SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SUBSURFACE SOIL INJECTION APPARATUS
First Claim
1. A method for controlling the introduction of a discrete, predetermined amount of material into soil at a plurality of predetermined points in the soil using a controller coupled to apparatus that delivers the material to the soil, the method performed by the controller and comprising:
- maintaining a configuration in storage, the configuration comprising a description of the apparatus that delivers the material to the soil, the description including an identification of a quantity of injectors of the apparatus;
calculating a desired rate of application of the material into the soil based on predefined factors, the predefined factors included including one or more of a density of the material to be injected, a depth of injection, a distance between injection points and a target ground speed;
receiving positional information from a position measurement device; and
responsive to the positional information and the desired rate of application, providing an electrical signal to one or more of the injectors, wherein the electrical signal causes the one or more injectors to release a discrete, predetermined amount of material into the soil at a predetermined point in the soil.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
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 said 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.
10 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for controlling the introduction of a discrete, predetermined amount of material into soil at a plurality of predetermined points in the soil using a controller coupled to apparatus that delivers the material to the soil, the method performed by the controller and comprising:
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maintaining a configuration in storage, the configuration comprising a description of the apparatus that delivers the material to the soil, the description including an identification of a quantity of injectors of the apparatus; calculating a desired rate of application of the material into the soil based on predefined factors, the predefined factors included including one or more of a density of the material to be injected, a depth of injection, a distance between injection points and a target ground speed; receiving positional information from a position measurement device; and responsive to the positional information and the desired rate of application, providing an electrical signal to one or more of the injectors, wherein the electrical signal causes the one or more injectors to release a discrete, predetermined amount of material into the soil at a predetermined point in the soil. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17)
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11. A controller coupled to delivery apparatus that is adapted to introduce a discrete, predetermined amount of material into soil at a plurality of selected injection points in the soil, comprising:
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a computing device configured with a description of the delivery apparatus, the delivery apparatus having at least one electrically controlled injector; and a position measurement device communicatively coupled to the computing device and configured to provide positional information, wherein the computing device identifies the location of the plurality of injection points based on the positional information, wherein the computing device is adapted to calculate a desired rate of application of the material into the soil at the plurality of injection points, wherein the plurality of injection points are selected to obtain a desired diffusion pattern in the soil, and wherein the computing device transmits an electrical signal to the at least one electrically controlled injector, causing the at least one electrically controlled injector to release the discrete, predetermined amount of material into the soil at the plurality of injection points. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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18. A method for controlling the introduction of a material into soil using delivery apparatus having a plurality of injectors and adapted to deliver discrete, predetermined amount of material into soil at a plurality of predetermined points in the soil through the plurality of injectors, the method comprising:
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programming a controller with a number representative of a configuration of the plurality of injectors; programming the controller with information defining the density of the material to be injected, a depth of injection, and a distance between injection points; and causing the controller to operate the delivery apparatus while a vehicle carrying the material moves across the soil, the controller being carried by the vehicle, wherein the controller receives positional information from a position measurement device, wherein the controller signals one of the injectors to release material into the soil when the controller determines that the one injector is at one of the injection points, and wherein the controller determines that the one injector is at the one injection point based on the positional information, and wherein the plurality of injection points is selected to obtain a desired diffusion pattern in the soil. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification