Patent Application
20110314938
The application generally relates to the taking of soil samples. The application relates more specifically to a machine for acquiring soil samples in an agricultural field and the method of using the machine to acquire the soil samples.
The taking or acquiring of soil samples from an agricultural field and the subsequent analysis of the soil samples can be useful in increasing the crop yield for that agricultural field. However, the acquisition of soil samples has been a manually performed process that is difficult and time consuming. To take a soil sample, a person had to manually insert a probe into the ground to remove the soil or sample material from the ground, and then store and label the sample material from the probe for subsequent analysis. Another option for taking the soil sample was to use an all terrain vehicle (ATV) equipped with a device to insert the probe into the ground. However, due to the limited capabilities of the ATV, the device mounted on the ATV could not provide much additional insertion force over the insertion force that could be provided by the person. Further, if the amount of sample material removed from the ground was not a sufficient sample for analysis, additional sample material had to be removed from the ground until a sufficient sample had been obtained. The process is then repeated at the next soil sample location in the agricultural field, which can have numerous sampling points or locations depending on the size of the agricultural field. Thus, depending on the number of sampling locations in an agricultural field, a person could spend a day or more collecting the necessary soil samples from an agricultural field.
Therefore, what is needed is a machine and method that can simplify and reduce the time needed for the soil sampling process.
The present application is directed to a method of obtaining a soil sample from an agricultural field. The method includes acquiring sample material from an agricultural field with a sampling mechanism mounted on a soil sampling machine and transferring the acquired sample material from the sampling mechanism to a storage tank located on the soil sampling machine with a vacuum force. The method also includes removing the acquired sample material from the storage tank and placing the acquired sample material in a container.
The present application is additionally directed to a soil sampling machine. The soil sampling machine includes a sampling mechanism configured and positioned to obtain a soil sample and a storage tank to store an obtained soil sample from the sampling mechanism. The soil sampling machine also includes a hose connecting the sampling mechanism and the storage tank and a vacuum generator to generate a vacuum force to transport the soil sample from the sampling mechanism to the storage tank.
One advantage of the present application is the automation of the soil sampling process.
Another advantage of the present application is that the sampling process is more consistent and repeatable.
Still another advantage of the present application is the ability to sample an increased number of acres per hour compared to manual sampling.
A further advantage of the present application is increased efficiency in collecting samples.
Other features and advantages of the present application will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the application.
Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
In one exemplary embodiment, multiple probes can be used to acquire sample material. The number of probes that can be used to obtain enough sample material for a sufficient sample can be based on the measurement depth, i.e., the distance the probe is inserted into the ground, for the corresponding probes and the internal diameter of the probes. If the measurement depth used for the probe(s) does not provide enough sample material for a sufficient sample, then the probe(s) may have to be reinserted into the ground until enough sample material has been obtained. The amount of sample material or soil needed for a sufficient sample can vary based on the analysis to be performed, the type of soil or sample material, and other factors.
After the sample material has been obtained, the sample material can be transferred or transported to a storage tank or container located on the soil sampling machine (step 104). A hose, tube or conduit can interconnect the probe(s) or auger and the storage tank and a vacuum force can be used to move or transport the sample material through the hose from the probe(s) or auger to the storage tank. In one embodiment, the hose or conduit can be clear to permit the operator of the soil sampling machine to visually confirm the transfer of the sample material to the storage tank. If the sample material is obtained using a single probe, the hose can be attached directly to the probe or the hose can be connected to a multiple branch pipe or hose, e.g., a “Y” pipe, or to a header or storage vessel interconnecting the probes if several probes are used. In another embodiment, if multiple probes are used, each probe could have its own hose connected to the storage tank to permit the vacuum force to be applied to each probe and hose individually. To transfer the sample material from the probe(s) to the storage tank, the vacuum force can be engaged after the probe is removed from the ground. The probe(s) can then be rotated into a substantially horizontal position (see e.g.,
Alternatively, if the sample material is to be obtained using an auger, the hose can be connected to a storage area in proximity to the auger that receives the sample material from the auger. To transfer the sample material from the auger to the storage tank, the vacuum force can be engaged at the same time (or shortly thereafter) as the auger is engaged and the vacuum force can continue to operate during the operation of the auger and for a predetermined time period after auger operation has ceased. Alternatively, the sample material from the auger can be stored in the storage area associated with the auger for the duration of auger operation and then transferred to the storage tank in a similar manner as described above for the probes once auger operation has stopped.
