch of blended and sized slurry before the next batch is prepared. This ensures that a homogenous batch of slurry is produced with consistent solid particle size meeting the predetermined maximum particle size design criteria or limits associated with the downstream chemical analysis system before slurry release from the grinding chamber 115.

[0122] Starting with slurry outlet valve 154 and waste door 152 in their closed positions, the agricultural sample material and water are added into the grinding chamber 115 through the top of the grinder housing 111. The bulk sample material is soil in this non-limiting example. The water and soil may be added to the grinding chamber in any order; however, the water may be added first to a level to preclude any small soil particles which can pass through the perforated baseplate from entering the slurry collection chamber 150 without water to avoid plugging issues. The open top 112a of the grinder housing 111 and grinding chamber 115 is then closed and sealed by moving lid 195 inwards and downwards via vertically moveable support member 197 to engage the lid with the grinder housing (i.e. upper section 11 la to cover and close central top opening 117).

[0123] Next, the paddle drive motor 131 is started to rotate the paddle 130 and mix the water and sample material (e.g., soil) to form the sample slurry. The paddle and central agitation blade 118 rotating with the paddle break down the soil material into smaller particles. The water and soil are mixed for a period of time necessary to produce a homogenous slurry with even distribution of soil particles throughout. The paddle and blade may be rotated continually for the period of time, or intermittently with brief pauses between rotating cycles and / or reversal in direction for extra agitation which may be beneficial with some types of sample materials such as soils that are more resistant to shattering and crumbling into smaller particles (e.g., clay type soils). For either continuous or intermittent operating modes of the grinder-filter apparatus 110, the paddle 130 and blade 180 may be rotated at a relative high rate of speed (RPM) for mixing and sizing the sample slurry (e.g., 4000 RPM or other dependent in part upon the nature of the sample material). If the slurry is prepared and size in the continuous mode of operating via rotating the paddle, the duration of time may be about one minute as one non-limiting representative example. Longer or shorter times may be used dependent upon the type sample material being processed and the characteristics / property of the material.

[0124] In addition to breaking down or shattering the clumps of the sample material, the paddle 130 with end plates 138 at its ends force the sample slurry radially outwards towards the grinding ring 140. The end plates act to press the sample slurry against the ring and into the flow openings 141 (i.e. slots 141a) as the paddle rotates. Only soil particles less than the preselected width W1 dimension of the slots can enter the slots with the slurry. As previously described herein, the flow slots are sized to limit a predetermined maximum size of sample material particles which can pass into the flow openings of the ring. The grinding ring thus produces a “sized” sample slurry with maximum particle size meeting the size limitation.

[0125] As the slurry with entrained soil particles enters the flow slots 141a, the sized sample slurry passes into the upper portions 141b of the slots in the grinding chamber 115. The slurry flows downwards along the lengths LI of each slot into slurry collection chamber 150. The sized sample slurry exits the lower portions 141c of the flow slots 141a beneath the perforated baseplate 142 and enters the collection chamber 150. As the paddle 130 continues to rotates, a small portion of the sized sample slurry recirculates back up into the grinding chamber 115 through the perforations in the baseplate 142 to beneficially further agitate the slurry, as previously described herein.

[0126] Once the slurry is thoroughly mixed and sized, the method or process continues with slowing the paddle down to a reduce speed (RPM), and opening the slurry outlet 153 by opening siurry outlet valve 154 to discharge the sized sample slurry and empty' slurry' collection chamber 150 while rotating the paddle at the reduced speed. The sized slurry' flows downstream to the chemical analysis system 101.

[0127] The next step is to clean out the grinding chamber 115 using the waste collection apparatus 160in preparation for processing the next batch of sample slurry. This generally includes introducing flushing water into the grinding chamber to agitate and loosen any remaining soil residue and ejecting the water and any remaining debris (e.g., rocks, stones, hardened clumps of sample material, wood, etc.) not broken down by the paddle 130, agitation blade 118, or knocker protrusion 149.

