U.S. patent application number 15/864287 was filed with the patent office on 2018-10-11 for seed treatment facilities, methods, and apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Bayer CropScience LP. Invention is credited to Marc Jean-Marie ANDRIEUX, Alan W. GEISS, Bradley W. MAY, Tharacad S. RAMANARAYANAN, Greg A. REINECCIUS, Jaco Ernest VAN DER WESTHUIZEN.
Application Number | 20180288933 15/864287 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46207748 |
Filed Date | 2018-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180288933 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
REINECCIUS; Greg A. ; et
al. |
October 11, 2018 |
SEED TREATMENT FACILITIES, METHODS, AND APPARATUS
Abstract
A seed treatment system having a central computerized data
store, a user interface, and network connections from the data
store to a plurality of retail facilities and a plurality of
agricultural produce suppliers. Each retail facility having a seed
treatment system configured to uniformly treat batches of seeds
with any of a variety of precisely measured chemical formulations.
The seed treatment apparatus having a treatment applicator coupled
to a plurality of dispensing stations. Each dispensing stations
having a pump in fluid communication with a container disposed on a
scale. The pump and scale of each dispensing station coupled to a
system controller. The system controller is coupled to the data
store, configured to provide on-demand agricultural seed treatments
to the applicator and chemical usage data from each station to the
data store. The data store configured to provide centralized remote
monitoring inventory control, supply chain monitoring, and
container recycling compliance.
Inventors: |
REINECCIUS; Greg A.; (Eden
Prairie, MN) ; VAN DER WESTHUIZEN; Jaco Ernest;
(Lakeville, MN) ; GEISS; Alan W.; (Kansas City,
MO) ; MAY; Bradley W.; (Cary, NC) ;
RAMANARAYANAN; Tharacad S.; (Cary, NC) ; ANDRIEUX;
Marc Jean-Marie; (Chapel Hill, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bayer CropScience LP |
Research Triangle Park |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
46207748 |
Appl. No.: |
15/864287 |
Filed: |
January 8, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13993039 |
Dec 11, 2013 |
9918425 |
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PCT/US2011/064015 |
Dec 8, 2011 |
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15864287 |
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13314146 |
Dec 7, 2011 |
9877424 |
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13993039 |
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61553692 |
Oct 31, 2011 |
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61553711 |
Oct 31, 2011 |
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61469370 |
Mar 30, 2011 |
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61469432 |
Mar 30, 2011 |
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61421030 |
Dec 8, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 7/10237 20130101;
G06Q 10/087 20130101; A23B 9/14 20130101; G06Q 10/0631 20130101;
A01C 21/00 20130101; A01C 1/06 20130101; G06Q 50/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01C 1/06 20060101
A01C001/06; G06Q 50/02 20120101 G06Q050/02; G06Q 10/08 20120101
G06Q010/08; G06Q 10/06 20120101 G06Q010/06; G06K 7/10 20060101
G06K007/10 |
Claims
1. A method of processing a consecutive series of seed treatment
orders including a first order and subsequent orders from two or
more local growers at a seed treatment facility, the method
comprising: receiving from at least one seed treatment chemical
supply company, a multiplicity of kegs having two or more different
seed treatment formulations therein and storing the multiplicity of
kegs on site at a retail seed treatment facility; receiving from at
least one seed company bulk quantities of two or more different
seed varieties and storing the bulk quantities on site; inputting
the first seed treatment order into a programmable process
controller of a seed treatment system, the order including a recipe
selection and a seed quantity, the seed treatment system comprising
a seed treater, a bank of keg stations, each keg station fluidly
connected to the seed treater, the programmable process controller
operably in communication with the seed treater and the bank of keg
stations; loading two or more of the multiplicity of kegs into the
keg station, fluidly connecting the kegs to the keg station whereby
they are fluidly connected to the seed treater; operating the keg
station under control of the programmable process controller to
provide simultaneous dispensing of a two or more the kegs in accord
with the recipe of the first order; operating the seed treater
under control of the programmable process controller for providing
a stream of seed through the seed treater to be coated by the fluid
from the simultaneous dispensing of the two or more kegs in accord
with the quantity of the first order; stopping the simultaneous
dispensing of the two or more kegs when the quantity of the first
order has been coated; and repeating the above steps for each of
the subsequent order.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising taking inventory of the
kegs when receiving same by way of scanning one of a barcode or an
RFID tag of each keg.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising scanning each keg when
loaded onto each respective keg station.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising weighing each keg while
seated on each of the keg stations and calculating the quantity of
fluid in each keg and providing information on same to an operator
of the seed treatment system.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing a printed
report from the programmable system controller for the first order
and for each subsequent order and providing the orders to the local
growers.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising for each order and each
respective grower, one of delivering the seeds to the grower at the
seed treatment facility or delivering the seeds to the grower's
planting location, or temporarily storing the seeds for pickup by
the grower.
7. The method of claim 1 further providing a controlled rate of
flow of water to the combined fluid line in accord with the recipe
and varying said rate of flow of water based on at least one of the
following: the ambient humidity and the moisture content of the
seeds being treated.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein each keg has a size from about 5
to about 60 gallons.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the programmable process
controller is configured to dispense seed treatment formulations
from kegs to the seed treater according to a recipe.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the keg stations comprise a rack
portion with a pump affixed thereto, a base portion attached to the
rack portion and extending horizontally, and a scale positioned on
the base portion and partially defining a keg receiving region for
placement and replacement of a selected keg.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the programmable process
controller is configured to dispense seed treatment formulations
from kegs to the seed treater in accord with a recipe.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the seed treatment system
comprises a mix-station comprising a mix tank disposed on the mix
station scale, the mix station scale positioned underneath the
mix-station, a mix station pump in fluid communication with the mix
tank, a mix station pump controller, the mix station pump
controller being configured to operate the mix station pump; a
multi-port manifold comprising a plurality of inlets coupled to the
plurality of kegs and said mix-tank and an outlet coupled to the
seed treater.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein an alarm is provided when the
contents of a keg is insufficient for treating a batch of seeds and
when the contents of a keg gets below a predefined level.
14. A method of processing a seed treatment order at a seed treater
facility, the method comprising: receiving from at least one seed
treatment chemical supply company, a multiplicity of kegs, the size
of the kegs being one of between 5 and 25 gallons and about 30
gallons and each having two top wall upper access ports, the
multiplicity of kegs including two or more different seed treatment
formulations; storing the multiplicity of kegs on site at a retail
seed treatment facility until use; accessing the seed treatment
formulations in at least one kegs exclusively by way of dispense
heads that couple to one of the two top wall upper access ports on
the kegs; dispensing the seed treatment formulations in two or more
of the kegs exclusively into a closed region of a seed treater
whereby personnel at the seed treatment facility are not exposed to
the liquid seed treatment formulations in said kegs during the
processing of said seed treatment order; wherein each of said
dispensing from the plurality of two or more kegs being at a
proportionalized flow rate with respect to the other dispensing
from the plurality of two or more kegs, and wherein said
proportionalized flow rate is in accord with a seed treatment
recipe.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein at least some of the kegs
comprise stirring mechanisms provided therein and a motor drive is
attached to the stirring mechanism.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein the dispensing of the seed
treatment formulations comprise dispensing from a two or more kegs
simultaneously, each comprising a flow rate.
17. A method of distributing seeds comprising: providing a
predetermined quantity of untreated seeds to a retail distribution
center; providing two or more chemical seed treatments at said
retail distribution center, wherein each chemical seed treatment is
stored in an individual keg; weighing each keg prior to application
of a chemical seed treatment; simultaneously applying one or more
of the two or more chemical seed treatments to a portion of the
quantity of the untreated seeds; weighing each keg after the
application of the chemical seed treatment; and calculating the
volume of each of the one or more of the two or more chemical seed
treatments that is applied to the portion of seeds.
18. A method of distributing seeds of claim 17 further comprising:
generating a report containing the volume of each one of the one or
more of the two or more chemical seed treatments that was applied
to the portion of seeds.
19. The method of claim 18 further comprising printing and
providing a report to a purchaser of the treated seeds, storing the
data at the retail distribution center, and selectively sending
data to at least one remote recipient by way of the internet.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising selecting and
compiling data by the at least one remote recipient and further
sending selected and compiled data to a fourth recipient by way of
the internet.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/993,039, filed Dec. 11, 2013, which is a
National Phase entry of PCT Application No. PCT/US2011/064015,
filed Dec. 3, 2011, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Nos. 61/421,030, filed Dec. 8, 2010, 61/469,432,
filed Mar. 30, 2011, 61/469,370, filed Mar. 30, 2011, 61/553,711,
filed Oct. 31, 2011, 61/553,692, filed Oct. 31, 2011, and U.S.
Utility patent application Ser. No. 13/314,146, filed Dec. 7, 2011,
each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The inventions herein relate to environmental stewardship
and personnel protection in the seed treatment industry. More
particularly the present inventions generally relates to a seed
treatment center, methods, and apparatus suitable for retail sales
of customized treated seeds.
[0003] The present invention also generally relates to systems and
methods for the determination of a charge for goods and services
related to the treatment and sale of agricultural seed products,
more specifically, the precise application of one or more component
formulations in a treatment recipe to a batch of seed and charging
for the actual amount of each component formulation in the recipe
that is applied to the batch of seed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Seeds that are planted for agricultural and other purposes
are often treated prior to planting. The treatments may accomplish
various purposes including attacking target bacteria, molds and
fungus that can contaminate seeds or that may be present in the
soil. Also seed treatment can include insecticides, pesticides and
provide deterrence or prevention of insect and other animal pests
that would target seeds. Treatments can also provide fertilizer.
Direct application of seed treatment allows for a reduction in the
amount of treatment composition that would be required by
application to soil after planting for many of the beneficial
effects. Post-planting application may not penetrate the soil to a
level or location where it would be effective, is weather
dependent, and may not be as economical as direct seed application.
Seed distribution is presently accomplished by delivering seeds to
farmers that have been treated with a variety of chemical
fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides, in a central production
facility.
