Abstract:
A system for controlling water distribution from a water distribution vehicle includes spray heads for spraying water from the vehicle and an actuator system for turning the spray heads on and off. A computer processor is programmed to control the actuator system in response to a sensor input. The system can include means for measuring the ground speed of the vehicle, such as a GPS, and the sensor input signal can be associated with the ground speed of the vehicle. Using a pulse width modulated signal, the processor can adjust water flow from the spray heads based on the vehicle ground speed. The processor also can be programmed to prevent water flow from one or more spray heads when the vehicle speed is below a minimum speed or as the vehicle speed is reduced.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/705,087, filed Sep. 24, 2012, entitled “Digital Spray Control System,” which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTIFICATION 
       [0002]    Portions of this patent application include materials that are subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document itself, or of the patent application as it appears in the files of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever in such included copyrighted materials. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The present invention relates to industrial water distribution vehicles. More particularly, it relates to an automated spray and watering control system for use with industrial water distribution vehicles, such as off-road water trucks typically used to maintain surface conditions in mines, power plants, and construction sites. 
         [0004]    Trucks that carry water tanks for spraying water on road surfaces and the like are well known. Many such trucks simply employ a bottom mounted discharge with a gravity feed system for emptying the tanks. Another type of water discharge is with a pressurization system for the water tank. These systems have a number of shortcomings. For example, their operation can result in overwatering, which is inefficient, wasteful and can present safety issues. 
         [0005]    It is an object of the invention to provide a method and system for industrial water distribution vehicles that can eliminate waste and overwatering through better utilization of water payloads. 
         [0006]    It is yet another object of the invention to enhance safety and operational efficiency by improved watering control. 
         [0007]    It is also an object to reduce maintenance and service requirements for the watering system, thereby yielding greater return on investment (ROI). 
         [0008]    It is still another object of the invention to improve equipment reliability. 
         [0009]    Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations pointed out in this specification. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    To achieve the foregoing objects, and in accordance with the purposes of the invention as embodied and broadly described in this document, there is provided a system for controlling water distribution from a water distribution vehicle. The system includes one or more spray heads for spraying water from the vehicle and an actuator system for turning the one or more spray heads on and off. A computer processor is programmed for providing a signal for controlling the actuator system. Control communication can be provided via a computer network data bus, such as a LIN bus. The actuator system can include a hydraulic actuator. The computer processor can automatically provide the signal for controlling the actuator system in response to at least one sensor input signal or in response to a manual input from an operator. 
         [0011]    In one preferred embodiment, the system can include means for measuring the ground speed of the vehicle, such as a GPS, and the sensor input signal can be related to the ground speed of the vehicle. The processor is programmed to adjust the water flow from the spray heads based on the vehicle ground speed. In a preferred embodiment, the signal for controlling the actuator and adjusting the water flow can be pulse width modulated. The processor also can be programmed to prevent water flow from at least one of the spray heads when the vehicle speed is below a minimum speed or to prevent water flow from at least one of the spray heads as the vehicle speed is reduced. 
         [0012]    According to another feature of the invention, the processor can be programmed to automatically turn off the water pump in response to a sensor signal, such as if a water level in the vehicle water tank is below a minimum level. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate the presently preferred embodiments and methods of the invention and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments and methods given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings have been exaggerated and/or simplified in places for illustrative purposes only. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a side elevation view of a water truck that is equipped with one exemplary embodiment of a digital spray control system (DSCS) according to the present invention, showing the location of various subassemblies of the system and the electrical and network cabling connecting those elements. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of the hydraulic control circuit for the digital spray control system of  FIG. 1 , showing a solenoid box assembly including a hydraulic manifold coupled via hydraulic lines to four spray heads. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of the control box assembly of the digital spray control system of  FIG. 1 , showing a switch box and joy stick box mounted to a mounting plate. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a front elevation view of the control box assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a front elevation view of the solenoid box assembly of the digital spray control system of  FIG. 1 , with the cover removed and showing the hydraulic manifold and hydraulic line connections inside the box. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a left side elevation view of the solenoid box assembly of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a right side elevation view of the solenoid box assembly of  FIG. 5 , showing the electrical connectors for the box. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a bottom plan view of the solenoid box assembly of  FIG. 5 , showing the hydraulic line connectors for the box. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a front elevation view of the solenoid box assembly of  FIG. 5  with the hinged cover open, showing the controllers and the electrical wiring connections between the controllers and the hydraulic manifold. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram of the Local Interconnect Network (LIN) cable connections for the digital spray control system of  FIG. 1 , showing the network cable connections for the controller boxes, switch box and joy stick box. 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram of the LIN cable assembly connections for an embodiment of the digital spray control system that includes an Intermittent Spray Control System (ISCS) option, which shows the network cable connections among the controllers, the ISCS enclosure, a GPS assembly, the switch box and the joystick box of the system. 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  shows a diagram of exemplary settings for DIP switches in the switch box and joy stick box for selecting various system functional options. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    Reference in this application is made to presently preferred embodiments and methods of the invention. While the invention is described more fully with reference to these examples, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative devices, and illustrative examples shown and described. Rather, the description is to be understood as a broad, teaching disclosure directed to persons of ordinary skill in the appropriate arts, and not as limiting upon the invention. 
       Overview 
       [0027]    According to the present invention, there is provided an intelligent spray and/or watering control system for use on industrial water distribution vehicles (sometimes referred to in this specification as the “digital spray control system” or “DSCS”). The digital spray control system  10  is designed for, but not limited to, use on off-road water trucks typically used to maintain surface conditions in mines, power plants, and construction sites. 
         [0028]    In a presently preferred embodiment, the base system replaces the previous vehicle cab controls with a novel operator interface and digital control system. The base system serves as the foundation for productivity improvements and offers benefits such as:
       Improved Operator Interface—Simplified, smaller form factor for easier mounting inside the operator&#39;s cab.   Integrated Design—Designed to work with time-tested spray system components.   Pump Protection—Automatically shuts off the water pump when the tank is empty to prevent pump seal and bearing damage.   Soft Start-Stop—Prevents abrupt start-up and shut-down of the water pump to prolong component life.   Better Electrical Design—Relocates power wiring outside of the operator&#39;s cab leaving only the low-current digital interface in the cab, increasing protection from environmental threats.   Enhanced Troubleshooting—Allows a technician to quickly isolate and identify problems.       
 