[0128] The grinding chamber cleanout process or method may generally include stopping the paddle 130 in one operating mode, closing the slurry outlet (i.e. outlet valve 154), opening lid 195, adding clean flushing water to the empty grinding chamber 115, closing the lid, and rotating the paddle for a period of time sufficient to loosen any soil residue, opening the waste door 152 of the grinding chamber, and discharging the flushing water with residual soil and debris remaining in the grinding chamber out through the now open waste window 170 in the grinding chamberaccessed by opening the door. The paddle may be rotated at the higher rotational speed to agitate and loosen the soil residue and leftover debris (e.g., 4000 RPM or higher). Preferably, the paddle 130 may continue to be rotated when the waste door is opened to help push and eject the flushing water and debris out from the grinding chamber 115. Also preferably, the paddle 130 is rotated at a reduced speed less than the higher rotational speed used to prepare the sample material slurry discussed above (e.g., less than 4000 RPM in one non-limiting example) when the waste door is open. Because the top of the perforated baseplate 142 is substantially flush with the bottom edge of the waste window 170 as previously described herein, the slowly rotating paddle 130 will engage and forcibly push any debris off of the baseplate and out through the waste window. Any residual “dirty water” left below the base plate 142 in slurry collection chamber 150 that cannot exit the waste door above the baseplate can be removed by briefly opening and then reclosing slurry outlet valve 154 at the end of the cleaning cycle. The dirty water is diverted to waste after leaving the slurry collection chamber and outlet valve.

[0129] In an alternative operating mode of the foregoing process, the paddle 130 may continue to be rotated at the reduced speed from evacuating the sized sample slurry from slurry collection chamber 150 of grinder-filter apparatus 110 without stopping when the grinding chamber is opened and flushing water is introduced. In this case, the slurry outlet valve 154 is simply closed after the slurry collection chamber is emptied of the sized slurry and then the flushing water is added to chamber while still rotating paddle. The remaining cleanout steps described above then proceed in the manner presented.

[0130] The cleanout process or method continues with collecting the ejected flushing water with residual soil and debris exiting waste window 170 in waste chute 162, separating the hard debris from the flushing water via strainer pan 166 with perforated screen 163, collecting the strained flushing water (i.e. waste water) in funnel 164, and / discharging the flushing / waste water through waste water discharge nozzle 165 to a waste drain or other receptacle for the waste water.

[0131] Once the flushing water and debris are removed from grinding chamber 115 and slurry collection chamber 150, the waste door 152 is reclosed. The grinder- filter apparatus 110 is now ready to process the next batch.

[0132] It will be appreciated that numerous variations and order of steps or additional steps in the foregoing basic sample slurry preparation and subsequent grinder- filter apparatus cleaning process are possible. The inventive method / process is not limited in this regard.

[0133] In some embodiments, the foregoing processes / methods, and components of the grinderfilter apparatus 110 and waste collection apparatus 160 as appropriate may be operated and controlled by an automated control system 2800 including programmable main system controller 2820. Controller 2820 is operably coupled and communicably linked to the system components shown in FIG. 7. This includes, without limitation, at least the paddle drive motor 131, slurry discharge valve 154, and waste door actuator 175. In the event pneumatic actuator cylinders 173 and slurry discharge valve 154 are used, the controller 2920 is operably coupled and linked to the pneumatic air shutoff valves 91 and 92 respectively which are supplied with compressed air from a pressurized air source such as the air supply system 90 (shown schematically in dashed lines in FIG. 8). This controls the air to the cylinders and valve in an on / off mode. If electrically operated actuator cylinders and valves are used, the controller is operably coupled and linked directly to these components as shown in FIG. 7. The controller 2820 may be operably coupled to other components and devices, including sensors configured to measure flow, temperature, pressure, motion, fluid levels, and others as may be provided. The control system may be configured for bidirectional communication with all of the foregoing components, devices, and sensors.

[0134] System controller 2820 may include one or more processors, non-transitory tangible computer or machine readable medium such as memory 2805, user interface 2815, programmable input / output peripherals, and all other necessary electronic appurtenances and devices normally associated with a fully functional processor-based controller and control system. Control system 2800, including controller 2820, is operably and communicably linked to the foregoing components / devices associated with the grinder-filter apparatus 110 and waste collection apparatus 160 via suitable wired or wireless communication links 2821 to control operation of those systems and devices in a fully integrated and sequenced manner.

[0135] 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.

[0136] Both the volatile memory and the non-volatile memory may be used for storing the program instructions or software. In one embodiment, the computer or machine accessible and readable non-transitory medium (e.g., memory 2805) contains executable computer program instructions which when executed by the system controller 2820 cause the system components and apparatuses to perform operations or methods according to the present disclosure. While the machine accessible and readable non-transitory medium (e.g., memory 2805) is shown in an exemplary embodiment 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” shall also 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” shall accordingly also be taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical and magnetic media, and carrier wave signals.

