Abstract:
The applicator system is designed to distribute agriculturally beneficial matter across a field. The system includes a supply reservoir and an agitator assembly that grates and abrades matter in the supply reservoir until the abraded matter precipitates out of the supply reservoir and onto a supply conveyor. The supply conveyor conveys the matter to a distribution device. The distribution device meters the matter onto at least two lateral distribution conveyors. At the end of each of the distribution conveyors the matter is funneled downwardly into an open trench created by a trenching device associated with each distribution conveyor. After the matter is deposited into the trench, a trench closing assembly directs soil back into the trench and compresses the soil surface.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to an applicator system and method for distributing biodegradable and non-biodegradable matter. Specifically, the current invention is a method and apparatus for creating a plurality of shallow trenches and depositing matter in the trenches. In the preferred embodiment, poultry litter is deposited in the trenches. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Approximately 8.5 billion broilers are raised and harvested by the domestic poultry industry every year. The manure by-product of the industry is mixed with absorbent materials such as pine shavings, rice hulls, or peanut hulls to create a biodegradable product commonly known as “poultry litter”. The industry generates approximately 17 million tons of poultry litter per year. The litter is high in nitrogen and phosphorous and consequently makes an excellent fertilizer, however there are problems and issues associated with the agricultural application of the litter. 
         [0003]    The most common method of applying the litter to farmland is to simply broadcast the litter across the surface of the soil. Although this method is relatively quick and inexpensive, it is inefficient and may damage the environment. To be beneficial, the nutrients within the litter must vertically penetrate the soil to reach the root systems of the associated crops. However, heavy rains may dissolve the soluble materials within the litter and carry the nutrients away from the crops and into the area watershed, thereby contaminating local lakes and streams. Further, in areas where litter is applied repeatedly to the soil surface, the chemical nutrients within the litter may become concentrated on the soil&#39;s surface so that associated crops are damaged or otherwise adversely affected. Consequently state and federal guidelines may prohibit further surface application of litter until levels of some of the potentially damaging chemicals have decreased and normalized. 
         [0004]    An alternative approach is to trench a field and simultaneously place the litter (or other materials) into a relatively deep trench so that a greater amount of material can be deposited without the environmental problems associated with surface applications. This approach is described and exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 5,401,119 to Washington et al (hereinafter “Washington”). However, the dimensions of the trench described in Washington preclude this method from being employed in close proximity to the root systems of crops, which could be damaged by the deep trenching process. Further, the deep trenching process is relatively slow and a significant amount of power is required to tow the Washington placement device, particularly in applications in which multiple trenching devices are employed simultaneously. 
         [0005]    The need exists for an apparatus capable of placing poultry litter (or any other matter) at a sufficient depth so that the nutrients associated with the matter are not easily lost to runoff. The biodegradable matter should be placed at a sufficient depth to facilitate the penetration of the soil by the fertilizing elements of the matter, but shallow enough not to disturb row crops. The current invention allows the placement of biodegradable matter in multiple trenches that are two to three inches in depth and allows a side-dress application that is compatible with row crops. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The current invention comprises an applicator system and method for distributing matter. In the preferred embodiment, the applicator system distributes poultry litter in an agricultural application. The current invention includes a hopper that at least partially encloses the matter. An agitator rotor is in communication with the hopper so that the matter from the hopper is engaged by the agitator rotor. A grating means adjacent to the agitator rotor grates and abrades the matter until it precipitates out of the reservoir and onto a supply conveyor. 
         [0007]    The supply conveyor conveys the matter away from the agitator rotor and the associated grating means and into a distribution device. A sweeping means within the distribution device sweeps the matter into a plurality of apertures in the base of the distribution device. 
