Agricultural input injection

Abstract

An agricultural input injection system and method for injecting various forms of agricultural inputs, such as liquids, gases, and solids, into a liquid source for application to crops. The system includes a first liquid supply, a pump to pressurize the liquid, and an injection zone where the agricultural inputs are mixed with the liquid. The injected liquid is then supplied to an applicator for distribution to crops.

Description

PCT Patent ApplicationAtty Ref.: 43883.10005W001AGRICULTURAL INPUT INJECTIONINTRODUCTION

[0001] Agricultural inputs are applied to crops in different forms, such as a liquid, a gas, or in a solid form. Moreover, some inputs may be available in multiple forms. For example, nitrogen may be applied to a crop as anhydrous gas, solid urea particles, or liquid urea ammonium nitrate (UAN). Examples of solid inputs include seeds, fertilizers, chemicals, manure, growth regulators, sugar, and bacterial or fungal supplements. Solid inputs are often made of particles which may vary significantly in size, shape, and consistency.

[0002] Agricultural inputs vary in cost depending on market conditions. Also, agronomic effectiveness of a particular agricultural input may vary depending on when applied to a crop versus another input at a different time during a growing season. In addition, current application equipment is designed for a single form of input. Accordingly, costs to own equipment that will apply various forms of input can be prohibitive.SUMMARY

[0003] Concepts presented herein relate to agricultural input injection, particularly approaches to inject liquid, gas, or solid inputs into a liquid source for application to crops. Liquid that is injected with an input is provided to a liquid applicator capable of applying the injected liquid (e.g., with gases or solids mixed in the liquid) to crops. In one approach, an injection system is used to make a batch of liquid with injected inputs to load through a supply conduit into a tank carried on a liquid applicator such as a sprayer or manure spreader. Further, the injection system can be used to continuously inject inputs into a stream of liquid being sent through a supply conduit to be applied directly by an applicator such as a pivot irrigation system, manure dragline system, hose reel, or vehicle carrying the supply conduit on a rotatable reel as disclosed in PCT Publication No. WO 2023 / 133565 A2. Components of the injection system can be mounted to one or more stationary frames, one or more movable frames (e.g., to vehicles or trailers), or a combination of both. Mounting injection system components on a movable frame allows the injection system to service multiple different applicators and apply input from multiple input sources throughout a growing season.PCT Patent ApplicationAtty Ref.: 43883.10005W001BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an agricultural input injection system.

[0005] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an alternative embodiment of an agricultural input injection system.

[0006] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an injection control system.

[0007] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an alternative embodiment of an agricultural input injection system.

[0008] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of an alternative embodiment of an injection control system.

[0009] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of an alternative embodiment of an agricultural input injection system.

[0010] FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of an alternative embodiment of an injection control system.

[0011] FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of an alternative embodiment of an agricultural input injection system.

[0012] FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of an alternative embodiment of an agricultural input injection system.

[0013] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of an alternative embodiment of an agricultural input injection system.

[0014] FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of an alternative embodiment of an injection control system.

[0015] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an injection system.

[0016] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an injection assembly.PCT Patent ApplicationAtty Ref.: 43883.10005W001

[0017] FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the injection assembly of FIG. 13.

[0018] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a hopper and input delivery mechanism mountable to a frame.

[0019] FIG. 16 is a close-up view of the input delivery mechanism of FIG. 15.

[0020] FIG. 17 is a close-up view of the input delivery mechanism of FIG. 15 with portions removed to show internal components thereof.DESCRIPTION

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an injection system (1) connected to a first liquid supply (2) of a first liquid, which serves as a carrier of other agricultural inputs added by the injection system. The first liquid can be water, manure or any other liquid or combination thereof to be applied on agricultural fields or plants. The first liquid can be supplied from a tank, pit, well, river, pond, or other source of agricultural inputs. The first liquid supply (2) can be mounted directly to an injection system frame (as shown schematically in FIG. 1 as element (2A)) or any distance away and connected to the injection system through a first liquid source conduit (3) (as shown schematically in FIG. 1 as element (2B)). The first liquid is pressurized by a first pump (4), which may be centrifugal, positive displacement, or any other pump suitable to transport the first liquid. A flow sensor (5) can be used to measure the amount of first liquid passing through the injection system and a pressure sensor (6) can be used to measure pressure generated by the first pump. As the first liquid passes through the injection system, one or more other inputs (7) are injected and mixed into the first liquid in a mixing chamber forming an inj ection zone (7 / 8). In one embodiment, the inputs (7) are stored in a suitable container and mounted to the frame of the injection system (1) or remote therefrom. A mixture of first liquid from liquid supply (2) and the one or more inputs (7) then passes through a supply conduit (8) connected to an applicator. The injection zone (7 / 8) can be included any location where injection of one or more inputs (7) is desired between the origin of first liquid source and an outlet of the applicator.