After the sample material has been transferred to the storage tank, a determination is made on whether enough sample material has been obtained for a sufficient sample (step 106). If there is not enough sample material for a sufficient sample, the process returns to step 102 to obtain additional sample material. In one embodiment, as each additional sample is taken or acquired, the sample material from that sample can be mixed with the stored sample material from previously taken samples by the vacuum force that is present in the storage tank. Otherwise, the process proceeds to remove the sample material from the storage tank (step 108) and place the soil sample in a container (step 110). To remove the sample material from the storage tank, the storage tank and any associated filtration systems can be vibrated to loosen or remove the sample material from the storage tank. A valve or gate, e.g., a butterfly valve, associated with the storage tank is opened and the sample material is dispensed onto a conveyor or auger by force of gravity and the vibration of the storage tank. The conveyor or auger can then transport the sample material into the cab of the soil sampling machine. Once the sample material has reached the cab of the soil sampling machine, the operator of the soil sampling machine can place the sample material in a container, such as a bag, and provide an appropriate label for the container. In another embodiment, the operator of the soil sampling machine can transfer the sample material directly from the storage tank to the container.
The sampling mechanism 502 can also include a hydraulic cylinder 514 mounted on the frame 515 to move a sliding mechanism 516 to which the probe 510 is connected. To acquire sample material with the probe 510, the sampling mechanism 502 is placed on the ground by the soil sampling machine 500. Once the sampling mechanism 502 is in the proper position, the hydraulic cylinder 514 is actuated to move or lower the sliding mechanism 516 along the frame 515 and force the probe 510 into the ground to acquire the sample material. In one exemplary embodiment, the hydraulic cylinder 514 can insert the probe 510 into the ground with a force of between about 2500 psi and about 3000 psi. The insertion force applied to the probe 510 can be varied based on the selection and configuration of the hydraulic cylinder 514 and sliding mechanism 516. To remove the probe 510 from the ground, the hydraulic cylinder 514 is actuated in the opposite direction to move or raise the sliding mechanism 516 and the probe 510. The movement of the sliding mechanism 516 as well as the configuration of the probe 510 can be used to determine the measurement depth for the probe 510. In another embodiment, pneumatic cylinders could be used instead of the hydraulic cylinders. In still another embodiment, a probe can be used having a length greater than or equal to the maximum desired measurement depth and a linear actuator can be used to control the insertion of the probe to obtain any desired measurement depth up to the maximum measurement depth. Thus, a single probe can be used to take samples of different measurement depths.
In one exemplary embodiment, the process for acquiring a soil sample begins with the operator engaging an auto operation switch in the soil sampling machine. The operator can lower a mast of the soil sampling machine (i.e., position the sampling device on the ground) and then lower the probe (i.e., insert the probe into the ground) to collect the sample material. Once the probe is in the “full up” position, the silo or storage tank vacuum and the front probe vibrator can operate for 5-8 seconds and turn off automatically. The cycle time for the silo vacuum and the front probe vibrator can be programmable by the operator. The silo vacuum system can use one or more high powered motors to generate over 210 CFM of air flow and a vacuum of over 150 inches of water lift. The sample can then be vacuumed from the front probe through a clear collection hose, and deposited into the silo vacuum chamber. When there is enough dirt or soil to make a complete sample (1-2 samples for a 12 inch probe, 2-3 samples for an 8 inch probe and 3-4 samples for a 6 inch probe), the operator can engage a bagging switch. The silo vibrator and the electronic filter shaker can run for 10 seconds and then will turn off automatically. The cycle time for the silo vibrator and the electronic filter shaker can be programmable by the operator. An 8 inch belt conveyor can turn on and the sample can be discharged via an 8 inch air gate and travel up the conveyor, discharge into a stainless steel funnel, and down into a bag located inside the cab. During the bagging operation, the air gate can close in 5 seconds and the conveyor can turn off in 22 seconds after the bagging switch is engaged. The cycle time for the air gate and the conveyor can be programmable by the operator.
