Patent Publication Number: US-2003221599-A1

Title: &#34;Low ground disturbance liquid manure applicator&#34;

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] This invention relates to apparatus for spreading a slurry of liquid manure, and more particularly, to apparatus projecting from the rear of a manure tanker vehicle and for low odor application of the manure into shallow cavities formed in ground by aeration tines.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] Liquid manure is used as a fertilizer and its application on ground aids significantly in disposal problems and manure management generally. Manure may be collected by the individual farmer or be available from other centralized waste treatment facilities. Disposal of the manure, however valuable as fertilizer, is subject to some challenges. Solids content in liquid manure is not usually very finely graded and can have a less than uniform consistency. Such a liquid can have an unpredictable ability to flow through process piping and is associated with the release of odor.  
       [0003] Conventionally, liquid manure is provided or formed into a slurry which is then pumped into a vehicle mounted-tank. The vehicle drives about an application site and the manure is distributed to the ground in one of a variety of techniques. Today there is an objective to maximize incorporation of the manure&#39;s nutrients into the ground while minimizing ground disturbance and minimizing release of odors. Some techniques spread the manure on the surface using a fan nozzle, similar to a construction site water truck, which has the advantage of simplicity in that it is usually tank mounted and does not require the additional hardware of a trailer. An example of one such approach is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,014,271 to Rohlf et al.. However, as a result of the rather crude spray application from a large fan discharge, spaced high above the ground, there is typically a significant odor release associated with such a technique. As a result, other techniques have been developed which apply the manure into a cavity formed in the ground. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,357,883 to Depault, a trailer fitted with plow teeth are used to disturb the ground immediately ahead of nozzles distributing a manure slurry. The plow teeth are spring mounted and are intended to be self depth-regulating as a function of ground compaction, often resulting in deeper tillage. The plow approach is less favorable due to ground erosion aspects.  
       [0004] To minimize ground erosion by avoiding tilling, there have been some aerating technologies applied. For instance, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,840,232 to Mayer, Aerway (of the Holland Group of Companies, Woodstock, Ontario, Canada) has a towed unit hitched to a vehicle having a plurality of aerating tines which engage and dig into the ground under the weight of the towed equipment. It is suggested that additional weight can be added to the frame of the trailer as needed. Aerways&#39; aerating apparatus has been adapted for manure spreading (Model SSD) through the addition of a plurality of liquid nozzles (about one nozzle per tine distributed across the width of the apparatus). Disadvantages, such as odors associated with distribution through a few number of sprays is reduced through substitution with many nozzles spaced close to the ground. Due to the number of nozzles, many small hoses are used (up to about 24 nozzles and hoses for a 30 foot width) and the chance of plugging is increased. As a result, Aerway also provides a rotating nozzle distributor to pulse slurry into each hose, and further, a chopper is optionally employed to further reduce plugging when used with heavier slurries and fibrous materials. The Aerway apparatus is towed behind a vehicle and uses trailing wheels for mobility and as means for adjusting the height of the tines. The wheels trail the tines and manure nozzles and are caused to roll through the freshly deposited manure and therefore tracking of manure is possible which is a disadvantage as the apparatus leaves the fields for transport on public roads.  
       [0005] Aerway and others use trailer towed apparatus which are a challenge to maneuver when the vehicle is backing up, the result being lost time, and occasional jackknifing of the trailer. Backing up is inevitable when maneuvering to refill a tank from a fixed source.  
       [0006] Alternately, some known apparatus transfer liquid manure directly to the apparatus during application, using a long hose extending from a pump situated at the lagoon. As the rate of supply of manure to the apparatus is controlled solely by the pump at the lagoon, there is little control by the operator over application rates, particularly when the apparatus must be slowed for operations such as turning corners, contributing to over-application.  