[0005] The treatment of seeds before planting however involves the
application of chemicals and other agents that are expensive and
may even be toxic to the environment or workers. Various devices
for treatment of seeds in batch or continuous flow treatment mode
are known. U.S. Pat. No. 5,891,246 to Lund, the disclosure of which
is hereby incorporated by reference, describes a seed coating
apparatus for applying a coating fluid whereby seeds are dispersed
with a seed dispersing member. U.S. Pat. No. 4,657,773 to Mueller,
the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference,
describes a process and apparatus for dressing seed in which seed
is guided over a dispensing cone through a jet of dressing and onto
a rotary table. German patent No. DE 4411058 to Niklas the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, describes
a device with a mixing bowl connected to a high speed, multi-turn
actuator and a mechanism to feed seed into the mixing bowl. U.S.
Patent Publication Nos. 2011/0027479 and 2006/0236925, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses
various seed treatment apparatus that can be utilized to apply a
treatment product or composition to a volume of seeds.
[0006] Undesirable chemical waste can be generated by applying
excess treatment products to batches of seeds without precise
controls. It is also possible that human handling, e.g. pouring
various chemicals or formulations into a slurry or mix tank, can
result in spillage or unused chemical waste due to inaccurate
measuring that may cause environmental contamination. Because
treatment products can be very expensive, e.g., hundreds of dollars
per gallon, this can result in a large economic loss in addition to
any risk of undesirable human exposure. Such chemical waste can
also result in an environmental hazard. Accordingly, there is a
need for an improved way to contain, control and automate the
amount of treatment products applied to the seeds to minimize
waste, ensure treatment uniformity, minimize cost and prevent
spillage, particularly at the retail level where seed is treated
and sold to individual farmer customers.
[0007] Certain computerized large-scale seed treaters can treat
large batches of seeds in centralized distribution centers. However
such equipment is expensive and not generally suitable for use at
the retail level. Moreover, the delay caused by shipping treated
seed between a central facility and the ultimate planting of that
seed can reduce the optimal effects of a treatment applied to the
seed. For certain treatments, including formulations having several
treatments applied simultaneously to the seeds, the seeds need to
be planted very soon, within hours after application, for optimal
effectiveness. This is problematic with existing seed treaters and
treating controls as such are expensive and typically are not
easily used for repeated and rapid processing seed batches for
multiple individual users at retail locations.
[0008] At such retail locations, if they do have seed treating
capabilities, the chemical slurries to coat the seeds are mixed in
open mixing bowls or vats, often having personnel actually measure
particular liquid ingredients to be added to an open mixing bowl.
Such liquid chemicals/formulations may be manually handled and
manually poured into the vats. Then the liquid in the vat is
ideally agitated and then pumped into seed treatment equipment.
Such personnel are not necessarily well trained and the risk of
personnel exposure to the chemicals as well as the risk spillages
and improper disposal of the treatment chemicals is high. Precisely
controlling quantities and application levels and even applying
correct formulations is problematic. Moreover, there is simply no
means for recording and verifying precisely what and how much has
been applied to the seed. There is generally no automatic inventory
and ordering systems resulting in possible shortages of certain
chemicals and then use of less than ideal replacements. There is
generally no automatic moisture control and dynamic rate
application system available to seed treaters, resulting in
possible inconsistent treatment of of certain chemicals and less
than ideal moisture content of treated seeds.
[0009] A need exists to provide application controls, personnel
protection, and environmental protections, and inventory systems
that are particularly suitable for the retail seed locations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is directed to an on-demand seed
treatment systems and methods of that provide personnel and
environmental safeguards as well as use and inventory monitoring
and controls, efficiently providing safety and operational
advantages to all parties involved. The systems can be used for any
size application but is particularly useful for small to medium
level treatment entities such as retailers that sell and distribute
seeds locally to farmers. Embodiments of the invention can also
locally and remotely provide control of and monitoring of the
treatment of seeds, including proper equipment functioning,
inventory use, as well as providing detailed data collection,
reporting and accounting as desired, such as invoicing and
reporting of particular chemical formulation for individual batches
of seeds.
[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, application of
one or more seed treatment formulations, either alone or in a
mixture with each other, as defined by a treatment recipe, are
metered by pumps that are controlled electronically via a
programmable electronic control panel. The electronic control panel
can include a unique and custom-programmed controller or computer
that "drives" or operates a treatment system based on one of a
variety of entered chemical treatment recipes. The controller is
configured with software to also oversee or monitor all processes
during treatment, including the rate and quantity of each chemical
treatment formulation that is applied to the seed as well as the
rate the seed flows through the treatment apparatus. During the
seed treatment process the controller software can be configured to
send or receive data from a control center or remote server. The
data can include, for example, equipment status, reports on each
batch of treated seed, the amount of chemical treatment formulation
utilized by the treatment process, requests for additional chemical
deliveries, or new or updated treatment recipes or chemical
formulation data.
[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control panel
of the treatment apparatus can be linked over a computer network,
such as, for example, the Internet or a cellular telephone network,
to allow different parties to receive data from, or provide updates
to, the system. In this manner, for example, a seed company that
desires to have a custom seed-treater treat their seeds can have a
plurality of different recipes that it can have placed on different
seed lots or batches. The seed company can send its recipes via the
Internet, or other network connection, to the seed treatment
company such that the recipes are electronically loaded into an
embodiment of the disclosed seed treatment system at a desired
retail or distribution location. Additionally, a chemical
production or supply company can communicate with an embodiment of
the present invention to update, recall, or change any one of the
plurality of different recipes in the system that utilized
component formulations supplied by the chemical company.
[0013] The operator of an embodiment of a seed treatment device of
the present invention can select a recipe, and instruct a system
controller to in turn operate one or more pumps, attached to
various drums or kegs containing components of the recipe, to
deliver the component(s) from the keg to a manifold system or other
apparatus that applies the components to a batch of seed. In this
manner, the various components of the recipe are transferred from
the kegs to the application area of the seed treatment device and
are applied in the proper amounts to coat a quantity of seed in the
seed treatment device. The need to pre-mix or hand-mix various
recipe components and chemical formulations can be reduced or
entirely eliminated. This elimination of the need to pre-mix
chemical formulations can also eliminate a need for an intermediate
mixing or slurry tank and any associated pumps, hoses, or other
plumbing that may require additional maintenance or cleaning
between seed treatment batches.
[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, the system can
maximize the utilization of purchased treatment components by
withdrawing substantially all of the component from each keg,
thereby minimizing the amount of unutilized contents in the keg.
For example, as the contents of a keg are depleted, or nearly
depleted, sensors associated with the kegs can provide a signal
through an interface to the system controller that can then issue
an alert the custom seed-treater's operator indicating an
instruction to prepare to replace the keg in a timely fashion. The
sensors can monitor each unique keg to continuously calculate the
amount of chemical composition remaining in each keg as its
contents are applied during the treatment process based on the
changing weight of the keg as provided to the system by the scale
or load cell positioned under each keg at each keg station. When
the weight of the keg stops changing during the application of the
chemical treatment component the system can determine that the keg
is effectively empty and that further pumping action could
introduce air into the treatment lines. This allows the system to
withdraw the entire treatment component in the keg that can be
physically extracted with the dispensing hardware, while still
preventing the system from under treating a batch of seed due to an
empty keg. When the system has determined that no more fluid can be
withdrawn from the keg the system can pause the treatment process
until the keg is replaced, or begin withdrawing, or increase the
pumping rate, of the same treatment component fluid from a
different keg station that is equipped with an equivalent treatment
component.
[0015] In an embodiment of the invention a retail seed treatment
facility including a seed store for selling seed primarily to local
or regional growers and farmers, has a storage area, an operations
area, and a customer access area. The storage area for storing
inventory of seed treatment chemicals, primarily a stock of seed
treatment formulations in kegs, and may include bulk seed storage
bins. In the operations area, the facility includes a bank of
dispense stations, comprised of primarily keg stations and mixing
station, a seed treater, all of which are connected to a
programmable process controller. Typically a building will contain
the storage area for the kegs and the operations area. The facility
may include seed/grain conveyance equipment such as standard
conveyors for providing the bulk seed to the seed treater and also
for conveying output of the seed treater to a retail customer
loading or pick-up area. The facility may include weather sensors,
such as temperature, humidity, barometric pressure that may be
connected to the programmable process controller.
[0016] The seed company can have real time access to view the
application process or be granted permissions to modify, replace,
or update the recipe over the Internet or other system of connected
computers. In a similar manner the custom seed treater is also in a
position to control the device locally. Also, if desirable, the
company that manufactures the seed treatment chemicals (i.e., the
chemical company) can be included in a list of entities that can
access the system over the Internet or other network to enable, for
example, the chemical company to schedule the production of
chemical inventory or to monitor quality or quantity of materials
that are being applied to seed batches. This monitoring can provide
the chemical company with information to ensure the recipe is being
properly applied and to manage inventory levels as the chemicals
are applied.
[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, the system can
provide inventory management control for the seed company, the seed
composition producing company (e.g. the chemical company producing
the seed treatment composition), the local custom seed-treater, or
any combination thereof. For example, as the contents of a keg are
depleted, or nearly depleted, sensors associated with the kegs can
provide a signal through an interface to the system controller that
can then issue an alert the custom seed-treater's operator
indicating an instruction to replace the keg in a timely fashion.
The sensors can be unique to each keg, or the system can
continuously calculate the amount of chemical composition in each
keg as its contents are applied during the treatment process based
on the changing weight of the keg as provided to the system by the
scale or load cell positioned under each keg at each keg
station.
[0018] The system can also transmit an alert to the custom
seed-treater's ordering department to order more material as
needed, which in turn can alert the chemical company to schedule
more production of the needed seed treatment component or chemical
formulation. The seed company can also be alerted if there will be
delays/shortages of materials, so it too can make inventory
decisions. For example, a seed company can shift the seed treatment
recipe to another similar recipe that may not call for a
formulation or component that is in short supply.
[0019] An embodiment of the present invention includes a method of
preparing in-depth detailed reports on ad processes from customer
input, applied chemical formulations, seed varieties, seed
quantity, treated batches, inventory level control of products,
selected recipes, the location of individual kegs, and automatic
replenishment of consumable components from appropriate
distribution centers. The data sharing capability of an embodiment
of the invention provides for communication between individual
on-demand seed-treater systems, the producer of the seed treatment
material (e.g. the chemical producing company), the seed supply
companies desiring to have the seeds so treated, the retail seed
treater/distributer, and farmers who are the ultimate consumers of
the treated seeds.
