Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
131640~
FERTILIZER INJECTION DEVICE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the
field of agricultural implements and more specifically
to a fertilizer injection device which is used with soil
moving tools to improve the absorption rate of fer-
tilizer injected into the soil.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Within the field of agricultural implemen~s,there exists a need for a device which injects fer-
tilizer into the subsoil of an agricultural area whilesimultaneously tilling that same area. Further, there
exists a need to inject fertilizer into the subsoil so
that only a very minimal amount, if any, of the fer-
tilizer escapes through the soil into the atmosphere.
By combining the tilling and fertilizing operations, and
by minimizing the escape of fertilizer from the subsoil,
substantial economic and productivity improvements are
realized.
A variety of fertilizer injection devices have
e~olved. Typically, a fertilizer injection device is
positioned behind a knife-like implement which is
designed to move through the soil. A narrow furrow or
groove is thu formed in the subsoil by the implement
and fertilizer is placed into that groove behind the
implement. Significant inefficiencies occur when using
such devices. Principally, such devices do not provide
tilling means and therefore require tilling of the soil
either before or after the injection of fertilizer.
Also, using such devices, a substantial amount of fer-
tilizer is often lost from the soil due to inadequateinjection beneath a stable soil layer~
1 3 1 6 4 0 llr
Another technique for injecting fertilizer
into subsoil includes a plow-like implement designed for
tilling soil which includes an attached fertilizer
dispensing means. Typically, such fertiliæer dispensing
means are attached to portions of the soil moving sur-
faces, such as backsides of the plow blades. Indeed,
attachment of injection devices to portions of large
blade plows is known in the art. However, substantial
problems arise on both large and small tools which may
include injection devices attached to blade portions.
Frequently, fertilizer injection is attempted when the
soil temperature is quite low. Therefore, the blades or
soil moving surfaces also become quite cold. This
results in the soil moving tool imparting coldness to
the attached injection device and the fertilizer within,
causing flow problems and possible clogging of the
device.
Yet another problem exists with such devices
because the point where the fertilizer is dispensed into
the subsoil is typically along the inner sides of the
soil moving blades or at the immediate tip of a rearmost
trailing edge of a soil moving blade. The problem
exists due to the broken soil conditions at those points
of fertilizer distribution. This frequently results in
significant leakage of fertilizer from the soil due to a
non-stable and/or non-uniform soil layer beneath which
the fertilizer was injected. Further, such fertilizer
dispensing devices are typically not readily
interchangeable and are permanently attached to a p~r-
ticular plow or shovel.
What has been needed therefore has been adevice which is removably attached to a portion of a
soil moving tool which permits simultaneous tilling and
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fertilizing of soil. Moreover, a need exists for such a
device which more efficiently dispenses fertilizer into
the soil so that a greater amount of fertilizer remains
beneath the soil, rather than escaping to the
atmosphere.
What has been further needed is a device for
injecting fertilizer into soil which includes means for
insulating and maintaining the fertilizer at a predeter-
mined temperature range prior to injection in~o the sub-
soil.
These and other problems are solv d by thepresent invention. Yet other objects and advantages
will become apparent from the following descriptions,
taken in connection with the accompanying drawings
wherein are set forth by way of illustration certain
embodiments of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A device is provided for injecting fertilizer
into soil behind soil moving surfaces of a soil moving
tool which is mounted on an agricultural implement r such
as a tractor. The device permits improved absorption of
the fertilizer by the soil and comprises conduit means
and positioning means. The conduit means include a
substantially vertically oriented supply conduit means
for receiving fertilizer from a fertilizer supply.
Also, a substantially horizontally oriented and rear-
wardly angled distribution conduit means is provided
which is connected with the supply conduit means and
which includes a first end portion for receiving fer-
tilizer from the supply conduit means and a second end
portion for distributing the fertilizer to the soil.
The positioning means allows for positioning the distri-
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bution conduit means second end portion to a point whichis spaced behind and separated from a point on a soil
moving surface of a trailing edge portion of the soil
moving tool. The space permits settling of the soil
prior to inj~cting the fertilizer into the soil, and
thus provides improved retention and absorption of the
fertilizer in the soil. The conduit means of this
device is attached to the positioning means, and the
positioning means is removably and adjustably attached
to the soil moving tool.