       [0007] Clearly there is a need for apparatus that is capable of spreading liquid manure without the need for deep tillage thereby reducing erosion. Further, the apparatus should avoid excessive odor by applying the manure at the soil rather than broadcast spraying and should not track large amounts of manure onto public roadways during transport from field to field. The apparatus should be easily handled, which includes the ability to track the towing vehicle when backed up, particularly for repeated filling from a source of liquid manure and further, includes the ability to control the rate of application throughout the operation. All of these should be accomplished with a minimum of plugging as a result of manure solids.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008] The invention provides an improved apparatus for applying liquid manure to ground. In its preferred form, the apparatus utilizes tines which are set for minimal ground disturbance and large bore fan sprays, closely spaced from the ground, for spreading liquid manure from a lagoon or the like without further processing and with reduced plugging. Due to the arrangement for mounting the apparatus to the tow vehicle and the positioning of the wheels, the apparatus is particularly convenient to the operator during both maneuvering and operation and is acceptable for re-entry to public service roads. The apparatus comprises a frame having support wheels and one or more transversely extending shafts of tine assemblies trailing the wheels. Further rearward or trailing the tine assemblies are distributed one or more fan sprays. The axes of the tine assemblies and the sprays are arranged so that their elevations are known and are typically and substantially the same. The frame is mounted to the vehicle through a vertically reciprocating parallelogram linkage which permits the frame to move vertically while maintaining the orientation of the frame with the ground. Use of a parallelogram linkage to a trailer frame which is rigid side-to-side is normally associated with handling difficulties in turning the vehicle. Thus, the wheels supporting the trailer are passively steerable so as to follow the frame automatically upon any lateral impetus such as that imposed when the rear of the vehicle swings laterally upon turning. Maintaining the orientation is useful so that the elevation of the tines and sprays remains constant and close to the ground. Elevation of the tines, and sprays, relative to the ground is adjusted through manipulation of the height of the supporting wheels.  
       [0009] Preferably, there are a minimal number of large bore sprays, one located at the middle of each section of the transverse member, each having a distribution width of roughly the same width as the section and the tine assemblies. The sprays are located close to the ground to reduce carriage of the manure and associated odors, by the wind.  
       [0010] A slurry pump situated on the towing vehicle permits direct feeding of the manure, previously loaded onto the vehicle&#39;s tank at the lagoon, to the apparatus for distribution without plugging. Further, the addition of controls for the pump within the towing vehicle permit the operator to control the rate of distribution throughout the operation.  
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0011]FIGS. 1 a  and  1   b  are schematic plan views of the apparatus connected to a towing vehicle and illustrating a traveling position in FIG. 1 a  and an operating tine-engaging position in FIG. 1 b;    
     [0012]FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view with shafts and tines removed for clarity of viewing the parallelogram linkage, frame and wheel pivot;  
     [0013]FIGS. 3 a - 3   c  are schematic plan views of the apparatus connected to a towing vehicle having the wings folded and manure distribution components removed for clarity. FIG. 3 a  illustrates the frame being towed straight forwards or rearwards; FIG. 3 b  illustrates the frame being manipulated as the front of the vehicle is turned left forwards or backed up right rearwards; FIG. 3 c  illustrates the frame being manipulated as the front of the vehicle is turned right forwards or backed up left rearwards;  
     [0014]FIG. 4 is a top view of a portion of the frame and support wheels the shafts shown with most tines removed for simple illustration of the frame;  
     [0015]FIGS. 5 a  and  5   b  are end views of two portions of the rear of a practical implementation of the apparatus. FIG. 5 a  is an end view of the main frame and FIG. 5 b  is a left side wing in the lowered position, shown in exploded view from the frame of FIG. 5 a;    
     [0016]FIG. 6 is an end view of the apparatus of FIGS. 5 a ,  5   b  with both left and right wings in the folded positions and the frame lifted from the wheels for traveling;  
     [0017]FIG. 7 is a top view of the frame of FIGS. 5 a  and  5   b , the shafts shown with most tines removed for simple illustration of the frame;  
     [0018]FIG. 8 a  is a cross-sectional view through a typical shaft fitted with tine assemblies, one tine assembly being illustrated in an exploded view;  
     [0019]FIG. 8 b  is a cross-sectional view through the shaft of FIG. 8 a , illustrating the arrangement of four equispaced tine assemblies prior to securing the annular flanges to sandwich the tines; and  
     [0020]FIGS. 9 a  and  9   b  are side and front cross-sectional views of a fan spray.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
     [0021] With reference to FIGS. 1 a  and  1   b , the apparatus or applicator  10  comprises a frame having support wheels  12  mounted at the front of the applicator  10 . The applicator  10  is mounted at the rear of a vehicle  13  such as tanker truck  13  which carries a tank  14  of liquid manure. The frame  11  of the applicator  10  is adapted to mount to the vehicle  13  through a vertically reciprocating parallelogram linkage  15  which permits the frame to move vertically while maintaining the orientation of the frame  11  and the ground  16 . The linkage  15  comprises two upper bars  15   a  and two lower bars  15   b , each having parallel pivoting axes.  