[0137] The user interface 2815 can be configured for direct user input such as a control panel with visual display such as a touchscreen and / or hard and / or soft (software) buttons, and wired and / or wireless bidirectional communications which may include a WLAN transceiver (e.g., WiFi), an infrared transceiver, a Bluetooth transceiver, Ethernet, Near Field Communications, combinations thereof, or other suitable communication interfaces and protocols for communications with other electronic processor-based devices such as cellphones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, etc. which may be used to program and communicate with the controller 2820.

[0138] The agricultural sample slurry preparation system including grinder- filter apparatus 110 and waste collection system including waste collection apparatus 160 disclosed herein is usable with and may form part of an overall agricultural sampling and analysis systems, such as but not limited to those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2018 / 0124992A1,US20210123836A1, US20210123936A1, US20210131917A1, US20210131929A1,US20210208035A1, US20210208036A1, US20210208037A1, US20210208123A1,US20210268456A1, US20210285869A1, US20210341442A1, US20210341452A1,US20220196628A1, US20230133335A1, US20230144670A1, US20230151810A1,US20230173415A1, US20230243792A1, US20230243801A1, US20230243802A1,US20230243804A1, US20230266289A1, US20230266290A1, US20230273130A1,US20230273171A1, US20230273172A1, US20230273173A1, US20230304987A1,US20230417363A1, US20230417635A1, US20240189743 Al, US20240189744A1,US20240192112A1, US20240192708 Al, US20240198331A1, US20240200547A1, PCTPublication 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 NosPCT / 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 11-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.

[0139] As an example, the present grinder-filter apparatus 110 may be substituted for the two- part separate mixer and coarse filter shown in FIG. 35 of U.S. Application Nos. 17 / 326050 filed 20-May-2021; 63 / 191186 filed 20-May-2021; 63 / 191189 filed 20-May-2021; 63 / 191195 filed 20-May-2021; 63 / 191199 filed 20-May-2021; and 63 / 191204 filed 20-May-2021.Advantageously, the grinder-filter apparatus replaces the mix and filter, and the associated valving and interconnecting flow conduits between these two components with a single compact unit which both grinds the agricultural sample material in preparation of the sample slurry andfilters / strains the resultant slurry to meet the maximum particle size limits previously described herein.

[0140] FIGS. 25 A and 25B show an alternative embodiment of a knocker protrusion previously described herein. In the present embodiment, a knocker protrusion 195 may be provided which is movably mounted to a wall of the grinding chamber 115 in lieu of fixedly mounted to the waste door 152. The alternative knocker protrusion is thus radially projectible into and retractable from the grinding chamber 115 independently of opening and closing the waste door. In one embodiment, knocker protrusion 195 may have an elongated cylindrical solid body and functions similarly to knocker protrusion 149 previously described herein.

[0141] In one embodiment, knocker protrusion 195 may be slideably received and disposed in a radial bore 190 formed in a portion of the arcuately curved sidewall 112c of housing 111 of the grinding chamber 115. Knocker protrusion 149 is movable between an inward actuated position projected into the grinding chamber 115 from the bore and sidewall 112c (see, e.g., FIG. 25B), and an outward unactuated position retracted from the grinding chamber inside the bore and sidewall (FIG. 25A).

[0142] In one embodiment, knocker protrusion 195 may be operated by a pneumatic air operator 193 formed integrally with the grinder housing sidewall 112c as shown. Bore 190 may be fluidly coupled to a pressurized air source via an air supply opening 190a in the grinder sidewall, such as without limitation air supply system 90 (see, e.g., FIG. 8). A spring 192 disposed in bore 190 biases the knocker protrusion towards the retracted unactuated position. Knocker protrusion 195 may include an annular flange 191 which engages one end of spring 192. The opposite end of the spring may be engage a stepped-shaped annular edge 196 formed within the bore proximate to the grinding chamber 115. Spring 192 may be a helical compression spring in one non-limiting embodiment; however, other types of springs and arrangements may be used to bias the knocker protrusion 195 outwards away from the grinding chamber. In the present operating scheme, air is applied to knocker protrusion 195 to maintain its projected position. When air pressure is removed, the spring returns the knocker protrusion back outwards.

[0143] Movable knocker protrusion 195 functions similar to knocker protrusion 149 to intercept and break down any hardened sample material clumps being pushed around the inside periphery of the grinding chamber by paddle 130. Whereas knock protrusion 149 is fixedly attached to and openable with waste door 152 when flushing out the grinding chamber 115, present knocker protrusion 195 may be retracted from the grinding chamber during the flushing operation toensure no debris or hardened clumps remains lodged within the chamber which is not flushed out the waste door. When the waste door is closed and the grinding chamber 115 is ready to resume operation, the knocker protrusion may be returned to it projected position.

