Feedback controlled roller applicator
AssigneeBoard of Regents of the University of Nebraska
InventorOrvin C. Burnside
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
To apply herbicide to weeds extending above a crop, a nylon carpet on the cylinder of a roller applicator has herbicide applied to it as a tractor or other vehicle carries it through a field. The roller is held just above the crop where it contacts weeds and is rotated in the opposite direction as the tractor. A moisture sensor is spaced from the applicator on the roller and controls a valve that applies the herbicide to the roller to maintain a preset moisture level in the roller carpet. The amount of moisture is set by experimentation to permit an adequate amount of herbicide to be applied to various weeds without causing dripping from the point of contact on the roller by the weeds.
Claims29
A method of selectively applying fluids to plants, comprising the steps of:
- adjusting a member at a location above first plants and at an elevation lower than the tops of second plants;
- moistening said member with said fluid;
- moving said member above said first plants so that it contacts an upper portion of said second plants;
- moistening said member with said fluid to be applied to said second plants;
- controlling the amount of moisture on said member;
- and
- said step of controlling the amount of moisture including the step of measuring the moisture on said member and applying fluid to maintain said moisture within a predetermined range.
Apparatus for applying fluids to plants comprising:
- applicator means for applying moisture to plants that come into contact with it;
- means for carrying said applicator means across a field at a preset elevation;
- means for sensing the moisture content of said applicator means;
- means for applying moisture to said applicator means;
- and
- said means for sensing the moisture on said applicator means being connected to said means for applying moisture to control said means for applying moisture whereby the moisture may be maintained within a predetermined range.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.