     [0022] The support wheels  12  are mounted to a carriage  20  which is supported transversely on a pair of arms  21 . The arms  21  are pivotally mounted under the frame  11  for enabling adjustment of the relative spacing between the frame  11  and the wheel  12 . An actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder or ram  22  extends between the carriage  20  and the frame  11 . As shown in FIG. 1 a , as the ram  22  is extended, the frame  11  is raised relative to the wheels  12  and the ground  16 . With reference to FIG. 2, the arms  21  are pivoted from a support  23  and the hydraulic ram  22  is connected between the frame  11  and a mount  24  on the carriage  20 . The hydraulic ram  22  is powered using a hydraulic power supply provided by the vehicle.  
     [0023] Ground penetrating assemblies  30  are provided for penetrating and enhancing the ground  16  for accepting the liquid manure. One form of ground penetrating assembly  30  is one or more transversely extending shafts  31  which rotatably supported from the frame  11 . The shafts  31  are fitted with a plurality of tine assemblies  32 . Further one or more large bore fan sprays  40  are supported from the frame  11  and are distributed transversely across the applicator rearward of the tine assemblies  32 .  
     [0024] The shafts  31  and the sprays  40  are arranged so that their elevations from the ground  16  are known and are typically and substantially the same. Maintaining the relative orientation (though the parallelogram linkage  15 ) is useful so that the elevation of the tine assemblies  32  and sprays  40  remains a constant. Elevation of the tine assemblies, and sprays, relative to the ground  16  is adjusted through manipulation of the height of the frame  11  from the supporting wheels  12 .  
     [0025] In the particular case shown in FIG. 1 a , by extending the ram  22  and raising the frame  11 , the shafts  31  and tine assemblies  32  are also raised. With sufficient actuation of the ram  22 , the tine assemblies  32  can be raised clear of the ground  16  such as is the case for transporting the applicator  10  on public highways or roads (traveling).  
     [0026] With reference to FIG. 1 b , by incrementally adjusting the retraction of the ram  22  and thereby lowering the frame  11 , the shafts  31  and tine assemblies  32  lower to the ground  16  for forming shallow small triangular cavities or pockets in the ground  16 . The weight of the applicator  10  causes tine assemblies  32  to penetrate into the ground, the positioning of the ram  22  controlling the depth of penetration. The forward action of the applicator causes the shaft  31  and tine assemblies  32  to rotate. When the tine assemblies  32  are engaged with the ground  16 , the sprays  40  are positioned at an elevation optimal for spray distribution of the liquid manure into the pockets formed in the ground.  
     [0027] Liquid manure, loaded into the tank  14  at a lagoon (not shown) is delivered from the tank  14 , through a feed hose  41  and to a header or distributor  42 . Particularly, the liquid manure is gravity fed from the tank  14  to a slurry pump (not shown) attached at the bottom of tank  14  and then is pumped to the feed hose  41 .  
     [0028] The distributor  42  has one or more outlets  43  and distribution hoses  44  for directing liquid manure to one or more sprays  40 . The number of sprays  40  is minimized, and their bore maximized, so as to maximize the volumetric throughput. Large diameter hose  44  and large bore sprays  40  are less likely to clog and thereby obviates the need for an expensive chopper as is typically applied in the prior art.  
     [0029] Turning to FIGS. 3 a - 3   c , while beneficially enabling parallel orientation of the frame  11  and the ground  16  during frame movement, the parallelogram linkage  15  can introduce handling difficulties while turning the vehicle  13 . The nature of a conventional parallelogram linkage  15  is that it is typically rigid laterally. As shown in FIG. 3 a , while the vehicle  13  is operated straight ahead or in reverse, the frame  11  and wheels  12  follow without difficulty. However, as shown in FIGS. 3 b  and  3   c , when the vehicle  13  is turned, the frame  11  slews to the side and, without some compensation means, the support wheels  12  would scrub or drag laterally.  
     [0030] Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 3 b  (advance while turning left), and FIG. 3 c  (advance while turning right) the supporting wheels  12  are passively steerable, like casters, so as automatically follow the direction of movement upon any lateral impetus such as that imposed when the rear of the vehicle swings upon turning. Referring also to FIG. 4, the wheels  12  are rotatably mounted on the ends of the transversely extending carriage  20 . The carriage  20  can be an axle such as that found on the front suspension of trucks. The carriage is fitted with conventional hubs (not detailed) which rotate about a vertical pivots  25  to permit the orientation of the wheels  12  to change. The hubs have steering arms  26  which are each connected using resistive members  27  extending to the frame  11 . The resistive members  27 , such as shocks, dampen the pivoting steering of the wheels  12 .  
     [0031] With reference to FIGS. 5 a  and  5   b , a transverse member  50  portion of the frame  11  and behind the wheels for supporting one or more rotating shafts  31 . Each shaft  31  has a plurality of radially extending tine assemblies  32  for penetrating the ground  16 .  
     [0032] As shown, the member  50  is formed in three separate sub-frames or sections; a central section  50   a  and two laterally extending wing sections  50   b , 50   c . Shafts  31  are supported on brackets  34  extending downwardly from each section  50   a , 50   b , 50   c . The wing sections  50   b , 50   c  are pivotally connected to left and right sides of the central section  50   a  and are upwardly foldable through hydraulic rams  51  when not in use so as to narrow their profile for traveling.  
     [0033] Only the center section  50   a  and left wing section  50   b  are shown in FIGS. 5 a , 5   b . A right wing section  50   c  is not shown and the left wing section  50   b  of FIG. 5 a  is shown separated from the central section  50   a  at its pivot and connection to its folding hydraulic ram  51 . Only one hydraulic ram  51  is actually illustrated as the opposing and mirrored hydraulic ram for the right wing section would obscure the hydraulic ram  51  for the left wing section  50   b .  
     [0034] In FIG. 5 a , one large bore spray  40  (in dotted lines) is illustrated feeding liquid manure from the distributor  42  and distributing it as a substantially uniform spray across the width of the central section  50   a . In FIG. 5 b , one spray  40  is illustrated which has an aspect capable of distributing liquid manure across the width of the left wing section  50   b . Turning also to FIGS. 9 a  and  9   b , the sprays are typically large bore pipes  45  which discharge a liquid manure stream to impact a fan plate  46 .  
     [0035] With reference to FIG. 6, for traveling, the left and right wing sections  50   b , 50   c  fold upwardly for narrowing the transport width of the applicator  1   0 .  
     [0036] Turning to the arrangement of the shafts  31  and tine assemblies  32  in FIGS. 6,7, the central section  50   a  can support two shafts  31   a , 31   b , shown only with one tine assembly  32  so as to emphasize the shaft arrangement. The shafts  31   a , 31   b  are rotatably supported with bearings  33  at each end mounted to the downwardly extending brackets  34 . To maximize transverse coverage and avoid forming oversized gaps in the distribution of tine assemblies  32 , the two shafts  31   a , 32   b  are staggered fore and aft to avoid interference between the bearings  33 . The bracket  34  at one end of each shaft  31  can be repositioned further forwards or rearwards of the other bracket and secured at one of multiple pin points  35 , 35 . . . So that the shafts  31   a , 31   b  can be angled off of a perpendicular to the movement of the applicator.  
     [0037] Similarly, the wing sections  50   b , 50   c  can be fitted with shafts  31   c , 31   d  which also can be similarly angled by incrementally pinning the shaft support bracket at one of multiple pin points  35 .  
     [0038] In FIGS. 5 a , 5   b , a minimum number of sprays  40  are positioned behind the tine assemblies  32  for applying liquid manure onto the penetrated ground  16 , each spray  40  being connected by a large hose  44  to the distributor  42 . Preferably, there are three sprays  40 , one located at the middle of each section  50   a , 50   b , 50   c , each having a wide spray discharge being roughly the same width as the respective section. The sprays  40  are located close to the ground  16  to minimize picking up liquid manure and associated odors, by the wind. Through a reduction in the numbers of sprays  40 , the flow to each spray is greater and the opportunity for blockage or clogging is reduced. For instance, the sprays can be formed of  4 ” schedule pipe  45  which discharges onto a  45  degree inclined deflection fan plate  46 .  