         [0008]    At least two distribution conveyors receive the matter from the distribution device and transport the matter laterally away from the distribution device. Distribution funneling assemblies receive the matter from the respective distribution conveyers and direct the matter downwardly. Individual trenching assemblies receive the matter from each of the respective distribution funneling assemblies. Each of the trenching assemblies opens a trench in the ground so that the matter from the associated funneling assembly is directed into the trench. A trench closing assembly associated with each trenching assembly directs soil displaced by the trenching assembly back into the trench and compresses the surface of the soil. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is an environmental aspect view of the current invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a schematic of the process described in the current invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a front perspective view (from above) of the agitator assembly and hopper of the current invention in accordance with the preferred embodiment. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the agitator and hopper showing a truncated rotor and a pivoting frame assembly. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of the agitator of  FIG. 4  showing the frame pivoted upwardly. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a front perspective partial sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the agitator and storage reservoir. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a front perspective view (from above) of the material distribution device. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a front perspective view (from above) of the distribution conveyor assembly. 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a front perspective partial sectional view (from above) of the trenching assembly of the current invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a rear perspective view (from below) of the primary components of the trenching assembly. 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a front perspective view (from above) of the trenching assembly with the proximal inwardly cambered wheel removed. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0020]    The present invention comprises an applicator system for the agricultural distribution of biodegradable matter. Although biodegradable matter is preferred, matter which does not degrade (such as fly ash) should also be considered within the scope of the invention. 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a functional environmental perspective view of the applicator system AS of the current invention. In the preferred embodiment, the applicator system AS is towed across a cultivated or non-cultivated area behind a tractor T, via a tool bar  10 , however, the motive force may be provided by any type of vehicle, and may include a self-propelling means. 
         [0022]      FIGS. 1 and 2  provide a general operational overview of the applicator system AS. As the applicator system AS moves forward, the hopper assembly  30  delivers biodegradable matter to a supply conveyor  50 . The supply conveyor  50  transports the matter in the direction of the arrow  52  ( FIG. 2 ) and deposits the matter into a carousel-type distribution device  60 . The distribution device rotation assembly  66  sweeps the biodegradable matter in the direction of the arrow  62  so that portions of the matter are deposited through the passages  76  and on to one of four distribution conveyor systems  80 . At the end of the distribution conveyor system  80  the biodegradable matter is deposited into a trench created by a trenching assembly  90 . A trench closing assembly  110  directs the soil back into the trench after the biodegradable matter has been deposited. Each of the major components of the applicator system AS will be described in greater detail in the following paragraphs. 
         [0023]    As best shown in  FIG. 3 , in the preferred embodiment, the hopper assembly  30  is comprised of a storage reservoir  32  with generally angular walls  34  so that the biodegradable matter is gravity-fed to a rotor assembly  36  that is positioned at the vertex of the reservoir&#39;s angular walls  34 . The rotor assembly  36  includes a rotating shaft  38  with a plurality of rotor blades  40  positioned adjacent to a grating screen  42 . Specifically, the grating screen  42  is oriented to be concentric with the lower perimeter of the arc of the rotor blades  40 . Opposite edges of the grating screen  42  are connected to the lower edge of each of the reservoir&#39;s angular walls  34 . 
         [0024]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , in operation, biodegradable matter is gravity-fed by the reservoir&#39;s angular walls  34  into the rotor assembly  36 . As the rotor shaft  38  turns in the direction of the arrow  39 , the rotor blades  40  force the biodegradable matter downwardly against the grating screen  42 . As the matter is forced downwardly, it is sifted through the screen  42  and precipitates out of the storage reservoir  32 . Large aggregations or masses of biodegradable matter that are not initially small enough to pass through the screen  42  are grated and abraded as the rotor blades  40  force the matter against the grating screen  42 . Eventually the churning and abrading process breaks up and disperses any remaining clumps of the biodegradable material. 
         [0025]    Occasionally a relatively large, hardened, non-abradable mass is inadvertently mixed with the biodegradable matter in the storage reservoir  32 . The introduction of a large rock or metal object (for example) into the rotor assembly  36  may cause severe damage to the assembly  36 . Consequently, one aspect of the current invention is a pivoting frame mechanism  44 , as best shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The pivoting frame mechanism  44  is comprised of a base member  46  and a pivoting member  48  that are joined at pivot point  47 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 4  shows the rotor system  36  in the normal operating position. However, as best shown in  FIG. 5 , when the rotor assembly  36  encounters a large non-abradable object, the pivoting member  48  may rotate upwardly in the direction of the arrow  49  so that the gap between the arc of the rotor blades  40  and the grating screen  42  is increased, thereby allowing the non-abradable object to pass. 