[0020] One advantage includes software controllers also can provide
automated adjustment, self-diagnosis and calibration configuration
of the system by the controller, such as a programmable logic
controller, that can assure an accurate chemical application to a
batch of seed dynamically in response to changes in the system. The
system can adjust the pump speed at each individual keg station to
ensure that the treatment rate of an individual treatment component
is at the level required by the treatment formulation recipe. This
can be accomplished by continuously or periodically monitoring the
change in weight of each treatment component container (keg) during
the application process to ensure that an actual application of the
treatment component is taking place. In response to changes in the
actually application rate, as measured by the change in weight of a
keg, possibly due to partially clogged filters or hoses, the system
can increase the pump speed to accommodate for these conditions,
and similarly decrease the pump rate if a filter is replaced or an
obstruction in a hose is removed.
[0021] An embodiment of the present invention utilizes bar codes or
RFID tags to uniquely identify each individual keg, drum, or other
chemical container. The identification information encoded on each
keg by a bar code label or RFID tag can include information such as
the manufacturer of the contents of the keg, the batch or lot
number associated with the contents of the keg, the size or
capacity of the keg, the actual amount of chemical product
contained within the keg as provided by the manufacturer or
chemical supply company, a check digit to authenticate or error
check the identifying data, a unique keg serial number, or other
useful identifying information.
[0022] An embodiment of the present invention includes modular keg
stations that connect individual kegs of chemical formulations to a
seed treatment apparatus. A plurality of keg stations are coupled
to a manifold that can combine the formulations from a plurality of
kegs into a mixture as directed by a recipe that is programmed into
a system controller. The resulting fluid mixture can be further
mixed by directing the fluid through an oscillatory baffled reactor
or other fluid mixing apparatus prior to application of the
chemical to the seeds by the seed treatment apparatus.
[0023] An embodiment of the present invention includes a Graphical
User Interface (GUI) that can provide real-time seed treatment
reporting, inventory status and information, keg status reporting
and alert notifications, along with an interface to configure
recipes and batches for seed treatment. The GUI provides a local
operator with the capability to configure the system for operation
and to monitor the chemical treatment process. The GUI can also
provide an interface to initiate or review updates to recipes that
are downloaded from a remote location via the system's network
connection. The GUI can also provide an interface to enter or
configure a customized recipe at the local installation of the
system.
[0024] One advantage of the present invention includes reducing the
delay between seed treatment and planting. Such seed treatment
needs to be done at a local level, closer to the farmer, by the
seed retailer. Because embodiments of the system can efficiently
and economically treat the seed at the retail level, while still
being environmentally secure by handling the desired chemical
formulations in a closed system, the time between treatment and
planting associated with seed distribution and shipping can be
greatly reduced.
[0025] One advantage of the present invention includes the
elimination of the need to mix seed treatment products into a
slurry, or pre-mix. Instead the treatment can be applied "neat" or
without pre-mixing directly to the seed. The application mixture
can include several products that are metered electronically and
controlled by a programmable control panel. The use of secure drums
or kegs that can only be accessed or "tapped" with an appropriate
connecter can prevent tampering with the contents of the kegs and
provide an additional factor contributing to the integrity and
quality of the chemical formulation contained in a keg.
Additionally, the application of secure kegs can allow for the
reclamation of any residual contents of a nearly depleted keg upon
the keg's return to a recycling or reclamation facility.
[0026] One advantage of the present invention includes the
enforcement by the programmed control software that directs the
mixing and proportion of all entered chemical recipes. The system
also monitors and oversees all processes during treatment and can
simultaneously send and receive data from a control center or
server that can be located remotely from the seed treatment
apparatus.
[0027] One advantage includes the elimination of hand mixing of
chemical jugs into slurry tanks where chemicals are pre-mixed and
run the risk of "falling" out of suspension if not used in adequate
time. This system also greatly improves and enforces human and
environmental safety by reducing the potential for chemical
spillage or contamination.
[0028] One advantage includes software controllers also can provide
crisis management via wireless or wired Internet or similar
networks to assist in detecting any undesirable chemical
formulations, recipes, application and/or seed issues. A
self-diagnosis and calibration configuration of the controller,
such as a programmable logic controller, can assure an accurate
chemical application to seed and provide assistance to diagnose
errors or equipment malfunction.
[0029] In one embodiment a multiple formulation liquid seed
treatment drum rack system for placement in proximity to seed
treatment equipment. The system offers modularity, redundancies,
and accessibility providing for environmental and personnel
safeguards. The drum rack system comprises a series of individual
rack unit and in embodiments, the individual rack units having
several keg receiving units and a mixing unit. Each having a base
with a drum seating surface and a scale portion such that a keg
placed on the drum seating surface is weighed by the scale portion.
In embodiments the base has a rectangular footprint with four
sides, a front side, two lateral sides, and a back side. Each rack
unit has dedicated components comprising a pump and a pump
controller, an air removal device, and a mixer with a mixing motor,
plumbing, wiring for power and control. A mounting framework
extending upwardly at the back side of the base supports and
provides connections for the dedicated components.
[0030] A feature and advantage of embodiments are that the
dedicated components, the plumbing, the wiring, and the connections
are readily accessible for each rack unit from the front side of
each rack unit.
[0031] A feature and advantage of embodiments is that the base is
at a low height, in other words, the distance between the ground
and the top of the scale is minimized in order to reduce the
distance that a full keg must be lifted to place the keg on the
scale.
[0032] A feature and advantage of embodiments is that the rack unit
can be adjusted to accommodate drums or kegs of various
heights.
[0033] A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention is
that the an equipment mounting framework extends upwardly at the
back side such that the supporting framework for the frame work is
not positioned at the front side of the rack.
[0034] A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention is
utilization of the equipment, apparatus, and methods that are
described in the context of seed treatment applications in
applications other than seed treatment. For example, treating of
other agricultural products can be accomplished with the apparatus
described herein. Additionally discrete portions of the apparatus,
systems, and methods are intended to have applications in other
industries.
[0035] One embodiment of the present invention includes modular keg
stations that include a scale or load-cell, a pump, a stirrer
apparatus, air removal assembly, a keg coupler, and associated
piping or tubing to connect individual kegs of chemical
formulations to a seed treatment apparatus. The replaceable
component architecture of the keg satiations can reduce the number
of serviceable and replacement parts that must be maintained or
held in an inventory of spare parts. In one embodiment a plurality
of keg stations are in fluid communication with a manifold that can
combine the formulations from a plurality of kegs into a
predetermined mixture as directed by a recipe that is programmed
into a system controller. The resulting fluid mixture can be
further mixed by directing the fluid through an oscillatory baffled
reactor or other fluid mixing apparatus. In one embodiment the air
removal assembly includes a valve configured to return any fluid,
which may escape with air or bubbles are removed from a formulation
supply line, to the keg where the formulation was originally
withdrawn.
[0036] One advantage of embodiments of the present invention
includes the elimination of the need to mix seed treatment products
into a slurry, or pre-mix. Instead the treatment can be applied
"neat" or without pre-mixing directly to the seed. The application
mixture can include several products that are metered
electronically and controlled by a programmable control panel. The
use of secure drums or kegs that can only be accessed or "tapped"
with an appropriate connecter can prevent tampering with the
contents of the kegs and provide an additional factor contributing
to the integrity and quality of the chemical formulation contained
in a keg. Additionally, the application of secure kegs can allow
for the reclamation of any residual contents of a nearly depleted
keg upon the keg return to a recycling or reclamation facility.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] The embodiments of the present invention may be more
completely understood in consideration of the following detailed
description of various embodiments of the invention in connection
with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0038] FIG. 1a depicts an exemplary embodiment of a seed treatment
system with ten keg stations, a flex-tank station, and an agitator
station.
[0039] FIG. 1b depicts a portion of the keg stations of FIG.
1a.
[0040] FIG. 2a-2b is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
a seed treatment system.
[0041] FIG. 3a is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a
keg station.
[0042] FIG. 3b is a block diagrams of a water flex-tank dispense
station.
[0043] FIG. 3c is a block diagrams of a mixing tank dispense
station.
[0044] FIG. 4a depicts a perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a keg station with a keg disposed on a scale.
[0045] FIG. 4b depicts a elevational view of an exemplary
embodiment of a keg station.
[0046] FIG. 4c depicts a side elevational view of an exemplary
embodiment of a keg station, the view from the opposite side with
respect to the base, scale, and upright support frame being a
mirror image thereof.
[0047] FIG. 4d depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a keg station, the view from the adjacent front
corner with respect to the base, scale, and upright support frame
being a mirror image thereof.
[0048] FIG. 4e is a cutaway perspective view of an air relief
valve.
[0049] FIG. 4f is a perspective view of a keg stirrer mechanism
that may be supplied with kegs filled with seed treatment
formulations.
[0050] FIG. 5 depicts a plan view layout of an exemplary embodiment
of a retail seed treatment facility.
[0051] FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a seed treatment
system with five keg stations and a flex-tank station.
[0052] FIG. 7 is an exemplary block diagram of communications
between a treatment system and other networked locations and system
participants.
[0053] FIG. 8 is an exemplary block diagram of communication and
produce flow between retail locations, suppliers, and consumers
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0054] FIG. 9 is an exemplary block diagram of potential data
storage and transactions between a seed treatment system and a
remote could-based data store.
[0055] FIG. 10a-10d depict an exemplary seed treatment system setup
screens.
[0056] FIG. 11a-11d depict exemplary seed treatment main system
screens.
[0057] FIG. 12a-12g depict exemplary seed treatment system pump
station detail screens.
[0058] FIG. 13a-13c depict exemplary scale calibration screens.
[0059] FIG. 14a-14f depict exemplary seed treatment system batch
treatment setup screens.
[0060] FIG. 15 depicts an exemplary flex fill instruction
screen.
[0061] FIGS. 16a and 16b depict an exemplary seed treatment system
status and command screen.
[0062] FIG. 17a-17d depict exemplary drum and seed wheel control
screens.
[0063] FIG. 18 depicts an exemplary seed treatment system
multi-station status screen.
[0064] FIG. 19 depicts an exemplary alert/alarm screen.
[0065] FIG. 20 depicts an exemplary local inventory screen.
[0066] FIG. 21a-21f depict an exemplary set of keg swap instruction
screens.
[0067] FIG. 22 on-line depicts an exemplary login screen.
[0068] FIG. 23 depicts an exemplary on-line user list screen.
[0069] FIG. 24 depicts an exemplary on-line customer list
screen.