[0022] In another embodiment shown in FIG. 2, an injection system is connected to first liquid source conduit (3) through a wye or tee (9 A) so that a portion of the first liquid passes through an inlet conduit (10) before being returned through an outlet conduit (11) to a second wye or tee (9B)PCT Patent ApplicationAtty Ref.: 43883.10005W001 back into the first liquid conduit (3), after which the total flow is passed through the supply conduit (8) connected to the applicator. This embodiment can be used when flow rate or pressure of the first liquid is large compared to the one or more inputs (7) being injected. An inlet valve (12) can be positioned between the first liquid source conduit and the injection system (e.g., along inlet conduit (10), and an outlet valve (13) can be positioned between the injection system and the first liquid conduit (3) (e.g., along outlet conduit (11)). Either valve (12, 13) can be a shutoff, proportional, check, or other style valve suitable to control flow as desired. In addition, a diameter and length of the inlet and outlet conduits (10, 11) can be selected to control an amount of flow passing through the injection system. For example, flow is restricted when diameter of conduits is reduced or when length of conduits is increased. Valves (12, 13) and sizing of conduits (10, 11) can be used to control the relative rate of the first liquid passing through the injection system or allow the user to disconnect the injection system entirely and only supply an applicator with the first liquid. A flow sensor (14) may be positioned between the wyes or tees (9A, 9B) to measure the portion of the flow passing through the injection system, whereas a pressure sensor (15) can be used to measure pressure between the wyes or tees (9 A, 9B).

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, an injection control system is connected to any first liquid sensors (16) and connected to control any valves (17) and the first liquid pump (4). In one embodiment the first liquid pump is controlled by a variable frequency drive (VFD). During operation, the injection control system can transmit a target setting (e.g., a rate such as revolutions per minute (rpm) or hertz) to the VFD. The injection control system is connected to a user interface (18). In one embodiment, the user interface is an app on a mobile device connected to the injection control system over an internet connection. The injection control system receives the target setting for the first liquid input selected by a user, which corresponds to a selected rate of application of input applied by an applicator (e.g., an amount of agricultural input per unit area of a portion of a field). In some cases, the target setting is a single rate of crop application to be applied through the applicator across an entire field or field portion. In another case, the target setting is a rate of crop application that varies by location within the field and is sent by the user as a file of target setting by field location. In other cases, the target setting for the first liquid is a target pressure within a supply conduit. In other cases, the target setting is an rotational target rate to turn the first pump motor.PCT Patent ApplicationAtty Ref.: 43883.10005W001