Other aspects of this invention are as follows:
A device for injecting fertilizer into soil behind
soil moving surfaces of a soil moving tool mounted on an
agricultural implement which provides improved
absorption of the fertilizer by the soil comprising:
(a) conduit means for receiving and distributing
fertilizer, said conduit means having an inner surface
defining a fluid passageway to enable the flow of
fertilizer therethrough, said conduit means including:
(i) substantially vertically oriented supply
conduit means for receiving the fertilizer;
(ii) substantially horizontally oriented and
rearwardly angled distribution conduit means connected
in fluid tight relationship with said supply conduit
means, said di.stribution conduit means having a first
end portion for receiving fertilizer from said supply
conduit means and a second end portion for distributing
the fertilizer to the soil;
(b~ positioning means for positioning said
distribution conduit means second end portion to a
location spaced behind and separated from a point on a
soil moving surface of a trailing edge portion of the
soil moving tool where the fertilizer is then
distributed and substantially completely covered by a
layer of soil; and
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4a
(c) said conduit means being attached to said
positioning means, and said positioning means being
removably attached to the soil moving tool.
A device for injecting fertilizer into subsoil
behind soil moving surfaces of a soil moving tool
mounted on an agricultural implement which provides
improved absorption of the fertilizer by the soil
including:
(a) conduit means for receiving and distributing
fertilizer, said conduit means having an inner surface
defining a fluid passageway to enable the flow of
fertilizer therethrough, said conduit means comprising:
ti) substantially vertically oriented supply
conduit means for receiving the fertilizer;
(ii) substantially horizontally oriented and
rearwardly angled distribution conduit means connected
in fluid tight relationship with said supply conduit
means, said distribution conduit means having a first
end portion for receiving fertilizer from said supply
conduit means and a second end portion for distributing
the fertilizer to the soil, said distribution conduit
means being spaced away from thP soil moving surfaces of
the soil moving tool and said distribution conduit
means second end portion being located behind and
separated from a point on a soil moving surface of a
trailing edge portion of the soil moving tool;
(b) positioning means for positioning said
distribution conduit means for distribution of
fertilizer from said second end portion so that the
fertilizer is then substantially completely covered by a
layer of subsoil, said positioning means comprising a
plate defining a slotted aperture and a circular
aperture, each of said apertures extending through said
plate, and each of said apertures being constructed and
arranged for receiving attaching means therethrough;
1 31 640~1r
4b
(c) said conduit means being attached to said
positioning means, and said positioning means being
operably attached to a shank portion of the soil moving
tool which faces away from the operable direction of
travel of the soil moving tool; and
(d) a hollow insulator lin~r insert having an
inner diameter enabling the flow of fertilizer
therethrough, said insulator liner insert being
constructed and arranged for conformal insertion into
said conduit means to substantially insulate and
maintain the fertilizer therein at a predetermined
temperature range.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWIN~S
Figure 1 is an environmental view of a means for
pulling the soil moving tool and attached fertilizer
injection device of the present invention through
subsoil.
Figure 2 is a rear elevation view of a preferred
embodiment fertilizer injection device attached to a
shank portion of a soil moving tool.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a preferred
embodiment fertilizer injection device attached to a
soil moving tool.
Figure 4 is a rear elevation view of a fertilizer
injection device illustrating the conduit means and the
positioning means.
Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view taken
generally along line A-A, Figure 4, illustrating an
insulator liner insert conformally placed within the
inner diameter of the conduit means.
Figure 6 is a rear elevation view illustrating an
alternate embodiment fertilizer injection device having
a plurality of conduit means attached to a positioning
means.
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DETAILED ~ESCRIPTION WITH PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Detailed embodiments of the present invention
are disclosed. It is to be understood, however, that
the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the
invention, which may be embodied in various forms.