[0070] FIG. 25 depicts an exemplary on-line inventory screen.
[0071] FIG. 26 depicts an exemplary on-line order-from screen.
[0072] FIG. 27 depicts an exemplary on-line shipment-tracking
screen.
[0073] FIG. 28 depicts an exemplary on-line shipment-received
reporting screen.
[0074] FIG. 29 depicts an exemplary on-line inventory screen.
[0075] FIG. 30 depicts an exemplary application and billing
process.
[0076] FIG. 31 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a
seed treatment system that includes a pre-mix drum.
[0077] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an exemplary fluid
supply-line inputs to a six-input manifold attached to a treatment
apparatus.
[0078] FIG. 33 depicts exemplary twelve-input manifold.
[0079] FIG. 34 is a dispense station with a tank on a scale.
[0080] FIG. 35 depicts an exemplary computer controller
architecture according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0081] FIG. 36 depicts an exemplary dynamic application and
adaptation of a treatment process.
[0082] FIG. 37 depicts an exemplary block diagram of an adaptive
pump rate algorithm according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0083] FIG. 38 is an exemplary barcode suitable for use with kegs
herein.
[0084] While the present invention is amendable to various
modifications and related forms, specifics thereof have been shown
by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail.
It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to
limit the present invention to the particular embodiments
described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all
modifications, equivalents, and related embodiments falling within
the spirit and scope of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0085] Crop seeds can be treated with a variety of components or
formulations such as fertilizer, herbicide, fungicide, insecticide,
or any of a variety of combinations of these chemicals, typically
along with a colored dye or other indicator that the seed is
treated. A seed treatment recipe or combination of formulations can
vary due to the needs of a farmer who will plant the seed, the type
of seed, and the seed-growing environment. Environmental factors
can include, the geographic planting region, soil types, the
potential presence of specific plant diseases or pests, climate,
growing season, etc. A farmer may need to account for some or all
of these variables when selecting seeds and requesting seed
treatments prior to planting.
[0086] Due to the variety of seed types and chemical treatment
formulations that are available it is not efficient or necessarily
practical to produce or maintain an inventory of treated seeds with
all possible combinations of seed and seed-treatments that are be
desired to accommodate the widest possible variety of
seed-treatment requests. Due to the potentially hazardous nature of
some chemicals it is important that only an appropriate amount of
chemical treatment be applied to a batch of seeds, that all
appropriate regulations be followed in the handling and application
of chemical formulations, and that exposure of the chemicals to
humans or the external environment be limited to the extent
feasible. Therefore, it would be advantageous to a seed retailer to
be able to treat a wide variety of seeds with any of a number of
chemical treatment formulations at the retailer's point of sale in
an on-demand fashion with a safe and contained treatment
system.
[0087] Referring to FIG. 5a, 1a, and 1b, in an embodiment of the
invention, a retail seed treatment facility 80 will typically
having a building 81 including a seed store 82 for selling seed
primarily to local planters, growers, farmers. The facility has a
storage area 84, an operations area 86, and a retail customer
access area 88 for the planters, farmers, growers. The storage area
primarily for storing inventory of seed treatment chemicals, that
is, a stock 90 of seed treatment formulations received from a seed
treatment formulation supplier. Said area provide storage for a
multiplicity, defined herein as a dozen or more, kegs. Storage also
includes bulk seed storage bins 91 for storage of bulk seed 92,
especially prior to treatment. Typically the building wilt contain
the storage area for the kegs and the operations area. The facility
may include seed/grain conveyance equipment 94 such as standard
conveyors 95 for providing the bulk seed to the seed treater and
also for conveying output of the seed treater to a retail customer
loading or pick-up area. In the operations area 86, the facility
includes a seed treater 100, a system controller 102, bank 103 of
dispense stations 105, comprised of primarily keg stations and
mixing station. The facility may include a weather station 107
including sensors, such as temperature, humidity, barometric
pressure that may be connected to the programmable process
controller. An exemplary on-demand seed treatment system is
depicted in FIG. 1a. The seed treatment system 100 can include a
system controller 102, a plurality of keg stations 104 each
including a keg 106 containing a chemical treatment, a pump 108 and
scale 110. A keg 106 (also referred to as a drum) can be in a range
of sizes, for example in an embodiment the keg 106 can have a
capacity of approximately fifteen gallons. Alternative kegs can
range in size from five to twenty-five gallons. In yet another
related embodiment, kegs can range in size from seven to fifty-five
gallons. In an embodiment the keg 106 can have a capacity of
approximately thirty gallons.
[0088] FIG. 1a depicts an exemplary embodiment of a seed treatment
system with ten keg stations 104, a flex-tank or mixing station
160, and an agitator station 170. As shown in FIGS. 3a and 4a, the
agitator station 170 can include a stirrer mechanism 142 actuated
by a stirrer-motor 136. FIG. 1b is another depiction of the keg
stations 104 and flex-tank station 160 of FIG. 1a in an 11-station
configuration.
[0089] The pump 108 for each of the plurality of keg stations 104
can provide chemical treatment from each keg 106 to a seed
treatment application apparatus 200. In an embodiment pump 108 can
be a peristaltic pump, or roller pump, or another appropriate type
of positive displacement pump. The system controller 102 can be
coupled to a user-interface 112 such as a graphical touch-screen
that can provided a user or operator of the seed treatment system
100 with a variety of menus, alerts, alarms, data-entry fields, and
other options to configure or operate the system 100. The system
controller can also be coupled to a local weather monitoring
station 107 on site or off site that can provide the system with
the ambient temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric
pressure. An emergency stop button or switch can be coupled to the
system controller 102 to allow an operator to immediately the
treatment process in case of an emergency or other system
failure.
[0090] Referring to FIG. 2a, the system controller 104 can be
connected to a network 120, such as the Internet, a private
corporate intranet, a cloud-based computer network, a cellular
telephone network, or any of a variety of other electronic or
optical communication networks. Network connectivity to the system
controller 104 can be bi-directional. The system 100 can be
connected through network 120 to a remote data storage and
reporting facility 122. The facility 122, or back office, can
include one or more databases, or an inventory management system
such as an enterprise resource planning (ERP) product available
from SAP AG, and an electronic computer readable storage medium
configured to gather, process, and store any data received from one
or more individual treatment systems 100. The reporting facility
122 can also store and distribute through network 120 treatment
recipes and formulation information for the various chemical
treatment formulations. Formulation information can include label
data, manufacturer information, formulation properties such as
density or stirring requirements, and any other relevant data that
may be useful for the application of the application of the
chemical formulation to treat seeds.
[0091] In an embodiment the reporting facility 122 can manage and
track the location, use, and contents of each individual keg 106
that has been registered with the facility 122. Each keg 106
includes a bar code or RFID tag to uniquely identify each
individual keg, drum, or other chemical container. An RFID tag can
be embedded in a barcode label affixed to each keg 106 to provide
redundant or additional information. The identification information
encoded on each keg 106 by a bar code label or RFID tag can include
information such as the manufacturer of the contents of the keg,
the batch or lot number associated with the contents of the keg,
the size or capacity of the keg, the weight of the keg when empty,
the weight of the keg when assembled with a pre-installed stirring
apparatus, the actual amount of chemical product contained within
the keg as provided by the manufacturer or chemical supply company,
the density of the contents of the keg, a check digit to
authenticate or error-check the identifying data, a unique keg
serial number, or other useful identifying information or data.
[0092] A seed company can utilize real-time access to the seed
treatment system 100 to modify, replace, or update seed treatment
recipes or formulations. Treatment information for every batch of
seeds can be transmitted from the treatment controller 102 to a
data storage point at an individual seed company, into a
cloud-based data store, or reporting facility 122, through a
network 120.
[0093] In an embodiment system 100 can be configured to only
produce batches of treated seed in accordance with pre-programmed
recipes, or recipes that are purchased or downloaded from the
remote data storage and reporting facility 122. In an alternate
embodiment system 100 can be configured to allow customized or
unique recipes to be programmed directly into the system 100
through the user-interface 112 or by coupling the system controller
102 to a personal computer, a tablet computer, a removable
non-volatile media storage device or other computer readable
medium. The capability of the system 100 to lock-out unauthorized
recipes and otherwise control the administration of the system can
be accomplished with a security log-in mechanism or other access
control that can prevent unauthorized access or modification to the
system 100 and its configuration while still providing access to
individual users or operators that can initiate, monitor, and
complete the batch treatment process. The system controller 102 can
also be configured to record a user-id associated with an
individual user that is operating the system 100 such that a
database record for each batch of treated seed can include the
user-id of the individual associated with that batch.
[0094] The tracking and management of each keg 106 can also provide
for first-in first-out (FIFO) management of individual chemical
formulations. For example, if a retail location receives separate
deliveries of identical chemical formulations at different times
the system 100 can require that the older chemical formulation to
be placed on a keg station 104 before the newer, second to arrive,
keg. In this manner the efficacy of the chemicals is managed and
monitored. Alternatively, if an individual keg is stored in an
inventory for a period of time longer than desired to ensure the
efficacy of the chemical formulation, the system 100 can prevent
the use of that keg if an operator attempts to use the chemical
formulation after it has expired. In one embodiment the system 100
can instruct the operator to return the keg to an appropriate
chemical recycler or the original chemical supplier. In one
embodiment the system can notify the chemical supplier, through a
network connection 120 to a central data store, of the location of
each keg that contains an expired product.
[0095] FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2b, and 3a, 4a-4f, and 6 depict additional
exemplary embodiments of keg stations 104 and components thereof. A
keg station 104 can include, a base portion 123, an upright support
structure 126, a back mount or rack 133, and a scale 110. The scale
being sized to receive a single keg 106 at a keg receiving region
135. The scale 110 can provide continuous or periodic measurements
of the weight of the keg 106, and any changes in the weight of the
keg 106 that would indicate a change in the volume of chemical
stored in the keg 106. The scale 130 of the keg station 104 can be
electrically coupled to the system controller 102 and provide
weight measurements to the system controller, as depicted in FIG.