         [0035]    One advantageous embodiment of the system allows the water vehicle operator to automatically control the amount of water applied to road surfaces based on vehicle ground speed. The system  10  works with the existing spray system hardware—water pumps, hydraulic motors, spray heads and electro-hydraulic controls. The system offers the following additional benefits:
       GPS Speed Sensing—The system uses GPS data to determine speed. The GPS system is universal—there is no special application—specific engineering required and the system is not vulnerable to contamination like radar-based systems.   Self-Contained—The system does not require connections to other vehicle systems to determine speed. Because it is self-contained, it is easy to adapt to a wide variety of machine applications.   Automatic Water Consumption Reduction—The spray control system utilizes a PWM (pulse width modulation) strategy to automatically limit the amount of water consumed based on vehicle speed while maintaining road dust control coverage. Utilizing the PWM strategy avoids the addition of complex and costly variable flow hydraulic systems and the resulting impact on machine reliability.   Automatic Shut-Off—The system automatically shuts off the flow of water as the vehicle comes to a stop to prevent puddling. Spraying automatically resumes as the machine begins to move again.   Fail-Safe—In the event the system loses its GPS speed signal or otherwise malfunctions, the system reverts to manual mode and allows the machine to continue operating with full capability in the original, manual mode until repairs can be made—no need to immediately down the machine.   Versatility—The system is adaptable to existing water equipment and can be easily added in the field to machines originally equipped with the base system described above. The control system can be retrofitted to many older models of water distribution equipment equipped with existing spray systems without replacing any hardware.   Reliability—The system can utilize existing water pump, hydraulic motors, spray heads and electro-hydraulic controls. There are no complex modifications to the vehicle&#39;s hydraulic systems or power-train—in fact these interfaces need not change at all. The spray system components can be maintained with all of the same parts supply, technical support and documentation.       
 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-2 , a system  10  according to the present invention can be installed in an industrial water truck  12 , which typically includes a cab  14  and a water tank  16  mounted on a chassis  17 , and a plurality of spray heads  18 , as are previously known in the art. A hydraulic control circuit  30  directs the flow of hydraulic fluid to operate the valves, spray heads, pumps, etc. for distributing water from the water tank  16 . 
         [0044]    As can be seen in FIGS.  2  and  5 - 8 , the hydraulic control circuit  30  includes a solenoid box  32 , which encloses a hydraulic control manifold  34 . The hydraulic manifold includes valves, which control the flow of hydraulic fluid to the spray heads  18  for opening and closing them. The circuits of the hydraulic control manifold  34  are connected to the spray heads via hydraulic control lines  312 ,  314 ,  316 ,  318  and hydraulic line connectors  311 ,  313 ,  315 ,  317  located in the bottom of the solenoid box  32 . The manifold valves are actuated by solenoids controlled by power controllers  50 , as described in more detail below. Electrical connectors  60 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , are provided for electrically connecting the solenoid box  32  to the system network and components/hardware. In the embodiment shown, the system  10  has four spray heads  18  located at the left rear (L.R.), left rear center (L.R.C.), right rear (R.R.) and right rear center (L.R.C.) of the water truck  12 . The hydraulic control circuit  30  includes a pressure line  36  coupled to a filter  35  for filtering hydraulic fluid. A filter output line  37  is coupled to the manifold  34  via a box pressure connector  304  and a manifold pressure line  306 . A hydraulic a return line  38  is coupled to the manifold  34  to via a box return connector  302  and a manifold return line  308 . In the bottom of the solenoid box  32  is a condensation drain  310 . 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIGS. 3-4  and  12 , a control box assembly  40  is mounted inside the truck cab  14  where it is readily accessible to an operator. The control box assembly  40  serves as the user interface (UI) or human-machine interface (HMI) for operating the digital spray control system  10 . Various switches, indicators, and potentiometers can be disposed on the control box assembly for operating the system  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 3-4  and  12 , in one embodiment, the control box assembly  40  includes a switch box  42  and a separate joystick box  44 , both of which are mounted to a mounting plate  46 . The switch box  42  includes rocker switches  400  as shown in detail in  FIG. 12 . The joystick box  13  includes a joystick control  410  and rocker switches  412  for operating a water cannon (not shown). 
       System Network Architecture 
       [0046]    The system network is designed around automotive microprocessor and control network technology. An automotive control network serves as a backbone over which a master node can issue commands and retrieve responses from a number of network slave nodes including user interfaces, human-machine interfaces, power control units, and sensor interface units. In one preferred embodiment, a Local Interconnect Network (LIN) bus is used with the digital spray control system  10 . LIN is a low-speed and inexpensive serial protocol network loosely based on the well-known Controller Area Network (CAN). In a presently preferred embodiment, the digital spray control system  10  uses cables for connecting network nodes, but it will be understood that other suitable means of establishing communication between devices can be used, including for example fiber optics, infrared, Radio Frequency (RF), wireless, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. 
