Abstract:
A mobile treatment system for subterraneously aerating and stimulating root zones with a probe. Suitable controls enable the operator to mix liquid root stimulator solution within a storage tank, and then pump it into the ground through the probe. A motor-driven air compressor controls a pneumatic holding tank to store pressurized air. The multi-segmented probe has a rigid, upper segment that receives liquid through a check valve, an intermediate segment receiving high pressure air, and a lowermost section extending downwardly from a foot plate and terminating in a hardened point. Output orifices defined in the tip deliver air or solution subterraneously. A controller circuit times an injection cycle upon actuation of a probe-mounted switch by actuating a solenoid valve for metered fluid injection. When the injection cycle completes, a manual valve on the probe can be opened for aeration.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates generally to portable aerators and fertilizer applicators for subterraneously treating various plants, including trees, shrubs and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to mobile fertilizer applicators that premeasure carefully administered fluid doses for pressurized application through probes that are manually forced into the ground. Known devices of this general nature are classified in U.S. Pat. No. Class 111, Subclasses 7.1-7.4.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     It is well known in the art that the health or “weliness” of trees or shrubs can be maintained or enhanced by periodically injecting fertilizers or nutrients proximate the roots. A variety of systems exist in the art for subterraneously injecting various treating substances in the ground around the target roots. Additionally, it is known to loosen the soil by forcibly injecting compressed air into the ground adjacent the roots. Some prior art systems include a portable tank whose contents are forced into the ground with a manually-operated probe. Some larger systems include a mobile arrangement with a heavy trailer supporting a plurality of components such as pumps, tanks, controllers, compressors, valves and other components.  
         [0005]     For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,545 issued to Joy on Feb. 28, 1989 proposes a hand-held apparatus for aerating and treating plants. An air hose is driven by a high pressure compressor and air tank unit, which draws water from a faucet. Granular fertilizer stored in a bin is suctioned into the fluid flow, and delivered subterraneously by a rigid tube that is inserted into a pre-drilled hole in the ground. Compressed air is used to loosen and treat the soil. Pressurized air forces the fertilizer into the ground, and pressurized water follows to dissolve and dilute the fertilizer, thereby moisturizing the soil and roots, and fertilizing the root system.  
         [0006]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,850,291 issued to Masuko on Jul. 25, 1989 discloses a mobile fertilizer applicator for treating soil with a pneumatic nozzle that injects fertilizer from its tip. The nozzle is forced into the ground, and thereafter blasts of air are delivered to the soil. Fertilizer stored within a holding chamber is pneumatically drawn out and forced into the soil.  
         [0007]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,287 issued Guin Jun. 19, 1990 discloses a mobile, subterraneous treatment apparatus for injecting fertilizer or nutrients into the soil adjacent plant root systems. A container for storing fertilizer communicates with a multi-valve holding chamber a various valves that control the delivery of fertilizer to an elongated applicator tube that is adapted to be inserted into the ground. The multi-valve holding chamber assembly prevents a stream of water from entering the closed container and permits a precise amount of fertilizer to be released into the elongated tube for subterraneous injection to the root zone. Eventually, moisture from the stream of water causes the dry fertilizer to block the pipe.  
         [0008]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,115,750 issued to White on May 26, 1992 discloses a subsoil treatment system that subterraneously delivers compressed air via ground-piercing spike means. This mobile system is truck-mounted.  
         [0009]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,170,729 issued to Benner on Dec. 15, 1992 discloses an injector device for subterraneously dispensing fertilizer through a hollow, ground-penetrating probe.  
         [0010]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,503,090 issued to Guzan on Apr. 2, 1996 shows a portable, gravity-operated system. A portable tank strapped to an operator feeds fertilizer to adjacent roots by gravity feed.  
         [0011]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,586 issued to Hunt Feb. 6, 2001 shows a soil injection apparatus with a hydraulically operated probe. A pumping system is activated after the probe has been forced into the soil a predetermined depth to inject chemicals or nutrients. A control system activates the probe hydraulic system and liquid pumping system.  
         [0012]     Known systems such as those described above have many attributes. However, they are often difficult to use. Quite commonly, fertilizer ejected from these systems is haphazardly ejected without being properly metered, and overdosing can result. Moreover, where repeated injections are necessary, the machine controls are cumbersome and inconvenient. Often the operator has to repeatedly move between a control box and the probe to complete a cycle, as all necessary controls are not conveniently accessible on the probe. Accordingly I have developed a combined system for remedying prior art problems and deficiencies.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013]     This invention provides a mobile, computerized root stimulating application and aerator system for plants, shrubs, trees, and the like. The system is mounted upon a durable trailer to be towed to the work location. Once it reaches an application location, it is easily controlled by a single operator. A pump, a reservoir for mixing and storing treatment materials, a controller, and an associated applicator nozzle are provided. Simple controls on the trailer can be set for either aeration, liquid injection, or solution preparation and mixing. A unique applicator probe is forced into soil adjacent a root system to be treated. Either air or the prepared root stimulating solution can thereafter be forced through the probe into the root region.  
