Abstract:
An orifice selector module for use with flow gauges in a sprayer environment. The orifice selector module is retrofit into existing or new flow gauge assemblies and is placed in line between the spray nozzles and the flow gauges. The orifice selector module includes a rotatable cap which rotates a rotor which in turn rotates an orifice plate which features numerous orifices of different sizes. These orifices can be switched on the fly manually by the vehicle operator to increase or decrease flow through a particular hose from a particular flow gauge.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/775,241, filed Mar. 8, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to an orifice selector module, and more specifically to an orifice selector module for use in a liquid fertilizer distribution system. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Orifice selectors for liquid fertilizer distribution systems allow for a single distribution system to provide liquid fertilizer at different flow rates while maintaining a desired pressure range, as the need arises. They are typically employed in planters, applicators, and sprayers used in the agricultural industry. 
         [0006]    A typical fertilizer distribution system consists of: a pump, a flow divider mechanism, a number of gauges for monitoring the supply-line flow-rate, and a number of check valves, tubing, and hoses. This allows the system to distribute to a number of fluid outlets. Two main types of flow dividing systems are used today. The first is a lower pressure system using a needle-type flow divider, such as the flow divider disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,311,716, and sold by CDS-John Blue Company of Huntsville, Ala. The second is a higher pressure system using orifice plates, which may be located just after the manifold which divides the flow, or located at the row unit. The second system requires the user to alter the orifice size when changing pump output rates. 
         [0007]    In traditional high pressure systems using orifice plates, the orifice must be manually changed by an operator. Examples of this include the “Quick TeeJet® Multiple Nozzle” provided by TeeJet Technologies, a subsidiary of Spraying Systems Co. of Wheaton, Ill. Other similar consumer products have rotatable selectors to change the fluid flow or the shape of the flow output. The problem with all of these systems is that the user must manually adjust each orifice separately at the fluid outlets, which are spaced along the length of the implement. On a system with eight or more diverted flow paths, that can become time consuming. 
         [0008]    What is needed is a system for quickly selecting and adjusting the orifice for each and every divided flow path at the same time in one location. 
         [0009]    Heretofore there has not been available an orifice selector module for use with a liquid fertilizer distribution system with the advantages and features of the present invention. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present invention generally provides a module that will install in the top of flow rate gauge columns and allow the user to quickly select between one of multiple different orifice sizes. The multiple orifice sizes are located in a single plate/disc, which itself is interchangeable. However, the preferred embodiment includes a single plate with four common orifice sizes and would typically not need changing or replacing over the life of the module. This system would be used on (but not limited to): planters, applicators, and sprayers. 
         [0011]    The preferred embodiment would allow switching of the orifice in each of several flow rate gauge columns either quickly or, in an alternative embodiment, simultaneously. The gauges and orifice selectors are located very closely together so that they can quickly be changed individually, if desired. This saves time and ensures that there is not human error resulting in one or more orifices being incorrectly switched or forgotten. 
         [0012]    Due to the construction of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an accidental overpressure condition caused by a user&#39;s mistake can be partially dissipated. A rotatable plunger, which seals off the other unused orifice holes, is spring loaded, and if the system pressure exceeds the maximum rated pressure, the spring will lift off of the plate. This causes the fluid to lift the plunger and escape around the plate and plunger, rather than through the other orifice holes. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is an isometric perspective diagram of an embodiment of the present invention employed in a typical environment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a detailed isometric perspective diagram taken about the circle of  FIG. 1 , demonstrating how the embodiment would interface with a typical flow gauge environment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is an isometric perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a top-plan view of an embodiment of the present invention as it would be situated in a typical environment as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a bottom-plan view thereof. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a side elevational view thereof. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is an alternative side elevational view thereof. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is an alternative side elevational view thereof. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a sectional view thereof as taken about the line in  FIG. 7 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a sectional view of various components of an embodiment of the present invention, diagramming the way the components interact. 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a side elevational view of a rotor component of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a top plan view thereof. 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is a bottom plan view thereof. 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  is a top plan view of an adjustable orifice plate component of an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     I. Introduction and Environment 
       [0028]    As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
         [0029]    Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning. 
       II. Preferred Embodiment Orifice Module 2 System 
       [0030]    The present invention has a number of advantages over presently available orifice module systems. The user will not have to keep track of extraneous orifices that are not in use. Further, the user will not have to interchange the orifice on each row unit; all orifices can be adjusted in quick succession or, in an alternative embodiment, simultaneously, and do not require manual manipulation. Thus, there is no need to disassemble even a portion of the system in order to change the orifice size. Ideally, the orifice disk will be made of stainless steel or a suitably rugged material, and not plastic. 
         [0031]    A rotatable plunger used to seal off the other unused orifice holes is spring loaded, preventing an accidental overpressure condition caused by a user&#39;s mistake. The plunger can be partially lifted when the spring lifts off of the plate, which allows the fluid to lift the plunger and escape around the plate and plunger, rather than through the other orifice holes. 
