Systems and methods for fluid dispensing
First Claim
1. A fluid dispensing system, comprising:
- (a) a sensor operable to detect when an object passes a first location as the object moves to a second location;
(b) a fluid dispenser operable to dispense fluid at the second location; and
(c) a control unit in communication with the sensor and the fluid dispenser, the control unit being operable to receive information from the sensor that the object has passed the first location and to control the fluid dispenser to dispense fluid at the second location at a predetermined time after the object passes the first location.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods are disclosed for dispensing fluids. The systems can include a sensor operable to detect when an object passes a first location as the object moves to a second location. The systems can also include a fluid dispenser operable to dispense fluid at the second location. In addition, the systems can include a control unit in communication with the sensor and the fluid dispenser. The control unit can receive information from the sensor that the object has passed the first location and to control the fluid dispenser to dispense fluid at the second location at a predetermined time after the object passes the first location.
79 Citations
37 Claims
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1. A fluid dispensing system, comprising:
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(a) a sensor operable to detect when an object passes a first location as the object moves to a second location;
(b) a fluid dispenser operable to dispense fluid at the second location; and
(c) a control unit in communication with the sensor and the fluid dispenser, the control unit being operable to receive information from the sensor that the object has passed the first location and to control the fluid dispenser to dispense fluid at the second location at a predetermined time after the object passes the first location. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A seed and fluid dispensing system, comprising:
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(a) a sensor for providing a detection signal indicating a seed has passed a first location within a seed tube;
(b) a fluid dispenser for dispensing a predetermined amount of fluid on the seed at a second location outside of the seed tube; and
(c) a control unit in communication with the sensor and the fluid dispenser, the control unit being adapted to receive the detection signal from the sensor and, in response, to cause the fluid dispenser to dispense a predetermined amount of fluid on the seed at the second location after a predetermined time from when the detection signal is received by the control unit.
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18. A method for dispensing fluid, the method comprising:
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(a) providing a sensor operable to detect when an object passes a first location as the object moves to a second location; and
(b) providing a fluid dispenser operable to dispense fluid at the second location; and
(c) receiving information from the sensor that the object has passed the first location; and
(d) in response to step (c), controlling the fluid dispenser to dispense fluid at the second location at a predetermined time after the object passes the first location. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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32. A method for dispensing fluid, the method comprising:
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(a) detecting an object passing a first location; and
(b) in response to step (a), dispensing a predetermined amount of fluid on the object at a second location after a predetermined time from detection of the object passing the first location.
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33. A method for dispensing a seed and fluid, the method comprising:
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(a) detecting a seed passing a first location within a seed tube; and
(b) in response to detection of the seed passing the first location and after a predetermined time, dispensing a predetermined amount of fluid at a second location outside of the seed tube. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35, 36)
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37. A method of dispensing seeds and fluid, the method comprising:
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(a) advancing a plurality of seeds sequentially through a seed tube to exit the seed tube and drop into a furrow;
(b) sequentially detecting each seed passing a first location within the seed tube; and
(c) in response to step (b), dispensing a predetermined amount of fluid on each seed at a second location within the furrow after a predetermined time from when each seed passes the first location.
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Specification