         [0027]    In an alternative embodiment, the pivoting member  48  may have a shock-absorber type configuration so that the pivoting member  48  may contract and/or elongate as required to relieve the stress at the pivot point  47 . In a further embodiment, the pivoting member  48  may be spring-biased downwardly toward the grating screen  42  to increase the pressure on the biodegradable matter between the rotor blades  40  and the screen  42 , and thereby enhance the effectiveness of the grating screen  42 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 6  shows an alternative embodiment of the hopper assembly  30 . In the alternative embodiment, the interior of the storage reservoir  32  has a generally conical shape so that the biodegradable material is funneled downwardly. At least two wing members  31  and a vertical agitator shaft  29  extend into the conical reservoir  32 . 
         [0029]    The agitator shaft  29  is driven by a hydraulic motor or the like (not shown) positioned at the top of the shaft  29 . The agitator shaft  29  extends downwardly along the vertical centerline of the conical storage reservoir  32 . The wing members  31  are attached to the lower end of the agitator shaft  29  via a linkage assembly  45  and a pivotable pin joint  33 . Wheels  35  mounted to the upper end of each wing member  31  allow each wing member  31  to sweep close to the inner surface of the angular walls  34  of the storage reservoir  32  without dragging on the surface of the walls  34 . Agitator pegs  37  extend from each of the wing members  31  to facilitate the abrasion process. An aperture  41  in the bottom of the reservoir  32  allows biodegradable matter to flow out of the storage reservoir  32 . 
         [0030]    In operation, the wing members  31  are initially positioned vertically so that the wheels  35  are adjacent the agitator shaft  29 . As the wing members  31  begin to rotate, they move outwardly toward the angular walls  34  of the reservoir  32 . As the wing members  31  continue to rotate, they abrade the biodegradable matter in the storage reservoir  32  so that abraded matter precipitates through the aperture  41  and out of the reservoir  32 . A base rotary component  43  attached to the lower end of the vertical agitator shaft  29  rotates with the agitator shaft  29  and reduces any tendency for clumps of matter to bridge and clog the aperture  41 . In the preferred embodiment, the base rotary component  43  has an inverted U-shape. 
         [0031]    In further alternative embodiments, the hydraulic motor may be positioned below the reservoir  32  and the agitator shaft  29  may extend upwardly into the reservoir. 
         [0032]    As best shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the biodegradable matter passes through the hopper assembly  30  and is deposited on the supply conveyor  50 . In the preferred embodiment, the supply conveyor  50  extends the length of the grating screen  42  and deposits the biodegradable matter into the distribution device  60 . The supply conveyor  50  of the preferred embodiment is a belt-type conveyor with flow-enhancing projections  54  extending laterally across the conveyor belt  56 . In alternative embodiments, the supply conveyor  50  may be of any type known in the art consistent with the function of moving the biodegradable material from the hopper assembly  30  to the material distribution device  60 . 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , in the preferred embodiment, the distribution device  60  is an oval carousel-type mechanism. Biodegradable matter is deposited in the receiving end  64  of the distribution device  60  and swept around the oval base  65  in the direction of the arrow  62  by the distribution device rotation assembly  66 . The rotation assembly  66  is comprised of at least two sprockets  68  connected by an endless chain  70 . The rotation assembly  66  also includes a plurality of sweeping bars  72  that extend from the chain  70 . 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the sweeping bars  72  are spaced around the oval orbit of the chain  70 . The inwardly facing end of each sweeping bar  72  is connected directly to support link  71  in the chain  70  so that each sweeping bar  72  extends normal to the associated support link  71 . In the preferred embodiment, the sweeping bars  72  are linear pieces of inverted “L” shaped angle iron. 