[0024] To deliver a selected agricultural input application rate by an applicator, the injection control system can read one or more sensors and adjust injection control system settings to adjust the rate at which inputs are applied within the field. In one embodiment, sensors can be calibrated to convert target settings into a selected agricultural input application rate. The first liquid pump and / or any corresponding valves can then be adjusted by the control system until output from the sensors match the desired target setting(s) and the first liquid is applied at the selected rate. Other sensor information can also be utilized to deliver agricultural input at a selected target rate. For example, if a target rate is in units per area, the injection control system can use an application width of the applicator and the current speed of the applicator as inputs. Based on these inputs, the amount of area being covered can be calculated. This amount can be used to determine the rate to be applied to match the users target rate per area. In other embodiments, the first liquid pump can be controlled by another control system to a consistent pressure target and the injection control system only controls the injection of inputs into the first liquid.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 4, one or more liquid inputs may be supplied to the injection system to be injected into the first liquid. Liquid inputs may be water, manure, fertilizer, chemicals, growth stimulants, any other liquids to be applied on agricultural fields or plants, or any combination of these. Each liquid input can be supplied from one or more tanks, pits, wells, rivers, ponds, tender trucks or trailers, containers or other sources of agricultural liquids. Each liquid input supply (19) can be mounted to an injection system frame or positioned any distance away and connected to the injection system through one or more liquid input conduits (20). Each liquid input can be pressurized by a pump (21) such that a liquid input pressure is greater than a pressure of the first liquid so that the liquid input can be injected into the first liquid. The pump (21) may be centrifugal, positive displacement, or any other pump suitable for the purpose. Alternatively, the liquid input supply may be stored at a sufficient height so that gravity generates pressure needed to inject the liquid input into the first liquid. A flow sensor (22) may be used to measure an amount of input liquid passing through each input conduit. A pressure sensor (23) may also be used to measure the pressure of each liquid input. A valve (24) may be positioned in the input conduit to regulate flow of the liquid input or disconnect the liquid input conduit from the injection system. The valve may be a shutoff, proportional, check, or other style valve suitable for the purpose. Each liquid input conduit is connected to one or more injection points (25) in an injection zone where the liquid input is mixed into the first liquid.PCT Patent ApplicationAtty Ref.: 43883.10005W001

[0026] As shown in FIG. 5, an injection control system is connected to any liquid input sensors (26) and connected to control any valves (24) or pumps (21) of the injection system. In some embodiments, liquid input pumps are controlled by variable frequency drives and a target setting (e.g., a rate such as rpm or hertz) is sent to the VFDs by the injection control system. The injection control system receives a target setting for any liquid inputs selected by the user in the user interface (18). In some cases, a target setting is a single rate to be applied through the applicator across the entire field. In other cases, a target rate varies by location within the field and is sent by the user as a file of target rates by field location. In other cases, the target rate is a target pressure. In other cases, the target rate is an rpm or hertz target to turn a pump motor. In a case where a target rate is desire by the user, the injection control system reads one or more liquid input sensors and is calibrated to convert the sensors into the same units as the user’s target. Each liquid input pump or any valves are then adjusted by the control system until the sensors match the desired targets and each liquid is applied at the correct rate. If the user’s target rate is in units per area, the injection control system may be given the application width of the applicator and the current speed of the applicator. Based on these values, the amount of area being covered can be calculated. This may then be used to determine the rates to be applied to match the users target per area. In another embodiment, the first liquid pump is controlled by another control system and the injection control system reads the flow or pressure of the first liquid and controls the injection rate of other liquid inputs to match a proportional target set by the user. For example, the user may set a target that a liquid input is injected at a rate of one unit per ten units of flow of the first liquid. In this case, the injection system controls the valves or pumps to adjust the rate of liquid input applied as the flow measured by the first liquid flow sensor changes.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 6, one or more gas inputs can be supplied to the injection system to be injected into the first liquid. Gas inputs can be fertilizers, chemicals, growth stimulants, air, methane, carbon dioxide gas, any other gases to be applied on agricultural fields or plants, or any combination of these. Each gas input may be supplied from one or more tanks, covered pits, wells, tender trucks or trailers, containers or other sources of gas to be applied to fields or crops. Each gas input supply (27) can be mounted to an injection system frame or any distance away and connected to the injection system through one or more gas input conduits (28). Each gas input may be pressurized by a pump (29) such that the gas input’s pressure is greater than the pressure of the first liquid so that the gas input may be injected into the first liquid. The pump may be centrifugal,PCT Patent ApplicationAtty Ref.: 43883.10005W001 positive displacement, or any other pump suitable for the purpose. Alternatively, the gas input may be stored in a pressurized container so there is consistently sufficient pressure for the gas to be injected. A flow sensor (30) may be used to measure the amount of gas input passing through each input conduit. A pressure sensor (31) may also be used to measure the pressure of each gas input. A valve (32) may be positioned in the input conduit to regulate the flow rate of the gas input or disconnect the gas input conduit from the rest of the injection system. The valve may be a shutoff, proportional, check, or other style valve suitable for the purpose. Each gas input conduit is connected to one or more injection points (25) in the injection zone where the gas input is mixed into the first liquid.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 7, an injection control system is connected to any gas input sensors (33) and connected to control any valves (32) or pumps (29). In some embodiments, gas input pumps are controlled by variable frequency drives and a target rpm or hertz is sent to the VFDs by the injection control system. The injection control system receives a target rate for any gas inputs selected by the user in the user interface (18). In some cases, a target rate is a single rate to be applied through the applicator across the entire field. In other cases, a target rate varies by location within the field and is sent by the user as a file of target rates by field location. In other cases, the target rate is a target pressure. In other cases, the target rate is an rpm or hertz target to turn a pump motor. In a case where a target rate is desired by the user, the injection control system reads one or more gas input sensors and is calibrated to convert the sensors into the same units as the user’s target. Each gas input pump or any valves are then adjusted by the control system until the sensors match or otherwise approximate the desired targets and each gas is applied at the correct rate. If the user’s target rate is in units per area, the injection control system may be given the application width of the applicator and the current speed of the applicator. Based on these values, the amount of area being covered can be calculated. This may then be used to determine the rates to be applied to match the users target per area. In another embodiment, the first liquid pump is controlled by another control system and the injection control system reads the flow or pressure of the first liquid and controls the injection rate of gas inputs to match a proportional target set by the user. For example, the user may set a target that a gas input is injected at a rate of one unit per ten units of flow of the first liquid. In this case, the injection system controls the valves or pumps to adjust the rate of gas input applied as the flow measured by the first liquid flow sensor changes.PCT Patent ApplicationAtty Ref.: 43883.10005W001