         [0047]    The choice of the LIN bus for the control network bus minimizes installation costs. A 3- or 4-wire shielded cable can be used to provide the communications between the nodes as well as the control power to the nodes themselves. Heavy loads (such as the solenoids and coils) draw power directly from the power source via cables entirely separate from the LIN bus. The number and size of conductors that must be used to interface the digital spray control system  10  to the devices on the vehicle is reduced by this approach. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIGS. 10-12 , in one preferred embodiment, the switchbox  42  encloses the LIN master node, which includes a microprocessor and suitable data storage for storing the algorithms that determine how the system responds to the various UI elements and controls, schedules reading and updating of the sensors and power controllers, and serves as the master for the LIN bus. A CAN bus interface is also available in the master node should it be required. The switchbox  42  also includes a slave I/O board, which monitors and controls all elements of the UI. The slave I/O board has its own microprocessor and is configured as a slave node on the LIN bus. A short LIN bus segment internally connects the master node and the switchbox slave I/O node. The joystick box  13  also includes a slave I/O board, with its own microprocessor, as a slave node on the LIN bus to control the joystick  410  and related switches  412  and indicators. The joystick box  44  is connected to the switchbox  42  via a LIN cable  56 . Although a joystick is included in a presently preferred embodiment (to control a water cannon), the use of a joystick is not a requirement; the system can support many other types of commonly used UI devices. 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIGS. 9-11 , the power controllers  50  serve as switching devices that energize the coils and solenoids in the water truck  12 . These coils and solenoids direct the flow of hydraulic fluids to operate the system valves, spray heads, pumps, etc. of the system  10 . The power controllers  50  are serially connected to the LIN bus via LIN cables  52 ,  57 . Each controller  50  serves eight (8) channels (e.g., a coil or solenoid) and switches fast enough to perform pulse width modulation (PWM) control of the controlled device. The PWM control feature performs time-based ramping of the water pump control valve to reduce mechanical stress, increase product lifetime, reduce maintenance costs, and improve reliability. In a preferred embodiment, each power controller  50  can also receive inputs from one or more analog devices. In this configuration, for example, the system can provide a water level sensing feature using an analog pressure transducer. Arrangement of the power controllers  50  allows for switching power to a device and monitoring for the presence of power at the controlled device (e.g., a solenoid coil). As part of normal operation, the master node receives a report on the status of the power at the device. This capability allows the master node to provide better indication to the operator of the state of the outputs and additionally provides basic diagnostic feedback to the operator. 
         [0050]    Each power controller  50  exists as a slave node on the LIN bus, complete with its own microprocessor. If no LIN bus activity is detected by the microprocessor for a certain length of time, then the power controller  50  will time out and turn off power to the outputs. This prevents outputs from remaining energized if the master node should fail or in cases of lack of network connectivity (i.e., physical damage to cables, faulty LIN nodes, etc). 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , in a preferred embodiment, the digital spray control system  10  includes three power controller nodes  50   a ,  50   b ,  50   c . The number of these nodes is limited only by the limitations of the LIN bus (or other bus used to implement the DSCS network). The power controllers  50  use solid-state relay type devices for energizing various system hardware devices, although it will be understood that other known vehicle or industrial control or sensor interface devices can be used, such as servo controls, analog I/O modules, 4-20 ma loops, or any other common vehicle or industrial control or sensor interface. 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , in one preferred embodiment of the system  10 , a LIN slave node (ISCS node)  20  is serially connected to the LIN bus via LIN cable  57  and serves as a means of communication with a GPS receiver  22 . The ISCS node  20  provides information to the master node in the switch box  42  regarding the vehicle ground speed and location. This data can be used to implement advanced control algorithms, such as vehicle speed compensation, adaptive or automatic water application rate control, automatic water conservation procedures, metering or tracking of water application rate or location. Implementation of many other applications to suit the requirements of the job also can be achieved. 
         [0053]    Upon reading this specification, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that slave nodes for other types of devices can be implemented as needs arise because of the flexibility of the modular network design of the system  10 . For example, the network design will allow for the inclusion of data display units, touch screen interfaces, video or camera interfaces, soil monitoring devices, pattern recognition units, autonomous operation units (for vehicle operation), radio and telemetry devices, and many other devices used in operations where the digital spray control system might be applied. 
       System Operation 
       [0054]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , with the digital spray control system  10 , an operator can use the switch box switches  400  to turn on and off the various spray heads (LTR, LTC, RTC, RTR), pump (PUMP), and work lights (LIGHTS) in a manual mode. An intermittent spray mode switch (INTMNT) allows the operator to manually adjust the duty cycle and period of the spray heads on a timed basis (independent of vehicle speed) using a Rate knob  402  and a Speed knob  404 , as described below. An automatic mode (AUTO) is also provided that allows the operator to control the water application rate as a function of the truck speed, with the digital spray control system  10  managing the timing and operation of the spray heads  18  within the limitations of the pump and spray heads (with interaction to the vehicle drive train and hydraulic system). Water level indicator lights  406  indicate the water level in the water tank  16 . 
         [0055]    The digital spray control system  10  implements a number of features that are designed to improve the cost of ownership. Some of these features are:
       (1) Automatic shutdown of the water pumps if the water level should fall too low, which prevents damage to the pump and seals, improves reliability, and reduces maintenance costs;   (2) A timeout mechanism that triggers automatic shutoff of the water pump if no water is being drawn through the pump, which prevents damage to the pump and seals, improves reliability, and reduces maintenance costs;   (3) Automatic shutoff of the spray heads when the vehicle speed is below a certain threshold, which economizes on the use of the water in the tank and prevents ponding or pooling near stopping points and congested areas;   (4) Fail over of the digital spray control system to manual mode if the GPS system should fail for any reason, which permits the vehicle to remain in service, with reduced functionality, while the GPS system is diagnosed and repaired; and   (5) Reduction in the number of spray heads that are turned on as a function of vehicle speed happens automatically, which allows the flow rates and spray patterns of the heads to be used most effectively as a function of the vehicle speed while preserving as much as possible the desired water coverage pattern.       
 