2a. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, the scale 110 can be
electrically coupled to a station controller 130. When the density
of a chemical formulation is known, or provided to the system
controller 102, an accurate measurement of the weight of a keg 106
and the change in weight of the keg over time can be used to
calculate the volume and rate of chemical being delivered to the
seed treatment applicator 200. The monitoring of the changes in the
weight of the keg 106 via scale 130 during the application process
can provide the system controller 102 with accurate data indicating
the amount of chemical that is actually being applied to a quantity
of seed being directed into the seed treatment applicator 200. The
calculated volume and rate of delivery can be utilized by the
station controller 130 to automatically adjust or fine tune the
delivery rate of each chemical component to match the desired
application rate as provided in a treatment recipe.
[0096] Accurate weight measurements of the keg 106 and its contents
can be obtained through the use of a motion sensor 231 at a
dispense station, see FIG. 6, or for example, coupled to the scale,
and in communication with the controller 130 such that the station
controller 130 is notified of movement that could cause the scale
110 to provide an inaccurate reading. Oscillations due to the
placement of a new keg on a scale, floor vibrations, or accidental
contact with a keg 106 by an operator or other external source can
cause inaccuracies that should be minimized or avoided by only
weighing the keg when the scale is providing a stable reading and
no motion is detected.
[0097] Generally, a keg station 104 can include a modular platform
or station that includes a scale 110 or load-cell 195 to
continuously or periodically measure the weight of a keg 106 and
its contents, an accurate variable-flow pump 108 configured to
transfer specific amounts of fluid from a keg 106 to an applicator
manifold 136, a stirrer assembly 138 that includes a motor and
stirrer-coupler 140 coupled to a stirring apparatus 142, an air
release or removal valve 144 that can prevent gas build-up in the
fluid lines to manifold 136 and remove any air introduced into the
line, a keg coupler 148, associated piping or tubing to deliver the
contents of an individual keg 106 to the seed treatment apparatus
200, and a junction box 149. Air can be inadvertently introduced
into the line during the mating of a keg coupler 148 and associated
piping or tubing to an individual keg 106. Due to the generally low
delivery rate of some chemical formulations it is desirable to
deliver the contents of each keg 106 to the seed treatment
apparatus 200 without any air in the delivery lines. The presence
of any more than a trivial amount of air in a line can prevent the
uniform application of the desire chemical treatments. An air
removal valve 144 can also be mounted on the hack plate.
[0098] Coupler 148 can be a quick connect coupling device that is
self-sealing, for example, a commercially available RSV (Reusable
Stainless Valve) closed chemical system coupler as produced by
Micro Matic USA, Inc. of Sparks, Nev. Coupler 148 can include a
return port that allows any over flow from air removal valve 144 to
be returned into keg 106.
[0099] Keg station 104 can also include a station controller 130
coupled to a pump 108 that can operate to remove the chemical
contents from the keg 106 through coupler 148. The station
controller 130 can be electrically coupled to the system controller
102. The system controller can provide the station controller 130
with commands directing the operation of pump 108. Commands can
include pump speed, pumping duration, and pump direction. "Pump"
when used herein, unless the context specifically indicates to the
contrary, includes pump controllers and motors associated with the
pump. The station controller 130 can transmit pump or station data
to the system controller 102. Station data can include weight
measurements supplied by the scale 110 to the station controller
130.
[0100] Seed treatment chemicals can be distributed in drums or kegs
106 with a capacity of approximately fifteen gallons, although
other sized kegs of approximately five to sixty gallons can also be
accommodated by various embodiments. Kegs or drums with a capacity
of greater than approximately fifty-five gallons may call for
larger or additional load cells in scale 110. Kegs 106 are
generally configured to reduce the potential for spillage or
contamination and provide a safe and convenient mechanism for
transport. Kegs of 15 or 30 gallons are particularly suitable.
Polymers, particularly polyethylene is a suitable material for the
kegs. Each keg 106 can be labeled or coded with a bar-code, quick
response (QR) code, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, or
other unique identifier that can include or reference information
such as the chemical contents, weight, formulation, batch number,
lot number, manufacturer, capacity, owner, or status of the keg and
its contents.
[0101] Each keg can include a separate stirrer coupler 140, a
coupler 148 that can be in fluid communication with a down tube or
dip tube 144 in the keg 106, and a fill port 151. The stirrer 142
and stirrer-coupler 140, along with the coupler 148 can be
installed prior to filling the keg. Once filled with a chemical
treatment component the fill port 151 can be sealed such that fluid
can only be withdrawn from the keg 106 through the coupler 148. In
this manner the keg can remain sealed during transit and use,
preventing or minimizing any risk of spillage or contamination of
the contents of the keg 106.
[0102] Keg station 104 can include a reader that is electronically
coupled to the station controller 130 or the system controller 102.
In various embodiments of the invention the reader can comprise a
bar code scanner, a RFID tag reader, a QR code reader, or any other
appropriate inventory identification or monitoring equipment. In
the example of an RFID tag reader, the reader 132 can be coupled to
the keg station 104 such that only a single keg 106 can be
positioned such that an RFID tag disposed on the keg 106 can be
read by the reader 132. The reader can provide the RFID tag data
from keg 106 to the station controller 130 or the system controller
102. The link between the reader 132 and the station controller 130
or the system controller 102 can be wired or wireless. In an
alternate embodiment the reader 132 can comprise a wireless bar
code scanner that is in electronic communication with the system
controller 102. The system controller 102 can be configured to
require that the reader 132 identify a keg 106 when it is placed on
the scale 110 prior to the activation of pump 108. In this manner
the system controller can update an inventory database, a batch
report, and monitor the chemical formulation contained in each keg
106 at each station 104.
[0103] Keg 106 can also include an internal stirrer mechanism 142
to accommodate chemicals that must be stirred or agitated prior to
application. The stirrer mechanism 142 can include a stirring port
140, an example of which is depicted in FIG. 30. The stirring port
140 is coupled to stirrer mechanism 142 disposed within the keg
106. Proper stirring or agitation may be needed for certain
chemicals on a periodic basis, or within a period of time prior to
application. The stirrer mechanism 142 is actuated by a
stirrer-motor 138 that can be electrically coupled to the station
controller 130. The system controller 102, in communication with
the station controller 130, can be configured to ensure that
chemical stirring or agitation only occurs at appropriate times and
intervals. For example, the system controller 102 can direct the
station controller 130 to prevent operation of the stirrer
mechanism 142 during the application of a chemical formulation from
a keg 106. The system controller 102 can coordinate stirring of
chemical formulations at various keg stations 104 in order to
optimize the availability of the chemical formulations in the kegs
106 for treatment applications. In a scenario where multiple
application batches are scheduled the system controller 102 can
direct the one or more station controllers 130 to activate the
stirrer mechanisms 142 in a plurality of kegs 106 that are needed
for a subsequent hatch application during a first batch application
utilizing a recipe that does not include that plurality of kegs
105.
[0104] The station controller 130 can include a timer or timing
mechanism that can be configured or programmed to activate
individual keg 106 stirrer mechanisms 142 at periodic or preset
intervals. For example, a specific chemical at a specific keg
station could require ten-minutes of stirring once every hour. A
second chemical in a keg 106 mounted at a second keg station could
require a one-hour period of stirring prior to application. The
station controller 130 can be configured to accomplish both
requirements with a periodic stirring of the first chemical every
hour, and with a daily timer that activates the second keg stirrer
at 7 AM, one-hour prior to beginning a programmed 8 AM batch
application.
[0105] As a chemical fluid is pumped out of a keg 106 the fluid can
pass through a filter 150 that can remove particulate matter before
entering the pump 108. The pump 108 can then direct the fluid
through an air-removal valve 144 that can prevent the formation of
air pockets in a fluid line that connects the keg station 104 to
the manifold 136 and ultimately to the application apparatus
200.
[0106] In one embodiment, the fluid lines 147 between the keg and
the treatment apparatus 200 are clear or translucent, allowing the
operator to confirm that a desired chemical, optionally treated
with a colored dye, is present in each line. In a situation where a
new line is installed or where a line is empty, possibly due to
cleaning or the repurposing of a keg station 104 from one chemical
to a different chemical, the operator can prime the system by
directing the system controller 102 to operate the pump 108
associated with the empty line until the line is tilled with fluid.
In an alternative embodiment, optical, capacitive, or flow sensors
149 can be included at each keg station 104 or at the manifold 136
to monitor and validate the presence of fluid in each fluid supply
line. These sensors could be coupled to individual station
controller 130 associated with the supply line, or to the system
controller 102. In either configuration the sensors can be
monitored during the seed treatment process to monitor and verify
the presence of each desired chemical formulation in the supply
lines.
[0107] Referring to FIGS. 3b and 36, an exemplary flex-tank station
160 can be included in system 100 to provide water or other
components required by a specific recipe. The flex-tank can include
a water source 161 for treatment recipes that call for the dilution
of the combined chemical formulations. The flex-tank can include a
portal 163 to introduce other components into the system 100 as
required by the recipe or a customer's specific request. FIG. 6
depicts a seed treatment system with five keg stations 104 and a
flex-tank station 160.
[0108] Referring to FIG. 3c, an exemplary mix-tank station 170 can
be included in system 100 to provide mixing or agitation of
chemical formulations that are not available in individual kegs or
powder or granular components that require pre-mixing. The mix-tank
can also include a water source. The mix-tank can include a stirrer
138 as a standalone unit or integrated into the mix-tank bowl. Both
the flex-tank station 160 and mix-tank station 170 can include a
controller, pump, air-removal valve 144, filter, scale, and any
additional components that could be included with a keg station
104.
[0109] Referring to FIGS. 4b and 6, each scale 110 includes at
least one load cell 195 disposed in a support structure 196. The
support structure 196 can include a plurality of rubber bumpers 197
or insulators that can dampen vibrations that may cause the load
cell 195 to generate inaccurate measurements.
[0110] The system controller 102 and the station controller 130 can
be coupled with a bi-directional communication channel or protocol
that requires both the system controller 102 and the station
controller 130 to acknowledge the other prior to the beginning of a
treatment application. This configuration can provide the system
controller 102 with a mechanism to verify the presence and working
operation of each station controller 130 on a plurality of keg
stations 104. Similarly, the loss of communication in either
direction between the system controller 102 and any individual
station controller 130 can cause an alert or alarm to be issued.
The presence of an alert may require operator action or result in
an automated pause or shutdown of a batch treatment application.
Treatment can be paused or temporarily suspended by stopping each
pump 108 on each station 104, as well as stopping the flow of seed
into or through a seed treatment apparatus.