[0029] As shown in FIG. 8, one or more solid inputs may be supplied to the injection system to be injected into the first liquid. Solid inputs may be fertilizers, chemicals, growth stimulants, agricultural lime, manure or litter, biological waste, any other solids to be applied on agricultural fields or plants, or any combination of these. Each solid input may be supplied from one or more tanks, bins, pits, piles, tender trucks or trailers, containers or other sources of solids to be applied to fields or crops. Each solid input supply (34) may be mounted to an injection system frame or any distance away and connected to the injection system through one or more solid input conduits (35) such as augers or conveyors. Forced air, warmed air, or a heating element may be used in each solid input supply to keep moisture from accumulating in the solid input which may cause sticking or clumps to form making the solid input difficult to apply.

[0030] Each solid input is supplied to one or more solid input dispensers (36) to dispense the solid input through one or more injection points (25) in an injection zone where the solid input is mixed with the first liquid. One example of a solid input dispenser is a model P45 PDMS meter manufactured by Gandy Company in Owatonna, Minnesota. In this embodiment, the meter is rotated by a motor (37) to dispense solid particles at a controlled rate based on the speed of the meter. Any other type of solid input dispenser may be used where the rate of solid input can be controlled by the injection control system. For example, a screw feeder may be used to meter the solid input at a controlled rate based on the speed that the screw feeder is rotated. A calibration may be performed where the dispenser is rotated at a fixed speed for a known number of rotations or time period and the amount of solid input dispensed is measured. This calculation can be entered into the injection control system to be used when controlling the dispenser to a target rate.

[0031] Various forms of agitation may be used to aid the flow of solid input into the solid input dispenser. For example, an oscillating vibration motor (38) may be mounted near the dispenser to disturb blockages in the solid input moving towards the dispenser. Alternatively, one or more augers or mixing rods (39) may be mounted in the solid input supply to stir the solid input and break up any blockages that may form between the solid input supply and the dispenser.

[0032] One or more solid input sensors (40) may be positioned after the solid input dispenser to measure the flow rate of the solid input. The flow sensor may count particles of the solid input, measure the mass flow of the solid input, detect if the sensor is blocked, or determine no flow isPCT Patent ApplicationAtty Ref.: 43883.10005W001 passing the sensor. Output from the solid input sensors can be transmitted to the injection control system. The user may be alerted by the control system if one or more sensors report that no flow is occurring or that a blockage has occurred.

