Liquid distribution system

• US 5,407,134 A
• Filed: 12/07/1992
• Issued: 04/18/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 12/07/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: FMC Corporation
• Original Assignee: FMC Corporation
• Inventors: Parks, Max H., Thompson, Allen C.
• Primary Examiner(s): YOUNG, KAREN MERRITT
• Application Number:
  US07/986,225
• Time in Patent Office: 862 Days
• Field of Search: 239/155-157, 111/52, 111/55, 111/59, 111/118, 111/129, 111/903, 111/904, 220/565, 220/23.83, 220/23.86
• US Class Current: 239/156
• CPC Class Codes: A01C 23/042 Adding fertiliser to watering systems
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 7/0092 Adding active material used as well for the introduction of fertilisers in water A01C23/042

Abstract

A liquid distributor having a pair of variable displacement pumps driven by a single electric motor, the rotation speed of which is determined by a voltage from a controller in response to a predetermined ground speed and application rate which mixes a chemical with water in a desired proportion and delivers a solution to be directed into an open furrow just prior to the furrow being covered with dirt.

Claims

1. A towable liquid distributor for applying liquid chemicals held in a container comprising:

a reservoir capable of holding water;

first and second pumps each being variable displacement and capable of drawing chemical from said container and water from said reservoir respectively;

an electric motor connected to drive both of said pumps;

a supply conduit for receiving the chemical and water discharged by said pumps;

a manifold connected to said supply conduit; and

a plurality of flexible tubes connected to said manifold.

2. The invention according to claim 1 wherein a means for mixing said chemical and water is interposed in said supply conduit.

3. The invention according to claim 1 and further comprising:

a controller for generating an output voltage as a function of ground speed and application rate; and

said motor connected to receive said voltage and having a rotational speed which is a function of the voltage supplied thereto.

4. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said tubes are of the same length and internal diameter.

5. In combination with a tractor-drawn multi-row planter, which planter can be lowered to a planting position, a liquid distribution system capable of applying liquid chemical held in a container;

a reservoir mounted on said planter and capable of holding water;

a pair of variable displacement pumps capable of drawing chemical from said container and water from said reservoir;

an electric motor connected to simultaneously drive both of said pumps;

a supply conduit for receiving the chemical and water discharged by said pumps;

a manifold connected to said supply conduit; and

a plurality of flexible tubes connected to said manifold.

6. The invention according to claim 5 wherein a means for mixing said chemical and water is interposed in said supply conduit.

7. The invention according to claim 5 and further comprising;

a controller for generating an output voltage as a function of ground speed and application rate; and

said motor connected to receive said output voltage and having a variable rotational speed which is a function of said output voltage.

8. The invention according to claim 7 and further comprising:

a sensor for determining actual ground speed of said planter and

means for manual input of a desired application rate.

9. The invention according to claim 5 wherein said tubes are of the same length and internal diameter.

10. The invention according to claim 5 and further comprising means responsive to raising said planter from its planting position to de-energize said motor.

11. A towable liquid distributor for applying first and second liquid chemicals held in first and second containers comprising:

first and second variable displacement pumps capable of drawing liquid from said first and second containers respectively;

a variable speed electric motor connected to drive both of said pumps;

a supply conduit for receiving the liquids discharged by said pumps;

a manifold connected to said supply conduit; and

a controller for varying the speed of said electric motor.

12. The invention according to claim 11 and further comprising:

a reservoir for holding water; and

means for disconnecting said pumps from said containers and connecting said pumps to said reservoir.

13. The invention according to claim 11, wherein said controller varies the speed of said electric motor as a function of ground speed and application rate.