         [0061]    Still referring to  FIG. 12 , additional features implemented by the digital spray control system  10  permit the same hardware to be used in a number of different vehicle configurations:
       (1) A table of water tank pressures can be stored in the master node, with a set of switches used to select entries in the table corresponding to the various water tank configurations. This feature permits the same hardware and firmware to be used across a wide range of water tanks;   (2) Configuration switches can be provided to permit inclusion or exclusion of certain devices from being monitored by the automatic pump shutoff capability. This feature permits the use of both gravity- and pump-powered drains (DRAIN) and dump bars (DMPBAR or DIPBAR); allowing the same hardware and firmware to be used across multiple product lines; and   (3) Switches on the front panel can be installed or removed to selectively disable or enable control of various devices. This feature permits the same basic hardware and firmware to service differing vehicle configurations, such as support for a hose reel (HOSE).       
 
         [0065]    The automatic (AUTO) mode is a feature of the digital spray control system  10  that uses ground speed feedback to continuously adjust the duty cycle and period of the sprayed pulses of water applied to the surface in accordance with the desires of the operator. In a presently preferred embodiment, this ground speed feedback is implemented by GPS. It also can be implemented, however, by other suitable means for sensing ground speed, such as radar, laser, shaft or transmission sensors, etc. In one embodiment, the auto mode is implemented by splitting the vehicle speed into various ranges where varying behaviors are applied:
       (1) Below a minimum speed (Vmin), water flow is cut off by closing the spray heads;   (2) Above a certain speed (Vfull), all spray heads requested by the operator are fully open on a continuous basis;   (3) Below Vfull, but above a second speed threshold (Vreduced) a reduced set of the spray heads are open on a continuous basis; and   (4) Between Vmin and Vreduced, the requested spray heads (or a reduced set of them) are pulsed in a PWM fashion. The period is controlled by the vehicle speed. The duty cycle is controlled by a combination of vehicle speed, with the Rate knob  402  and the Speed knob  404  on the switch box  42 . The Speed knob  402  is used to set the vehicle speed at which the requested spray heads all turn on with continuous (non-pulsed) flow. The Rate knob  402  is used to control how rapidly the duty cycle is increased with increasing vehicle speed when the vehicle is moving slower than the speed set by the Speed knob  404 . By appropriate selection of the Rate and Speed settings, an operator can address a wide range of watering requirements. Watering requirements not met by the AUTO mode can be handled using the standard manual or intermittent modes.       
 