         [0035]    The leading edge of the sweeping bars  72  may include a plastic extension  73  that slides across the distribution device base  65  as the sweeping bars  72  rotate. The plastic extension  73  reduces the frictional drag on the sweeping bars  72  and also reduces adhesion of the biodegradable matter to the sweeping bars  72 . The device  60  may also include a housing (not shown) that covers the sprockets  68  and chain  70  and prevents the biodegradable material from interfering with the sprockets  68  and chain  70  and generally accumulating in the center of the base  65 . 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the distribution device  60  also includes a retaining wall  74  disposed around the perimeter of the base  65 . The outer edge of the sweeping bars  72  pass adjacent to the retaining wall  74 . The function of the retaining wall is to ensure that the biodegradable material is retained within the distribution device  60 . As the sweeping bars  72  rotate, the biodegradable matter is swept into one of a plurality of passages  76  and out of the distribution device  60 . 
         [0037]    In alternative embodiments, the sweeping bars  72  may be rotated by any means known in the art, and the shape of the bars  72  may be modified to enhance the sweeping process. For example, the sweeping bars  72  may have a “V” or a semicircular shape so that the matter at the edges of the bars  72  is directed toward the center portion of the bars  72 . The shape of the bars&#39;  72  cross section may also be modified as required. 
         [0038]    Further, although the passages  76  are shown as rectangular and positioned to coincide with the center of the sweeping bars, in alternative embodiments the shape and position of the passages  76  may be modified. The shape of the passages  76  may include any shape known in the art, and the size of the passages  76  may be enlarged or contracted as required by a specific application. Additionally, the specific position of the passages  76  may also be varied so that an individual passage  76  may be positioned adjacent the retaining wall  74 , adjacent the chain  70 , or in an intermediate area between the retaining wall  74  and the chain  70 . 
         [0039]    After the biodegradable material passes through the passage(s)  76 , it is deposited onto one of the distribution conveyor systems  80 .  FIG. 2  shows the position of the distribution device  60  relative to the distribution conveyor system  80  in accordance with the preferred embodiment.  FIG. 8  shows the configuration of one of the individual distribution conveyor systems  80 . Although the preferred embodiment includes four distribution conveyor systems  80  corresponding with four passages  76 , a greater or lesser number of conveyors  80  and corresponding passages  76  should be considered within the scope of the invention. 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , the distribution conveyor system  80  includes a mesh chain conveying assembly  81 . The mesh chain conveying assembly  81  comprises two sets of conveyor sprockets  82  that rotate a mesh chain  84 . The mesh chain conveying assembly  81  primarily operates within an elongated trough  86 . A strike-off plate  85  extends laterally across the trough  86  and essentially limits the depth (and consequently the volume) of the biodegradable matter traveling down the conveyor system  80 . 
         [0041]    As the matter leaves the delivery end  88  of the mesh chain conveying assembly  81 , it is directed downwardly by a distribution funneling assembly  83  shown in  FIG. 8 . The distribution funneling assembly  83  is comprised of a retaining shield  87  and a flexible curtain  89 . The retaining shield  87  is attached to the elongated trough  86  on the delivery end  88  of the mesh chain conveying assembly  81 . The retaining shield  87  directs the flow of the biodegradable matter downwardly into the flexible curtain  89 . The flexible curtain  89  is appended to the lower edge of the retaining shield  87  and directs the material further downwardly into the trench created by the trenching assembly  90 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 9  shows the specific configuration of the trenching assembly  90 . As the applicator system AS is propelled in the direction of the arrow  92 , the leading edge of a coulter disc  94  initially breaches the soil. The coulter disc  94  is immediately followed by a trenching blade  96  which slides into the fissure created by coulter disc  94 . The lower edge of the coulter disc  94  is generally positioned just below the lower edge of the trenching blade  96  so that the trenching blade  96  will not snag on rocks and other solid objects. This configuration enables the trenching blade  96  to ride up over obstacles and prevents damage to the trenching assembly  90 . 
