Liquid fertilizer control systems, methods, and apparatus for agricultural implements
AssigneeKinze Manufacturing, Inc.
InventorsSteve Nolte, Denny Williams
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A liquid fertilizer system is used with agricultural implements to apply liquid fertilizer, in a desired amount, to a field and/or crop. The fertilizer system relies on system pressure to regulate the flow of the liquid fertilizer through and out of the system. The pressure is regulated, at least in part, by a motorized relief valve, which may be a pressure regulator that is modulated with a spring. The spring provides a nuanced adjustment mechanism that responds quickly to changes, and which is responsive to more minute changes to the system.
Claims14
A system of controlling liquid fertilizer distribution for an agricultural implement comprising:
- a positive displacement pump pulling liquid fertilizer from a system source, wherein the positive displacement pump is in communication with a motor to transport the liquid fertilizer;
- an electric ball valve and a filter between the system source and the positive displacement pump and a flow switch between the filter and the positive displacement pump to confirm the presence of the liquid fertilizer in the conduit;
- an adjustable relief valve modulated with a spring, wherein the adjustable relief valve acts to regulate the pressure of the system;
- a flowmeter to display flow of the liquid fertilizer;
- and
- dispensing apparatuses positioned downstream the flowmeter, with respect to a direction of transport for the liquid fertilizer, for spraying the liquid fertilizer onto a field;
- wherein the dispensing apparatuses for distributing the liquid fertilizer onto a field are in parallel with one another.
An agricultural implement, comprising:
- a plurality of ground engaging row units;
- and
- a system of controlling liquid fertilizer distribution via the plurality of ground engaging row units, the system comprising:
- a positive displacement pump pulling liquid fertilizer from a system source, wherein the positive displacement pump is in communication with a motor to transport the liquid fertilizer;
- an electric ball valve and a filter between the system source and the positive displacement pump and a flow switch between the filter and the positive displacement pump to confirm the presence of the liquid fertilizer in the conduit;
- an adjustable relief valve modulated with a spring, wherein the adjustable relief valve acts to regulate the pressure of the system;
- a flowmeter to display flow of the liquid fertilizer;
- and
- apparatuses positioned on the row units for spraying the liquid fertilizer onto a field;
- wherein all dispensing apparatuses for spraying the liquid fertilizer onto a field are in parallel with one another.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.