Apparatus and method for loading chemicals into a storage tank of a crop

Abstract

A crop sprayer having a chassis and a number of wheels which support the chassis is disclosed. The crop sprayer further includes an engine for driving at least one of the number of wheels so as to propel the chassis, and a storage tank, supported by the chassis, for storing a quantity of water therein. The crop still sprayer further includes a chemical receptacle, supported by the chassis, for receiving and holding a chemical solution therein. The crop sprayer yet further includes a first loading conduit which is in fluid communication with the chemical receptacle, a second loading conduit which is in fluid communication with the storage tank, and an electric pump having a pump inlet and a pump outlet. The pump inlet is coupled to the first loading conduit. The pump outlet is coupled to the second loading conduit. Operation of the electric pump causes the chemical solution to be advanced from the chemical receptacle to the storage tank through the first loading conduit and the second loading conduit, whereby the chemical solution becomes commingled with the water in the storage tank so as to create a diluted chemical solution in the storage tank. The crop sprayer still further includes a battery electrically coupled to the electric pump for powering the electric pump, a sprayer conduit in fluid communication with the storage tank, and a sprayer pump for causing the diluted chemical solution to be advanced out of the storage tank through the sprayer conduit and onto a field.