     [0039] With reference to FIGS. 8 a  and  8   b , each tine assembly  30  comprises a first annular flange  60  mounted or secured to the shaft  31 , such as by welding. Individual radially extending tines  61  are secured by sandwiching them between the first  60  flange and a second annular flange  62 . The second flange  62  has a bore  63  which is sized so as to be axially slidable over the shaft  31 . Each second flange  62  is installed to the shaft  31  prior to securing the first flanges  60 . Fasteners  64  secure tines  61  between the flanges  60 , 62 . The fasteners  64  flanges can extend through holes  65  in the flanges and the tines securing the tine assembly  32  together. Other arrangements of fasteners  65  also include the use of bolts extending through holes in the second flange and tines to a threaded portion of the first flange or studs extending from the first flange. Should a damaged tine  61  need to be replaced, or if a different configuration of tine is desired, then they are easily replaced by loosening the second flange  62  and removing the fasteners  65  for the specific tine.  
     [0040] Best seen in FIGS. 1 a ,  1   b ,  3   a - 3   c , in operation, the frame&#39;s parallelogram linkage  15  is connected to the vehicle  13  for towing. The hydraulic ram  22  is actuated to raise the frame  11  over the support wheels  12 . If the applicator  10  has wing sections  50   b , 50   c , then they are folded upwardly to reduce the applicator&#39;s width and the vehicle transports the applicator  10  to a field targeted for application. The wing sections  50   b , 50   c  are then lowered using the hydraulic rams  51  and, to commence liquid manure distribution, the frame  11  is lowered on the support wheels  12  so as to engage the tine assemblies  32  with the ground  16 . The desired depth of penetration of the tines  61  into the ground is determined by the relative spacing between the frame  11  and wheels  12  and the weight of the applicator  10 . The spacing of the sprays  40  to the ground  16  is governed by the penetration depth of the tines  61 . The vehicle  13  is advanced with the applicator  10  trailing behind. The tines assemblies  32  engage the ground  16 , rotating the shafts  31  and bringing a successive tine  61  into contact with the ground as a preceding tine  61  disengages the ground, leaving behind a liquid manure accepting pocket. The sprays  40  dispense liquid manure for distribution substantially across the entire width of the applicator  10 . The sprays  40  deposit the liquid manure behind the rest of the applicator  10  and therefore is not further disturbed or tracked onto public roadways. The angle of the shafts  31  and their tine assemblies  32  can be skewed to increase the amount of disturbance introduced into the ground  16 .  
     [0041] The embodiment shown has wing sections  50   b , 50   c  for widening the track of the applicator  10 . The wing sections are optional and useful for facilitating road travel, however the frame  11  could be continuous across its full width without implementing a folding capability. Further, the frame  11  may simply be made narrower comprising merely the central section alone. The number of tine assemblies  32  can be varied. A suitable density of tine assemblies  32  is typically spacing of about    7   inches apart and tines having 4 inch wide blades having a 45 degrees bevel at their ground engaging end. Other densities and tine configuration are equally suitable.  
     [0042] Some advantages of the applicator include:  
     [0043] the vehicle and tanker are easily backed up for maneuvering as the laterally rigid hitch prevents the implement from jackknifing, particularly for repeated refilling of the tank at the lagoon;  
     [0044] the large flow lines avoid plugging, obviating the need for a chopper, and permitting and on-board pump for elimination of maintaining na umbilical to a remote lagoon;  
     [0045] the supporting wheels are forward of the tines and sprays so as to minimize tracking of liquid manure onto public roads and highways;  
     [0046] periodic and spaced sprays implement large diameter supply hoses which are less likely to clog which aids in minimizing or eliminating the need for a slurry chopper;  
     [0047] the parallelogram linkage and hydraulics permit convenient raising of the frame for traveling and yet, in use, the ground engagement of the tines and the depth of piercing of the ground can be controlled for low tillage; and  
     [0048] the spray is controlled and maintained close to and in known relation to the ground regardless of the applicator height and tine penetration.  
     [0049] Other embodiments of the invention will also be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art, the scope of the invention being defined in the appended claims.