[0111] Referring to FIGS. 1a, 6, 33a, and 33b, further details of
an exemplary continuous flow seed treatment apparatus 200 and bank
103 of dispense stations 104 are illustrated. The seed treater 200
includes a housing 202 including a seed inlet 204 to a chemical
applicator or treatment portion 206. In an embodiment, chemical
treatment portion 206 can include a seed wheel 208 driven by a
variable speed motor 209, a dispersion cone 210, a spinning,
atomizer wheel or bowl 212, connected to a rotating polishing drum
220 or mixing chamber. The chemical treatment portion 206 is in
fluid communication with one or more kegs 106 containing chemical
formulations for treating the seeds via an inlet tube 210. The
inlet tube 210 can be coupled to a plurality of kegs 106 by a
multi-port manifold 136, as depicted in FIGS. 32a and 32b. The
manifold has a plurality of inlets 227 and one outlet 229.
Couplings 2311 may be used to connect inlets to the fluid lines
from the dispense stations. The inlet tube may include internal
baffles or mixing vanes to further mix the combined fluid flow
therein and thus defining a blending device. The seed inlet 204 may
be an open or closed hopper 217 and one or more conveyors 95 may
deposit seed for bulk seed storage into the hopper. The quantity of
seed entering the seed treater is metered by the seed wheel 208
which is connected to the control processor 102. The seed flow or
stream 209 is funneled onto the cone 210 where it is dispersed into
an annular seed stream. The combined seed treatment formulations
are directed to the spinning bowl 212 that atomizes or converts the
fluid into a droplets that are sprayed onto the curtain of seeds.
The seeds then are directed into the rotating drum where by mixing
more uniform coating is accomplished. The seed treater has an
outlet 219 that may be used to fill a container such as a bag 221
or other customer containers, a truck bed 223, for example,
providing delivery to the retail customer whereby the customer
takes possession of the treated seed for planting, ideally in the
next 24 hours, for example.
[0112] Additional seed-treatment apparatus disclosure is provided
in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0027479, incorporated herein by
reference.
[0113] The seed treatment apparatus 200 can be connected to a
system controller 102 with a processor that is coupled to a control
panel or touch screen 112 for monitoring or operating the system.
The system controller can control the seed wheel, the atomizer
wheel or bowl, and the rotation drum.
[0114] Such a seed treatment apparatus 200 coupled to a system
controller 102 can be configured to proportion both amounts of seed
and treatment products to the polishing drum 208 or mixing chamber
in order to provide for minimal treatment product waste and
consistent treatment product application. The seed treatment system
200 can include sensors, flow meters, and/or controls to
monitor/control both the flow rates of the treatment products
coming out of the pumps 108 and the metered volume of seeds
entering or exiting the chemical applicator 206. Based upon a
pre-programmed recipe system 100 can automatically adjust the flow
rates of the treatment products based on the volume of seeds to be
treated that are supplied to apparatus 200 at a given time in order
to control the amount of treatment product applied to the seeds.
Thus, if a flow sensor sensing the flow rate of the treatment
products and a seed sensor sensing the volume of seeds indicate
that the ratio of flow rate to volume is not within a desired
amount of a predetermined optimal ratio or a range of ratios, the
system 100 can automatically adjust the flow rate of seeds and/or
the volume of chemical treatment product. This provides a more
accurate distribution of treatment product to the seed than
previously possible because the correlation of volume of seeds to
amount of treatment product is consistently maintained.
[0115] FIG. 1a depicts an embodiment of a seed treatment system
with ten keg stations 104 and a pair of flex-tank station 160. The
flex-tank stations can include a water source for treatment recipes
that call for the dilution of the combined chemical formulations or
the addition of a solid or powdered component, such as an
inoculant, that is mixed with water before seed treatment. The
flex-tank can include a portal to introduce other components into
the system 100 as required by the recipe or a customer's specific
request. The fluid supply lines between stations 104 and apparatus
200 are not shown for clarity, however each station 104 includes an
individual fluid supply line that is connected to a manifold input
of apparatus 200. An exemplary twelve-input manifold 136 is
depicted in FIG. 33b. Typical input manifolds can range in size
from two to twenty inputs, although additional inputs can be
accommodated with larger manifolds. Manifold 136 is shaped such
that the individual chemical formulations are thoroughly mixed
together prior to deliver to a seed treatment apparatus 200 for
application to a batch of seeds.
[0116] FIG. 7 is an exemplary block diagram of an embodiment of
various communications pathways between an embodiment of treatment
system 100 and other networked elements. System 100 can transmit
and receive a variety of electronic communication from a remote
information system and data store 180 through either a wired or a
wireless network. This communication can include software updates,
transaction data, alert messages or alarms, and data related to a
master database of recipes and formulation information.
Additionally, other entities such as a customer service center 182,
an equipment service department 184, individual seed retailer(s)
186, and seed producer companies 188 can all transmit and receive
data from the remote information system and data store 180 as
appropriate. A chemical company 190 or other treatment system owner
or distributor can also transmit and receive data.
[0117] A communications failure between one or more keg stations
104 and the system controller 102 can be reported at the user
interface 112, to a back-office reporting center 190, or directly
to a customer service center 182. The programmable system
controller 102 can include a wired network interface 192 that
provides a reliable connection to the Internet or a private
network. In the case of an Internet or other wired network failure,
a properly quipped system 100 can send an error indication via a
secondary network such as a cellular-telephone modem 194.
[0118] The system controller 102 can also report errors or failures
of the treatment application apparatus equipment 200. For example,
indications of a seed wheel motor failure or indications of a drum
motor failure can be reported or logged by the system controller
102. Other communications between the system controller 102 and the
treatment apparatus 200 can include commands to start or stop a
flow of seed or if appropriately equipped, to select one of several
bins or containers of different seed varieties. In this manner a
fully-automated seed treatment recipe that includes both the
chemical formulations as well as the seed variety can all be
controlled by the system controller 102.
[0119] The system controller 102 can deduce various errors in the
operation of individual keg stations 104. For example, if a fluid
supply line between the treatment application apparatus 200 and an
individual keg station 104 were to become clogged or blocked such
that the pump 108 was unable to draw a chemical out of the keg 106,
the system controller 102 can detect the blockage. In the situation
where the pump 108 being operated, the scale 110 should report a
decrease in the weight of keg 106 proportional to the speed of
operation of the pump 108. If no decrease in the weight of keg 106
is detected despite the operation of pump 108 an alert can be
raised or alternatively the system controller 102 can stop any
active batch treatment process until the blockage is removed.
Similarly, if the pump 108 or pump motor were to fail or otherwise
be unable to withdraw fluid from keg 106 the system controller 102
can issue an alert or alarm. An alert or alarm that is generated
due to a failure condition detected by system controller 102 can be
reported to the data store 180 as well as an appropriate service
center 182 or service department 184. These reports can be in the
form of repair tickets that indicate the location, type, time and
potential resolution if any, of the alert or alarm.
[0120] In one embodiment the system controller 102 can adjust the
speed of a pump 108 at an individual keg station 104 to adapt to a
gradual buildup of material in a filter 150 that can cause the
actual flow rate of a chemical formulation in a keg 106 to decrease
given a constant pump speed. In the situation where the pump 108
being operated, the scale 110 should report a decrease in the
weight of keg 106 proportional to the speed of operation of the
pump 108. If the decrease in the rate of change of the weight of
keg 106 decreases over a period of time where the speed of
operation of pump 108 is constant an alert can be raised or
alternatively the system controller 102 can increase the speed of
the pump 108 to compensate for the decrease in flow (rate of change
of the weight of the keg) thereby maintain the treatment
formulation consistency for an active batch treatment process. In
this manner the system 100 can self-calibrate by correlating the
speed of each pump 108 at each keg station 104 with the change in
weight of the keg 106 during pump operation. The self-calibration
can be combined with the density of the contents of the keg 106,
obtained by the reader 132 scanning an REID tag or barcode, to
provide consistent and accurate seed treatment.
[0121] Individual transactions can be logged by the system 100 and
held locally in an internal database on computer readable storage
coupled to the system controller 102. The transactions can also be
reported to the data store 180 in real-time or in periodic
communication or synchronization intervals. Examples of
transactions include receipt of seed or chemical treatment
inventory, replenishment orders, seed treatment forecasts, and seed
treatment application information for individual batches.
[0122] The back office system 190 can include Enterprise Resource
Planning (ERP), Business intelligence (BI), Electronic Data
interchange (EDI), Supply Chain Management (SCM), or other software
programs or resources that can provide additional forecasting or
inventory management information. Additionally, the back office
system 190 can provide: advanced shipment notifications, demand
planning based on seed treatment forecasts, replenishment orders,
and seed treatment batch information converted to seed company
invoice or electronic statements/bills.
[0123] The back office system 190 can provide "Business Object
Dashboards" to support internal chemical supplier functions such as
inventory supply chains for chemical formulation components,
equipment efficiencies, equipment service information and records,
and additional analysis and reporting to support sales and
marketing efforts.
[0124] Software updates can include code pates that are specific
fixes to isolated issues, or a complete new release of the
software. Additionally, system maintenance announcements can be
provided to inform or remind the system operator of maintenance
issues or bulletins.
[0125] Alerts can be communicated to one or more reporting centers
by the system controller. An individual load scale failure and its
rack location number. The rack location number of an individual
load cell or scale failure to properly return to zero during
calibration process can be on example of an alert to both the local
user at the user interface 112 and the equipment service department
184. A pump failure can generate a similar notification that
includes the locate of the system 100 installation, the rack
location number of the pump, the amount of time the pump has been
in service, the number of total gallons of fluid delivered through
the pump, and the type of formulation contained in the keg 106 at
the station 104 can all be included in a report to the customer
service center 182 for both customer assistance, technical
troubleshooting, and engineering reliability data analysis.
[0126] FIG. 8 depicts a variety of separate locations and suppliers
that can be in communication with an individual retail location
equipped with a seed treatment system 100. At least one chemical
supply company 190, a first seed retailer 186 and a second seed
supplier 188 can each provide chemical and seed inventory to a
retail location. This inventory can be scanned, recorded, and
confirmed electronically at the retail location. The use of a bar
code reader or RFID inventory control system, coupled to system 100
can identify each keg 106 that is delivered as part of the
locations chemical inventory. Seed deliveries can also optionally
be recorded in the system in a similar manner. This information is
then transmitted to data store 180 that is at a remote site from
either the retail location and the suppliers. The suppliers can
access the inventory data stored in the data store 180 through an
appropriate network or Internet based interface.
