Kansas Patent of the Month – January 2023
Capstan Ag Systems, Inc. has patented their fertilizer and chemical delivery system, creating the liquid control advantage the agricultural industry has been missing. The system is designed to simplify the process of applying agricultural fluids to fields, enhancing the germination and early development of plants by streamlining delivery.
The technology targets seeds dispensed from high-speed planters, ensuring they receive an even coating. These agricultural fluids range from pesticides to fertilizers, growth regulators, and promoters. The system allows the seeds to be coated as they are planted, streamlining the process and ensuring each seed is treated properly.
The planter system detects the seed as it passes through the seeder. The control system considers the speed the seed is traveling by comparing detection times at two points, calculating at what time the seed will drop out of the planter and into the ground.
The planter has a series of nozzles which dispense the agricultural fluid. While each nozzle can work together, they can also be individually controlled for greater precision. The control system continuously tracks the speed of the planter, determining the rate at which seeds are dropped and adjusts the valves of each nozzle to regulate the fluid flow rate. This ensures that the fluid is sprayed on or adjacent to the seed. The system uses smart technology to compensate for boom speed differences as the planter turns, ensuring the fluid flow rate remains even across the boom.
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