Thereforel specific structural and functional details
disclosed are not to be interpreted as limiting, but
rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative
basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously
employ the present invention in virtually any
appropriately detailed system or structure. It will be
understood that in some circumstances relative material
thicknesses and relative component sizes may be shown
exaggerated to facilitate an understanding of the
invention.
Referring to FIG. 1, a fertilizer injection
device 10 is illustrated. Fertilizer injection device
10 is shown operably attached to a soil moving tool 12,
such as a plow, shovel, cultivator, or the like, which
is attached to an agricultural implement 14, such as a
tractor. A fertilizer supply means 16 is preferably
carried or pulled by agricultural implement 14 during
use of device 10. Fertilizer supply means 16 preferably
includes tubular means 18 which permits flow of fer-
tilizer from fertilizer supply means 16 to fertilizerinjection device 10 which is operably positioned par-
tially beneath the soil surface 20. Fertilizer is then
distributed into the subsoil 21 at a point spaced behind
a trailing edge of soil moving tool 12 so that the fer-
tilizer is absorbed by the soil. It should be observedthat fertilizer may be provided in a pressurized mode,
for example, at 60 p.s.i., in which case it is called
"hot flow". Alternately, a "cold flow" mode may include
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fertilizer which is only slightly pressurized relative
to ambient and which relies substantially on free flow
through injection device 10. ~n either of the "hot
flow" or "cold flow" modes, fertilizer injection device
10 provides substantial advantaqes by increasing the
percent of fertilizer absorbed by the soil and therefore
reduciny the amount of fertilizer escaping into the
atmosphere. Device 10 also permits injection of fer-
tilizer simultaneous with tilling or plowing operations~
resulting in sub~tantial economies of labor, fuel, and
other resources.
Figure 2 is a rear elevation view of a pre-
ferred embodiment fertilizer injection device 10 shown
attached to a shank portion 22 of a soil moving tool 12.
As illustrated, device 10 comprises hollow conduit means
24 through which fertilizer is moved from fertilizer
supply means 16 to subsoil 21, and positioning means 26
for attaching device 10 to soil moving tool 12. More
specifically, positioning means 26 allows positioning of
device 10 on soil moving tool 12 so that the distribu-
tion of fertilizer is properly placed at a point spaced
behind soil moving tool 12. Although fertilizer injec-
tion device 10 may be comprised of a single molded unit,
it is preferable that conduit means 24 and positioning
means 26 constitute separate members joined by welds 28
or similar attaching means. Conduit means 24 and posi-
tioning means 26 may be joined in overlapping relation,
as shown in FIG. 2, or in side-by-side relation, as
shown in FIG. 4. Further, conduit means 24 may be left
oriented, as depicted in Fig. 2, or it may be right
orientedl or left and right oriented as shown in Fig.
.
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective vi~w of a
preferred embodiment fertilizer in~ection device 10 and
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a representative soil moving tool 12 which are analogous
to those shown in FIG. 2. Preferably, device 10 is
removably attached to soil moving tool 12 at the rear
facing side of shank portion 22. A selectively remo-
5 vable fertilizer injection device, such as device 10,provides flexibility of use through operational attach-
ment to variously sized plows, cultivators, or other
soil moving tools. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, pre-
ferred device 10 conduit means 24 includes substantially
horizontally oriented and rearwardly angled distribution
conduit means 32 which may be variously lengthed and
angled so as to provide spaced separation between back
sides 34 and trailing edges 36 of soil mQVing surfaces
38 of soil moving tool 12~ This construction and
lS arrangement of device 10 permits its use with a variety
of variously-shaped soil moving tools 12 as well as pro-
viding a space 40 which allows for soil settling to
occur ahead of the location where fertilizer is to be
injected. Accordingly, device 10 may even be shaped for
use with soil moving tools 12 having very narrow or
pointed blad~ tips with sharply angled back sides 34.