         [0014]     The system includes a storage battery for power, a fertilizer tank, and various lines and valves for delivering root stimulator solution to the probe. Aeration is achieved with a motor-driven air compressor supported by the trailer that fills a pneumatic holding tank. An air hose connects one portion of the probe to the high pressure air source.  
         [0015]     The preferred probe is multi-segmented. A rigid, upper segment receives liquid through a check valve. The upper segment extends downwardly to a T-coupling that is connected at its bottom to an intermediate probe segment, to which high pressure air is forced via the T-connection. The intermediate section joins a lowermost probe section at a foot plate, adapted to be mechanically contacted by the operator to drive the probe into the ground. The lowermost probe section comprises coaxially fitted segments. It terminates at its bottom in a hardened steel, pointed tip that aids in penetration. Suitable output orifices defined in the tip deliver air or solution subterraneously.  
         [0016]     A unique controller circuit delivers a timed cycle upon actuation of a push-button switch on the probe. At this time, a solenoid valve that controls fluid flow to the probe is opened for metering a predetermined fluid injection cycle. Nominally, this cycle is chosen to be between one-half to five seconds approximately.  
         [0017]     Where desired, vigorous aeration cycles may be implemented. After a fluid injection cycle times out, for example, and aerator valve on the probe may be manually opened to inject high pressure air through the probe tip. A check valve in the fluid flow connection on the probe prevents unwanted air backflow. As soon as an aeration injection is done in a suitable target root zone, a timed injection of solution may follow after the air valve is closed and the push button switch is pushed by the operator. Thus after the probe has been forced into a given area, the operator can easily switch between successive aeration and fluid injection cycles, easing the labor and time requirements associated with the job.  
         [0018]     Thus, an important object of my invention is to provide a mobile aerator and chemical injection system for treating trees, shrubs, plants and the like.  
         [0019]     Another basic object is to provide a portable or mobile device that can be quickly transported to a work location and thereafter employed with a probe for penetrating the soil and thereafter fertilizing or aerating it.  
         [0020]     It is another basic object of my invention to provide a mobile applicator for subterraneously injecting timed and controlled doses of root stimulator adjacent the root systems of plants.  
         [0021]     In other words, it is an important object to provide a metered dose of root stimulator to pre-selected plant root zones.  
         [0022]     A related general object is to provide a mobile, trailer mounted system of the character described that carefully applies predetermined quantities of nutrients, fertilizer or liquids.  
         [0023]     A related object is to automatically control a subterranean applicator such that doses are measured and applied automatically without overdoses, and without wasting time.  
         [0024]     Another important object is to provide a mobile aerator and root stimulator system of the character described with a computerized controller wherein dispensing accuracy is enhanced.  
         [0025]     Yet another basic object is to provide a highly mobile, trailer-mounted system for subterraneously aerating and treating soil.  
         [0026]     It is another object to provide a lightweight, subterraneous injection system for treating plants and trees with automatically premeasured doses of substances.  
         [0027]     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, along with features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear or become apparent in the course of the following descriptive sections. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0028]     In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various views:  
         [0029]      FIG. 1  is a fragmentary perspective view of my mobile soil treating system, with the probe shown out of the ground;  
         [0030]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view thereof;  
         [0031]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged fragmentary, frontal isometric view of the preferred holding tank assembly;  
         [0032]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged fragmentary, rear isometric view of the holding tank assembly;  
         [0033]      FIG. 5  is a fluid flow diagram;  
         [0034]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged, fragmentary, isometric view of the preferred probe and the connection hardware;  
         [0035]      FIG. 7  is a further enlarged, fragmentary, isometric view similar to  FIG. 6 , showing preferred connection hardware;  
         [0036]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged, sectional view of the bottom portion of the preferred applicator probe, showing the probe prior to being forced into the ground;  
         [0037]      FIG. 9  is a diagrammatic view of the preferred controller: and,  
         [0038]      FIG. 10  is an electrical schematic view of the preferred controller circuit.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0039]     Turning initially to  FIGS. 1 and 2  of the appended drawings, a mobile root treating system constructed in accordance with the best mode of the invention has been generally designated by the reference numeral  11 . The applicator system  11  preferably comprises a towable, 1500 pound rated trailer  12  including a rigid frame  16  supported by a wheeled, rear axle  13 . The trailer frame has a conventional tongue  15  for connection to a suitable tow vehicle. When the system  11  reaches an area to be treated proximate ground  14 , it can be uncoupled and supported in an upright position by a deployable foot  18 . Once deployed, a unique applicator probe  20  is forced into the soil  22  proximate the root system of a plant or tree to be serviced. Air can be forced into the probe via pneumatic hose  21 , and liquid reaches it via hose  23 . Once probe  20  penetrates soil  22 , various agrichemicals or fertilizer may be subterraneously injected by the probe as described hereinafter. In addition, the soil may be vigorously aerated and broken up to promote plant health.  