[0033] All or a portion of any solid input supply near the dispenser may be weighed using load cells (41). In one example, the solid input is stored in a bin suspended on load cells and the solid input dispenser is mounted to the bottom of the bin. A calibration may be performed when no solid input is in the bin to zero out the measured weight of the bin and the dispenser. This calibration is saved by the control system. During operation when solid input is dispensed from the bin, as solid input is applied, the weight of the solid input goes down. The calibration used by the injection control system may be adjusted over time by comparing the amount of weight reduced to the amount of solid input that should have been applied. If the weight is declining faster or slower than expected, the injection control system may automatically adjust the calibration used to control the dispenser to a target rate so that the accuracy of the rate applied by the dispenser is improved. In addition, as the weight of the solid input approaches or reaches zero, the user may be alerted by the injection control system that the solid input is running low and needs to be refilled.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 9, solid inputs can be stored dry and prevented from contact with liquid until time of application. In one embodiment, an injection system can include a boundary layer(42) between the first liquid and the atmosphere at the injection point (25). The boundary layer keeps the solid input system isolated from the first liquid. In one embodiment, the injection system reduces the pressure of the first liquid to near atmospheric pressure at the injection point. A pump(43) can be positioned after the injection point, with an inlet of the pump drawing liquid from the injection point and the outlet of the pump continues to push flow of the first liquid through the injection system or directly into the supply conduit. The speed of the pump can be controlled by the injection control system.

[0035] One or more height sensors (44) measure a height of the boundary layer between atmosphere and the first liquid in the injection point and report the height measurement to the injection control system. Multiple sensor types including ultrasonic sensors, laser sensors, capacitive or resistive tube sensors, or float sensors may be used as the height sensor. Alternatively,PCT Patent ApplicationAtty Ref.: 43883.10005W001 the injection point may be suspended on load cells and weight used to know the volume of liquid in the injection point.

[0036] A target height of the boundary layer (42) can be set in the injection control system so that the boundary layer is below the top of the injection point. The injection control system can adjust (i.e., speed up and slow down) the pump based on the height reported by the height sensor relative to the target height. If the boundary layer is higher than the target, the pump is sped up and if below the target the pump is slowed down. The user may be alerted by the control system and application stopped based on various triggering events, for example if the boundary height exceeds a threshold and the first liquid is escaping the injection point.

[0037] The injection point may be made of materials resistant to adhesion such as stainless steel or high-density polyethylene so that buildup of the solid input on the surfaces of the injection point is minimized. In addition, the target height may be varied over time so that any buildup of solid inputs at the boundary layer is cleaned away by the disturbance of the changing height of the first liquid in the injection point.

[0038] A sealing cover (45) may be used between the top of the injection point and the solid input dispenser so that dust or other contaminants in the environment are kept out of the injection point. In addition, a sealing cover prevents wind from pushing solid input away from the injection point.

[0039] Alternatively, one or more height sensors (44) may be positioned in one or more additional chambers (46) plumbed prior to and at the same level as the injection point so the height of the first liquid in the injection point is nearly equal to the height of the first liquid in the additional chambers. One advantage of additional chambers is that no solid input has been injected that may interfere with the measurement of the height of the liquid.

[0040] To aid in the mixing of solid inputs and the first liquid in the injection point, all or a portion of the flow passing into the injection point may be added through a top fill conduit (47) above the boundary layer versus flowing along the bottom of the injection point to the inlet of the pump. Flow being added above the boundary layer can facilitate mixing the solid inputs and the first liquid as it disturbs the surface of the first liquid at the boundary layer as well as directly impacts solid input at the boundary layer forcing it to be mixed into the first liquid. In addition, a surfactantPCT Patent ApplicationAtty Ref.: 43883.10005W001 type material may be applied to the first liquid or to the solid input to aid in the mixing of the solid input and the first liquid.

[0041] In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the solid inputs are injected into the first liquid in batches. Three valves are positioned around the injection point (25) so that a boundary layer is created. A first valve (48) is positioned at the inlet of the injection point, a second valve (49) at the outlet, and a third valve (50) at the top between the injection point and the solid input dispenser. Each valve may be a shutoff, proportional, check, or other style valve suitable for the purpose. Initially, the first and second valves are open, and the third valve is closed. In this state, the first liquid is flowing through the injection point under pressure. To inject a batch of solid input, the first valve is closed. This closure stops the flow of the first liquid. The second valve may be closed at the same time or after a delay so that the pressure in the injection point decays. When both the first and second valves are closed, the third valve is opened, creating a boundary layer (42) between the first liquid and the solid input dispenser (36). This state of the valves is shown in FIG. 10. The solid input dispenser then adds solid input into the injection point. Once the desired amount has been added, the third valve is closed and the second and first valves are opened again. The first liquid resumes flowing through the injection point and the solid input is mixed into the first liquid. The cycle is then repeated so that the average rate of the solid input injected matches the target desired by the user relative to the flow the first liquid passing by the injection point.

