The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 22, 2014
Filed:
Aug. 22, 2011
Jeff Ballard, Sioux Falls, SD (US);
Steve S. Jensen, Sioux Falls, SD (US);
Noel A. Person, Sioux Falls, SD (US);
Warren L. Thompson, Baltic, SD (US);
Jeff Ballard, Sioux Falls, SD (US);
Steve S. Jensen, Sioux Falls, SD (US);
Noel A. Person, Sioux Falls, SD (US);
Warren L. Thompson, Baltic, SD (US);
Raven Industries, Inc., Sioux Falls, SD (US);
Abstract
The invention provides an apparatus and method for enabling at least a minimum pressure and flow rate of stored NH3 from a storage tank to knives for injection into soil, regardless of ambient temperature. A pressure sensor and control valve monitors the pressure of the NH3 flow. If the sensed pressure drops below a desired minimum, e.g., 0.5 psi, a controller drives the control valve to open and also signals ramping up of a boost pump. The boost pump pumps NH3 from the storage tank to ensure maintenance of a minimum flow rate and pressure of NH3 from the tank to the soil. The pump runs on-demand only as needed, thereby reducing power requirements when the pump is not needed to supplement NH3 tank pressure.