         [0040]     With joint reference directed to  FIGS. 1-5 , a rigid, generally cylindrical, elevated liquid fertilizer tank  24  is secured by straps  25  upon a rigid, box-like mounting platform  26  that is constructed from numerous angle steel segments. The welded steel platform  26  is generally in the form of a parallelepiped, and it is preferably mounted atop the trailer at the rear end. A master on-off switch  31  is conveniently mounted on platform  16  upon leg  17  (i.e.,  FIG. 3 ).  
         [0041]     Chemicals stored within tank  24 , which is filled by removing fill cap  38 , can be forcibly mixed by twelve volt, pressure-activated direct current diaphragm pump  46 . The chemicals mixture is pulled from tank  24  via pipe  50  (i.e.,  FIGS. 3-5 ) through elbows  49 ,  48  via pipe  47  to pump  46 . Pump  46  maintains approximately forty-five PSI and turns on automatically whenever pressure drops below forty-five pounds. The pump  46  outputs via T-connector  32 . With valve  34  closed and valve  30  open, material is recycled via pipe  27  back into tank  24 , which mixes the preparation. With valve  30  closed and valve  34  open, material can be routed through elbow  35 , hose segment  36 , elbow  37 , and pipe  39  to a DC-operated solenoid valve  40  ( FIGS. 3, 10 ). Pipe  42  connects valve  40  to elbow  44 , that is connected to liquid supply hose  23  that leads to applicator probe  20  ( FIG. 1 ).  
         [0042]     With primary emphasis directed to  FIG. 4 , a twelve-volt storage battery  52  is secured beneath the tank  24  within the hollow region  54 . Lines  53  comprising DC 12 volt current cables connect the battery to a controller  56  housed within region  54 . The battery powers the circuitry, the pump  46 , and the controller  56  as described hereinafter. Battery  52  is recharged by alternator on engine  60 .  
         [0043]     With reference now directed primarily to  FIG. 2 , the pneumatic details are described. An air compressor  58 , which is supported upon the trailer top, has a capacity of nineteen CFM at 200 PSI. A conventional gasoline engine  60  atop the trailer  12  operates air compressor  58 . Air is accumulated within a holding tank  62  via copper line  59  ( FIG. 1 ). As best seen in  FIG. 2 , air is outputted from holding tank  62  via elbow  63 , ball valve  64 , elbow  66 , and air hose  21  that leads to probe  20  as previously described.  
         [0044]     Details of the preferred probe  20  are best understood by jointly referencing  FIGS. 5-8 . The multi-segmented probe  20  comprises a rigid, upper pipe segment  65  extending between a steel T-coupling  68  and an upper elbow  69 . An intermediate probe pipe segment  70  extends downwardly from T-coupling  68  to a coupling  74  ( FIGS. 6, 8 ) that connects to a bushing  76  that joins lower probe pipe segment  72 . Pipe segments  70  and  72  are axially aligned, and they are rigidly mated at foot plate  78 . Normally in operation, the foot plate  78  is pressed with the operators&#39; feet towards the soil  22  adjacent roots to be treated. As best seen in  FIG. 6 , the lowermost probe pipe segment  72  is thus forced into the ground, with pipe segments  65  and  70  axially aligned with it above plate  78 . Liquid reaches probe  20  from hose  23  via quick-coupler  80  (i.e.  FIG. 7 ) that leads to a one-half inch check valve  82  leading to elbow  69  and upper probe pipe segment  65 . Preferably, check valve  82  opens at ten-PSI pressure and resists 200-PSI backpressure.  