         [0043]    The leading edge of the trenching blade  96  is contoured to be concentric with the lower trailing edge of the coulter disc  94 . In the preferred embodiment, there is an approximately one sixteenth-inch gap between the leading edge of the trenching blade  96  and the trailing edge of the coulter disc  94 . The relatively close positioning of the coulter disc  94  to the trenching blade  96  serves to minimize accumulation of crop residue (particularly corn stalks) and soil on the leading edge of the trenching blade  96 . Although a gap of one-sixteenth inch is preferred, a larger or smaller gap should be considered within the scope of the current embodiment. 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , the trenching blade  96  is generally planar and extends away from the coulter disc  94  so that the trailing edged of the trenching blade  96  is disposed between two vertically extending trench enlargement plates  98 . The trench enlargement plates  98  are angled outwardly so that they further increase the width of the trench created by the trenching blade  96  and the coulter disc  94  as the trenching assembly  90  moves in the direction of the arrow  92 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of the underside of the forward portion of the trenching assembly  90 . A plastic insert  106  that extends across the bottom portion of the trench enlargement plates  98  so that soil and plant residue does not become lodged in the crevice between the trailing portion of the trenching blade  96  and the trench enlargement plates  98 . 
         [0046]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , a matter receiving section  100  is attached to the trailing edges of the trench enlargement plates  98 . The matter receiving section  100  is comprised of two vertically extending receiving plates  102  and corresponding angular funnel plates  104 . The angular funnel plates  104  direct biodegradable matter from the supply conveyor system  80  (see  FIG. 8 ) into the trench between the receiving plates  102 . 
         [0047]    In the preferred embodiment, the funnel plates  104  are comprised of plastic or a similar flexible material. The plastic construction of the funnel plates  104  prevents damage to the plates  104  or the components of the supply conveyor system  80  if the trenching assembly  90  is unexpectedly deflected upwardly into the body of the applicator system AS. 
         [0048]    After the matter is deposited in the trench, a trench closing assembly  110  closes the trench. The trench closing assembly  110  comprises a pair of inwardly cambered closing wheels  112 , a pivoting closing wheel frame  114 , and a tail wheel mechanism  116 . 
         [0049]    The inwardly cambered closing wheels  112  are positioned and angled to correspond with the location of the soil displaced by the trenching assembly  90 . Specifically, the wheels  112  are positioned to contact the displaced soil on the lateral edges of the trench and direct the soil back into the trench. The wheels  112  are mounted on a pivoting frame  114  that extends longitudinally from the matter receiving section  100  of the trenching assembly  90 . The frame  114  pivots downwardly and may be spring-biased so that the inwardly cambered closing wheels  112  remain in contact with the soil as the applicator system AS moves over uneven terrain. 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 11 , a tail wheel mechanism  116  follows the inwardly cambered wheels  112 . The tail wheel mechanism  116  flattens and compresses the surface of the soil that has been directed into the trench. The tail wheel mechanism may also incorporate a pivoting frame assembly  115  (see  FIG. 11 ) that maintains the tail wheel  116  in contact with the soil. 
         [0051]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , a toolbar  10  extends across the front portions of the trenching assemblies  90 . As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 11  four-bar parallel linkages  93  connect the trenching assemblies  90  to the toolbar  10 . The linkages  93  allow the position of the trenching assemblies  90  to be adjusted laterally. Similarly, the mesh chain conveying assemblies  81  may be laterally adjusted so that the delivery ends  88  of the mesh chain conveying systems  81  correspond with the positions of the respective trenching assemblies  90 . 
         [0052]    In operation, as shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  8 , and  9 , as the applicator system AS is propelled forward via the tool bar  10 , the coulter disc  94  slices through the soil creating a narrow crease. The trenching blade  96  immediately follows the coulter disc  94 . Vertically-extending trench enlargement plates  98  attached to the trenching blade  96  enlarge the trench. The biodegradable matter leaves the conveying assembly  81  and is directed downwardly by the distribution funneling assembly  83  into the matter receiving section  100 . As the applicator system AS continues to move forward, the inwardly cambered closing wheels  112  direct the displaced soil back into the trench, thereby covering the deposited matter. A tail wheel mechanism  116  levels and compresses the backfilled soil. 
         [0053]    For the foregoing reasons, it is clear that the invention provides an effective and innovative means of applying matter (preferably biodegradable poultry litter) to a planted field or in other agricultural applications. The current invention may be modified in multiple ways and applied in various technological applications. The current invention may be modified and customized as required by a specific operation or application, and the individual components may be modified, as required, to achieve the desired result. Although the materials of construction are generally not described, they may include a variety of compositions consistent with the function of the associated component. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.