[0127] Referring to FIG. 9, an exemplary block diagram of potential
data storage and transactions between a seed treatment system and a
remote could-based data store. Due to the variety of sources and
types of data that can be needed and generated by embodiments of an
on-demand seed treatment apparatus, an embodiment of the data store
180 can compartmentalize the ownership and access to different
types of data. For example, a chemical company can consider the
precise proportion of component formulations in its recipes to be
proprietary and not wish to expose that information or the total
aggregation of an amount of a chemical that was sold during a year
to the public. In this example the Recipes & Materials data can
be securely transferred between the data store 180 and individual
treatment systems 100. In this manner the data can be protected
from unauthorized access. Similarly, a seed company can provide
individual treatment systems 100 with information related to the
type, size, quantity, or other information related to each variety
that is delivered to a specific retail treatment location, through
the network connection between the data store 180 and the
individual system 100.
[0128] Information related to customers can also be transmitted to
individual locations, for example if an order for a specific type,
quantity, and treatment for a batch of seed is placed on-line with
a seed company, that information can be forwarded to the retail see
treatment location closest to the individual customer for advance
fulfillment and/or delivery. Finally, location specific
information, such as inventory data, contact information, alerts,
repair status, and the like can be communicated between the data
store 180 and each local treatment system.
[0129] Embodiments of system 100 can include a graphical user
interface (GUI), optionally with a touch screen panel suitable for
an industrial or retail environment. The GUI can include a
plurality of screens that provide a user/operator with a variety of
options, commands, and information necessary to operate and monitor
the system 100. FIG. 32 depicts an exemplary touch screen
user-interface coupled to system controller 102.
[0130] FIGS. 10a-10d depicts an exemplary seed treatment system
setup screens. These screens, along with appropriate display and
input hardware, can provide a user interface to enter initial setup
information for a system 100 installation. Preferably this
information is only needs to be entered once during the initial
installation of a system 100 and apparatus 200 at a retail or
distribution treatment location.
[0131] FIGS. 11a-11d depicts an exemplary seed treatment system
pump status screen that allows the user/operator to navigate to
other screens by selecting the various depicted buttons at the
bottom of the screen. These screens can also display a variety of
information in real time depicting the status and operation of the
system. FIG. 11a depicts a single flex tank at station number one.
FIG. 11b depicts the addition of a first keg station located at
station two. FIG. 11c depicts a desire batch side of a five-hundred
pound quantity of seed. FIG. 11d depicts an alert condition due to
the lack of water in the flex tank at station one.
[0132] FIGS. 12a-12g depict exemplary seed treatment system pump
detail screens. Each station 104 can be configured with information
related to the type of chemical formulation that will be contained
in a keg 106 at each station. This configuration allows the system
100 to checked that only a replacement keg is installed at the
station by verifying that the keg bar code data for the replacement
keg matches the data associated with the previously used keg. In an
alternate embodiment the bar code data field is replace with RFID
data. This screen also provides the option to calibrate, or zero,
the scale when kegs are replaced or swapped.
[0133] The calibration steps of zeroing a station scale are shown
in FIGS. 13a-13c. Periodically it may be necessary to recalibrate
the scale of each station in order to ensure accurate and precise
weight measurements are obtained at each keg station 104. For
example, a scale can be cleared, indicating a desired reading of
zero pounds as shown in FIG. 13a, after the scale is zeroed a test
weight of a known mass is placed on the scale and the scale can be
adjusted to provide an accurate reading, or replaced if the scale
has become defective.
[0134] FIGS. 14a-14f depict exemplary seed treatment system hatch
treatment setup screens. This screen allows the user/operator to
select and input the various components and variables that make up
a complete seed treatment-batch dataset. This data can include:
seed company name, crop type, crop variety, seed lot information,
seed size data, a recipe specifying the various chemical
formulations to be applied to the selected seed, the size of the
hatch (if known), the customer name or identity, and environmental
conditions such as wind speed and temperature.
[0135] FIG. 15 depicts an exemplary detail screen that can provide
an interface to configure a flex-tank station. A flex-tank station
can accommodate water or slurry composition as depicted, or
alternatively a chemical formulation that is unavailable in a keg
or drum form factor. In either case the user can input the density
of water or the alternative chemical formulation to ensure accurate
application of the flex-tank contents based on the measured weight
of the contents. The density of the chemical formulation can be
entered manually, if known, or populated automatically when scanned
from a barcode or other tag affixed to an individual keg when it is
placed at a keg station.
[0136] FIGS. 16a and 16b depicts exemplary seed treatment system
status and command screens. From a command screen the user/operator
can start and stop, or otherwise manage and monitor, the seed
treatment-application process.
[0137] FIGS. 17a-17c depict exemplary seed apparatus drum-detail
control screens that provide a user-interface to monitor, operate
and adjust the speed of the drum 208 of treatment apparatus
200.
[0138] FIG. 17d depicts an exemplary seed-wheel detail control
screen. Similar to the drum control screen the seed wheel screen
provides a user-interface to adjust the speed of a motor driving
the seed wheel of treatment apparatus 200, which controls the rate
at which untreated seed is introduced into the treatment apparatus
200.
[0139] FIG. 18 depicts an exemplary seed treatment system
multi-station status screen. This screen depicts the amount of
fluid pumped from each station 104, the target flow rates for each
station 104, the approximate volume of fluid remaining in each keg,
and the target rate for the seed wheel. Additionally this screen
indicates that seeds are present in a hopper that provides
untreated seeds to the seed treatment apparatus 200. A lack of
seeds in the hopper can indicate the end of a batch or cause an
alert directing the operator to introduce additional untreated
seeds before continuing the chemical application.
[0140] FIG. 19 depicts an exemplary alert log screen. The alert log
screen depicts each alert that is detected or generated by the
system 100. Alerts can be categorized as either low priority
warnings or high priority alarms. Each alert is time and date
stamped and can indicate if an user/operator has acknowledged the
presence of the alert.
[0141] FIG. 20 depicts an exemplary inventory screen. The system
100 can maintain an inventory database of all kegs that are
available or in transit to an installation. Inventory information
can be maintained both locally at the system controller 102 and at
a remote data store 180. When a user enters a desired hatch
quantity of seed and a treatment recipe into the system controller
102 the necessary quantity of each chemical formulation required
for the recipe and the amount of seed is calculated. If there is
insufficient inventory of any single chemical formulation the
system controller 102 can provide an alert or warning indicating
that completion of the desired batch could not be completed until
more inventory is on hand.
[0142] FIGS. 21a-21f depict the sequence of steps for replacement
of a keg 106 at an individual keg station 104. Each step is
provided to the system operator and can require the operator to
confirm that each step is performed before the next step begins. In
this manner the system can verify the desire procedure is followed
and that a keg 106 with a chemical formulation other than the
formulation that the keg station 104 is configured for is
introduced into the system. FIG. 21f also provides an interface for
the system operator to prime the fluid line at the keg station by
running the station pump 108 after a new keg to remove any air. A
new keg could potentially have air in the top of an internal dip
tube in the keg that should be extracted from the fluid supply
lines prior to seed treatment.
[0143] Embodiments of system 100 can include an interface to manage
and view data related to both retail seed-treaters and end product
customers of treated seed.
[0144] FIG. 22 depicts an exemplary on-line login screen. Access to
the customer and inventory data can be strictly controlled to
individuals, groups, retailers, suppliers, or other entities as
needed.
[0145] FIG. 23 depicts an exemplary on-line user list screen that
depicts retail seed-treaters and their contact information.
[0146] FIG. 24 depicts an exemplary on-line customer list screen
that includes the customer name, address, contact information and
account number.
[0147] FIG. 25 depicts an exemplary on-line inventory screen that
depicts the current inventory level of an individual retailer. This
information can be dynamically updated through the network and
information system connections to the retailer's seed treatment
system 100 as the retailer's inventory is depleted by seed
application batches.
[0148] FIG. 26 depicts an exemplary on-line order-from screen that
provides a retailer with an interface to specify the type of
chemical and the quantity desired.
[0149] FIG. 27 depicts an exemplary on-line shipment-tracking
screen that allows both the chemical supplier and the retail seed
treater to track and monitor inventory shipments of treatment
components.
[0150] FIG. 28 depicts an exemplary on-line shipment-received
reporting screen. This screen allows the retail seed-treater to
confirm the receipt of the ordered and received shipments. In this
manner the retailer's inventory can be tracked from the chemical
supplier, through delivery, and ultimate use in seed treatment
application hatches.
[0151] FIG. 29 depicts an exemplary on-line seed variety inventory
screen. The inventory screen can depict a plurality of seed
varieties and information including the seed name, producing
company, seed type, seed material code, and a description. The seed
inventory can depict the current inventory at a retail location or
provide a listing of seed types that can be ordered by a
retailer.
[0152] Referring to FIG. 35, an exemplary environment 1000 for
implementing various aspects of the invention includes a computer
1012. The computer 1012 includes a processing unit 1014, a system
memory 1016, and a system bus 1018. The system bus 1018 couples
system components including, but not limited to, the system memory
1016 to the processing unit 1014. The processing unit 1014 can be
any of various available processors, multiprocessor architectures
also can be employed as the processing unit 1014.
[0153] The system bus 1018 can be any of several types of bus
structure(s) including the memory bus or memory controller, a
peripheral bus or external bus, and/or a local bus using any
variety of available bus architectures including, but not limited
to, Intelligent Drive Electronics (IDE), Peripheral Component
Interconnect (PCI), Universal Serial Bus (USB), and Small Computer
Systems Interface (SCSI).
[0154] The system memory 1016 includes volatile memory 1020 and
nonvolatile memory 1022. The basic input/output system (BIOS),
containing the basic routines to transfer information between
elements within the computer 1012, such as during start-up, is
stored in nonvolatile memory 1022. By way of illustration, and not
limitation, nonvolatile memory 1022 can include read only memory
(ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory
1020 includes random access memory (RAM). Computer 1012 also
includes removable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer
storage media, for example disk storage 1024.
[0155] It is to be appreciated that FIG. 35 describes software that
acts as an intermediary between users and the basic computer
resources described in the suitable operating environment 1000.