[0144] Alternative Embodiments - Grinder-Filter Apparatus

[0145] Various modifications of the grinder- filter apparatus 110 and components thereof may be provided in alternative embodiments, as further described below.

[0146] One variation of grinding ring 140 may be made in relation to the flow slots 141a. In the first embodiment of grinding ring 140 previously described herein, the flow slots 141a extend completely through the cylindrical sidewall 140a of the grinding ring 140 in the radial / lateral direction. In this prior embodiment, the interior surface 111 d of the peripheral wall 116 (which extends circumferentially around grinding chamber 115) forms a “blind” backing wall within each flow slot because there is no appreciable space or gap between the grinding ring and chamber peripheral wall due to their abutting relationship. During operation, the grinding ring receives a lot of abrasive wear due to constant contact with rocks, sand, soil, etc. entrained in the slurry which is filtered by flow slots 141a as previously described herein.

[0147] In constructions where the grinding ring 140 may be formed of metal and the peripheral wall 116 encircling the grinding chamber 115 is formed of plastic for considerations such as corrosions resistance, cost, and weight reduction, these same abrasive particles and debris in the slurry cause excessive wear of the plastic peripheral wall that acts as the “blind” backing wall within each flow slot 141a. This may require relatively frequent replacement of plastic grinder housing 111, or at the very least the lower section 111c of the housing in which the grinding ring 141 is disposed that directly experiences the abrasive wear. This situation is not desirable because the grinder housing would be a difficult and expensive item to service.

[0148] To resolve the grinder housing 111 wear issues when the housing is made of plastic, an alternative grinding ring 240 shown in FIGS. 25-36 comprises an integral blind backing wall 240a within each flow slot 241a. Flow slots 241 A are not “through” slots like flow slots 141a previously described herein. Instead, the present flow slots have a radial depth DI measured transversely to the vertical centerline CL of the grinder-filter apparatus 110 which only extends partially through thickness T1 of the grinding ring 240, not completely through. Accordingly, the peripheral wall 116 formed by interior surface 11 Id of the sidewall 112c of housing 111 is not exposed through the flow slots 241a to abrasive wear by the particles and debris circulating in the slurry. This allows the grinding ring 240 to be formed of a wear- resistant metal (e.g.,cobalt, steel, or other) and the grinder-filter apparatus housing 111 to be formed of a softer non- metallic material such as plastic. This design advantageously optimizes cost of the grinder-filter apparatus 110, provides a serviceable part since only the grinding ring 240 requires replacement (not the grinder housing 111), and eliminates abrasive wear of the softer plastic housing through the flow slots in grinding ring 240 because the housing is not exposed through the slots.

[0149] The flow slots 241a of present grinding ring 240 in some embodiments may also be optimized in configuration to rapidly discharge the “sized” slurry flowing into slurry collection chamber 150 beneath baseplate 142 of grinder-filter apparatus 110, and to avoid small debris (e.g., stones / rocks) from becoming lodged in the flow slots. In one embodiment, the lower portion 241c of each flow slot 241a located below the baseplate may include a terminal end part having a variable width shape to facilitate discharge of the slurry. By contrast, the upper portion 241b of each slot may have a constant width W1 similarly to upper portion 141b of grinding ring 140 as previously described herein which is sized to convey only soil particles that do not exceed a predetermined maximize particle size (or other sample material) for the slurry filtering function of grinding ring 240. Lower portion 141c of each flow slot in one embodiment therefore may include an enlarged delta-shaped discharge opening 260 comprising an entrance 260a having a first width W1 (corresponding to the width of upper portion 241b) and an exit 260b having a second width W2 greater than the first width. Discharge opening 260 is formed by a pair of outwardly flared slot walls 261 which diverge moving from entrance 260a to exit 260b of the opening as shown. If a small stone or rock gets stuck in the flow slot, the debris can pass through quickly because the slot is getting wider as it goes down. In some embodiments, the entrance 260a of the enlarged flow slot lower portion 141c may begin at the top surface of the baseplate 142. In other embodiments, however, the enlarged discharge opening 260 may be omitted.

[0150] Although the modified grinding ring 240 eliminates wear of a plastic grinder housing 111 backing the grinding ring, the present grinding ring is nonetheless still subject to wear over time by hard debris in the soil (e.g., stones, rocks, etc.) entrained in the soil and requires periodic replacement. The flow slots 241a are particularly prone to abrasive wear since they filter / strain the soil slurry and the wall thickness of grinding ring 240 is less within the flow slots 241a (see, e g., FIG. 33).