         [0045]     High pressure air reaches the probe  20  via hose  21  previously described, that connects via a quick coupler  84  ( FIG. 7 ). A small pipe segment  86  connects to a 200 PSI manually operated ball-type aerator valve  88  that is connected via pipe segment  89  to the previously described T-coupling  68 . An electric, preferably push-button switch  90  is mechanically secured to pipe segment  86  (i.e.,  FIG. 6 ) on probe  20 . Switch  90  allows the operator to conveniently activate a timed fluid injection cycle after the probe has been appropriately forced into the ground (i.e., soil  22 ).  
         [0046]     Referring to  FIG. 8 , there is a hollow probe interior  91  ( FIG. 8 ) communicating with all probe pipe segments. The lowermost probe pipe segment  72  comprises a primary pipe section  92  that is coaxially mated to outer pipe stiffener  94 . The longer, lower-diameter pipe section  92  is threadably received within bushing  76  at its top proximate footplate  78 . Bushing  76  is welded to plate  78 . As lower probe pipe segment  72  is fitted to bushing  76 , and pipe stiffener  94  is welded to the underside of plate  78 , a firm and durable mechanical connection is established. The bottom of pipe segment  72  ( FIG. 6 ) receives a hardened, press-fitted steel point  97  that penetrates soil  22  ( FIG. 8 ). The hollow interior  98  of point  97  is in fluid flow communication with pipe interior  91  described previously, and with output orifices  99 .  
         [0047]     With joint reference now directed to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the preferred controller  56  is an AHC Fluid Power-brand controller. Controller  56  comprises an H3YN-2 Omron timer  100 , a ten-amp circuit breaker  102  ( FIGS. 9, 10 ), and a connector strip  103  (i.e.,  FIG. 9 ) for mechanically interconnecting the wiring seen schematically in  FIG. 10 . Voltage applied from battery  52  across lines  53  and through fuse  108  activates pump  46  (i.e. if master switch  31  is “on”) if valve  30  is opened. The manual opening of valve  30  is sensed by the pressure sensitive pump  46 , causing it to turn “on” to maintain a nominal output pressure of approximately forty-five pounds. Timer  100  is turned “on”, if the push button switch  90  on the probe  20  is depressed or turned “on”. When switch  90  is momentarily pushed, latching occurs across latching relay contacts  104  ( FIG. 10 ) establishing a timing cycle by timer  100  to activate and thus open solenoid valve  40  (i.e.,  FIGS. 3, 4 , and  10 ) by closing contacts  107  ( FIG. 10 ). Thus activated, valve  40  delivers liquid to hose  23  leading to the probe  20 . Nominally, this cycle is variable, with injection cycles of up to several seconds being possible. Preferably, a timing cycle of three seconds is chosen to inject approximately eight fluid ounces of treatment mixture into the ground, with pump pressures of forty-five PSI.  
         [0048]     In operation, the mobile system  11  is towed to an area requiring service. Tank  24  is manually filled with the desired chemical mixture, comprising fertilizer and/or water by first removing tank fill cap  38  ( FIG. 1 ) and pouring the desired substances into tank  24 . These substances can be vigorously mixed if valve  34  is closed and valve  30  is open. With pump  46  activated via switch  31 , material will be cycled through the tank lines  27 , and  50  (i.e.,  FIG. 5 ).  
         [0049]     With the tank contents appropriately mixed, valve  34  ( FIG. 3 ) is opened and valve  30  is closed. Probe  20  may be manually forced into the desired soil  22 , preferably with probe air valve  88  ( FIG. 6 ) closed. Air is then injected into the ground by opening valve  88  to break up dirt and create a void, and then vale  88  is closed. High pressure air directed to the probe is forced though the probe interior  91  ( FIG. 8 ) downwardly through point interior  98  and out of orifices  99  in point  97  ( FIG. 8 ). With the ground broken up from the air, the electric push-button switch  90  on the probe is then pressed so timer  100  will turn on and open solenoid valve  40  ( FIG. 10 ) for a predetermined time of approximately three seconds. This will allow a limited liquid volume (i.e., preferably eight fluid ounces) of the liquid mixture within tank  24  to be transferred from tank  24  via hose  23  through check-valve  82  ( FIG. 6 ) into the top of the probe  20 , and through the probe for ejection outwardly of orifices  99  ( FIG. 8 ). When the latter cycle times out, aeration may again occur by opening valve  88  ( FIG. 6 ) on the probe. High pressure air applied through valve  88  ( FIG. 7 ) cannot enter liquid hose  23  because check valve  82  prevents backflow. The cycle may be repeated as necessary to treat a given root region. With the job completed, the motor and compressor shut down, the master switch  31  turned off, and the probe packed away, the trailer  12  may be towed to another job site.  
         [0050]     From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure.  
         [0051]     It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.  
         [0052]     As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.