Such software includes an operating system 1028. Operating system
1028, which can be stored on disk storage 1024, acts to control and
allocate resources of the computer system 1012. System applications
1030 take advantage of the management of resources by operating
system 1028 through program modules 1032 and program data 1034
stored either in system memory 1016 or on disk storage 1024. It is
to be appreciated that the subject invention can be implemented
with various operating systems or combinations of operating
systems.
[0156] A user enters commands or information into the computer 1012
through input device(s) 1036. Input devices 1036 include, but are
not limited to, a pointing device such as a mouse, stylus, touch
pad, keyboard, microphone, scanner, digital camera, web camera, and
the like. These and other input devices connect to the processing
unit 1014 through the system bus 1018 via interface port(s) 1038.
Interface port(s) 1038 include, for example, a serial port, a
parallel port, and a universal serial bus (USB). Output device(s)
1040 use some of the same type of ports as input device(s) 1036.
Thus, for example, a USB port may be used to provide input to
computer 1012, and to output information from computer 1012 to an
output device 1040. Output adapter 1042 is provided to illustrate
that there are sonic output devices 1040 like monitors, speakers,
and printers, among other output devices 1040, which require
special adapters. The output adapters 1042 include, by way of
illustration and not limitation, video and sound cards that provide
a means of connection between the output device 1040 and the system
bus 1018. It should be noted that other devices and/or systems of
devices provide both input and output capabilities such as remote
computer(s) 1044.
[0157] Computer 1012 can operate in a networked environment using
logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as remote
computer(s) 1044. The remote computer(s) 1044 can be a personal
computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a workstation, a
microprocessor based appliance, a peer device or other common
network node and the like, and typically includes many or all of
the elements described relative to computer 1012. For purposes of
brevity, only a memory storage device 1046 is illustrated with
remote computer(s) 1044. Remote computer(s) 1044 is logically
connected to computer 1012 through a network interface 1048 and
then physically connected via communication connection 1050.
Network interface 1048 encompasses wire and/or wireless
communication networks such as local-area networks (LAN) and
wide-area networks (WAN). LAN technologies include Fiber
Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), Ethernet, and the like. WAN
technologies include, but are not limited to, point-to-point links,
circuit-switching networks like Integrated Services Digital
Networks (ISDN) and variations thereon, packet switching networks,
and Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL).
[0158] An embodiment of the present invention provides for the
reclamation of kegs 106 and any chemical residue or unused
formulation contents upon the substantial depletion of the chemical
formulation. By recording the weight of the original contents in a
full keg 106 prior to use, monitoring and recording the use of the
chemical formulation through continuous weighing during the
application, and recording the weight of a keg 106 upon its removal
from a station 104 and return to a processing facility can provide
for the verification of keg integrity, and the content formulation
quality. The recycling or reclamation of the keg 106, the keg
stirrer components and/or any keg port or valve components can
reduce the overall cost of chemical formulation distribution.
Environmental protection through proper handling of the keg 106 and
its contents through the distribution cycle from filling, delivery,
use, return and reclamation is provided by an embodiment of the
present invention that includes the tracking of each individual keg
106. The tracking of each keg 106 can be accomplished by
maintaining an inventory database of each keg 106 that includes a
location and a unique identifying number, bar code, or RFID tag
data, for each keg 106. Loss prevention of excess chemical and kegs
can be tracked, monitored, and remedied because a complete audit
trail of the location of each keg 106 and its contents is
maintained.
[0159] An embodiment of the present invention includes a method of
tracking the use of a chemical formulation by providing a varying
nominal quantity of chemical formulation in each keg or container
and recording that nominal quantity in each container. For example
a chemical provider can fill a container, the container having a
unique identifier and an actual capacity greater than an indicated
capacity, with a nominal amount of a chemical formulation above the
indicated capacity and record an original weight of the container
and the chemical formulation in the container. By recording the
unique identifier and the original weight of the container the
chemical provider can maintain a database of information including
the precise amount of chemical formulation that was prepared and
distributed in the container to a customer.
[0160] FIG. 37 depicts an exemplary bar-coded label 300 that can be
affixed to an individual keg 106 providing a unique identifier. An
actual barcode would not contain the spaces or parenthesis. They
are included in the figure to clarify the human readable text. The
application identifiers (AI) indicate what the following data
represents.
[0161] This is an exemplary fixed length barcode, however, some keg
formulations can have a different length batch number and may not
have the serial number portion at the end of the bar code. In one
embodiment of the invention a fixed ten character batch a umber is
padded with leading zeroes and a four character serial number is
used.
[0162] The Global Trade item Number (GTIN) will typically be 14
characters. The entire GTIN-14 can be used to identify the material
and can include several sub-parts or fields. The first digit
encodes the package size zero represents smallest saleable unit, in
this case a fifteen-gallon keg. The next seven digits represent the
GSI Company Code, for example 0785740 is the code for Bayer Crop
Science. The next five digits represent the UCC product code, in
this example 12938 is the code for Allegiance FS310 IX15GAL DRM US.
The last digit is a check digit, 8 in this example.
[0163] The use of an embodiment of a chemical application system,
such as seed treatment system 100, can provide the chemical
provider with a mechanism to remotely monitor the withdrawal of the
chemical formulation from the container and record a quantity of
the chemical formulation withdrawn from the container by monitoring
the change in weight of the container as the chemical formulation
is withdrawn. Upon receipt of the returned container after the
quantity of the chemical formulation is withdrawn from the
container the chemical provider can again weigh the container and
record a received weight of the container and any remaining amount
of the chemical formulation in the container. By comparing the
received weight of the container and the weight of the quantity of
the chemical formulation withdrawn from the container to the
original weight of the container the chemical provider is able to
determine if the chemical formulation was tampered with, spilled,
diluted, or otherwise used in a manner inconsistent with the
environmental or contractual requirements.
[0164] The generation of a report including the unique identifier
of the container, the chemical formulation, the customer, the
distributor, the original weight of the container, the nominal
amount of a chemical formulation, the withdrawn quantity of the
chemical formulation, and the received weight of the container can
provide an audit trail that enables an investigation of any
irregularities in the handling or use of the chemical
formulation.
[0165] Embodiments can provide instructions that discourage any
manual access to liquid seed treatment chemicals, such as by
opening and manually pouring the chemicals out, thereby reducing
the likely hood that any chemical is spilled or contaminated.
Instructions can be provided to maintain a closure on the kegs when
not placed on a keg station and coupled to an appropriate
quick-connector.
[0166] FIG. 36 depicts an exemplary flow diagram of a process to
treat a batch of seed for an end customer and appropriately bill
that customer for only the amount of treatment chemical that was
actually applied to the end-customer's seeds. Various steps in the
sale and billing of the chemical components utilized in a seed
treatment batch include: [0167] A user selecting a treatment
recipe. [0168] An inventory check in the local database is
performed for presence of the formulation(s) required by the
Recipe. [0169] If formulation(s) out of stock that formulation is
ordered and the sale is postponed until the necessary components
are in-stock or an alternate recipe can be selected. [0170] Upon
the selection of a recipe with sufficient stock on hand, each
formulation keg at each individual keg/pump station is weighed and
the weights are recorded in a database. [0171] The formulation(s)
are applied to the seed batch according to the proportions
specified in the selected recipe. [0172] During the application
process the pump and scale data from each station are logged.
[0173] If a keg-swap is required to replace an emptied keg during
application, the application process can be suspended during the
swap, or utilize a second keg station setup to supply the same
chemical formulation. [0174] Upon completion of the application
process the final pump and scale data are again logged, recording
the weight of each keg at the station and resulting weight of the
formulation applied to the seed batch. [0175] The volume of the
formulation applied to seed batch is calculated along with the
corresponding cost of the formulation. [0176] A bill is generated
for amount of each chemical formulation and for the total cost of
the recipe applied to the batch of seeds.
[0177] FIG. 37 depicts an exemplary flow diagram of a process to
adjust the flow rate of each individual pump during the treatment
application process. Various steps in automatic adjustment of an
individual chemical component treatment rate can include: [0178]
Retrieving the density of each component in a treatment recipe from
an individual keg or a user entered value. [0179] Weighing each keg
containing a component required by the treatment recipe. [0180]
Applying each component at a rate specified by the treatment
recipe. [0181] Monitoring the change in weight of each keg during
the application process [0182] Utilizing the retrieved density
information, comparing the change in weight of each keg to the
expected component application rate and the speed of the pump
[0183] Adjusting the pump speed until the application rate
specified in the treatment recipe is achieved. [0184] Continuing to
monitor the treatment rate of each component during the entire
treatment application process.
[0185] In one embodiment the process depicted in FIG. 37 can
include adjusting a rate at which water is mixed with the
individual treatment components to control the concentration of the
treatment formulation. The rate of water injection can be adjusted
in response to an increase or decrease of the rate of seeds flowing
through the treatment apparatus, to the relative humidity of the
environment as sensed by a weather station component, to moisture
readings obtained from seeds entering or exiting the seed treatment
apparatus, or in response to an operators commands to manually
increase or decrease the moisture content of the seeds emerging
from the seed treatment apparatus.
[0186] The embodiments above are intended to be illustrative and
not limiting. Additional embodiments are within the claims. In
addition, although aspects of the present invention have been
described with reference to particular embodiments, those skilled
in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and
detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention, as defined by the claims.
[0187] Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will
recognize that the invention may comprise fewer features than
illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The
embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive
presentation of the ways in which the various features of the
invention may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not
mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the invention
may comprise a combination of different individual features
selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by
persons of ordinary skill in the art. Embodiments of the present
invention also have application in areas other than seed treatment,
such as applications where a precise custom blending of liquid
products are desired or required. For example, custom blending can
be provided with an embodiment of the present invention, without
being coupled to a seed treatment apparatus. A custom seed-treater,
or a seed company entity, can utilize a recipe that calls for the
blending of several components. The recipe can be transmitted over
a network to an embodiment of the present invention, which in turn
will precisely release materials from their respective kegs to a
common receptacle, whereupon the components are collected to create
the custom blended seed-treatment composition. At that or a later
time, the custom blended seed treatment composition can be stored
or transferred. When desired, the composition can be supplied in to
the proper portion to an appropriate system. That system can be
equipped to coat the seeds, whereupon the custom blended mixture is
applied to the seeds, or some other appropriate use or
application.
[0188] Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited
such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the
explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of
documents above is further limited such that no claims included in
the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any
incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further
limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not
incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included
herein.
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