[0151] To facilitate replacement of only certain portions of the grinding ring which are worn out, grinding ring 240 may be formed by a segmented body comprising plural circumferentiallyarranged arcuately curved ring segments 243 best shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 27. The segments when mounted in the grinder-filter apparatus form a complete circumferentially with preferably no appreciable gap between adjacent segments to prevent ingress of hard debris therebetween which could wear of the grinder housing 111 behind the ring. Ring segments 243 may be abutted together in some embodiments.

[0152] Each ring segment 234 may be configured to include features or omit features desired for the particular sector of the housing 111 to which they are attached. Accordingly, at least two or more of the ring segments 243 may have a different configuration than the others. For example, a first type of ring segment 243a may have a first configuration including flow slots 241a (two such segments shown in FIG. 27), a second type ring segment 243b may have a second configuration including debris opening 170a formed through the sidewall 140a of grinding ring 140, and a third type ring segment 243c may have a third configured comprising a solid curved wall (see also FIGS. 25-26); each type ring segment therefore having a configuration different than the rest. Although four ring segments 243 are shown, other embodiments may have fewer or more segments which when mounted in the grinder-filter apparatus housing 111 form a complete and continuous circular structure surrounding the grinding chamber. Each ring segment 243 is formed of suitable preferably abrasion resistant metal; examples of which were previously described herein.

[0153] The flow slots 241a in ring segments 243b may be arranged in slot clusters similar to that previously described herein. Referring to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment in FIGS. 30- 32, each slot cluster comprises a first end flow slot 24 le having a first length at one end of the slot cluster, a second end flow slot 241f having a second length opposite the first end flow slot at an other end of the slot cluster, and a plurality intermediate flow slots 241g disposed between the first and second end slots; the intermediate flow slots each having a length greater than the first and / or second end flow slot. The flow slots are obliquely angled to vertical centerline VC1 of the grinder- filter apparatus 100 and parallel to each other in one embodiment. Other flow slot arrangements and configurations may be used.

[0154] The ring segments 243 may be detachably coupled to lower section 111c of grinder housing 111 by any suitable method known in the art. In one embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 27-29, the grinder- filter apparatus further comprises an annular retention ring 250 which detachably couples the ring segments to the housing. Retention ring 250 is mounted inside the upper portion of housing lower section 111c within grinding chamber 115 and the ring segments243 are positioned below the ring. The bottom of retention ring 250 may include a stepped shoulder 250a which engages a mating stepped shoulder 250b on the top of each ring segment 243 to form an interlocked fit therebetween best shown in FIG. 29. When intermediate section 11 lb of housing 111 is coupled to the lower section 111c, the retention ring is trapped in the lower section of the housing, which in turn traps the ring segments 243 between the ring and baseplate 142 on which the ring segments are seated. It further bears noting that baseplate 142 holds the grinder ring segments 243 radially and downward. Each ring segment comprises a pair of hold-down ledges 142a which are trapped beneath baseplate 142, which in turn is held down by annular flange 136 of the bearing housing (see, e.g., FIG. 14).

[0155] In one embodiment, the upper portion of each ring segment 243 may include at least one tooling slot 244 configured to engage a tool such as a screwdriver or other to facilitate lifting and removing the segments out of the grinder. Two tooling slots 244 are shown for each segment in one embodiment. The tooling slots 244 may be L-shaped in one configuration; however, other suitably shaped slots may be provided.

[0156] Other aspects of grinding ring 240 not differentiated from grinding ring 140 in the above description and drawings may be the same as provided for grinding ring 140 previously described herein and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0157] According to another embodiment and variation of grinder-filter apparatus 110, the waste door may have a composite construction shown in FIGS. 37-43 to optimize resistance to wear by the abrasive slurry being formed in grinding chamber 115 and to minimize cost. The waste door such as prior waste door 152 previously described herein is exposed to grinding chamber 115 and hard particles (e.g., stones, crop residue, etc.) entrained in the water and agricultural material (e.g., soil or other) mixture circulating in the grinding chamber. Therefore, the waste door is subjected to abrasive wear during slurry preparation via operation of the grinder-filter apparatus 100. The waste door functions to close and seal the debris opening 170a formed through the sidewall 140a of grinding ring 140 and waste window 170 formed through the sidewall 140a of grinding ring 140 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3-4 and 16-17).