         [0070]    An advantageous feature of the system  10  is the parameterization of the Rate knob  402  and Speed knob  404 . This feature helps to simplify the operation of the system. There are many ways that the two knobs can be used, well known to persons skilled in the art of human-machine interfaces. This approach provides some key benefits:
       (1) Increasing Rate is strongly related to increasing time on (TON), which is a well known and understood parameter currently in use; and   (2) Increasing Speed is generally correlated to increasing time off (TOFF), which is also a well known and understood parameter currently in use.       
 
         [0073]    According to another aspect of the system  10 , pulsed (PWM) control of the spray heads can be combined with intelligently turning off some requested spray heads as the vehicle speed is reduced. Using the spray heads this way significantly compensates for engine RPM induced changes in water pump and spray head performance without requiring expensive and troublesome variable speed pumps/variable flow spray heads. This is expected to provide tangible ROI benefits to the customer. 
       Exemplary Pin-Out Tables 
       [0074]    Tables 1-3 below show pin out information for controller output load connections to various devices in an exemplary embodiment of the digital spray control system  10  using three controllers  50   a ,  50   b ,  50   c.    
         [0075]    The device to be actuated should be connected from the given pin to ground. The +24VDC will appear on the output when the device is to be turned on. At other times the output pin will be unpowered and will show a resistance of several thousand ohms to ground. Pin number references are for a Deutsch DT13-12PA connector housing, which is a 12-pin connector. 
         [0076]    Regarding the +24VDC power to the controllers  50 , it is possible for each of the controllers  50  to supply up to 16 amps of current to the connected loads if all loads are turned on simultaneously, each controller can supply a total of about 16 amps. With three controllers in operation, a maximum of 48 amps must be supplied by the +24VDC power bus. The cable carrying the +24VDC power should be sized appropriately for this current, taking into account the length of the power cable and voltage drop due to the resistance of the wire in the cable. This should be done to provide proper operation and prevent overheating in the power cable. Preferably, the power cable is protected by a fuse or circuit breaker at the power source connection. 
         [0077]    Regarding +24VDC load power pins on the controllers  50 , if the power pins are too small to individually carry the required current, multiple pins can be used to obtain the required current capacity. It is preferable to run wires from the pair of pins together from each controller to the power bus and connect than to the power bus, rather than to tie them together at the connector and run a single wire to the power bus. For example, the two red wires for +24VDC (pins 9, 12) can be run from controller #1 together over to the +24VDC power bus, tied together with a crimp lug at the power bus, and make the connection to the power bus with the crimp lug (could also install individual crimp lugs, then attach the two crimp lugs to the power bus). This should be done separately for each controller (i.e. don&#39;t daisy chain the +24VDC from connector to connector and then tie the end of the chain to the +24VDC power bus). This helps to prevent the wires from being overloaded and also to eliminate excessive voltage drops/noise on the loads when various devices are turned on/off. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Controller #1 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Wire 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Pin # 
                 Description 
                 Name 
                 color 
                 Type 
                 Notes 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 Output #1 
                 BFV ON 
                 Gray 
                 On/Off 
                   