Referring to FIG. 4, fertilizer injection
device 10 is ilLustrated. Conduit means 24 includes an
inner surface 43 defining a fluid pas~ageway ~o enable
the flow of fertilizer therethrough. Preferably, con-
duit means 24 comprises lower distribution conduit means
32 and upper supply conduit means 42. Preferred supply
conduit means 42 comprises a substantially vertically
oriented hollow conduit for receiving fertilizer from
tubular means 18 and fertilizer supply means 16. Also,
substantially horizontally oriented and rearwardly
angled distribution conduit means 32 includes first end
portion 46, for receiving fertilizer in flow through
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communication from supply conduit means 42, and second
end portion 48 for distributing the fertilizer into the
soil.
Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, positioning
means 26 is constructed and arranged for attachment to
soil moving tool 12 and for positioning distribution
conduit means 32 second end portion 48 to a location
spaced behind and separated from a point on a soil
moving surface 38 of a trailing edge portion of soil
moving tool 12. Preferably, fertilizer is distributed
from second end portion 48 generally toward a soil
region represented approximately by line B-B in Fig. 3,
extending rearwardly from the outer blade surface 49 of
soil moving tool 12. The region generally represented
15 by line B-B comprises an optimal envelope within which
to inject fertilizer so that the fertilizer will be
covered by a stable layer of soil and become substan-
tially completely absorbed. Prior fertilizer injection
systems as30ciated with plows, tilling devices, or other
combined implements for fertilizing and tilling, provide
means for distributing fertilizer which do not permit
optimal absorpt:ion of the fertilizer in the soil. For
example, distribution of fertilizer at points along back
sides 34 of wide tipped soil moving surfaces 38 would
result in ferti:Lizer being injected into soil ahead of
follow-on portions of soil moving surfaces 38.
Alternately, distribution of fertilizer immediately
adjacent trailing edge 36 may result in substantial loss
of fertilizer due to the non-stable soil layer caused by
turbulence located at the soil moving surface trailing
edge 36. This turbulence may be even more pronounced
when a fertilizer distribution means is integrally
attached to soil moving surfaces 38 due to the resultin~
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non-laminar flow of the soil as it rides off the fer-
tilizer distribution means surfaces. Accordingly, pla-
cement of the fertilizer distribution means at a
location separated from and substantially behind a
generally rearmost trailing edge 36 of a soil moving
surface 38 on soil moving tool 12 permits the fertilizer
to be injected beneath a soil layer which becomes more
stable and therefore less permeable to otherwise ver-
tically ascending fertilizer and byproducts.
As shown in FIG. 4, positioning means 26 pre-
ferably comprises a plate 50 having means for substan-
tially aligning distribution conduit means second end
portion 4~ with a predetermined or desired point on soil
moving tool 12. As further illustrated in FIGS. 3 and
4, predetermined point P on soil moving tool 12 pre
ferably comprises a point along a trailing edge 36 of a
soil moving surface 38. Preferably, distribution con-
duit means 32 is spaced away from soil moving surfaces
38 and distribution conduit means second end portion 48
is located behind and separated from point P. This
separation space 40 prevents a cold p'ow from imparting
such coldness to conduit means 24 and the fertili~er
therein. Moreover, space 40 allows for soil settling to
occur ahead of or on top of fertilizer injection points.
Also, space 40 permits proper flow and scouring by the
soil on soil moving surfaces 38 rather than causing
possible blockage or condensation leading to soil clump
formation on 50il moving surfaces 38. Although the size
of space 40 may vary with the size of the tool being
-30 used, excellent results have been achieved with a
separation distance of between about .25-.50 inch
(.635-1.27 centimeters).
Proper positioning of second end portion 48 in
relation to point P is achieved by selection o~ suitably
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lengthed and angled distribution conduit means 32 and
appropriate attachment of plate 50 or other positioning
means on soil moving tool 12. Device 10 is particularly
well adapted for use with soil moving tools 12 having
sweeps with sizes ranging generally between about 6-20
inches (15.24-50.8 centimeters). Preferably, plate 50
comprises at least one aperture extending through the
plate. As shown in FIG. 4, preferred device 10 includes
plate 50 having a slotted aperture 51 and a circular
aperture 52. Apertures 51 and 52 are preferably
constructed and arranged for receiving attaching means
54, shown in FIG. 2, therethrough for removeably
attaching device 10 to soil moving tool 12.