[0158] In the present optional composite construction, waste door 252 may include a two-piece construction comprising an outer mounting base 252a to which a replaceable inner removable door insert 252b is attached which forms the wear portion of the waste door assembly. Mounting base 252a is coupled to the door actuator 175 assembly previously described herein to open and close / seal the waste door 252 to the grinder-filter apparatus housing in the manner noted before.Mounting base 252a in one embodiment includes an inwardly open mounting receptacle 254b which receives radially outward projecting mounting boss 254a on door insert 252b to couple the insert to the base. The mounting boss 254a may be centrally located on the door insert. A pair of anti-rotation protrusions 258a may be provided on door insert 252b which are received in corresponding anti-rotation sockets 258b formed on the mounting base 252a. This keeps the door insert in the proper orientation with respect to the mounting base. The body of door insert 252b may be arcuately configured with the same arcuately curved portion 252c defining an inward facing curved surface from side-to-side and features as prior waste door 152 including the knocker protrusion 149 (designated protrusion 249 in the present illustrated door insert embodiment).

[0159] Door insert 252b may detachably coupled to mounting base 252a via a threaded fastener 255 in one embodiment which is received in a threaded bore 254c formed in the door mounting boss 254a. The bore 254c may be directly threaded, or in one embodiment a threaded insert 256 may be inserted and permanently affixed into a plain bore of the bore as shown in the figures. Either construction may be used. In other embodiments, other means for detachably coupling the door insert to the mounting base may be used. A seal 257 may be provided and interspersed between the mounting base 252a and door insert 252b. The seal is compressed when the mounting base is tightened to the insert via fastener 255. Seal 257 may be formed of any suitable elastomeric or other material which is compressible and appropriate for a seal.

[0160] Door insert 252b may be formed of a corrosion-resistant metal such as without limitation stainless steel, cobalt, or another material whereas mounting base 252a may be made of a less expensive non-metallic material with a hardness less than the door inert material such as without limitation plastic. Other materials of construction may be used in other embodiments for the door insert and mounting base.

[0161] According to another embodiment and variation of grinder-filter apparatus 110, the grinder paddle may have an alternative construction shown in FIGS. 44-45. Present paddle 230 eliminates the one-piece elastomeric body 130e of previous paddle 130 described herein.Instead, each one of the pair of present metallic end plates 238 is coupled to the motor drive shaft 132 of motor 131 by a pair of metal cables 233. One upper and one lower cable may be provided for each end plate 238 as shown. A metallic central drive shaft coupler 235 is configured to be detachably coupled to drive shaft 132. The coupler includes a central opening 235c which receives the drive shaft. The inner ends of cables 233 are each coupled in turn to drive shaftcoupling 235. The outer ends of the cables are coupled to the end plates 238. Both coupling 235 and end plates 238 may include integral cable crimping elements 236 which fixedly engage the ends of the cables 233.

[0162] In one embodiment, the end plates 238 and drive shaft coupler 235 may have a two-piece body construction to facilitate the cable attachment. For example, each end plate comprising a first half section 238a and complementary configured second half-section 238b. Similarly, drive shaft coupler 235 may include a first half-section 235a and complementary configured second half-section 235b. The end plate and coupler half-sections may be permanently or detachably joined together via any commonly used fastening methods such as threaded fasteners (e.g., screws), rivets, welding, clamps, adhesives, or any other suitable method usable for joining metallic components together. A threaded fastener 238c is shown in FIG. 45 as just one nonlimiting example for illustration purposes.

[0163] In one embodiment, the half-sections may be joined together after inserting the ends of the metal cables into the cable crimping elements 236 of coupler 235 and end plates 238 such that the cables are trapped between the half-sections and crimping elements in a fixed rigid manner. Other methods may be used to couple the cables to the coupler and end plates in other embodiments.

[0164] In one embodiment, the drive shaft coupler 235 may include at least one grinding blade 218. The illustrated embodiment includes two grinding blades; one blade protruding upwards and the other downwards from the coupler which enhances soil grinding performance when making the slurry. The grinding blades may be integrally formed with the body of the metallic coupler 235. If a two-piece coupler construction is used, the blades may be a unitary part of one of the half-sections 235a or 235b of the coupler.

[0165] During operation, centrifugal forces generated by the grinder motor will cause the cables to become taught as the paddle 230 rotates inside the grinding chamber 115. When the grinder is not operated, the cables will relax to a certain degree depending on the stiffness of the cables. Any suitable commercially-available structural metal cables such as those formed of multiple twisted wire strands of sufficient strength may be used. Preferably, the cables may be formed of a corrosion resistant metal such as stainless steel.

