University of California

Capstan Ag Systems, Inc.

Other

Clemson University

Arena Pesticide Management, Inc.

Captstan, Inc.

Durham Kenimer Giles

Duane Needham

David C Slaughter

Graeme W Henderson

Kent D Funk

Troy C Kolb

Russell Stocker

Jeff Grimm

Steven A Fennimore

Jedediah I Roach

Pictiaw Chen

Burt Vannucci

Michael J Delwiche

Vivian Vuong

Roy B Dodd

Thuy T Nguyen

John A Comino

Leland Neilson

Robert G Curley

Ryan Billing

David Charles Slaughter

A crop signaling method and machine-based crop recognition system and methods are disclosed to detect a unique optical crop signal selectively applied to crop plants, allowing automatic differentiation of crop plants from weeds and the automatic creation of a high spatial resolution crop and weed plant map, along with automated plant management tasks.

Robotic plant care systems and methods

A system and method for determining the atomization characteristics of fluids is disclosed. In one embodiment, a fluid is emitted through a nozzle at controlled conditions. Vibrations occurring within the nozzle are sensed while the fluid is being emitted. An atomization characteristic of the fluid is predicted using the sensed vibrations. In one embodiment, the sensed vibrations are converted into a spectral density that is used to calculate a vibration power spectrum. In one embodiment, the atomization characteristic is the droplet size of the fluid with respect to the controlled conditions, and the droplet size is predicted based on a relationship between a descriptive attribute of the fluid and the vibration power spectrum of the fluid. In one embodiment, the descriptive attribute is the volume median diameter of the fluid.

System and method for determining atomization characteristics of spray liquids

A system and method for combining an additive with a carrier fluid in a spray nozzle. The carrier fluid is fed to one or more nozzles that include an embedded Venturi. The Venturi includes an induction port connected to an additive supply. As the carrier fluid flows through the nozzle, the flow creates a vacuum or suction force that draws in the additive. Of particular advantage, the concentration of the additive combined with the carrier fluid can be maintained constant even if the flow rate of the carrier fluid varies. The system and process are particularly well suited for spraying fields, such as crop fields or orchards, with an agrochemical.

System and method for at-nozzle injection of agrochemicals

A networked delivery system and method for controlling operation of a spraying system includes nozzles for emitting an agrochemical according to a predetermined spray pattern and flow rate; vibration sensors located adjacent an agricultural spray system component to sense vibrations of the agricultural spray system component, such as spray nozzles. The networked delivery system also includes a control area network with a computer processor in communication with the vibration sensors. The processor conveys information to an operator regarding the agricultural spray system component based on the sensed vibrations. The processor also actuates each of the agricultural spray system components such as the spray nozzles to selectively control each of the nozzles or a designated group of the nozzles.

Networked diagnostic and control system for dispensing apparatus

A system and method for determining the atomization characteristics of fluids being emitted by a nozzle is disclosed. In one embodiment, a fluid is emitted through a nozzle while simultaneously sensing vibrations occurring within the nozzle. The vibrations provide information about the atomization characteristics of the fluid. By comparing the sensed vibrations to vibration patterns produced by known fluids through the same or a similar nozzle, the atomization characteristics of the fluid being tested can be predicted. In one embodiment, for instance, the atomization characteristics of a fluid may be determined as a function of velocity or flow rate through the nozzle.

An apparatus and process for monitoring fluid flow through a nozzle is disclosed. A vibration sensor, such as an accelerometer, is mounted to a nozzle. The vibration output received from the sensor is then analyzed to determine whether or not the nozzle is operating properly. Through the present invention, information can be obtained regarding variations in flow rate, and/or variations in spray pattern and droplet size spectra. If the nozzle flow pulsates, the vibration sensor may also provide information regarding whether the nozzle is pulsating according to a desired frequency duty cycle or waveform.

Flow control and operation monitoring system for individual spray nozzles

The present invention is generally directed to a system and to a process for dispensing a volatile liquid fertilizer and particularly ammonia into a field. The ammonia is placed in a vessel under sufficient pressure to maintain a substantial portion of the ammonia in a liquid form. From the pressurized vessel, the ammonia is fed to a distribution manifold where it is ultimately injected into a soil through a plurality of dispensing tubes. According to the present invention, a constant pressure flow rate control device is placed at each dispensing tube for metering the amount of ammonia fed to the soil. In particular, the flow control devices allow ammonia to be dispensed from the system while maintaining sufficient back pressure within the distribution manifold to maintain the ammonia in a liquid form. By preventing vaporization of the ammonia within the system, uniform and accurately controlled flow rates can be dispensed from the dispensing tubes.

System and process for applying ammonia to soil

A flow rate and droplet size control system for a spray system including a spray liquid source, a pump, a spray liquid line and a nozzle assembly. The control system includes a setpoint conversion subroutine for independently controlling the flow rate and volume median droplet size setpoints. The control system also includes performance envelopes for various nozzle tips. An independent flow rate and droplet size control method is provided for use with the control system. A position-responsive control system receives information pertaining to the boundaries of spray zones and spray conditions, such as application rates and volume median droplet diameters associated with the spray zones. The position-responsive control system monitors the position of a spray vehicle, which can comprise a ground vehicle or an aircraft. The position-based control system changes the spray system operating conditions in response to the sprayer vehicle position. A position-based method of controlling the spray system utilizes the position-based control system.

Position-responsive control system and method for sprayer

Independent flow rate and droplet size control system and method for

A cartridge for use in a spray system, and for releasable connection to a quick-release coupling to form a nozzle assembly. The cartridge includes a generally elongated and hollow body member having a proximal end and a distal end. A nozzle tip is retained at the distal end of the cartridge, and the proximal end is adapted to fit, at least in part, within the quick-release coupling. The body member includes a shoulder for retaining the nozzle tip. In a basic embodiment, the cartridge includes a generally hollow tubular spacer which fits, at least partially, inside the body member, for pressing the nozzle tip against a shoulder formed by the body member at the distal end. An O-ring is disposed between the shoulder and the spacer, in order to seal the cartridge and to prevent leakage. A screw fits within the proximal end of the body member for retaining the spacer in tight engagement with the nozzle tip. In other embodiments, the cartridge includes a plurality of components, such as a sequence of filters and a check valve. The basic embodiment of the cartridge is assembled by fitting the O-ring on the nozzle tip; by inserting the nozzle tip inside the body member; by introducing a spacer inside the body member for abutting against the nozzle tip; and by advancing the hollow screw within the body member to securely retain the spacer against the nozzle tip.

Adjustable spray system and assembly method

A robotic cultivator is provided for automatically positioning cultivation tools relative to a centerline of a plant row. The cultivator comprises a video camera for gathering visual information about plants in a plant row. A frame grabber is then utilized to generate a digitized image of the visual information. A computer then manipulates the visual information to determine a centerline of the plant row. Finally, a positioning device moves the cultivation tools based upon the current position of the tools with respect to the centerline.

Robotic cultivator

An electrically-actuated liquid spraying system for controlling the volumetric flow through pressure-atomization spray nozzles is disclosed. Each nozzle is attached to a direct acting, in-line solenoid valve which is connected to a liquid supply at constant pressure. The valve is excited by square wave pulses of variable frequency and duty cycle to reciprocate between its fully open and closed positions and thereby control the flowrate over a range without changing droplet size and spray pattern. The frequency and duty cycle of the square wave pulses are varied and controlled by feedback data of relative target movement, size, shape and other factors as well as by gated sampling of the dynamic pressure in a region between the valve seat and nozzle orifice.

Growing community of inventors

Davis, CA, United States of America

Durham Kenimer Giles