Patent ID: 6748884
Filing Date: 2004-06-15
Classification: A01C

Abstract:
A system for controlling the application of liquid fertilizer in an agricultural planting implement, the system comprising:an agricultural tractor coupled to said implement for pulling said implement across a field to be planted; said tractor having an operator's cab thereon and a hydraulic pump providing hydraulic fluid flow to said implement; a hydraulic motor affixed to said implement and in fluid flow communication with said hydraulic pump on said tractor, said hydraulic motor drivingly connected to, and dedicated fully to, a variable speed diaphragm pump also affixed to said implement, said diaphragm pump having an input and an output; a reservoir of liquid fertilizer affixed to said implement or said tractor, a fertilizer conduit for carrying fertilizer from said reservoir to said input of said diaphragm pump; at least one row unit on said planter for planting a row of seed in the field; at least one fertilizer opener affixed to said implement for opening a furrow in the field adjacent said row of seed; at least one applicator adjacent said fertilizer opener above said furrow, and a fertilizer hose means extending from said output of said diaphragm pump to said applicator; a flow meter in said fertilizer hose means to sense the flow of fertilizer through said fertilizer hose means, and a control valve to adjust the flow of fertilizer through said fertilizer hose means; an input/output device in said operator's cab; and a controller interconnecting said input/output device, said flow meter, said control valve and said hydraulic motor whereby the flow of liquid fertilizer to said applicator is monitored and controlled by said input/output device.