[0166] Use of the metal cables 233 advantageously provide a strong metallic end plate coupling structure which replaces the elastomeric body of prior paddle 130 (directly coupled to end plates 138) which is susceptible to abrasive wear by the hard particles (e.g., debris such as stones,hardened crop residue, etc.) entrained in the swirling slurry agitated by the rotating paddle. Since the end plates 238 actively force the slurry into the flow slots 241a, substitution of the metal cables for a solid paddle body does not create a deficit in slurry agitation and reduces the inertial forces needed to rotate the paddle generated by the drive motor which uses less energy. Alternative Grinder

[0167] FIGs. 47 to 58 illustrate an alternative grinder-filter apparatus 110’ with some alternative features. Any of the features described below can be used with any of the grinder-filter apparatuses described herein.

[0168] In one embodiment, grinder filter apparatus 110’ has outer housing 111 ’ that can have upper housing I l la’ and a lower housing 111b’ that are hingably connected by hinge 902 and releasably openable by clasp 901. When clasp 901 is released, lower housing 11 lb’ can swing away and provide access to the inside of grinder filter apparatus 110’ to allow servicing of the inside. Optionally, a proximity sensor 903 having a first portion 903-1 and a second portion 903- 2. An example of proximity sensor 903 is a combination of a Hall effect sensor and a magnet. Either the first portion 903-1 can be the Hall effect sensor or the magnet with second portion 903-2 being the other. Sensor 903 can be in signal communication with controller 2820. When upper housing I l la’ is not in contact with lower housing 111b’ when outer housing 111 ’ is opened, sensor 903 can signal controller 2820 that outer housing 111’ is open, and then controller 2820 can stop the power to grinder filter apparatus 110’ to prevent contact with moving parts.

[0169] In another embodiment, access to bearings 134’ can obtained by bearing clamp 950. Bearing clamp 950 has a first arm 951, a second arm 952, a hinge 953 about which first arm 951 and second arm 952 pivot, and a fastener 954 to retain first arm 951 and second arm 952 together. Fastener 954 can be unsecured to allow first arm 951 to pivot away from second arm 952 to allow access to bearings 134’ for easy disassembly.

[0170] In another embodiment, paddle 130’ has paddle body 130e’ having a first flail 238-1’ and a second flail 238-2’ disposed at both ends of paddle body 130e’. First flail 238-1’ and second flail 238-2’ can be connected to paddle body 130e’ via dovetail joints. Each flail 238 can have an upper tip 239-1’ and a lower tip 239-2’. Optionally, a blade 1130 can be included in combination with paddle 130’. Blade 1130 can be disposed perpendicular (or at any other angle) and above paddle 130’. Blade 1130 can have a U-shape with tips 1131-1 and 1131-2, or any other shape.EXAMPLES

[0171] The following are nonlimiting examples.

[0172] A grinder-filter apparatus for preparing an agricultural sample slurry comprising: an outer housing defining a vertical centerline and a sealable internal grinding chamber configured to receive agricultural sample material and water; the outer housing comprising an upper housing and a second housing, wherein the upper housing is hingably coupled to the lower housing through a hinge and a clamp to selectively allow access to the internal grinding chamber; and a paddle rotatably disposed in the chamber and operable to mix the sample material and water to form the sample slurry.

[0173] Example 2 - the grinder-filter apparatus further comprising a proximity sensor disposed on the outer housing and configured to detect when the upper housing and lower housing are separated.

[0174] Example 3 - the grinder-filter apparatus of Example 1 or Example 2 further comprising:

[0175] a motor connected to the paddle through a drive shaft to drive the paddle;

[0176] bearings disposed on the drive shaft; and

[0177] a bearing clamp having a first arm and a second arm connected through a hinge and configured to allow the first arm and second arm to swing open and closed around the bearings.

[0178] Example 4 - the grinder-filter apparatus of any preceding Example, wherein the paddle comprises an elastomeri c body and a first flail attached to a first end of the elastomeric body and a second flail attached to a second end of the elastomeric body.

[0179] Example 5 - the grinder-filter apparatus of Example 4, wherein the first flail and the second flail each comprise a first tip and a second tip.

[0180] Example 6 - the grinder- filter apparatus of any one of Examples 4 to 5, wherein each flail is connected to the paddle via a dovetail joint.

[0181] Example 7 - the grinder-filter apparatus of any one of Examples 4 to 6 further comprising a blade disposed above and perpendicular to the paddle.

[0182] Example 8 - the grinder-filter apparatus of Example 7, wherein the blade is U-shaped.