               
               
                 2 
                 Output #2 
                 LTVSS 
                 Gray 
                 On/Off 
               
               
                 3 
                 Output #3 
                 LTR 
                 Gray 
                 On/Off 
               
               
                 4 
                 Output #4 
                 LTC 
                 Gray 
                 On/Off 
               
               
                 5 
                 Output #5 
                 RTC 
                 Gray 
                 On/Off 
               
               
                 6 
                 Output #6 
                 BFV OFF 
                 Gray 
                 On/Off 
               
               
                 7 
                 Output #7 
                 RTVSS 
                 Gray 
                 On/Off 
               
               
                 8 
                 Output #8 
                 RTR 
                 Gray 
                 On/Off 
               
               
                 9 
                 +24 supply 
                 Power in 
                 Red 
                 max 15 
                 for channels 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 1-4 
               
               
                 10 
                 Analog input 
                 Level 
                 White 
                 0-10 VDC 
               
               
                   
                 #1 
                 sensor 
                   
                 in 
               
               
                   
                   
                 input 
               
               
                 11 
                 Analog input 
                   
                 N/C 
                 0-10 VDC 
               
               
                   
                 #2 
                   
                   
                 in 
               
               
                 12 
                 +24 supply 
                 Power in 
                 Red 
                 max 
                 for channels 
               
               
                 Ground 
                 #2 
                 Ground 
                 Brass 
                 15 amps 
                 5-8 
               
               
                 lug 
                 Return 
                   
                 machine 
                 Return 
                 Run separately 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 screw 
                 for +24 
                 from each 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 power 
                 controller to 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 ground lug to 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 prevent ground 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 loops. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Controller #2 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Wire 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Pin # 
                 Description 
                 Name 
                 color 
                 Type 
                 Notes 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 Output #1 
                 LIGHTS 
                 Blue 
                 On/Off 
                 Combined 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 channel 
               
               
                 2 
                 Output #2 
                 LIGHTS 
                 Blue 
                 On/Off 
                 Combined 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 channel 
               
               
                 3 
                 Output #3 
                 LIGHTS 
                 Blue 
                 On/Off 
                 Combined 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 channel 
               
               
                 4 
                 Output #4 
                 LIGHTS 
                 Blue 
                 On/Off 
                 Combined 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 channel 
               
               
                 5 
                 Output #5 
                 DRAIN 
                 Gray 
                 On/Off 
               
               
                 6 
                 Output #6 
                 DMPBAR 
                 Gray 
                 On/Off 
               
               
                 7 
                 Output #7 
                 AUX1 
                 Gray 
                 On/Off 
               
               
                 8 
                 Output #8 
                 PUMP 
                 Gray 
                 PWM 
                 Ramps up/down 
               
               
                 9 
                 +24 supply 
                 Power in 
                 Red 
                 max 
                 for channels 1-4 
               
               
                   
                 #1 
                   
                   
                 15 amps 
               
               
                 10 
                 Analog input 
                   
                 N/C 
                 0-10  
               
               
                   
                 #1 
                   
                   
                 VDC in 
               
               
                 11 
                 Analog input 
                   
                 N/C 
                 0-10 
               
               
                   
