Subsurface soil injection apparatus with improved delivery device

• US 7,908,982 B2
• Filed: 06/23/2009
• Issued: 03/22/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 03/27/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Arysta LifeScience North America LLC (Element Solutions Inc)
• Original Assignee: Arysta LifeScience North America LLC (Element Solutions Inc)
• Inventors: Salla, Edward G., Sances, Frank V., Allan, Michael A., Schiller, Charles T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Novosad; Christopher J.
• Application Number:
  US12/490,199
• Publication Number:
  US 20090262003A1
• Time in Patent Office: 637 Days
• Field of Search: 111/200, 111/900, 111118-129, 111 71- 74, 111/921, 701/50
• US Class Current: 111/119
• CPC Class Codes: A01B 79/02 combined with other agricultural processing, e.g. fertilising, planting
• CPC Class Codes: A01C 23/026 Localised non-continuous injection tools, e.g. pal injectors, spike wheels
• CPC Class Codes: A01G 29/00 Root feeders; Injecting fertilisers into the roots
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 111/90 Methods of planting seeds and miscellaneous compositions

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for introducing a discrete, predetermined amount of material into soil at a plurality of predetermined points in the soil which includes a container for holding the material to be introduced into the soil, and tubing in fluid communication with the container at a first end thereof. At least one electrically controlled injector is provided in fluid communication with a second end of the tubing. Also, at least one shank is provided, which includes a base, and an injector mounting member attached to a surface of the base that is adapted for detachably mounting the electrically controlled injector onto the base. In addition, a controller is provided for activating the electrically controlled injector to introduce the material into the soil. Accordingly, enhanced control of the injection of the material into soil is achieved, and maintenance can be performed easily.

Claims

1. A method for introducing a discrete, predetermined amount of material into soil at a plurality of predetermined points in the soil, comprising:

pulling a shank through the soil, wherein the shank comprises a base and an injector mounted on the base;

providing the discrete, predetermined amount of material to an injector;

determining when the injector is located at one of the plurality of predetermined points in the soil; and

introducing the material into the soil by electrically activating the injector when the injector is located at one of the plurality of predetermined points in the soil, wherein

the activation of the electrically controlled injector is controlled to introduce the predetermined amount of material into the soil at the plurality of predetermined points in the soil.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining when the injector is located at one of the plurality of predetermined points in the soil includes determining location of the predetermined points using an electronic positioning system.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein determining when the injector is located at one of the plurality of predetermined points in the soil includes using a Global Position Satellite device.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein determining when the injector is located at one of the plurality of predetermined points in the soil includes using a radar device.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of inserting the shank into the soil prior to providing the discrete, predetermined amount of material to the injector.

6. The method of claim 5, the step of pulling the shank through the soil includes placing the shank at a predetermined depth in the soil.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the shank comprises a shield for shielding the injector while the injector is pulled through the soil.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the discrete, predetermined amount of material to an injector is performed using a compressed gas.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein electrically activating the injector includes operating a switch between an open state when introducing the discrete, predetermined amount of the material into the soil and a closed state when the shank is positioned between the predetermined points in the soil.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the switch comprises a computer operated solenoid switch.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the switch is closed responsive to a signal provided by a gas sensor located on the shank.