In another exemplary embodiment, the soil sampling machine can be built on a 5600 Bobcat® Toolcat™ All Purpose Chassis with a Kubota® 59 hp hydrostatic transmission and can be a 18.9 GPM hydraulic system. The soil sampling machine can include a sampling device with: a 14 inch slide rack and cylinder; a 1.5 inch diameter stainless steel probe, 6 to 12 inches long; a 12 volt, 85 lb. vibrator; a 2.5 inch diameter x14 inch cylinder; and a quick detach capability using hydraulic couplers. The soil sampling machine can also include a silo vacuum with: two (2) 1600 watt, 4.8 hp, 220 volt motors located inside the silo that can operate at a 72 dBa noise level, generate an 11 Hg inch vacuum rating (150 inches of water lift) and generate a 210 CFM volume rating; a primary filter having 13 square feet of area; a heavy duty electric primary filter cleaning shaker; a 2 inch (51 mm) inlet with aluminum cast deflector; a compression housing cast composite; an 8 inch air tight slide gate valve with electric over air activation for sample discharge; and a 12 volt, 85 lb vibrator. The soil sampling machine can include a hydraulic generator with a Hydro 500 hydraulic generator that can provide 5000 (5500 peak) watts of continuous output. The soil sampling machine can include a conveyor with: a 5 foot mini belt conveyor with a 220 volt motor that can operate at 22 feet per minute and has an 8 inch urethane belt with 0.80 inch cleats every 12 inches; aluminum side rails; and a stainless steel hopper with bagging tube and bag holder. The soil sampling machine can include an air compressor with: a storage tank; 110 psi output; a 12 volt motor; a built-in regulator that can turn on the air compressor at 85 psi and turn off the air compressor at 110 psi; and 20 feet of ¼ inch air hose.
In other exemplary embodiment, the soil sampling machine can include agricultural management software such as AgJunction®. The agricultural management software can include: a 7 inch touch screen; a 10 Hz DGPS using EGNOSS/WAAS correction; a built-in terrain correction capability; soil sampling, area measurement and record keeping functionality; a guidance mode; a work order system; and an integrated advanced cellular modem for wireless data transfer and logistics.
In one exemplary embodiment, the results from the sampling process can be used to generate soil maps that can then be used to develop prescription or application plans for the agricultural field.
Although the figures herein may show a specific order of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from what is depicted. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Variations in step performance can depend on the systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the application.
While the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures and described herein are presently preferred, it should be understood that these embodiments are offered by way of example only. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present application. Accordingly, the present application is not limited to a particular embodiment, but extends to various modifications that nevertheless fall within the scope of the appended claims. It should also be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.
It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the present application as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Only certain features and embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in the application and many modifications and changes may occur to those skilled in the art (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters (e.g., temperatures, pressures, etc.), mounting arrangements, use of materials, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention. Furthermore, in an effort to provide a concise description of the exemplary embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not have been described (i.e., those unrelated to the presently contemplated best mode of carrying out the invention, or those unrelated to enabling the claimed invention). It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation specific decisions may be made. Such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure, without undue experimentation.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/358,840, entitled “SOIL SAMPLING SYSTEM AND METHOD,” filed Jun. 25, 2010, which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61358840 | Jun 2010 | US |
