Emergency shutoff system and method
AssigneePGI International, Ltd.
InventorSpencer M. Nimberger
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A safety system is provided for an anhydrous ammonia nurse tank (4) pulled by a tractor (1) with a tool bar applicator (2). The system includes a safety valve (10), and a breakaway coupling or connector (12) along a flexible hose (11) from the nurse tank to the applicator. The safety shutdown valve (10) closes in response to a break in the electrical connector in the event of a pull away or manual activation of a safety switch.
Claims20
A safety system for a mobile anhydrous hydrous ammonia fertilizer system having a nurse tank, a tractor, an ammonia applicator supported on the tractor, and a flexible hose between the nurse tank and the applicator, the safety system comprising:
- a battery power supply;
- a shutdown switch;
- a safety valve for terminating flow of anhydrous ammonia from the nurse tank;
- an electrical conductor between the shutdown switch, the battery power supply, and the safety valve;
- an electrical connector spaced along the electrical conductor and separable during a pull away of the tractor from the nurse tank;
- and
- the safety valve including an electromagnet powered by the battery power supply for holding the safety valve open, the safety valve automatically closing in response to one of activation of the shutdown switch or separation of the electrical connector.
A safety system for a mobile anhydrous hydrous ammonia fertilizer system having a nurse tank, a tractor, an ammonia applicator, and a flexible hose between the nurse tank and the applicator, the safety system comprising:
- a battery power supply;
- a shutdown switch mounted on the tractor;
- a safety valve for terminating flow of anhydrous ammonia from the nurse tank;
- an electrical conductor between the shutdown switch, the battery power supply, and the safety valve;
- an electrical connector spaced along the electrical conductor and separable during a pull away of the tractor from the nurse tank;
- a breakaway coupling along the flexible hose from the nurse tank to the applicator;
- and
- the safety valve including an electromagnet powered by the battery power supply for holding the safety valve open, the safety valve automatically closing in response to one of activation of the shutdown switch or separation of the electrical connector.
A safety method for use with a mobile anhydrous hydrous ammonia fertilizer system having a nurse tank, a tractor, an ammonia applicator, and a flexible hose between the nurse tank and the applicator, the method comprising:
- providing a battery power supply;
- positioning a shutdown switch on the tractor;
- providing a safety valve for terminating flow of anhydrous ammonia from the nurse tank;
- connecting an electrical conductor between the shutdown switch, the battery power supply, and the safety valve;
- spacing an electrical connector along the electrical conductor and separable during a pull away of the tractor from the nurse tank;
- and
- powering an electromagnet of the safety valve from the battery power supply for holding the safety valve open, the safety valve automatically closing in response to one of activation of the shutdown switch or separation of the electrical connector.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.