                 #2 
                   
                   
                 VDC in 
               
               
                 12 
                 +24 supply 
                 Power in 
                 Red 
                 max 
                 for channels 5-8 
               
               
                 Ground 
                 #2 
                 Ground 
                 Brass 
                 15 amps 
                 Run separately 
               
               
                 lug 
                 Return 
                   
                 machine 
                 Return 
                 from each 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 screw 
                 for 
                 controller to 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 +24  
                 ground lug to 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 power 
                 prevent ground 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 loops. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Controller #3 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Wire 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Pin # 
                 Description 
                 Name 
                 color 
                 Type 
                 Notes 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 Output #1 
                 NOZZLE A 
                 Yellow 
                 On/Off 
                   
               
               
                 2 
                 Output #2 
                 NOZZLE B 
                 Yellow 
                 On/Off 
               
               
                 3 
                 Output #3 
                 LEFT 
                 Yellow 
                 On/Off 
               
               
                 4 
                 Output #4 
                 FOAM ON 
                 Yellow 
                 On/Off 
               
               
                 5 
                 Output #5 
                 DOWN 
                 Yellow 
                 On/Off 
               
               
                 6 
                 Output #6 
                 UP 
                 Yellow 
                 On/Off 
               
               
                 7 
                 Output #7 
                 FOAM OFF 
                 Yellow 
                 On/Off 
               
               
                 8 
                 Output #8 
                 RIGHT 
                 Yellow 
                 On/Off 
               
               
                 9 
                 +24 supply 
                 Power in 
                 Red 
                 max 
                 for channels 
               
               
                   
                 #1 
                   
                   
                 15 amps 
                 1-4 
               
               
                 10 
                 Analog input 
                   
                 N/C 
                 0-10 
               
               
                   
                 #1 
                   
                   
                 VDC in 
               
               
                 11 
                 Analog input 
                   
                 N/C 
                 0-10 
               
               
                   
                 #2 
                   
                   
                 VDC in 
               
               
                 12 
                 +24 supply 
                 Power in 
                 Red 
                 max 
                 for channels 
               
               
                 Ground 
                 #2 
                 Ground 
                 Brass 
                 15 amps 
                 5-8 
               
               
                 lug 
                 Return 
                   
                 machine 
                 Return 
                 Run separately 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 screw 
                 for +24 
                 from each 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 power 
                 controller to 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 ground lug to 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 prevent ground 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 loops. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0078]    Table 4 below shows pin out information for a water level sensor an exemplary embodiment of the digital spray control system  10 . 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Water level sensor (pigtails) 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Pin # 
                   
                 Wire 
                   
                   
               
               
                 at sensor 
                 Description 
                 color 
                 Destination 
                 Notes 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 +24 VDC 
                 Red 
                 Fused +24 VDC 
                 Fuse approx 
               
               
                   
                 power in 
                   
                 in electrical box 
                 0.25 amps. 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Sensor requires 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 only 10ma. 
               
               
                 2 
                 Common 
                 Black 
                 Ground in 
                 Attach directly to 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 electrical box 
                 ground lug to 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 minimize noise 
               
               
                 3 
                 Signal 
                 White 
                 Controller #1 pin 
               
               
                   
                 0-10 VDC 
                   
                 10 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0079]    Table 5 below shows pin out information for LIN bus cables in an exemplary embodiment of the digital spray control system  10 . 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 LIN bus cables 
               
               
                 These are all pin-to-pin (i.e., pin 1 at one end goes to pin 1 at the 
               
               
                 other end, etc). 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Pin # at 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 sensor 
                 Description 
                 Wire color 
                 Notes 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 Battery 
                 Red 
                 Control power is carried to all LIN 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 bus nodes via this wire 
               
               
                 2 
                 LIN data 
                 White 
               
               
                 3 
                 Ground 
                 Black 
               
               
                 4 
                 Shield 
                 Drain 
                 Connected at only one 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 end to prevent ground loops. 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Doesn&#39;t matter which end. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0080]    Table 6 below shows pin out information for a switch box power cable in an exemplary embodiment of the digital spray control system  10 . 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 6 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Switch Box Power Cable 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Wire 
                   
               
               
                 Pin # 
                 Description 
                 color 
                 Notes 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 +24 VDC 
                 Red 
                 From switched vehicle +24 VDC. Should 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 be fused at around 2 amps. This pin 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 supplies power to the control system only 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (via the LIN bus cables). Load power 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 comes from pins 9 and 12 on each of the 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 controllers. 
               