Moreover, the angled structure of distribution
conduit means 32 often results in a significant portion
of the distribution conduit means 32 surface area being
substantially behind shank portion 22 of soil moving
tool 12. This further minimizes the soil disruption
which otherwise creates means for fertilizer escape into
the atmosphere through nonstable soil layers. This is
particularly important when fertilizer, such as
anhydrous ammonia, or other material is injected into
the soil in hot or gaseous form. Indeed, conventional
anhydrous ammonia injection devices often provide for
inadequate absarption of the fertilizer by the soil.
Conver ely, absorption tests utilizing the fertilizer
injection device 10 of the present invention display
improved rates of fertilizer absorption including in
excess of 90 percent absorption. Therefore, providing
space 40, as shown in FIG. 3, between trailing edge 36
of a soil moving tool 12 and the point of fertilizer
distribution utilizing a conduit means which is not
~ 3 ¦ 6 4 OL~
attached to a soil moving surface, results in signifi-
cant efficiencies and improved agricultural operations.
Even further improvements in the process of
laying down fertilizer may be achieved with a fertilizer
injection device 10 of the present invention utilizing
an insulator liner insert 60, shown in Fig. 5. Altho~gh
not required to achieve advantages already provided by
device 10, insulator liner insert 60 provides the
further advantage of maintaining the fertilizer which is
in conduit means 24 within a predetermined temperature
range prior to injecting the fertilizer into the soil.
This is particularly important due to the frequent
subfreezing temperature ranges which the fertilizer is
otherwise exposed to. Referring to FIG. 5, which
details a side cross-sectional view taken generally
along line A-A, FIG. 4, an insulator liner insert 60 is
shown conformally placed within the inner diameter of
conduit means 24. For example, conduit means 24 may be
constructed of 3/8 inch (.9525 cm~ inner diameter
piping, and insulator liner insert 60 may be constructed
of 1~4 inch (.635 cm) inner diameter material.
Preferably, in ulator liner insert 60 comprises a hollow
tubular member having an inner diameter through which
fertilizer flows and that is constructed of material
which will substantially insulate and maintain the fer-
tilizer therein at a predetermined temperature range.
Preferably, insulator liner insert 60 extends through
the entire length of conduit means 24. It should be
observed that fertilizer which is bein~ iniected at
higher pressures may utilize a conduit means 24 which
has a smaller sized second end portion 48 than is needed
for a "cold flow" method of operation. Further, use of
insulator liner insert 60 may provide strengthening
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means to conduit means 24. Preferably, however, conduit
means 24 is constructPd of seamless tubing extra-heavy
duty pipe. Therefore, use of insulator liner insert 60
permits improved environmental control fOE the fer-
tilizer as well as strengthened conduit means 24.
FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate embodimentfertilizer injection device 70. In FI~. 6, device 70
includes a fertilizer injection device having substan-
tially vertically oriented supply conduit means 71 and
distribution conduit means 72. Alternate embodiment
fertilizer injection device 70 provides multiple fer-
tilizer distribution points corresponding with a plura-
lity of soil moving surfaces on a soil moving tool. Use
of alternate embodiment fertilizer injection device 70
in combination with fertilizer injection device 10 per-
mits laying down of fertilizer during soil moving agri-
cultural operations without disrupting previously
injected fertilizer. For example, a plurality of tools
12 may be arranged in rearwardly expanding rows. Outer
tools 12 may be appropriately configured with either
left or right oriented devices 10. However, tools 12
medially located in rows may be configured with a right
and left orientled injection device 70. These various
configurations permit multiple injection point patterns
to prevent churning of soil which is covering injected
fertilizer.
Accordingly, the injection device of the pre-
sent invention provides means for greatly improving the
absorption percentages of fertilizer or other substances
injected into soil. Further, injection device 10 is
simple to construct, install, and maintain.
It is o be understood that while certain
embodiments of the present invention have been
1 31 6401',
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illustrated and described, the invention is not to be
limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts
described and shown above, since others skilled in the
art may devise other embodiments still within the limits
of the claims.