[0183] Example 9 - a grinder-filter apparatus for preparing an agricultural sample slurry comprising: an outer housing defining a vertical centerline and a sealable internal grinding chamber configured to receive agricultural sample material and water; a paddle rotatably disposed in the chamber and operable to mix the sample material and water to form the sample slurry; a motor connected to the paddle through a drive shaft to drive the paddle; bearings disposed on thedrive shaft; and a bearing clamp having a first arm and a second arm connected through a hinge and configured to allow the first arm and second arm to swing open and closed around the bearings.

[0184] Example 10 - a grinder-filter apparatus for preparing an agricultural sample slurry comprising: an outer housing defining a vertical centerline and a sealable internal grinding chamber configured to receive agricultural sample material and water; a paddle rotatably disposed in the chamber and operable to mix the sample material and water to form the sample slurry, wherein the paddle comprises an elastomeric body and a first flail attached to a first end of the elastomeric body and a second flail attached to a second end of the elastomeric body.

[0185] Example 11 - the grinder-filter apparatus of Example 10, wherein the first flail and the second flail each comprise a first tip and a second tip.

[0186] Example 12 - the grinder-filter apparatus of any one of Examples 10 to 11, wherein each flail is connected to the paddle via a dovetail joint.

[0187] Example 13 - the grinder-filter apparatus of any one of Examples 10 to 12 further comprising a blade disposed above and perpendicular to the paddle.

[0188] Example 14 - the grinder-filter apparatus of Example 13, wherein the blade is U-shaped.

[0189] While the foregoing description and drawings represent some example systems, it will be understood that various additions, modifications and substitutions may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope and range of equivalents of the accompanying claims. In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that embodiments of the present disclosure may be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, sizes, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. In addition, numerous variations in the methods / processes described herein may be made. One skilled in the art will further appreciate that the embodiments of the present disclosure may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, sizes, materials, and components and otherwise, used in the practice of the embodiments of the present disclosure, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles of the present embodiments of the present disclosure. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof, and not limited to the foregoing description or embodiments. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments, whichmay be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A grinder- filter apparatus for preparing an agricultural sample slurry comprising: an outer housing defining a vertical centerline and a sealable internal grinding chamber configured to receive agricultural sample material and water; the outer housing comprising an upper housing and a second housing, wherein the upper housing is hingably coupled to the lower housing through a hinge and a clamp to selectively allow access to the internal grinding chamber; and a paddle rotatably disposed in the chamber and operable to mix the sample material and water to form the sample slurry.

2. The grinder-filter apparatus further comprising a proximity sensor disposed on the outer housing and configured to detect when the upper housing and lower housing are separated.

3. The grinder-filter apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2 further comprising: a motor connected to the paddle through a drive shaft to drive the paddle; bearings disposed on the drive shaft; and a bearing clamp having a first arm and a second arm connected through a hinge and configured to allow the first arm and second arm to swing open and closed around the bearings.

4. The grinder-filter apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the paddle comprises an elastomeric body and a first flail attached to a first end of the elastomeric body and a second flail attached to a second end of the elastomeric body.

5. The grinder-filter apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first flail and the second flail each comprise a first tip and a second tip.

6. The grinder-filter apparatus of any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein each flail is connected to the paddle via a dovetail joint.

7. The grinder-filter apparatus of any one of claims 4 to 6 further comprising a blade disposed above and perpendicular to the paddle.

8. The grinder-filter apparatus of claim 7, wherein the blade is U-shaped.

9. A grinder- filter apparatus for preparing an agricultural sample slurry comprising: an outer housing defining a vertical centerline and a sealable internal grinding chamber configured to receive agricultural sample material and water; a paddle rotatably disposed in the chamber and operable to mix the sample material and water to form the sample slurry;a motor connected to the paddle through a drive shaft to drive the paddle; bearings disposed on the drive shaft; and a bearing clamp having a first arm and a second arm connected through a hinge and configured to allow the first arm and second arm to swing open and closed around the bearings.

10. A grinder- filter apparatus for preparing an agricultural sample slurry comprising: an outer housing defining a vertical centerline and a sealable internal grinding chamber configured to receive agricultural sample material and water; a paddle rotatably disposed in the chamber and operable to mix the sample material and water to form the sample slurry, wherein the paddle comprises an elastomeric body and a first flail attached to a first end of the elastomeric body and a second flail attached to a second end of the elastomeric body.

11. The grinder-filter apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first flail and the second flail each comprise a first tip and a second tip.

12. The grinder-filter apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein each flail is connected to the paddle via a dovetail joint.

13. The grinder-filter apparatus of any one of claim s 10 to 12 further comprising a blade disposed above and perpendicular to the paddle.

14. The grinder-filter apparatus of claim 13, wherein the blade is U-shaped.

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