         [0032]      FIG. 1  demonstrates an orifice module  2  being used in a typical flow-gauge system  4  as part of a fluid distribution system  3 . The fluid distribution system includes a tractor  5  which pulls a sprayer assembly  9  including tanks of liquid  7  to be dispensed via a plurality of spray nozzles  11 . Each spray nozzle is connected to a flow-gauge via an independent hose  12 . Each hose connects to an orifice module  2 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , using an elbow  10  or similar connection. Each orifice module  2  is connected to a separate flow gauge  6 , and allows for customized selection of flow rate through each hose  12  by selecting the appropriate orifice  44  using the orifice module  2 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 3  shows the orifice module  2  in more detail. The orifice module features three “ends”: a cap receiver end  26  which receives the rotatable cap  8 ; an insert end  16  which connects the module  2  to the flow gauge  6 ; and a receiver end  18  which receives the hose  12  or elbow  10  as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0034]      FIGS. 4 and 5  are views taken through the cap end  26  and insert end  16  respectively, joined through an opening in the module body  14 . An orifice  28  passes through to the insert end which allows the fluid being pumped through the module  2  to enter the hose  12 . A pivot point  30  and rotation slot  32  allows for the various selectable orifices  44  to be switched, depending on the liquid application desired. 
         [0035]      FIG. 6  shows the module  2  assembled, including the cap  8  inserted into the cap end  26  and an o-ring  20  placed about the insert end  16 . Various o-rings  20  insure that liquid does not seep out between the connection joining the hose  12  to the module  2  to the gauge  6 . The cap  8  functions as a rotatable knob which allows the user to manually select the selectable orifice  44  desired for the liquid application.  FIGS. 7-8  provide additional views of the assembled orifice module  2 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 9  is a sectional view of an orifice module  2  as taken about the line in  FIG. 7 . This view shows the internal workings of the module. The cap  8  includes a receiver  38  for receiving a rotor  22 . The rotor  22  has an elongated stem  34  which is inserted into the cap. In a preferred embodiment, the rotor and cap can only engage with one another when aligned in the proper way—the receiver  38  is shaped such that it can only receive the elongated stem  34  of the rotor  22  when the two elements are properly oriented. An orifice o-ring  23  surrounds the orifice  28  passing through the body of the orifice module  2 , which prevents fluid from leaking between the orifice plate  24  and the module body. 
         [0037]    A spring  21  is placed about the elongated stem  34  of the rotor  22 . The cap  8  presses down on that spring when the assembly is inserted into the body  4  of the module  2 . An orifice plate  24  is received by the base of the rotor  22 . In a preferred embodiment, the rotor  22  includes a number of tabs  36  around the circumference its base and a pivot stem  42  located in the center of the rotor base. The rotor tabs engage respective slots  46  located in around the circumference of the orifice plate  24  and the pivot stem  42  passes through an opening  48  located in the center of the orifice plate  24  and the pivot stem  42  further interfaces with the pivot point  30  of the module body  14 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 10  shows the interface between these elements in more detail, while  FIGS. 11-14  show more detail of the rotor  22  and the orifice plate  24 . 
         [0039]    A number of holes  40  pass through the body of the rotor  22 . These holes align with the selectable orifices  44  passing through the orifice plate. Each of these selectable orifices  44  are of different sizes, having the first orifice  44 A be larger than the second orifice  44 B, which in turn is larger than the third orifice  44 C, and which in turn is larger than the fourth orifice  44 D. Alternatively, the plate could be turned to a blank space between two selectable orifices to block flow through that module  2  completely. 
         [0040]    In a first preferred embodiment, the first orifice  44 A has a 0.098″ diameter, the second orifice  44 B has a 0.067″ diameter, the third orifice  44 C has a 0.047″ diameter, and the fourth orifice  44 D has a 0.027″ diameter. 
         [0041]    In a second preferred embodiment, the first orifice  44 A has a 0.150″ diameter, the second orifice  44 B has a 0.140″ diameter, the third orifice  44 C has a 0.125″ diameter, and the fourth orifice  44 D has a 0.107″ diameter. 
         [0042]    The various components of the preferred embodiment of the present invention are polypropylene, 316 SS, and Viton. The maximum pressure of each module  2  matches the maximum pressure of the flow gauges  6 , so there is no degradation in system quality. 
         [0043]    This invention has many advantages over existing systems. The multiple selectable orifices  44  allow for orifices to be changed without disassembling the unit, risking spilling of liquid from the system. Further, individual orifice plates do not need to be kept track of as the one disk is inserted into the system at all times. This also leads to a quick adjustment to the rows of hoses  12  feeding the sprayer nozzles  11 , as each module can be quickly manually changed by rotating the cap  8  without needing to replace the orifice in each assembly separately. These modules  2  can be retrofit into existing flow gauge systems, such as the Visagage of the CDS-John Blue Company of Huntsville, Ala. 
         [0044]    An alternative embodiment system employs an electronic user interface which is connected to the selector module and electrically controls the switching between orifices. This allows the switching of the orifices simultaneously within a number of flow gauges. 
         [0045]    It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.