[0042] Other embodiments may be used so that the boundary layer is created between the first liquid and the solid input system. For example, a venturi inductor may be positioned so that all or a portion of the flow of the first liquid passes through the venturi inductor. A solid input dispenser is positioned to dispense solid inputs in an injection point at an opening in the venturi inductor where the pressure of the first liquid is near atmospheric pressure. Optionally, a pump may be positioned after the venturi inductor to repressurize the first liquid and continue pushing the first liquid through the injection system or directly to the supply conduit. Alternatively, a second venturi inductor could be positioned to reintroduce the first liquid after the solid inputs are injected.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 11, an injection control system is connected to any solid input sensors (51) and connected to control valves (52) and / or solid input dispensers (36). In some embodiments, solid input dispensers are controlled by electric motors connected to variable frequency drives andPCT Patent ApplicationAtty Ref.: 43883.10005W001 a target rpm or hertz is sent to the VFDs by the injection control system. The injection control system receives a target rate for any solid inputs selected by the user in the user interface (18). In some cases, a target rate is a single rate to be applied through the applicator across the entire field. In other cases, a target rate varies by location within the field and is sent by the user as a file of target rates by field location. In other cases, the target rate is an rpm or hertz target to turn a dispenser motor. In a case where a target rate is desired by the user, the injection control system reads one or more solid input sensors and is calibrated to convert the sensors into the same units as the user’s target. Each solid input dispenser or any valves are then adjusted by the control system until the sensors match the desired targets and each solid is applied at the correct rate. If the user’s target rate is in units per area, the injection control system may be given the application width of the applicator and the current speed of the applicator. Based on these values, the amount of area being covered can be calculated. This calculation can then be used to determine the rates to be applied to match the users target per area. In another embodiment, the first liquid pump is controlled by another control system and the injection control system reads the flow or pressure of the first liquid and controls the injection rate of solid inputs to match a proportional target set by the user. For example, the user may set a target that a solid input is injected at a rate of one unit per ten units of flow of the first liquid. In this case, the injection system controls the dispenser or valves to adjust the rate of solid input applied as the flow measured by the first liquid flow sensor changes.

[0044] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an injection system (100) connected to a frame (102). The system (100) includes an input valve (104) connected to a supply conduit (106) that includes a flow sensor (108) and carries liquid input to a mixing chamber (110). An input delivery system (120) delivers one or more agricultural inputs to an opening in the top of the mixing chamber (110). In one embodiment, the input delivery system (120) includes an input meter (122) driven by a motor (124), which can be used to control a rate at which agricultural input is provided to the mixing chamber (110) (e.g., adjustment of a speed of the motor (124) will adjust the rate). One or more vibratory oscillators (126) can be mounted to frame (102) and / or delivery system (120) to assist in breaking up and moving agricultural input through delivery system (120).

[0045] Mixing chamber (110) can be equipped with one or more sensors used to determine a volume of liquid within the mixing chamber (110). In the illustrated embodiment, mixing chamberPCT Patent ApplicationAtty Ref.: 43883.10005W001(1 10) includes a float sensor (130) and a capacitive sensor (132) to measure a height of liquid in the mixing chamber (110). Based on the height of liquid, a calculation can be made as to a concentration of input to liquid in the mixing chamber (110). Mixed liquid exits the mixing chamber (110) to an outlet conduit (140) that is pressurized by a pump (142) operated by a motor (144). Mixed liquid exits through an output valve (146) to an applicator. An injection control system (150) includes one or more controls to adjust components of the injection system (100). For example, the injection control system (150) can be connected with a user interface to display measurements provided by sensors (e.g., sensors 108, 130 and 132) in the injection system (100) and provide control signals to various components within the injection system (100) (e.g., delivery system (120), motors (124), (144), oscillators (126), valves (104), (146)).

[0046] FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective views of an alternative embodiment of a mixing chamber (200) that can be used in place of mixing chamber (110) to operate injection system (100) of FIG. 12. In one embodiment, the mixing chamber (200) can be mounted to frame (102) through various brackets as illustrated. Liquid is supplied to mixing chamber (200) through an inlet (202) leading to a reservoir (204). Liquid collects within the reservoir (204) until a height of the liquid reaches an entrainment area (206) positioned at an incline relative to the mixing chamber (200). Liquid flows along the entrainment area (206) to the mixing chamber (200). Additionally, agricultural input is dropped onto entrainment area (206) to be mixed with liquid moving from reservoir (204) to mixing chamber (200). For example, delivery system (120) can be positioned above entrainment area (206) to deliver agricultural input to the entrainment area (206). Mixed liquid then is provided to mixing chamber (200). A filter or screen (208) can be positioned within mixing chamber (200) to prevent large particles (e.g., rocks, clumps) from entering into a lower portion of the mixing chamber (200), where ultimately mixed liquid exits at an outlet (210).

[0047] Mixing chamber (200) can include one or more sensors to determine an amount of mixed liquid within the mixing chamber (200). As illustrated, a float sensor (220) can measure a height of liquid within the mixing chamber (200). Further, load cells (222) and (224) can measure a weight of the mixing chamber (200), which is indicative of a concentration of mixed liquid within the mixing chamber (200). To measure weight of the mixing chamber (200), one end of load cell (222) is mounted to the mixing chamber (200) while another end is mounted to the frame (102) via bracket (226). Relative movement of the mixing chamber (200) to the bracket (226) isPCT Patent ApplicationAtty Ref.: 43883.10005W001 indicative of the weight of mixing chamber (200). In a similar manner, one end of load cell (224) is mounted to mixing chamber (200) while another end is mounted to the frame (102) via a bracket (228). A stabilizing bracket (230) can also be used to connect mixing chamber (200) to frame (102). In a further embodiment, one of the load cells (222) and (224) can be eliminated. A vibratory oscillator (232) can also be mounted to mixing chamber (200) to assist in facilitating agricultural input through mixing chamber (200).

[0048] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a storage assembly (300) that can be mounted to frame (102) and deliver agricultural input to a mixing chamber (e.g., mixing chamber (110) or (200)). Storage assembly (300) includes a funnel-shaped hopper (302) including a top opening configured to receive agricultural input and a lower funnel portion directing agricultural input to a delivery system (304) operated by a motor (306). One or more vibratory oscillators (308) are connected to the hopper (302) to assist in advancing agricultural input to the delivery system (304).

[0049] With further reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, delivery system (304) includes a first rotational shaft (310) and a second rotational shaft (312) connected to motor (306). First rotational shaft (310) includes a rotary agitator (314) formed of a plurality of tines to agitate agricultural input within the delivery system (304). Second rotational shaft (312) includes a meter (316) having a plurality of meter discs to selectively meter agricultural input exiting an opening of the delivery system (304). In the embodiment illustrated, delivery system (304) includes a pivoting plate (320) that pivots relative to the meter (316) when an object such as a rock pushes against the pivoting plate (320) and exits the delivery system (304).

[0050] In one example, the injection control system is given a target rate to be applied per area for one or more solid inputs from the user through the user interface. The target is stated as 10 pounds to be applied per acre. The width of the applicator is reported as 60 feet, and the current speed of the applicator is reported as 5 miles per hour. The injection control system calculates that each second the applicator travels 7.33 feet. This calculation is multiplied by the application width to calculate that the area covered per second as 433 square feet. This calculation is converted to acres by dividing by 43,560 sq ft per acre. Each second, the applicator covers approximately 0.01 acres. The control system then runs the dispenser so that approximately 0.1 pounds of solid inputs are applied per second. The control system uses the calibration provided by the user to know thePCT Patent ApplicationAtty Ref.: 43883.10005W001 number of revolutions or the time to run the dispenser to produce 0.1 pounds. The calibration may be created or further adjusted over time using the load cells detecting the change in the weight of the solid input supply as described earlier. If a solid input flow sensor is available to measure the amount of solid input being dispensed by the dispenser, the real time reading of the flow rate, as either a particle count or another sensor measurement converted by the control system to pounds per second, is used by the control system to further adjust the dispenser so that 0.1 pounds is correctly dispensed. The control loop then runs the entire calculation at repeated time intervals, such as each second, to adjust the applied rate of solid input as the speed of the applicator changes or any error in the dispensed rate is detected. This example may also be used for liquid and gas inputs by simply exchanging the sensors, control devices, and units to be appropriate for that type of input.

[0051] Various embodiments of the invention have been described above for purposes of illustrating the details thereof and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The details and features of the disclosed embodiments] are not intended to be limiting, as many variations and modifications will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be interpreted broadly and to include all variations and modifications coming within the scope and spirit of the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

PCT Patent ApplicationAtty Ref.: 43883.10005W001CLAIMS1. A method for injecting agricultural inputs into a liquid source for application to crops, comprising: providing a first liquid supply; pressurizing the first liquid supply with a pump; injecting one or more agricultural inputs into the first liquid supply; mixing the first liquid supply with the one or more agricultural inputs to form an injected liquid; supplying the injected liquid to an applicator for application to crops.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the agricultural inputs are selected from the group consisting of liquid inputs, gas inputs, and solid inputs.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first liquid supply is selected from the group consisting of water, manure, and combinations thereof.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: measuring a flow rate of the first liquid supply with a flow sensor; adjusting an injection rate of the agricultural inputs based on the measurements from the flow sensor.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: measuring a pressure of the first liquid supply with a pressure sensor; adjusting an injection rate of the agricultural inputs based on the measurements from the pressure sensor.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:PCT Patent ApplicationAtty Ref.: 43883.10005W001 determining a target application rate of crop input for a portion of a field, the application rate defining a selected amount of agricultural input per unit area of the portion of the field; and adjusting a motor connected with the pump to approximate the target application rate.

7. An agricultural input injection system, comprising: a first liquid supply; a pump configured to pressurize the first liquid supply; a mixing chamber configured to receive one or more agricultural inputs and mix the one or more agricultural inputs with the first liquid supply; a supply conduit configured to deliver the mixed liquid from the mixing chamber to an applicator.

8. The system of claim 7, further comprising: one or more sensors measuring flow rate of the first liquid supply; a controller to adjust an injection rate of the agricultural inputs based on the measured flow rate.

9. The system of claim 7, further comprising: one or more sensors measuring pressure of the first liquid supply; a controller to adjust an injection rate of the agricultural inputs based on the measured pressure.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the mixing chamber is configured to receive agricultural inputs selected from the group consisting of liquid inputs, gas inputs, and solid inputs.

11. The system of claim 7, wherein the first liquid supply is selected from the group consisting of water, manure, and combinations thereof.PCT Patent ApplicationAtty Ref.: 43883.10005W00112. The system of claim 7, further comprising an input meter positioned to deliver the one or more agricultural inputs to the mixing chamber at a target input delivery rate.

13. The system of claim 7, further comprising a sensor coupled to the mixing chamber, the sensor configured to measure an amount of mixed liquid in the mixing chamber.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the sensor includes at least one of a load cell, a capacitive sensor and a float.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the sensor is configured to measure a height of liquid in the mixing chamber, the height being indicative of a concentration of the one or more agricultural input within the mixing chamber.

16. The system of claim 7, further comprising a vibratory oscillator configured to introduce vibration to the one or more agricultural inputs to assist delivery of the one or more agricultural inputs to the mixing chamber.

17. The system of claim 7, further comprising an entrainment area receiving the one or more agricultural inputs thereon and positioned at an incline relative to the mixing chamber to deliver the first liquid supply and the one or more agricultural inputs to the mixing chamber.

18. The system of claim 7, further comprising a filter positioned in the mixing chamber.

19. The system of claim 7, further comprising a hopper configured to store the one or more agricultural inputs and a delivery system positioned between the hopper and the mixing chamber, the delivery system including a pivoting mechanism configured to dispense of oversized material that enters the delivery system.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the delivery system includes a rotary agitator configured to agitate the one or more agricultural inputs.

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