               
                 2 
                 Ground 
                 Black, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 drain 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Exemplary Switch Setting Configurations for Firmware 
       [0081]    As shown in  FIG. 12 , in one embodiment of the digital spray control system  10 , its behavior can be modified using a DIP switches installed on the master board inside the switchbox  32 , which are used to set a reference code  100  for setting system configuration options (CHARACTERS 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7). A four-way DIP switch (CHARACTER 8) is also located on the master board and is used for selecting the water tank profile. The DIP switches for DUMP BAR, REMOTE DRAIN, WATER LEVEL SENSOR, and PUMP COIL VOLTAGE are located behind the cover of the switch box  42 . The Drain and Dump Bar valves may be either gravity or powered systems, each of which needs to have a different interaction with the pump controls. 
         [0082]    For the example reference code  100  shown in  FIG. 12 , the settings are as follows: 
         [0083]    Example Reference Code: 1 KB4C10CA
       1—Uses the control box switch for Pump and Work Lights   K—Only has a Hose reel (no Auto function or Aux options)   B—Only has VSS and a Dump Bar (no Remote Drain)   4—Has four rear spray heads   C—Only monitor BFV (no Foam Agent or Adj. Nozzle)   1—Has a pressure Dump Bar   0—Has a gravity Drain   C—Tank is 150 inches tall   A—Electric/Hydraulic pump coil for pump operation requires only 5 volts       
 
         [0093]    Exemplary switch setting configuration options for the switchbox  32  are shown below in Table 7. 
         [0000]                                                  TABLE 7                   DIP Switch Settings            SW1   SW2   SW3   SW4   SW5   SW6   FUNCTION                                       DRAIN TYPE SELECTION       OFF                       Gravity operated. No interaction with the                               pump.       ON                       Pump operated. DRAIN switch is interlocked                               to the pump timeout in the same manner as                               the spray heads.                               DUMP BAR TYPE SELECTION           OFF                   Gravity operated. No interaction with the                               pump.           ON                   Pump operated. DMPBAR switch is                               interlocked to the pump timeout in the same                               manner as the spray heads.                               PUMP VALVE DRIVE POWER                               SELECTION               OFF   OFF           CAT valve, limited to about 5 V RMS               ON   OFF           CAT 773 rigid frame valve., limited to about                               1.93 A RMS               OFF   ON           Komatsu valve, limited to 0.8 A RMS               ON   ON           Reserved for future use.                       X   X   Reserved for future use.                    
The PWM drive power to the pump valve ramps the pump up and down. Because there are several different valves in common use, the switch settings allow for selection of the appropriate drive power for the type of valve being used
 
         [0094]    The firmware configures the system based on the DIP switch settings. The pin/switch assignments are: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 C7-SW1: DRAIN type 
               
               
                 OFF - Gravity only. Not interlocked to the pump controls. 
               
               
                 ON - Powered. Fully interlocked to the pump controls. 
               
               
                 C6-SW2: DMPBAR type 
               
               
                 OFF - Gravity only. Not interlocked to the pump controls. 
               
               
                 ON - Powered. Fully interlocked to the pump controls. 
               
               
                 C5, 4-SW 3, 4: PUMP valve type 
               
             
          
           
               
                 SW4 
                 SW3 
                   
               
               
                 (C4) 
                 (C5) 
                 Valve type 
               
               
                 OFF 
                 OFF 
                 CAT valve, limited to about 5 V RMS 
               
               
                 OFF 
                 ON 
                 CAT 773 rigid frame valve, about 1.93 amps RMS 
               
               
                 ON 
                 OFF 
                 Komatsu valve, limited to 0.8 A per data sheet, measured 
               
               
                   
                   
                 on test bench 
               
               
                 ON 
                 ON 
                 spare (not used at this time) 
               
             
          
           
               
                 C2 and C3 are used by the ISCS interface 
               
               
                 C1, 0-SW5, 6: spares (unused) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
       
         
           
             these may end up being used to select options on the ISCS system
 
The pins use internal pull-ups to allow the state to be selected by the switches. This means that OFF (switch in open state) will result in the input line reading as a high (1). ON (switch closed) will result in the input line reading as a low (0).
 
           
         
       
     
         [0096]    Upon reading this disclosure, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative devices, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept.